You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.
I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!
Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!
This week was bittersweet, a mix of difficulty and blessing. As you may know, my mom died last weekend, a couple of hours after I posted my weekly recap.
So, the week was spent trying to get many things in order! Sunday and Monday were spent packing and planning, contacting people who loved Mom. I also worked a half day to tie up some loose ends. Sometimes, those tasks are helpful when grieving because they give your mind something to focus on. In terms of packing, we essentially threw in the same items from last week and a few more outfits.
On Tuesday morning, we flew to Florida again. This time, we had an early flight and two layovers. Thankfully, we arrived safe and sound and could continue helping Dad plan Mom’s services. It was soothing to go through pictures and remember how much fun we had with Mom. God has come through for us in so many ways.
This week, family and friends from several states gathered together in honor of my Mom. And, today, we had her memorial service at my parents’ local church. They are a very loving group, and it felt good to be amongst those who knew my parents well, even if just for a short while.
Thanks again for all the love and support. I appreciate your continued prayers, especially for my dad, Tom. Life is short, just a vapor, really. Please get to know Jesus and live for Him. And, hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight.
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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!
There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!
Category: Prayer
Jehovah Jireh, My Provider
“Jehovah Jireh, My Provider, His grace is sufficient for me, for me, for me…”
This is just one of the songs that’s been running through my mind lately.
It is a good reminder, amid a world of uncertainty that God is reliable. His grace covers me! He does not sleep nor slumber. He has never lost a battle. He is always victorious! He loves me, He is for me, He protects me, He brings me peace, and yes, He provides for me!
Hebrews 13:8, says, “ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” God is unchanging, always full of grace and truth. He is not surprised by anything.
One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 2:10 (NIV), which says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
All I have to do is trust in Jesus, and do what He says. He has a good plan for me, and I just need to walk it out. Everything I need is in Him.
What is for me, is for me. If it is in God’s plan for me, nothing can stop it (except my own lack of faith). As long as I seek Him first, it will all work out. Looking back, some of our greatest trials bring our greatest triumphs!
Remember, God is not only your Provider, He is your Source. He has ways of providing for you that you don’t even know! As Dennis Rainey once said, “He owns the cattle on a thousand hills… and He owns the hills, too.”
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You,
because he trusts in You.” If you need peace today, think about the Lord. Meditate on Jesus’ sacrificial love. Consider His goodness toward you. Remember His faithfulness and all the ways He has come through for you in the past!
So, instead of chasing chaos today, remember God’s goodness and mercy are chasing you! His grace is sufficient for all you are going through.
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Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus! Thanks for giving us all we need to live a godly life. You are so good and faithful. Help us trust You to provide for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: Are you an avid news reader or not? Do you notice how it affects your sense of peace and security? What are the positives? What are the negatives?
Task: Praise God for all the ways He provides for you! If something is causing fear or anxiety, cut it out so you can focus on the Truth of God’s love. There is no fear in love.
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Between a Rock and a Hard Place
I have written a lot about choosing faith over fear and moving forward despite obstacles that inevitably arise. But what does that look like?
Recently, I had a decision to make but was waffling a bit, thinking about the pros and cons. I am at peace now and have taken the first step. But, to get me there, it took prayer, research, and discussion. However, the biggest thing for me was recognizing fear in the background. Yes, it is always a factor, even still!
I quickly saw that the right decision was one that included faith. Faith is not about seeing the answer but the vision of what is possible. Fear and uncertainty cloud our sight and always like to hold us back!
On Sunday, my church’s worship session helped me focus on God. A lot of this blog post came to me then, so I raced home to put down my thoughts. It has evolved a little, but here’s what I wrote on the back of my church notes! 
When you are between a rock and a hard place, lean into the Rock. God is our refuge. He is safe and secure, solid… but don’t try to control Him or restrict His power.
Nothing is impossible for God. Believe He wants to do big things. Take a stand. Be bold and step out in faith! Do the brave thing. Keep an open heart and mind. Keep hope alive.
Be humble and trust that God knows all the details. Give Him the glory for doing what only He can do! He is the “Way Maker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness.”
As I move forward, I need these reminders from time to time. I’m grateful God is there to help us make good choices. I hope this encourages you to make faith-filled decisions today. The alternative, fear, is a miserable way to live!
