This truth has been changing my life over the past few months. There is always more to God than what I am currently experiencing. He is asking me, “Do you want me, Eric?”

It’s a simple question, and He’s asking you the same thing. Do you want more of God?

Do you want more God in hard times? If times are hard for you, God is there, able to catch, hold and comfort you. We can’t fall too low for He sank to the deepest depths and knows every temptation. (Hebrews 4:15) His Spirit is our Comforter. Do you want Him?

Do you want more God in good times? If times are good, God is even better that you dream Him to be. In our moments of greatest revelation we only see a slice of God. We can never encapsulate His goodness in a word, song, or even a lifetime. (Job 11:7 and 1 Cor. 13:12) God is better than we know.

In hard times, He is good and He is working things out for the good of those who love Him.

In good times, He is even better than we think He is, and infinitely more so.

The desire to know God should compel us into every Christian virtue, from the private practice of humble meditation to the public expression of bold evangelism.

There’s always more God. Do you want Him?

Father, I want to know You and the power of Your resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in Your sufferings. Teach me to press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, help me to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Amen  (Adapted from Phil 3:10-14)

Question: How do you get to know God better?

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

As we grow in trusting the Lord daily with our situations, as we acknowledge Him in all our ways, as we release our cares to Him we can expect a result. God’s word is clear about the results of trusting the Lord. Read Jeremiah 17: 7-8 and listen to what He says. 

As we walk through our days with a confident expectation in the Lord, knowing He will meet us in the midst of our need, we will feel His blessing in our hearts. Our circumstances may remain challenging yet His strength will steady us, His comfort will touch us, His peace will wash over us, His presence will encase us, His wisdom will guide us and His love will surround us.

When our roots go down deep into all the Lord is we will remain fruitful and green even when there is drought all around us.

Feast your heart and mind on all He is today. Your roots will draw water from a deep place and you will be blessed.

Father God,

Life is full of cares and around me there is much drought of many kinds. Thank you that You are all I need. Thank you that You will guide me and shepherd me through the maze of life as I trust You with my whole heart. Increase my faith today as I trust You with and in the cares of my life. (Name them specifically). I thank You and pray this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.

Question: How has God given you His comfort, peace, wisdom and love?

“And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
 They shall raise up the former desolations,
 And they shall repair the ruined cities,
 The desolations of many generations.”
Isaiah 61:4, NKJV

This Scripture really spoke to me this morning as I thought of how so many of us come from places of brokenness, of loss, of deep wounding. We can sometimes wonder if wholeness is a real possibility for us again, or is it just a pipe dream?

I do not believe Jesus is the Author of pipe dreams. Nor is He the author of confusion and the chaos that comes from our addictions and sin and life-controlling problems. But He is the Author of Life, the Author of the rich, eternal, abundant Life that flows forth from within His Spirit and up into our hearts and spirits as He pours His love and hope into our hearts:

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:5, NKJV)

Does this bring you hope today? Hope in your Heavenly Father? Hope in the Holy Spirit, your Comforter? Hope in Jesus? I pray that it does, for the Lord has given us His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV84). They are available and accessible to every one of us who believe in Him. All of these things, He showed me this morning, are building blocks on which we can reclaim that which was destroyed in our lives, reconstructing it using the truth, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ as our Mortar to hold our foundation “stones” together. For He is our Sure Foundation on Whom we are to build our house! He is the One in Whom we can trust to always be there for us, to never abandon nor forsake us:

5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?
(Hebrews 13:5-6, Amplified Bible)

So let us praise the Lord, for He will never let us down, and He is the One on Whom we can depend as we rebuild our broken lives one stone, one brick at a time with Him as the Mortar, with Him as our Strong Foundation, all the while praying for trustworthy brothers and sisters to come alongside us with whom we can pray and in whom we can confide and share our experience, strength, hope, and faith in recovery. Let us tear down our walls of rebellion and pride and shame and build a new and abundant Life with the firm Foundation being Christ Jesus, along with our brothers and sisters in Him.

Lord Jesus, help us to turn to You with deep faith and hope in the promises You give us in Your Word of Truth as we look to You as our Sure Foundation; take us by the hand and guide us as we seek to tear down walls of shame, rebellion, and dysfunction and rebuild the ruins of our former lives that we may flourish in the eternal, abundant Life You have won for us. In Your holy and precious name we pray. Amen.

Questions: Is your past holding you back from a glorious future in Christ? What can you do to help  place your hope in Jesus as your Sure Foundation?

Are you in a storm today? Come talk to a mentor.

 “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’” (Mark 4:37 – 38)

I’ve been in the midst of many storms in my life and you have been too.  In those times, it’s hard not to focus on ourselves or on the situation.  It’s easy to sometimes feel that God has forgotten us.  But there is purpose in the storm.  The storms of life help shape and mold us.  It builds faith, character, and “worketh patience”. (James 1:1-7)

God also wants to use us in the midst of the storm.  The church that I attend recently did outreach on the Coney Island boardwalk.  The winds that day were gusting at 30-40 miles per hour.  There was a sand storm!  The sand and wind were hitting us so hard in the face that we actually could not face certain directions.  Every time we opened our mouths to minister, we ate sand!  One member said, “There’s not much that we can do out here”.  Still, we stood in the midst of the storm.  We knew that God had sent us there with a purpose.

