Does the task you’re facing feel impossible today? We’d love to pray with you. Send us your prayer requests today.

  “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)

The challenge ahead of me is huge and seems impossible. I was asked to serve on the committee that would search for the next pastor of our large church. Our congregation has spiritually prospered under current leadership, but God has called our pastor to another position. We are grappling with our sadness at both the loss of his teaching and the loss of closeness – a deep friendship has grown between us.

This search process will involve long hours of meetings during which we will spend time getting to know each other at deep levels in order to build trust. We will pray, laugh, weep and discuss together.  The paperwork seems mountainous. Hours will be spent reviewing résumés, and talking with candidates. How in the world will this God-given task be accomplished?

While re-reading a small book by Frank Laubach, I came upon a similar situation while he was involved in a seemingly impossible ministry. He writes that if he were asked the chief difficulty in this endeavor, he would have to reply, “No chief difficulty except to keep ready spiritually.”

His words are so simple, so profound. The twelve of us on the search committee need to work hard and with integrity. And we need to keep ready spiritually. We need to walk with Jesus and work with Jesus and learn the unforced rhythms of grace.   If we keep ready spiritually be doing it “the Jesus way” God Himself will take care of the rest.

 Father, You know the impossible things that I am facing today. Remind me that it is all in your hands.  Help me to focus on doing this your way so I can rest in the knowledge that you will make a way for me. Amen.

 Question: Are there areas of your life that seem to be unbearable? Pray that God would help you see it through His eyes and give you ways to walk through it “the Jesus way.”

“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 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?

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

Have you ever really wanted something? Craved it? Longed for it so intensely that you willingly gave your time, your money, your energy, your comfort – everything – in order to possess what you wanted? No hurdle too high, no sacrifice too great, nothing else could compare to the object of your desire.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46)

Jesus used stories like these to explain the value of the kingdom of heaven. Like the perfect pearl to a collector or hidden treasure to an adventurer, nothing is worth more than God’s kingdom.

Beyond urging us to pursue the kingdom with our entire being, Jesus taught that its great worth should be shared. When you study God’s word and learn about His kingdom you hold a priceless treasure to be displayed to everyone you know.

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.’” (Matthew 13:52)

Seek after the kingdom of heaven with all your heart and strength. Then share its incredible treasure with those around you. Tell them how living in God’s kingdom has changed you. Show them the precious words of Jesus. Display the jewels of hope and forgiveness you’ve discovered.

God in heaven, I want to hunger and thirst for Your kingdom. I want to spend all I am and have in order to gain You. Amen.

Questions: Why is God’s kingdom like a treasure? Is anything keeping you from pursuing Jesus with all you’ve got?

“For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’ …‘But my righteous one will live by faith.  And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.’  But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (Hebrews 10: 37-39)

We met in Starbucks. She was just passing through town and it was a treat to get together in person. As usual, we jumped in at the deep end and wanted to share what God was teaching us these days. As she raised requests I suggested we pray. Quietly, with open eyes, I asked God to meet the needs of her life.

We talked more and then she said she wanted to pray for me. With not so quiet a voice and with eyes pressed closed and hands grasping mine across the table she lifted her heart to our Heavenly Father. And I felt my heart shrink back. Could she pray a little quieter or a little less intensely? I am ashamed to say I felt a twinge of embarrassment enter my heart.

Very shortly after that God put a book in my pathway that challenged just this very thing in my life. In essence I was denying Christ. I thought of Peter and how easy it was for him to deny Jesus on that night of Jesus’ death. Then in my own devotions I read these words,

“For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’…‘But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.’ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” (Hebrews 10: 37-39)

It took me by surprise that I could find myself in that same position as Peter found himself in…only I was in Starbucks where there was no threat at all to my faith or my life. How good God is to reveal the very nature of our hearts to us when we feel we are being “faithful” followers. What a challenge it is to grow in our boldness in following our Lord and Savior.

Today, whether you are a quiet Christian, a bold witness, or somewhere in between why not join me in asking God to fill you with a greater boldness and more courage to stand in persevering faith?  One never knows when in this world we will be called upon to stand firm. We need to be determined not to shrink back. God will help us as we ask Him to.

Heavenly Father,

Forgive me for shrinking back when You call me to boldness. May my heart be ever more courageous to stand for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Question: How can you express greater boldness and more courage as you walk your Christian life?

Several routes to this disastrous awakening exist. The first is obvious: perhaps you had sex with several guys before you were married, and it was an empty experience. Most teenage girls who sleep around, for instance, don’t experience orgasm, and often don’t really experience much arousal at all. The guys aren’t really into giving the girls pleasure; they’re too young and immature. So your body doesn’t necessarily learn how to become aroused, and sex isn’t that exciting.

The other route is the exact opposite. You did everything right. You waited until you were married to make love, but your husband was so into it that everything happened very fast. He liked it so much that he wanted to all the time. So it became a chore. You never really “awakened” love.

What’s all the fuss about?

