An Unshakeable Hope

When I began praying about what I would share for my next Cafe devotion, little did I know at that time God would give me an opportunity to share with you a very personal story.

Two weeks ago, my son Jordan started complaining about arm and leg pains. At first this didn't alarm me. I simply gave him some Motrin and went about my day. However, as time went on it continued to get worse.

After three days, I got a call from Jordan to come pick him up from work. He was now in serious pain. His arms and legs were swollen about twice their normal size. At that point I knew something serious was going on. So, what did this woman of faith do? I started to panic and immediately called his doctor.

After bringing him to our local hospital for a battery of labs and tests, the waiting game for the results began. Thank God, everything came back negative, except for his muscle enzymes, which were elevated.

His doctor believed it was a viral infection attacking his muscles. I was relieved, and we were asked to come back in a few days to have his labs rechecked. What I didn't expect was Jordan began to feel even worse. His enzymes continued to rise and we were then referred to a rheumatologist.

In the midst of all this, I suddenly realized that God was testing my faith and calling me to put down my anchor of hope. In times like these we need to know that God wants to teach us how to hold on. He is a very strong foundation in whom we can put our complete trust.

In the book of Hebrews 6:19 (amplified version) it says:

“Now we have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it] that reaches farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil.”

God has given us all we need to stand strong in face of every trial. Jesus is an anchor that is sure, steady, and unmovable. My faith was being tested even as Jordan’s counts continued to rise. In fact, I am still awaiting the results of yet another test to decide what new direction we may have to take. Still I am at peace, because I know that my anchor is in Christ, and He is completely upholding us.

Although things in this natural world are often very uncertain, God is not. He is steady, sure, and a solid rock on which we can stand. God never promised us an easy ride. He warned us that in this life we would face trouble, pain and grief. Yet He also promised to give us the tools to overcome in the midst of every trial.

We read in Hebrews 10: 23:

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”

Also in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NLT) the Bible says:

“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

So hold on to your Hope, for it is the Anchor of your soul.

******************************
Something’s to ponder:

Are you learning to take hold of God in your time of trouble?

Is your anchor holding steady in the midst of your storms?

Think about the last time you had nothing else to hold on to but God? How did things change when you did?

My prayer for you today;

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Join Susan daily at her personal blog,

I Will Not Be Moved

After many years of dealing with the aches and pains associated with back problems, I finally decided it was time do something about my many limitations. It seemed like whenever I would attempt to start exercising to strengthen my back, it always resulted in a set back where I was in more pain.

The feeling of frustration quickly lead to defeat, and then this brutal cycle would start over. I wondered how could I ever get back in shape if I couldn't’t even do some basic exercises? I wanted more then anything to be able to enjoy all the things I used to do before I injured those lower discs. I was determined to find a solution.

Then a few weeks ago I made the decision to try once again. Only this time, I would have to make some very bold moves behind my declaration.

I joined the local YMCA.

Now, this may not sound too difficult of a decision for those of you reading my story right now, but what I was about to embark on represented a major step forward against years of being pushed back.

I joined a swim class.

Not having stepped in a bathing suit for many years and going to the department store to purchase one was a cause for panic.

While trying them on, well, let's just say I was unpleasantly surprised by what the mirror revealed. We won't go there... However, it just was more motivation for even a greater determination to win this battle!

In the 15th chapter of Corinthians, verse 58 Paul also made a bold statement:

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Each day as I prepared to leave for my class I thought about this powerful exhortation, and to think Paul was a man who endured more pain and suffering for the cause of Christ then any of us could ever imagine.

Then it became clear to me that the decision I made to get back in shape physically, was not unlike my walk with Jesus.

If I was going to succeed in my bold declaration to get my physically strength back, I knew I had to be steadfast.

That would mean no turning back, no making excuses, no quitting the race. I would have to remain committed and confident that no matter how difficult the task would be, I would be unmoved and unshaken.

It seems like we are faced with this decision daily as we walk with the Lord. It’s so easy to let the events of our lives and the cares of this world dictate our direction. However, Paul didn’t believe that was true. He encouraged us to remember that no matter how tough things may get, our decision to be unmovable would not be in vain.

