“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” (James 4:14, NLT)

We all want to know we are on the right path for our lives. We’d prefer clear directions along the way and “atta girl” billboards as reassurance. But so often we find ourselves creeping down the road in a dense fog, unable to see what lies ahead.  That is because all our eyes can see is today, and in the rearview mirror, parts of yesterday. But our Heavenly Father sees the whole path of our lives in the perspective of not just what we need now but what we will need tomorrow.

The Psalms tell us His Word is a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path”, but that light often shines over just one footstep at a time. Perhaps God purposely clouds our vision so we will trust Him? On occasion, in His gracious mercy, our LORD will lift the fog enough for us to look back and see where our life’s path has led, and what detours were avoided. We may also get a glimpse of where we are headed. But as soon as we are tempted to drop His hand and skip down the lane, the fog returns. When it begins to lift once more, we will see He is taking us in a direction we could never have fathomed.

Do we trust in that?  Perhaps the direction we are headed needs to be veiled for our own good. Maybe we are to stand still for a minute or two and be still so we can focus solely on Him.  Maybe, danger is just off to the left, or straight ahead, and He is protecting us.  Could it be that something way too tempting is there and the fog is there to keep us from running willy-nilly towards it?

If you are in a fog and wondering what God has planned for your life, that’s okay. His love has enveloped you for a reason. You have His attention. Give Him yours.

Heavenly Father, so often we want to see into the future. But today is all you give us. Let us be content to only see what You would have us gaze upon, be it inches in front of our face, or out at the horizon, knowing that at the end of this path lies eternal light. May we look forward to that peaceful rest in your everlasting presence. Amen.

Questions: Do you feel fogged in right now? Will you panic, grope your way through it, or stand still and wait on God?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Several years ago, my life was going through some tough terrain. If I had given up hope and allowed my circumstances to get the best of me I would not be carrying out the plans God had for me today. During this time of great pain and suffering, God inspired me to write a book about the ordeal I found myself in. This is a piece of it:

“I knew God still had plans to use me and no way could I allow my present affliction to thwart His will. According to scripture, He knew how many hairs were on my head, especially now with so few. I refused to let the shedding of my hair keep me down. I had too many important things to accomplish…the good plans God destined for me to carry out…I believed God knew my heart and concern, thus, I prayed and sought help to aid me through this valley of darkness.

 Accordingly, I found a specialty shop that sold wigs. The owner understood my concern. She treaded similar grounds, along with the array of other customers walking through her door. The two of us took nearly an hour to find the appropriate wig for my petite head. It took almost another hour for her to perform her miraculous works, cutting and trimming it to accommodate my features. With my back to the mirror, I had no idea what was taking place. She assured me I’d be very pleased. She had many years experience doing what she loved the most.

Once done, she turned me around and I couldn’t believe my eyes. A huge smile blanketed my face, accompanied by a sparkle in my eye. Wow! What a difference. I love it! Thank you so much. I knew I’d be on my way to embracing the things I sought to accomplish without hindrance. I recognized she held a gift, a divine knack to aid and comfort those undergoing change and acceptance. Upon leaving, I thanked God for placing one of His working angels in my path. I believed He fated her to be a blessing unto others as she was to me. I hoped she fully recognized her awesome gift, her contribution to this imperfect world. The wig assisted me for a season, paving a way for me to press on.”

Thankfully, during this season of hardship, God placed the right people within arm’s reach to aid, comfort, and encourage me. No matter how bleak my situation appeared, I was determined to do my best regardless of the momentary affliction. God is faithful to those who diligently seek Him.

If you are currently going through a difficult time right now, seek God and be aware of the special people He places in your life. Do not give up…for God has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Questions: Do you need some hope in your life? Who are some special people in your life who can be of comfort to you?

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

We both entered the doorway at the same time. She paused and looking at me, waved her arm in front of her gesturing me to go first.  Acknowledging my presence she let me lead the way.  In much the same way God has given us the wise instruction to acknowledge Him in all of our ways; to look to Him and let Him lead the way. With that instruction comes the promise that He will direct our paths.

Today as you go through your day, be mindful to acknowledge the Lord God in everything that concerns you. In doing so He will enter every situation and conversation ahead of you and He will direct the way.

As you wake up not feeling enthusiastic about going to work:

Lord, please go ahead of me today as I walk into work. Give me peace and confidence as I acknowledge You as the source of this provision for me. Guide my path through this day as I work diligently for You.

