Whiteout

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     I will give them a heart to know me . . . Jeremiah 24: 7a NASB

     I’d prayed, “Lord, show me your face!” 

     Each morning the gold-spun Sunrise had overcome the inner shadows and formidable hills. Even so, nightfall had its way. Doubt, fear, and anxiety crept in again, and I questioned God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness. Nevertheless, He is present in the feast and famine.

     Sometimes, we have to proclaim Truth until we believe it!

     My vehicle was packed with dinner, chicken spiedies and hearty, split-pea and ham soup. It was a meal for tired bones and weary thoughts. I’d chased after three rambunctious boys all day and was longing for a sunny, mid-June cook-out. I needed physical sustenance and spirit-revival. However, as my car climbed our driveway and spit out gravel, I noticed the flurries that had begun to blanket the fields. But a storm wasn’t in the forecast. So, I shook off my misgivings.

     Then again, feasts don’t always go as we’ve planned or imagined. The wind picked up and skies darkened despite the pretty set table and delicious spread. Also, water, words, and tones spilled, and attitudes and opinions were passed with gingerbread and home-made applesauce. There wasn’t time to savor the dessert and our Sunrise wasn’t well-served. 

     I hadn’t expected such a heavy downfall; the storm had become a powerful whiteout. I couldn’t see more than a tire breadth in front of me. So, I prayed, “Lord, just get me home!” 

     Home. Safe place. Warmth. Belonging. Understanding. No judgement. Messes. Clean-ups. Everyone welcome, lovely and unlovable. Underdressed and overdressed. Every meal is a feast. Coffee turns into dinner and dinner to coffee. We work together. Love. Laughter. Tears. Grace.  

     I was desperate for home, to be known and accepted and loved. 

     I crawled home following vanishing tire tracks. I prayed I wouldn’t fall into a ditch or off the side of a mountain. When I crested one small knoll, the road disappeared; and so, I rolled down my window and faced the bitter cold. I slowly inched forward. But I turned left and got off track. 

     I soon realized I’d made a wrong turn. I was on an unfamiliar plateau and fields bordered me. I sought out a dim light in the distance and came upon a small trailer. I honked my horn until a kind man braved the blizzard, helped me turn around, and redirected me back the way I’d come. While I spoke to the stranger, I reached my husband on my cell and gave him my general location. He prayed, and I was soon on the right road. Besides, the whiteout abruptly ended. 

     Show me your face, Lord. 

     You are the beautiful Sunrise, faithful and merciful to shine upon those who need a rescue. We come to You as the orphan, captive, outcast, and stranger, and we find You in the orphan, captive, outcast, and stranger. Long, windy roads and treacherous conditions fortify our faith. The Lord opens our heart to know Him.

     Our Lord is trustworthy! He blankets us with His unconditional love, mercy, and Truth. We are all desperate for home and in need of grace. No whiteout can hide His presence! We are safe in the fiercest of storms. Our Lord goes before us. Peace is possible if we follow in His footsteps.

Seeking Grace,

Lily Mae

     Because of the tender mercy of our God . . . the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Luke 1: 78, 79

Seek My Face

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When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I shall seek.”
Psalm 27: 8 NASB

     I leaned back on a mountain of plump pillows and fed my grandson his noon-time bottle while his curious eyes searched my face and fingers traced my chin. I wasn’t sure who was going to fall asleep since he was bent on connection and I drifted with heaviness. 

     Intimacy can only be had when someone is present. 

     David sought the Lord’s face during a time of conflict and warfare. An army was encamped against him and had threatened his honor, character, and physical well-being. Yet, he recognized that the Lord was his light and salvation, his guide and defense.  David understood that his confidence came from the Lord; and so, he chose to trust Him!  

     Insults, rivalries, misunderstandings, defeat and despair can leave us worn and ragged. Family and friends let us down and we do the same. We are a broken and needy people. Likewise, fractured hearts build stoic fortresses. We hide in hurt! 

     I’d encountered seasons of feeling like the outcast and stranger, the hungry and thirsty and forsaken. Like David, I’d cried out to the Lord to show me His face. I couldn’t climb the steep, rugged mountain path unless He journeyed with me. He’d lifted David on a rock and granted him fresh perspective, the beauty of His face, and I’d desired the same. 

