Step Up

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     In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He answered me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue . . . too long has my soul had its dwelling with those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war. Psalm 120 NASB

Psalm 120 is the start of the “Great Hallel,” the Songs of Ascent that recorded the Jew’s upward pilgrimage to Jerusalem where they would gather, feast, and worship their almighty God. The psalmist was fixed on the arduous journey, but lies, deceit, and slander made war against him. False accusations had almost turned him around. A friendly smile may have lifted his spirit. However, he was a stranger in a foreign land, and common courtesy and hospitality had waned.

The setting may seem familiar as suspicions and tensions mount in our post-election days. Like the psalmist, we may doubt our ability to worship God when unity among believers is tenuous. When lies and insults are spewed and pierce like a warrior’s arrows; or, they burn like the fiery coals of a desert tree, we also cry to God for relief. We must “step up” and walk in Truth.

God’s Word and Way is Truth—His commandments protect His glorious name, our hearts, the family unit and honor, Sabbath rest, sanctity of life, and our homes. They are for our well-being. Therefore, we must first examine our intent, beliefs, and actions, according to His Word.

Reconciliation and unity begin with us. We are responsible for how we respond to conflict. Do we listen to understand or to be heard? God’s peace gifts calm, rest, and harmony founded on our knowledge of His grace. God’s love and mercy aren’t based on our current condition or circumstances, for while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Grace triumphs!

In the midst of chaos and injustice, we are called to be peacemakers.

God commands His people to return and repent, time and time again. Confession is the start. We break up the hard, fallow ground and acknowledge our wrongdoing, hurtful words, thoughts, and deeds. We return to God and each other, and we begin again. We gather, rebuild, and restore. Likewise, we shouldn’t trust in numbers—mere men, horses, or chariots. Our God reigns above all! He alone is able to heal our broken homes and churches.

If God’s people unite, there is hope for our hurt and fractured world.

God tests our love and commitment to Him. The pilgrimage is as crucial as the destination. Are we willing to let go of our baggage, the pain, defeats, and failures? Take hold of the lesson, and also hand Him our treasures? God wants our undivided hearts to pursue His purity and peace.      

Return and repent. Step up. Speak peace. 
God will heal our faithlessness!

Although, I find myself near the bottom more days than naught, I’ve learned to keep my eyes fixed on the Lord, and that is a good place to start!

Lily Mae

     “Return, O faithless sons, I will heal your faithlessness.” 
Jeremiah 3: 22 NASB

When Mothers Pray

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O Lord, be gracious to us; we have waited for You. Be their strength every morning, our salvation also in the time of distress. . . The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is his treasure. 
Isaiah 33: 2-6 NASB.

     Unsteady hands had tucked her graying butter tendrils into place and worried her tissue to shreds. Unlike the clothes dryer that made confetti of some hidden messes, her struggle had been private. She held each piece with care and concern. Children wonder and wander, pocket and gift. Children take a stand. Stretch. Lift their chins and lengthen their stride. Will they run? Spread their wings and soar? It is much easier to give them space when they are little tykes. 

     We must wait on the Lord. 
     In the Hebrew/Greek Word Study Bible (NASB), the word for “wait” means to bind together, collect and twist, and to gather together with expectation—to wait for, look for, and hope for. The word also refers to the gathering of waters.

     Mothers collect their thoughts and bind them with Truth. They cling to their only hope; God is able to do all things. He is their reservoir of rescue, wisdom and knowledge. Understanding. Stability. The Lord grants strength to those who grieve when they turn to Him in trust and faith. However, words may fail us and silence threatens. We must pray. But how do we begin?     
     A wise grandmother taught me that when all seems hopeless, words are but a breath and God seems far away, we can pray His Word and promises back to Him:

The Lord is our shepherd. He hears our cries. He rescues. Restores. Revives. Psalm 80
The Lord is good. Gracious and compassionate. He remembers His promises. Psalm 111
The Lord is the keeper of our soul. He is our help. Shade. Protection. He never sleeps. Psalm 121
The Lord surrounds His people. He abides with us forever. Evil can’t harm us. Psalm 125
The Lord makes a way through the deep. Isaiah 43:16
The Lord takes pleasure in His people. He heals the afflicted with His salvation. Psalm 149
The Lord bestows beauty for ashes. Isaiah 61:3
We who believe in God are His children. John 1: 12, 13
We are forgiven. Ephesians 4:32
We are saved by grace. Ephesians 2: 8, 9
God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. Romans 11:29
God is victorious. Although, we have trouble, He overcomes! John 16:33
God bottles all our tears. He is aware of our suffering. Psalm 56:8 

I smiled as I pulled the tissues from my pockets and tossed the clothes in our washing machine. Sorrow keeps us at the feet of Jesus. Then again, there will come a day when there will be no more tears. 

