Walking Shoes

1 John 1: 5-7
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

My husband, Tim, said to me, “A good shoe is a shoe you don’t notice.”

I have a hard time buying comfortable shoes. My feet have not aged well, and I can no longer wear heels (not that I wore them much anyway) and I need a wide footbed. My go-to brands have become Topo for tennis shoes and Earth shoes for “dress” shoes. Fortunately, once I figure out what size I need, they usually fit me when I order them online.

One day, Tim, Rosie May, and I walked around the path at the park. I had on my newest pair of Topos and Tim asked me how they felt. I told him I didn’t notice any pain, as a matter of fact, I didn’t notice them at all. That’s when he said they must be a good shoe. Without any tingles, aches, stones poking through, or pain the shoes marched along content to do their job.

As we continued to chat, the conversation turned to life and how if we are on the best path, doing the right things—following God’s lead—it’s kind of like a pair of well-fitting shoes. Guilt isn't poking my conscience because I'm making choices according to God's guidance. I’m not stumbling over something I shouldn’t have said. My soul is not aching from misguided intentions, because I’m following the Master’s guidance and walking with Him.

When I take my eyes off of Jesus, I stumble and feel the pain of my ill-chosen choices, just like I feel the pain from ill-fitted shoes.

Take the time to listen to God’s lead, seek His wisdom, and walk by His side. 

Thankful for Books

As I think about Thanksgiving and the many things I have to be grateful for, 

books are high on the list.

I'm a reader and a writer. I devour books, usually two or three a month.

There is something about stories.

The way they take a reader away from the everyday or enhance the everyday.

The words fill me with wisdom, knowledge, and experience.

Stories, whether fiction or true, make me think and ponder and gather words.

Everyone is a reader, some just haven't found the right book yet.

 

A Dog's Wisdom

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Let's make common sense more common.

When our dog, Rosie May, was a puppy, we took her for training. She learned to sit, lay down, stay off (well, kind of) and shake. She still doesn't get the concept of stay, but at least she sits when she needs to. The good thing about dogs is they have great instincts. She knows when I don't feel well, and she wants to comfort me. Rosie May loves kids and wants to friend them. She senses when someone is outside and goes to the windows to see if she needs to protect us. Dogs listen to their gut. They hear things we don't and respond accordingly. In their own way, dogs have an internal wisdom.

When I think of wisdom, I also consider common sense. The innate instinct to do the right thing. I love how James shares his understanding of wisdom. Wisdom comes from God and loves peace. It's considerate (thinks of others) submissive to God's guidance, merciful, filled with the fruit of the Spirit, fair and discerning, and sincere and truthful. If there is any doubt as to whether something is a wise choice, measure the wisdom against James 3:17. The wisdom of a believer comes from the Holy Spirit. When I make decisions, I want to check my judgement against the wisdom that comes from God.

While Rosie May has instincts, I have the Holy Spirit to guide me in decisions. His voice speaks to my heart to be a peace-loving person who is kind to others, submissive to God, and considerate of situations.

Seek God's wisdom and use His common sense as you navigate life.

Walking With God

James 4:7-10

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Have you ever walked away from God? 

There was a time, years ago, when I inched farther and farther away from God. Let me tell you—it was a dark and lonely place. I went through the motions—going to church, praying empty prayers, and smiling when I didn’t feel like it, then God pounded on the door of my heart and called me to come back home. He pursued me, and I answered. I grieved over the distance I’d placed between God and me, over the sins in my life, and the sorrow in my heart. You know what? God opened His great big, beautiful arms to me and welcomed me back to Him. Ever since that day, I’ve not stepped away again. Instead, I’ve found comfort, peace, strength, joy, and hope in the arms of the Lord, and He has blessed me with opportunities to share His great love.

The book of James holds many nuggets of wisdom and truth. “Come near to God and He will come near to you,” is a promise I can count on. I’ve experienced His closeness in my life, and I’m thankful for God’s constant presence. I’m also thankful for Jesus and His grace, for forgiveness and His unfailing love.

In this month of Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the Bible which gives me wisdom, God who holds me close, and Jesus who gave His life for my sins so I can someday meet Him in heaven.

This world is not an easy place, but with the Lord by our side, we will thrive.

Draw close to God and He will draw close to you.

Knowledge and Wisdom

Philippians 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

I’m a life-long learner.