     Our Lord is merciful to answer. He is the anticipated Sunrise! The dawn depicts our blessed Messiah. He daily reveals the majesty of His face in pastel pinks and baby blues, bold tangerine, ruby-red and/or warm golden hues. God draws us unto Him with brilliant, defined strokes. Wait and take courage.

We see the beauty of the Lord in the everyday children’s play, simple prayers, and nap time struggles. He joins the famine and feast and fills the hungry with Truth and loving kindness.

Our savior is the Light who breaks through the darkest of nights. He desires intimacy and fully committed hearts who trust Him. He will guide our feet in the way of peace. So, we fix our gaze on Him.

     Seek and ye shall find! The Lord is near; and He gifts tender mercies every morn.

With open hands,

Lily Mae

     Because of the tender mercy of our God . . . the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 
Luke 1: 78, 79 NASB

River of Life

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The Lord is there!

Everything will live where the river goes. Ezekiel 47: 9 NASB

     Ezekiel prophesied that when Jesus returns, the earth will also return to Eden-like conditions. Trees will bear fruit for food in season and out of season. Their harvest will be lush, tasty, and plentiful and their leaves will be for healing. Furthermore, God’s presence will return to Israel. The name of the city from that day forth shall be YHWH Shammah, “The Lord is there.” 

     We have been granted a promise. Everything will live where the river goes. 

     God sent His only Son to be born in a lowly manger and die a criminal’s death so that we may live. He was crucified; and His shed blood paid our sinner’s debt. Forgiveness was guaranteed. We deserve the barnyard stall and stench and painful death. Yet, Jesus was born to bear it all. He set an example of love, mercy, and humility during the thirty-three years He walked the earth.     

     Jesus’ disciples were commanded to leave their families and livelihood behind and follow Him. Some dropped their nets, while Matthew, a tax collector, said good-bye to a sordid past. Luke, a physician, came to understand that only Jesus could immediately heal a person whole. Yet, Jesus made them all fishers of men. 

     Today, Jesus calls His followers to consider the cost of discipleship. 

     Are we willing to lay everything down to follow Him? Discipleship is work. We’re called to intimacy, care and accountability, to teach and speak hard things; and so, loneliness often parallels in the shadows. 

     Jesus drew the curious and hungry crowds, but He wasn’t always welcomed or appreciated. He ate with the odious outcasts, corrupt, needy, and disturbed. He was cornered and questioned and dismissed! But it is the sick and wearied who need a physician.

     Jesus has also made us fishers of men. 

     I’m not sure what side of the river you find yourself on this year. Maybe it doesn’t matter. Any divide and devastation can be unbearable. Whether or not your family has been struck with the aftermath of disease or sickness, divorce papers have hit you square in the face, or a few spewed words have left you winded, life may seem hopeless. But we live with the knowledge that one day, “Everything will live where the river goes.” 

     From that day forth the city shall be called, “The Lord is there!”

     Let the gospel Truth spur your ministry on . . . in your homes, church, and community.

We are not alone.

Our debt has been paid in full.

The Lord is returning soon.

There is work to be done!

Take courage,

Lily Mae

Sing, set up Banners!

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A Prayer to Start the Day:

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20: 1, 5, 7 NASB

     There are days my cell phone seems to ding steady with every breath I inhale and prayer I exhale. Winter’s glistening countenance offers warmth, and bird’s happily empty our feeder. However, my heart is heavy with the burdens I carry for others. 

     This had been one of those days. 

     From the early morning check-in call to the devotional interruption, mid morning texts on my elliptical, and noontime updates, the message “God is able” was steadfast. We are not alone. COVID has not stolen our sisterhood. We are stretcher-bearers who must break through the roof, hardened clay, dirt, and dust, and lower our family and friends at the feet of Jesus. We face the ugly in ourselves, the reality of sin, fears, doubts, insecurities, jealousies, addictions, and habits that pollute our day. We confess and repent to each other and ask the Lord’s forgiveness.  

     We cry out and the Lord hears. He is by our side; and He sets us on high.
     The Lord grants us fresh perspective.
    What a jubilant sound we make when we sing together!

     Some battles we enter midway, and so, we break the roof open. We dig and chip away ‘til light breaks through. In faith, we persevere and encourage and strengthen the stretcher-bearers. We do not trust in ourselves, and we do not trust in horses or chariots, muscle power or spinning wheels. However, we will trust and boast in the name of the Lord our God. 