When mothers pray, the fear of the Lord is their treasure.

Lily Mae


“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”
Revelation 21: 4 NASB

Mountains Melted

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The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord . . . 
Hate evil, you who love the Lord, who preserves the souls of His godly ones; He delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown like seed for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to His holy name.
Psalm 97: 5-12 NASB

The Lord is near. Stand in awe of His mighty hand. He reigns above all creation. Righteousness and justice are His foundation. The earth trembles, winds whisper, and mighty oaks snap . . .  seas rage, waters break, and mothers give birth in the wee hours of the night. The sun rises in magenta boldness and sets in pastel perfection. 
 
     Consider what best depicts God’s power. He speaks through His Word. He is our Rescuer. Deliverer. Counselor. Healer. Provider. Redeemer. The Holy Spirit resides within us, and He is wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, and strength. Besides, the tomb was empty. Jesus’ resurrection power is for us. Therefore, walk in God’s strength. 

“Dear friends, if you and I had been without trouble, we never could have had such a promise as this given to us: “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Deuteronomy 33:25. It is our weakness that has made room for God to give us such a promise as this. Our sins make room for a Savior; our frailties make room for the Holy Spirit to correct them; all our wanderings make room for the good Shepherd, that he may seek us and bring us back. We do not love nights, but we do love stars; we do not love weakness, but we do bless God for the promise that is to sustain us in our weakness, we do not admire winter, but we do admire the glittering snow; we must shudder at our own trembling weakness, but we still do bless God that we are weak because it makes room for the display of His own invincible strength in fulfilling such a promise as this.” ~Charles Spurgeon

     God grants us His strength to overcome our weakness. I’ve often wondered how Israel could worship a golden calf when they’d witnessed God’s miracles in Egypt, His deliverance through the sea walls, and His provision in the desert. A silly statue couldn’t compare to Him. However, an idol is anything or person that takes the place of God in our lives. Who or what motivates us? Even our way of life can become an idol. We too must clean house and walk in obedience. 

     The remedy is for God to be God in our lives.

     God preserves the souls of His godly ones. We have eternal security through our Lord. His light is sown like seed for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. God’s light is planted in our hearts, and He illuminates our path and provides guidance. His righteousness is our holy standard. Give thanks for His victory! Gladness blooms and flourishes. Besides, as we walk in trust and obedience, God gifts us with purpose. We become His light-bearers. 
     
Mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord.

Walk in His strength,

Lily Mae

Dwelling Places

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Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14: 1-3 NASB

My husband and I rented a lake cottage for the first few years that we lived in the northeast. Summer vacations lingered while we watched the kids race bicycles down our dusty driveway. They did cannon balls from our dock and then swam circles with their black Labrador Retriever. Campfire s’mores were more than a treat. There was no need to post a sign, “Slow the Hurry!” The tall pines and secluded lake set our pace throughout the fall.  
     
I’ve often prayed that we would one day return to the water, a place of rest and rejuvenation. Our kids are gone now, and our home is more often quiet than not. I miss the casual gathering. Intimacy blossoms when our guard is down.

     Rest gifts unity and well-being.

Jesus fled the crowds to meet with His Father and found revival and strength by the lakeside. To know God is to know rest. Rest has no fear, no want, no rush. It is seen in the Father’s will. We recover our breath, lean on Him, and trust in His goodness. He is our peace of mind.

God made room for rest from the start of creation. It’s for our benefit. How we define it doesn’t matter as much as our obedience. Rest is time set apart from what is ordinary, our play and recreation, and our quiet respites. It is also freedom from our struggles—the daily grind, thoughts that cycle and torment, and oppression.

God’s rest is guaranteed:

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NASB

     We too must escape the crowds and draw near to our Lord. His burden is light. Manageable. His commands will not harm us. And He will carry our heaviness. 

     We swap baggage and gain rest for our souls.

