Hand-in-hand

Recently my husband and I were trying to make plans for our 23rd wedding anniversary. Money is tight so our usual weekend trip to a Bed and Breakfast was unlikely. We decided to go to New York overnight – that is until we found out how much that cost. So we decided to go to Philadelphia overnight with John’s discount it appeared doable.

We arrived around 5 pm and wandered around the block a few times to try to figure out how to actually get to our hotel and park. It appeared as if they expected us to fold up our car and put it in our suitcase. We finally pulled up front where the valet parking appeared to solve the problem but to our surprise the men in the car in front of us, got out one at a time making angry, wild gestures at us until all three were scowling at us. We were befuddled as we hadn’t even done anything – yet. Welcome to the city.
As we made our way to a parking lot and into the hotel we quickly settled in our room so we could get out and walk around the city.
John went to college in Philadelphia and knew his way around and had much he wanted to show me. I just stayed by his side, walking hand-in-hand allowing him to lead me wherever he chose. I was not fearful even though there were some unusual people and sightings. As I have gotten older and life has become more hectic, I have lost my intuitive ability to retrace me steps. Take me around a few corners and I forget how to get back. So left to my own devices I get lost easily.
We walked for several hours and honestly I had no idea where we were in relation to our hotel, but I was unconcerned because I had my husband with me, who knew exactly where we were, where we were going and how to get back.
I couldn’t help but see the spiritual implications.
Why is it I was completely at rest knowing my husband had things well in hand, yet though I say I know my Heavenly husband has things well in Hand, I tug and pull and fret and worry about where He is taking me, how I will get there and how I will ever find my way back? Why do I find it difficult to rest knowing that He knows exactly where we are going and how to get there? It gave me pause.

We can rest in Jesus Christ. He will walk with us hand-in-hand leading and guiding us along the way.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Diane

Anticipation

It’s an exciting time at the Kiernan household as we wait with great anticipation for the birth of our second grandson in a few short weeks. It will be a little extra special as Daniel and his family are living with us for a few months while his home grows along with his family. So we will have a new born 24/7 for a few weeks!
There are many things in our lives that we wait on with great anticipation. Weddings, babies, birthdays (mostly for the younger ones!), a new home and that’s just to name a few. There are always things to do and plans to make…one thing is for sure we are excited and it’s never far from our thoughts.

Matthew 24:42-44 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”

Well what about the return of Jesus? Are we waiting in great anticipation that at any time, any minute Jesus may return? Are we living our lives in readiness for His immanent return? I think that most of us think we have to know the day, the hour of Christ’s return so we can be ready. Many have predicted it…and been wrong. Every so often there will be a headline on of those gossip papers with the exact day of His return. But knowing the exact time of His return isn’t the important thing. What is important is how you and I live our lives until that day comes. It’s not for us to know the time…only God knows that. What is important is that we “be ready” at all times. Jesus will return when we least expect it.
Are you ready? Are you excited? Are you preparing for His return? If Jesus were to come back tomorrow what would you be doing today?
Let’s start living our lives in anticipation, just as if Jesus were coming back tomorrow.

Mary Ann

Forgiveness
“Forgiveness is not an emotion…forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” ~~ Corrie Ten Boom

I came across the following story, once again, and decided it was worth sharing. Of everything we are called to do as followers of Christ forgiveness proves to be one of the most difficult. If we don’t feel it, we reason, we don’t have to. Though I can’t think of any place in Scripture where our feelings or lack of them, let us off the hook and excuse us from obedience, it seems to be the “out” we given ourselves.
Read the following story and hear the encouragement and if necessary the earnest reminder to forgive.
Stephanie

I’m Still Learning to Forgive
“It was in a church in Munich that I saw him, a balding heavy-set man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives. …
And that’s when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights, the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor, the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister’s frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!
Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent. …
“You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,” he was saying. “I was a guard in there.” No, he did not remember me.
“I had to do it – I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us.”
“But since that time,” he went on, “I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein, …” his hand came out, … “will you forgive me?”
And I stood there – I whose sins had every day to be forgiven – and could not. Betsie had died in that place – could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do. For I had to do it – I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. “If you do not forgive men their trespasses,” Jesus says, “neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” …
And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion – I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. “Jesus, help me!” I prayed silently. “I can lift my hand, I can do that much. You supply the feeling.”
And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
“I forgive you, brother!” I cried. “With all my heart!”
For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely as I did then.” ¹

The power of the tongue…

I have been working my way through Proverbs with pen poised in hand, recording what my Divine Teacher is saying to me. I have again been impressed with the myriad of references to the power of the tongue.

Dear sisters, with our tongue we have the power to separate, to cause pain, strife and division, to harm, hurt, and gossip, to destroy, hinder, offend, belittle, withhold, and wound others we love OR Praise the Lord, we have the power to do just the opposite. With our tongue we can unify, encourage, bring peace, healing, hope, truth, calm, arrest fear, foster joy, forgive, build up, and cheer our loved one on to fulfill their potential and be all that God empowers them to be.