     Jesus, have mercy, rescue and heal your sons and daughters.  

We begin again, singing and raising our banners in victory!

Blessings,

Lily Mae

Being unable to get to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.
Mark 2:4 NASB

A Door of Faithfulness

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4 NASB

Paul knew about hardship; he’d been beaten, imprisoned, ship-wrecked, and snake-bitten. However, he’d testified to God’s comfort during those trials and tribulations. The word “comfort” is often associated with doting grandmothers who gently wipe their grandchildren’s tears with a cookie-dough splattered apron, or when a friend ministers with saffron-seasoned chicken noodle soup because we’re stuffy-nosed and bedridden or recuperating from surgery. Nevertheless, that isn’t the context in this case.
 
     The Greek word for comfort is much like the word paraclete which means ‘to come alongside to help.” (NASB commentary) Paul was stating that the God of all comfort drew near to help make him bold and brave. He had faced such dire circumstances that he had despaired even of life. The Greek word for despair indicates that he believed that there was “no passage out.”  His burdens were such that he didn’t trust his own judgement. He had no strength left, emotionally, physically, or spiritually. He was sure his ministry was over. He believed there was no “door of escape.”  

     However, Paul believed God would yet deliver him. He trusted the One who raises the dead. A door opened, but he was troubled for his friend and had no peace or will to stay. He moved on. But impossible is where God began.
 
     When Paul turned his focus back to the Lord with prayer and praise, and he acknowledged the privilege it was to serve Him through the hardship, he was able to overcome in Jesus Christ. Victory was His! Paul became a sweet aroma of Christ to God among those who were being saved. Likewise, God was pleased with his faithful commitment to further the gospel. 

     Whatever you face today, Jesus is the answer. When there seems to be no passage, walls close in and doors shut, Jesus is the way out. Have you accepted His invitation of salvation? Set your hope on Him. His resumé is noteworthy. He parted seas, healed the lame and blind, fed the crowds with a schoolboy’s lunch, and raised the dead. Believe in His mighty resurrection power. He will yet deliver us!

     My prayer for our Americans and allies remaining in Afghanistan is steadfast, knowing that they are sharers of our suffering and sharers of our comfort. May stubborn hearts be softened, and a “door of faithfulness” be opened for all in such terror-filled, chaotic, and desperate situations. Lord, come and rescue your oppressed people.  

Jesus is our only hope,

Lily Mae

For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us. 

2 Corinthians 1: 8-10 NASB

Open our Eyes

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And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by,
Cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David! Matthew 20: 30 NASB

.     
     Two blind men sat on the dusty roadside and cried for mercy. The crowds tried to hush them. Instead, Jesus stopped and asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They replied that they wanted their eyes to be opened. Moved by compassion, Jesus touched their eyes and they were healed.
Jesus also does a miracle work in His weak and worn-out children today.
Have you considered the question, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
     Our Lord was blindfolded so we could see. I pray for fresh eyes to see the heart of Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s keen mercy and compassion to respond to others’ needs with words and deeds. 
     Jesus had need of a donkey. He didn’t request a stately stallion or experienced mare or mount. No! His disciples laid their coats on its back, and the bystanders spread their coats on the road. They recognized Jesus as their King and paid homage to Him. 
     Gentle, and mounted on a donkey, a beast of burden, our King came to die. 
Days later, Jesus was blindfolded, beaten, bruised, spat on, stripped, scourged, mocked, and crucified. What do you desire today? We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. We need a Savior, grace and forgiveness. While we were yet sinners, filthy, guilty, and condemned, our Lord died for us. Jesus faced the dark so that we may live in the light. 
     Gentle is His way!
     In Greek, the word for “gentleness” refers to the middle ground between unreasonable anger and complacency. It is a choice to control one’s response and submit to God. When Jesus rode through Jerusalem, His strength and forbearance was born from trust in God. Gentleness shows wisdom. And wisdom is far better than strength and weapons of war. (Ecclesiastes 9:16,18)
     Lord, touch our eyes and grant us new perspective. Mend our feeble feet, mind, and heart. Heal us whole. Help us to lead and serve wherever you place us.
     Jesus was in need of a donkey! That’s right. The untamed and inexperienced have purpose. 
    Let the light of Jesus dispel your fears, doubt, and shame. 
     Our Lord is Lord of all our sunrises, clear and white-washed windows, and moonlit ridges and ravines. It is finished! The grave didn’t hold Him. He is risen! Jesus’ resurrection power is for us.  Because He lives, we can face tomorrow. Eternal salvation is ours. 
     Daughters of Jerusalem, your King comes to you! 

