Day 286 – When it’s man’s plan it will fall apart, but when it’s God’s plan it will not fail at all.

Today’s Reading: Acts 3 – 5

Acts 5:38-39 “So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,”

In all the events and projects I help to organize, I never rely on my own ideas. Why? Because I’m human and hugely flawed. The only way I will move forward with an idea is if I’ve prayed over it and God has given me a specific word, a sign, or He’s given me complete peace in a decision that’s been made.

This is a tough route to take since most often we are all under time constraints and need to have a definitive answer in the immediacy. However, God knows when we wait on Him to reveal His plan, our work won’t fail and instead go far beyond our expectations.

In the beginning of Acts, Jesus has left the apostles, but filled them with an overflowing of the Holy Spirit. They are going around preaching and giving their testimony and leading many people to Christ. The council of the high priest heard what the apostles were doing and wanted them killed, but a very wise Pharisee told the others to leave them alone. The teacher realized that if these men were really of God, nothing would cause their work to fail, but if these weren’t the plans of God they would explode on their own in the near future.

As we go along this journey in whatever we do, we need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and what He requires of us. When we do this our steps begin to get wider and we will not fall but instead flourish.

Day 284 – When not seeing is believing, Faith is Alive.

Today’s Reading: John 18 – 20

John 20:25 “So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

We all know a Thomas, someone who wants to believe, but needs to see it before they will believe it.

John 20:27 “Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

But oh those who do not see and still believe, now that is Faith. This will be the assurance needed to get through every trial, to hear ever bad result, to wait expectantly for the 2 solid lines, to walk across the rickety bridge, or travel to the darkest places on the face of the earth to share the gospel. This Faith, believing when you can’t see, is what will heal your every ailment and bring vision back to your blinded eyes.

Faith is what keeps me going and pushes me forward. I’ll never forget the day I went to my doctor, 2 months after my miscarriage. I knew I was pregnant, God had already confirmed it to me, but my doctor just didn’t believe. He needed to see it on the sonogram screen to be sure. The devil tried to steal my Faith and my Joy, but I knew, and I wasn’t going to back down. So I came back that next day and my little twins made themselves known. I was shocked that there were 2, but I never disbelieved that there wasn’t at least 1.

John 20:29 “Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Do you just believe or do you need to see to believe?

Day 283 – There’s somebody waiting on you.

Today’s Reading: John 13 – 17

John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

You know the BIGGEST decision you ever make in your life is sitting right in front of you everyday.

‘Did you know one day in Heaven is like 1000 on earth?‘ This is just one of the many questions my inquisitive daughter has asked me over the years.

You see, when you go through a major loss in your family you try to keep all lines of communication open, especially, death, Eternity, and Heaven. Over the past few years, our family has dealt with a new overflowing of emotions in regards to the loss of our son and little brother, from just missing him physically.

In the early days, when we would go to Hayden’s grave, I’d have to remind my children that Hayden’s body may be laid in the ground but he’s not there because he’s up in Heaven with Jesus. Hayden was ready. He knew Jesus and he was ready to go fly with the angels. What’s even greater is he got early access into the home Jesus had been preparing for us.

Did you know there is someone waiting there for you too?

It doesn’t matter what your earthly home is like or where your loved one is laid to rest, but that you know the way to get to your Eternal Home, where the weather is always perfect, joy fills the air, birds sing songs all day long, and light is a continual source from God. The directions are easy, but the way tends to be hard.

John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

There’s only one way to Heaven and one way to Salvation. We must believe in the Lord Jesus, the Son of God, as Our Lord and Savior, and when we do not only will Our Loved One’s be waiting at the Pearly gates ready to usher us in, but Jesus and Our Heavenly Father will also be there welcoming us home.

Day 282 – Let’s Celebrate New Life.

Today’s Reading: John 8 – 12

John 11:25-27 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

Jesus came into this world to bring Life, Love, and Light. This world was already filled with Death, Danger, and Darkness. Where the Lord brought Light the Devil sat in darkness.

At any point, when we feel Joy, we should celebrate the Light that brings it in.

Just think of those shepherds in the field that normal night, they weren’t expecting an angel of heaven or a star to guide their way. These shepherds had no idea what Christmas would become to us, and yet they still followed the light of the Northern Star and found a baby lying in a Manger. An abundance of Peace and Joy surrounded the baby on this Holy Night, and they knew from the words of the angel that this was the promised Messiah and goodwill had come to all men.

