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No More Ugly Sweater

Dec2

By Kathy Stanford

For me, Christmas is a truly sacred time of the year. Not because of the beloved traditions or the giving of gifts or even the special family time, but because of who we celebrate. Emmanuel – God with us.

One year, as I shopped and prepared for a Christmas Celebration, it seemed that everywhere I went, I saw Ugly Sweater products.  I found myself getting really annoyed.  As I stood in one store, filled with righteous indignation over yet another way the world had taken this precious and beautiful piece of God’s love and demeaned it to crass commercialism, I sensed that gentle presence that can only be the Holy Spirit.

And then my heart heard this question, “Why are you so bothered by this?”  Of course I answered back something like – “How can you ask that?  Don’t you see what they’re doing to Christmas?” Then He reminded me that making the ugly beautiful is what He does.

Matthew chapter 1 is one of the places where the linage of Jesus is recorded. Not many of us love reading long lists of who was whose father. So you might be unaware that among that long list of males there are five women listed. They are Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. Now lets imagine life at birth as a beautiful, perfect sweater. By the time these women are written into the lineage of Jesus, their sweaters are not so pristine. They are a deceiver, a prostitute, a widow from an enemy land, an adulteress and a young, unmarried, pregnant girl.

The first mentioned is Tamar. Her story is told in Gen. 38. She was married to Judah’s son Er, but he was wicked and God took his life. Then she was married to Er’s brother Onan, because it was their custom to provide an heir for a brother who died childless. But Onan acted wickedly and God took his life too. Then Judah made a promise he had no intention of keeping. (v. 11) He sent Tamar back to her family and told her to wait for the youngest son, Shelah, to come of age so that she could marry him. Years went by and Tamar knew that Shelah was grown, but Judah had done nothing toward fulfilling his promise. We need to remember that as a woman, she had no rights of ownership and was solely dependent on her male relatives, such as a husband or sons, to provide for her. So she took matters into her own hands. Pretending to be a shrine prostitute, she deceived Judah into sleeping with her and became pregnant with twins. One of those twins, Perez, is listed in the genealogy of Jesus.

The second name is Rahab. We read about her in Joshua chapter 2. You may remember the story of Jericho and the walls falling. Part of that story is Rahab, the prostitute who helped the two spies escape by hiding them and then letting them down the outside of the wall. Before they left, she struck a deal with them to save her entire family when they captured Jericho. (v.12-13) Sometime after Jericho fell, Rahab married Salmon. Their son was Boaz.

The third woman was Ruth, a woman with her own book in the Old Testament. She was from Moab, a land that was often at war with Israel. She was a woman of good character who, upon being widowed, chose to travel to an enemy land so that she could care for her mother in law. There she married Boaz and they were the great-grandparents of David.

The fourth woman was Bathsheba. The 11th and 12th chapters of 2nd Samuel tell the story of her infidelity with King David. A lot has been said about her not being able to say no to the king, but there is no evidence that he forced himself on her. Because of their adultery, she became pregnant and David had her husband murdered. Though that 1st baby died, she later bore Solomon, the first direct descendant in the kingly line of David.

And that brings us to Mary. Her story is found mostly in the first two chapters of Luke. We don’t know a lot about her life circumstances, but we can see evidence of her faith and godly character in the way she submitted to God’s will. And we see her faith and loyalty as she followed Jesus to the cross. We also know that she was misunderstood and thought wrongly of by Joseph.

Perhaps the brief story of one of these women resonated with you. After a few years of living, your life’s sweater has some spots on it. It may even be a little torn or slightly frayed. You may think it’s beyond hope, good for nothing but the trash bin or the rag bag.

Maybe, like Tamar, you’ve suffered betrayal by those you loved or trusted. A betrayal so deep and painful you felt utterly alone. Maybe you felt you had to do something to get justice for yourself. Even if it meant doing something you knew wasn’t right.

Or it could be that, like Rahab, you’ve made some wrong choices because you couldn’t see better ones. Maybe you have some major regrets that the enemy keeps throwing in your face, telling you that you’re an unlovable loser.

Perhaps you feel like Ruth. You’re just trying to live your life and do what’s right. But your life is filled with loss and disappointments, and dreams get crushed.

And then there’s Bathsheba.  Maybe you’ve been tempted by greener grass. Maybe you’ve coveted that bigger house, those “easier” children, or that more perfect husband

Or maybe, like Mary, you love God and want only to please Him. But you keep finding yourself misunderstood, even thought to be in the wrong.