I think many women are in this situation. They just don’t see what all the fuss with sex is about. It seems like everyone is lying to them. It’s as if culture is trying to con women into thinking it’s something great, so that you’ll want to make love all the time, but the truth is it’s not that great at all. They start to believe that sex was designed for men, and it’s a big rip off.

If this is you, your love was awakened too early, and in the wrong way. And chances are you’ve become a little bitter about sex. It’s just something else on your to-do list. Then you read on blogs that Christian women are supposed to understand how much their husbands need sex, and you’re supposed to put out. Oh, great. That’s really fun now, isn’t it?

I understand. Believe me, I do. But I also think that there’s a way past this, and I want to share it with you today to offer some hope.

How to awaken love again

Maybe what you need to do is to awaken love again. Talk to your husband about it, and if he will agree, take a sexual hiatus for two or three weeks, or longer if you have to. During that time you agree not to make love. That way the pressure is off. You’re not working towards some goal anymore. Instead, take that time to explore. Lie naked together and just touch each other. Let him touch you and figure out what actually feels good. Have baths together.

It may kill him, and so I really don’t recommend that this last very long for his sake. But I think some women need to be reminded that they do, actually, have a sex drive. It’s just buried and never really woke up for a whole variety of reasons. We need to figure out what feels good, and he needs to figure out what to do to make you feel good. You can also have fun with his body, too, when you realize that your performance isn’t the point of the evening.

I don’t recommend this for everyone (though it is fun for a night every now and then in almost any marriage), but if you talk with your husband and explain it, I think it can revolutionize many marriages.

 Take the next step:

I love my husband, but I don’t like sex
Help! My wife doesn’t want sex
Help! My husband doesn’t want sex 

What can you do when a friend fails you?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3,10)

All I heard was yelling.  It was as if my head was submerged under water.  I could hear her speaking to me but couldn’t fathom what she was saying. It felt like I was  going to be sick.  What was she saying? What was I supposed to say? As I stood in my kitchen that day and listened to my dear friend yell at me, I wondered how we could have gotten to this place.

We had been doing life together for about 5 years, my friend and I – having babies, hanging out as families and doing ministry together.  We were the only two women in a world of men and we were allies.  But our roles had recently changed and she did not like the decisions I was making.  We were no longer allies or even friends and my heart was breaking.  Why couldn’t we just work this out?  Why did it have to be like this?  Didn’t she know me well enough that she could trust that I had her best interest at heart? 

I watched as our friendship blew up in my face and could do nothing to stop it.

I met with a mentor as I wrestled through what God wanted me to do in regards to our relationship.  As we were discussing the situation my mentor made a statement I’ve never forgotten.  He said, “What you’re seeing here, Kristi, is the purest form of legalism – she is saying, “it’s my way or the highway”.  God’s answer to legalism is grace.  And I believe God has given you an extra measure of grace to reach out to her and draw her back into fellowship.  But with that grace I believe that God is calling you to take the higher road, to humble yourself and go to her and seek to restore your friendship.”

I remember thinking at the time, “This is completely opposite of what the world would tell me to do.  The world would say, ‘she did you wrong, run as far away from her as possible.  You shouldn’t allow yourself to be treated like that.’” 

But I knew in my heart my mentor was right, that God was calling me to lay down my life for her and to go to her in humility and grace. I wish I could tell you that our relationship was restored but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way.  What I do know is that I did what God was calling me to do even though it was completely upside down from what the world would say I should do. He blessed me through my obedience.

In Matthew 5, Jesus talks about what it looks like to live in His upside down kingdom.  Jesus goes on to say, “But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too…You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’and hate your enemy.  But I say, love your enemies!Pray for those who persecute you!”  (Matthew 5:39-40 & 43-44, NLV)

When we follow Jesus, He calls us to a higher path – a road less followed, a road of radical obedience to His WAY.  The world will tell you that you will be walked on if you do things His way; that you will be trapped and misused, if you hold to that kind of lifestyle. But Jesus says that living in His Kingdom sets us apart and shows the world that we are different!  The truth is that when we live in His upside down kingdom we experience a life of true blessing and freedom.

Father, When you call me to do the unusual, upside down thing, help me to act swiftly trusting that the upside down thing is also the very best thing.  Amen. 

Question: Think about a time when you had to lay down your life in obedience to Jesus that went against your personal feelings. How were some ways you overcame?

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?

How can we pray for you today?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Not long ago I spent a lovely weekend in the magnificent beauty of the Alaskan mountains. I was privileged to be the guest speaker of a women’s retreat there. Precious women extracted themselves from their busy lives from Friday evening to Sunday noon. They took time they didn’t really have to come away…to let their hearts drink in rest and refreshment.

Life noisily demands our attention. It clamors, persistently moving us in many directions. It’s easy to forget that Jesus Himself has invited us to come and find rest for our souls.

Are you expecting His rest to refresh you today? Are you expecting to encounter His strength holding you today? Are you expecting His peace to sustain your heart even in what can sometimes be chaotic days? Are you expecting Him to meet your heart even as you read these words?