If you have put your faith in Jesus, you have personal access to the God of the Universe. He is with you and for you! You are covered with grace and forgiveness. You are loved beyond measure. God has chosen you for His infinite purposes!
So, don’t try to limit God. Give Him the space to move and see what He does for you! His power cannot be contained. All He does is GOOD. Nothing can stand against Him!
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God, thanks for always coming through for us. Give us wisdom and help us make faith-filled decisions. May we honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: How do you like to make decisions? Do you have a hard time trusting God?
Task: As you make decisions, weigh out the pros and cons. Ask for input from those in your inner circle. Choose wisely, and most of all, don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. The right choices come with peace, even when you can’t see how all the details fit into place!
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Pain Has A Purpose
Lately, I’ve seen many people dealing with challenging circumstances, quite a few of which have worsened in recent months. Whether someone’s pain is related to financial health, physical health, mental health, consequences of someone’s actions, grief or loss, or something else, the emotions are very real.
When life throws you a curveball, how do you respond?
Undoubtedly, we’ve all wondered why bad things happen to good people. I covered much of this in my book, based on my own experiential understanding of pain. But it has been a while since I talked about it here. Each of us handles pain a little differently, although there are probably some broad similarities, too.
The world sees pain as proof that God doesn’t exist. “If God really loved me, why we would He let that happen?” The devil uses pain to make us believe that God doesn’t care, that He has abandoned us. He twists God’s character and lies to us, sometimes leading us toward a sinful response when we mistrust God.
Yet, pain is a tool God uses to get our attention and to teach us. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” from The Problem of Pain, chapter 6
In reality, it’s good for our faith to be tested sometimes. We find out who or what we’ve been relying on. Anything less than Jesus is going to fail. Let Him refine you.
We have small tests of faith daily. If I sit in a chair, there’s a fleeting moment that I have to trust it to hold me! We trust total strangers, such as airplane pilots, firefighters, and even garbagemen, to do their jobs and come through for us. But, we can struggle to trust God, who created us and loves us so much.
It is much easier for me these days to trust God because I have put Him to the test. But, that doesn’t mean I never face another challenge. I will face trials as long as I am here on this lovely planet. Jesus reminded us of that, but He also reminded us He is always with us. That’s a promise!
Pain and trials are often linked. We may not understand the purpose until much later. Nonetheless, I heard an interesting perspective this week that I am still thinking about: It may feel like God is picking on us, but really, He is picking us. There is a big difference!
We see this in full force when reading the book of Job and other books of the Bible. God had a special purpose for Job and his pain. It brought Him glory in the end. And, God ended up blessing him with much more than he had before. God’s blessing is not always financial, and I am happy to let Him choose what is best!
Ultimately, we can see pain as an opportunity to grow and reflect God’s character. So, instead of grumbling and complaining, we can choose to draw close and worship Him. We are more than conquerors in Jesus!
Through trials, we see and learn new things about ourselves and God. It takes maturity to see God’s goodness in the pain. Yet, we cannot always have only goodness – that’s not real life! As we lean on God, we remember He is Supreme and reigns over ALL, the good and the bad.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28
“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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
We can trust God and lean on Him as our Heavenly Father. His joy is your strength! He is faithful and true. He will never let us down!
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Father God, thanks for being with us in our pain and trials. Help us see your purposes in our pain. Help us trust You more and bring You glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: What is your gut reaction to pain and trials? Is it fear and worry, or prayer and praise?
Tasks: When painful trials come, dig in deep. Draw close to God through prayer, worship, and reading His word. Trust Him to come through for you!
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Don’t Fall Prey to Fear
Last week, I talked about seeking peace and avoiding distractions, largely regarding busyness. But I also recognize that fear, anxiety, and worry are a triple threat to maintaining our peace.
This season brings many emotions, such as joy, gratitude, sadness, grief, and stress. While there is so much to enjoy, it is okay to have mixed emotions. Let’s be alert for those, like fear, that would drive us away from God’s infinite LOVE.
You know I must have very specific reasons for living in a state with around six months of winter! Often, I don’t mind, but the amount of snow can sometimes be a little much at times. It becomes even more nerve-wracking if there’s ice involved. Combined with winter’s darker, early nights, I must be on guard and protect my peace.
