Author: mercyfortheday

Like A Shepherd

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There is a rift in our world. A rift caused by mandates, politics, social justice issues, divisiveness and ideologies. We are being pulled apart by evil forces. Oh Lord, I ask that you heal the rift. Bring us together to have meaningful conversations. Help us, regardless of our stand on issues, to be open to hearing another viewpoint. But always, Lord, always point us back to you. Point us back to the need for salvation and forgiveness of sins. Point us to the babe in the manager who was born so we could be delivered from eternal condemnation.

We are in a spiritual battle, as never before in our lifetime. Oh. There has always been trouble. People have always disagreed with each other. Political parties have tried for centuries to destroy the opposition. Sports teams have always had rivalries. Wars break out and will continue to do so. Animosity is forever a part of history. But this is different. This battle is spiritual. At its core, evil forces are moving. Wreaking havoc. And we must be on guard. Because this battle is for our soul. And we need the babe born in a stable. Born to be the Savior of the world to fight this battle for us. We need Him now more than ever.

We need this Savior to shepherd us in the path of life. As we face every decision, temptation and trial down the winding road, we need a Savior. And so we ask. Savior, like a shepherd lead us.

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care. In thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare. Oh. Heavenly Father. How we need your tender care. Not just in this season, but in every season of life. Your tender care and mercies carry us through the disappointments, hurts and trials of life. Only you can lead us in the path we should go. For we know that those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. We ask that you prepare your folds with plenty, so we can be well fed in your pleasant pastures. We hunger for your presence and for your sustaining grace.

We are Thine, Thou dost befriend us, be the Guardian of our way. Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray. Even when we stray, Father, we pray that you will be our friend. Be the guardian of our way. Seek us out when we stray from your will and from your presence. As our friend, we ask for your strong defense when we can no longer defend ourselves. When we are at the end of our rope, pull us back into the safety of your loving arms.

Thou has promised to receive us, poor and sinful though we be. Thou has mercy to relieve us, grace to cleanse and power to free. Your mercy is new every morning, Father. Your Word says so. We ask that you extend your mercy to our broken, poor and sinful selves. Cleanse us from all our sins and free us from the power of sin. Make us white as snow, with the mercy you provide for today. We ask that you break the chains that bind us. Shower us with grace in our moments of failure.

Early let us seek Thy favor, early let us do thy will. Blessed Lord and only Savior, with Thy love our bosoms fill. Help us, Father, to seek you early and often. Nudge us and make us aware of your love. Fill us with your presence and guide us to do the works that you have called us to do. Your will is the only will we must follow. For you will not lead us astray.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus. Thou hast loved us, love us still. We know, Father, that nothing can remove us from your love. And for that we give you thanks. We don’t deserve your love. But oh, how we need it. We are broken and battered by sin. The scars of our faults and failures are on full display for you to see. Yet you love us still. Your love is everlasting. For eternity. And we are eternally grateful.

For Thine is the power and the glory forever. Amen.

The Messenger

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His parents waited many years for him to come along. They were a barren couple. No children and now old age had somehow crept in. Until one day, Zechariah received a visit from an angel of the Lord announcing that he would be a father. Oh. Zechariah was so pleased and in disbelief that he was tongue tied. He wasn’t able to speak from that day until his son’s birth announcement. Zechariah was able to announce that his son was to be named John.

The angel told him wonderful things about this child who was to be born. His son would grow to be a man, and would be great in the eyes of the Lord. He was called to a special assignment. He was to prepare the people for the ministry of Jesus Christ.

But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never touch wine or other alcoholic drinks. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. And he will turn many Israelites to the Lord their God. He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” Luke 1:13-17

John was a voice calling in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming. As he taught, the people would ask what they should do. John’s response was straight and to the point. If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry. He told the corrupt tax collectors to collect no more taxes than the government requires. And to the soldiers, he said not to extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.

John knew he was the messenger for the Promised Messiah. He knew there was one coming who was greater than himself. John was comfortable with that. He didn’t try to be the Messiah. He was paving the way for One to come after him. He was the voice calling to the crowds that a new King was coming.

