Our Shield

Yesterday, while walking through the grocery store, my cell phone began playing the song sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, “Thou, Oh Lord.”  The phone was in my purse with the lock screen in place.  No one touched it.  Yet somehow, some way, the phone began to play this song loud enough that I could hear it, even in the midst of the crowded supermarket.  I picked up the phone to see what was going on, since I have a different song set as my ringtone.  When I pressed the button to stop the music, it kept playing.  Finally, I turned the sound completely off.  The music stopped, but I am still perplexed as to how this occurred.  While I cannot explain how it happened, I am fairly certain that I know why.  I believe God was reminding me that He has everything under control.

Sometimes in life, it seems like everything is going according to our plans.  Our job provides a stress-free environment and steady income, our family is healthy, nothing rains on our parade, so to speak.  All too soon, a storm comes through like a tornado, perhaps causing turbulence in the workplace, illnesses among our family members, or other negative circumstances we must endure.  It is during these times that we need to have the calm assurance that Jesus Christ is standing alongside us, providing a shield from the calamity that threatens to overwhelm us.

Psalm 3:3 says, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (ESV).  The Lord never sleeps nor slumbers.  He is always awake, watching over us, interceding on our behalf.  When you are having a wonderful day, Jesus is there, keeping you safe from harm.  When you are having a miserable day, Jesus is there, keeping you safe from harm.  It doesn’t matter where you are or where you are going, Jesus Christ will always be a Shield surrounding you, helping you along the way.

A couple of weeks ago, my dad and I were out working with our cattle.  As I opened one of the gates, a swarm of wasps came out after me.  Because I had never been stung before, I was extremely concerned as I felt a wasp sting my leg.  I prayed that no others would sting me.  At that moment, I know that the Lord placed a shield around me, keeping me from getting stung multiple times or getting stung on the face.  I am grateful for His protection and His healing, as the sting did not cause an allergic reaction.  On the same day, my dad was charged by one of our cows more than once.  This particular cow had horns, which could have caused a serious injury.  I prayed that my dad would not be harmed in any way.  Once again, the Lord proved faithful and true, placing a shield around my dad, protecting him from the potential danger.

Sometimes, we get so busy with our daily activities that we do not even notice the hand of God working in our midst.  A traffic delay could be saving you from an accident down the road.  An unexpected phone call could keep you from slipping and falling on a piece of ice in your kitchen.  Having to go back inside your house for a forgotten item could serve as a reminder to turn off the stove or unplug the curling iron before it causes fire damage to your home.  You see, there are so many scenarios where God sees the possible outcomes before we could ever begin to process them all.  He knows our future.  That’s why we need to trust in His timing, because He knows what lies ahead.

As human beings, none of us are perfect.  Our natural tendency is to call on the Lord more when we are in distress than when everything is going well.  When we are sitting on cloud nine, we tend to believe we are doing great on our own, like a captain of a ship enjoying smooth sailing on a sunny day.  But just like the captain should be thanking God for the calm seas, we need to remember to thank Him for His blessings every day.  In the good times and the bad times, we need to praise Him for His endless love and mercy.  We need to trust that He will work everything out for our good, no matter what is going on around us (see Romans 8:28).

God’s Word says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).  The Bible doesn’t say to acknowledge the Lord on Sunday and don’t worry about it the rest of the week.  It says “in ALL your ways acknowledge him” (emphasis added).  We need to completely depend on Jesus Christ, making sure that everything we say and do revolves around His plan for our life.

Jesus Christ is our Shield.  He is the glory and the lifter of our head.  Jesus wants us to live an abundant life.  He wants us to be happy.  He wants us to lean on Him.  By doing so, we can ensure that our focus is not on the trials and tribulations of this world, but on the One who loves us more than we could ever imagine.  If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we’ll find that the difficult times are more bearable and the joyful times are even more delightful.  Let us praise the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for all that He has done in our lives!  From dawn until dusk and all through the night, the Lord is watching over you, keeping you safe.  Jesus Christ is our constant Friend, our Lord and Savior, and our Shield.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Peace Beyond Understanding

Have you ever experienced something in life that tried to rob you of your peace?  There are minor instances where our peace is suppressed only momentarily, such as when we have a flat tire on the way to work.  Sometimes in life, though, we endure hardships that seem too difficult to bear.  I know firsthand what the latter feels like.  Nearly six years ago, on August 2, 2008, my mom went to be with the Lord.  That night, my world was shattered.  But even in the midst of the most horrific night of my life, Jesus Christ wrapped His loving arms around me and my dad.  Although our human eyes saw what looked like a devastating storm raging in our lives, He showered our hearts and minds with peace beyond our understanding.