Joining the YMCA was only the beginning.

Keeping to the commitment would ultimately determine the outcome I desperately desired. So day after day I go. Has it been hard? You bet! Have I complained? You bet!

But just like the Kingdom work God has called us to do, we must stand firm with our eyes focused on the prize, and never getting off the task He has put before us.

I don't know about you, but I not only want to remain steady in my faith, yes even more, I want it to abound. I want to live a life that brings glory and honor to God.

Ask God to show you what areas in your life He is challenging you to step out in. Be faithful, face the giant, and do whatever is necessary to reach that goal.

It may often mean that you will have to launch out of your comfort zone, and press on to win that personal race. Never forget that it will not be vain. Taking care of our physical bodies is only illustration of the much higher calling we have to take care of the things of Christ.

Oh, by the way, since I’ve joined I’m already feeling a lot stronger. I’ve also had the bonus of meeting some wonderful ladies in my class!

Some things to ponder:

• When is the last time you launched out into the deep and did something that was difficult for you?

• Is it your desire to abound in the work of the Lord?

Lord I know pray for each lady that is reading this post. Give them the desire to press into the call of God in their lives daily. I pray that they would remain steadfast and unmovable in face of all the many difficulties they encounter in their walk with you. May they receive the victor's crown one day as they stand before you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Join Susan daily at her personal blog,

A Masterpiece In His Hands

A few weeks ago some friends invited us to see a powerful husband and wife ministry called “The Potter's Field”. This couple travels all over the US and abroad to share their amazing testimony of how God broke them and remade them into what they are today. What makes their story so unique is the fact that the husband, Micheal, had been a skilled potter long before he was saved. He now uses those skills to illustrate and teach biblical lessons, making them come alive right on stage!

My first thought was this should be a really interesting presentation. I've never sat and watched a potter make pottery in person. But little did I know it was going to be so much more. We got to hear the story of Jeremiah taught in such a powerful way as Micheal designed that vase right in front of our eyes.

When he started to make the pot it was only a lump of clay in the center of the wheel. It was so interesting to watch the techniques he used as he poured water on the clay and constantly pushed and pulled both inside and out with all his strength. I was amazing as I watched how many times he wrapped his hands and arms around that clay. Spin after spin it began to change and transform before our very eyes. In the end, it hardly took any pressure at all to shape it because it had become so soft and pliable.

Isn't it wonderful that God teaches us so many lessons by using the familiar, common, and ordinary things that are all around us? When God called Jeremiah down to the Potter's house that day, I'm sure he was wondering, "What is God trying to teach me now?"

I was thinking the same thing as I sat there in the service that night watching and listening. Yes, God revealed some deep things to me that night, and I would like to share some of them with you today.

The first thing that got my attention was how plain and ordinary that lump of clay was when he started. I could not begin to envision the beautiful pot that it was destined to become in the end. I felt so grateful that God is able to see way beyond our present sinful and fallen nature. His plan is to mold us into the image of His beautiful Son. We must ask God to help us to see ourselves as He sees us, not the way we are right now. God sees the finished work! Can you?

The next thing that struck me was the way he wrapped his arms and even pressed the clay against his body. He was intimately involved in the process of making that pot. Gosh, he got so dirty and there was clay all over him by the time he finished. He continually rubbed, shaped and formed the clay as the wheel spun around and around. As I watched, I felt a little ashamed when I remembered all the times I've walked through difficulties and trials, and thought that God was so distant. Yet all the while, He was right there with His arms around me holding me so close. Truly He is so faithful and has promised never to leave or forsake us.

And then there was the water. As the pot kept spinning on the wheel, he was constantly pouring water over it as he molded the clay. He shared how like the water on the clay God’s Word washes us, and how it is used to soften and transform our hearts. It exposes the hard lumps, which can then be easily removed. Without the Water of the Word we will become

dry,

hard

and unpliable.

But as we surrender to the Potter’s hand and allow Him to pour the Water over our lives, He is able to shape us into a beautiful vessel of honor. One made in the very image of His precious son, Jesus.

Something to ponder:

Are you willing to yield to God’s powerful touch in your life today?

Will you allow Him to take charge of your life, make you and mold you into the image He sees fit?