I confess, I didn’t like school. Elementary school was okay, but by the time I reached junior high and high school, I wasn’t a fan. Not being a social butterfly, I was quiet and everything kind of overwhelmed me. I did like having friends and going to basketball games, but I preferred to stay home and read or wander outside.

The funny thing is, I loved learning and I still do. After high school, I attended college for two years, but it took me until I was forty-eight years old to complete my bachelor’s degree. In the meantime, ironically, I worked in education. In the library of the elementary school and in a college library, I encouraged students to read and learn.

Even though I wasn’t a fan of school, I loved gathering knowledge and wisdom, and I do believe school is extremely important. As I tell my grandchildren, whether you enjoy school or not, you need to do your best.

The apostle Paul is writing to the Philippian church and reminding them to keep learning. He prayed they would grow in knowledge and insight. Knowledge of God’s word and insight into the people God called them to love. He encouraged the people to discern or consider what was best when it came to loving people as Jesus loved them, and he reminded them they would grow in the fruit or righteousness, or the fruit of the Spirit.  

God wants me to keep learning and use what I learn to love people better. As I seek the truth in His word, I grow in His love for other people. As a result, I glorify my heavenly Father through my actions.

Are you learning more about Jesus every day?

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

The God-breathed Word

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

The Bible speaks to our hearts.

photo from pixaby

In a book launch team I am part of, I was asked which of the four seasons is my favorite. For anyone who knows me well, you know I answered winter. I also love spring when beautiful flowers bloom, summer when I swim with my grands, and of course fall, a gorgeous time to be outside appreciating the colorful leaves.

Yet, winter remains my favorite because it is a time of peace. When snow blankets the ground and the nothing has touched the pureness, I’m reminded of 1 Thessalonians—my life verse. I love quiet, and strive to lead a quiet life. I try to mind my own business, unless God lays on my heart to speak up. I work with my hands, either on the computer, with arts and crafts or around the house. Tim and I depend on God, daily. He is the one who provides us opportunities to work and grow.

Do you have a life verse, a scripture that speaks to your heart about everyday life? Is there a scripture God has placed on your heart? One you strive to follow? There are many verses in the Bible I rely on for wisdom and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord..., “ John 3:16, the book of James, the Psalms. 

We have so many wonderful, life-changing scriptures at our fingertips.

God has given us the gift of the Bible. Have you read any scripture today?

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The Next Chapter

As a writer, I consider what goes into each chapter of a book.

As I edit and make the words work, 

the characters develop and lead the way through their story.

As a Christian, God knows what my next chapter is,

but because He allows me to have free will, 

He knows I'll make mistakes, even when I try my best.

In my desire to seek God's will, I trust Him

because He knows my future, and 

He gives me courage, grace, strength, and wisdom

each time I turn the page.

 

Be Still and Listen

This world is a noisy place. 

Constant clamoring for our attention.

The radio, television, social media, loud speakers in the grocery store.

Good grief!

It's time to be still and listen to the Lord.

Hear his voice in the din. 

Close our eyes and open our hearts and ears to listen 

to the one who speaks with wisdom.

 

Winter Season or Season of Winter

2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I love winter, but not so much the winter seasons of life.

About a year ago, not knowing a pandemic was hurdling toward us, my siblings and I fretted over where our mom would live. After hospital stays and time spent in a nursing home, we pondered whether she should remain in the nursing facility, return to her current apartment, or live in an apartment next to our brother. The ultimate decision was up to Mom.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, my siblings and several of our children and grandchildren gathered at the apartment she lived in before the hospitalization. As we prayed for guidance, we packed all her earthly possessions and moved them to my brother’s home, still not knowing her final decision.

Thankfully, Mom moved to the apartment beside my brother just before the pandemic locked down the nursing home. God led us through this difficult winter season just as the door closed on any other possibilities.

In 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote about the thorn in his flesh. In his winter season of life, something difficult plagued him. We aren’t told what the thorn was, only that he had something he referred to as a weakness and hardship. For Paul this must have weighed on him because he wanted nothing more than to serve Jesus. But even in his despair, he thanked God for his trials and claimed delight in his difficult times.

We all go though winter seasons in life. Being with mom through those difficult times of illness and decisions left us all worn and concerned. But Mom pulled through and celebrated her 94th birthday in January, in her new apartment.