     One morning, with another cup of coffee and a little further digging, I discovered that what I’d longed for all these years is also promised. Jesus’ death was imminent; and so, He prepared His inner circle. He offered comfort and hope, “In my Father’s house are many dwelling places, I go to prepare a place for you.” The Greek word used for “dwelling places” in this passage means a country cottage or small cabin. Not only does God provide rest for our souls here on earth, He provides an eternal dwelling place. And it will be unlike any vacation spot we’ve ever known.

We who believe will worship our Almighty God and Savior who has made eternal rest possible. My prayer is that you know Him.

God bless,

Lily Mae

The Lord Remembered

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But I (Hannah) have poured out my soul before the Lord . . . and the Lord remembered her. 
I Samuel 1: 15, 19 NASB

     The small waif had prayed for a sister. She already had two brothers to tend to when her mother worked. Rules and responsibilities were dished out with her scrappy fists. It didn’t matter that they’d be nine years apart. Braids and ponytails could win a few rounds. Life was a competition, basketball slam dunks, bicycle burn marks, ramps, and Evel Knievel jumps.
     When another brother was born, she put on her best smile and dressed him in doll’s clothes. Her opposition didn’t last. She soon became her brother’s hero, a warrior who defended him. Camouflage bruises matched her mask; however, she didn’t feel a thing. 
     I understood the angst and preparations that Hannah must have made before her yearly trek. Her stomach in knots and nerves short, she most likely dressed with discretion to avoid attention. And she dodged the meddlesome traveler. 
     Questions, comments, and subtle tones often circle with loss and the famine and feast. Loneliness prevails, and trust and confidence dwindle. Who is apt to raise an eyebrow, offer a shaming condolence, or dismiss our thoughts and feelings? 
     Hannah’s mountain climb was hard without the yearlong baggage.
God had closed Hannah’s womb. But she resolved to make the pilgrimage with empty hands. Then Hannah’s husband minimized her hurt and her greatest rival, his other wife, taunted her. Hannah wept in despair and bitterness. She silently begged God for mercy and special attention. Her husband thought she was intoxicated, but she couldn’t eat or drink! 
     Years had gone by. Many festive celebrations had brought more of the same. Pain upon pain. All seemed hopeless . . . her obedience, purpose, and sacrifice. Her heart also slammed shut.
     Hannah no longer wanted to participate. The feast magnified her want!  
And the Lord remembered Hannah. Her resolve to be faithful to the Lord gifts her a son.  
     A sister recalls her prayers, and is grateful for her younger brother who now defends her. A widow grieves her husband’s touch and silent nights. Sunday afternoons are the worst. A single man laments his youth. He’s never had to pack a lunch for another; most nights he eats alone. Likewise, a mother recalls the child she’d once walked to school. His room is spotless. No crumbs to sweep. Suffering makes it hard to join the feast. 
     Our culture, and I dare say our churches, don’t handle the expression of our emotions well. We are inclined to fix, admonish, or distant ourselves from that which makes us uncomfortable. But Hannah wasn’t afraid to be undone before the Lord. She sets an example in her struggle. And she returns her gift to the giver. She dedicates her newborn to the Lord. 
     God fills us with desires and purpose, and He calls us to community and accountability. Let us walk side-by-side.
     Our Lord remembers us. He prepares a feast, fellowship with Him and others.  The invitations have been sent, and the table is set. Will we come?

In this season of unrest, I encourage you to be faithful to the Lord.

Be blessed by Him,

Lily Mae


Gift of Joy

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And the Lord their God will save them in that day as the flock of His people; for they are as the stones of a crown, sparkling in His land. For what comeliness and beauty will be theirs! Zechariah 9: 16,17 NASB

My grandsons had to be cleaned-up from our adventures, puddle jumps and rock-tossed circles in our pond. I was in the process of cutting zig-zag carrot medallions for their dip, but they were ravenous. To distract them, I began to hum “This Little Light of Mine.” I challenged them to guess the song. Their eyes twinkled with amusement as they joined in the game.

To teach God’s grace and love in the mundane is a gift of joy. 
   
Lunchtime delays also gift the lesson of the fruit of the Holy Spirit: longsuffering, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23)

Jesus invites His children to make room for His presence while we feast. 

