I realize many are not exercise enthusiasts, but I have been one since childhood. Right now, I am enjoying the good fortune of swimming in a nearby lake. Yes, it is September, but thanks to a wetsuit, a much-appreciated birthday gift from my dear husband several years ago, I can extend my swimming season by an entire month. 

In my swimming routine, I would count 20-30 repetitions as I alternated between five different swimming strokes.  I finally came to my senses this summer when contemplating my current First 5 devotional, Praying Through the Psalms and Becoming Whole, the book our teacher ministry team is reading in preparation for our return trip to Zambia.  For some time, I have wanted to make my swimming time more productive with prayer, but the counting would take over out of habit. This August, I started using what I will call “alphabetic praise.” Instead of counting, I began the practice of listing words, in alphabetical order that are characteristics, attributes, or names of God. Sometimes, I adapt, and song titles pop into my head. Whatever is a praise to my Lord, I sing out in my head. Some days, some of the words are the same, but there are so many to select from that some letters have quite a variety and many days, I list several.

Day by day, my list changes, but would you please join me in praise as I go through this moment’s list:

A – Alpha and omega, my God is the beginning and the end. He spoke all things into existence. (Gen. 1), Almighty God

B – Beloved, Beautiful Savior, Your Banner Over Us is Love, “Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.” Song of Songs 2:4

C – Creator of the Universe, Comforter, Coventenal Love, Christ, Counselor “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 

D – Defender of my soul, Deliverer

E – Eternal, Everlasting to Everlasting 

F – Fortress, Father, Friend

G – Giver of life, Great Physician, Glory of God, Good

H – Holy Spirit, Healer, Holy, holy, holy, “And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3

 I – Intercesor, Invisible 

J – “Jesus, Name Above All Names, Beautiful Savior, Living Word,” Jehovah

K – King of Kings

L – Author of Love, Lord of Lords, Lover of My Soul

M – Mighty Arm, Mercy, “Mighty Fortress is Our God,” Mighty God, “The Mighty One, God, The LORD! The Mighty One, God, the LORD! He knows; and let Israel itself know!…”Josh 22:22), 

N – Neither slumber nor sleep, “Indeed, he who watches over Israel with neither slumber nor sleep.”  Psalm 121:4

O- Omnipresent, always present, Omniscience, knows all things

P- Present, Patient, Great Physician, Prince of Peace 

Q – Quiet, “…and after the earthquake a fire, [but] the Lord [was] not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 9:12

R – Redeemer, Restorer, Resurrected, Righteous “For the LORD is righteous, he loves righteous deeds, the upright will see his face.” Psalm 11:7 

S – Steadfast love, Son, Savior, Salvation, Shekhinah Glory (Exodus 24:17)

T – Trinity, Teacher 

U – Unity, Upright

V – Verily (meaning truly): “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 18:3-4

W – Wonderful Counselor, Wondrous Works

X – Exalted (yes, I cheat on this word, but exalt is a great descriptor!)

Y – Yahweh, the personal, intimate name of God.

Z – Alpha and Omega. The Greek alphabet symbols whose meanings are first and last. 

My alphabetic praise has become a joyful way to start my daily swim. It is a never-ending list that I can recite over and over. What mundane task do you take part in that would allow you to move your deep thoughts to that of praise to our Savior: vacuuming, sweeping the floor, making beds, washing dishes? If you have some activity in which you enter into your own deep thoughts, may I instead encourage you to join me in praying through the practice of Alphabetic Praise.

Dear Father,    I thank you for the health that you have given me to enjoy your beautiful creation physically. “Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.” (Psa 119:108) “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” (Psa 34:1) I thank you, Lord, for “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.” (Psa 40:3) I know that my perspective on life, problems, health concerns, all change when I lift my eyes to you. I thank you that your Holy Spirit abides within. Father, you are worthy of all praise. May you be glorified.  Amen

May you experience God’s blessings as you shift your focus to daily praise and glorification of the only worthy one. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matt 6: 9

Linda

The 6th-grade girl, dressed in her beautiful tribal costume, approached me shyly.  Mapalo Trust School was holding its first-ever Traditional Day.  Excitement mingled with chaos as I watched students move their desks into the schoolyard to become seats for families and guests. She stopped momentarily to ask what she had probably wanted to ask all week. “What tribe are you?” I was wearing an extra layer of wrap from the waist down, wearing the traditional Zambian chitenge.  Known as a Mzungu (white person), it was quite obvious that I was not Zambian!  So, what was I?  She was brave enough to ask.  Her question caught me off guard. 

I looked around at all the beautiful costumes knowing that the morning’s celebration would honor the 72 tribes in Zambia.  So many tribes that the teachers organizing this beautiful celebration had grouped them into regions of the country to represent each as best as possible.  Northern, Southern, and Eastern tribes would showcase their culture through dance and drama.  The children from this small Chibolya school were about to represent their culture and heritage proudly.  The professional drummers had arrived.  The students were dressed in tribal costumes for the event and were prepared to deliver.  They knew the dances and chants and came for a day of traditional celebration. 