But I want to remind you … right here … right now … we have hope – because of Jesus. Because of His love and sacrifice, the ugly sweaters of our life can be made new. His gentle hands will remove those splotches that life has thrown on us. Weather they come from our bad choices or circumstances beyond our control, His love can make our ugly sweater like new again.

We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. None are righteous. None. In our ugly sinful state God can’t fellowship with us. But because of Jesus we can be made right – our ugly sinfulness washed clean. And we can have deep, intimate fellowship with I AM, the One, the God of creation! 

“Father, thank you for the love and sacrifice that sent us Jesus. Thank you for the gift of taking our ugly life sweaters and making them beautiful again. Thank you for including imperfect women like me in your story. We love and praise you, in Jesus name. Amen“

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, or are unsure, click on the tab “Do you know Jesus” at the top of the page.

We Are Not Alone

Jun4

By Kathy Stanford

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV

In times like this, we discover the reality and depth (or not) of our faith. Recent months have taken the illusion of “control” over our life and exposed it for the wishful thinking it is. In it’s place, we are left with the knowledge that nothing in this finite world can really be counted on. Fortunately, we have access to an infinite God. One whose love and power are not confined to this realm. Psalm 56:3-4 NIV states,

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?“

David is credited with writing this Psalm, regarding a time he was seized by the Philistines, in Gath. He had reason to be in great fear – for his life. But he held firmly to his faith, trusting in a God whose faithfulness surpassed the plans of mere mortals.

The promise in the verse at the top of this post is one I held on to years ago, during a time of personal trial. It gives me hope and comfort now, as it did then. It’s not a promise of no difficulty. It is a promise to keep me from being overcome, as I pass through the difficulty. I’ve a particular liking for the way it is worded in the New Living Translation.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 NLT

I wish with all my heart that I could share some deeply inspiring comment that would make all we are going through, as a nation, seem okay. But I don’t have any special insight or wisdom. I only know that God is still sovereign and He still hears my prayers. Because my faith is being strengthened, even as it is being tested, I KNOW, without doubt, that I am not alone in the midst of this fear and confusion that has been our experience, so far this year.

My friend, I hope you are trusting in this faithful God, and are experiencing the comfort and peace that only He can give. If you don’t know Him, and would like to know more, click on the “Do You Know Jesus?” tab at the top of this page. If you already know Him, keep trusting and turning to Him in prayer.

Dear Jesus, Prince of Peace, please grant us your peace in our hearts, even as we cry out for peace in our nation. Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God of love and faithfulness. Help us to keep turning to you when we feel afraid. Thank you for the promises made in your word, that you will never leave us to deal with the hard things in life, alone – but will always be with us. We love you and praise you, as our Savior and Lord.

OUR REFUGE

Mar25

By Kathy Stanford

Psalm 59:16-17 “But as for me, I will sing about Your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.”

Don’t you love it when you realize God has been working behind the scenes, providing for needs that you didn’t see coming? I recently had the privilege of engaging in a committed time of prayer for a specific group. As I read through some of the verses He gave me to pray over this group, I noticed how appropriate a few of them are for this unique time of uncertainty.

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” You may recognize this first one from my blog entry on Jan. 1 of this year. I love the exclamation point at the end of this sentence. I like to imagine God shouting through His cupped hands, reminding me to keep looking up, focused toward the One Who is Sovereign over all. It has become my go to verse to help me keep a right perspective in the midst of a world turned sideways.

1Peter 1:6, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” This verse gives me so much hope. No matter what it looks like now, I can look forward to better days ahead. Even if my life on this earth ends, I have confidence I’m going to a much better place. And I will spend eternity in worship and praise of God.

Psalm 50:14-15 “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory.” The words thankfulness and sacrifice don’t seem to belong in the same sentence. But there it is, calling me to be thankful in the midst of turmoil. Thankful, not for the turmoil itself, but for the One Who holds everything – even the turmoil- in His loving, powerful hands. And thankful that He is listening when I cry out to Him.

Psalm 5:11-12 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the Godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love.” We are not meant to face life alone. He only waits for us to “take refuge” in Him.

Psalm 59:16-17 “But as for me, I will sing about Your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about Your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” He is faithful and worthy of our praise!

Psalm 33:18 “But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love.” If your circumstances seem bleak and you find worry or fear creeping in, fix your thoughts on God. And take courage that He sees you and is watching over you.

Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are faithful and loving. I thank You for the comfort of knowing You are with me always, even when my circumstances seem beyond hope. Help me to keep my mind fixed on you, and my heart filled with peace, as I take refuge in Your love.

[All quotes are from the New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation]

Another Fresh Start

Jan1

by Kathy Stanford

Happy New Year ecard, online card

Isaiah 26:3(NLT) “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

The best thing about the New Year, for me, is another fresh start. I know it’s only a matter of perspective, but it always gives me a sense of excitement as I hang a new calendar and wonder, “What great things does God have planned for me this year?” And then I think, “What great challenges does God have planned for me this Year?”

Whatever the year brings, I know one thing above all else – God loves me, He is with me and He has a plan for my good and His glory. Whether I understand the plan or not, whether I see the desired end result or not, I can choose to keep looking to Him for what I need, to get through each day. Every year brings it’s good and bad moments, so it’s foolish to think of God as some sort of good – luck talisman. But He has promised to give us peace, if we remain focused on Him and keep trusting in Him.

So I wish all who read this, a year filled with His peace. And I offer this verse as a prayer for you:

“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called – His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance.” Ephesians 1:18(NLT)

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, or are unsure, click on the tab “Do you know Jesus” at the top of the page.

Are you a POW?

Jun30

by Kathy Stanford

We are in a war. Every follower of Jesus learns this truth eventually. And though the ultimate victory is already known, we still must fight the daily battles of this world where “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. The good news is that we are not alone in this daily battle! God’s word has clearly laid out the fight, our protective armor and the weapons He’s provided for our use, in this passage from Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:10-18

“10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15 and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints….”

Sometimes, however, we fail to put on the armor and pick up the weapons. What happens then? We become prisoners of war, my friend. I know I belong to Jesus and nothing will change that. [“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father‘s hand.” John 10:29] But I have sometimes let myself be caught and held captive by the enemy. How does this happen?

It happens when I forget who the real enemy is and turn on those around me. It happens when I fail to surround myself with the truth of His word and believe the lies of the enemy that fill this world, telling me I need more yet never finding fulfillment. It happens when I don’t live in the righteousness He gives through salvation and spend all my energy trying to better myself, yet never being okay. It happens when I forget that it’s a gospel of peace and instead of giving grace, I spread hatred and discontent. It happens when I fail to strengthen my faith by arming myself with the word of God, allowing life’s trials to become overwhelming and steal all joy from my life. It happens when I don’t talk with my Father about my concerns, or fail to lift up those around me, so I lose all right perspective.

I’ve heard that soldiers are told to seek escape if they become a POW. We can escape our spiritual imprisonment by repenting our failure to embrace the instructions of Ephesians 6:10-18 and then faithfully, earnestly seeking God. He will help you escape because He wants us to live the abundant life only found when we are free to love and serve Him with our whole heart.

Are you a prisoner of war? Have you let the enemy capture your spirit through oppression? Are discouragement and the lies you believe keeping you locked away from living the abundant life that Jesus has for those who love and follow Him? You don’t have to stay there. Start digging that escape tunnel right now!

“Jesus please forgive my spiritual laziness. I want to live free in the abundant life you desire to give me. Help me to be faithful in putting on the armor you’ve given me and taking up the weapons you’ve provided. And Lord, keep me mindful of the true enemy.”

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, or are unsure, click on the tab at the top of the page for more information.

Humility

Jun9

by Kathy Stanford

He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

In recent months I have failed to meet deadlines, had a painful misunderstanding with a dear friend, completely forgot – and therefore missed- other deadlines and that is only a sampling. I have heard “You mean you’re human?” said in that light-hearted way meant to comfort, so many times, I’ve grown to dislike it immensely.  I often hear warnings not to pray for patience. I would like to add humility to that warning. For a little while now, I have been seeking to understand what is true godly humility. I have only scratched the surface of understanding, but I thought I’d share what I’ve learned so far.

One aspect of humility is to own it with grace when I “mess up”. Trying to bluff our way through a mistake, hoping others won’t notice, is not only lacking in humility, it’s living a lie. The word “transparency” comes to mind. And the flip side of that truth is to freely and immediately give grace when others “mess up”.  Gloating in another person’s mistake or crowing “I told you so”, “I knew this would happen” (one of my personal downfalls) is not living with humility. Rather we should seek to lessen their embarrassment and try to encourage them.