Thankfully, God has taught me a lot about dealing with fear! I can pray for His help, reframe the situation, apply the Truth of Scripture, and switch my focus outward in service to others. Fear threatens to trap us, but we don’t have to fall prey to fear!
In practical terms, I can also dress warm, have a good attitude, go slow when needed, and thank God for all-wheel drive. I can listen to the radio, especially the Christmas carols at this time of year! I can stop and run errands nearby to wait out the traffic, if needed.
Another way to guard my peace is to monitor what is going into and coming out of my heart and mind. The radio can be encouraging, but often, listening to the news is not. I can read the details instead and monitor it as I go. What goes in must come out eventually, and speaking the Truth with grace and kindness is a better alternative to gossip.
Monitoring energy levels may also be helpful at this time of year! If something is draining my peace, I might be giving in fear. If it brings rejuvenation, I’m more likely to be on the right path! Faith is a stretch, but God rewards and encourages us along the way.
During the holidays, it is easy to do things without always connecting with why. Traditions are great, but sometimes we lose the intention. We cannot allow holiday traditions or daily activities to take our eyes off Jesus. Ideally, these joyous events should point us to Him!
If you are not “into” something this year, have the courage to skip it or change it. It’s okay to do something different that is more meaningful! Instead of feeling stuck, at least discuss it with your family. Perhaps you can take a step of faith and connect with Jesus in a new way while building memories together!
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God, thanks for giving us Jesus, the Reason for the Season. Help us keep our focus on You. Give us wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Questions: What are your favorite Christmas traditions? Do you do them every year or rotate between them? I like to make certain foods but don’t necessarily have a strict timeline!
Tasks: Make a list of the activities you want to do this holiday season. Match each one to your energy levels, which may ebb and flow. Choose the best and let go of the rest. Or, do some of them in January! 
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Don’t Settle for a Piece of Peace
Christmastime is here again! This year, I feel pretty good about the season. I am staying in the moment and not looking too far ahead.
Lydia and I have various holiday plans, but overall, this year has been a practice of stepping back and doing less. That feels like a wise game plan in a season of mixed grief and joy. Thankfully, I can handle it better each year!
On Sunday, one of our pastors started Advent with a sermon on peace. His mom died this past summer, so I know he is sad and missing her. His family celebrations will look different this year, and I appreciated him sharing his heart.
The pastor’s main point was that we can’t have true peace without Jesus, the Prince of Peace. He encouraged us to go all-in with Jesus and not just accept ‘a piece of His peace.’
Jesus came as a tiny, vulnerable baby during a time known as Pax Romana, which was a military-and-government-forced peace. Yet, true peace cannot be coerced or earned. It is a gift from God, and He gives abundantly and in full.
Jesus’ peace in our hearts is like an emotional regulator or umpire. If our hearts are anxious, we should do whatever it takes to return to peace. The Holy Spirit can show us how to do that, but we must be quiet/still enough to hear Him and follow through.
For me, that means changing the channel when a slow, sad song or show comes on. I draw a boundary line because I don’t need to add any extra emotional tension. I don’t want my focus to be on uncertainty and distraction but on Jesus!
Sometimes, we have to fight to maintain peace. After all, we are called to be peacemakers, not necessarily peacekeepers. We cannot live for the status quo. We must continue growing and changing to better reflect God’s goodness and grace.
This season can be rather chaotic at times. Peace in this season will look different than at other times. Most of us have traditions, parties, and obligations. I encourage you to consider what is most important and stick with it.
That could mean doing something out of your comfort zone, perhaps trying something new. Or, maybe it’s saying no to anything that threatens your peace. Sometimes, peace means having a difficult conversation, knowing you must deal with the awkward stuff to resolve it. Whatever it takes!
One of the best ways to maintain our sense of godly peace is to focus on His Word. Consider reviewing a Bible verse a day; write it on a notecard and place it on your bathroom mirror. Or, try memorizing it. Here are some verses to get you going!
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God, thanks for the gift of Peace! Thank You for Jesus! When life gets busy, may we keep our eyes on You. Give us strength and endurance. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: What are your top priorities this holiday season? How are you going to keep Jesus at the center?