Today was going to be an amazing day.  It was our last day to come alongside and work with the Zambian staff at Mapalo Trust School.  Almost a year earlier, the Zambian staff had requested the support of teachers to work with them to improve learning outcomes for their students.  Today was the compilation of our two weeks of teaming.  Today our Zambian colleagues and students turned the tables on us.  Today we would be the students.  Our team of teachers looked forward to a morning of learning from the students and staff.  Our Zambian students and teachers had prepared a learning opportunity that we could not have imagined even a few days earlier.

My mind raced as I considered how to answer this beautiful girl’s question.  “What tribe are you?”  I quickly thought about the heritage of my mother, born of parents that both came from Germany.  I could say the German tribe.  I considered my father’s side of the family. Somewhere down the family tree, someone went to the United States from Ireland and another from Sweden.  How do I explain the United States’ “melting pot” to this young girl?  I didn’t know any dances, traditions, or people from my “home” countries.  I looked at her and wrongly responded.  “I don’t have a tribe.”

 She could not possibly comprehend or process my response.

I pondered her question throughout the day and shared it with our team that night over dinner.  Now that I have had time to consider this girl’s question, I have a much better answer (isn’t this always the case!)  I wish I had replied, “I am a child of God.  I represent the High King of Heaven.” 

When Chuck and I took a vision trip to work with the Mapalo teachers last September, and now again with our team of 5 teachers, we represented our faith family and claimed our heritage as children of God.  Our team was an extension of the identity of the One True God we chose to serve. 

John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”

Romans 8:16 “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,”

Romans 9:8 “This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.”

1 John 3:1 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you that no matter what my biological family situation is, I am not a cultural orphan.  Skin color, wealth, achievements, health, and personal or family standing do not determine my tribe.  My tribe is one of faith.  It is a tribe of diversity, including people from all ages, walks of life, and all nationalities.  I can look to the one who not only created the universe but also loves and knows me intimately.   God the Father, who gave his only son, so that I, so that you, so that all who believe and call upon his name can have everlasting life with Him.  God, my Heavenly Father, you are my heritage.  I worship and praise You for all that You have done for me.  Thank you, Lord, that I can boldly proclaim, “I am a child of the Most High King.  I am from the tribe of  Heaven’s King Jesus.”

In Jesus’ precious name, I pray,  Amen.

 

One unpacked suitcase still lays across the bed while another is laid out in preparation for our upcoming trip to Zambia.  Still experiencing jetlag due to last week’s return from our school in Lisbon, Portugal, we find ourselves focusing on packing and preparing for the Africa trip. While we still have many items to complete and check off, the reality is that planning the trip is moving smoothly. The cloudy, or maybe I should say murky, situation is knowing exactly what our team will DO upon arrival. It’s not that this hasn’t been considered. It’s actually quite the opposite. After much pondering, puzzling, and deliberating, we now realize we must wait to know. After fifteen years of experience with professional development, this is the most challenging assignment I have experienced. Supporting school staff from a culture unlike North American and European cultures demands observation and waiting. We praise the Lord that through the work of the Holy Spirit, the curriculum for this needy school has been purchased, sorted, and packed. Money was raised to build much-needed preschool and kindergarten classrooms, and we hope to see the progress of the building during our time at the school. Our team’s schedule for teaming and working with the staff each day has been organized and shared. 

So, what is unprepared? We still don’t know exactly HOW we will teach reading.  How will we introduce students to reading who have never held a reading book? How will the students understand our American English accent when they are used to British English mixed with their tribal language of Nyanga? And most importantly, how will we ensure that we respect the Zambian collective culture when our team’s only experiences are teaching in an individualistic culture? How can we unite both worlds to make a difference for this wonderful but poverty-stricken school’s dedicated, hardworking staff and students?

We have prayed that, as a team, we will set aside our predetermined teaching expectations. We must be willing to go with minds prepared to be learners. We must have hearts willing to learn from staff and students. We must allow the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and minds to a new work we have not yet envisioned.  And we must be willing to wait for this to occur at the right time. 

Yes, I, the planner, the visionary, the one who works on the details until the last minute before presenting, am at peace in the wait. I praise the Lord, for this is not of me but of His work in my heart. If it were the normal me, I would have power points prepared, handouts packed, and working away on my computer daily. But, there will be no computers, internet, or copy machines. Instead, our team and I must pray for relationship-building and inspiration that can only come from the Holy Spirit. How can I be at peace when so much is invested in this process? I rely on the fact that my Lord has been faithful in the past; therefore, I can trust in His leading for the future.

The Spirit of the Lord gave wisdom and skill for the work of the Tabernacle. Exodus 35:30 – 36:1 “Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship,…He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver – by any sort of workman or skilled designer. Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the LORD has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.”

The Spirit provides the leadership of His choosing in His timing. Num 27:18 “So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.”

1 Sam 16:13 “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” 

Ecc 2:26 “For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom, and knowledge and joy,”

Moses was fully aware that he depended entirely on God’s guidance.  Exod 33:15 “And he said to him,  “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.”