Here are just a handful of selections from Proverbs:

Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword. But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

Proverbs 14:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

How will you use your tongue today? For good or ill, for your will or God’s will?

Diane

What is the real reason?

We wear pins that say, “Jesus is the reason for the Season”, have bumper stickers, and so much more regarding this statement. Now that the holidays are over and our pockets are empty and our bill boxes are full….can we truly look back and confirm that He was our reason for the season? I know it is hard not to get caught up in the festivities of the season. There are so many wonderful things to get involved in but when all is said and done, Christ should be what motivates everything we do. Even our gift giving…..the Lord placed those special people in your life and it is ok to give a gift to them. Just remember Him in all that you do.

My husband wrote devotion for another event that I wanted to share with you. As I read this one it really gave me food for thought.

(Written by Graeme Wilson) Over the Christmas season we had the opportunity to hear a lot of different “Christmas Messages”. One that really stuck with me and made an impression was at my home church. The speaker mentioned that as you know every year society goes through it ups and downs and highs and lows in terms of Christianity.

Sometimes the attacks on Christianity are very blatant like when they passed the ban on praying in schools. He said that this year he heard on the radio that the big thing was not the removing of the nativity scene from public places, but rather, the Christ child out of the scene. He went on to say that he made a point of looking the next time when he was driving through his home town, and sure enough, there was Mary and Joseph staring down at a pile of Hay!

Disturbing, we say, and yet for 2000 years Satan has been trying to get Christ out of the manger. But thankfully we have the verse (Galatians 4:4) “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.”

As we go into this New Year, can each of say that Christ has His rightful place in our life? He no longer is the babe in a manger, He came for your sins and mine and He is in heaven preparing a home for those that accepted that gift of salvation. If you’re not sure if you’re a child of God now is the time to make sure. Ask Him into you heart, ask him to forgive your sins and to cleanse you and He will. Then go and tell someone today.

Yes, He is ALIVE and living in my heart today. How about your heart and life? The gift of salvation is a gift that never stops giving since it is for eternity.

Graeme & Lynn W

Guilty

I have found that Satan loves to use guilt in a believer’s life to keep them trapped in a prison of condemnation. In Revelation 12:10 the Bible tells us that Satan is our “accuser.” He loves it when a believer takes the bait and feels guilty and condemned. His work is done. It’s very hard to live in the freedom Christ gives a believer if you go into another prison of condemnation. Jesus paid the price for that in full! Jesus has set us free so why do we want to go right back into prison?

Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

What beautiful words! If we feel guilty because of sin there’s an answer for it. First ask God for forgiveness then accept his cleansing love. Christ’s perfect sacrifice on the cross set us free! If the great “I Am” sovereign and holy God of the universe is not condemning us, why are we? Are we saying that Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t sufficient?
In all we do there are consequences, some consequences are life changing while others may not even be noticeable. Instead of listening to the voice of Satan condemning us, we need to listen to the Holy Spirit of God living in us. Listening to Him will result in conviction of sin (if there is un-repented sin), forgiveness, restoration and freedom. If we listen to the Holy Spirit instead of Satan, we will deal with godly sorrow…but that’s a good thing. God can and will take all our junk and use it for His glory if we allow Him to.
If those consequences include the hurt of others, we can ask their forgiveness and then give it to God and be free. We can’t go back and change things in the past, but we do have today…the day that God has given us. We need to allow Christ to live through us, and use it all for His glory.
Hebrews 10:22 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance if faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Don’t continue to fall for the lies of the accuser! In faith believe God, you have been washed with pure water…no longer condemned…the prison door isn’t locked…all you have to do is believe and walk through the door and live in the freedom.
Guilt has no place in a believer’s life because Christ has already paid the penalty for your sin and there is no reason for Him to pay it again! If your feeling regret or godly sorrow it’s a perfect opportunity to take the time and remember that Jesus has already forgiven you…then thank Him and praise Him for His glorious gift to you!

Mary Ann

“If I don’t like it there, can I go home?”