This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord ’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ ” Mark 1:1-3

Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15

Now we too must share the message of the One who is coming. We too must share the good news of His promised return. Oh. He has already come to the earth as the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. He who was hunted as a child. The twelve year old who knew he must be about his Father’s business. The young man who learned the trade of his earthly father. And at age thirty, he started a ministry that turned the world on its heels. And for three short years, his message rang out for those who would listen.

Oh. He was rejected in his own hometown. People thought he was trying to be someone he wasn’t. After all. He was the son of a carpenter. He wasn’t God. That’s what they said. But little did they know. Little did they believe.

But he was God. And he’s still God. And before he returned to heaven, he suffered and died on a cross. He had a thorn of crowns shoved into his head. His clothes were torn in two. His side was pierced. And with his last breath, he was ushered into heaven to sit at the right hand of his Father. He is waiting there today for all His children.

And today that message is ours to share. We who have repented of our sins and called on his name for forgiveness are now called to share the good news of salvation. We are now the messengers calling others to repentance. Not in a superior tone of voice. But in love and grace. Because just as we have been saved from our sins, we want the world to also share in that forgiveness. But one must ask for this free gift.

The One who is greater than us is returning to gather his people. We don’t know when that day will come, but it’s getting closer. Signs point to the nearness of the time of his return.

Our message today is that there is one coming who is greater than us. Are you ready to meet him?

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The Act of Obedience

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She was a teenage girl engaged to be married. She and her fiancé were waiting to consummate the marriage. And then she received a visit from an angel who shared with her that she had been chosen for a very important role in history. She was going to have a baby, the Son of God. And she agreed to do this with just one question. How can this happen since I am a virgin?

Mary believed the words of the angel. She accepted the fact that she had been chosen to carry the Son of God in her womb. She agreed to be his mother. She didn’t argue with the angel. She accepted all the knowns and the unknowns. She had no idea how this baby would upend her life. For the rest of her life. But she laid down her will and plans for a simple life and followed the will of her Heavenly Father.

I wonder. Did Mary, a teenage girl, ever wonder why she was chosen to be the mother of the Son of God? Oh. She may have wondered. The Bible says that she pondered things in her heart. She knew her son was different, but she followed God’s plan.

Mary was a woman after God’s own heart. This was confirmed by her visit to Elizabeth, as she sang allegiance to Him in affirmation of her obedience to this heavenly request.

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Luke 1:46-55

God chose you out of all the people of the earth as his cherished personal treasure. Deuteronomy 14:2

Joseph has his own side of this story. When he learned that Mary was pregnant, he knew he could divorce her. Because having a child outside of marriage could bring ridicule and shame on her for the rest of her life. And she was only a teenager. Did he want to raise another man’s child? Joseph considered divorce, but he was a good man. He was a godly man. And when an angel appeared to him in a dream, Joseph learned that Mary had been faithful to him. This child was God’s. Joseph believed the angel, and he willingly agreed to obey God. He would not divorce Mary. Joseph agreed to marry a woman who was pregnant with someone else’s child. He would not walk away from her.

Joseph later had other dreams where God gave him instructions. Each time, God warned him to leave his location or not to move to a specific place. God was guiding Joseph to protect the life of the child who didn’t carry his DNA. He never once questioned God’s commands. He obeyed without hesitation.

Joseph was a man after God’s own heart. He was the stand in earthly father to the Son of God. Imagine the thoughts he must have had when he laid his head on his pillow at night. What am I doing? Who do I think I am? Trying to be a father to this boy who is God. But he never backed down from the assignment.

I wonder. Did Joseph ever doubt that he had made the wrong decision? Did he wonder if he could do the job that he was tasked with? Did he wonder if he was capable of being father to a boy who was God himself? Oh. He may have. But he didn’t walk away from the call. He didn’t back down from obeying God. He walked into the path God set before him and kept on walking the road of obedience.

Obedience to God’s leading doesn’t mean that trials and troubles won’t come our way. Oh. They will. And they will be many. But the peace and joy of knowing we’re doing as God commanded will sustain us through those trying times.

God is sovereign. He has the power, authority and wisdom to do anything he chooses. He prepared Mary and Joseph to take on the task of parenting this child of heavenly royalty. God knew what he was doing in asking these two unsuspecting ones to birth and raise the holy Son of God. And they trusted him without question.

