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Follow the Light

I neglected to announce opening day in my garden, but it truly was a special day, as it always is each and every year.

Preliminary plans were in the works…including purchases of seed starter, mulch, frost-tolerant plants and seeds and the overturning of our own stash of homemade compost.

The Northeast is full of surprises each year regarding the last frost date. Sometimes it just requires faith and prayer to know when it is safe to plant. Like every aspect of our garden, God has the last word, not the frost zone charts.

There is always great anticipation not only for a future plentiful harvest but the many spiritual lessons to be learned in the dirt. At least for me.

Experimentation comes along with the gardening experience and usually includes a surprise here and there. At the end of last harvest season, I learned about overwintering plants. Yes, that is a real word for the process of digging up plants in the fall, pruning and preparing them to go dormant for the winter so they may be replanted in the spring. The verdict is still out on this experiment, as those overwintered plants still look a bit sad. I’m not quite ready to call them dead yet or even to try to figure out the lesson learned.

This year, a fresh lesson was waiting for me, even before opening day. Each year in early spring I have the desire to start plants indoors with seeds. This year I actually put together a plan and followed through…the first experiment of the year. I used seed discs, expandable dirt about the size of a quarter which holds 1-2 seeds. I chose a couple of vegetables that are best to plant in warmer weather. With prayer and a small measure of faith, seeds started sprouting from one tray. What I observed over the next few days was remarkable. Yes, God had a message for me through these mini-spurts. I’m not even sure I could call them actual seedlings because they are so tiny. As they began to grow, I noticed they were facing the direction of the sunlight. I decided to turn around the tray in the opposite direction to see if they would respond. The very next morning I was amazed. Yes, indeed they changed direction to follow the light. Well, you might know where I’m going with this and how many scriptures come to mind about following the light.

If a tiny seed that’s grown to one inch in height can figure out where the light is and go after it, “knowing” it will bring life, what does that say about us who have a soul and spirit AND the Word of God? Yet, why are we still attracted to darkness? Flesh? Our fallen sin nature? Nevertheless, because we have a soul and a spirit, unlike our baby sprouts, we do indeed have the choice of whether to follow the light or reject the dark.

Considering that light was God’s first miracle of creation, He has a lot to say about it in His word. In fact, 253 times! Thirty-one in the book of Job alone. (Consider that for a moment)

Of the 253 times light is mentioned in the Bible, let’s consider one of the most powerful truths about light from the very words of our Lord Jesus.  

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12

We are called to be light bearers, to shine Jesus’ light in this dark world. After all, according to Him, we are the light of the world. (see Matt 5:14-16) This incredible promise in John 8:12 tells us as long as we follow Him, we won’t walk in darkness as we walk in His light.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If we prepare ourselves ahead of time to continually follow the Light of the world, we will prevent the pitfalls and consequences of darkness.  We do that by putting on our armor, surrendering to God’s will and having ready scriptures about light in our arsenal to declare in the presence of our enemies. The darkness has to flee!

Sorry, I was not able to adequately capture my science experiment on camera, but I hope you get the visual of these tiny seedlings following the light to grow. May we daily do the same.

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Who’s the Afflicted One?

“In all their affliction, He was afflicted and the Angel of His presence saved them. In His love and in His pity, He redeemed them and He bore them and carried them all the days of old.” Isaiah 63:9

When I was seeking to know whether Yeshua (Jesus) was my Messiah, I learned that over 300 Messianic prophecies in the Tanach (Old Testament) pointed to Him. Loving born-again Christians whom God put in my path showed some to me. Many are in the book of Isaiah, foretold by the prophet roughly 700 years before Yeshua was born. I am hardly a Bible scholar, so I don’t know if the above scripture, Isaiah 63:9, is one of the Messianic prophecies. But because I do have the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) dwelling in me, I would like to share how Isaiah 63:9 has impacted me during this special season of Pesach (Passover).