As you walk into a meeting, a conversation, a chance meeting on the street:

Lord, I step aside right now and ask You to step ahead of me and prepare the way so that my words and attitudes will bring Your light into this moment.

As you engage in your relationships and your work in your home:

Lord, thank you for my family. Right now I acknowledge that I need You to prepare the way as You go ahead of me into…  this supper hour/this hour that I work on my bills and finances/this time that I help the kids with their homework/this mountain of work that overwhelms me/this conversation I need to have with my spouse. Thank you for Your presence and Your promise.

As you feel weary and frustrated with tiredness and health issues:

Lord, I acknowledge You as my strength and my Great Physician. Please direct my path to greater health and give me Your strength and grace today.

Lord, I trust You with every detail of my life. I want to trust You more whole-heartedly every day. I know that my own understanding is so limited and I thank You that You see the whole picture. I ask You to go before me today, to remind me to acknowledge You throughout the events of my day. Thank you that You will guide me with Your wisdom and strength and You will make the way straight for me. I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, amen.

Question: How does it make you feel that God is directing every step of your day? Does that change how you will react and respond to your situations?

“He went without knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8b, NLT)

It’s a new year – a new beginning, new unknown territory. It can be a scary journey at times. Will I have the courage to step out into the unknown as Abraham did? Will you?

As I stand here with my toes on the threshold of the new year I know that God knows where He and I are going. Do I then go forward in faith’s victory to possess this new year…or remain frozen in victim’s defeat, allowing it to possess me?

As Jesus once said to a man whom He was about to heal, “Step forward.” (Mark 3:3b NKJV) Will I step forward believing and trusting for the answer to that which I need, remembering what God has done for me in the past? Or will I hang back in the shadows afraid to move ahead, forgetting God’s providence?

Just as God told Isaiah, He says to you and me, “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like Me.” (Isaiah 46:9, NLT)

God will again make His provisions available in the new year for it is in His plan for each of us. He says, “I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jer. 29:11 Msg)

As God led every step of the Israelites’ journey to the new land, so He still leads us today. When we take those wobbly steps into the unknown, what will this new land hold for us?

We may encounter…

* joys unspeakable

* smooth paths of guidance

* lush pastures of provision

* hilltop experiences

* spiritual blessings in abundance

However, we may also encounter…

* desert dryness

* valley mists and fogs

* wilderness wanderings

* gremlins hiding behind bushes

* paths with potholes and pitfalls

* steep uphill climbs and dangerous downhill slides

Challenges will meet us at every turn, some easier to handle than others. But God will work in all the ups and downs of those trials, heartaches, and blessings.

He does this for us because of His compassion and mercy. Jeremiah tells us, “Yet there is one ray of hope: His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day.” (Lamentations 3:21-23, TLB)

Be assured that no matter what happens on your journey this year, He is the source of your fresh mercies every morning. He will never fail you. He will walk by your side along each rocky bend in the road and carry you through each heartache and loss. God will see you through to the end of next year. Will you live as Abraham? “By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country.” (Hebrews 11:9a, NKJV)

We live our outward days on earth as in a foreign country, for we abide in God’s Kingdom of promise within us. Therefore, each day brings a new threshold into eternity. How can we not welcome it with willing feet and open arms?  I am ready to step into the journey of each new day of this year, greeting each one in faith and with God’s mercy.

Questions: How about you? Are you ready? How will you greet the challenges of your new journey?

“See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13)

We have all experienced that wondering of “Where is God?” when something significant does not go as we had hoped or planned and life seems to tumble around us.  God told us that in this world we would have trouble. It’s no surprise. He also told us He would direct us and guide us through the unknown pathways as we acknowledge Him and lean on Him.

Yet in those moments and days when life takes an unexpected turn the tendency of our hearts is toward doubt and hardness. We too easily forget that God can be counted on to guide us. He will give the wisdom we need, as we trust Him. Being mindful of God’s care for us, and His desire to carry our burdens helps to soften our hearts, strengthen our minds and bodies and encourage our souls.

God’s word alerts us that in difficult and disappointing times our hearts can go astray, become hardened and even turn away from the God whose love and blessing we have known. We live in a world that acknowledges God less and less. Often the choices of others affect us in hard ways. Politics at work, relationships with those we care about, finances, even health issues. We can feel alone and our faith can feel slippery as we walk.

