faith

Thread the Needle

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He quieted the sea with His power, and by His understanding He shattered Rahab. By His breath the heavens are cleared; His hand has pierced the fleeing serpent. . . Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; and how faint a word we hear of Him. Job 26: 12-14 NASB

The sunlight dancing on the ripples welcomed us aboard; and I did a mental check of our needs:  packed lunches, change of clothes, and life jackets. Did anyone know where they were stashed? My question got lost in summer’s last hoorah! the beauty and banter of friendship. 

We ate lunch and drifted with the water’s a cappella hymn-sing until we headed north, and a spark plug blew off. Our captain had another and tightened it best he could without proper tools. He managed the mishap and stress with cool expertise. The motor died several more times and the spark plug had to be fixed again; even so, we managed to make our dinner reservation. The amber sunset was stunning; and we lingered over coffee. We’d no idea what else was brewing!   

When we finally headed south, we saw two ominous storm clouds on the horizon. The captain and crew would have to “thread the needle” with care. My husband had been caught before in gales while fishing; so not much rattled his stoic stance. However, as the wind and cold rain began to whip us, and lightning flashed with fury, his eyes darted back and forth with concern. 

My girlfriends and I took refuge in the small cabin; and I asked where the life jackets were kept. I was terrified of the deep; and Cayuga Lake was known to be more than four hundred feet of bottomless deep. But Jesus slept while a storm raged; His soul rested in His Father. One friend stood and propped her head against the closet door near the cabin’s entrance to get fresh air. I reminded myself to exhale. Then with rising confidence, I began to sing, “Peace like a River.” And the captain’s wife joined me.  

Sweet how we prayed for safety and sang with courage, trust, and confidence at the same time. When we invited Jesus into the boat, we soon reached the other side. His presence was enough! 

The Lord overcame the waves that wreaked havoc on our thoughts, gifted us with His heavenly perspective, and pierced the one who struck us with fear and doubt and deemed us unworthy.  Faith increased with clarity; we are held, loved, and protected by the Creator of the Universe.  

When we docked, I was surprised to see the nighttime sky was beautifully lit and still. Ponder, these are the fringe of God’s ways. Shout it from the rooftops, “Jesus sets the captives free.” He helped the timid stand and led the orphan home. Likewise, grace and mercy covered His people. 

We need Jesus. Receive Him today; and He will change our hearts and homes. 

They saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6: 19-21 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

Enough!

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And the Lord spoke to me, saying, “You have circled this mountain long enough.”
Deuteronomy 2: 3 NASB

     The Lord led the Israelites out of Egypt, the house of bondage, with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He led them the long way so they wouldn’t be intimidated by a battle with the Philistines and want to return to their familiar way of living. God’s protection and care were evident. For forty years they wandered in the wilderness and they lacked nothing.

Although, the Lord satisfied their thirst and hunger, and their clothes didn’t wear out nor their feet swell, they grumbled and complained. Stubbornness and rebellion also marked their journey.  The Lord had delivered them from oppression, but fear and despair caused them to distrust Him. Israel was harassed and discouraged by their brothers; the ancestors of Esau called the Edomites.  They refused to let Israel pass through on their land. Nevertheless, God was on their side. Caleb and Joshua were unmoved by the giants that stood between them and the Promised Land.  So, they would cross the Jordon River and enter the land of milk and honey.

What mountain have you circled for too long? Does doubt or insecurity keep you couch-bound? Consider your skeptics, naysayers, and destructive self-doubt. Are you your worst enemy? There comes a time when the Lord says, “Enough!”  Set your journey and move ahead. God will help you conquer your hill country. Cross the river and take possession of the land. Don’t let the lies and labels of the enemy keep you from your calling. Your identity is found in Christ. Fix your eyes on Him. Know what distracts you, and don’t give your adversary an inch. One misstep and you could be circling again.

Before the Covid19 pandemic hit, I cared for my grandsons on a regular basis. I often saw myself in their obstinate and disobedient behavior. But I am not so cute, lovable, and tolerable. God teaches much-needed lessons through our next generations, the stiff chins and spit carrots and cauliflower. Mind you, my grandsons love their carrots and cauliflower with a dollop of dip. Pigheadedness happens, but I still love them. May we learn sooner than the defiant Israelites. God desires our undivided heart, mind, and soul and obedience to His Word and commands. When we search with our whole heart, we will find Him. God is love. He longs to be found. Known. It’s not about our doing, our clean hands, thoughts, and heart.