The pandemic has been one long winter season for many of us. Prompted by Ann Voscamp’s book, I’ve been writing a list of 1,000 blessings. It’s a bit harder right now, but the list keeps me focused on my journey of gratitude for 2021.

Won’t you join me and seek the blessings, even in the seasons of winter.

Wisdom to Make a Choice

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Decisions can be difficult. How do I know the best thing to do, the best choice to make?

I’m slow when it comes to shopping for most anything.

And I try not to be an impulse buyer (except for maybe that tempting chocolate bar by the counter.)

If I’m considering a big purchase, I want every detail about the item before I make the final decision. I haven’t always been this way. But the older I get, the more I realize I need to weigh my options with care.

If I’m that mindful of the value of material items, how much more cautious should I be of life decisions?

The ones that affect my family and friends require great consideration. But where does the wisdom to make a choice come from?

True wisdom originates with God. Easy answer, but how do we as humans recognize our heavenly Father’s wisdom? Jesus’ brother James says heaven’s wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, kind, impartial, and sincere. In other words, God’s wisdom does no harm. His measuring stick has a bi-product of peace, consideration, and mercy.

Facts and information are great indicators that help weigh the pros and cons. But as a believer, I know God offers wisdom and understanding that’s more precious than any gold or silver. He wants me to make my choices with his input, through prayer and petition.

When you need to make a decision of any kind seek God’s wisdom and guidance.

tweetable: How do I make a choice?

The Hope of Wisdom

The best advice I can think of, to navigate this world, is to seek God's wisdom.

Without wisdom and understanding, 

I'd be floating like flotsam and jetsam on a sea of despair.

With God's wisdom and understanding, 

I have hope that leads to joy and peace.

 

The Joy of Discovery

Proverbs 2:1-6

My son, if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight
    and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

I love learning.

I wasn't fond of school, but I enjoyed the process of discovering new and interesting things. Even as a child, I challenged myself to study the Little Golden Guides to identify butterflies and flowers. Recently, I found a couple of these timely little books in one of the local park shops. I bought them for nostalgic reasons, plus I still enjoy identifying God's creatures. The fields and woods that surrounded my childhood home offered a fascinating classroom for my curious mind. I'd trudge through the field looking for insects, especially butterflies. Along with my love of nature, I enjoyed arts and crafts. I embroidered and sewed from a young age then as an adult I've added quilting and needle felting to my repertoire.

As I've aged, my curiosity has grown. Not just with my hobbies, but with my desire to dig up nuggets of wisdom in the Bible. As I open God's word, I long to understand the teachings. The scripture says I should seek out understanding and insight as if I'm searching for a buried treasure. Once I find even a grain of the knowledge God offers, I need to tuck those words into my heart.

Through his words of wisdom, I have come to understand what it means to fear the Lord. I've asked myself at times why I should fear the one who loves me. My answer: I fear the Lord with a respectful fear, he is all knowing and all powerful. He's my Father, and I trust him.

Seek God's wisdom and he will give you knowledge and understanding.

Help Comes From the Lord

If I don't ask God for help, that's on me. 

He loves me and wants me to talk to him and seek his favor.

He's always available to listen.

God, please heal the hearts of those hurting and guide those who want to help.

Give us wisdom.

Thank you Lord for your continuous love and care.

Am I my Words?

James 3:17

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

I am my words.

When I worked at the library, I hung encouraging reminders above my desk. Many of them have moved to my refrigerator since I retired. One magnet I'd picked up at a book conference said, "You are your words." I thought about that phrase a lot. People observe actions, which are important, but in this world where we chat on social media my words speak for me. When no one can see me—I am my words.

Recently, I attended an online writers' conference. One of the speakers shared about writing on social media. She encouraged us to determine our posting value and to filter our words through these values. She mentioned three I also impose on myself. Be fun, inspirational, and encouraging. One I'd add, teach Jesus' truth.

As a believer in the Bible and Jesus, I find myself clinging to these values and seeking God's wisdom more than ever. You see, I have opinions about the world, but do my opinions speak the wisdom I seek from God. I have thoughts on what might be best, but would my ideas help or hurt? Would they flame an unnecessary fire? James 3:5 says, "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."

I am my words. As I pen my weekly devotion, I have to ask myself if my words help or harm. When I respond to a Facebook post am I sharing good news or stirring an already boiling pot.