When clouds gather in our lives we can begin to allow unbelief into our hearts. It’s very subtle and slips in. We pray less and our Bible sits unopened more. When we don’t understand God, unbelief creeps in. It can harden our hearts to the point where we tune out God even when He speaks to us. We can find rebellion creeping up on us if we are not monitoring our hearts. Listen to God’s words to us…

God knows the tendency of our hearts toward unbelief. That’s why He counsels us in these matters. We need to be aware of keeping our hearts soft. God’s call to “Encourage one another daily…” helps build a reservoir within our own hearts … it helps keep our hearts soft.

It is easy to be deceived into thinking God doesn’t have our best interests at heart, especially when things don’t go well. We need to guard our hearts against unbelief and rebellion and know that, in those tough places, He is there to guide us through and teach us.

When you feel unbelief slipping into your soul and find rebellion nibbling around the edges of your heart, seek out spiritual encouragement. Talk with a friend and be honest in sharing your need of prayer. Do a Bible study on a topic that grabs at your heart. Choose to spend some time with God and call out to Him from the depths of your soul telling Him all the things in your heart. Choose to turn toward Him and not away from Him. God will encourage you even when you are alone. Choose to draw near to Him and ask Him to help your unbelief.

When we receive encouragement in our soul from God, we are then in a position to give encouragement. You cannot offer something you don’t possess. Then, when you hear despair in the lives of those around you or in the emails of those writing to you, you will be equipped to encourage them with words from Scripture, or a gentle reminder of God’s everlasting love even when the road ahead is obscured.

It’s an amazing circle. Daily speaking of God’s care will not only encourage others and bring comfort, strength and hope…it will also encourage you and help keep your own heart soft and your faith strong.

“He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” ( Proverbs 11:25)

Pay attention to God’s warning against unbelief. Our faith in Jesus is our most valued treasure. If you loose it there is nothing of true value left. Guard against an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. Turn to Him and ask Him to speak to you. Watch for those whose hearts are turning away and ask God to give you encouragement to share. It will build you up as you do.

Father God, I know the tendency of my own heart to grow hard around the edges with unbelief and even rebellion at times. I choose to draw near to You and ask that You would encourage my heart and help my unbelief. I need You to refresh my inner being and give me strength.

Encourage me through Your Word. Give me a greater desire to read it and to pour my heart out to You. Give me people in my life who will share with me the encouragement they receive from You. Help me to encourage others whose hearts are growing hard in difficult times. Be my Source in everyway I need today. I pray, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Questions: Are you struggling with unbelief? How can you encourage others who are dealing with unbelief?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God blessed my husband and me with four boys.   I confess there were days when I questioned whether it was a blessing or not. Boys are loud, physical, and boisterous.  They love to climb on furniture, use sticks for weapons and beat up their brothers.

But I have to say, I love them!   Because what you see is what you get.  They tell it like it is.  They get mad and then they’re over it.  They will pick on their baby brother but if anyone else tries to pick on them they will defend them to the death.

Boys know how to play.  They design huge elaborate games and they’re never bored if they have another one around.  They have given me a storehouse full of great stories and memories! My boys have taught me so many things – not take myself so seriously, to live every moment to the fullest and to love life.

God also used them in my life to teach me things about Him.

I remember one day hearing screaming coming from our back hallway (never a good sound).  I knew it was my youngest, Logan, he was about 18 months old.  I ran to where the sound was coming from and saw him with a beet red face crying and yelling for all his might.  My oldest, Wes, who was around 10 at the time, was blocking Logan from going down our back stairway.  He looked up at me, with this pleading look on his face and said, “Mom, he wants to go down the steps and I can’t let him because he’ll fall and get hurt!”

And in that moment, God gave me a snapshot of how I am with Him . . .

I make my plans, sometimes offering the token prayer but really never considering Him or where He wants me to go and then I pursue those plans with all my heart.  When I’m thwarted I throw a temper tantrum because I don’t get my way, never realizing that it is the hand of God protecting me from harm.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Do I believe that?

Why do I question that God has my best interest at heart when he laid down His life for me?   In some distorted way, many of us feel that God owes us.  We feel that if we’re living our lives to please Him, He should give us what we want.  When we don’t get it, we get mad and throw a fit.  Sometimes, we even walk away!  But what we want isn’t always what we need. God is not in the business of making us comfortable.  He is about molding and shaping us to be more like Him.

God is not in the business of making us comfortable!

Teach us to . . . Trust you, Lord with all our heart; to not depend on our own understanding. But seek your will in all we do, and you will show us which path to take.  Amen. (based on Proverbs 3:5-6)

Questions: What about you?  Do you ever get angry or frustrated because God isn’t giving you what you want? Are you mad because He isn’t giving you what you think you need?