Christ himself foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit or helper. John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” 

John 16:7 “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”

The physical temple was destroyed long ago. However, we are encouraged that as believers in Jesus, the Holy Spirit resides within us.  1 Co 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” 

Yes, the teaching process might not yet be clear, but we can move forward with peace, knowing He will provide the wisdom and skill needed in His perfect time. We know with confidence that we will be forever changed because of this experience.

Please join us in prayer for this Zambian ministry.

Dear Father,

Thank you for this priceless opportunity to share time, talents, and resources with our dear colleagues in Zambia. We praise you for your goodness. We thank you in advance for the success and the outcomes of this precious fellowship of educators. In boldness, we come before your throne, asking for your blessing on this partnership and that the outcomes of this collaborative work will change the lives of these students forever. We pray that you will bring forth leaders from this school who will serve you and display integrity and compassion. We are aware, Lord, of our dependence upon you. We ask that you will do a great work and, through these students, bring forth positive and lasting change for the Zambian people.

In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

We will appreciate your prayers for our team: Chuck, Jess, Kristin, Linda, Stephanie, Tina, and Mapalo School Headmaster, Shelly

 

Change is a word that brings immediate anxiety and stress to many.  As an educator, I have worked with several students who struggled with change.  Frozen in familiarity, the idea of any alteration of the schedule or routine would bring an immediate response bordering on hysteria until we started to make it a game.  Our classroom became one of frequent motion to help teach the freedom of flexibility.  Desks and chairs moved according to the instruction at the moment.  When one of our specials was changed for a month, I told the students that I would not rewrite the posted daily schedule; in fact, I hung it sideways as a reminder that things were changed.  I tried to respect the need for a schedule but also helped them learn that flexibility was sometimes necessary.  Special days and special events allowed me to replace curricular assignments with activities that allowed for targeted instruction around interesting new topics and skills.  When I knew I would need a substitute for two half-days, I altered the schedule to accommodate the substitute teacher better.  This was going to be a big mix-up.  Therefore, the game Fruit Basket Upset was introduced.  We played/practiced this with the whole class during reading when students could easily take their reading book to a new chair and a new location in the classroom.  It became quite the game, with the students eventually requesting to play during reading.  Flexibility instruction was accomplishing my purpose.  The students handled the change, and I was thrilled to hear they asked if the substitute would play it in my absence.

When I think about the initial response to change from my students and many adults and children that I know, I am saddened by the response of so many.  For some, the reaction is almost a paralysis of fear.  And yet, if we really think about it, change is the marker celebrating many life events.  We look forward to marriage; we celebrate birthdays and accomplishments, all hallmarks of change.  Life is full of markers; a first date, job, marriage, career move, babies, home, larger home, retirement, etc.  Accomplishments in sports, exercise, hobbies, books read, gardens planted, and goals met all mark the completion of “normal” and the move to something new.  We would be worried and searching for answers if a baby, child, or teen did not grow and milestones were not met.  Each marker of movement, speech, and thinking indicates a child’s critical progress and health, the needed progress report of the desired change. 

 

 

Knowing that change predicts health, why do so many of us shudder at the thought? Oh, the perplexity of change!  What is it in our human psyche that wants so badly to cling to the pattern of the familiar?  How can we insist upon day-to-day sameness and, at the same time, voice the need for a break?  How can we insist upon the sameness of the day’s routine and yet desire a change of pace?   How can we return to the exact location and expect new outcomes?  Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity is “Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” 

I want to acknowledge that we will all experience breathtakingly painful life changes at some point.  We live through this process, leaning on Jesus, taking one step at a time.  This unwanted change goes against our very being as we learn to live within this new normal. 

However, with less dramatic situations, what would happen if we embraced change and seized flexibility?  What new experiences would we encounter?  What new places would we experience?  What exciting people would we meet?  What new cultures would we better understand?  How might these changes increase empathy for others and the world around us?  As my husband and I discussed this topic, he reminded me of Jesus’ command when he sent out the seventy-two followers. 

Mark 6: 1-12 and Luke 10:1-9 both record and present us with what we would today call an extreme call to change. 

Luke 10:1-9 “After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.  And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.  Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.  Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.  Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him.  And if not, it will return to you.  And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages.  Do not go from house to house.  Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.  Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’”

In the Old Testament, we find the LORD asking Abram to move.  Culturally this would have gone against all norms at this time.  Genesis 12:1 “Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.’”

There are many other situations in the Bible where God’s people are asked to change.  The most essential, life-changing example is that of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Christ left the glories of heaven to come as a baby and experience human life as we do.  He, who was without sin,  suffered, died on the cross, and rose from the dead so that anyone who believes in Him would be saved.  This salvation is the hope of forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.  Friends, this IS change.  Repentance is not just saying I’m sorry.  It is asking forgiveness and then making a 180-degree turn.  Repentance requires a change in belief, actions, and allegiance.  Next time you think that you can’t handle change, think twice.  Our faith, our spiritual transformation, reconciles us to our Savior.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for our families, friends, health, homes, jobs, and the many experiences that have come our way over the years.  When you open doors, help us embrace the opportunities you have provided to alter and enhance our lives.  Help us to confront each day and situation with the attitude of joy.  Help us to respond with the same resolve as Moses as he was leading the Israelites through the desert, where Moses replied directly to God, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” May we stand firm like Joshua in Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous, do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Lord, we need your wisdom as we navigate a changing world.  We pray that you will forge a path through our personal wilderness and go before us.  Help us to embrace the goodness that you have prepared us.  Give us the courage to accept the changes that you lay before us.