The choice is yours.

Join Susan daily at her personal blog,

A Good Investment

On a cool breezy night last month my husband and I attended a formal dinner at an elegant country club here in our town. All the ladies were dressed so beautifully in their long flowing gowns, and the men looked so handsome in their sharp black tuxedo's! We were treated like royalty from the moment we arrived at the private dinning set up with beautiful china and crystal. A special duet was playing classical music in the background as we greeted one another and took formal pictures. A five course meal was served with some of Louisiana’s finest cuisine. Bon Appétit! The service was impeccable, and it was truly a night to remember.

The reason for this occasion was to recognize the new 2009 “President's Council” and say good bye to the out going one. This tradition has been going on for over 20 years at my husband's company. Rick worked exceptionally hard last year, spending the entire summer away in Iowa on a special disaster recovery project following the Cedar Rapids flood.

Part of the reward that goes along with this honor is a recognition trip. We were all sitting on the edge of our chairs awaiting the announcement from the President on where we would be going. This year he chose Williamsburg, VA., and it looks like it will be a wonderful get away to this beautiful and historic area of our country.

When I think about awards and accolades, it only seems natural for humans to desire this. After all, who doesn't want to be appreciated and recognized for their hard work, sacrifice, and leadership?

The bible speaks a lot about rewards both as a recompense for doing good, as well as, a punishment for doing wrong. Most people think of rewards in terms of material gain, but it was not only material prosperity Jesus promised to His disciples.

I like what John Piper said about this:

God's standards of greatness are different from ours, and the process through which He produces greatness are also very different.

Matt 25:20-21 describes an Award Ceremony that will take place in Heaven:

20 “And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

What an awesome time of celebration this will be when all of God’s faithful servants will stand before Jesus as He honors them before the multitude of angels and saints in Heaven.

Is anything worth missing out hearing those words?

The word is filled with scriptures and promises of rewards. Here a just a few of them to consider.

I Samuel 26:23:
The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness?

Proverbs 12:14:
From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

Proverbs 19:17
He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.

I especially like this one in Hebrews…

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Now, what excites me the most is what we will be able to do with these rewards. I don't know about you, but I don't want to come empty handed when I face Jesus one day. I want to have my crowns to lay down at His feet. Just like the faithful servant in Matthew 25, I want to be able to give back to my master five more talents.

Something to ponder:

Consider how you are investing your talents each day as a servant of Christ.

Is there more that you know you are able to do?

Join Susan daily at her personal blog,

A Glimpse from the Past

Last week I received a most amazing email that really caught me by surprise. Let me explain.

Back in 1995, our church took a missions outreach team on church planting crusade to the small town of Murom, Russia. The city was located about two hundred miles east of Moscow, and at that time very few foreigners had ever been to this region because it had several classified military bases.

I’ll never forget getting out of the plane in Moscow and walking through all the very tight security. So much darkness and oppression filled the air as the result of generations of being ruled by an atheistic government.

When we went out to minister on the streets, crowds would gather from all over the town. They were so hungry for the message of hope that we came to share with them. Their hearts were open to receive the gospel, and it was an experience I will never forget.

Each night at the end of our services, hundreds would run to the altar as the invitation to receive Jesus was given. They were not ashamed at all as we led them in a prayer of salvation with the help of our interpreters. When we packed up and departed from Murom, we left behind a brand new body of believers filled with faith and a hope for their tomorrow.

In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said:

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

In short, this verse simply means that we are to be shining the light of this glorious gospel to all of those around us. We are the messengers of hope, joy, and freedom to a world in darkness. Satan has ruled over the lives of so many, and we are the ones who have been sent to bring deliverance from the oppressor.

Very few of us will actually have the opportunity to shape world events, but we all can impact the communities and neighborhoods where we live, work, shop, and play.

Even after all these years we’ve remained friends with some of the Russians we worked with on those trips, and one young girl named Jane, who was my interpreter, became like a spiritual daughter to me.

