by wendy | Apr 12, 2021 | By Chance, Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships
Chance and Letti
My son’s dog, Chance, has an affinity for running away. I truly don’t think he wants to actually leave his people, he just seems to enjoy his freedom. Unfortunately, Chance doesn’t understand the dangers that come along with being separated from those that care for him.
Whenever Chance takes off on one of his adventures, my son tries to catch him by calling and following and coaxing to no avail. Chance treats the whole ordeal like a game and continues to run further away – at times wandering into the road several miles from home. After the last overnight excursion, my son decided to try a new approach. He asked his friend to bring his dog, Letti – Chance’s best dog friend – by to see if he might respond to her. When Chance saw Letti, he immmediately came to her and happily followed her into the house. Letti served as the encourager and ambassador, leading Chance back to the safe place of his loving master’s arms.
When I heard the story of how Letti “rescued” Chance, it immediately reminded me that we have the opportunity to be a Letti to so many people. Many run from God, not because they don’t believe or don’t want to be in relationship with Him, but simply because they don’t understand His love and they desire freedom. They don’t realize the dangers of being separated from Him.
People are often drawn back into relationship with the Lord through relationship with other people. God uses us to demonstrate His love and kindness to them so that they will follow us into the safe place of our loving master’s arms. When we develop a relationship with those that are not a part of the church or not in relationship with Jesus, we invite them to experience Him as we do. What a wonderful privilege to have that kind of influence that can help to save a person from being lost.
We can choose how we want to be involved in the lives of a runner like Chance. We can be apathetic – turn a blind eye and let him make his own choices, we can be tolerant – celebrate his free spirit and applaud his courage to go out on his own, or we can be compassionate – aware that his choices could result in permanent separation from his master and even death. Let us choose to be like Letti – standing beside our master and welcoming them to come back home!
My dear brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20
by wendy | Mar 22, 2021 | Encouragement For Your Heart, Uncategorized
Excerpt from “A Cup of Encouragement” 2007
As I was driving through the Village of Palmyra one day, I began thinking about the new construction that was going on. Apparently, the old bridge that crossed the Rivanna River had become weak and a new bridge was being built. Off in the distance, away from the main road, the work had begun on the new bridge. It was hard to imagine that the road could even connect to that bridge; it seemed so far off the path. I had always used the bridge that I was driving on now and thinking about a change was difficult. Even though I knew in my head that a new bridge would be better, I was comfortable on my same old bridge.
After many months of construction, the new bridge was complete. The connecting road was made and the path to the old bridge was blocked off. It was uncomfortable to make the turn onto the new road, since I had driven the old path so many times, but after weeks of practice, the new became comfortable.
The old road was destroyed and broken up, grass began to grow in its place, and it was sometimes difficult to imagine that it was even there. There were remnants that gave it away though, and every once in a while, the old memories of driving on that bridge enter my mind. Though the new bridge is in a different place, it still leads me to the same destination. Though the old way had become weak and no longer worked to get me where I needed to go, a new way was made for me so that I am still able to continue on. I am thankful now for that new way.
God has a plan, a direction for our lives. He will make a way for us. If the old way, the way we are used to becomes weak and not longer works, He will make a new way. Often, we don’t want to let go of our old ways since they are comfortable. It can be hard to let go of something that has been in our lives for a long time. But God knows when the old is no longer working and He begins in advance to prepare the new way for us. Once the connecting road has been made, it is up to us to change our direction.
There will always be memories of the old way, even after the grass has begun to grow, but we should be thankful for the One who loves us and creates a way that gets us to our destination. We must determine which is more important, the path we travel or the destination. Let the Lord lead you in the new paths of your life. Don’t cling to the old, but embrace the new. He will bring you back to the plan, the direction He has for your life.
“For He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path.”
Proverbs 2:8-9
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8
by wendy | Jan 11, 2021 | Encouragement For Your Heart, Uncategorized
In my lifetime I cannot recall such a time of extended corporate suffering and grief. It seems that we are being attacked from every angle these days. Godly people with strong faith are not exempt – in fact they are perhaps more highly aware of the effects of these times on their very souls. Whether we are more sensitive to the political climate, the isolation of the pandemic, or the financial strain of an ever-changing economic culture, most of us are affected by some type of suffering and grief. So how are we – as believers – to respond?
