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This is Gracie. She looks like she’s hiding. Maybe it’s time to go to the vet, trim toenails and clean ears. I understand how the truth can hurt, but knowing the truth is critical. I want to know the truth from God’s perspective so I can recognize a lie. Let’s pray that no one is hiding from the gospel truth that brings freedom and hope through Jesus Christ.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

I’ve heard that if you tie a string around your finger it will help you remember what you don’t want to forget. I haven’t done that, but when days are fast and full it might not be a bad idea. In the not-so-good days, remembering how God has been faithful in the past makes today’s worries begin to fade. Intentionally choosing to look back and remember God’s goodness positions us to experience His gift of peace.

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12

Do you wonder what makes God smile? YOU DO! God smiles because He loves you. He created you. His Word says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. When you place your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, I bet God’s smile is even more spectacular! He graciously secures your place with Him in heaven and enables you right now on earth to have His peace in the middle of struggles or pain.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

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.