“Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him.”

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT) 

My husband always had perfect vision … Better than 20/20 even. 

Until, he turned 40. 

For some reason, many people begin to experience difficulty trying to read small print close up after that magic age. He thought he might be immune to that fact of life, but he wasn’t. 

Much to his dismay as he moved through the early part of his 40s, it became more and more difficult to read the words on a page. Everything was blurry. He finally became so frustrated that he gave into the idea that he needed reading glasses. 

Being the loving, supportive family that we are, on his next birthday we gave him an entire set of reading glasses, one for all the major rooms of the house. Little did we know our little joke really contained a lot of truth. He constantly misplaced his glasses. He would yell through the house, “Has anyone seen my glasses?” Generally this question continued increasing in intensity the longer the hunt lasted. Life could not go on until those glasses were located.

I wish I had kept track of the amount of time we spent over the years looking for his glasses or how many times I had to assist in the search. To be honest we had many great laughs at his expense (and obviously still do).

I, on the other hand, have always had poor vision. So I never commiserated with his pain and agitation. Until now. Even with corrective lenses, the words on the page are blurry. Now, I too need reading glasses. I don’t leave home without them. They make things so much more clear. Consequently, there have been a few search and rescue missions for the spectacles on my behalf as well. 

So we are quite the pair (no pun intended), my husband and I … Before we leave the house I always make sure he has his glasses and that mine are tucked away close by. It has become a habit. 

Such a simple thing that makes life easier.

I wish I relied as much on The Lord. When things in life are unclear, I should automatically reach for God. But I don’t. Just like my vision, I take Him for granted. 

For much of my life I have just known God is there – His strength sustaining me with little or no effort on my part. However, as I have grown in age and life has become more complicated, sometimes I am not sure where God is. When the circumstances of life shift things out of focus, I strain to regain clarity. Ultimately, it is then – when life becomes so blurry that I get frustrated – I find myself looking for God. As it turns out, He is right there. Right where I left Him. Just like my glasses. The problem is I do not faithfully seek Him first. 

Just like I need my reading glasses to correct my blurred vision, I need to continually seek God, His strength, and His focus for my life. Only then will my life become more clear. 

My prayer today is that I always search for God first and that this practice becomes a habit. I want to focus my life through Him. 

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”

                                                                                                            Lamentations 3:40 (NIV)

(This week I announced my intent to retire at the end of August from a career in public education. For close to 30 years, I have been blessed with opportunities to share my passion and love of learning with others. Over the years my goal and purpose has been to engage in meaningful work to positively impact those I serve and represent … (at the risk of sounding corny) to make a difference. Isn’t that what most of us want? To be a positive influence. To leave things better than we find them. Yet, sometimes, we can get stuck and think that just one person can’t make that big of an impact. Today, you may be thinking what you do doesn’t really matter; but, I am here to tell you it does. More than you know, what you do touches the people you encounter. I am being reminded of that myself. Today, consider “The Power of One.” )

The young girl fidgeting in her desk stiffly holding the chunky pencil as she carefully maneuvered the awkwardly large writing instrument across the page. She struggled to put the right words on paper. Her assignment?  Write a paragraph describing your favorite meal.

As she started the closing, she wrote, “I just couldn’t wait for the desert!”

She proudly presented her finished product to the teacher who upon close examination spotted one mistake. The teacher pointed out the omission of a letter that altered the entire meaning of the story. The student had omitted an “s” – just one letter. Consequently, was the young girl really excited about finishing the meal to take a trip to an arid environment: a desert? Or did she actually have a sweet tooth which made her crave that apple pie: a dessert?

Just one little letter made all the difference.

As an adult, there are still times when I have to stop and think carefully about words like that. 

Lose or Loose? Did I lose my mind or did I break loose of what was holding me back?

Just one little letter. The power of one.

Just like that one letter can completely change the meaning of a whole sentence, just one thing can alter the meaning of a life. 

Do you ever feel like something is missing or that something just isn’t quite right? Then take a closer look at what is going on in your life. You might be missing one little thing that will change the meaning. 

Maybe you need to add something to your life to make things right: quiet time with God, purposeful prayer time, join a group at church, or make time for family or friends. Or maybe you need to omit something: one less committee, one less day working late, one less negative thought, or one less project.