We can respond to suffering and grief by resting in His Word.
It is difficult to rest in something you don’t know or don’t believe in. Spending time in God’s Word helps us to know Him, to understand Him, to rest in Him. We can become confident in His truth when we hide it in our hearts and we see it play out in our lives. There is comfort in knowing and acknowledging the power and sovereignty of God.
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15
We can respond to suffering and grief by reminding our soul.
I have always strongly identified with the words of Luke 2:19, “Mary treasure up all these things and pondered in her heart.”. I am also one who ponders – but I don’t always treasure the right thoughts. Colossians 4:2 tells us to “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” And then reminds us in verse 15 to “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” When I ponder or treasure thoughts of anger, resentment, rejection, grief, and suffering, I am not encouraging my soul. It is not bad to have these thoughts and feelings – in fact we should pour them out honestly to God – but we must not allow ourselves to ponder them. Instead, we need to remind our own soul how faithful God is.
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
Psalm 62:5
We can respond to suffering and grief by remaining in relationship with Him.
David reminds us, in Psalm 139 that “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” God knows what we think and feel without us telling Him, but we demonstrate that we trust Him with our hearts when we pour it out to Him. Knowing that God knows and sees us is wonderful, but inviting Him to know and see us – and to lead us – is even more powerful. We enter into, and remain in relationship with Him when we cooperate with the work He is doing in our hearts.
In the beginning of Psalm 139 David acknowledges that God searches him and knows him. It is a psalm of praise, awe, and even submission. In the last couple of verses of 139, David uses similar language. “Search me, God, and know my heart.” Notice the shift from acknowledgement to a request for more. David asks God to search him – examine him – and to lead him. There is now more than acknowledgement and submission to authority – there is cooperation and a desire to be searched, known, and led. David embraces God’s perspective and power as he makes a huge step from wonder to willingness.
”Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-34
We can respond to suffering and grief in love.
It may seem out of place to expect a response of love in the midst of our own suffering, but this is the power of God and His Word. Not that we will avoid it all, but that we are transformed as we respond to that suffering and grief by filling our hearts and minds with the knowledge of Him. When we submit our thoughts and feelings to God in faith – He can move us to action through that faith. And what does that action look like? It always looks like love.
“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”
Galatians 5:6b
My friend, my prayer for you today is that you will treasure all of this up in your heart and ponder God’s great love for you. -and may you respond in love today.
by wendy | Nov 17, 2020 | Direction, Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Trusting God
Jerry’s company car reached the required mileage recently and he was delighted to pick up a new lease today. As he travels, he is learning all of the different features – such as the “lane adjust”. If he attempts to change lanes without a signal, it assumes he is drifting accidentally and the car gives him a slight nudge back toward his lane. This seems like it will be a great feature to keep him alert!
I am grateful that the Holy Spirit also provides a “lane adjust” for us. He gives us that slight nudge when we are getting out of our lanes, but He also does so much more. God guides us as we move through life and helps us to know where to turn, when to switch lanes, and when to pause. This is that “guided drift” I have written about before – and it is precisely why we need to be alert and dependent upon God throughout our journey.
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!“
1 Chronicles 16:11
Allow God to guide
In order to receive the full benefit from God’s presence in our lives, we must submit to Him and seek His direction constantly. Jerry and I pray together – inviting God to interrupt our plans and lead us in His. We renew our minds and train ourselves to recognize His leading by studying His Word. And we also seek wise counsel by talking with other godly people about our life and our journey.
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be alert for His guidance
Just like that nudge from Jerry’s new car, we must be alert for nudges from the Holy Spirit. These are evidence of God’s guidance and they might include a still small voice from inside us, a Scripture that speaks to our hearts, words from a friend, or a change in circumstance. Whatever the avenue, we should be looking and listening and taking all things to Him in prayer.