One thing I've learned and try to practice is to pray before my fingers touch the keyboard. I'm not perfect, sometimes I forget, but I try to put Jesus' wisdom before my own. Opinions are good, thoughts are great, and I value freedom of expression. But I'm called by my Father to be considerate and kind, a vessel for his peace and grace.

What values do you align yourself with? Seek God's wisdom as you express your thoughts and ideas. He loves us and wants us to show Him to the world.

Knee-deep

Proverbs 1:5-7

Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
    and let the discerning get guidance—
for understanding proverbs and parables,
    the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

I'm knee-deep in learning. My friend Jody and I attended a writer's conference at Taylor University. The speakers and teachers shared their knowledge and wisdom about the writing and publishing world. My ears tingled as I listened to Dr. Angela Hunt, a prolific Christian author, share about the skeleton plot. That may sound funny, but I was excited to learn from the best.

I've also been helping my daughter, Sara, prepare her classroom for the new school year. The smell of crayons and paper gets me excited for the kids. The new principal in Sara's building is initiating a super hero theme, encouraging the students to do their best, be a good friend, and be a bucket filler. You see along with academics, the teachers work to instill confidence and positive behavior. Those little kiddos are blessed to have teachers who care about them and want to fill their buckets with kindness and joy.

So I'm knee-deep in learning...about writing, about kids, and about Jesus. Talk about hearing from the best. There is no better place to learn than at the feet of Jesus. Like Mary in the Mary and Martha story, I want to hear every parable, word of wisdom and proverb Jesus shared. I'm thankful the writers of the Bible penned God's words. I'm excited that I have the very words of Jesus (red letters in many Bibles) to read and tuck into my heart.

God wants his people to keep discovering Him. Every day brings a new experience, a new perspective, a new way to learn and share Jesus story.

What have you learned today?

If you have a minute, pray for all the kids, teachers, and staff heading back to school.

Wisdom

Lack Wisdom?

James 1:5-7
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 

Each day on my way to work, I pass the senior living apartments that sits at the bottom of the hill. A small pond with a spraying fountain enhances the property. As I drove by one morning my thoughts ran to the fountain of wisdom that must be living in those homes. My grammy shared her wise words with me on many occasions, just as my mom shares with my daughters and me. It's a travesty when young people don't take the time to listen to grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, or any experienced person  in their lives.

When I read the scripture, I see that God values wisdom. James tells me if I want wise thoughts, ideas, words-- ask God. As a faithful believer, I know God answers me and shares with me what I need to know. I don't know how many times I've sought out God for wise words to give my children, and he's answered. Believe me, if not for Him I would flounder. Each week as I write these devotions, I pray for God's guidance and many times when He's given me words, someone contacts me and tells me I wrote just what they need. That's all God not me. As a follower of Jesus, be bold and ask with confidence for wisdom. God will provide. Praise God for his wisdom!

What Do Ants, Hyraxes, Locusts, and Lizards Have in Common?

Proverbs 30:24-38
Four things on earth are small,
    yet they are extremely wise:
Ants are creatures of little strength,
    yet they store up their food in the summer;
hyraxes are creatures of little power,
    yet they make their home in the crags;
locusts have no king,
    yet they advance together in ranks;
a lizard can be caught with the hand,
    yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

Summer-- a time for picnics. Grilled hot dogs and burgers, corn-on-the-cob, watermelon, baked beans, and chips laid out on a red-checkered table cloth. Sounds ideal. I enjoy delicious food at an outdoor event and so do ants. If left to their own accord, the little creatures, one by one, carry crumbs off to their hills and pack the goodies away for mealtime. They're smart.

I'd never heard of the hyrax until I read this verse. They're a chubby guinea pig like mammal with the ability to dig a home in the rocks they live near. Despite their short legs, they can hollow out a hole to live in. They know how to meet a challenge.

Locust organize themselves without a leader and lizards find a way to slink into royal palaces. They're determined.

All of the creatures mentioned in Proverbs 30 are considered wise. They use the gifts God's given them to survive day-to-day. Our Father has given each of us gifts. Not just artistic abilities, but life skills. If a little ant can feed an army and a hyrax can dig a cave in the rock, I can face each day with Jesus by my side and overcome difficulties and temptations and use the abilities God's given me to bless others. So often I sell myself short and forget I'm not in this alone. I'm in it with the creator of life. Praise God for his gifts and his beautiful creation.