It’s Thursday night, I’m tired and John has a 7:30 appointment for a hair cut which he must have or else someone may accuse me of raising a shaggy sheep dog! So what’s a mom to do for a quick dinner on the run? McDonalds of course. “Two three piece Chicken strips, a large fry, small drink and a flurry please.” Wal lah! Dinner is served.
It wasn’t but a few minutes into the meal that I noticed a boy about nine or ten years old who was very red faced and crying, sitting with him was another boy with his back to me. At the table next to them where two young ladies who seemed to have care over these boys. I commented to my son, “Oh, the little boy is crying, I wonder what’s wrong.” It wasn’t long before I found out that something was terribly wrong through the conversation between the ladies and the boys. It seemed they were in route to a foster home. This one young boy that I could see, protested; “I want to go home. I want my mom. Can I call her? What if I don’t like it there? What if she’s mean? I just want to go home. Can I go home tomorrow?” The women replied; “No you can’t go home or we will get in trouble from the judge. You don’t want us to get in trouble do you? He said you need to stay at this place and the lady may be very nice. What if she has some really cool stuff? You just might like it there. No, you can’t call your mom; she may call you in a few days. If you’re finished with your food we need to go now.
Here was my son’s response when hearing this; “They should just let him go home, didn’t they hear him say he wants to go home? Why wouldn’t he be allowed to go home?”
I explained to John that sometimes there are circumstances at home that make it unsafe for children to be in the care of the parents or adults they live with. But I must say this, it took everything I had not to go up to these boys and just hold them. We prayed for them on the spot and are continuing to do so. I will never know what happens to them but they have been lifted up to the “One” who knows it all. I gave my own son a big hug and kiss and told him again…how much I love him and how blessed I am to be his mom. I know his father feels the same. John is very appreciative of both his dad and I, but that night his eyes saw something that I don’t think either of us will ever forget. Would these kids go home one day or would they go from foster home to foster home where they may be no safer than they were at their own homes? Would they be adopted? Or passed over for the coveted infant child? He said to me; “You know Mom this is why as much as I’d like a puppy, I’d really want to get an older dog because they’re waiting to be adopted and nobody wants them.”
Take a minute today, right now even, to tell your children how much you want them. Then tell them how much the Lord does! Don’t wait…go do it.
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.” Psalm 27:10 Dina

January 1st, 2008

2007 is history.

Some of us experienced joy, some pain. Some got married or had children. Some of us lost or changed jobs, or started new ones. Some of us started caring for elderly parents, some lost parents. Some saw loved ones saved; some continue to grieve the hardness of heart. Some of us experienced financial reversal or bills too large to pay some gained an inheritance. Some are breathing freer again because they are finally cancer-free for others they are not.
As we stand on the precipice peering into 2008, with a full year ahead not yet recorded in history, we wonder, “What will the year hold for us?”

I am not particularly fond of New Years resolutions because simply by setting them we increase the likelihood that we will not keep them.
If we set our hearts on one thing, one thing only, and that is God’s glory I believe we can experience great joy and peace as we glorify God in the midst of every circumstance simply by having faith and looking to Jesus Christ in hope.
To glorify God doesn’t mean that we are skipping though life blissfully happy. We can glorify God moment-by-moment by keeping Him preeminent in all things even the difficult.
As of 12:00:01 am, last night we have 527, 040 minutes until 2009 dawns. Should the Lord give you all of them on this earth, how will you spend them? How many of those minutes will you claim for God’s glory?
Let’s finish each day over the next 366, making a valiant effort to claim every single minute to His honor, praise and glory, for He alone is worthy.

Happy New Year,
Diane

Are you TRUSTWORTHY?

Proverbs 31: 10-11
“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good not evil all the days of her life.”

Trust in another person has several meanings (1)
1. Trust means that you feel that the person is honest and will not lie, cheat or steal from you.
2. It also means that you can count on the person to do as he or she promised and that the person is reliable.
3. Finally, trust in a person means that you feel he or she can be counted on to do something important, will not shirk from duties, and will take personal pride in what he or she does.

The word confidence could also be substituted for trust, meaning that one believes that another person has the capabilities to do that which is required or requested.

We learn from the Proverbs 31 Woman that as women of God we need to be trustworthy, that our lives need to demonstrate that confidence in all we do. People need to be able to count on us to be dependable day in and day out. Proverbs 11:13 reminds us that our integrity will guide us, but we can be destroyed by our unfaithfulness. As a wife I want my husband to have full confidence in my abilities to handle the household, keep our confidences, represent him and our Savior, and above all to meet my obligations and commitments I have made to others. If I am trustworthy, his name will be praised and if I maintain the household it is only to his gain and glory. Not just at home, but in all relationships we need to be trusted. As a mother, as an employee, as a friend, as a daughter when we are trustworthy, we thrive and give honor to ourselves and God.

So, ask yourself the following questions:
Are you honest with yourself, your spouse, and others?
Do you follow-up on your commitments? Are you a dependable person?
Do you care diligently for those things in which you are entrusted? Money, possessions, work and children…

Being Trustworthy is the first step in being a Godly woman outside of having a personal relationship with Christ. Ultimately, with a relationship with Christ – he can make us each of us trustworthy individuals. Ask Him today to show you the areas of your life that need work, and ask Him to help you become a Proverbs 31:11 Woman.

LDJ

You are on God’s Mind

Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord be magnified!” But I am poor and needy: yet the Lord thinks upon me. Psalm 40:15-16a

You are on God’s mind today!!

I grew up in church knowing about God. My impression and thoughts of God were removed, remote focused on his transcendence.

God is certainly transcendent. There are many Scripture that confirm that.
Thus says the LORD: ” Heaven is My throne, And earth is My footstool.” Isaiah 66:1

But God is not only transcendent. He is also immanent. He is near.
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

God is not only transcendent, and immanent. He is personal and He relates to each of us personally.

He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. Psalm 33:15

And you are on His mind today.

How awesome is that!
Diane