In the name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen

 

 

Isaiah 25:1 “O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.”

My bed was warm and comfy.  With no heat source through the night, I knew the air in our apartment would be cold, downright uncomfortable.  Awake but not yet wanting to face the cold, bundled under my blankets, my bed was a cocoon of warmth, a momentary solace of quiet and comfort.  My body was still and quiet, but my mind was awake and contemplating the spectacular view awaiting my gaze within another 45 minutes.  Looking down the hill toward the Tagus River, the sparkling night lights of Lisbon at night are a view to behold.  An artist’s dream, the glow of early morning pinks and oranges paint the horizon as the sun starts its daily ascent into the sky. 

Lying in bed and thinking about the scene soon to cast its spell, I was reminded of God’s faithfulness.  My view might change because of the weather or location, but I can count on whether I live in Portugal, Zambia, or back in the states; my God never changes.  Heb 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  I can rest assured that in sickness or health, seasons of stress or joy, pain or elation, my God is a fortress of protection.  More dependable than the rising and setting of the sun and the seasons of the year, I know that I am secure within the arms of my faithful God.  He never changes. 

Psa 31:5 “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me O LORD, faithful God.”

Deu 7:9 “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,”

There are moments when the scene before us demands our worship of the Creator of the Universe.  Our first view of Mt Denali in Alaska was so breathtaking that my soul cried out in wonder.  Looking down into Crater Lake from the mountaintop trail, witnessing the elephants and lions in Africa, watching my husband and son-in-law baptize our granddaughter, holding our babies, our children’s weddings; so many memorable moments, all so unique, so intimate, all so life-altering.  Recalling moments of wonder could go on and on.  I praise my God and redeemer for these mountain-top moments.  These reminders of His faithfulness take me through the days and months in the ups and downs of the valley.  Psa 23:4 “Yet even thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Today, I thank the Lord that I have the health to crawl out of bed.  I thank the Lord for calling my husband and me to a ministry that allows us to use the skills that he has given us.  I am thankful for my family back home, and I release them and their needs to my God and comforter.  I can do that because I know that He is forever faithful.  My soul will join the heavenly chorus as I look out upon the dawn of this new day singing, Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me. 

Dear Jesus, Thank you for your steadfast love.  Thank you that when all seems to go wrong with the world, I can rest assured that you are in control and that you are faithful.  During times of distress and doubt, help me remember your faithful promises.  1 Kings 8:23 “Oh LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;” I praise you for your goodness, steadfast love, and unending faithfulness to those who love you.  In the name of Jesus, we pray.  Amen

2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 

The New Year is just hours away. As I write this last devotional of 2022, I wonder how many people are still considering a New Year’s resolution? It would be interesting to know the statistics of how many resolutions are still intact within a month, a quarter, or even a year. As I ponder the verse above, I am reminded that, as humans, we are always searching, looking for the next best thing, the next best fix, and the next best…  And yet, that next thing never satisfies. We always move on, searching, and wanting more.

We search because we were created with a spiritual void in our hearts.  A void that can only be filled when we reach out to Christ. Yet God’s Word tells us over and over that we have all that we need, right now. Romans 10:9 ...  “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Human nature causes us to wander in all directions looking for satisfaction. Because of sin in this world, our eyes are blinded to truth. We look to the world to fill the void, yet there is nothing in this world that will ever lead to lasting fulfillment. Searching for “religion” will not fill this void. Only when we recognize and accept the invitation of relationship from our Heavenly Father will we find true satisfaction. In the search, one wonders if they have done enough, are they good enough to be called a child of God?

A few months ago Chuck and I were sharing with a neighbor about a new ministry opportunity in Africa. In all earnestness, this dear man replied that surely the work we were doing would earn our way to heaven. We were both taken back. We tried to respond with kindness, stating that no person can work their way to heaven. Romans 3:10-11, “as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.”  Salvation is God’s work. Even though we are unworthy, God in his love and mercy has granted us kinship through the blood of the Lamb, His son.  Eph 2:5-6 ..” even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”  Eph. 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  I’m so thankful that salvation is not based on human feats or human standards. Instead, God’s word declares that salvation is based solely on grace.  This promise, this certainty, is beautifully expressed in the song, Grace Greater Than All Our Sin.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, 

Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,

Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured, 

There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that will pardon and cleanse within

Grace, grace, God’s grace,

Grace that is greater than all our sin.