Now, that brings me back to that amazing email I was talking about when I first started this story. Here it is verbatim from Jane:

Dear Papa and Mama,

I just wanted to let you know that i am traveling right now with Paul and Barbara Dodge, and today we were in two services in Murom and Kovrov. It is been a great blessing to be here and just to see what the Lord has done to this two churches, how he blessed the people and grew them and how the churches got stronger through the years. I even watched the video today of how everything got started here…Remember? One lady in the Murom church asked me about Susan and I asked her, is it Susan Amato? and she said yes. I promised her to pass her e-mail unto you. She said to tell you that it is a joy to serve the Lord and for you to know that He is faithful!

Love Jane

Now, to think that after all these years, a young girl I had the honor of leading to Jesus is still serving Him today. I wonder how many of her family and friends she has led to Christ since that time?

We may never know on this side of heaven all the lives that we have impacted, but it was such a blessing from the Lord to let me get that email from Jane.

May we never cease in letting our lights to shine brightly for Jesus, for the harvest is truly plentiful.

Something to ponder:

How are you letting your light shine for Jesus?

Father, I thank you for the opportunities you present to us each day to let our lights shine for you. Let us never get so busy that we forget they are so many without hope as they walk in great darkness all around us. Give us a heart for the lost, the lonely and those that need your light so desperately. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Join Susan daily at her personal blog,

Soul Food

Each New Year our church begins with prayer and fasting. Our fast is based on this passage in the Book of Daniel:

“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” (Daniel 10:2, 3)

When I first heard about the Daniel Fast, I must say I wasn't too excited. Now I have fasted at different times most of my Christian walk, but usually it was one food group, or from doing something I really enjoyed. I know God honors anything we give up for him, and I've witnessed many breakthroughs during these times.

But 21 days of denying myself? Hmmm, I knew I would need God's grace for this one!

To “hunger and thirst” is the best illustration in the Word for what it means to draw closer to God. These basic physical needs are impossible to ignore. Now, here in American, we've been so abundantly blessed. If we should feel hungry or thirsty we have the means to take care of it right away. Instant gratification!

As I began my fast this year, I asked God to give me a new passion for his Word and for his Presence.

I want to be hungry for the things of God.

One of the most beautiful illustrations of a heart that was seeking hard after God is found in Psalms 63. David wrote this passage while he was in the desert, exiled from Jerusalem. Instead of feeling sorry for himself as he fled from his own son who wanted to kill him, David prayed:

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water”. (Psalm 63:1)

David cried out from the depths of his heart for God’s presence. Is it just me or does this sound extremely foreign to you? Do you long for God as David did? Do you long for God so much you can feel it in your soul and even in your flesh? Oh, that we may have a heart like David that is hungry and thirsty for Jesus!

We have plenty bibles sitting on our shelves and churches on every corner, but do we have a relationship with Jesus that fills our deepest longings? How much our lives would be changed if only we would press towards the presence of God to feed our spirit-man in the same way we seek after food and drink for our flesh.

I love the what Beth Moore said in her book Living Free:

“The more we have been satisfied by God’s love, His Word, and His presence, the more we will yearn for it.”

I’m so grateful we serve a God that can truly satisfy our deepest needs.

My invitation today is this:

“O taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8).

Some things to ponder:

Is your hunger for God growing stronger, or weaker?

Do you set time aside for God and his word each day?



Thank you Father for the invitation you offer us each day to come and to drink and to dine with you. Your word satisfies completely.. Give me heart that follows hard after you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Join Susan daily at her personal blog,

A Special Annoucement

As the time gets closer to Christmas, I've been hearing some of the most beautiful music being played on the radio. Yesterday while I was out, and stuck in traffic, I heard the song, Emmanuel by Amy Grant. It was not long before I was bellowing out the chorus right along with her, albeit a little out of key.

Wonderful, Counselor,

Lord of life, Lord of all;

He’s the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One!
Emmanuel.

I just could not get that chorus out of my head for the rest of my day. It was such a needed reprieve from all the bad news I had been hearing about our economy, and so many other things around the world. Many times it seems like things just can't get any worse…and then they do.

Circumstances were really not much different when the announcement came to those shepherds on that clear and starry night that a Redeemer would come. History tells us that at the time of our Lord's birth there was widespread despair and weariness in Israel. Yet in the midst of all that turmoil came the proclamation that would change the course of mankind forever:

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." {Luke 2:10-11 NIV}


What is so striking to me in this announcement is the words that were first spoken…

"Do not be afraid".