I also have found humility to be necessary for obedience. As long as I think I know “how things ought to be” I will argue with God instead of immediately obey. It takes humility to submit to God’s leadership.  Of course Jesus gave us the best example of what it means to live with humility.

Phil 2:3-8  “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

I hope you knew I was not serious when I said not to pray for humility. We definitely should pray that God will teach us to live with the true humility that Jesus showed. It may not be a comfortable lesson to learn, but it will take us a step closer to having the image of Christ.

“Dear Jesus, I confess my desires to be “in control” and to “always be right”. Please help me to live as you did, empty of self and humble in spirit. Help me to be an encouragement to those around me, shining the light on their strengths and not their weaknesses.”

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, or are unsure, click on the tab at the top of the page for more information.

Jesus Is Enough

Mar28

by Kathy Stanford

Yes, I know the title is such a cliche’ it almost makes you want to scream. In spite of that, it is true – and I believe it completely. I’m talking deep down in my soul, belief. So why do I still let fear have so much power in my life? Why do I struggle to be content with the blessings of my life, or to do the right thing? Why do I still fall prey to those lies that whisper how worthless and undeserving I am? The short answer is that I still live in a fallen world with a mortal body that is guided by selfishness.

It is of some comfort to know that I am not alone in my struggles to fully live a life of faith. The apostle Paul documented his own struggles in the well known passage found in Romans 7:15-24. In verse 24 he asks the question “Who will set me free from the body of this death?”And then in Romans 7:25-8:1 he gives us the glorious good news – “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ”, because of Him there is now no condemnation for those of us who are in in Christ Jesus. Every time I read that My heart does a little happy dance!

We do not struggle alone. Jesus Himself is our strength and encouragement to not give up on this battle with our flesh. Rather, we can cry out to Him for the strength we need, knowing that He faced and overcame His own struggles. Not only did He face down a direct confrontation with Satan while in a weakened physical state (forty days of fasting; Matthew 4:1-11) but faced down His own fears and reluctance to obey, as He prayed in Gethsemane the night before He was crucified. (Matthew 26:36-44)

I don’t know about you, but I visit “Gethsemane” just about everyday. Even after years of relationship with Jesus, I still want it to be about me. Truth is, it never was and never will be about me. Jesus totally understands my struggle. If you are struggling today, cry out to Jesus. He truly understands and really is enough.

 “Jesus forgive me for not trusting You to be enough. Give me strength to live fully in faith and have contentment no matter what my life circumstances are. Help me to remember that you ARE enough.”

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, or are unsure, click on the tab at the top of the page for more information.

“Say yes to your life”

Mar7

by Kathy Stanford

The former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, passed away yesterday. As often happens when a well known and respected person dies, there has been much in the media about her life and accomplishments. One memorable quote from her “Just Say No” speech in 1986 is as follows:

“To my young friends out there: Life can be great, but not when you can’t see it. So, open your eyes to life: to see it in the vivid colors that God gave us as a precious gift to His children, to enjoy life to the fullest, and to make it count. Say yes to your life.”

When I heard this, I was reminded of what the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we should walk in them.” And a similar verse is found in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”

I like that she said “your” life. The more I read the scriptures, the more certain I am that we are all created by God for a unique purpose. However long or brief our life is, He has a plan for us. I know several young families who have buried young children or suffered loss through miscarriage. I don’t pretend to understand the mind of God in these circumstances, but I know one thing. Every mother I’ve spoken to has shared with me something of value they have learned as they walk this journey of grief. There was a purpose in that short life. And on the other end of the spectrum we have those who linger, in pain or without any “right mind”. My own mother has dementia and I can tell you that my family is learning a lot about how to love without expectations. Her life still has purpose.

Every life has value. And for those of us still able to function at any level, God has purpose for our life. Even though we have the freedom to choose our own way instead of God’s plan, He is waiting to help us find His plan. So if you are unsure of His purpose for you, ask Him. Earnestly seek him in prayer and by reading His word. I won’t clutter this post with a list of suggestions, but know this – if you seek God’s plan with an open heart, you may be very surprised. “Say yes to your life” – because He isn’t finished with you.

“Thank you Father for the assurance that you have a plan for my life. Please help me understand my purpose and choose the path that you have laid out for me.”

If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, or are unsure, click on the tab at the top of the page for more information.