As we exit 2022 and enter the new year of 2023, we can accept His gift of grace and experience peace in our hearts. God of Grace, in his love and mercy, calls us to Him. Phil 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” In his book, The Joshua Code, O. S. Hawkins states, “Salvation is, from start to finish, from first to last, the work of God Himself in us. He sought us. He found us. He began the good work in us. He keeps us. And one day He will present us faultless before His Father’s throne.” (Hawkins, 2012).

Dear Father, We come to you thankful that in your mercy and grace you have invited us into a relationship with you, God of creation. We thank you, Yahweh Shalom, the LORD is Peace, that through your son, we can find spiritual rest and satisfaction. As we close out the Christmas season of 2022 may we be reminded of your gift to us, the babe in a manger. God incarnate, fully God, fully man, King of Kings, leaving the realm and throne of heaven to instead provide salvation to mankind. Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Father, we thank you for your peace. We thank you for your grace. That Grace is a Person, and His name is Jesus.   Amen

 Those who claim you are covered under your wings.

Key Verse: Ruth 3:9 (ESV) He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”

This month’s devotional comes from Ruth 3: 8-11 

At the age of two, one of our children spent 17 days and nights in the hospital. Gravely ill, she was at an age where she could comprehend some of the ordeals but did not have the vocabulary yet to communicate her fears. God, in His mercy, chose to restore her to health, and we celebrated the day she returned home. However, we soon learned that the stay in the hospital had traumatized her. Every night, for many months, I suddenly awakened to someone staring at me. After the first jolt of fear, I would awaken enough to realize that it was our toddler standing at the head of our bed. In my sleep-deprived mind, I would scoop her into my arms and cuddle her in bed until I could later return her to her own.

 In today’s verses, we find Boaz startled in his sleep and awakened to a surprising situation. During the spring harvest, the Israelites celebrated the Festival of First Fruits after a long day of threshing. Once the wind died down, the weary men with their families shared a banquet and a celebration of God’s provision and faithfulness. As was common practice, Boaz had gone back to the top of the hill, to the threshing floor to sleep. According to J. V. McGee, during the threshing season, it was customary for the threshers to return to sleep on this circular, public ground area to protect the grain from marauders and thieves. They would lie with the grain in the center of this area with heads close to the grain. Legs would extend out, somewhat like the spokes of a wheel. Because this was the spring festival, families would have camped nearby.  

 Ruth, following explicit directions from Naomi, came to this public place to claim her right to the kinsman-redeemer for Naomi’s family. There was nothing improper or questionable regarding the act that Naomi asked Ruth to perform. To comprehend this section of scripture, we must understand the Law of the Kinsman-Redeemer as stated in  Deuteronomy 25: 5-10.  The Mosaic Law stated that any childless widow of an Israelite was in the position to claim the closest relative as the person who would perpetuate the God-given inheritance of family and land. However, it was the duty of the widow to claim this right. Ruth, being a Moabite and outsider, was unsure of being accepted. She possibly had been warned by Naomi that the townspeople could reject her. She most likely did not think that she could go straight to Boaz and say, “Marry me.”  Seeing Ruth’s reluctance, Naomi, playing the part of a matchmaker, crafted a plan more in keeping with Ruth’s humble nature. 

 To understand Ruth’s next move, we need to interpret another ancient Middle East custom. When a man placed a corner of his garment over a maiden, this act was considered a token of marriage. Once Boaz was asleep, Ruth lay down with her feet toward his and gently tugged his cloak until part of it covered her. Just as the cold awakens us, Boaz probably woke with a chill and reached down to grab his blanket. Imagine his surprise when he awoke to find a woman at his feet!  In his stupor of sleep, Boaz asked who was there. Ruth, with uncharacteristic boldness, finally asked Boaz to marry her.  She claimed him by asking him to be her kinsman-redeemer.  Ruth 3:9  He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.”  What a surprise wake-up call! This sweet request from a beautiful young lady was a thrilling moment for this much older man. Ruth chose Boaz over a redeemer who might have been younger or wealthier. 

Using scripture to interpret scripture, Ezekiel 16:8 explains the idiom Ruth used to ask the favor of marriage boldly. “When I passed by you again and saw you, behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine.”  In an everlasting love for His bride, the church, the Lord completed the same tasks for the church that Naomi asked of Ruth.  Ezek 16:9 “Then I bathed you with water and washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I clothed you also with embroidered cloth and shod you with fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk.”  Our God has covered His garment over us, claiming us as his own.

 Friends, God worked in the heart of Boaz from the beginning.  Boaz chose to protect, provide food, and encourage Ruth throughout the six weeks of both wheat and barley harvest. He watched her daily and witnessed her hard work, commitment, and love for Naomi. As Boaz watched Ruth’s commitment to Naomi, God revealed to Boaz that Ruth was committed to him. However, Ruth had to be the one to claim her redeemer. Like Ruth, we are the only ones who can claim the Lord as our redeemer. Once we claim Him, Jesus himself has already done the work of washing us from our sins, anointing us with the Holy Spirit, and dressing us in His robe of righteousness. Jesus is our kinsman-redeemer. With a heart of thanksgiving, we can come boldly before His throne and claim Him, asking that He will cover us with the corner of His garment. As in the love story of Boaz and Ruth, in His infinite love, God has already accepted those who claim Him.