Task: Slow down and take stock of your heart each day. Check in with God and listen to His soft whispers of love and grace. Then, do whatever you can to stay close to Him. He is the Source of Life and Peace!
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Finding Grace #455
You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.
I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!
Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!
This week was thankfully less busy than the last two.
Sundays have been more relaxing since we’ve been attending the early church service. We’ve had time to prepare for the next week at a slower pace. It feels like a longer day and I feel more refreshed!
Work was a bit slower, though still steady. I simply had less patients scheduled but still got a lot of things done. It was nice to have a lighter load. As such, I had time to call some extra patients and finish a few small projects.
We received a few inches of snow on Tuesday night and Wednesday. I did a little shoveling but left the main part for the snow service. It is nice to have them come help me, though I still do a fair amount of work throughout the season!
Lydia’s birthday was on Thursday, and she was tickled by the special letter I wrote for her! She wanted to go to dinner and then watch a movie at home with some ice cream. In a way, we have already been celebrating for a week or two. That’s becaue she received various gifts when my mother-in-law visited and through the mail from family.
Friday after work, I ran a few errands and then called my mom to catch up. We had a great time chatting and it is always so encouraging. Later, my dad called to say hi, too. I always appreciate those calls!
Today, we saw Wicked (part 1) at the movie theater. I saw the Broadway production years ago, but it was fun to introduce Lydia to it. In fact, I like Wicked better than the Wizard of Oz! The movie version had some fun cameos and great music. The flying monkeys were still a little scary, though!
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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!
There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!
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A Letter to Lydia
Lydia’s having another birthday this week! As we enter the teenage years, I am grateful for God bringing us this far. When she was little, I wondered how I’d be able to parent her as a single mom. I knew I needed God’s help and prayed for just that. He has been such a faithful Father and provider!
Lydia is kind and thoughtful, funny and intelligent. She is a good listener and friend. She is growing in responsibility and learning to handle tough topics with wisdom. She is the perfect blend of Dave’s strengths and mine. Watching her grow into a young lady who loves Jesus has been an honor. If I could only have one child, I am so glad it is Lydia!
I was recently reminded of some of the fantastic prayers in the Bible. The prayers consist of many things, including praises to God, blessings, deep anguish, repentance, wisdom, and encouragement, among various requests.
Did you know you can personalize certain prayers by adding your own name? We pray to God, but we can use them for our benefit, too. In essence, we are applying God’s Word of Truth, agreeing with Him, and taking it to heart. I will use Lydia’s name below as an example in a birthday letter. But feel free to use your own name in the Scriptures!
Here are just a few of the verses I am drawing from today:
2 Thessalonians 1:11 says, “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.”
Ephesians 1:17-19 says, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe…”
Numbers 6:24-26 says, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Dear Lydia,
I am so proud of you! I am grateful God gave me you. I love who He made you to be.
I pray you will always choose faith and pray first thing. You don’t ‘have to’ be afraid or settle for ‘safe.’ Instead, you can have confidence in trials, knowing God will never leave you nor forsake you. God is with you and for you! Seek Him first in all you do, and everything else will fall into place.
Lydia, I pray God enables you to live worthy of your calling. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then God’s name will be honored in the way you live. All this is possible because of His grace working in your life.
May you rely on the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.
Lydia, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Draw close to Jesus, for He is your life, strength, and joy. He who began this work in you will be faithful in completing it. Therefore, Lydia, never grow tired of doing what is right and good. Keep moving forward! XO
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Heavenly Father, thanks for all Your many blessings. Help Lydia as she continues to grow. May she always feel your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: What are you reading about in the Bible this week? What is the best birthday gift you have ever received?
Task: Add your name, where applicable, to Bible verses and prayers of encouragement. We are not trying to elevate ourselves or take the focus off Jesus… but I hope it helps you apply His word and move forward in your faith!
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No Surprises
Ahh, another Election Day is done, and a new day is ahead. I don’t love politics or watch much news firsthand, but I always enjoy watching the back-and-forth to see who wins. As the states turn blue or red, it’s as if I can see God moving across the country based on our participation!
Sometimes, I have to laugh at the media’s hype and catastrophizing. “Too early to call. This is surprising. What will happen if?” People may feel uncertain, confused, or even sick about the state of things. I get it. But, while the stakes are high, we go through this every four years!