Stop Pouting

Feb29

by Kathy Stanford

I struggle with a certain sin my life. It is self indulgence – specifically concerning food. This battle began in earnest about thirty years ago. We had a major change in our life circumstances and my world wasn’t just turned upside down – it became a “Tilt-a-Whirl”. (That’s an old fashioned carnival ride for you young ones!) I was not happy about these changes, so I told God – and anyone who would listen. Sometimes I can be like a fussy, crying toddler who just wants everyone to know and share in my misery. Can you identify? So in a spiritual pout, I turned to food for comfort and security. Think of the posture of a pouting child – back turned, arms crossed, lip stuck out. That is what my spirit was doing to God. Because He loves me, I know Jesus’ heart ached to give me the comfort I needed at the time – was even longing for me to ask Him. But in a classic “cut off your nose to spite your face” action, I buried my sorrows under layers of ice cream and chocolate. I gained thirty pounds in one month and quite literally had nothing to wear. My mom went through her closet and made sure I was decent for public appearances, but something worse than not fitting my clothes had happened. I opened the door and invited sin to come in and be at home. The pout didn’t last long, but the new house guest has been much harder to get rid of.

Why do I keep falling for the lie that something other than God will make me feel good? Because Satan is the great deceiver and I’m a weakling looking for an easy fix – easier than saying a sincere prayer, easier than reading His word, easier than trusting God with all of my life circumstances. Hebrews 12:15-16 says, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.”  The Mathew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise) sums up Hebrews 12:12-17 in one sentence. “Peace and holiness are recommended, with cautions against despising spiritual blessings.” When I put food in place of God, I make it an idol, despising the spiritual blessings of comfort and strength that are my birthright as a child of God. My root of bitterness over those disappointing life circumstances has born the fruit of much struggle and regret. However, I find hope in the promise of Romans 8:28-29.  When I turn to God, He uses every weakness and mistake for the good of conforming me “to the image of His Son.” To win this battle against food as an idol, I must seek Him more and draw closer to Him, throwing away the rotten fruit of bitterness to be replaced with the delicious fruit of the Spirit. [See Galatians 5:22-23] Are you pouting about life’s circumstances? Perhaps you have anger issues, or envy, or the “poor me” syndrome. Whatever you struggle with, don’t sell your birthright for an easy fix. Let God use it to draw you closer and shape you to the image of Jesus.

“Thank you Father for your patience with my sin. Forgive me for not trusting you and help me to surrender my struggles, allowing you to make me in the image of Jesus.”

If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, or are unsure, click on the tab at the top of the page for more information.

Is God on the Shelf?

Feb14

by Kathy Stanford

I work with preschoolers at my church and they are often a source of inspiration. One of those “aha” moments occurred with a 3 year old I will call Anna. Having talked about the story of Noah and the ark, we were building an ark with large cardboard blocks. Anna expressed her desire to add a steering wheel so Noah could drive the ark. I told her I thought God was the one driving the ark and there probably wasn’t a steering wheel. The following exchange took place.

Anna: “Well, where is God?”

Me (forgetting for a moment the literal mind of a 3 year old): “God is everywhere, all around us.”

Anna, looking around, said: ” I think He’s on the shelf.”

She then ran over and grabbed a tall sorting stick and said: “Here He is! This is God.”

And so, God drove our ark.

As you can imagine, I spent the rest of the morning pondering a question we all need to ask. Have I put God on a shelf? Is He an integral part of my everyday, or do I just greet Him with a nod on Sunday morning and at various special occasions? And if He is on the shelf, why am I keeping Him there? Have I put Him there because I don’t need Him right now? Am I saving Him for the really big things I can’t handle on my own? Did I put Him away and go on to newer, more exciting interests? Am I afraid to trust Him with the current circumstances of my life?

Hebrews 10:22 tells us to draw near to God with a sincere heart and the full assurance that faith brings. And James 4:8 promises that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.  My friends, I want to encourage you to spend time with God everyday. He is just waiting for you to acknowledge Him. Talk to Him in prayer as you go through the day. Be aware of His constant presence. Read His word and He will speak to your heart. Don’t save Him on the shelf for the “big stuff”. He wants you to include Him in all of your life. And don’t be afraid to trust Him with your life circumstances. In Hebrews 10:23 we are told to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful“. So if you have put God on a shelf, don’t keep Him there. Take Him down and let Him drive your ark.

“Lord Jesus, forgive me for sometimes keeping you “on the shelf” of my life. Help me to embrace You in every moment of my life.”

If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, or are unsure, click on the tab at the top of the page for more information.