All of my life, I have read Philippians chapter four and it still one of my favorite passages of scripture.  But it wasn’t until I went through the tragedy of losing my mom that I truly began to understand the meaning of verse 7.  Here is the verse in context, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).  The Apostle Paul tells us that we should not be anxious.  That means we should not worry about anything.  Instead, he tells us to pray in every situation.

You might be thinking, how could I possibly not worry and pray when I am upset, stressed, or grieving?  I know, it sounds nearly impossible.  But I can tell you that a life with constant anxiety is much more difficult than a life with prayer at the center.  That night, as we called loved ones to give them the devastating news, Psalm 121:1-2 ran through my mind repeatedly.  It says, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  I looked up at the silhouette of the mountains under the moonlit sky and prayed that God would give us strength in the coming hours, days, months, and years.

You see, even as I stood outside our camper with a broken heart, I knew that Jesus Christ was not only standing beside us, but He was holding our hands, to keep us from falling.  He is the Prince of Peace.  Although the circumstances were anything but peaceful, Jesus brought peace to our troubled hearts.  My dad and I sat beside my mom and sang, “Living by Faith.”  Our faith was the only thing that kept us going in that heartbreaking moment.  We prayed that God would send the Comforter to us.  Through our faith in God, we were showered with the peace that Paul wrote about.  We had peace in a situation where it doesn’t even seem to belong, according to our human perspective.  This kind of peace is a peace that exceeds all understanding.

One day my parents and I were enjoying a family vacation in the mountains and the next day, my dad and I were going to the local funeral home.  My heart had shattered into a million pieces.  My dad and I were exhausted, physically, mentally, and emotionally.  But we still had peace.  It wasn’t the peace like one feels while lying in the sun at the beach or listening to the raindrops go pitter patter on a metal roof.  This was the kind of Heavenly peace that I cannot understand nor fully explain.  Inexplicable peace that comes from Heaven above when the current circumstances seem like peace should not be found.  That is the kind of peace Paul writes about and the kind of peace that we experienced that night.

Six years later, I still miss my mom daily.  But my dad and I have found a new normal and a new purpose.  The same God who gave us peace in the midst of a tumultuous storm six years ago is the same God who gives us peace now, whether we are on the mountain top or in the valley.  Life without my mom is not easy, especially on days like her birthday, Mother’s Day, or even this coming Saturday, August 2.  But our lives are made glorious by the peace and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ!  He is the reason we live, the reason we laugh, the reason we love!  I thank Him every day for His countless blessings and His peace that passes all understanding.

I want to encourage you today.  Whatever it is you are going through, put your unwavering trust in Jesus Christ.  He will never fail you.  The peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior is unlike any other you will ever encounter on this earth.  With Jesus Christ living in your heart, you will experience a truly abundant life.  Through the good times and the bad times, He will guard your heart with peace like no other.  He will fill your heart with joy unspeakable!  You will be able to face each and every day with the calm assurance that God will give you peace beyond your understanding!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

If Every Day Was Sunday

Did you ever wonder what it would be like if every day was Sunday?  Today, I find myself wishing this to be true.  Sundays are the one day a week when I can slow down, take a deep breath, and truly enjoy the day.  There are generally no deadlines to meet, no work-related phone calls to make, and no stressful situations to wade through.  Instead, there are delightful conversations with friends and family, uplifting church services to attend, and delicious food of which to partake.  Not to mention the fact that Sunday afternoons also bring several luxuries to me personally: surfing the web, working on my blog, and one of my absolute favorites, playing the piano.  But the one thing I like the most about Sunday is not the absence of stress or the ability to do as I please.  The thing I enjoy the most is the fact that people around the world are simultaneously lifting up their voices in praise to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