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” (Matthew 1:18-25)

Christmas is more than an event. It is a promise that has been offered to all mankind a personal promise that is applicable 365 days a year. And when we understand its significance, Christmas takes on a whole new meaning.

In this passage, there are two names that help us recognize the true importance of the Lord’s birth. The first is Jesus, which means “God is salvation.” In giving that name, the angel was indicating the work that Christ was coming to do. The second name?mentioned only three times in the Bible?is Immanuel, which means “God with us.” In the name of Jesus, we find forgiveness for our sins, and Immanuel delivers the wonderful promise that God will be with us forever.

On the night Jesus Christ was born, the eternal God was motivated by love to enter the human family. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and supernaturally born to a virgin in order to be one of us. But He never ceased to be God. Apart from the incarnation (the birth of God in human flesh), there is no hope and no future for anyone who has ever lived. Without Jesus, we would have to stand before Almighty God with all of our sin resting upon us.

At Christmastime, I encourage you to pray before you plunge into the packages. As you look at the Christmas tree, remember THE TREE. (Galatians 3:13) When you see the lights, remember THE LIGHT. (John 8:12) And when you look at all the gifts, remember THE GIFT. (John 3:16) Have a blessed day!

Do you struggle with contentment? See your world in a new light with our guided life lesson.

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Phil 4:11b)

I wanted hair like Farah Fawcett. When I was in the 8^th grade I had long hair down to my waist.  I knew my hair was wavy and a bit frizzy at times but I didn’t know it was curly.  And then, Farah Fawcett arrived on the scene in Charlie’s Angels and I just had to have my hair cut like hers!  I immediately began to picture myself with those feathered wings and knew they were going to make me beautiful. Unfortunately, curly hair doesn’t do well when feathered.  I cried and cried.  I hated my hair!

Why am I never satisfied with what God has given me?

It seems that we are never satisfied.  If we have curly hair we want straight hair and if we have straight hair we dream of having curly hair.  If the weather is cold, we want it hot and if it’s too hot we want it cooler.  We think a computer will make our life easier and then we complain because it’s too slow.  The list goes on and on . . .

Paul says in Philippians 4:11 “I have learned to be content with whatever I have.”  What does it mean to be content?  How am I to be content when so many things are going wrong?

In chapter 3 of this book he explains how he is able to be content wherever he is, whether he has a lot or a little.  Listen to what he says, “I once thought these things were valuable (he’s speaking about his credentials as a Jew) but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him.”

When we begin to understand Christ’s true sacrifice for us on the cross and what He did so that we could know Him, all of the things that seem so important fade away to nothing in the light of His great love!  That’s how we live in contentment.

How silly it has been for me to focus so much time and attention on my hair when I have the privilege of knowing the one who created me and has counted all those hairs on my head!

Lord, draw my heart to You.  Help me to set aside those things that are unimportant in the light of the incredible cost you paid and teach me live in contentment.  Amen.

Question: How does a lack of contentment affect your day? How does it affect your spiritual health?

“…he came to a cave and lodged in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?’” (1 Kings 18:9, Amplified version)

Elijah had seen God do miraculous things- things that validated his ministry – but he was now exhausted.  After hearing of threats on his life, Elijah ran over 100 miles into the desert where he sat under a tree asking God to take his life. He had had enough. But God was not finished living in and through Elijah and so he was revived with rest and food from the hand of an angel. Then, “Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb.”

Surely now after this very personal ministration by an angel, Elijah would be ready for a new ministry beginning. Instead we find him in a cave where God asks the haunting question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Wasn’t the presence of an angel enough to assure Elijah that God had been—and would continue to be—faithful?

Elijah was human just like we are. He was too tired, too afraid, too spent to go on. Perhaps he wondered if that angel was just a dream. Perhaps he wondered if his ministry was over. Perhaps he had forgotten the promises of God. And so he finds a cave.

God reveals Himself to Elijah in the gentlest of whispers, but then He begins His new message with these simple words: “Go back the way you came…” Get out of the cave, retrace your steps, do the job I have called you to do.

While caves can be dark and forbidding, they can also seem safe – away from the elements, far from the people who threaten (or merely disturb) us, distant from the unending call of responsibilities. But eventually we will hear God’s question: “What are you doing here?” And often the answer is the same as the one spoken to Elijah: “Go back the way you came.”

Question: Is God calling you to leave a cave in your life? Have you been running into safe caves and not into the arms of our loving Father?