Oh. God has not asked me to do the hard task of raising his son. He doesn’t need to. He favored Mary and gave her that responsibility. But the role he has for me is still as important. In its own right. Because it’s the simple yet complicated act of obedience that sets us apart as his own. Yes. Obedience is simple yet very complicated. Simple because all we need to do is say yes. Complicated because the path is unknown and perhaps uncertain. But the Way Maker is the one who will provide the certainty and the courage. He’ll make the way when there seems to be no way. Our task is simply to follow.

Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.

C.S. Lewis

Long Expected Jesus

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The people had been told for centuries that someone was coming to be their Savior. This was a promise and a prophecy that had yet to be fulfilled. The promise was for a new covenant that would replace the laws. This covenant would put in place the salvation of sins. Because this promised Messiah would die in their place. For their sins. He was to be the Savior of the world.

The Scriptures told details of the promised Messiah. He would be born of a woman. She would be a virgin giving birth to a baby. An assumed impossibility. This baby would be born in Bethlehem. He would be a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah. He was in line to sit on the throne of King David. Yet his reign would be eternal. He would be called Immanuel.

And so they waited.

Once he was born, some recognized the significance of his birth. Angels announced his arrival to shepherds. But life was not without risk for this newborn. Magi had told King Herod that an heir to the throne of David had been born, and they had come from a distant land to worship him. Herod knew his reign and legacy were at risk. So he had to act quick. This is when he ruled all boys aged two and under must be eliminated.

After the Magi’s visit, the family escaped to Egypt to avoid being discovered. Joseph had been warned in a dream to move, in order to save the life of the One who would die to save us from our sins.

Oh. But trouble continued to follow this man, Jesus. He didn’t ask for trouble. He came to bring peace. But a messenger would come before him to pave the way. This forerunner’s message would open the hearts of the hearers in preparation for the message of the Promised One. This Messiah, a prophet nonetheless, would be rejected by his own people. They would plot and plan ways to be rid of him. They would falsely accuse him. The religious leaders tried to trick him, but they failed at every turn. He outsmarted each and every attempt. At times, he just remained silent. Let them look the fools they were. After all, he was God in human form. Did they not realize it?

Oh. He bore our sins on the cross and suffered in our place. He bled and died so that we would have eternal life, if only we accept him as Lord and Savior of our lives.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. Isaiah 9:6-7

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Charles Wesley

There were many prophecies that Jesus fulfilled in his lifetime. Some have yet to be accomplished. Because Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection weren’t the only prophecies. After his resurrection from the dead, he ascended to heaven to take his place at the right hand of God the Father. He will fulfill another prophecy by returning to take his people home. His return will break the eastern sky and draw all believers to heaven. So, we’re once again waiting for Jesus. We’re waiting for his return.

And now this world of weary believers is asking for Jesus to come once again. He fulfilled the first promise of coming as a man to save the lost. He has fulfilled the promised covenant. For we all are lost and in need of a Savior.  Now please do it again. Come to take your people home. We long for eternity with King Jesus. 

We await the wedding feast that he is preparing for us, his bride. Those who are invited to the wedding feast are called blessed. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. May his name be praised.

Oh, come thou long expected Jesus.

He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14

Verdict

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The jury signaled they had made a decision. The judge called the families into the courtroom. Instructions were given to those in attendance. No verbal reaction to the verdict was allowed. Or law enforcement would escort the vocal responders out of the courtroom. The defendant stood to hear his fate. Each count was read with the decision. At the end of the reading, the defendant collapsed with relief. He was acquitted of all charges.

The judge asked the jury if the verdict was unanimous. Yes. They said. This eighteen year old man is now free to live his life. He could walk out of that courtroom as a free man. He could no longer be tried for these offenses ever again.

Regardless, this young man’s life is now forever changed. He’s already been receiving police protection for many months. He will most likely be forced to move out of state and become incognito for awhile. His career plans may have to be rethought. He’s been offered a possible internship. But when will his life ever return to normal? Or, is this his new normal? Life will never be the same.

Some are calling him a hero. Others say he’s a fool. He says he acted in self defense. Others call him a domestic terrorist. A white supremacist. We could argue back and forth for hours. We’re a country divided. We’re a country that needs to get back to loving and obeying God.