Let this invitation, to you from Jesus, steep into your soul like a pot of tea steeps to full flavor. You can expect God to deposit something into your heart even in this moment. Now read it again this way.

“Come unto me today, _____________ (Put in your name), with all the things that weary your body and burden your mind and heart and I will give you rest … for your soul.”

Today you can have the confident expectation that God will hold you as you COME to Him. You are invited. Come and receive:

1. C – CAST your concerns on Him: 

1 Peter 5:7  “Casting all your cares on Him for He cares for you.”

Lord God, today I bring you the questions on my heart about ______, I bring you my disappointment in _________ and I look, with expectation to You to help me because You care. Thank you!

2. O- OPEN your heart:

Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything but pray about everything. Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers.”

Lord God, Today I need  __________. I ask You for it. I trust in Your strength to hold me and I thank You that You will guide me and direct my path. I wait in expectation.

3. M-MAKE requests:

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Lord God, Your grace is enough for all I am dealing with today. You have promised that even in my weakness Your strength is made perfect. Today I feel weak in ___________. I trust You to strengthen me. 

4. E-EXPECT: 

Romans 15:13 “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Lord God, I receive Your joy and peace in my heart right now as I fully trust You to be the Manager of my day today. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Question: How do you COME to Jesus today?

How can you be a better friend? Find out in “The Friendship Reflection” 

“I thank my God every time I remember you…” (Philippians 1:3)

On the first Saturday of this past December, I opened the doors of the kitchen cabinet that is high above all others. In that cabinet I store the red plates and cups that grace our table each Christmas. It is not just their color that makes them appropriate for the holiday season. Almost twenty years ago while living in Germany, a friend called to invite me to travel with her and a few other friends to a famous factory where Christmas dinnerware was manufactured. Unfortunately, my schedule was full for that day, but I asked her to bring back three or four of the less expensive plates and mugs.

A week or so later I opened my front door to see Cathy standing there with a complete set of the deep red dinnerware! Conflicting emotions immediately surfaced: “How absolutely beautiful our Christmas table would look!” And, “There is no way I can pay for all this.” But before the latter words came out of my mouth, Cathy said, “This is my Christmas gift to you.” And so through all these years, Cathy’s generosity has come to mind as I set our Christmas table.

This past December I noticed that the dinner plates were no longer bright and pristine. Surface scratches could no longer be hidden with white dinner plates set atop. It was time to pack up the plates and donate them to the re-sale shop down the street.

Even while twinges of sadness rose in my heart, I was reminded that while things wear out, memories remain. If I found replacement red plates, they would not be the same ones given by Cathy, but her generosity and love would be remembered. The temptation to grasp things is strong, especially in later years when such things seem to be the only tangible evidence of the past. But letting go of things while treasuring memories is a healthy way to live.

Dear Father, Thank you for the gift of friendship. Help me to be a good steward of the people you have placed in my life.  Amen.

Questions: Have you ever received an unexpectedly generous gift? Has God ever asked you to go above and beyond? How did you respond?

“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment–to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”  (Ephesians 1:9-10)

One of the things I love about the English language is how words can contain hidden meanings. The same letters, when arranged slightly differently, can give us a whole different perspective. Take the words UNTIE and UNITE for example.

By simply flipping two letters, the entire meaning of the word changes. One word is becomes the opposite of the other. One binds together, the other separates. Spell check won’t pick that up by the way, since both are real words. But oh, how different the meaning becomes when you mistakenly switch those two letters.

Two letters make all the difference. I like to think that the “I” stands for “me” and “T” stands for “their, they or them”.  If I put their needs above my own, I take on the servitude attitude of Christ. But, as long as I stay in the two-year-old phase of my spiritual growth and think the world revolves around my desires I will separate people from me. My motives will be I-centered, not they-centered.  Instead of being a unifying factor, I will push people away with my self-centeredness.

But, you say, “Wait. That doesn’t work. In the word UNITE, I is before T.”

True, it doesn’t work, unless you add the UN – which means not.  Therefore, if I am “un” I, (or not me-orientated) I will unite.  But, if I’m “un” T (or not them- orientated), I will untie what once united me to them.

So what does the “E” stand for since it is at the end of both UNITE and UNTIE?  It stands for everything. Reread Ephesians 1:9-10.

As Christians we are in the uniting business. We are to unite our wills to Christ. We are to unite as a body of believers. We are to bring people together instead of letting pride, envy, greed, prejudice or anger separate us. We have all fallen short of the glory of God, and while not condoning sin, we should not let anyone’s sin cloud our judgment. We are to love the sinner into remission and help them back on the right path, uniting them back into the fold.

Christ is ultimately the uniting factor of all. He takes the unit (each of us) and makes it one. With Him as my guide, I can try each day to do that as well.  T before I.

Heavenly Lord, You came to unite all of us to You, to reconcile us by Your sacrifice on the cross and the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Help me each day to put “them” before “I” in all I do, say and think, so I may draw those around me into Your loving embrace. Amen.

Question: What will you deliberately do to be “un I” today?