Very soon after, a homeless man, Dave, and his friend approached me.  Dave asked, “Why are you out here?”  As the sand swirled around us, I was able to share the love of God with him.  I told him how God had sent us there to let Dave know that He loves and cares for him and that’s he’s not forgotten.

Afterward, Dave told me his story  – how he ended up on the street and how he couldn’t believe that he was there.  I was able to give him resources and pray for him and also for his friend. Dave received the prayer, gave thanks, and walked away a couple of steps.  Then he came back and said, with tears in his eyes, “It’s so hard out here”.

Dave was also in a storm.  There are many people in the midst of the storms of life without any hope.  Many who are right around us – on our jobs and in our neighborhoods – are struggling.  The winds are blowing on all of us.

As believers, our hope is in Christ, the One who can speak to the winds and the waves, “Peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39)  He gives us His peace in the midst of the storm and calms our fearful hearts.  He reminds us of this peace in John 14:27,“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

We know Him to be “faithful and true”(Revelations 19:11).  He’s “the God of all comfort” (II Corinthians 1:3) who meets us in the storm and comforts us with His presence and grace.  We have to allow God’s light to shine through us, that others might be blessed, even while we ourselves are standing in the storm.

Holy God, Thank you for being with me in the storms of my life. Teach me to stand firm on your promises when the wind swirls around me.  Amen.

Question: Are you in a storm? Though you may not see it, there is purpose. How can you be an example of God’s light as you walk through your storm?

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”.  (1 Peter 5:7)

I love squirrels. Not everyone does, in fact many consider them a pest. But, I have always had an affinity for them. As a child, I’d watch my father feed them pecans on our deck railing. For the last three years of my late husband’s life he and I lived in a new development. The trees were little more than saplings and they attracted no squirrels to our yard. I realized how much I missed watching squirrels frolic.

Moving to an apartment after my husband died was a tough but necessary transition. Outside my window is a common area. The first day I was there, I saw a squirrel. My eyes welled with tears. It was a special sign from my loving Father telling me all would be well. I just knew it. That squirrel stayed around all week, and as I unpacked and settled in, I’d watch it romp and look for fallen acorns. Warm memories would envelop me like a fatherly hug.

The squirrel vanished when the landscapers came with their loud mowers and leaf blowers. But, every now and then when I am feeling a bit low, my squirrel will appear, perched on it’s haunches, the sun streaming through that fluffy tail. It is as if God is telling me, “I am still here, even when you can’t see Me. I love you.”

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter six, Jesus explains how God cares for the lilies and the birds. He cares for my squirrel as well, just as He cares for you and me. As I watch the squirrel forage acorns, I realize there are untold blessings I must seek out as well, lest I miss them. Blessings like a small furry creature popping into view just when I need a warm fuzzy feeling to boost my world-worn heart.

Father, Remind me that you see me, and that you are not unaware of my pain. Thank you for the comfort you promise and hope you give both for today and for tomorrow.  Amen.

Question: What is your squirrel?  How does God show you that He cares and is there?

How can we pray for you today?

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.” (Psalm 61:1-3)

During the month of February, you cannot help but notice attractive displays of hearts nearly everywhere you go. Card shops, jewelry stores, flower shops, and bakeries carry sentimental heart shaped items ranging from cards to eye-catching necklaces. We purchase such tangible items for our loved ones as an expression of our love.

What about spreading God’s hope, comfort, and love to those who are sick and dying? Sad to say, many avoid those who are physically fading, not knowing what to say or do during this stage of life. At this critical point, they don’t need a tangible item…they need hope, comfort, and love from others.

As followers of Christ, knowing which Bible passages to share to console those needing comfort during this transitional time makes a difference. A compassionate heart, filled with God’s truth and love, brings comfort to His beloved children as He prepares to bring them home. Their physical body may cease but spiritually they live on. Below are passages that will comfort those in need of hope and assurance of God’s promises during this transitional period.

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3)    

 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

Additional passages to read: Psalm 23, 27, 84, 91 & 103, Isaiah 40, 2 Corinthians 5:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 21-22.

Heavenly Father, May we be readily prepared to bestow hope, comfort and love to our loved ones during the end stages of life here on earth. May we not shrink, hide, nor fear death for we know that our real home is in heaven and we will live with you in eternity. In Jesus name, Amen     

 Question: Is there someone who you can share the message of hope with during this Valentine’s season?

My grandson was visiting. He was not his normal happy self. He was very sad and upset about something. He could not put it into words. We were just about to sit down for lunch. He asked, “Papa can I sit in your chair?” I always sit at the head of the table. I moved and gave him my chair and spot at the table. Something about it seemed to comfort him and reassure him. The tears passed. Funny thing, he has never asked again.