Tragedy doesn’t usually give you a heads up. It just happens. And then the next events are crucial for all involved. That’s exactly what happened in this young man’s situation. Some say he shouldn’t have ever gotten involved that night. He was too young. Too inexperienced. Too eager to be a hero. But the events of that night are forever forged in our nation’s history. There is no going back.

Do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Once again, the country is torn by a legal decision. Some believe this young man should have been put in prison for life with no chance of parole. Others believe the right decision was made. There will, no doubt, be many strong discussions about this verdict. What did the defense do right? What did the prosecution do wrong? And vice versa. Could or should anything have been done differently?

News outlets and social media are all ablaze with opinions and legal analysis. Influencers are sharing their uneducated opinions on the outcome of the trial. Some of their followers are unfollowing them, because their beliefs are at an obvious difference. And everyone has a choice of who they follow and who they don’t. Influencers are also blocking people who sharply disagree, because they don’t want naysayers clogging their feed.

Some are calling for rioting in the city. Others are begging for peace. Some disagree with the verdict, but they’re asking for everyone to accept the judgment. Some cities are rioting. Others are claiming justice was served.

It’s easy to judge someone when we haven’t walked in their shoes. We may think we know what’s best when the problem is someone else’s. It’s easy to make decisions when it affects them and not us. Because we always do the right thing. Don’t we? It’s always the other person who’s wrong. That’s what we think. Because if we think we’re right, then the other person is wrong.

The defendant, the defense team, the jury, the judge and his family have received death threats. People are taking this case personally. Some have decided that racism is involved. Others don’t agree. Can we we find any common ground? Can’t we come to the table and discuss our differences? Can we agree to disagree? Can we no longer seek peace and pursue it? Why are we so divided these days?

I read that it’s easy to take a stand when it doesn’t cost you anything. So what’s the answer? We’ve got to get America back to God.

I wonder. What would happen if we actually did what was right? What if we truly loved mercy? And what if we put all our effort into walking humbly with our God? This world would be in much different shape than it is today. The only verdict we would be waiting for would be when we enter eternity and hear the words “Welcome home, my child. Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter into your eternal reward.”

Shall We Pray

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Heavenly Father,

We humbly bow before you once again asking for your help as we see the evil that surrounds us. We know that your will is being accomplished in the world today. We thank you for loving us even though we have turned from following your commands. We ask for your mercy as we navigate the winding path called life. We need your guiding hand upon us.

In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth. You made the heavens with your hands. You have said that these things will perish, but you will never change.

Your throne, O God, endures forever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You will always be the same. Yesterday. Today. And forever.

You have loved us with an everlasting love, and yet we continue to run from you. As if you are someone to run from. Because even though we run, you still see us. You still know all about us. We can’t run far enough from your love.

Oh Father. Your name is holy. Your son, Jesus Christ, is God himself. He humbled himself and was born a human baby. He gave up his divine privileges to become a helpless baby and then move through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. He experienced every temptation known to man. And yet he did not sin. He died a cruel and painful death on a criminal’s cross. For my sins. For everyone’s sins. Oh. And they are many. So he is now elevated at the place of highest honor. And you’ve given him the name above all names. And at the appointed time, every knee will bow at the mention of his name.

We understand that every act on this earth is ordained by you. Your will is always accomplished. Difficulties in our lives are opportunities for us to draw closer to you. To learn to trust you and depend on your guidance. To know you better. All our days are determined by you. You know what’s coming. And you know where we’ve been. You see us even today. Our days are numbered.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

We can’t run from judgment day. Because at the end, we will stand before you in judgment. You have said that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Lord, you hate the way of the wicked, but you love those who pursue godliness. Your eyes roam throughout the earth, and you examine everyone closely. You watch those who call on your name, and you watch those who reject your name. No one escapes your eye. You see our coming and our going. Our ways are fully known by you.

Help us to listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we will drift from it. For your message has always stood firm. And for those who haven’t listened and obeyed the truth, I pray that their hearts will soften to things eternal. I ask that you send a godly person to speak truth and to share the message of salvation with them. Oh. How we all need you.

I pray that you will forgive us our sins and give us the will to forgive those who have sinned against us. Help us not to give in to temptation. Please. Please. Deliver us from the evil one.