Additionally, the arrival of Sunday morning means that Christians in all four corners of the world are standing together in prayer, united together.  If only for a moment, their hearts are joined in one accord.  God’s Word says where two or three are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ, there He will be in the midst of them (Matthew 18:20).  Just imagine how the angels must rejoice in Heaven when thousands upon thousands gather together on Sunday.  What would the world be like if Christians united together every single day of the week?  How would the news change if Christians everywhere met each morning to pray?  Surely, the world would no longer be the same.  Life would change for the better if every day was Sunday.
 

Philippians 4:4 (NIV) says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  Paul does not say to rejoice in the Lord only on Sundays.  Instead, he says that we should rejoice always.  Even if we are sitting in an emergency room waiting room, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  If we are bombarded with constant stress at work, finding ourselves being pulled in every direction, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  And if we find ourselves in the darkest valley we have ever walked through, we can still rejoice in the Lord.  Paul is not saying to rejoice for the difficulties that may arise, but to rejoice in the Lord always.  There is never a moment when a Christian should not be filled with the joy of the Lord.  If you feel weak, remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength!  Rejoice, be glad, and thank God for every single day He gives you.
 

The psalmist David gives us similar advice when he writes, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 ESV).  David does not tell us that Sunday is the only day the Lord has made.  The exact word he uses is the word, “This.”  While this may apply to a particular day, such as the day when Christ returns to take His children home, we could also apply this advice to any day of the year.  God has given us 365 days a year to either enjoy or dread.  No matter what is going on in your life, there is always something to be thankful for.  There is always a reason to rejoice.  This morning, you woke up.  That is a miracle in itself.  Thank God for the miracles in your life.  Rejoice every single day.  Rejoice in every situation.  Rejoice as if every day was Sunday.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Be Still

Have you ever seen a child, squirming in their seat, despite their mother or father’s constant pleas to “sit still?” Or have you ever experienced a time when you were so nervous that you fidgeted in your seat, waiting for some important news or event? Maybe you are running to and fro, constantly caught up in the day’s activities, unable to stop and take a breath, even for a moment.

In this world, there are things that we all must accomplish each day. There are also things in life that are difficult to handle. It is natural for us to want to try to do as much as we can to either make others around us comfortable, or to find peace for our own troubled soul. But, try as we might, there are some things we cannot do alone. Even if we run ourselves ragged, twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, peace can only be found through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

In Psalm 46:10 (NIV), we are given simple instructions on what we should do when we are feeling weary and spread too thin. God’s Word says, “‘Be still, and know that I am God.’” Notice this scripture does not say to run around like a chicken with your head cut off, trying to be about the Father’s business. Instead, it simply says, “‘Be still.’” In other words, stop. Slow down. Listen carefully to His voice.

Recently, I observed one particular child at a large event. Sitting in the row in front of me with their parent, the child did not want to sit still. Not only that, but this child continually stood up on their seat, blocking my view of the platform. They whined and complained to their parent, but no matter what consequence they were given, the behavior continued, just as before. The child stood up, walked across the seats, leaned on their parent’s shoulder, and complained some more. This cycle continued until the program was over. While I was a little annoyed that they would distract me during a beautiful portrayal of the life of Jesus, I thought of the parallel between this child and many children of God.

We get so wrapped up in the things that we are doing on this earth, and we often fail to remember that God is guiding us along the way. Instead of sitting still and listening to His voice, we keep running back and forth, whining about the things we want, listing the things that are going wrong, or even complaining about life itself. In our constant pacing, we often distract other people along the way. We block their view, and in doing so, we may cause them to miss out on some of the blessings God has in store for them as well.

The final part of that verse says, “‘know that I am God.’” God doesn’t say to be still and see if I turn out to be God. It doesn’t say to be still and wonder who I am. It says, know that I am God. The word know means to be absolutely certain about something, beyond a shadow of a doubt. God is saying that if we just stop what we are doing and pay attention, we will know that He is God. There will be no question. There will be no mistaking. We will know for a fact that the God of all creation cares for us, loves us, and is always with us.

