Day 185 – There is a season and a time for everything, and God will make everything beautiful in it’s time.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 30 – Ecclesiastes 3

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1

If I could I have it my way, I would live in a city with brightly colored balloons all over the place, people singing and dancing in the streets, laughter overflowing, and sunny 70° weather all the time. There would be no hate, no crying, no anger, no dying, just fully living in the goodness and light of Jesus. Eternity in Heaven.

I’m positive that my desire is found deep within the heart of all mankind.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11

Even though eternity is what we all along for, I know without a doubt, God is Sovereign, and in all things his timing is beautiful.

He has filled me with laughter and held me when I cry. He has shown me the miracle of a baby and given me peace in the death of a child. He allows me to see the planting and growing of fruitful crops, as well as the ending of a season so a new season and new era can be brought forth.

For seven years now, God has been bringing me through a season of mourning into a season of dancing, giving me glimpses of what the future will hold. In all of this, even death, I’ve seen beauty – his beauty – his creation – his goodness, and I cling to it and seek it out.

He will take us by the hand and carry us through all types of seasons to experience all of His Heart because in ALL THINGS He is wooing us to Him. He will make all things in all seasons beautiful in it’s Time. So, I’ll keep looking for the Beauty on the way there.

Day 184 – In ALL things there is a lesson to be learned.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 25 – 29

“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” Proverbs 29:15

Every summer we send our daughters to camp for a couple of weeks. During their time there, they have no access to phones, iPads, or any type of technology. So, each day I write them a letter, one much like my morning devotions, but more specifically to things they are going through at the time. Whether it be fear, friendships, speaking more than listening, I use my life, their life, and scripture to guide them through.

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

As they got off the plane this year, we gave them huge hugs, we laughed, we listened, and we got in the car to make the long drive home. One of my daughters began telling us about someone at camp and I listened, but once she was done I began to tell her a story, using life and scripture, helping her to see the other side. Out of Both of their mouths came, “Mom, not everything in life is a lesson to be learned!” They then preceded to tell their dad about how my letters at camp had them digging deeper into scripture than anything else at camp. We all laughed. However, I had to clarify that ALL life is a lesson. If we aren’t learning we aren’t growing, and if we aren’t growing we are dying.

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Proverbs 27:5

Jesus was called a teacher because he used everything to teach a lesson of God‘s wisdom and love. I may be a teacher to my children but I’m also a child to the great teacher above. I’m still learning everyday and I’m still making mistakes. My head never turns off and I run my thoughts, heart, and mind through the Word and to God every day.

A couple of days ago, I was filling out paperwork for my daughter‘s upcoming dance camp, and I asked her what level she was at. She proceeded to say, “put the lower level because remember it’s better to be raised up than to be lowered down.”

“Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great, for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be our lower in the presence of a noble.” Proverbs 25:6-7

Ah, yes, another lessoned learned.

Day 183 – Work to Live not Live to Work.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 22 – 24

Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27

I’ve heard the word workaholic a lot in my life. I can’t help it, I love to work. I honestly feel at my best when I’m physically working my hands and mind. But after a long days work, I love to sit and relax; after a long season, I love to jump in a car or hop on plane to travel the world and experience all of God’s creation. I may love to work, but at the end of my work I love to live.

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-13

The sluggard, the sloth, the person who works to attain something and then gives up working, this person has lost their way.

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Proverbs 24:30-31

God wants us to work because he gives each of us a purpose; he wants us to tend to the land, putting our hand to the plow. But God also wants us to LIVE, to rest, to enjoy the work of our hands, the fruit of our harvest. When. We are just working to attain something and then give up, that which we attained comes to waste. However, if we work to live, we work to provide for life. We work, we rest, we work, we play, we work, we live, until God says our work here is done and we’ve been faithful to fulfill the work He’s given us.

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21

Day 182 – What does the Lord see?

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 19 – 21

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Proverbs 21:2

You’ve see it, you’ve heard it, you’ve said it. The words and actions are there, but then we formulate a conclusion for the reason it was done. We all have the ability to explain why it was okay for us to do or say the thing we did. It’s how a child gets away with hitting their sibling, how a parent can yell at their kids, how a coworker can talk down to you, how Criminal can walk free. We’re human, we’re sinful, it’s not our fault…Right?!

We may be able to justify our deeds, but the Lord looks at our heart and knows the truth.