Small changes can make a big difference!

Another perspective about the power of one is the power you have in the lives of others.

You make a difference in the lives you touch every day. What meaning do you add to their lives? 

What can you do to make sure that you have a positive impact when you are added to a sentence in the story of someone else’s life?

It all adds up – letters make words, words, make sentences, sentences make paragraphs, paragraphs make essays. By adding or removing just one little letter, you change the message.

Take time to check out your life, just like you check your writing. 

You could move from idle to ideal in no time!

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”   2 Corinthians 13:5

“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”                                                       Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

Over the years my husband has owned several different vehicles. One of his favorites is a four-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler. A fun thing for us to do is to take a drive in the mountains and occasionally find an off road trail to explore.

We have one of those maps that show off road trails so we use it to seek out an adventure. Looking at all of those squiggly lines that highlight various paths, it is difficult to anticipate what to expect. We have no idea what type of terrain we will encounter. Will it be rough or smooth, steep or flat, rocky or muddy, narrow or wide? You get the picture.

So we blindly choose a path. Sometimes we choose wisely and sometimes we choose poorly. 

Over the years, we (O.K. – I) have become more cautious in choosing a path that is just right. Adventurous enough for my husband and smooth enough for me. 

On these journeys we find the time and rest we need to reconnect with nature and each other.

While in some remote locations, it is not unusual to find ourselves at a crossroad trying to decide which way to go. We look ahead just enough to see that someone else has forged a path clear enough to navigate before deciding which way to go. The assurance that someone else has traveled this way too gives us the confidence to move forward. 

It is when there is no clear path that we (OK – I, again) become anxious and worried. At that point for me, it is clearly time to turn back.

Our journey in life is a lot like being off road. In the best situations, the path may be rocky enough to be exciting yet clear enough to navigate. We also come to many different crossroads on the adventure. To find the right path you don’t have to look very far. Look to your road map – The Bible – and find the signs that lead you in the right direction toward rest and peace of mind in the Lord.  

Just like my off road map and those squiggly lines, the pathway before us may seem unclear. It may be smooth or rough, steep or flat, rocky or muddy, narrow or wide. You just never know until you start in that direction. When you get to the point that you find there is no clear path, you can always turn back to stay on course. 

So grab your map and be adventurous – Go off road with God. Take this interesting journey – called life – with the confidence and security that you always know the way back home. 

“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”          Matthew 6:27 (NASB)

Everyone is good at something. Some people are good at fixing things. Some people are good at singing. Some people are good at sports; and there are some people who seem to be good at just about everything!

I am good at something too: Worrying. I often tell people who are close to me that worrying is what I do best – and it is true.

I worry about the little things. When I have family and friends over to our home, I worry that the house isn’t clean enough, that there won’t be enough food, that people won’t like the food, that people will get bored – the list goes on and on. Almost daily, I worry that I say things wrong and that I might hurt someone’s feelings. I worry about making a wrong decision. You know, if I could lose weight sweating over the small stuff, I would be a size 2!

Then, I worry about the big stuff: or what I think is big stuff. Will my children make good choices? Will they be successful? I worry about things that will not happen for several months. Will everything turn out OK? I have come to realize two things. In reality, most of the big stuff I spend my time worrying about 1) may never happen and 2) I have no control over.

So, as I read the scriptures, I begin to wonder – Why worry?

In Matthew 6:25-26, we read, “For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they?”

Let’s face it. Worrying is a waste of time and energy. I pray about my worries yet I often refuse to really let them go – to just lay them at the foot of the cross and walk away. I know that is what I should do. Time and again, when I have successfully done that I have found a true sense of peace. Yet, I continue to worry.

The Bible says, “Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

Easier said than done. As time goes on, I am getting better at laying my immediate worries aside and remaining calm; however, I still get stuck doing what I do best when it comes to those I love the most. It is so hard to sit back and watch those you love make decisions that you believe are bad – but that’s the point. We don’t really know. Do we? Our worry can be born out of our past experiences but we cannot assume that what happened to us will happen to someone else. So, why worry?

We are not in control – even when we think we are. But God is. He is in control and He longs to remove the worry, anxiety, and stress from our lives.

Be reminded: “… seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

I think it is time for me to find a new talent, something else to be good at. Not an easy task, but I am willing to try.