In this world, people worship many different gods. But, there is only one God who is the Creator of the world. Genesis 1:1 (NIV) says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” It doesn’t say one of the gods; it says, “God” in the singular form of the noun. There is only one God who can save your soul. There is only one God who can make you whole. There is only one God who can give you real peace.

Maybe you’re reading this blog, thinking, I wish I knew this God Jennifer is writing about. Perhaps you have heard about Him before, but you feel you are not good enough to have a personal relationship with Him. God loves you. Don’t race around, looking for answers. Avoid living a hectic lifestyle, constantly searching for peace. Before you complain, look to God, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Simply be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

A New Sense of Direction

When was the last time you stopped and asked for directions?  Maybe you searched for the desired destination on your Global Positioning System.  Perhaps you called someone on the phone to find out which way you should go.  It probably didn’t matter where you obtained the information, just so long as you made it to your destination safely and on time.  In life, there are many places we must go and appointments we must keep, but the most important directions we will ever read are the ones in God’s Word.  This Book is a roadmap, not for the highways and byways on which we drive our automobiles, but a map for life itself.  It tells us where to turn, where to stop, and where we should be at all times.  If you find that you are lost on your journey through life, Jesus Christ can help you find a new sense of direction.

Today, the dog that took up residence on our doorstep this week seemed to get a sense of direction.  He started walking toward our hay barn on the hill and disappeared out of sight.  All of the sudden, it just seemed as if something clicked in its head, and he knew which way to go to get home.  No, he didn’t have the ability to search for his owner’s house on Google Maps.  But God knew which direction he should go, and I am sure that God guided him all the way home.  Now, he is no longer sitting on our doorstep, looking like the misplaced canine he once was.  Even though he didn’t have a written map with him, he seemed to know exactly where he was going.  Unfortunately, finding the right direction is not always so easy, especially for people.

Sometimes, there are directions in life that have nothing to do with driving a car down the road.  These types of directions cannot be found on the Internet or any other electronic gadget for that matter.  You see, life is not equipped with a GPS unit that will continuously tell us to “turn left” or “turn right.”  Some decisions will be extremely difficult.  Some journeys will be nearly impossible.  Some roads will be treacherous.  Yet, you can take comfort in the fact that Jesus Christ will be with you every step of the way.  And with Jesus by your side, you will always know which direction to turn.

Perhaps you have made a wrong turn in your life and do not know how to cope.  You may have left your family, seeking a better life or a more fulfilling existence, only to find that single life is not what you truly desired.  It may be that the absence of the love of your family is nearly more than you can bear.  Or you might have entered a life of drugs and alcohol, just to realize that these things only provide a temporary reprieve from the difficulties you are facing.  You may have decided that these things are not the ultimate answer, but you do not know how to get back on the straight and narrow.  Or you could be someone who was raised as a Christian all of your life, but have recently found yourself straying away from Jesus Christ.  Now, you may be trying to find your way back home to the safety of His arms, but you’re so far away, you do not know how to get there from where you are now.

Jesus Christ has not forgotten you.  He cares for you.  He wants you to come home.  There is no spot on this earth that is out of the reach of our Heavenly Father.  He knows where you are.  He knows everything you have done, every turn you have made, every road you have taken.  Even if you made poor choices, He loves you unconditionally.  He wants to guide you and direct you, and He wants to help you make it home.  The Bible says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6 KJV).  He doesn’t want you to stay lost, wasting your life in all of the wrong places.  He will give you directions, leading you to the right places.