The Lord makes us like a warrior’s sword. Yes, grandparents! Our voice is a powerful tool to spread the “good news” and bring glory to His name. It starts in our home with the young and vulnerable. His arrows go forth to protect and defend us against the giants. The battle belongs to Him. We are His beloved flock—rescued, delivered, cared for, guided and sustained. In all ways! His comeliness and beauty will be ours. 
     
Comeliness, like an old soul, is not a word to skip over. In Hebrew:
Good. Best. Beauty. Gladness. Welfare. Joy. Fairness. Desire. Plenty. Spiritual Blessings.

Nor is joy! Short and sweet, but full of depth and meaning. Joy in Greek:
Calm delight. Gladness of heart. Good cheer. To rejoice. Humor. Laughter. Bliss. 

While happiness is based on our circumstances, joy is a gift from God to treasure.  We can know joy, even when the hour is late and lonely, and the hospital hallways echo hollow hope. The strands of joy:

Agalliasis- a display or expression of joy through song and dance. To welcome gladness. 

Euphrosune- a healthy frame of mind. Wellness. Good cheer. Mirth.

Chairo- a result of God’s grace. Heartfelt. To rejoice. Be well! (A salutation’s bounce.)  

The joy of the Lord is our strength, even when broken bones, damaged joints, and cancer slows our steps. We lift our eyes and seek Him and His perspective. We can find humor in mishaps, vulnerability, and want. Besides, weariness and weakness gift opportunities to lean. God’s grace abounds in intimacy with Him. We’re gems in His crown, sparkling in His land with worth and purpose. Our lives testify of His glory and power. We trust that the fruit of our labor will be plenty. The Lord delights to give good gifts.

The following day, the boys and I found a humming bird nest on the backside of our pond. Cattail fluff, twigs, leaves, and wiry weeds were woven into our messy locust tree and song. Summer’s final flight drew near. However, there is joy! 

Whatever you face, may God bless you with His gift of joy: His song, dance, laughter, and wellness of mind!

Lily Mae

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10 NASB. 

“Let it Rain!”

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     As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope; this very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you . . . And I will make you like a warrior’s sword. Then the Lord will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. Zechariah 9: 11, 12 NASB


Tyre was a city Island. She’d built a fortress around herself and thought she was invincible. Separated from the mainland, she’d learned to be self-sufficient, defensive, wealthy, and wise. She’d built walls over 150 feet high in some places. God had blessed her with good, but her gold piled up as dust and silver as mire in the streets. Riches to rubble—she was stuck and frittered her days away; and so, she was caught off guard. The enemy climbed over her dump. 
     Zechariah prophesied against the nations. God would contend with His malicious enemies. He camped around His people and was their tent peg. Tools and treasures hung from the center. He was a strong defense. Vigilant and ready. The plans and pride of the Philistines were cut off. They wouldn’t oppress His people again.
     Behold! Our King came humble, mounted on a donkey. Justice and salvation gifted by Him. He was crucified for sinners, prisoners of the waterless pit. Bondage. Despair and desperation. Hopelessness. He will return. The bow of war will be broken and peace will be had. 
     God calls us to return to the stronghold. Return and I will restore double to you. In Hebrew, the word used for return and restore is one and the same. Return: 

Come home. Transition. Recall. Recover. Refresh. Retrieve. Withdraw. Take back! Begin again, but not necessarily at the start. Call to mind, break, build, circumcise, retreat, dig, lodge, lie down, eat, feed, make, send, remember, rejoice, carry back, cease, consider, deliver, deny, drawback, fetch, gather, give, pull in, come again, rescue, reverse, set again, slide back, turn back. . . go home! 

There is much “returning and restoring” that takes place in our healing journey. God sees our struggles, and He believes in us. He isn’t put off by our rubble, the sin, failures, complacency, pride, hurt, anger, and weaknesses. Return and He will restore double to you. Mighty in His ways, He will make you like a warrior’s sword. Your mouth will be like a powerful tool for His glory. And He will defend you! 
     Don’t waste your story, or hoard your “silver and gold!” 
     God told His people to seek His favor and ask for rain. Blessings! He is with us and for us. We can hang our hope on His steadfast love. He whistles, gathers, and redeems. Beauty blooms. Transformation takes place. Our homes are rebuilt, and our families are supported and protected. And so, I’d written down a simple prayer as I finished this devotion, “Lord, let it rain!” 
     Later that morning, as I circled our pond with my grandsons, the oldest eye-balled the dark clouds that threatened and declared with innocence, “Mima, when it rains, it’s gonna snow!” More than once, when I’d asked him what he wanted to do this summer, he’d replied with mischief, “Go sledding or build a snowman.” His wonder and eager expectation were a timely gift. Blessings set upon blessings. Winter was on the horizon, but there is joy! 