When Nathan confronted David about his sin with Bathsheba and the death of Uriah the Hittite, Nathan didn’t come in with guns blazing because David had already justified his deeds. Instead, the Lord sent Nathan with a story about a rich man and a poor man, where the rich man took the only lamb of a poor man to use for a feast. David was furious with this man and said he would pay for his deeds, and that’s when Nathan explained David was that man because of what he’d done.

The Lord saw, He knew, and David’s eyes were opened to the Truth. But David was still going faithful, a man after God’s own heart, the lineage to which Jesus would come. David sought the Lord, asked for forgiveness and repented of his sins, and the Lord loved him even more for it.

God loves us to and He sees all we do. He just wants us to have the courage to come to him with honesty about the things we do. He will forgive us and cleanse us when we’re wrong.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”
Psalm 51:1-4,10-12

Day 181 – Listen BEFORE you speak.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 16 – 18

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Proverbs 18:13

God’s given you 2 ears and 1 mouth, so He must want you to listen more than speak. These are the words I tell my children often. It’s one of those things I’ve learned the hard way, and it’s something I’ve seen adults do very poorly. I’m hopeful that if I say it on repeat to my children that the annoyance of it will teach them to do it before they learn the hard way.

Over the years I’ve learned that a listening ear is a humble ear, the more you listen the less you fall. Whereas when someone speaks all the time, they are normally trying to control the situation and prove their worth in the room, eventually they fall because they didn’t take the time to hear the wisdom of others. When we listen, we learn what’s truly going on, naturally rising in wisdom not falling in folly.

In 1 King 3, Solomon was sitting on the throne when 2 prostitutes came in disputing over the life of a child. He naturally has authority, he was King, but he sat and listened to both womens’ claims. Solomon never interrupted, he just waited until everyone said what they had to say and the time was right to speak. He pondered their words and answered in wisdom. Then from the wisdom that was spoke, the true mom came forth, the child’s life was saved, and the nation of Israel became in awe of Solomon’s wisdom.

And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.
1 Kings 3:28

Solomon didn’t have to cut these women off or tell them he was ruler or show them his credentials; he listened and through listening, wisdom and honor came forth.

Now of days there are many opportunities to speak our mind, throw around our opinions, and provide our credentials to demand our way and prove our worth. However, in doing such things, not only do we push people away but we also divide groups and nations.

If we are truly wanting to help, if we really want things to get better, to change our families, our work, our world, to magnify the Lord, we have to be willing to listen. Then, when the time is right, we can speak truth, and wisdom will prevail.

Day 180 – Choose wisely this you walk with and wisdom will walk with you.

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 13 – 15

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20

We all desire relationships, it was built into our being, but some relationships can tear us down and others can build us up. We have to choose wisely the ones we spend the most time with if we desire to grow in the life we are given.

In life, it’s difficult to decide who is wise and who is a fool when all we are wanting is to find a friend. So we tend to lean into those who except us when all who except us aren’t always the right fit.

Here are a few ways the Lord reveals in Scripture those who are walking in wisdom:

If they fear the Lord and are seeking after Him, there is wisdom. If they are willing to share their flaws and not just their greatness, there is wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33

If they listen more than they speak, there is wisdom. If they speak truth, seek wisdom from counsel, listen and learn from understanding, and discern the way to go, there is wisdom.

Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
Proverbs 13:3

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22

But if we are seeking to find wise friends, we must also seek wisdom for ourselves. We cannot be a good fit for the wise if we are not willing to be wise.

Every road has two ways, you can even walk the wrong way on a one-way street, but to walk with a friend you must both be going in the same direction.

Day 179 – Let Hope Prevail

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 10 – 12

The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Proverbs 10:28

The sinful soul expects things to be a certain way: the customer should always be right, the grandparent should give up their time to take care of the grandchild, the government should provide for my needs, the neighbor should know my name….But the hopeful soul sows seeds of hope and produces Joy because they are willing to help in what they Hope for.

The hopeful person gives back because of all they’ve been given even if they have little. They help the waiter clean the table because they realize theirs not enough help, they volunteer to help their friend when they seek them struggling without expecting anything in return, they reach out when a situation is confusing to listen to the other side and find understanding, and they try to help their parent enjoy life because they gave so much of their life to raising them.

The hopeful person turns Expectations upside down. They come humbly into this world willing to help instead of expecting to be helped. They wash feet instead of waiting for their feet to be washed.