If you are struggling with some particular aspect of your life, don’t sit on someone else’s porch, simply because you cannot find your way home again.  Ask God to help you.  Ask Him for His guidance.  Ask Him for a new sense of direction.  He will show you how to get home.  God’s Word says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him” (Psalm 37:5 ESV).  Trust Him today.  If you are going the wrong way, God allows U-turns.  He loves you more than you could ever imagine.  Open up your heart, listen to His voice, and allow Him to guide you to the life you have always dreamed of living.  Don’t wander around aimlessly.  Look to God for a new sense of direction.  He will bring you to a place of peace, joy, and hope.  Best of all, he will bring you home.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Stuck in the Sunset

When I was a teenager, I wrote a song titled, “There’s Sunshine Awaiting You.”  The moment I finished writing the song, I knew that God himself had given me the lyrics.  Why?  Because the song had a message that transcended the limits of my understanding at this period of my life.  You see, the first verse talks about a mother who has lost her child.  While I have known people who have gone through this same trial, I have not personally experienced this sort of tragic loss firsthand.  Still, God knew that my Mom was the one who needed to hear the lyrics to this song at this exact moment in her life.  She was the first one who heard the song, and the first one who cried as she listened.  I immediately knew that God had a hand in this one.  Little did I know then that this song would one day hold a more significant meaning to me personally.  More than a decade later, I would find myself stuck in the sunset.

When I was a little girl, my two little brothers were born prematurely and passed away as infants.  I am almost certain that this is why the first verse of my song touched my Mom’s heart in such a special way.  As I sang the song repeatedly over the years, and even recorded it on my very first cassette, I was so humbled to see that it was ministering to people on so many levels.  I enjoyed singing it, I thought the soundtrack was beautiful, and I knew the lyrics were anointed.  Still, I could not personally identify with the lyrics of the song, having never been through such a dark time in my life.  I had always been the one to smile, no matter what.  I could always see a glimpse of sunshine, even behind the darkest storm cloud.  Truth be told, I had not yet seen the darkest storm cloud at this time in my life.

I had witnessed the death of more close friends and loved ones than most people I knew had even been to funerals.  Brothers, grandfathers, a grandmother, aunts, uncles, and other friends and relatives…so many loved ones going on to be with the Lord.  But, even in the midst of the loss we experienced, my Mom, Dad, and I remained a close-knit Christian family.  No matter what happened around us, we knew that the three of us would love and support each other through sunshine and rain.  We were like the Three Musketeers.  And I had faith that God would always keep us together, no matter what storms brewed overhead.  On August 2, 2008, the darkest storm of my life came upon me as suddenly as a tornado can flatten an entire town.  There was no warning, there were no goodbyes, and there was nothing my Dad or I could do to silence the violent storm.

Since that tragic night, God has spoken to my heart on several occasions.  I still don’t have all of the answers.  I don’t understand why my Mom is not nearby, waiting to read the next entry of my blog, a blog she never had the opportunity to read.  And cannot tell you why my Dad and I are not living in this house as a family of five, my Mom and younger brothers still with us.  What I do know is that God has a perfect plan for our lives.  He walks with me in the sunshine and in the sunset.  He holds my hand, whether I am climbing mountains, traversing a rocky terrain, or wading through a raging river.  Psalm 23:4 (NIV) says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  I will not be afraid of what tomorrow may bring because I know that God will comfort me in all of my tomorrows.  He gives me His perfect peace and He shines forth His light, even though the sun has set.  And I know He will continue to bring forth the vibrant sunshine in my life once again, in His timing.

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to sing at my home church on Mother’s Day.  For many singers, I am sure this would not be a problem.  For me, it is another story.  The moment I was asked, a red flag shot up.  I thought, no…no, I can’t do that.  I can happily sing any other Sunday, but not that one.  I think the pastor must have seen the look in my eyes similar to a deer caught in the headlights, and he quickly asked if it would be too difficult for me.  I’ll be honest with you.  My first response would have been, yes, it would be virtually impossible for me to sing on Mother’s Day.  And I am sure the pastor would have accepted this, and asked me to sing at another time.  Yet, something tugged at my heart and immediately, I knew that this was something I must do.