Meet us at our point of need. And at our point of praise. Make us aware of your presence. Make us aware of our faults, our flaws, our failures, our fears, our weaknesses. As we seek you, may we relax in your love and forgiveness, your grace and mercy. Remind us of your faithfulness and your sacrifice. For we know we were bought with a price. A heavy price of death on the cross for your only son, Jesus Christ. May we be eternally thankful for your sacrifice and gift of forgiveness.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen

Changing Seasons

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I have a short fuse these days, and it seems to only be getting shorter. I feel like I’m blowing up at too many things. And too often. I’m not stopping to think about the consequences of what I might be saying to others. I’m not stopping to think how this is going to impact them. Will I insult them? Or will I encourage them to be better? Or will they see my point of view? I don’t know. And I have to step back and figure out the purpose of my words. Why am I so short tempered these days? Do I know?

Actually. Yes. Yes, I do know. One phase of my life is coming to an end.

And I’m ready to move on to the next chapter. But I’ve been asked to extend this phase for another month. And it’s annoying me. Sure. I could have said no, but I didn’t. So I guess for one thing, I’m annoyed with myself. And the second thing. I’m annoyed with the ones who’ve asked me to continue on for another month, because they’re not planning ahead. They’re not making preparations to fill my role in a timely manner. And so it’s going to clog up the system and require others take over my work when their workload is already stretched. But I can’t do anything about any of this. Because my plans are made. I have agreed to the extension of time, so I will continue working.

Just last week, I had to voice my concern about a situation that was causing bottlenecks in our business. I expressed my thoughts privately and confidentially. And now I find that others are at odds with my opposition to their selfishness. But they don’t know I was the one who complained. They don’t know I was the one who voiced my concerns about their actions. But not only that, I find I’m just annoyed with a lot of things, and I can’t keep quiet. And I don’t feel comfortable about any of this. I also know that I’m not comfortable voicing all my concerns. I need to temper my words. I need to step back. I need to make sure that my words honor God. And I need to make sure that my words honor the image bearers of God I’m speaking to and the ones I’m speaking about. And sometimes I just don’t want to. I’m convicted about that, because that is a sin. And I need to be better than that. I can be better than that. I have to want to be better than that. It’s hard and, in my imperfections, I need to seek God more than I’ve ever sought him before.

My heart is detached from my work. It’s been detaching for months now. In the near future, the ties will be severed. It’s difficult to care when your work isn’t your passion.  But a paycheck shouldn’t be the only driver for contentment. For we only long for more. A raise. A bonus. A pat on the back. A promotion. The pay is never enough. We always want just a little bit more.  And over time, the more we’ve been given seems not to be enough. We’re never satisfied.

Basically, I have senioritis. That disease that high school and college seniors get when they’re close to graduation. They’re just done with all the requirements. All the demands. All the expectations. All the deadlines. It’s time for a new phase to begin.

Our work is our calling. Or perhaps it’s better said that our calling is our work. And too many of us miss that calling and settle for far less. For far too long. And we’re miserable.

 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

We had our first frost of the season this week, signaling the end of life for all annual flowers and plants. The flowers that just the day before had looked hopeful and promising met an untimely death. Their season was cut short. But really, it wasn’t. The annuals don’t have a long life. They’re grown to flower and spread cheer for one short summer season. And now their work is done. Their season of life is over. I knew this day would come, the day I planted them.

As I bent in the dirt this morning to remove the debris of the summer flowers, I realized I was making way for something new to take its place in the spring. Each summer evening, I would walk the marigold path and deadhead the spent flowers. Instead of removing those deadheads from the garden, I would toss them on the ground near the flowering plants. I didn’t want to be inconvenienced by removing them, so I left them discarded in the flowerbed. But, as the summer wore on, I realized those spent flowers were not dead as I tossed them aside. Although the outside was shriveled and battered, life still remained. Those ugly dried flower heads produced new plants. And those new plants bloomed. Unknowingly, I was adding new beauty to empty places in the garden that had been overlooked. It didn’t take much thought and effort. In fact, it was an unintentional act of tossing spent blooms that produced new beauty and life.

The flowers had spent their short life blooming every day. They stood tall during the hot, steamy summer days. They’ve endured rainstorms. They’ve been whipped around by the wind. And yet they never stopped blooming.