When will we learn that He is enough?

A quarantine often required forty days of isolation in the past. Forty days for change. Noah endured foul, cramped stalls and corners in an ark, and Jesus was tempted in the desert. Forty days dragged by with rain and hardship. Seclusion. Unfamiliar tasks and rest. Darkness. Temptation. Hunger and thirst. The Israelites were tested and tried in the desert for forty years. Will it take days or years? God is in control! If He is for us, who can stand against us?

We have circled this mountain long enough.

May we cross the river and never look back!

Take courage,

Lily Mae

For the Lord your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through his great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing. Deuteronomy 2: 7 NASB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts and Calling

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For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29 (NASB)

 

God’s gifts and calling are unconditional and irreversible. What God has planted in our hearts; He will see to completion. His mercy is greater than our misgivings, failures, and disobedience. He knows our potential and provides what we lack.

On the dry and thirsty riverbed, God is present. When the whirlwind hits, He is our center. And when unbridled waves rock our boat, He is our calm. He stands watch so we too can sleep. The storm may not relent; however, God’s lamp never goes out. He sees our struggle to submit, wait, trust, and overcome. Look fear in the face. He will lead us.

Tests and trials prepare us for the uncertain tasks ahead. A broken heart is an empty vessel. Welcome bench. Open room. Light luggage. Ready ambassador. Sent advocate. Messenger. There is one who needs a hand to help or hold, or to be seen and understood, and another who will benefit from our story. God can redeem our mire  and muck. So, we trust in His timing.

For it is written on our hand “You belong to the Lord!” And He does not change His mind.

I lose my writer’s edge to keep a dentist appointment, only to learn that the procedure was scheduled for next week. I sigh. I’d driven in the torrential downpour for no reason. I shrug off the wasted time and embrace the rest. There must be a reason for the diversion. The slower pitter-patter on the ride home reminds me that my Lord sings over me with love. Dry bones stir and shift and stretch. God speaks.

I am home. Blessed is she who trusts in her God and is devoted to her husband and family. Ruth depended on God. She was discreet, gracious, and hospitable, and God provided for her. Like the Proverb 31 woman, her speech, appearance, character, and reputation set a standard. God protected Ruth and blessed her faithfulness; the lineage of Jesus began with her son Obed.

Ruth was a woman of excellence.

I also desire to be called worthy, and it starts in my home. I delight in the work that God has given me, the dusty cupboards, crumb-splattered floors, and smudged windows, and the late-night watches and heartfelt prayers. I wipe my grandchildren’s tears, care for their cuts and bumps, and read a second and third book. I sit and listen. Bear hunts, porch picnics, and storytelling remind me that time does not wait for us to catch up. I shrug once more. Laugh. Then I begin to sing while I juggle between play and piles of laundry.

Ordinary days matter.

I longed for simplicity decades ago, and it still tugs my heartstrings—linens hung on a line, strolls through the early meadow dew, a late-night chat with my mother that leaves us in tears, and a card from a stranger spur me on. I’m reminded of one of the last conversations with my father. He challenged me to forgive and to also speak my truth with boldness. He understood the power of our testimonies. His legacy of being the hands and feet of Jesus with mission work, local and abroad, has set a high bar.

However, I trust that God’s purpose planted within me will come to fruition. So, I welcome the lost and lonely, and I encourage the broken, hurt, and timid heart. God beckons me to the river, and I step in. Let the healing rain fall. I’m His beloved.

God will not fail or forsake His own. What He has called you to do; He will see to it!

Let us praise His glorious name,

Lily Mae

God Gives Strength and Peace

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Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way. When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” Luke 19: 3- 5 (NASB)

 

Restless from the weight of my worries and obligations, I strapped my snow shoes on and grabbed my poles. Fresh air is more often the balm for my tired nerves than work. Eager to be with the Creator of Calm, and all things beautiful, I chased my breath and the whip of the wind as the gray storm clouds pressed in on all sides. Nothing else mattered.