The Bible tells us to observe the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth because Messiah Yeshua, our Passover was sacrificed for us. (1 Corinthians 5:7) When our eyes, both Jew and Gentile, are opened to see Yeshua so brilliantly in every part of Passover, Isaiah 63:9 can take on special meaning.

The affliction in this verse refers to Egypt’s bondage in Egypt and how God looked upon the afflicted Israelites with compassion and pity. He not only had heard their cry for deliverance from their enemies but by His great power redeemed them.

And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. Exodus 3:7

 “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” Exodus 19:4

The bondage in Egypt represents to the believer the bondage of our sin. Likewise, the deliverance from Egypt represents our deliverance from sin through Yeshua’s sacrifice. The Lord’s compassion for the sinner touches His heart no less than those who were in bondage under the Pharoah. He sees the affliction of our sin and feels our suffering when we continue to walk in darkness. How He longs to rescue us and redeem us.

We find God’s sympathy for his afflicted people in other parts of the Old Testament and ultimately on the Cross.

King David prophesied the Messiah’s suffering for the sake of His people in Psalm 22:24. “For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted.”

A couple of hundred years later, Isaiah acknowledged the Lord’s affliction not only in Chapter 63 but throughout Chapter 53.

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:4

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted.” Isaiah 53:7

Lord, I know I am that sinner on whom you had compassion and sorrow for my affliction. You reached down from heaven and mercifully rescued me from the deep darkness I was in. To this day, You continue to bear me up, not leaving me in the afflicted state where You found me. Every day You bring me to Yourself. I of course do not deserve such grace. Yet you continue to bless me with your love, protection, provision, even discipline, and most of all Your Presence. When I do stumble and confess my sin, You mercifully lead me back onto Your path of righteousness. Thank You, thank You for the Cross, for my deliverance and redemption, where You became sin for me so I may become the righteousness of God in You. ( 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Just as God delivered the afflicted Israelites at the Red Sea, so He does for each one who is afflicted by their sins and turns to Him. During this divinely appointed season, let us consider what our Passover Lamb did for us so we may be set free, redeemed, and embrace the victorious life He has for each of us.

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Small Birds and Big Messages

I delight in seeing birds around my home. God often shows me something about them relating either to a current situation or revealing more about His character and my walk with Him.

Recently, looking out my window I noticed a brown-speckled bird purposefully searching for his breakfast. We’ve had a relatively mild winter, so he was able to poke holes in the softer-than-usual ground. He indeed had a mission and with persistence, he found a tasty breakfast as his reward. I have witnessed this exact scene many times over and I never tire of God’s reminder of His provision.

If God feeds the birds, how much more will He feed and provide for me, His beloved child?? (Matthew 6:26) And you too! He provides the birds with an unlimited supply of worms, and He faithfully supplies all our needs according to the riches of His mercy. Top on the list of provision is His fresh manna every day. Just exactly what we need, nothing more, nothing less.

I also noted the bird’s perseverance. As my bird friend showed me, he diligently kept poking his beak into various spots until he found what he was searching for. Sometimes, when we are seeking God with all our heart, soul, and mind for His will, it is easy to give up before we get the answer we are searching for. Or we get distracted by other tasks and interests. The manna is still there waiting to be unearthed.

The other day on a walk in the woods, I noticed a bird with a large wing span fly across my path and land on a tree, then another tree. I followed him with my eyes but he was too far away to determine what kind of bird it was. I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t get a closer look, but this scene clearly wasn’t about classifying his species type.  I asked the Lord what He was saying to me. He brought me peace about being alone like the bird because He was with me. He reminded me of the scripture in Psalm 68 about setting the solitary in families, something I have been recently questioning. Just as my bird friend landed securely at the next destination point, God was the one who set him there, charting his course, even rising above storms that may come his way. His smooth, effortless flight from one tree to another displayed God’s grace and strength to reach his destination. He does the same for me and will continue to do so by His grace in order to reach the next place or season He’s planned.