Men were very afraid in that day. Herod the Great was on the throne. He was a cruel leader who was able to execute his wrath upon anyone that became the object of his disfavor. He had personally put many to death including those of his own family. Then there were the Romans with their legions of soldiers keeping Israel under severe oppression and harsh bondage.
Yet the message to the shepherds was…“Fear Not”.

Just watching the newscast each night, it's easy to start to wonder what kind of trouble this New Year will bring? Just think how it would sound today if right in the middle of the evening news on CNN we heard…

We interrupt this broadcast to make this Special Announcement…“Do not be afraid. We bring you good news of great joy that today a Savior has been born to you who is Christ the Lord."

That’s really just about what happened 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem when God interrupted the program.

Still today as we consider the words of that most celebrated announcement, isn’t it reassuring to know that He has everything under control? Truly Jesus is our Savior and Deliverer. He is a Mighty God, and the Prince of Peace. We need not be afraid. Not one of His promises will fail, and He will give us all the strength and courage we need to face all of our tomorrows.

Today, I pray that you will take time to remember Emmanuel. Truly He is the Lord of life, and Lord of all. I trust that in this Christmas season, the Spirit of the Savior will flood your heart with abundant Peace, and bring you great Joy.
Blessings to you and to all!

Some things to ponder:

When is the last time you allowed fear to steal your joy?

In the midst of all that is going on have you felt Emmanuel is truly with you?

Lord I pray for my special sisters in Christ as they are making their final preparations for Christmas this year. Comfort those who are going through hard times, and remind them you are truly there with them. I pray as our families come together we feel your presence Father. May your love guide us and sustain us in this new coming year. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Lord let us never forget your redeeming work in our lives. You have been faithful to lead us, to guide us, and to protect us in our journey here on earth. I praise and bless your holy name. Amen.

Join Susan daily at her personal blog,

Heart To Heart

In a few days from now my son Jordan and I will board a plane headed to Memphis. We're going up to St. Jude for his regular 6-month check up. In case any of you reading this don't know, my son was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 16. .

As we prepare for our trip, I begin to recall the many times I've sat in some waiting room while Jordan was having an MRI and CT. I continue to pray each time, “Lord, please don't let them discover any new spots, or change to his tumor.” Just thinking about how closely they exam every structure of his brain and spine causes butterflies and sweaty palms each time.

Examinations...

Gosh, I was never one that liked to take a test. Just the thought of missing an answer or forgetting something brought on anxiety. It would be nice if we didn't have to be tested!

Yet, in each moment of our lives God exams of our hearts. Although we don't make appointments, or have to climb into some strange machine, God is able to look past what man sees and probes deeply into our hearts.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote:

"I the Lord search the heart; I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:10)

In the Old Testament the Hebrew word for heart means:

The seat of the senses, affections, and emotions of the mind, the mode of thinking and acting; the seat of the will.

Did you know that the word heart is used over 830 times in the bible? God has much to say on that subject. Today I'd like to look at a few conditions that might afflict our hearts, and understand what God has promised if we turn our lives over to Him.

In the book of Hebrews we are warned about a very serious heart condition:

1. A Hardened heart:

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" (Hebrews 4:7)

Have you ever felt like your heart has become cold and hard? I sure have. Often because of disappointment, betrayal, or sin our spiritual hearts can lose their sensitivity and ability to function as God intended for them to. But Praise God, He is our Wonderful Physician who is able to repair every heart that has become hard.

“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart…, and I will give you a heart of flesh”. (Ezekiel 36:26)

Another condition we must carefully watch for is a heart that has become:

2. An Unclean heart

Jesus said:

‘‘What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly”. (Mark 7:20-23)

We must continually stand watch for these kinds of afflictions that can plague our hearts and corrupt our lives. Satan is lurking and waiting for the chance to draw us back into our old ways. Be diligent and watchful so that your heart will always be pure before Him.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

And finally, one last problem of the heart is:

3. An Anxious heart

David offered up this pray to God:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”(Psalm 139: 23-24)

It’s so easy to allow our mind, will, and emotions to take over. Anxiety can not only cause havoc to our physical bodies, but to our spiritual hearts as well. How it must break the heart of God when He sees us struggle in our own strength rather than allowing His Spirit to rule in our hearts.