So, let it rain!

Lily Mae

Thorn or Solitaire?

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     Thus has the Lord of Hosts said, “Dispense true justice, and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another. And they made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 7: 9, 12 NASB  


      Israel was stubborn. She’d mourned and danced. Fasted and feasted. Worked and wandered. But was it for the Lord that she’d gone without seventy years? She’d sought the Lord’s favor; but her fasts had become ritualistic and self-serving. She ignored the plight of others. God saw her shenanigans. Her heart was like flint, and habits polluted her view. Her ears had become dull; they weren’t attentive to hear God’s voice. He required loyalty and faithfulness. He sought her undivided heart and obedience.

     The Lord calls His people with purpose. He commands us to be diligent in His Way. We’re to be a light where fear and hopelessness has settled. I’ve had to repent many times for the thorn bushes I grow around my heart and time; but I’ve been called to bestow justice, to defend the cause of the weak and oppressed.

Justice is not a one-time decision or declaration. It’s a way of life!

     The Lord seeks committed and responsible workers to rebuild His homes and communities. We must practice kindness and compassion. Consider the Hebrew meanings of these words:

     
     True—what is sure, faithful, and right. It is a barometer for our words and actions.
Justice—verdict, sentence, and/or formal decree. Right or privilege. A manner of life. 
     Practice—to make. Accomplish. Complete. Bear and bruise. Fit and fashion. Trim. Exercise. To commit to . . . gather and connect. Journey. Sacrifice.
Kindness—favor, good deeds, beauty, pity, and mercy.
     Flint—stones, thorns, or diamonds. 
     Compassion—the womb and bowels, the seat of tender emotions. Pity. Mercy. Affection. 

     Jesus’ steadfast kindness and faithfulness are the foundation of His character and Way. In His kindness, He creates, rescues, delivers, preserves and sustains. He is a covenant keeping God! We are to display the same to each other. We must commit to the journey and walk with our oppressed brothers and sisters. To have compassion like we cherish and protect a vulnerable womb. A care and concern that comes from our sensitive, innermost being. Healthy. Disciplined. Resolute. Or else, we’re easily upset, irritated, angry and unmerciful.

     God calls us to listen. To open our hearts and be pliable in His hands. Intimate. Flexible. Usable. We must bow. Choose to be different. Thorns prick and protect. They become our defense. Diamonds stand alone. They are 58x harder than anything found in nature. They form under high temperatures and pressure conditions far beneath the earth’s surface. Dark. Deep. Isolation. One part in a million. One must break through a lot of rock to reach the gem.   

     Let the justice, kindness, and compassion of Jesus Christ shine in us like a solitaire.

In Him alone,

Lily Mae

Prayer of Jabez

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The Fruit of our Labor

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.” Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested. I Chronicles 4: 9, 10