As I told the pastor that I would sing, I pondered the song that I would share on this day on which we honor our mothers.  So, I thought about what I would sing if my Mom could be in the congregation on this special occasion.  And of course, the answer was simple.  I would sing, “There’s Sunshine Awaiting You.”  Now, I had not sung this song since my Mom’s funeral.  So, I quickly began seeking God for a different answer other than the one I knew He had given.  I mean, I couldn’t sing on Mother’s Day, much less sing this song.  Have you ever had one of those moments when you thought, what is God thinking?  Well, this was one of those moments for me.  Since I was asked to sing, I have run through the song twice.  The first time I ran through the song, I heard the lyrics in a new light.  My song was ministering to me.  I realized that I had been stuck in the sunset.  And that is why I need to sing this song.  Sure, when I stand up on the platform on that particular Sunday, I will likely blubber as I introduce the song and I am sure pitch will have a new meaning when I reach the song’s end.  But, sometimes serving the Lord isn’t about eloquent speech or perfect pitch.  Sometimes it’s simply about answer His call, no matter how difficult it seems.

Even when we’re stuck in the sunset, we have the assurance that there is sunshine awaiting us.  Although it may seem unbearable at times, we need to be faithful to the One who created us.  He will bring us to a place of rest, away from the storms of life that overwhelm us.  The lyrics of my song speak about seeing a sunset that seems forever, and how difficult it is to face grief and pain.  This sunset that you find yourself in may seem long-lasting, but it is not forever.  When you reach the lowest, darkest valley, God will bring you to your knees.  When you cannot go on one more mile, God will carry you through each and every storm.  If you find yourself stuck in the sunset, rest assured that there’s sunshine awaiting you.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Gratitude

Have you ever felt unappreciated?  Do you feel as if you give 110% to your job, your family, and other activities, only to feel as if you haven’t done enough?  Is there ever a time when you just wish someone would say, “thank you?”  Even in the times when you feel unappreciated, remember that God sees everything you do, whether big or small.  He loves you.  He thinks you are amazing.  And He loves when you do something for His honor and glory.  Even if you may not receive an audible thank you, God is wrapping His arms of love around you to show you just how important you are to Him.  And sometimes, He may even use a relative, friend, or coworker to pass along that unforeseen “thank you” for which you have been desiring so long.  God is truly the Creator of gratitude.

This afternoon, I received an unexpected e-mail from a colleague.  Inside, I found an unanticipated “thank you.”  They were expressing their appreciation to me for making a difference in the lives of my students.  They said that I had been an inspiration.  As I sat at my computer, I recalled the real reason I became a teacher: to make a difference in the lives of my students.  Every day, I pray that I will have a positive impact on their lives.  I strive to be their teacher, their mentor, and their friend.  There are times, though, when I wonder if I am truly making a difference.  Do my students really listen to the life lessons I share with them?  Does it matter if I have well-constructed lesson plans?  Do people really appreciate the valiant effort I put forth?  And then, an e-mail like the one I received today comes along to reassure me that yes, I am appreciated.  How special to know that someone noticed what I have been doing for five years.  To think that they actually took the time to thank me for going the extra mile to make the difference in the life of a child.  Wow.  I thank God for sending this e-mail my way.  He always knows what I need, even before it enters into my mind.

While it is always nice to receive gratitude, it is equally exciting to share appreciation with others.  When you sit down for a nice meal at a restaurant or even at home, do you thank the person who serves the meal or the chef who prepares it?  Do you thank the cashier in the check-out lane at Wal-Mart, or the one who held the door open for you at the bank?  Did you remember to thank the person who carried your groceries to your car for you, or the secretary on the telephone who put you right through to the person whom you were trying to reach?  Every single day, we are given opportunities to express gratitude to others.  Whether they are strangers or friends, I am sure they experience the same feelings that we do at times: overworked and unappreciated.  Wouldn’t you like to be a part of something really big?  It’s quite simple.  One simple “thank you” could literally make someone’s day.  Or it might even change their life.  To know we are appreciated means to know we are loved.  And to know we are loved means we have a reason to get up in the morning, go to work or school, and simply put, to live according to the dream that God has for our life.

Even Jesus gave thanks to God, His Father, on many occasions.  He understood how important it was to show His gratefulness to His Father, and He gives us a wonderful example to emulate.  In Matthew 11:25 (ESV), we read, “At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.’”  Jesus wanted His Father to know that He appreciated the things that were given to Him, so He thanked Him always.  He also taught His disciples to be grateful by modeling a life of gratitude.  For instance, He taught them to give thanks for their food.  Matthew 26:26 (NIV) says, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples.”  According to this scripture, they did not eat until after the blessing had been given.  When partaking in a meal, giving thanks to the Lord was the number one priority among Jesus and His disciples.  Do you thank the Lord for the food He provides?  Are there ways you can follow Christ’s example, showing gratefulness to the Lord in your daily life?