Jesus offers a place of comfort and rest. His invitation:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”   (Matthew 11: 28-30)

Being close to Christ is the place of comfort and reassurance!

I have questions for God, do you?  Here are some of mine . . .

 God, did you see…when a broken-hearted couple lost their three year old son to cancer and just 10 short years later were sitting in that same funeral home grieving the loss of another son?

“When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. . .  Then Jesus wept.”  (John 11:33,35)

Lord, were you listening…when a young girl lost her innocence and cried herself to sleep night after night?

‘I keep track of all your sorrows.  I have collected all your tears in my bottle and I have recorded each one in my book.’”  (Psalm 56:8)

God, do you see…the mother who has run out of options and doesn’t know where to turn?  She’s exhausted, tapped out, and emotionally spent – her child has completely drained her.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’”   (Matthew 11:28-29)

Lord, where were you…when a family watched everything they owned burn to the ground?

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.  There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.’”  (John 14:1-3)

Where were you, Jesus…when a loving wife and mother lost her life to an insatiable disease, and a young dad was left to pick up the pieces and care for his two little daughters?

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

God sees our sorrow, He knows every tear we’ve cried and every prayer we’ve prayed. Isaiah, the prophet says this about God who became flesh and dwelt among us (Jesus).

There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.

He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!

But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.

                       (Isaiah 53:2-5)

God understands our pain, He hears our questions in times of great need and He answers! His greatest answer to our questions came in the person of Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God offers you a free gift – you cannot earn it, you are not born into the right family to receive it.  Each individual must accept God’s free gift for themselves. Each one of us has sinned and gone our own way and our just payment is eternal death.  But God sent His Son Jesus to take our punishment and die in our place!  When we acknowledge that we are a sinner and invite Christ to come into our lives and save us from our sins, we become one of His children and carry the promise of spending eternity with Him in our hearts.

If you have never accepted this free gift, I urge you not to wait.  He stands ready and waiting to come into your life and make you NEW!  Learn more about how to accept Jesus here.

Question: What are your questions for God?

Originally written by Charles H. Spurgeon, published in “Mornings & Evenings,” entry for July 27th, AM.

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

“Exceeding great and precious promises.” 2 Peter 1:4, KJV

If you would like to put into practice the preciousness of God’s promises, and enjoy them personally, meditate on them. God’s promises are like grapes in a wine-press: If you tread on them the juice will flow. Thinking over God’s holy words will often lead to their fulfillment in your own life. While you ponder them, the blessing you seek will often come to you in ways you don’t even expect. Many Christians who have thirsted for God’s promises have found the divine favor which they ensure gently comforting into their soul and causing great rejoicing in their hearts.

Besides meditating on God’s promises, seek to receive them as being the very words of God. Say to yourself, “If I were dealing with a mere human being’s promise, I would need to carefully weigh the ability and the character of the person who promised me. But with the promises of God, even though the greatness of the promise itself may stagger me, my eye must instead be fixated on the greatness of the Promiser.” That will comfort you and give you confidence in His words.

My friend, it is God Almighty who has made these promises. God, who cannot lie, who speaks His promises to you: That “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) His Word is as true as His own existence. God is unchangeable and He has not changed anything which has come out of His mouth, and never called back one single word. He lacks no power, for this is the God that made the heavens and the earth. And He can never lack wisdom, because He in his infinite understanding He knows when it is best to give and when better to take away.

Therefore, seeing that it is the word of a God true, unchangeable, powerful, and so incomparably wise, I will and must believe His promises. If we meditate on His promises, and consider the Promiser, we will experience their sweetness and fulfillment.

Question: Which of God’s promises will you take hold of today and claim for yourself, believing it in wholeheartedly?

God is aware of and concerned with every aspect of our being … physical, mental, emotional financial, and perhaps most important of all spiritual. God wants us to be spiritually fit and the best way to do that is to walk with Him and with His Word as we travel over the hills and valleys of life.

The problem, though, for most of us is that we get diverted by more worldly things and lose sight of the presence of God in our lives. I recently went to a website to look up some information. When I pressed a certain icon, a dialogue box popped up to tell me I was being “redirected” to another website.

I thought about the spiritual application of that and realized that when the matters of the world cloud my spiritual vision, I need to redirect my thoughts to focus on what God is telling me in each situation I face in life. For example:

When I feel all alone, I should redirect myself to Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

When I am fearful, I should redirect myself to Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

When I feel weak, I should redirect myself to Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

When I am torn between following the ways of the world or the ways of the Lord, I should redirect myself to Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When I feel lost, I should redirect myself to Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For, everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

When I feel inadequate in knowing God’s will for my life, I need to redirect myself to Psalm 86:11 “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart.”

When I am tempted by the world, I should redirect myself to 1 Peter 5:8  “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

Father God, Your Holy Word is truly the roadmap for life. Throughout the days ahead please help me to make a conscious effort, in every situation, to redirect myself to Your Word and find the strength and power to walk as You would walk. Amen.