Have a blessed Easter,

Lily Mae

“Say to the daughter of Zion, behold your King is coming to you, gentle, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” Matthew 21: 5 NASB 

Way of Peace

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     When Jesus approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. Luke 19: 41, 42 NASB     

Jesus climbed the dusty, rugged road to Jerusalem. The last few miles of His journey were the steepest. He’d healed the sick, blind, and lame; and, He’d eaten with the outcasts and offenders. He also stooped to bless the children and instructed the crowds with parables, applicable stories of their times. Jesus had called and sent His disciples out to “fish for men.” Then He sent seventy more out in pairs to announce His coming. His mission was simple: 


“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19: 10 NASB

     Jesus drew near to Bethany and Mount Olivet, the olive grove that He’d often fled to for solitude. Rest was found in the shade of the gnarly, twisted trees and their messy, bruised fruit. Bystanders placed their cloaks on a donkey colt for Him to ride on and laid their coats on the road. They praised God and recognized Jesus as their Messiah. Yet, as Jesus approached His beloved city, He wept, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace!” 

     Jesus is the “Way of Peace.”

     The Son of Man walks with us today. He gifts us with His example as He guides us through our valleys and o’er the rough ridges. He leads with humility and compassion, care and concern. Jesus made room for the children, the weak and vulnerable, and His Heavenly Father. When we lay our cloaks down, our rights, ranks, and responsibilities, and choose solitude and rest with the Father, we’re not only revived; but, we’re better able to see His Way of Peace. 

     Peace is born in the shade of the bent, broken, and fallen, the beaten, bruised, and refined. When we are completely undone, the Prince of Peace can have His way. His grace alone saves. Inner calm, contentment, and harmony and reconciliation with others begins with Him. 

     We must let His light in!

Lord, have your way with us.

Lily Mae

  

Renovations of the Heart

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Lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 
Ephesians 4: 22-24 NASB

     Our kitchen, dining room, and den had to be packed up and transferred to our great room before we began renovations on our downstairs. The contractors stripped and stained our hard wood floors, and new cabinets and countertops were installed. It was a timely project over the holidays that challenged me to consider what was most important in my life and clean house. Some gadgets, knickknacks, and cookbooks had been gathering dust for decades, while others were chipped and pages were torn or missing. I hadn’t had the heart to discard them. Nevertheless, I looked forward to an organized kitchen; and so, I grabbed the garbage bin. 

     Jesus also invites us to do a renovation of our heart, to walk in His Way and strip off the useless and unnecessary, the ugly and filthy. He does a new work in our thoughts, deeds, and character. The old man is done away with as the new man is brought to life. There is no room for pride and deception—lies, exaggerations, trickery, and cheating. Paul writes that in Christ we are no longer children tossed about by the turbulent waves of devious men and their stormy doctrine. We must speak Truth in love and walk in a worthy manner. 

     Do not give the devil an inch.
     Be angry and sin not. Do not steal.
     Work hard and be generous. 
     Let your speech be pure and simple, seasoned with the gift of grace.
     Instruct and build up your tribe. 
     Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. 
     Choose to do good, show kindness, and bestow forgiveness.

     Seek the Lord while He may be found. Remove the old and put on the new. 

Choosing grace,

Lily Mae

     Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4: 31,32NASB
     

Vicks to Victory

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Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55: 6 NASB

     I chuckled as I lathered my feet with Vicks. No one ever seems to notice its distinct fragrance. Then I sat down to blog and noticed my two miss-matched cabin socks and laughed harder.

What a perfect depiction of the past year!

     Truth is—I don’t like New Year resolutions. However, the only one I’ve ever made, I kept. Ten years ago, I made a decision to read the Bible in a year, and God began His refining work in me. I’d always been disciplined and performance driven; so, He thought it better to reverse the rhythm of my day and teach me to walk slower, peer under and further, and care deeper in uncomfortable intimacy.

A baby changed my heart, thoughts, and doing.  