Ladies, Jesus is that great and wonderful Physician that can heal every disease and all of the wounds that afflict our hearts. May He touch your heart today...

Some things to ponder:

When is the last time God revealed a heart condition that you were not aware of?

When others around you are struggling do you see it as an opportunity to encourage them?

"Lord, I pray for that we would learn to trust you with our whole heart. Please show us any area that needs cleansing and healing. Give us a heart that follows hard after you. Thank you for being faithful to reach deep within to heal and restore our hearts. In Jesus name, Amen."

Join Susan daily at her personal blog,

All Things New

On a recent trip to Charleston, North Carolina my husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary. We had some friends who recently visited that area and came back so thrilled to tell us about the wonderful time they had, so we decided to go ourselves. It really is a beautiful and very historic town. After getting settled in our hotel, we immediately went to the concierge to begin planning our schedule for the week. We were anxious to make the most of our time, and try and see as many of the wonderful sites Charleston has to offer. On our first tour we rode in a horse drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets. There we saw mansion after mansion, and so many churches. It felt like we had traveled back in time and was reliving history as we viewed and visited these stunning places.

Founded in 1670 by English colonists, this 300-year-old port city was once considered the cultural center of the New World. The city has survived earthquakes, fire, war, tornado's, and hurricanes. The city and most of the antebellum buildings have been restored to their pre-revolutionary and pre-civil war splendor. Can you imagine what a wonderful a place this city must have been?

As we were touring these amazing sites, our guide told us so many fascinating stories about the American Revolution and the War Between the States. We even attended a church service at St. Philip’s, one of America's oldest churches. It is so amazing to witness how these places are still standing for us to still enjoy the beauty and ambiance of a city that once flourished in colonial America.

Many times throughout my personal journey in life I have felt like those buildings. Through the earthquakes when everything seemed to be falling down, in hurricanes of emotions, and fighting spiritual warfare on every side, I've witnessed God’s mighty hand upon my life. Many times I was not sure the house would even be able to stand. Yet looking back after all the dust had settled, I was amazed to see how I survived!

I have learned that no matter how great the trouble, God's divine purpose and plans will still be fulfilled in the lives of those who steadfastly trust in Him. Isn't it wonderful to know how much God can accomplish when we are willing to patiently endure until He brings us to victory.

As we listened to story after story about this amazingly resilient town sitting on the Atlantic Ocean, I was reminded of a promise God once made to Israel:

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm-My great army that I sent among you. - (Joel 2:25)

Just as God was able to bring restoration to the nation of Israel after a time of famine and devastation, he can do the same for us today. What I am most sure of now is that God even uses all of our mistakes for his glory. He can take the broken and battered pieces of our lives and restore them back to something of beauty and grace.

God truly is in the business of restoration.

He promises not only to restore what has been lost but even more to replenish what was lost. Not a bad deal wouldn’t you agree? He truly does all things well when it comes to lives of those who he loves and who love him in return.

I’d like to conclude with an exhortation from Paul which he wrote to the church at Philippi:

"Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 3:13-14).

Oh, what a blessing these words continue to be for our journey. Don’t look back ladies, and never loose sight of your deliverer. God will truly restore and rebuild our lives for His glory and honor, and all those who pass by will look in amazement at the wonderful workmanship of our God. We are a city set upon a hill, a beautiful light in a dark and dying world.

Something to ponder:

I ask you today, will you allow God to work in your life to restore, rebuild and make all things new?

Can you remember a season in your life that God used to show you He was there although you felt devastation or famine?

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Facing the Giants

FACING THE GIANTS

As I was recently sitting at our local dental school, waiting for my son who was having some work done, I noticed the newspaper sitting on a chair across from me. Since I had lots of time to spare, I walked over, picked it up, and began to read.

It seemed like each article I read was more dreary then the one before. Before I knew it I was meditating on the terrible condition and plight of our world.