Dear God, even though we are doubtful and reluctant, you have already offered to cover any believer who calls upon Your name. Thank you for this love story that reflects Your commitment and love for us. Thank you for washing us, anointing us, and clothing us with your righteousness. You alone, have done the work of redemption. Help us to humble ourselves on the threshing floor of our lives and accept Your gifts of redemption, grace, and mercy. In the name of Jesus, our Redeemer, amen.

 

Application question: Ruth’s character was displayed for all in Bethlehem to see. Her character and faithfulness to Naomi drew the heart of Boaz to her. How might your character and faithfulness draw others to seek the love and redemption of Christ?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday our pastor took us deep into scripture using Esther 4 and 5 as our main texts for study. From these chapters, we examined Esther 4:14 “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This month’s post highlights a wonderful example of God calling a servant, who listened and followed that call, even though none of the details were at all clear. I am sharing this true story with permission from guest writer, and dear friend, Valerie Moore. Val sends out a weekly update and I was so touched by this message and its spotlight on how God works even when we don’t see it. He works in multiple places, multiple ways, and with multiple people, It was such a great tie-in to Sunday’s message that I was prompted to share this special story with you. I pray that you will be blessed through it as well. From Val’s September 27th, Tuesday Newsday Here’s how God has been working through your prayers for our teachers’ visas. Backstory: 1st grade teacher applies for visa in May and is told she will have it within 90 days.  More than 90 days later, visa is still at large and the only “answer” (non-answer) from the consulate is, “You just have to wait.”  I have a conversation with the school administrator about my son’s class, like, “Is my kid starting school this fall??” And she says, “I really don’t know what we are going to do.  I’ve explored every possible solution.”  I recalled my Bible reading in Exodus where God’s people cry out and say, “Do you not see our suffering? Have you forgotten us?” but God had NOT forgotten them.  In fact, He was already working on a solution.  A baby.  A baby that would take 40 years to grow, then 40 more years to train as a shepherd in the wilderness so he would be ready to lead God’s people out of Egypt.  I said to the administrator, “I don’t know what the solution is, but I know there is one.  God is doing something, but we don’t see what it is.”  She assured me 80 years was not her timetable and we laughed (nervously). Meanwhile, on this side of the Atlantic: School begins.  Moms of first graders rearrange their schedules to be able to sub here and there.  “I can come Monday, but I have xxxxxx on Tuesday.” “Ok, I can do Tuesday morning, but I’m committed to xxxxxx in the afternoon” and on the planning went for the first 2 weeks of school.  By the third week, no moms were available due to prior ministry commitments, travel, hosting U.S. missions’ teams, etc. Meanwhile, on the U.S. side of the Atlantic: A teacher is seriously injured in an accident and is put on sick leave for a time.  When she returns, her position has been filled.  When she seeks another position within the school system, none are available, funding has been cut, blah blah blah.  It is suggested to her that she retire early because she is “old” which is undesirable.  She feels so rejected, devalued, and hung out to dry.  She is forced into retirement in March, but April 1 decides she will not pout about it and is going to find what the Lord would have her do instead.  To hold herself accountable, she makes a Facebook post that says, “I will not cocoon” and makes it known that she’s looking for the Lord’s leading.  A friend in Portugal sees the post and invites her to come for a month to visit and see what the Lord is doing here.  As she prepares for the trip, 3 different people share with her that they feel she will actually be gone longer than a month, which seems odd, but she does take note of their comments. One was her adult son who walked away from the Lord after the tragic loss of his child to cancer.  In fact, her son partially funded this “mission/vision trip” and encouraged her to stay as long as the Lord could use her here.  This was an unexpected (and in her words) a miraculous change of tune from her son.  Upon her arrival, she was involved with the host missionary’s church in some outreaches.  The host missionary brought her to the school one day to see what was going on there.  She said she immediately felt like the Lord was prompting her to be involved.  She asked if there was any way she could help at the school – clean, help organize the library, whatever.  The administrator shared our need of a more appropriate/permanent substitute for the 1st grade class while we wait for our teacher’s visa.  She said that if she could get her visa extended by a month, she would be happy to stay.  She was immediately able to extend the visa for a month – to which we all said, “HOW?????”  All of us who have been victim to this bureaucracy were amazed at the speed and simplicity of the answer. I found all of this out by simply stopping by the 1st grade classroom after school to meet and welcome her.  I was amazed as she shared the details of her story.  Long before we even knew we had a problem and began fretting and wondering how it would be resolved, God was already speaking to and working in this teacher.  Just as I had been assured by God’s Word, He WAS working a solution, but it was in His way and in His timeframe.  I assured her that if she felt rejected or undervalued where she was, surely she has come to a place where she is so wanted and absolutely valued.  I committed to pray with her that, just as God has used her as an answer to our prayers, that God would use the mission’s effort in Portugal as an answer to hers for God’s work in her son’s life, as this trip has already opened avenues of conversation he has been unwilling to engage in for a long time.  As always, God cares about the big and small details of our lives, is always working His plan, and is ever faithful. Have you been praying for something for a long time?  For 80 years? God does hear you.  His solution will come in His way and His time. We can rest in the fact that His ways and thoughts are always higher and better than ours. Have a great week and please continue to pray for the visa. Phillippians 1:6 “being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in your will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Dear Father, Thank you for your work in our lives. Thank you that you hear and answer prayers. Help us to wait with wonder and anticipation as we watch for your answers in your perfect way and your perfect timing. Help us to be found faithful in waiting, and ready to step forward and serve when you call.  Prepare our hearts so that we will recognize, be ready and respond to the appointments that you direct in our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen Guest Writer: Valerie Moore Val is a dear friend from our Lisbon area school (GLCA) and church. She and her husband along with Adam and Melissa Gibson together planted and pastor the church Igreja Baptista Evangélica das Colinas. Val is mom to 3 busy, wonderful children, a music teacher at GLCA, a Bible Study leader for women’s ministries at IBEC, and I could go on and on. I thank her for allowing me to share this story.