What do you do best? Is it a true talent or just an empty proclivity for an unproductive action – like worrying? If that is the case – I encourage you to continue to walk and talk with God until you are able to tap into your true talent. That’s what I am going to do.

“The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”    1 Samuel 16:7 (NRSV)

She laid broken and still on the pavement with tattered bags and her eclectic belongings scattered around her. The strangers who happened by stared coldly, walking at a distance so as not to get too close. Would anyone stop to help this nameless, faceless, homeless soul?

At another time and place, a similar scene unfolded with a very different outcome. She laid broken and still on the pavement with the contents of a large designer handbag and neatly packaged purchases of worth strewn nearby. Several strangers purposefully move closer to offer assistance and reach out to help. Who wouldn’t stop to help this soul?

Two very similar situations with very different reactions. The only real difference here was the outward appearance of the two. One less desirable to society than the other and one more privileged. 

I admit it. I’ve done it. I have walked away, averted my eyes, found a reason to be somewhere else when there was something or someone unpleasant that I did not want to face. Have you?

Why is it that so much value is placed on the surface when we know the real gold, that which is most valuable, is buried deep within? 

I think I know the answer. It’s easy.

It’s easy to make quick judgments and move on. It’s easy to fall into a pattern of past experiences. It’s easy to look the other way.

Let’s face it – The example Jesus gave us through his life was hard. 

To live like Jesus is hard. To get involved and truly see others is hard. It’s hard because it means becoming involved.

It’s easy to judge people at face value. It’s hard to look at their heart … But that is what God teaches and challenges us to do.

Considering today’s verse, challenge yourself. Look hard.

Look on the heart of each person you meet. Look past the hard exterior, the harsh demeanor, the ugliness that sometimes takes over and find the heart. 

It will change yours.

“For it is better if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.”      I Peter 3:17 (NASB)

So once again, I did it. I said yes when I wanted to say no. Honestly, I thought I was doing the right thing. Granting permission to a person when at other times I would not. Sure – I was thinking – I’ll be the nice one this time giving a little more consideration in this instance. As it turns out, the person used that one little decision to try to get more from me and when that didn’t work to her advantage she tried to use my words and actions against me.

My reaction to this situation was exactly what you might guess. It sounded something like this: “Well, I don’t know why I try… I just can’t be nice… People just don’t understand nice… I won’t ever do that again!” With that being said, of course I will do it again and probably find myself saying the same things. 

But, why? Why try?

As the saying goes: No good deed goes unpunished. Time and time again I hear people use that statement in the wake of trying to do something good or nice only to get a negative reaction as a result. There are articles, documentaries, made for TV movies, and daily news stories that tell the tale of a person’s suffering after doing the right thing.

So I ask again: Why try?

It is simple – because it is the right thing to do. Doing what is right matters. And as I tell my husband… nice matters. This can be difficult to see when someone tells the truth about a bad situation or something that is self-incriminating only to continue to suffer the same consequence as the other person or maybe something worse. Situations like that can make us reconsider: Is it really worth it? 

I still say, “Yes.” Telling the truth and being honest are the right things to do even if it comes with some suffering. 

I believe it is far better to suffer for doing what is right than to suffer and endure the internal pain of our own dishonest words, actions, or thoughts. In making personal and professional decisions, it is easier to step up and do the right thing and accept the possible consequences or criticisms than to go through the internal struggle and external punishment of doing what you know to be wrong in the eyes of God. For what truly matters is what is viewed through the eyes of God – not the eyes of man. 

The verse for today is a reminder to do what is right – even if you suffer. In our life, we will suffer. There is no question of that. The question becomes: Will you suffer for right or for wrong?

You choose.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that it was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.”             Genesis 1:3,4 (NIV)

Each year as the seasons change, I look forward to the bright, warmer days of Spring leaving the dreary winter months behind. I always feel like I am moving from the darkness into the light – out of hibernation and back into the sun.

This year as my spirits began to lift with our first real taste of Spring, I observed one of my four-legged fur children lounging in his favorite sunny spot. It’s a spot in our entryway where the sun streams in through the glass in the door during the early to mid-morning hours. It is there that my fur baby can soak in the warmth of the sun. Later, when the sun moves higher in the sky or is blocked by clouds, the welcoming ray of sunshine disappears leaving our little guy disappointed and in search of another place of comfort. 