Is this how Zaccheus felt as he climbed the sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus?

I was awake. Alive. Excited. Ready. Hopeful. And I was open to see what God had in store. Yes! I’m sure neighbors who passed by raised a brow as I cut through the icy snow- especially if they knew the extent of my knee injuries and pain. They might have even doubted my sanity. I also questioned my unwise and lonesome trek. But freedom was found in the fields and forest. The bitter flakes kissed my lids and cheeks as I fought the edges and carved new paths through the birch and pines and oak. Curious. Bold. Brave.

I am like the unclean woman who raced through the crowds for one touch of Jesus’ hem.

The rhythm of my crunch and unafraid heartbeat matched the determination of my spirit. Emmanuel-God with us- did not leave my side. Though I hurried and fell, He helped me to stand and shake off the nonsense, the cold cuts and my bruised ego and hurt bones. Jesus saw me in my arid desert and the winter of my resolve to heal, and He came close.

My truth ache had mirrored the pain of many- Dinah, Hagar, Leah, Tamar, and Sarah. Like lions and cackling hyenas on the Serengeti plain, I was circled and taken by those I trusted. Fear and doubt and shame silenced me. But God sees the injustice I endured.

The Voice of the Lord is in the storm. He thunders and limbs bow and break and topple. Mighty and majestic and magnificent- trees are stripped bare, rivers flood, and dreams give birth. Cities will skip and dance again with joy. I am not alone. My God is with me. It’s not a time to shrink back. God makes His people strong and blesses them with peace.

I don’t know whether you’re a “wee little man” like Zaccheus, a robber and outcast, or a beggar or a fighter. Maybe you’ve been rejected and betrayed and are hungry for love. Then again, maybe you’re the proud and self-righteous leader who hangs his hope on his following. We all sin and fall short of God’s glory.

Jesus sees us as we are and must come to our house. Nothing else will satisfy the hunger in our soul. So, open the door and let Him in. The posture of our heart is what matters. He longs for us to lean into Him with trust.

May Jesus be the one whom you chase,

Lily Mae

Read Psalm 29
The Lord will give strength to His people;
 The Lord will bless His people with peace. Psalm 29: 11 (NASB)

 

 

He Calms the Storm

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Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea,
and it became perfectly calm. Matthew 8:26 (NASB)

 

The geese have returned to our pond, and there is hope that spring will soon burst with daffodils and Easter lilies. However, our oldest grandson shrinks from the squawk that circles and looks for a place to land. The child is frightened and clings to me for comfort.  Later, he is still afraid and over-tired, and I must rock him to sleep in my arms.

As I watch the toddler’s energetic limbs finally relax, and his eyes close in sweet peace, I’m reminded that Jesus draws us close to His heartbeat when we are unsure and afraid. He sees our frail state of mind.

Jesus was also weary and slept in the belly of the boat while the storm raged above. When His frightened disciples woke Him, He calmed the terror of the wind and waves. Creation responded to His voice and the disturbance ended.

A woman who’d been sick twelve years, chased Jesus through the frantic crowds to touch the fringe of His cloak. An outcast set apart because of her condition, she believed He could heal more than her hurt. And although, He’s on His way to the home of a twelve year old, Jesus pauses. He takes time to restore both. He also opened the eyes of the blind, helped the lame to walk, and restored the mute.

There is power in Jesus’ voice, touch, and presence.

Jesus sees our mad busy, the missed appointments, forgotten bills, and the empty refrigerator. Who will pick up the necessary staples, eggs, milk, and bread? He sees the guilt list that grows with each birthday we overlook, the phone calls we miss, and the letters we start, and then lose in the shuffle of words and responsibilities.

There are seasons of loneliness, missed family gatherings, children to tend to, and deadlines to meet. Then hollow hallways to endure as we wait for the next test, outcome, and uncertain future. Lean into Jesus’ love and be strengthened. Rise to the task.

Jesus knows our humanity, our fears, concerns, and weaknesses. And He hears our cries for help. He is the calm in the center of our whirlwind. Thus, we wait and expect His intervention. Though, it may not look like what we think, we trust that He will lead.