You may wonder, how often should I thank someone?  Will they think that I am simply saying “thank you” because of lack of knowing what to say?  The Bible offers advice in this area as well.  I Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  So, should we only give thanks for our food?  Or to someone who helps us?  Or to a friend who offered encouragement to us?  No.  It is God’s desire that we should give thanks “in all circumstances.”  Notice this scripture does not say to give thanks sometimes, but it says to give thanks always.  This doesn’t mean we should thank God that our car was totaled, a loved one is sick, or that we lost our job.  Instead, we should be thankful to God for the blessings we have.  God will then bless us, restoring our lives according to His perfect will.
So, the next time you feel unappreciated, look around.  God may be sending an angel in disguise your way with a small token of their appreciation.  It could arrive in an e-mail, or it could be in the form of a phone call, a hug, or even a smile.  And while you are enjoying the new-found joys of feeling appreciated, remember to pay it forward.  Say “thank you” more often.  Shake someone’s hand.  Give someone a handwritten note telling them just how much you appreciate their friendship.  Most importantly, thank the Lord for allowing you to feel appreciated and giving you the opportunity to allow someone else to feel special as well.  Psalm 118:1 (NIV) calls us to “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”  Tomorrow morning when you awaken, thank the Lord for His many blessings.  Through this expression of gratitude, you will be reminded just how much Jesus loves you.  Not only that, but you will have the opportunity to have a personal conversation with the giver of hope, the giver of peace, and the giver of life.  How can anyone be ungrateful for such a precious gift?  God gave His only Son.  Doesn’t that just make you want to spread gratitude for the love of Jesus to everyone you meet?

In closing, I would like to show my appreciation to you for reading my blog by leaving you with this scripture: “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers” (Philemon 1:4 NIV).

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Fear

Have you ever been afraid?  Not just a little scared, but truly in fear for your life?  Perhaps you were in a car accident, or saw your child fall down a flight of stairs?  Maybe you were scared that you would lose your home to a fire or due to lack of funds to pay your mortgage?  Many times, fear can cause us to literally shut down, unable to live our lives as God has intended.  God knows that we will be afraid at times, and He has promised that He will help us through the most terrifying experiences of our lives, so we can enjoy the rewarding, peaceful life that He has planned for us.

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) says, “I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  No matter what we may be experiencing at this very moment, God is standing beside us.  Not only that, but He is holding our hand, guiding us through the rough patches of life.  He longs for us to have the peace that only He can give.  He wants us to have the reassurance that He will help us through any situation that life may bring our way, no matter how frightening it may be.  He is the calm before and after the storm.  He is the master of the wind and maker of the rain.  Put your faith in the Lord, and He will calm all of your fears.

If you feel that being afraid is a sign of weakness, I want to assure you that this is certainly not the case.  Consider Jesus’ disciples.  One night while they were out on the lake, they were literally afraid of Jesus himself, thinking that He was a ghost.  In Matthew 14:25-27 (NIV), we read: “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified.  ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’”  Even when His disciples did not recognize Him, He wants them to be at ease, unafraid at seeing Him walk across the water.  He wants them to know everything there is to know about Him, beginning with the fact that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, able to walk on water.  He wanted them to trust Him completely, just like He wants us to do today.

Even the Psalmist David knew that He needed to put His trust in God in order to avoid the fears that encompass us in life.  Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV) says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”  David is reminding us that we do not need to be afraid, even if trouble comes.  Even if the bill collector calls or a friend stabs us in the back, there is still no reason to be afraid.  When we put our trust in God, nothing can steal our peace.  Nothing can steal our joy.  Nothing can take away God’s hand working in our life.