If marigolds could think and reason, they might see the futility of their short life. They’re planted only to bloom for one short season. And then their life is over. But oh. That short blooming season provides endless hours of beauty. The short season keeps the deer at bay from ruining other plants in the garden. And that short season allows for the spread of new growth, even if unintentional. Those spent flowers don’t realize they have the capability to spread new life. But they do. Their short blooming season isn’t the end of life for them. They can seed new growth if left to their natural environment.

And now that the frosted marigolds have been removed from the bed, I notice the carrots that had been planted a few weeks ago. The leaves on the carrots are very similar to the leaves on the marigolds. Those leaves were a reminder today that as some seasons end, a new season with similar interests and opportunities await. New life is ahead.

Oh. How I’ve learned a new lesson on contentment in my current workspace. One season of my life is ending, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still have life within. There are new paths to climb. There is still worth in a body and mind that have spent many years doing meaningless work. This season is closing, but the new one brings hope and fulfillment. My momentary discontentment and frustration will soon end. But I must do the work now of planting new seed for the next season. And I must continue my current work with an improved attitude, knowing that new days await.

And that next season holds hope and promise for new adventures. But I must bide my time doing the daily work that I am entrusted with until that appointed hour. Oh. I am planning for the days ahead. I’m dreaming of new projects to fill my time. I’m also planning for more hours of intentional rest and relaxation.

Not all flowers and plants that bloom and thrive need full sun.

A Breath Away

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I read the news on social media. She lost her life today. I had worked with her in the past, and she was a kind person. She was soft spoken but firm. I remember the day she interviewed me. She was a tough interviewer. I walked away thinking I had lost the job before I was ever hired. But somehow I got the job. She became a friend. Not a close friend. But a friend.

I remember when I was later laid off from that job. She would text me to see how I was doing. She would send Bible verses to encourage me. She didn’t know how much I appreciated those texts. They were a source of strength during a tough time.

She was a believer. She loved Jesus. She is in heaven now with Him. She has seen Jesus face to face. She will be with him for eternity. She has run the race. She has finished the course. She has heard the words. Well done. Welcome home, my good and faithful servant.

But her family is still on this earth. They are grieving. They are at a huge loss. She was the family’s breadwinner. And she had recently lost her job. Her family will never see her walk through the front door again. She will never again cook dinner for them. She will never be the mother of the groom. She won’t witness her boys’ high school graduations. There is now a huge gap in her family.

Oh. She’s reunited with her mother in heaven. But her husband, sons, father and sister are mourning the fact that she is no longer with them. Their lives will be turned upside down for many months. Even years.

Three weeks ago, my coworker’s children lost their father. Unexpectedly. He was watching tv with his daughters on a Friday night, and he began experiencing erratic breathing. The girls watched as he struggled for each breath. The teenage daughter called for help. But he didn’t survive. Two girls are now without their father. Their single mother is now their sole provider. They are in the midst of grief and uncertainty. They feel like they’re walking on eggshells. They will struggle with grief for many months.

This man will never walk his girls down the aisle on their wedding day. He will never see them mature into women. He will never be able to teach them to drive. He will never again watch tv with them on a Friday night. He will never cheer them on at their softball games. This man is in eternity.

This family doesn’t have the certainty that he is in heaven. He may have never made the decision to follow Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He may have never repented of his sins. His soul may now be in hell for eternity. Let that sink in for a minute.

How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. James 4:14

At some point in each of our lives, we will lose someone close to us. It may be expected, or it may come out of the blue. Life is uncertain. The number of days we live are determined by our Maker. He alone knows when our last breath will be taken. He knows the circumstances around that last breath. He allocates each day and the happenings from sunrise to sunset. He ordains every day of our life. From the moment of our first breath to the last fighting breath we take. God is in control.

We choose how we live our lives. We choose how we respond to each trial and incident that occurs. We make mistakes. We sometimes choose wisely. We walk into situations where we shouldn’t be involved. And we walk away from situations we should make efforts to heal. We want our way, and we’ll sometimes do anything it takes to get what we want.

But it isn’t ours to decide when our life ends. We didn’t choose the moment our life was conceived. And we should allow God to be the one to choose our end date. After all, he determines the course of our days. Let’s let him choose the length of our life. Long or short. Good or bad. Painful or pain free.