While watching my furry friend, I realized it isn’t only during the Spring when this happens. It occurs throughout the year whenever the sun is shining. When the sun changes position or the clouds intervene, the light is diminished leaving an overcast, darkened aura and the sun-seeker in search of another sunny spot. Upon finding none, he is left searching for a comfortable spot to wait until the clouds lift restoring the light and warmth needed – paradise found!

Clouds come and go but the sun never disappears. Seasons change and the weather shifts but from dawn to dusk it is there – the light.

I believe we all feel better basking in our own little ray of sunshine but sometimes we are forced to wait until the clouds pass and the light is restored to experience that comfort again. 

When you are enjoying those clear, sunny seasons of your life what do you do when the clouds roll in? Do you keep your head down and wait for the circumstance to change or do you seek the ray of sunshine in a different place? 

In life, your ray of sunshine can take on many forms. Is it the warmth of true friendship? Is it the unconditional love of family? Is it easy to find the light or are there more dark days than you can count?

No matter your age, gender, race, social status, or geographic location, that ray of sunshine never fades. It is always there at dawn even if just beyond the clouds. 

All you need to do is open your Bible to turn on the light. The true light in the darkness. Then, bask in the warmth of God’s unconditional love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. 

Dear Lord,

On those days when I just can’t find my sunny spot, I will remember that you said let there be light and saw that it was good. You have separated the light from the darkness. As long as I am following you and have you living in me, there will always be a ray of sunshine to brighten even the darkest of days. Thank you.

Amen. 

 ^“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. ‘Quick, get up!’ he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.”                                                       Acts 12:5-7

Peter is another believer found to be bound and determined to follow God’s teachings and spread His word even though it could be fatal. The account of Peter’s miraculous prison release in Acts is evidence of God’s awesome power to rescue us from the most restrictive confinement. 

Peter was bound and placed between two guards for the night with more at the door. None of this could stop the Angel of the Lord who appeared and escorted Peter to safety. This escape is so hard to fathom that even Peter thought it was a vision. 

Acts 12:11-12 reveals, “Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.’ When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying.”

What I appreciate about Peter’s release is the reminder that we are not meant to suffer alone. Just as the fervent prayers of other believers played a critical role in Peter’s situation, our fellowship with other Christians and their intercession on our behalf is part of our story of escape too. 

We are bound, trapped, and confined by different earthly situations or circumstances, and the determination of our faith community to pray earnestly for us breaks our chains. Chains of sorrow. Chains of wrongdoing. Chains of disappointment. Chains of sickness. Chains of grief.

Through the impassioned prayers of our brothers and sisters, we feel the release from bondage followed by the grip of God much to our own surprise. Like Peter, we may think it isn’t real. There must be some other explanation.

The explanation is simple. It is the work of our Lord and Savior delivering us from what binds us. The church was earnestly praying for Peter and our church is here to earnestly pray for you. Some things never change, and the power of prayer is one of those things. It was powerful then and it is powerful now. 

Do you feel like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place? Guards on both sides and more at the door? Chains weighing you down? 

Turn to your church or your own prayer partners. 

When you are bound, others are determined to see you through. 

If you are a church member, be determined to pray for those on the prayer list. They need you. Be devoted to lifting each person up by name even if the circumstance is not known. God knows what is needed. Be the kind of prayer warrior that is found praying even after the answer has come. How magnificent to find that others are praying for you not just when they hear of the initial need but even days, weeks, and months later until the answer comes and the chains fall. 

Let’s all be bound and determined to be faithful followers supporting each other along our way. 

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a miracle for others. I want to pray for others the way in which I want them to pray for me. I appreciate the reminder that when the miracle comes, big or small, it is You escorting me safely out of my confinement. 

Amen.

“The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:22-26

The Bible is filled with historical accounts of God’s saving grace. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas are shackled and confined to prison after being stripped and flogged publicly. Understandably, it would be easy for them to give up and give in – to resign to the inevitable, death. Maybe they would send up one more silent prayer asking God, “Why me?” or begging, “Save me.” 