I walked quiet, sterile halls with no avail for our first born, had an epidural the next morning, and spent a week in the hospital to adjust to the demands of motherhood. If only they’d taught me how to put a onesie on him! With our second child, my labor was induced, and I was home in less than a day. Our third made his arrival on a Super Bowl Sunday; so, I was begging both my doctor and my husband for care. I would’ve gladly taken leave of their game and had a half-time.  
     Birth stories. We often share our experiences, fears, concerns, and shame with even strangers. Pain unites us—it brings us to tears, laughter, and indignation. We share our pickle cravings, Braxton Hicks, race to the hospital, and back seat births. And our humiliating communication faux pas. No! He’s not my boyfriend, or worse yet, my son, “He’s my husband!”  
     We give birth in pain but forget when our child is placed in our hands. 
     Once-upon-a-time, a mother recalled her labor and named her son Jabez “because I bore him with pain.” Their story changed lives. Jabez sought the Lord! He remembered his difficult birth and God’s hand of protection on his mother and himself. And he requested God’s help! Bless me. Enlarge my border. Might your hand be with me and keep me from harm that I may be pain free! 
     In Hebrew, the word used for “bless” is derived from the noun “knee.” Blessings come to those who kneel in awe and humility. We are bent and broken to be blessed and to be a blessing. God hears our desperate cries for help. He not only rescues us, but He extends our boundaries. He gifts us with purpose. The hard, fallow ground must be tilled, the fields plowed and planted.        
     The benefit of the blessing goes both ways! God’s name is honored, made known and blessed, while He leads and keeps His hand of protection upon us. In Hebrew, the word for “keep” in this verse conveys resolve, distinct purpose and responsibility. We are not “kept” to sit still. 
     We must fight to finish what God has called us to do so that evil and adversity don’t harm us. Unwholesome thoughts and deeds leave their mark and hinder our walk; however, even good and healthy things or activities can become a stumbling block. We fall hard; bruise and hurt. Pain, physical and emotional, causes anger, grief, and more injury. But God! He gathers us close. He calls for unity and reconciliation. We must follow, labor, carve or fashion, and tidy and trim. Rebuild shoulder to shoulder. Intimacy with God and man is had when our work is complete. Oh! And after the hard labor—there is the feast. To “keep” is to journey with one another and celebrate at the finish! 
     I recall my first earnest Jabez prayer as my youngest toddler clung to my skirt in a small Bible study. It would take decades before I understood its full meaning. Maybe you’ve never prayed the Jabez Prayer before. At the start of a new school year, it seems appropriate to bow in respect and humility and seek God’s blessing. Expect. Receive. Commit to the work He sets before you. May your borders for Him be enlarged. Unite. Repair. Defend. Complete. Feast. Trust in His plans and bring honor to His name.

Bearing fruit,

Lily Mae

Beginnings

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Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.  Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

     It was the start of a new school year, and I’d overslept. I’d taken the night-watch hours again, praying for our family, friends, community, and nation when I’d been awakened. Sooner or later, I drifted back to sleep. Then I stirred with the cool, morning breeze and birds’ song and feast. My devotional in the morning began, “Rise and shine!”

     Now is not the time to snooze. We are bearers of light in the darkness.

     This summer I sat quietly before the Lord and soaked in His trustworthy Word and Ways. I was silent and wrote less, but He filled me with His goodness and reminded me of His faithful promises. I had to race to keep up with Him, and this was hard for one who could only meander. There were moments I witnessed the most pristine and beautiful exchanges and days when I wished to hide from the horror of what men can do. I wondered if I’d write again. 

     Zechariah’s visions had left him spiritually exhausted and traumatized. Weak and immobile. But God! His eyes range to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Zechariah’s name means “The Lord remembers!” God saw the temple ruins and debris, the broken-down walls and shattered gates. Apathy and indifference had overcome His people. The enemy could climb over the rubble that remained. Therefore, He revived Zechariah and leveled the mountain of opposition that Zerubbabel faced as he finished the reconstruction. Both men were called and equipped with purpose.

When the final top stone was brought forth and set, it would signify the temple’s completion. And there would be shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” Blessings! Heartfelt joy, praise, and thanksgiving were a promise. God’s glorious restoration would be witnessed.


     Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (NASB)


     Maybe you’ve had a similar struggle. God remembers. Don’t dread the small beginnings. Arise! The Lord is pleased when we push through our fears and doubts, and we take our first steps. There is no limit to His divine supply—His love, strength, power, beauty, majesty, and wisdom. He sees our efforts and His delight is in us. So, face the day!     

Take with you these golden nuggets:

You’ve been gifted with purpose. 
     Your work matters—what is done behind the scene is vital to the life of your home, church, and community.  
You are not alone. God will never leave you nor forsake you.
Be generous in all ways.
Widen your inner circle. Welcome the outcast, stranger, and orphan. Take a walk or share a roadside picnic.
      Choose to be different! Jesus lived love and mercy in the face of hate, slander, and rejection.
   God uses the powerless, the timid and weak ones, to shame the proud.
     Fear keeps us living beneath the surface. Ride the waves! 
     Boast only of your weakness. Confess your sin.
     Let prayer become a way of life—pray without ceasing and wait for God’s response. Listen!
     God has a plan. He rescues. Gathers. Cleanses. Purifies. Dresses and adorns. God heals.
     Take courage. Open the door. 
Small beginnings . . .

May God’s grace and peace go with you,

Lily Mae