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
John 13:12-17

Jesus our greatest example of Hope coming into this broken world ushered in Peace and Joy. He didn’t lord over anyone with expectations even though He was Lord. Jesus came to serve, to give Hope. Hope is witnessed when we serve because we are Hoping for a greater future by being willing to help it come to fruition.

Day 178 – Take Action

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 5 – 9

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8

Everyday something will cross your mind that you have to make a decision on. Many times, we think on it, ask others opinions, even pray on it, but never make a decision because we are stuck in the thought alone. This thought just sits out there until it gets placed on a shelf in our brain and other things get added to it or the opportunity passed us by.

What about if that something was something God had planned for us? What about if it was going to save lives? What about if it was going to save your life or bring you abundant life, and all you had to do was say “Yes” and move forward in obedience?

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14

It’s time we take action. It’s time to make a decision on the thing that crosses your mind. Sometimes the action is a No but sometimes it’s a Yes. It’s time to make a plan and follow through for your future. God has great plans for each of us, but sometimes we are the greatest detriment to fulfilling that plan.

Think of the ant, it knew winter would come. So it worked hard at storing up food beforehand to sustain them.

Years ago I was given the greatest compliment. The headmaster of a school said, “Normally a person is either a Dreamer or a Doer. You are a Dreamer and a Doer. You make things happen.”

God said He created us in His image, and when he was dreaming each of us up in our mothers womb, He was dreaming up a great plan for each of us on earth and in eternity. And you are Here, for a Reason, so get at it! Don’t get stopped in the thinking process. Take action for your future.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Day 177 – As the clock ticks and seasons change, a straight and mighty path is always accessible to those who trust in the Lord.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 150 – Proverbs 4

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
Proverbs 3:1-12

Wisdom is a gift from God that keeps on giving as long as we keep on seeking. No matter where life takes us or the season we find ourself in, wisdom can be found there.

24 years ago, I was lost in the place that I dropped off my oldest child. I had lost my way, and forgotten about the access I had to my God. As we tucked in the sheets, unpacked all the clothes, and released our child into the world, we wondered if we had done everything right for him to be on the right path.

We had to trust that we had done what God had required of us while he was under our roof. We had to drive away with enough assurance that we raised him by not just words and deeds, but with love and an example. We showed him the path to take by the path we took, by the steps we made. We led him to Jesus through quiet times, scripture reading and prayer, through Sunday church, through overcoming trials with Jesus by our side, through mistakes and forgiveness, and above all through seeking wisdom from above in all situations.

As parents, we have the opportunity to walk hand in hand with our children down the path of life for so many years. We have chosen to walk the path of God’s guidance, so that when they walk on there own they have a better chance of staying on it with the Lord.

An amazing thing about God is He promised to always be with us even when we don’t know it. He gives us help along the way in each season to try and point us in the right direction. When we’re young the help can be parents, grandparents, teachers, friends…it can be found in a Bible, a Sunday School lesson, or a prayer we remember. These are all building blocks that he stores in our heart and mind, so that when we get lost we can turn to him again. And years ago, when I was lost, God used these things stored within me to turn me to Him and I’ve never not forgotten Him since. It is because of God’s presence in my life that I walked away from this same place a second time, not sad or scared, BUT truly excited for the path God has my child on.

Day 176 – God delights, not in our ability, but in our heart.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 147 – 149

His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
Psalm 147:10-11

Over the past year, I have stretched myself so thin, I have stressed myself out. Why would I do such a thing? Because God created me with the ability to do many things and I’ve taken that as the need to say Yes to anything. If someone asks, I say yes. If I see a need, I say yes. If my children need anything, I say yes. After working all day, driving my children to all different practices, I come home cook a home cooked meal and then I head to a meeting or a study or youth or an event or you name it, because I say Yes. And the thing is, I love helping. I love being there for others, and God has given me the ability to do it. But my heart hasn’t been in ALL of it because I’ve been exhausted.

God wasn’t delighting in me for using the gifts He’s given me, He delights when I seek after His desires – the reason for the gifts He’s given me.

Just because God makes you able to do much, He doesn’t call you to do ALL. He literally asks you to lean into Him so you can hear his desire for you. He wants you to love him with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31

He gives us our abilities, but He doesn’t give us stress. God gives us peace. When we take on His hearts desires, his yoke, God promises we will have Rest.

So, as this year moves on, I’m leaning into Jesus More. I’m seeking wisdom in what Yeses to make, and where I should commit my heart.

When we commit our Heart to His plan, He will make it good, He will give us peace, he will gives us rest, and He will be delighted.