Author: Judy Elmer

Do you see that little ant? This picture sure makes me think of how the enemy can use what we think is a little thing to lure us away from a growing relationship with Jesus. I’m convinced that the enemy’s goal is to get us off course and weaken our spiritual growth. Let’s…you and me… guard our faith with the truth of God’s Word and ask God to help us recognize the so called “little ant” that pulls, lies and distracts us from growing deeper with Jesus.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Cor. 16:13

I noticed in this picture that three birds out of the four birds are looking in what I will call the Right Direction. Then there’s that one bird who seems to be refusing to change its mind and is unwilling to look in the Right Direction. Do you know someone like this? Jesus does. He knows people who are not looking His way. But He doesn’t give up on them. He is patient. He has prayed for them and is willing to forgive. All day He extends undeserved favor called grace. Let’s pray that someday they will look to the Son and believe.

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matt. 7:7

Sometimes we may feel that our prayers are going unnoticed. Especially if we’ve been praying for someone or something for a long time and nothing seems to be happening. I had a friend remind me that God works from the inside out and that I can’t go by just what I see. That encouraged me to keep on praying. I hope that helps you too. Let’s keep knocking in prayer for the door to be opened in hearts and minds to the freedom offered through Jesus Christ.

This heartwarming picture always touches my heart. My granddaughter looks perfectly safe and content in the arms of our son. His watchful eyes makes me think that at a moments notice he’s ready to protect and shield. To be held like this in your Daddy’s arms is a blessing indeed. I don’t remember this blessing because my Dad died when I was two years old. Maybe you too have not experienced the feeling of contentment and safety in the arms of your earthly Dad. But even so, we both can rest assured that our Everlasting Father God lovingly holds us and carries us every day, all day, with HIS everlasting arms.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deut. 33:27

I’m reminded that no matter what we’re going through, God who is Good stays the same. He will guide you and be with you all the way. In the Old Testament, a long time ago, God led His people through the desert during times of intense hardships. By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. (Exod. 13:21) God doesn’t change. Today He will do the same. He is Faithful and able to hold you, carry you and lead you through the tough times. Bottom line, no matter what, God is Good…period.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb. 13:8

A long time ago I answered this question…”Do you take Carl to be your husband for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish as long as you both shall live?” I answered “I do” on July 26, 1969. Throughout the years there’s been good times and hard times, financial ease and financial strain, times of sickness and times of good health. But the love we have for one another has remained constant throughout the years. He’s my life-time forever love, that I cherish.

Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. Song of Songs 8:7

“You call me ‘Teacher and Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.” John 13:13

My heart is full of reverence when I think of Jesus as my Teacher. If He’s my Teacher then that makes me His student. As a retired elementary teacher for 30 years I remember the love I had for my students. But my love was like a grain of sand in comparison to the love Jesus has for His students. I’m so glad Jesus never grows tired of repeating instructions. He gives tests, but never with the intention of seeing you fail. He never gets in a hurry because learning and growing is a lifetime process. His goal is the very best for you because He sure loves His students.

I have said “Amen” many times at the end of a prayer without fully realizing the impact of that word. When I say Amen I’m really saying, “So be it.” Submitting to God’s will and letting go of my control is powerful prayer. A perfect example of this kind of prayer comes from Jesus Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew the intense agony that was ahead of Him. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt. 26:39) I’m so thankful that His submission and obedience expressed a resounding AMEN…So Be It… in the ears of Father God.

A cactus has never looked very friendly to me. Those prickly needles look like they hurt which makes me want to keep my distance. I thought about how some people are unfriendly and hurt. They make me want to keep my distance. Maybe their bristled attitude is a defense mechanism to prevent any future hurts for them. I don’t know, but Jesus knows. He sure dealt with many prickly people to say the least. He washed dirty feet, was spit on, rejected and died for all people. I have found when I take myself and my prickly person to Jesus in prayer things don’t seem to hurt as bad. Jesus understands.

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. Psalm 116:5

I’ve heard it said that “Baptism is the wedding ring of our faith.” I like that! The endless circle of the wedding ring symbolizes an everlasting love and promised commitment to one another. Baptism is an act of faith declaring a personal decision to make Jesus, Savior and Lord of your life. When baptized we express our endless love and commitment to trust and obey Jesus. Like our shirts in the pictures say…”Jesus changes everything.” He washes away sins and remembers them no more. Our sins don’t stick in His memory and we’re raised to a new life in Christ Jesus.

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:25