Since this time, the darker the world has become the brighter His light shines and the more we should all seek His Light. When we find the Light we also find the Peace and Joy that surrounds Him. Jesus came as a baby because a baby brings new life. A baby is a gift, Always, no matter the circumstances that surround his birth, and we should Always celebrate this new life.

So when my children ask if we can prepare our home for Christmas early this year to be able to focus more on the Birth of Christ, I say absolutely. When I hear music flowing through my home of Christmas Carols in the middle of October and and see a countdown to Christmas, I don’t think Ugh, I don’t think gifts, I think of Thee Gift, Jesus Christ.

Let’s seek to find Joy in His Birth which brought Light into the world, eventual death because of Love, and Eternal Life after his resurrection. You don’t have to wait to celebrate, He is always living in you. His presence is the the greatest Present ever received.

Day 281 – Give thanks in the small things and receive more than you ever expected.

Today’s Reading: John 5 – 7

John 6:9-11 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.”

Have you ever noticed that when Jesus gave thanks for the bread huge things happened? He fed the 4000, 5000, and offered up His own body for our sins. Our Savior made it extremely important to give thanks even when we don’t think we have enough, when we have less than others, and even when things don’t seem to be going right. Thanking Him says we are trusting Him with whatever He gives us, the big and the small, the hard and the seemingly fantastic. For ALL things come from Him to be used by Him to Glorify His Father in Heaven. But when we thank Him it can’t be out of selfish ambitions or deceit, instead it must be honest thanks from the bottom of our heart seeking not the bread of wealth but the bread of life.

John 6:26-29 “Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

When we gives thanks hoping that Jesus will make our “bread” expand, giving us greatness, wealth, or whatever we want we are using Him like a genie in a bottle. But when we thank Him with an open and honest heart for all things, trusting that His Will be done, we are seeking the bread of life and the desires of His heart instead of our own. And the Lord promises that when we seek Him fully we will never thirst, hunger, or be in want.

I’m currently thanking Him for the Harvest even before it comes.

Day 280 – Would you be willing to give as much as God gave for you?

Today’s Reading: John 2 – 4

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

God loved us so much that He sent His Son down from Heaven to earth to be born of a virgin. Jesus would be raised by His mother and a loving adoptive dad. He would walk this earth as a boy, teenager and man, going through all the emotions and phases of a human, but just as much, still God.

He would heal the sick, feed the poor, speak truth to the rejected, comfort the mourning, bring peace to all people, and then all people would turn their back on Him and beg for His crucifixion. God loved us so much that He would allow His Son to be abused, beaten, mocked, spit on, nailed to a cross, and crucified until death. And He allowed all of this so that the entire world would be saved.

He did this for you, me, and everyone else.

Years ago I thought about this same question and for as many years as I can remember I was always dreaming about giving up my life for others to be saved, but I never wanted to risk the life of one of my loved ones. But on January 4th, 2015, as my husband and I rode in the back of a car from one hospital to another to see if our youngest child would live or die, I had peace that God had this all under control and that if it was my little child’s time to go that others would be saved because of him. I can’t say I would willingly sacrifice my child for others, but I can say I willingly will hand my children over to God and trust that God will use them for His great purposes.

This isn’t because I love the world, but because I love God and I know that He loves me back. God loves you too! Have you accepted His Son as your Lord and Savior? Today is the day, let Him know of your Love for Him and lay down your life for Eternal life. He’s already shown His love for you.

Day 279 – On the journey to eternity, don’t walk it alone.

Today’s Reading: Luke 23 – John 1

Luke 24:12-16 “But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.”

At some point in life we will find ourselves on the road to Emmaus, the road of belief and disbelief. It’s a long road when we travel alone, but when we travel with other believers time seems to fly.

By choice and enjoyment I am a runner. Running alone can be soothing and freeing, but working out is a whole other monster for me. I hardly ever go to a gym, but if I do, it has to be for a class or with someone to tell me what to do. If I get tired or bored, there is a huge chance I will stop. However, when I workout with others, it’s much harder to stop because we encourage one another along.

On the journey to Emmaus, 2 disciples find themselves in a predicament of questioning their faith, trying to decide what is true. Out of nowhere, a man walks up to them (the resurrected Jesus), and starts questioning the men, asking for explanations. Then He begins to explain to them the Word of God.