Our days are not our own. Oh. We like to think we’re in control. But God allows us freedom to choose how we live. It doesn’t mean that we make good choices. But we only have one life. Let’s choose to live under God’s leading. He knows best. His ways are perfect. And if we’re living for him, it doesn’t matter the length of our life on this earth. Because the day we breathe our last breath on this earth, as a forgiven child of God, is the day we enter heaven’s gates. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Patience is a Virtue

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

It was a cool and sunny afternoon as I sat on the deck talking on the phone with a friend. We were talking about the difficulties of life. We talked through the trials of relationships and how trust needs to be earned. And at times, trust needs to be relearned. And re-earned. We lamented that men and women don’t really understand each other. We agreed that we both live a really good life, imperfect as it may be.

Oh. He is innocent of any indiscretions, and she knows it. But he acted guilty. And she is struggling with letting it go.

What is it you want? I asked.

By dwelling on the past, she can’t look to the future. By holding on to disappointments, she can’t move on to happiness. By living in fear, she can’t trust.

As I sat on the deck talking to her, I looked up at the trees. I noticed that the green leaves were slowly beginning to turn red and gold. This year, the leaves are turning to fall colors later rather than sooner. The weather’s been warm, so the loss of chlorophyll hasn’t been very orderly this year.

I’m eager to see the trees in all the splendor of fall hues. It’s mid-October, and I’m beginning to feel impatient. I’m ready for cool, crisp weather, and it’s finally beginning to appear. It’s beginning to feel like fall. Now when will the look match the feel?

I know. I’m being impatient. But I enjoy the beauty and crispness of fall. Now is the time for it.

What is it that I want?

The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9

She is a great watchdog. She hears every noise. She can see through the dark with laser accuracy. She smells every deer that she can’t see and can’t smell the deer that she does see. She takes her treats outside and leaves them in the grass or on the driveway. She makes sure those treats are safe each time she goes outside. She whines when she sees her favorite neighbor dogs walking by the house. But when she sees her arch enemies, she acts like a maniac. She guards me like I’m a national treasure, and takes up too much space on the bed. She has developed anxious tendencies. She’s rather needy. She requires a lot of attention. Yet all her needs are met in abundance.

What more could she want?

Our neighborhood has recently acquired a black cat. It roams around searching for anything it can devour. It seems to be attracted to my property. I’ve seen it round the back corner of the house, which turns on the motion sensor light. I’ve noticed the cat sitting on the step in the path out back. And today, I watched it eating the treat that my dog had left on the driveway. The cat sat there and ate the entire treat. It made sure to lick up all the crumbs. Then it jumped on the stone wall and groomed itself. It seemed very content until the dog saw it and went berserk.

The thing is. My dog is the one causing the cat to be a regular visitor. If the dog wouldn’t leave food outside, the cat would have to look elsewhere for its next meal. But the dog doesn’t know she’s the problem. She’s only doing what seems natural to her. But her natural tendencies are causing problems that she isn’t aware of.

Life is full of ups and downs. We want it to be perfect. We want our way. We want our relationships to be perfect. We don’t like to be disappointed. We don’t like to wait. We don’t understand others. We are upset when others don’t understand our needs and wants. We expect others to read our minds when we can’t read theirs.

What I’m trying to say is that patience comes after many hardships and trials. After living through unmet expectations and accepting losses. Patience grows by persevering through failures and weaknesses. We all could do better.

Our moments of impatience are teaching moments. We want what we don’t have. Or we have what we don’t want. And all the while, our heavenly Father is calling us to be more like him. To view others we interact with as someone made in his image. As someone just as impatient and needy as we are. As someone who needs God’s forgiveness and mercy just as we do.

I think of our heavenly Father who patiently waits for us to come to him. We never need to doubt his love for us. We may not understand his plans or intentions. But his plans are perfect. He may be slow according to our plans. He never reneges on his promises. He will fulfill all of them in his own time. We may be confused about his methods. But his work is original and his timing is perfect. We have to trust him. Even when we don’t feel like it.