Who would expect the miracle that transpired? Paul and Silas began singing and offering praises to God. There was no selfish muttered prayer formed out of fear as I would anticipate. They raised their voices for all to hear out of true faith and love for a righteous God. Their act of faith and courage during a painful and dark time set an example for others. I think of the other prisoners who heard the prayers and praise receiving encouragement when circumstances were so grim. 

Paul and Silas were literally bound yet determined to continue following and praising their Lord sharing the good news with others. Paul and Silas were believers and followers, but they were not fortune tellers. They had no way of knowing their offering during the dimmest part of their lives would break their chains.

Acts 16:27-29 continues with more of their story:

“The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’ The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’”

At this point, the prisoners could have made a run for it, never to be seen again. But they didn’t. They stayed to show the skeptical guard the miracle in action. They were bound and determined to believe, no matter the circumstances, and share the love of God even up to death if required. 

Today, are you bound? In this life, you and I may never experience the treatment of Paul and Silas or know the feeling and fear of the stocks restricting movement. But we are all bound by something. Imprisoned by our own thoughts. Restricted or constricted by our circumstances. Handcuffed by the actions of others.

Bound … We are all bound by something to varying degrees and at various times.

Today, are you determined? In our human condition, we can be determined to fix everything for ourselves which rarely works. When I try to fix things on my own, I generally make situations worse instead of better. Only God knows what is ahead and what we need. Only God can release us from our chains. 

Determined … Be determined to raise your voice in praise and prayer. Call on God. Focus on His peace in all circumstances. The Earth may not shake or doors swing wide, but you will feel it when it happens … the chains falling and the bars removed.

Use your dimmest days like Paul and Silas. Share your experiences and the miracles of your life to positively impact others. 

Be bound and determined to praise your Savior all the days of your life.

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for releasing me from things that bind me and keep me imprisoned. I will lift my voice to you in prayer and praise so others may know what you have done for me.

Amen.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”    John 13:35

I love crime dramas. As the viewer, I am drawn in by the details of each case trying to figure out what really happened – whodunnit?

In court, the prosecutor always has the burden of proof, proving who is guilty. To do this, circumstantial evidence is collected that leads jurors to a compelling conclusion of guilt. An eyewitness who places the defendant at the scene of the crime, fingerprints, audio recordings of threats, harassing emails or texts are all examples of circumstantial evidence. When this type of evidence is used, one piece of evidence is not enough to convict someone. Remember, guilt beyond a reasonable doubt must be established. The more evidence the better, sealing the defendant’s fate. 

If I were to stand trial for being a Christian, I wonder if there would be enough evidence to find me guilty. How would this be measured? What kind of circumstantial evidence would there be to convince jurors that I am a Christian? 

In the 1960’s, a hymn was written titled They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love. It is based on John 13:34-35. In those verses, Jesus gives the command to love one another. He goes on to say that people will know His disciples by their love for one another. 

They will know we are Christians by our love … 

We are commanded to love one another. Period. End of sentence.

Love unconditionally. The way we are loved by God. (Yes, He loves us even when we are unlovable and don’t deserve it.)

Not – Love one another unless you are …

            … cut off in traffic

            … cheated 

            … deceived 

            … put down

            … unappreciated or underappreciated 

            … mistreated

The list goes on and on – doesn’t it?

Thank goodness, I have never been on trial; however, when I get to Heaven, I know I am accountable for how I live. I want to live each day so that there is insurmountable evidence to convict me of being a Christian by my demonstration of love for others.

Who will be on the list of eyewitnesses? Those who have seen me express love.

Will there be a paper trail or eTrail? My words recorded in cards, emails, and texts that lift up others.

Can my fingerprints be found where I have shown love? My touch documented in service of love to the church and in acts of love in our community.

In those crime dramas, evidence is presented at court that takes the defendant by surprise and shocks the gallery. I imagine this is the same with examples of how people know we are Christians. In those little moments and the everyday, ordinary way we carry and conduct ourselves, people recognize and later recollect what we do, where we go, and how we act – much to our surprise.

In the days, weeks, and years to come put love first. Show you are a Christian by your love, and you will be blessed in return. Guilty as charged!

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for loving me even when I am unlovable. In the drama of my life I need your help to show others the same love you extend to me. I pray today for love overflowing. I promise to show others I am a Christian beyond a reasonable doubt through my actions and my words. 

Amen.