“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
But if not, be it known to thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3: 17-18
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, three Israelite teenagers taking a stand for God when facing their Captor, King Nebuchadnezzar, is one of my favorite examples of courage in the Old Testament. Knowing that their refusal to bow to the king and worship him surely meant death, they chose God and trusted in His deliverance.
None of us can be sure of what we will face tomorrow. We all make plans that may or may not happen exactly as we expect. My dogs trust me to make decisions that will benefit them. We need to rely on the Lord even more. He alone sees the beginning and the end simultaneously. He knows the plans He has for each of us.
Courage to accept God’s design for our lives develops through a close relationship with Him. Whether He saves us from the fire or not, we can trust we will not face the trial alone. Just as He was in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, the Lord assures us that He is beside us during every trial. We can rest in the knowledge that the outcome reflects His love and plan for us.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the plans You have for me and the courage to face whatever trials may come.
Friday, May 19, 2017
Friday, May 12, 2017
A Godly Woman
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fearth the Lord, she shall be praised.” - Proverbs 31:30
May 14, 2017 will be the second Mother’s Day that I will honor my mom without her being physically present. She will celebrate the holiday with our Lord and I will celebrate the memory of her. I am not alone in this quiet celebration. Other family members and friends hold their own memories close. This is a slight departure, but I hope I may indulge.
I am blessed. Born to and raised by parents who feared God. The responsibility of childcare was a team effort. Each of them brought different perspectives to my training, equal in importance for my whole being.
Since this holiday is honoring mothers, I would like to focus on mine today.
The Lord gives gifts and talents to all of us. Mom possessed the gift of mercy. She once told me that she would have enjoyed becoming a nurse. It would have been a suitable match for her gift. She was a caregiver, not only husband and children, but others as well. It was so much a part of her that when she had to move into the nursing home, she wanted a “job” so she could serve. Even dementia could not silence her gift.
Mom also had the talent of voice. The Lord blessed her with one of the sweetest singing voices. She loved music, especially the old hymns. Even now, I can hear her soft alto singing Victory in Jesus.
A mother who fears the Lord and raises her children to do so is precious. She holds her children close to her heart for her entire life. My mother was such a woman and taught me through example. I must repeat – I am blessed.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to have a mother who knew the importance of having a relationship with You.
May 14, 2017 will be the second Mother’s Day that I will honor my mom without her being physically present. She will celebrate the holiday with our Lord and I will celebrate the memory of her. I am not alone in this quiet celebration. Other family members and friends hold their own memories close. This is a slight departure, but I hope I may indulge.
I am blessed. Born to and raised by parents who feared God. The responsibility of childcare was a team effort. Each of them brought different perspectives to my training, equal in importance for my whole being.
Since this holiday is honoring mothers, I would like to focus on mine today.
The Lord gives gifts and talents to all of us. Mom possessed the gift of mercy. She once told me that she would have enjoyed becoming a nurse. It would have been a suitable match for her gift. She was a caregiver, not only husband and children, but others as well. It was so much a part of her that when she had to move into the nursing home, she wanted a “job” so she could serve. Even dementia could not silence her gift.
Mom also had the talent of voice. The Lord blessed her with one of the sweetest singing voices. She loved music, especially the old hymns. Even now, I can hear her soft alto singing Victory in Jesus.
A mother who fears the Lord and raises her children to do so is precious. She holds her children close to her heart for her entire life. My mother was such a woman and taught me through example. I must repeat – I am blessed.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for allowing me to have a mother who knew the importance of having a relationship with You.
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