Taking Some Time Off

I'm taking a few weeks off from blogging to enjoy the summer with my family and work on some deadlines. I'll be back soon!

Friday Reflection

"The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him,
and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him."

Psalm 28:7

Early Will I Seek You

I used to be an early riser. I just couldn't help myself. Maybe it was the cartoons calling when I was a kid or the hope of a new day with each new sunrise when I was older. In summer time it was the same thing. It was great getting up before the heat set in. The earth seemed to crackle awake as the sun began to warm everything up, and I wanted to be first to enjoy every minute of it.

I've noticed as I get older that it's becoming more difficult to spring out of bed so easily. My body seems to be a bit more tired, and I appreciate the few extra minutes I can spend in the covers. But when a friend told me of her challenge to wake up early each morning to do her Bible reading (especially when all her life she hated getting up early), I wanted to be an active supporter. I wanted to get up at 5 a,m., too, to do my own Bible reading, and to pray that my friend can accomplish her goal of changing her morning habits.

To be honest, it hasn't been as easy as I thought. Oh, I get up all right; but I'm sooo tired. But I do it anyway. I want to hear the Lord without the distractions of my kids home for summer vacation. I want to spend more than my normal 15 minutes reading my Bible each day. If it takes 3 weeks to start a new habit, I'm about a third of the way there. I know eventually it will be easier, so I just have to be persistent until it all clicks together.

In the meantime, I'm really hearing from the Lord. I started a prayer journal, writing a bit of my thoughts before I open my Bible. It has really been a blessing. Then, I do a bit of research into some of the key words, which has really wowed me a couple of times with how much God wants to speak to us through His Word.

Are you hearing from the Lord clearly? Maybe you need to seek Him early, too. You will be greatly blessed by your time.

A Patriotic Friday Reflection

In honor of the 4th of July this Sunday, my Scripture for today is the same one that is found on the Liberty Bell that rang to proclaim our freedom from England on July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was read to crowds in front of the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall):

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land
unto all inhabitants thereof."
Leviticus 25:10

Reminders

We are a people of limited memory. Sure, we may be good at remembering numbers or vast pieces of trivia. But how often do we remember how much God loves us, or how He has promised to never leave us or forsake us?

When times are going well, I remember how awesome He is. But often in those difficult and trying times, I admit I forget about all those instances (and, boy, there are many!) when God has come through with flying colors. We can trust His promises found in the Bible. Since God cannot lie, we can be assured that our needs will be taken care of, we will never be alone, and His grace is sufficient.

How about you? Do you need some reminders every now and then on just how wonderful God is? Grab your Bible. Read through His promises, and then rejoice!

Trust. Believe. Expect.

It's hard to stay focused and encouraged when life throws curve balls. We see engulfing situations instead of hopeful solutions. Part of that is because we can't see the end results. Our minds can't comprehend how things could possibly be worked out. But we need to hold on. We need to remember that the God who makes the sun rise and set each day, who made manna come down from heaven, and who created all things, loves you and is working on the best possible outcome.

What must we do? Trust, believe, and expect. Like the father whose child was demon possessed said to Jesus, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) And the Lord did great things for that family!

Friday Reflection

"To You, O my Strength,
I will praises;
for God is my defense,
my God of mercy."

Psalm 59:17