Luke 24:25-27 “And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

As Jesus spoke to the men, even though they didn’t recognize Him, their heart burned inside, and as He broke the bread and gave thanks they recognized Him and their faith was restored.

We all find ourselves in this position of questioning our beliefs or non-belief. If we do it alone, the likelihood of growing our faith or just believing is much more difficult, but if we walk the road with believers and open His Word to hear from Him our heart will stir and our faith will grow.

Day 278 – One thing will never fail you!

Today’s Reading: Luke 20 – 22

Luke 21:33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

These days you never know if the sky is going to fall, the ground is going to open up, a hurricane wipe out an island, or a tornado take out your town. Then there’s the personal stuff, a so-called friend broke your trust, your spouse wasn’t always faithful, you failed the test you needed to pass, and then the rumor hit social media and spread like wildfire. You don’t know who to trust, where to run, how things will all work out, or why you just can’t seem to get things right.

Honestly, nothing in the here and now will last forever; things and people are always changing.

Yet, there is one thing that has remained the same, one thing that will never change, it will never leave you, will be alive and available to the very end, and that’s the Word of God.

It has lasted through fires, revolutions, tsunamis, bus wrecks, generations, and all kinds of natural disasters and catastrophes. The Word is still here and still Whole. You can always count on the Word of God to speak to your specific situation, guide you through the good times and the bad, answer your deepest questions, and bring light to your darkest moments.

Are you lost and looking, seeking and searching, waiting and wanting, or helping and hoping, then the Word of God is exactly what you need.

Day 277 – Lead the children to the Lord.

Today’s Reading: Luke 17 – 19

Luke 18:16 “But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

The children of today are the adults of tomorrow. If you watch the news, read the paper, or scan social media, you will see a majority of our youth are being led astray.

Where did we go wrong? We took prayer out of school, we made church optional, we told them it’s ok to not listen to authority, it’s ok for them to believe in whoever or whatever their heart decides, and our biggest issue….we’ve lead them everywhere but to Jesus.

The youth of this world are lost like the prodigal son. They’ve asked for their inheritance early and they’ve ran off to squander it, the only problem is, will they ever realize they had it better if we never show them what better was?

All children are all of our responsibilities, those that belong to us, those of our friends, those that are our kids friends, those we coach, the orphans, the child in the grocery store; if we come in contact with them they are in our village and if they are in our village we must help raise them. It is our job to take them to church, to teach them to pray, to read them the Bible, to answer their questions, to take the time to hear them out, to love them right where they are, to be a living example of Christ. They can’t know Him if we don’t show them.

Invest time in the youth around you, pray to God to reveal who you should pour your life into, tell them your Jesus stories, how He has worked in your life. Plant the seeds of Christ and watch how they grow. If you let the little children come to His Light, you will see how much brighter the future will be.

Day 276 – It’s not WHAT you have, but WHO you have.

Today’s Reading: Luke 12 – 16

Luke 12:20-21 “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

When I met my husband’s parents, there was something that they had that I absolutely adored, porcelain figurines by Lladro. Every time I saw them my eyes were fixated on their beauty, delicateness, and how each one was so intricately made. The artist really took passion in his creation, much like God takes passion in us.

Brett knew my admiration for these figurines so he and his parents bought me my first piece, the college graduate. Then soon after my parents bought the married couple for our cake topper. My collection had started and from here on out for every huge moment in my life someone would buy me a new one. The more I received the bigger the China Cabinet needed to be, just like the bigger barns for the extra crops. I greatly admire these figurines and the many memories they ignite, but all they do is sit in their cabinet and collect dust.

Luke 12:15 “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

The Lladros are expensive and fairly rare, but you and I have been given something greater, even “Priceless”, Our Faith in Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. If I was given an ultimatum to give up all my possessions or deny Christ, you’d find me homeless and hungry before I’d be without Hope! Having more “stuff” means nothing when we reach the pearly gates, but having a heart that seeks after Christ means eternity. If we are consumed by having more money and things, then we have our priorities all wrong. If we complain about not having what our neighbor has but have a full pantry, we aren’t being mindful of the millions of children that go to bed hungry. God desires our thoughts be on things above, not a new boat or Louis handbag. God desires our homes be full of love, not porcelain figurines. He desires our hands to help others, not help ourselves. He desires our heart because we have Him.