I usually like to stay up and see the results, if possible. But, last night, I prioritized sleep, resting in the fact that God is in control. He understands the complexities and is not phased by them. I voted last week, and He will use all things for my good and His glory.
Ultimately, God doesn’t lose sleep over politics. He is not anxious or dependent on the results. There are no accidents, coincidences, or surprises that fall outside of His jurisdiction. He reigns over all, always has, always will!
The Bible says that God places people in their positions or removes them. He can make a donkey speak and morph people into humility. Nothing is impossible for Him!
As Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12, “… our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
There is so much more going on that we can fully fathom. Yet, we are overcomers because Jesus has already conquered Evil, Sin, and Death.
Regardless of how you feel today—exhausted, upset, happy, or relieved—take heart. We Christians are God’s ambassadors, His representatives. Our peace, joy, and hope are not in any mere man or woman. Our security and eternity is in Jesus.
In Revelation, we read that things will be wild in the last days. Some would say the world is growing darker, but we do not need to fear because we have Jesus, the Light. Nothing can thwart God’s plan or purpose.
Jesus will soon return, and The End grows nearer every day. So buckle up. May we be found faithful and ready for the King of Kings and our Prince of Peace! Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Even so, we have a great responsibility to be wise, vote, and then pray for those in power. We can also step up and help our community to make a local difference. Whatever you do, don’t wait four years to show His love and grace.
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God, You reign over all… including politics, statistics, and legalities. Your purposes stand. Thanks for covering us with mercy and grace. May we understand what You are doing and join You in Your work. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Question: Do you enjoy watching the Election Night news, or do you prefer tuning out?
Tasks: Listen to this song and pray for the leaders of our nation. Even if you don’t like them or agree with them. Remember how much grace God has given you, and extend that to others.
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Tuning Out and Tuning In
What do you think of when you hear or read the word “tune?” You may think of the melody in a piece of music, or an action, such as tuning a radio or tuning an instrument. This may include picking up a new frequency as you drive along or changing the channel to find something new. We can also take our vehicle in for a tune-up.
Just as we can tune in, we can tune out! For instance, we can tune out background noise when having a conversation. Or, sometimes, I am playing a game on my phone, and Lydia asks me a question. Not too often, but it does happen, and I have to ask her to repeat her request. We can also tune out of social media or television shows or sinful habits.
I read an article yesterday (not worth posting here) about how people are tuning out political advertising regarding the upcoming November elections. Each side is spending a lot of money to convince voters, and very few of us are paying attention! It seems people have already made up their minds and don’t care about the details now. Or, perhaps they are just tired of the incessant barrage of information! Maybe that’s just me?!
Politics are important, yes. It is our right, privilege, and duty to vote! But, regardless of who ends up winning, God is still in control. He will use anyone in office for His ultimate purposes. Whether they know Him or not. So, we don’t put our hope in a mere human, but in Jesus alone!
The closer we draw to Jesus, we start to see things as they really are. As we tune out of world’s noise, the less thrilling it becomes. At best, our bling becomes blah. At worst, well, I’m thinking total filth, dirty rags. The glamour and excitement fade away when we realize all Jesus has done for us. That’s not to say things aren’t still worthwhile; it’s just that they don’t hold power over us anymore.
Nothing and no one compares to Jesus! In Him, we can lay down our desires and expectations and look for greater things. All things become new!
There are many ways to draw close and tune our hearts to God. We can pray and seek Him as we go about our day. We can read the Bible and learn about Him. We can listen for His voice and do what He says, right away. Trust and obey!
We can tune in for a deeper understanding of who God is and what He has done for us. We can better grasp His forgiveness, which changes everything! We can drop all pretense that it all depends on us. We can eagerly await eternity with Jesus, yet live for Him today!
We can observe His work in our lives. He has good plans for our lives, and we just have to walk them out. With gratitude, we can find His grace and provision for all our needs!
Wherever you find yourself today, I encourage you to tune in to all God has for you! Perhaps sing a little melody to Him. He is so good!
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Heavenly Father, thanks for all You do for us! Help us turn away from worthless things, and help us tune in to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Questions: Who or what are you tuning into this week? Where is your hope? Do you need a tune-up?
Task: Listen to this old hymn: “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