It was such an important message for me to hear that particular day. I’m so grateful God uses birds and nature to show His sovereignty and goodness to me. I hope you may also be encouraged to see God’s goodness in everyday occurrences. It doesn’t have to be wildlife, but God will always speak to you in a language that is meaningful to you.

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Dusk

Daylight Savings Time brings hope, renewal and gratefulness for extended hours of daylight to enjoy life’s pleasures. Increased daylight hours also mean reduced nighttime driving and a greater window of time to reach one’s destination.

Driving as dusk falls is more challenging for me than nighttime driving. It’s that in-between time when the sun begins to set and my eyes have trouble adjusting to reduced visibility. My eyes seem to play tricks on my perception of what’s really ahead on the road.

The Bible has much to say about the differences between light and darkness. We formerly belonged to the kingdom of darkness as we stumbled around hoping we’d land in the right spot. If we are in Christ, we now are children of the light and are called to walk in the light.

In these days of compromise, deception, and no absolutes in the world, is it possible to confuse the light with the dimmer dusk? That in-between place can be unclear, especially if we do not regularly renew our minds with the Word. We can easily get caught up in that gray area of uncertainty which can then cause us to stumble until darkness begins to engulf us. Spiritual dusk occurs when clarity of vision is impaired. That gray area can be tricky…even a stumbling block. Just as our eyes can deceive us when driving during dusk, we can also be deceived if we don’t see our surroundings from God’s perspective.

Thankfully, just like turning the car’s headlights on to see clearer in the dark, we can turn to the light that illuminates our spiritual vision. Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Thank you, Lord! If we’ve been caught up in that spiritual dusk, it may take a bit more time to regain a clearer vision. But God is faithful to lead us back into the light. He doesn’t want us to remain in the in-between but bring us into the light.

When I find myself in the spiritual dusk, I’m usually barely aware I’ve wandered from God’s light. Before I take that sharp turn toward darkness, God’s word rescues me from the lies that so easily tempt me away from His truth. As long as I turn to it! We always have a choice to take the lighted path, get stuck in the dusk, or proceed into darkness.

“Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going.” John 12:35

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A Lukewarm Lake

Driving by a small lake alongside the Appalachian Trail, I can usually determine the weather and season just by observing the activities on the lake. On any given weekend day I can catch a glimpse of American leisure time.

Recently, I saw a different landscape than usual. The lake was partially frozen after a couple of days with temps in the negative teens. Large chunks of ice floated on the surface of the still waters. Small gullies of water flowed in between the clusters of ice. The Lord (not “Mother Nature”) had created this masterpiece when the wind blew across the partially frozen surface pushing the water to form ice chunks. Maybe this happens often, but I had never before seen any body of water like this.

Normally by this time in the winter, ice fishermen were lugging their gear across the completely frozen lake to set up their gig. We were in between the crisp days of autumn with the brilliant foliage mirrored on the lake and the not-so-distant season of kayakers, swimmers, and boaters dodging a heat wave. Instead, not one man, woman or child was to be seen on the silent lake. Although it was a beautiful sight…especially emerging from a deep freeze with hopes of milder temps ahead…the lake was devoid of any activity.

Driving toward my destination the thought of a lukewarm lake came to mind.  Except for the beauty of a postcard picture, the lake held no purpose for passersby. Disappointed ice fishermen could not get their thrill from making their big catch to show and tell about. Nor could kayakers, swimmers, and boaters coast along the calm waters, getting lost in nature’s beauty and peace. Unable to pursue their leisure activities, they could only wait for a shift in temperature.

What does the Bible say about being lukewarm? Not any good thing. We are warned not to get stuck in that neither-here-nor-there place. Hot or cold yes; that’s ok because that’s where God can do His miraculous work. Jesus called out the hypocritical, legalistic Pharisees, comparing them to whitewashed tombs. Looking good on the outside but dead and unclean on the inside. (Mt 23:27-28)

That’s what we may look like going to church, singing the songs, even serving in ministry, responding, “Yeah, I’m good” when greeted, but on the inside is a lukewarm heart of complacency. We need either a fire to reignite the flame or some disruption to clear away the ice chunks blocking a smooth pathway to the Lord’s purposes. Complacency can quickly turn into compromise and deception as we continue on the path of least resistance. No one wants or welcomes the fire of trials, yet it is there we discover the heart of God towards us, our circumstances, and those He’s put in our path.