We become impatient with God when he doesn’t answer our prayers they way we want or in our timeframe. God is working even when we don’t see any results. God sees the big picture, and he knows who is ready to meet him face to face. He knows everyone who hasn’t made a decision to live for him. So he’s being patient. He’s waiting so more people will have time to make the decision to turn their lives over to him. In the meantime, we stew and pout because life seems unfair to us.

Perhaps it’s time for us to realize that this life is a temporary stopping point. This life is preparing us for eternity. This life is a test. Seventy or eighty years may seem like an eternity, but it’s nothing compared to an endless eternity. And we have a choice today to spend that eternity with God or with Satan. Let’s choose God now while we still have time. He’s patiently waiting. But he won’t wait forever.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I watch news shows. I read commentaries. I follow news people and influencers on social media. They’re quick to point out their opinion on how poorly they believe the President is doing his job. Some of them are calling him all kinds of names. Some are using harsh language to describe his decisions. They are saying they don’t trust him. They’ve lost faith in his leadership. I’ve heard that some have buyer’s remorse.

Now an obscene chant is taking over sports events.

I’ve been thinking about this. A lot. I hear their words. I read their words. And they aren’t kind. These people don’t hold back. I mean. If they’re holding back, then I’d hate to know what they really think. Honestly, they’re saying shameful things about the man.

Here are some of their words. He’s being called a coward. Not cognitively prepared. An idiot. Severely cognitively impaired. Low IQ individual. Dangerous combination of arrogance and incompetence. Abysmal failure.

I’m not saying I agree with his decisions. I’m not saying I support his work. But I’m starting to wonder if the words of these news people and influencers should be toned down. Couldn’t they say things a little more kindly? A little more respectfully? Even if he is making poor decisions, is there a way to speak the truth without being disrespectful?

The thing is. Scripture tells us that God is in charge of everything that happens. He ordains who wins elections and who loses. He knows the outcome of every situation and approves it. Otherwise. It wouldn’t happen.

So who am I? Who are you to say the things that are being said about the leader of our country? Oh. I know. I get it.

But I wonder what would happen if we would start seriously praying for our leaders, instead of calling them names? Instead of complaining and whining and throwing barbs, how about kneeling down and pleading with God to speak truth to them? Why not flood the gates of heavens with pleas for a return to godly leadership?

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18

Oh. It’s easy to say harsh words about someone when we’re not speaking to them personally. It’s easy to call someone horrible names on social media when we think they’re not looking. It’s even easier to say those mean words when we don’t really know the person. When we don’t have a personal stake in their lives or in their business. But does it make it right? Would we say those same words to the person if they were sitting in our homes?

It brings up a good question. How are we supposed to call out others when we see them doing something that is wrong? What kind of words should we use when we disagree with our family, friends, neighbors and coworkers? Do we use kinder words to those we are close to? Do we save the really harsh words for total strangers? People we assume we’ll never see again? Does it matter which words we use when we call out others? Does it matter if they’re friend or foe? Cruel words are cruel words.

How do we talk about people we disagree with without being disrespectful?  How do we talk to people we disagree with without being disrespectful?

Or….are there some things that shouldn’t be said out loud? Even if they’re true?

Where and when does respect come into play?

It is possible to communicate the truth in an ugly way.

Paul M. Gould

There’s an art to having tough conversations. Hard truths sometimes need to be told.  There is definitely a time and a place for direct language. Oh. People need to be held accountable for their poor choices and unthinkable actions. But what kind of words should and shouldn’t be said to them? It’s sometimes hard to know. Emotions get in the way and agendas are sometimes driven by those emotions.

Perhaps some words are appropriate for public hearing and other words are best said in private. Oh. I believe that there is a time to use strong words. Absolutely. But the intent and purpose of the heart needs to be examined. Is evil the true intent? Or is it to publicly shame someone? Or to puff up oneself?  

Do we stop to consider that everyone, whether we agree with them or not, is made in the image of God? Would we say those same words if Jesus Christ was standing next to us? Do we stop to remind ourselves that God hears every word we speak?

Let’s start a movement to bring back constructive conversations. Let’s create open dialog in a safe setting where we agree to disagree. Where we can speak honestly and openly. And still love each other at the end of the day. Let’s spend less time on social media and more time in personal interaction. Let’s find out what breaks someone’s heart and what makes them smile. Let’s work to heal wounds instead of opening new ones. Let’s show some respect.

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