Mary was afraid when she saw the angel standing before her, delivering the message that she would be the mother of Jesus.  “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30 NIV).  There are times when we may receive news that is saddening, shocking, or simply unexpected.  Regardless of whether the news is positive or negative, God is in control.  God knows that there are times when we may experience fear in order to make the journey from where we are to where we need to be.  Like Mary, we may be afraid for a season, only to find that we have been called to serve the Lord in a way in which we had never even dreamed.

Time and time again, the Bible tells us that we should not be afraid.  Psalm 118:6 says, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.”  Hebrews 13:6 says, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”  Even Jesus himself tells us in Revelation 1:17 (NIV) that we should not be afraid, and He says, “I am the First and the Last.”  So, no matter what trials come and what fears may Jesus Christ has paved the way for you to live a fearless life of joy.  He has a dream for your life, void of all fear.  He wants you to experience a fearless life that is greater than anything you ever imagined.

In Christ's Love,

Jennifer

Why, God?

Did you ever experience a terrifying storm?  Do you recall the fear and uncertainty that gripped your mind, as you wondered if your family and friends were safe?  Or perhaps you are enduring an emotional, mental, or physical storm in your life at this very moment.  Does it feel as if they sun will never shine again?  In life, we encounter a plethora of tragedies.  There are natural disasters, illnesses, wars, and many other difficult situations we may find ourselves in.  There may even be times when we find ourselves concerned with a catastrophic event that has not even happened directly to us.  Yet, the tragic occurrence causes us to reflect back on the difficult times we have endured.  Think about the devastating earthquake that struck near the coast of Japan.  When you heard about this natural disaster, did it bring to mind the storms in your own life?  Have you wondered why God did not provide a shelter from the storm for those whose lives were lost?  Or why He has not sheltered you from the storms you are currently going through?

As humans living in an imperfect world, there are moments when we may question, “Why, God?”  There may be times when we do not understand His plan for our life, since our plans may be entirely different.  As I was getting ready for work this morning, I was saddened to hear the news of the massive earthquake that had occurred off the coast of Japan.  Such a tragic event, yet there was no one to blame.  No human being on earth could have precisely predicted this natural disaster.  I am sure the citizens of Japan did not expect this catastrophe.  They planned to enjoy another routine weekday ahead, where everything happened according to their plans.  Then, their plans changed.  Instead of going to work or school, they will spend the day searching for missing persons, digging through rubble to find survivors, and wondering if their loved ones are safe.  And I am sure they will be pondering the question, “Why?”  Why did this happen?  Why couldn’t we prevent the loss of life?  Why didn’t God stop the destruction?

Although I cannot answer these questions, I can assure you that God was right in the midst of that storm.  He was standing right beside the people who were safely evacuated from derailed trains, broken bridges, and crumbled buildings.  Granted, our human minds cannot comprehend why some lives would be spared and others taken.  I cannot explain why every life is not spared.  Even in my own life, I often wonder why my Mom, three grandparents, two infant brothers, and numerous other relatives and friends are not still with me today.  Still, one thing is certain.  God is a sovereign God.  God’s ways are perfect.  The destruction in Japan may seem insurmountable, but God has a perfect plan for the entire world.  He knew this day would come even before we were born.  The storms in your own life may seem equally undefeatable, but rest assured, God has everything under control.

No matter what storm you are currently facing, God is greater than your storm.  Psalm 93:4 (NIV) says, “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty.”  The one and only true and living God is greater than all of the earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires, tornadoes, and any other natural disaster that may come upon His Creation.  Not only that, but God is greater than cancer, divorce, terrorism, and any other social, economic, political, or environmental problem in this world.  For every problem, God is the solution.

In life, there are no guarantees of tomorrow.  There are problems we must face.  There are tragedies to endure.  Nevertheless, we can find shelter in the arms of Jesus.  He has already walked ahead of us, and He continually prepares us for the difficult storms that we may encounter on life’s journey.  He will give us peace in the midst of the storm.  John 16:33 (NIV) says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  Jesus knows what you are going through.  He knows you will face storms in life.  He knows you may even wonder, “Why, God?”  These questions of why may go unanswered.  Even so, you can always find peace in the one true answer: Jesus.

In Christ's Love,

Jennifer