 

Update on Chuck and me: We returned from our vision trip to Zambia at the very end of September. One day later I left for a women’s sabbath retreat. Upon my return from the retreat, we had one day to pack and then take off for New Mexico where we visited and helped our son and his family for 3 weeks. We praise the Lord for travel mercies across continents and states and are now settling down into our daily routines until we leave again for Lisbon and teaching at GLCA in mid-January. We thank you for your continued prayers for us and our families in our absence. Linda and Chuck, Retired and Ready to Serve

 

 

 

My husband and I have been blessed with health and mobility, allowing us to hike in numerous locations across the US and Europe. Few experiences top the exhilaration of scanning the horizon from a mountaintop view. Unfortunately, the incline, angle, shale, and craggy rocks on a path sometimes steal from the scene while we constantly look for safe landings for our feet. The Ute Trail, high in the Rocky Mountains, is riddled with rocks

protruding from the uneven ground, making every step hazardous. Great caution was required as we hiked the steep decline to the Azores  Lagoa do Fogo,  Lake of Fire. Each footfall on the giant steps required mIndful navigation. We wanted to soak in each experience to its fullest. Therefore, we had to make a conscious effort to stop, look out, and look up. Without such steps, we would have missed the wonder of these and many more breathtaking panoramas.

Sadly, I have become so accustomed to looking down that even on daily walks, I catch myself examining the path instead of looking up. Day by day, I must consciously look out and up to enjoy the blue of the sky, the shapes and colors of the trees and woods, and the reflective mirror of ponds and lakes. This morning as I was walking, I pondered this.  How much of our lives do we spend looking down instead of looking out and up? My daily look down keeps my focus on hazards along the path. My focus is on me; my anxiety, hurts and pains of the past, errors in judgment, mistakes, and shortcomings. While I slowly navigate the ruts of life, I never see the beauty of the view. My focus is on what was and the difficulties of the moment. 

When I look outward, I respond to the beauty of the day. I feel the warmth of the sun on my face. I greet those that I meet along the way. I notice the world around me because my perspective changes from me to others.

Phil 2:4 “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” NKJV

When I look up, I behold the expanse of blue. I am awestruck at the revolving shapes and movements of the clouds, the daily journey of the sun and moon, the wonders of our universe. My perspective again changes as I experience a shift in both thoughts, and focus. When I look up, I have positioned myself to stand in awe of my Lord and God, the Creator of the Universe.

Psalm 5:3 “ My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.”

Luke 21:28 (NKJV) “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

Dear friends, I encourage you to break the habit of looking down. Instead, be purposeful and look up to your Heavenly Father who will keep you from stumbling. (Jude 24)  Remove your focus of worry and anxiety. 1Pe 5:7 “Casting all of your anxiety upon him for he cares for you.”

(ESV) Psalm 80:14 “Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see: have regard for this vine…”

Dear Father, Thank you for the wonder of each day and the expanse of the horizon before me. Help me to take my focus off self and instead look up to the needs of others. I know that when I reach out to help or support others, you bring healing to my own heart. Help me have the courage to look up and climb to the mountain top, where I stand in wonder and awe of your goodness. Thank you that you have redeemed me. Your love and care give me hope for a future and the strength to look out and up.  I can declare with boldness that I am loved. Rom 8:16 “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God.”

In Jesus name,  Amen.

The Plans of Man

Don’t you just hate it when plans don’t work out as expected. This past month has been a series of plans that fell through, one after another. A much anticipated trip to see our son and family turned into 2 weeks of illness and recovery for all of us. Our plans for work around the house, fishing with the family, spending time with my sister and her husband, were all scratched in a moment’s notice. Our date to head home was planned around an appointment which was canceled after we left. The graduation invitation for our granddaughter was altered to only the immediate family because of the weather. The birthday celebration for a grandson was postponed due to illness.