We are all vulnerable to a lukewarm heart, regardless of how long we’ve walked with the Lord. Most often we barely notice the shift, but God does. And by His abundant grace, He draws us back to desire more of Him. He is a jealous God, a consuming fire who will heat up our hearts to be fully devoted to Him once again.

The lake with the floating ice chunks did look good, but in reality, it did not fill its purpose. Perhaps today is a day to examine your heart and ask the Lord if any lukewarm complacency exists there. Because He loves you so, He will happily respond and lead you back to His heart and your purpose.

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Mess to Masterpiece

Years ago, I dabbled in cross-stitch needlework, long before I ever saw spiritual meaning in everyday occurrences and objects. Looking at the backside of the canvas with its mosaic of dark threads, tangled knots, and ripped-out stitches, I wondered, “Would this project EVER look like the picture on the cover?”

How similar the tapestry is to the messiness of life. On the backside are all our wrong choices, trials, and situations we’d like to do over. Many of those circumstances are out of our control. Sometimes they are a result of the fallen world we live in. Others are our own doing when we’ve gone against God’s standards and allowed our flesh to rule.

We don’t always know how God is working through the backside of our rough edges and tangled threads to produce an exquisite masterpiece on the other side. But we do know He never wastes any hardship to refine us and make us more like Him. We truly are a work in progress – His work.

How can God possibly make a beautiful masterpiece out of all our mess? How do we get from the ashes to the beauty He promises in Isaiah 61:3? The answer: The Cross. On that great Shabbat in the synagogue, Jesus declared He fulfilled Isaiah 61:3 (see Luke 4:18). In between the storms and the sins – that messy middle only you and He know about, He transforms the mess into victory.

The tapestry is a reminder of hope ahead in your darkest days and nights. That beautiful finished picture is the fruit we bear as we persevere through life’s storms. The best part is God doesn’t look at the backside anymore once you’ve made Jesus your Lord and Savior. He sees the beautiful masterpiece you were created to be through the sacrifice of your Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

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New Door of Hope

As I wrote in my book Powerless to Powerful – there is ALWAYS a door of hope waiting for us. And God is the One who opens it. The door of hope is straight from the Scriptures in Hosea.

When I find myself in a wilderness season, I turn to Hosea chapter 2. It seems the wilderness, the Valley of Trouble, and the door of hope go hand in hand. The location, the problem, and the solution in one not-so-neat package…yet part of our walk with God.

I know well about these dry wilderness seasons, how to spot them, and yes, even to embrace them. That season seems to occur often in my life, especially since my husband died 10 years ago. It is not just about being alone or lonely, (there is a difference between the two) which can certainly be part of widowhood. It’s knowing that it’s just Jesus and me in a dry place. And that my friend, is where God does His best work… in me…in you. The work seems to start in the wilderness, where it is easy to forget the door of hope is around the corner. We can be in the wilderness for the long haul and as it drags on, it is important to hold on to the promise we will find the door of hope.

Hosea 2:14-15 can be that truth to cling to. God has very definite purposes which He describes in these verses.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, Will bring her into the wilderness, And speak comfort to her. I will give her her vineyards from there, And the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, As in the days of her youth, As in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.”

What a word picture of God’s tender loving care over His children, especially as we face adversity! No matter what circumstances you face right now, doesn’t this promise of God bring you comfort?

One golden nugget from the scriptures can lead us to grab hold of the door of hope. Huge trials and small ones – God is always looking at us with love and guiding us out of the Valley of Trouble. One word, one dream, one display of His goodness – that’s all it takes. It doesn’t mean your troubles and trials disappear. But hope arises as we press on with Him.