· Gas prices continue to rise
· The war in Iraq and Afghanistan
· The failing economy
· College tuition's rising
· The upcoming election
· And of course all the hideous crime stories sandwiched in-between.

OK, I suddenly began to feel like the Israelites might have felt as they stood on the edge of the promise land. I was not seeing the blessings God, but only the GIANTS that were everywhere! I began to sympathize with the Israelites because I could see how all the bad things they were facing, and the things they saw must have overwhelmed their faith to possess the land.

Now if the world conditions all around me were not bad enough, I thought about my own personal giants. For me it’s the giant of fear and unbelief. God instructed the Israelites to simply explore the land. He already knew what was out there and what they would be facing. However, He wanted them to pass the test of “trust and believe”. Simple enough you would think, BUT…

In James 1:2 the Bible says:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

One thing I learned early on in my Christian walk was that when God is up to something really great in our lives it usually begins with difficulties. Somewhere in the midst of impossibilities and problems God is there waiting for us to take those first steps of faith. He will guide us through these times of testing, but it takes courage to make that first step.

James Buckham wrote:


“Trials, temptations, disappointments — all these are helps instead of hindrances, if one uses them rightly. They not only test the fiber of a character, but strengthen it.”

I don’t think any of us wants to take 40 years of wandering around in circles of unbelief and fear. I want to experience God’s greatness and His ultimate purpose for my life. I find whenever I measure the obstacles and challenges against God’s awesome provision, the scale always tips in His direction. Once my focus is back on the greatness of God, I begin seeing those giants just as they really are – grasshoppers.

God is always calling us out of our comfort zone and challenging us to go further and deeper than we would in the natural. So today I want to ask you, “Who do you want to be like, one of the two spies who saw how GIANT their God was, or like the other ten who only saw the giants?”

As I finished reading the paper I asked myself, “Whose report will you believe?” I determined that I would put my trust in God’s promises in spite of the obstacles. And like James the apostle wrote, I set my goal to become “mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Joshua and Caleb took a risk that day as they proclaimed before all the people that they should go over and possess the land. If they could see the victory, so can we! Let’s take our stand, forget the naysayers, and set out to cross that Jordan River. It is a good land, flowing with milk and honey.

Thoughts to ponder:


Have you ever faced a time when you felt the odds were against you and hope was hard to find?

Have you came along side of someone and helped them find something positive in the difficulties they were facing?

Lord I pray for my sisters reading this now. If anyone is in a tough place, where hope seems so unattainable that you would allow them to see how much bigger you are then the circumstances they are facing. Remind them of your faithfulness and your great love for them. Give them eyes to see beyond the giants they face today and courage to keep believing. In Jesus name, amen.

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Lost and Found

Lost and Found

“Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all of their heart.”

PS 119:2

Have you ever lost something that was really important to you, and spent hours, or even days looking for it? It seems like this is becoming a way of life for me these days. Lost keys, cell phones, earrings, you name it and I've misplaced it. The other day I thought I lost my car keys, only to find them just where I left them. In the ignition of my car where I parked it …and it was still running! Now you have to admit it doesn’t get worse then that. OK, this is really bad.

When we loose or misplace something of real value, do we simply walk away and forget about it? I don’t know about you, but I surely don’t! No way. I immediately begin to dig in my purse (be careful…this can be dangerous), my desk, or my “whatever” and search for it until I find it.

Just the other day as I was looking for my address book with all my most important numbers and was frantically looking for it when I stopped and paused for a moment to ask God to help me find it. It was in that brief second He reminded me about an amazing lesson I had once learned.


As my mind started racing to where I last saw my address book, I begin to think about the parable of the woman who lost her gold coin. I felt her anguish as she sought for that coin, and remembered the joy she had once she found it. The emphasis of this parable was on the fact that she searched and searched until she found it. There is no hint of indifference, only diligence. This coin was valuable to her and she was determined to find it. The Lord asked me that day as I was searching for those keys, “Is this how you seek and search after me and my word?” I had to stop and search my heart.

In Proverbs 2, Solomon gives instructions on how we should seek after wisdom:

"My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver, and seek for them as hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord and gain knowledge of God.”