“The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.’”
Psalm 32:8
Adjust as directed by God
We might get a strong clear mandate from the Lord – like Saul, or Moses, or even Balaam, or we might get a whisper that is difficult to discern. But either way, we must be willing to shift and pivot as the Holy Spirit moves us. Obedience is key to a straight path – but we also need to allow ourselves grace as God gives us grace. Even if we miss the nudge – even if we ignore the direction – even if we take a different route, our God is a god of second chances. All roads lead home if we turn our hearts to Him!
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
Unknown Author
It often seems like our decisions are detrimental, but many times our “choices” will have the same outcome. We can decide – will we take the long, slow way, or choose the swift and rocky ride? Life is an adventure and with God as our guide, we are guaranteed to finish well!
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Isaiah 58:11
by wendy | Nov 10, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Trusting God
We have beautiful old trees in our yard – Maple, Poplar, Oak. Spring is full of promise with the buds starting to emerge, summer provide a canopy of shade, and fall gives us color – red, yellow, orange! But autumn also reminds me that those leaves will soon be falling and our trees will be bare. The seasons come and go and when it is time, the trees have to let go.
I am perhaps even more aware of the season of letting go now as I write about seeking direction. As I stand in church and sing, “Wherever He leads I’ll go” I picture all of the wonderful adventures to which He will guide me, but I rarely picture the surrender that is necessary. In our current venture, Jerry and I are learning this more and more as we feel called to downsize – our stuff, our commitments, and our financial obligations – to “get ready.”
But letting go is hard! Even when we want change, even when we don’t like our current circumstances, letting go is counterintuitive. We tend to cling to what we know and what we understand. God often calls us to let go before we know what He has in store for us next – He asks for our trust and our obedience.
“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
God calls us to let go of the past.
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19
Why is it that we don’t want to let go of the past? We hang on to the memories and things that could have been like our lives depend on it. But our lives truly depend on letting go and letting God do a new thing! Ask God what He would have you let go of from before and let your eyes look instead to the future and the hope He has for you.
God calls us to let go of the worries.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6
The opposite of worry is trusting God. When we hold onto our worries, we are claiming that we don’t believe He is able and that He will do good. The Bible tells us that He will do more than we can imagine, but somehow we still believe that it is all up to us. Often it seems that God waits for us to let go of our worries before He shows us just how mighty He is!
God calls us to let go of our sin.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”
Ephesians 4:31
Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that the responsibility of letting go of your sin rests solely on you. This verse says, “Let it be put away from you.” This is a passive verb and it implies that someone else – God – will remove the sin and put it away from you. But the job you have is to “Let it.” Let it go. Simply open your heart and open your hands and release it to God. Ask Him for forgiveness and ask Him to take it. Let go. It is a process and I find it happens in layers for me – but God blesses us in the midst of it all.
God calls us to let go of our activities.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. “
John15:1-2
Sometimes God calls us to let go of the good stuff we are doing. It can be very hard to understand this – after all we are doing good – but we need to remember His purpose. He wants us to be more fruitful. When God asks us to let go of a job or a ministry or a mission, we can trust that He has something better in mind. When we fight against Him to hold onto these “good things” we can be sure we are doing them for the wrong reasons. God sees the big picture and He is working everything together for good.
God calls us to let go of our treasures.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21
Why does God care so much about our treasure? We have only to read the last line of this passage to understand – it’s all about our hearts. God wants our hearts to be with Him and He loves us too much to let us bury it with useless treasure. If your treasure is money, or things, or even people – let go. That doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose those things, sometimes God just wants us to see that our treasure doesn’t have to hold us. A heart that is not tied to earthly things is one that can go anywhere God directs.
Letting go can be scary. Looking down at the pile of bright beautiful leaves beneath our feet can make us want to scoop them all up and hang them up again. But remember, those leaves will be dry and crunchy soon – withered and dead. We need only to trust that Spring will soon come and new buds will emerge.
Let go and wait! See what the Lord will do!
“See, the former things have taken place,
and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
I announce them to you.”
Isaiah 42:9