We have all been there. While our changes in plans were not at all what we had envisioned, they were simply inconveniences. Many have faced plans or dreams that were cut short due to a terrifying diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, a severe injury or need for surgery, a marriage that is crumbling, children who have gone astray. The list could go on and on. Our altered plans were insignificant in comparison to what some have endured.

Our inconveniences included 3 weeks of plans that were tossed into the air and vaporized in a moment’s notice. We had a choice for each one, we could be frustrated by it, or we could find the good in the moment and have a grateful heart for the sweet times that we did have, the extra time with grandchildren, the quiet, intimate conversations with loved ones. None of these would have occurred in the rush and hustle of normal daily life.

God’s Word reminds us of the futility of our plans.

Plans of man:

Proverbs 16:1 “The plans of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”

Luke 16:16-21 – “And he told them a parable saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 

But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

In contrast the plans of the Lord are always sure.

Psalms 33:10 – “The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.”

Psalms 33:11 – “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”

Isaiah 25:1 “O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans from of old, faithful and sure.”

Proverbs 16:9 “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”

In the epistle of James we are reminded that our plans should always be held with a loose hand. 

James 4:15 “Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

 

How can we be a light to the world if we rant and rage with frustration over changes in our plans? May the Lord help us to instead accept each challenge with humility, knowing in our hearts that He is good, that He wants what is best for us. May we be a reflection of God and His goodness.  While our plans have gone astray in our minds, none of this was a surprise to our all-knowing God. The Lord will help us to declare as Job did, Job 1:21 “And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Help us to join the Psalmist in his praises, Psalm 106:1 – “Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!’

Psalm 113:2 “Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore!”

 

Dear Heavenly Father,

We have so much to be thankful for. We praise you for the good things that you have done. Help us to not be frustrated when our planning goes astray. Help us to instead see your hand at work moving us on a different path, possibly protecting us, or in some way directing us to do your will. Thank you that you do establish our steps and that nothing is a surprise to you, but that it is your purpose that will stand firm.

In the name of Jesus we pray,

Amen

I have a fun turquoise belt that I purchased years ago. It still looks new.  I wanted to wear it, I tried to wear it over the years. Yes, tried. As much as I like the belt, I just can’t pull off the look I desire. It ends up back in the closet hanging on a hook. 

In God’s Word we learn about one belt that will never go out of style. It fits all sizes and shapes, and is necessary for everyday wear. Ephesian 6:14 tells us that this belt is the first piece of armor that Christ followers must put on daily. “Stand therefore having fastened on the belt of truth…”  

In a world that is full of people who are quick to share their own opinion, life can become confusing unless one is grounded in truth. What is truth? Even Pilate asked this of Jesus. Roman culture in many ways was not unlike ours today. It was an eclectic mix of high culture, fashion, the arts, and renowned architecture. Spectacular cities were a hub of trade and a mix of people groups. The elite of society felt it was their right to overindulge in any way they so desired. However, within this culture was rampant moral decay, sexual perversion, accepted abuse, and renown murder of select people and or people groups for the entertainment pleasure of the day. People were bought and sold, demoralized, and treated according to the desire of the owner or the governing leaders. In whatever way they desired, people satisfied their political, physical, and sexual desires, convincing themselves and others that all was okay. It sounds all too familiar.  

During Pilot’s discourse with Jesus just prior to his crucifixion, Jesus declared his purpose for coming into this world. John 18:37-38 “Then Pilate said to him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into this world-to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.’ Pilate said to him, ‘What is truth?’”

“What is truth?”  Pilate was questioning the existence of an absolute truth. He, a governing leader, along with many within that cultured society, defined their own truth according to desires of the day. Friends, we have access to “truth” that never changes.

Hebrews 13: 3  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  

1 Samuel 15:29 (NIV)  “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind. “  

Numbers 23:19 “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”

John 8:32 “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Romans 8: 2 “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

 

The belt of truth is not an accessory like my turquoise belt. It is not a belt that one should pick and choose as to whether this is the day to wear it. The belt of truth is a critical piece of protection that Christ followers must put on daily. It is the first item in the armor of God, (Eph 6:10-19) the first item that must be put on. However, in order to wear the belt of truth we need to know truth. This can only be done by spending time in God’s Word. These are not my suggestions or opinions. God’s Word directly states, 2 Tim 2:15 (ESV) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” The KJV actually uses the word “study”, “Study to shew thyself approved…”

We must study in order to know truth, so that we will not be misled by the lies of this world, the lies of the enemy. Pure, unchanging truth is found only within the pages of God’s Word. Do not let the lies of this world persuade you to live in opposition to what God’s Word clearly states as wrong. Study, so that you will know truth and live it.

 

Dear Jesus, Thank you for your Word that never changes. Thank you that I can come to you when in doubt. Thank you that your Word is given to me so that I can know truth and that your truth is always the same, regardless of the year, the culture, or the circumstances. Help me to know truth and recognize deception, so that I can escape the lies of the enemy and the folly of this world. Lord grant me wisdom so that I will not be easily swayed by the popular culture of the world. Help me to be grounded in your Word, which is truth.  In Jesus’ name, amen.