Have you ever wished that you would have the same kind of passion Solomon describes in this verse to seek out wisdom from God's word? I want the desire of my heart to be like one who fervently searches for those hidden treasures of the Word. I genuinely desire to have wisdom and go after understanding with the same kind of zeal I would have if I had lost something “very” valuable.

Hidden treasures are waiting, but it is up to us to begin searching to find those precious jewels. We have every provision we need for our lives in the Word. Like the woman who was not content with the nine coins, she passionately sought after that one coin that was lost. We cannot grow satisfied with where we are now. There is so much more God wants to open up and reveal to us about His kingdom. I pray we will be seekers, and those who cry out daily for insight and instruction. With such effort, we will not only find wisdom for practical daily living, but we will also find Jesus Christ himself, the living Word!

"…in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Col. 2:3

Lord I pray that you would give me an ever-increasing hunger for more of you. Let me long for your presence and time alone with you. I desire to know more of your truth, and a love for your word. I pray for all the women who may read this as well. Let us thirst and hunger after you each day. In Jesus name, Amen.

Points to Ponder:

Are you passionately pursing God’s word each day?

When is the last time you discovered a hidden treasure in God’s word?

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In His Service

It was on a dark night at the mission compound in Haiti where I discovered the power and protection in the simple name of "Papa." There were many lessons to be learned and memories that would last a lifetime, but on this one unusually dark night, I was about to experience something that would have profound affect on me for the rest of my life.

Our church was planning a mission trip to Haiti and everyone was helping get ready for this exciting trip. We collected medical supplies, school supplies, toys, and candy to give to the children. Anticipation grew with each passing day and we were all geared up to share our love with the people of Haiti.

It happened that during this time there was an uprising of civil unrest within the country. The U.S. Department of State had issued a warning against travel to Haiti. Many were telling us to cancel the trip. We began to seek God and at the end of much prayer we decided God was telling us to go.

With tons of luggage lined up on the conveyor belt, and many tearful good-byes we were finally ready to board our plane. After arriving at Port-au-Prince where military personnel with guns greeted us, we gathered up our bags and headed toward the ocean village of Bord Mer.

I'll never forget the faces of the Haitians that warmly greeted as we approached the compound. What we thought would be our mission of love to Haiti would soon be turned around as we became the recipients of a measure of love and gratitude that many of us had never before experienced.

One night after the generators were cut off and we settled into our beds to get some much-needed rest, we began to hear sounds of the voodoo drums rising from a distant village. Earlier that day our team watched a video on the voodoo rituals that the unsaved Haitians used as part of their religion. Hearing those drums immediately brought fearful thoughts of what might be happening in that jungle.

Just then a flashlight came toward our dorm. It was the American missionary that ran the ministry, and he was about to head out to investigate what was going on. A small group of us gathered together, prayed, and followed the one the Haitians had come to affectionately call “Papa”. As we took each step closer toward the drums, I remembered seeing earlier that day how much the Haitians loved Pastor George and his wife. I amazingly became less fearful as I realized I was walking with "Papa". How could any harm come our way if were with him?

Finally we arrived at a clearing, and we could see a large group of villagers gathered around the fire. Once they saw Papa, they ran over to explain what was going on. One of their family members had died and the drums were not voodoo drums at all, they were being played to communicate to other nearby villages about the death and funeral.

We all gathered around the grieving family in their straw hut, and in that dark jungle prayed for them, wept with them, and encouraged them in their time of loss. People hurt the same in every corner of the world, but it is “Papa” that is always there to comfort in our time of need.

As we walked back to our dorm room, I looked up into one of the most beautiful star-filled skies I had ever seen to view the handiwork of our amazing God. I'll never forget the lesson I learned that night as I discovered that no matter where I am, or what I may be going through, Papa is always there with me every step of the way.

Some things to ponder:

In what situations do you most need to know that God is with you? How do you deal with fear in your life?

What are some practical ways you can do to remind yourself of God's presence daily?

In Romans 8:15 it says “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of Adoption by whom we cry out “Abba Father”.

Father I pray for my sisters who are reading this. If there is a spirit of fear, I pray they will call out your precious name. Lord you are faithful and you are true. You promise us you will never leave us nor forsake us, no matter how dark or scary the night may be.

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