     I love Christmas even more after Christmas. I paint more cards, bake my husband his favorite Hershey Kiss cookies, and hike our land slow and purposeful, seeking winter’s hidden beauty. I usually finish “The Greatest Gift” by Ann Voskamp after our rushed celebrations. She’d written: 

At the foot of the cradle of Christ, like at the foot of the cross of Christ, there are no big people—no powerful, no proud. There are only those who tramp to the manger with nothing. 

     Whether you’re a miss-matched ragamuffin like me, or a zealous resolution keeper, we’re all manger tramps in need of a Savior. A decade ago, I prayed that God reveal more of Himself to me in the New Year. And He has never stopped. He invites you to come as you are, weak and weary, bruised and broken. His grace is also for the one who repents of self-sufficiency.

     Prince of Peace, we need You. Let your name be the first on our lips each morning. Guard our thoughts, minds, and hearts. Grant us victory over our battles. We pray for Your wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. Teach us to love as You with open arms and ready hands. Help us to extend empathy, mercy, and forgiveness. Keep us faithful to your calling. Give us the courage to speak the good news of the gospel. Let our lives be a pleasing aroma that brings glory to you.  

May others become curious of the change in us and seek the Lord. 

Whether you make a resolution today or not, I encourage you to read God’s Word. Set your heart on knowing Him. There is victory and peace for the one who trusts in Him.

Happy New Year!

Lily Mae

Awake, awake,
Clothe yourself in your strength, O Zion; clothe yourself in your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city . . . shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem. How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness. Isaiah 52: 1, 2, 7 NASB

Jesus, our Dread Champion

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     For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many griefs.
     But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . . I Timothy 6: 10-12 NASB

     There are storms that render us breathless, paths marked by toil, loss, and pain, beauty and wonder. Quietness. We hesitate.

God will heal our faithlessness. He calls us to return and repent of our sinful ways and to speak peace. However, it is difficult to speak peace when our adversaries wage war. (Psalm 120:7)
     Besides, we’re our worst enemy some days.
Timothy reminds us that the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, wrongdoing, loss, and ungodliness. Our eyes wander, thoughts cycle, and before we know it, our hands take what we crave. Then again, years may pass before we notice the slow fade of our values and commitments. The enemy slipped in unnoticed. However, we must now right our harmful patterns. Laziness, disrespect for the Lord’s day, addictions, and rebellion wreak havoc on our homes. Anger and bitterness build like a pressure cooker, and relationships suffer. We hurt the ones we love most and our testimony is tainted. We must step up!
     God’s children must flee evil. We will only find true contentment in the Lord. He alone satisfies. We are to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, and gentleness. Timothy challenges us to “fight the good fight.” In other words, we must train like an athlete or soldier with keen focus, discipline, and perseverance. We must let go of all that binds and hinders our race and fix our eyes on our eternal hope. Jesus made a way to come to the Father. And He is our “Dread Champion.”

     
     But the Lord is with me like a dread champion; therefore, my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will be utterly ashamed, because they have failed with an everlasting disgrace that will not be forgotten. Jeremiah 20: 11, 12 NASB

     Jeremiah was called to prophesy judgement; but, he’d become a laughingstock and lamented the day he was born. Nevertheless, he had a Dread Champion. The Lord also helps us overcome our fears, doubts, and insecurities, and He endures with us to the finish line. We’re all winners when we enter the race with Him! Therefore, we must be tireless in our zeal and efforts to guard our faith and speak Truth in love. Gentleness. For our Dread Champion entered the world as a babe.
     Jesus was born in a stark, stench-filled stable. He came vulnerable and needy, swaddled in linen strips. Little comfort was found in the straw-packed trough and the calves’ lullabies. He also led with humility and meekness, and advocated with care and concern. He washed His disciples’ feet and fed the ravenous crowds. He sacrificed His life that we may have eternal life. His gentleness bridged the gap between our selfish, sinful ways and our holy God. He made a way for reconciliation, the feast and fellowship between man and God, brothers and sisters. So, step up! Set your heart on the climb. Choose to love even when your innards revolt. Speak peace and know that God is for us. 

For unto us a child is born in Bethlehem. Prince of Peace. Emmanuel, God with us.

Christmas joy unwraps the gift. Unlimited grace sets us free. No other package can compare!

This is reason to celebrate!

Lily Mae