Jesus provides an inner circle.

In the midst of a fierce battle, three courageous warriors sought refreshment for David. They overcame their fears and fatigue and fought the enemy, and the cost was great. Thus, David poured the drink out as an offering. However, it wasn’t a waste. David had learned to trust God’s provision. His power was more than the might of men. Only God could quench David’s thirst. The sacrifice became an act of worship.

Jesus requires a heart response. Do we trust His love and lead? He sees the beginning and the end. So, release the angst. Though an army encamps against us, we too will sleep.

Take courage. God sees. God hears. God speaks. Creation responds and so must we.

Lily Mae

Read II Samuel 23

 

Our Lives, a Fragrant Offering

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…she brought an alabaster vial of perfume
Luke 7:36-50 (NASB)

 

An unlikely woman, she had heard of His saving grace and had sought Him, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.  Standing on the outside she hesitated, unsure of herself. Her hands were trembling with fear as she held her alabaster jar and cautiously pushed open the door. So many thoughts were flooding her and the voices of her past echoed in her mind, reminding her of who she was. They stopped her progress and she could not move forward. What would He think of her and how would He respond? Would He speak to her or would He be repulsed and send her away?

She had waited for this moment for a year, saving her hard earned money to buy this exquisite perfume. Money she had earned in the dark. She hung her head; her long hair hid her eyes and the pain that framed her world. She had spent many sleepless nights experiencing the unimaginable, the guilt eating away at her day and night. She felt different from other women and set apart. Her shame had kept her from him, or so she believed. Never feeling good enough, dirty and marred…she stood frozen in fear.

With a step of courage she entered and bending low kneeled before Jesus. She was weeping as she took her alabaster jar filled with the expensive perfume and poured it over His tired, traveler’s feet. Using her tears and long hair, she wiped off the dust, dirt, and grime and kissed His feet. Her humble bending low and sacrifice expressed her great love and devotion for Jesus.

Simon could not see the woman’s worth and was appalled by her history.  She was unclean and did not fit in this community with the other women. How dare she enter into Jesus presence and touch him. Didn’t Jesus know who she was and what she had done in her past? He considered her actions a waste of time and money. The perfume could have been sold and the profit given to the poor.  Simon was uncomfortable with her and what she represented.

Jesus heard his judgmental mutterings and rebuked him for his hardened heart and critical attitude. He reminded Simon that the poor would always be with us and reprimanded him for not showing hospitality.  He had not greeted Jesus with a kiss, offered Him water to clean the dirt off His feet, and shown great devotion by anointing His head with oil.  Jesus had something to say to the self- righteous one.  The woman’s many sins had been forgiven because she loved much.  Her life was redeemable!

The story of a woman that stood on the outside was important and needed to be told. Jesus knew her past and the courage it took her to enter Simon’s home and the room where He was sitting . Jesus understood what it cost her to kneel at his feet. He saw her heart, the love and devotion she poured upon Him.  He dared her to lift her head and look him in the eyes. He did not flinch and look away. What she saw in the pools of His eyes was a depth of compassion and grace that she had never experienced before now. Jesus forgave her many sins because of her great faith and told her to go forward in peace. She would be remembered throughout history for her sacrifice.  Her offering would be a reminder to us that those who have been forgiven much,  will love greatly.  Those that are forgiven little, love sparingly.

We too stand as outcasts today, carrying our shame represented by the alabaster jar.   With courage we give it up to Jesus as an offering, all we have carried, the physical and the emotional pain. Out of love and obedience, we sacrifice our lives and are used by Him. Are we ready for the task He has called us to finish? Are we willing to go where we are uncomfortable, to be vulnerable, and share our stories so that others can witness God’s grace and healing? We bend low, kneel at his feet, and pour out our shame on Him. Jesus looks at us and doesn’t flinch.  He beckons us to keep our eyes locked on Him and trust Him. He in turn whispers the same words to us, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  Luke 7:50 (NASB)  He determines how  our story will be used for His glory.  We have been set a part for a purpose and we go forward in obedience.

Our lives become a sweet fragrance, an offering to Him!

Lily Mae