As I write this, today is another day when just one word led me toward the path of hope and away from despair. Faced with a number of challenges out of my control to get my book launched, I came the closest to giving up I’d ever had before. I (hesitantly) reminded myself that God still has work for me to complete before I leave this earth. When I read about the death of Moses in the last chapter of the last book of the Torah – that was it! Oh, that some, mostly God, would say this about me, about my life! (Besides “good and faithful servant”.)

“Moses was 140 years old when he died. His eyes were not weak and his vitality had not left him.” Deuteronomy 34:7. Now that might not speak to you personally to encourage you to persevere, but for me…it allowed me to let go of discouragement and grab hold of the door of hope to lead me toward God’s plan.

Consider this treasure from Isaiah 43:19, as we turn the calendar to a new year. “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Do you see the connection between the wilderness and hope for better days ahead?

As 2023 begins, especially in these uncertain times, I know with certainty a new door of hope awaits me. I have a history with Him of the new doors He’s opened. If there wasn’t the wilderness and a valley of trouble, there wouldn’t be a door of hope on the other side. Having said yes to my calling as a writer, I know He’s only just begun this journey. Eventually, one day (Maranatha!) that door of hope will lead to the ultimate Promised Land, eternity with Him. Until that day, I seek to follow Him wholeheartedly, opening every small door of hope along the way.

What about you?

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Spring Cleaning in December

Christmas in July…many people start shopping for their Christmas presents in the warm summer months. So why not do your spring cleaning during the last week of the year?

An apartment makeover during this holiday season was hardly on my To Do list, yet it all started with purchasing a TV wall mount. This was an idea I had a few years ago but never moved forward with it. All of a sudden, my brain was shouting, “Do it and Do it Now!”

Much like most home improvement projects, this one project led to another. My mind began furniture mapping and rearranging. Thankfully, the rearrangements led to purging nonessential furniture and the nonessential stuff where it lived. 

This all occurred at the same time when I was diligently setting goals for 2023. To be clear…goals are NOT New Year’s resolutions! Many decades ago, I learned well-intentioned resolutions do not work, at least for me. But studies show goals written down can mean 80% success. Early in 2022, I did just that and can happily report at least 80% of my goals were achieved as 2022 comes to a close.

Studies also show how clutter can seriously affect your mental health. Clutter creates stress which opens the door to that potentially destructive hormone called cortisol. And you don’t want cortisol flowing during sleep hours. Try Googling “clutter and mental health” and you will discover many things you probably already knew.

Many dust rags were needed to clean the cobwebs on and behind the furniture. What I didn’t expect was that through this process, I would clean the cobwebs out of my mind and make space for more productive endeavors.

The best part of this bigger-than-intended task was that I didn’t do it alone. My neighbor kindly provided strong arms to move furniture from one level to another. But every step of the way it was clear who was directing my steps. Emmanuel…God with me! Yes, I know He’s always with me, don’t you? And I do know the difference between me doing stuff in my own strength and stepping aside for Him to take over. But His sweet presence with me, seeing the end from the beginning, encouraging me to make adjustments here and there brought so much joy. The blessings continue as I look around, knowing He was behind this project to restore hope, clarity and purpose. Thank you, Lord!

Isn’t this journey so much about moving from the cluttered tight spaces into the uncluttered spacious place where He is and His limitless possibilities are?

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Finally An Author

What a journey of both tight and broad spaces to write and publish my first book, Powerless to Powerful! Once I finally said “yes” to God and answered His call to write, the writing part was the easy and joyful part.

As I reflect on this journey of ups and downs, Psalm 128: 1-2 fills my heart with joy. “Blessed are all who fear the Lord who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.”

No matter how tight the spaces have seemed, He always faithfully brought me to that wide-opened space where He is.

On the eve of the release, I’m excited, especially to see what God will do. Another leg of this journey of following Him is about to begin. He gave me words to speak out, I listened, I picked up my pen (and tablet) and now I await His next step.

Stay tuned for the official launch date of Powerless to Powerful:  Experience God’s Strength in Your Cancer Journey, A 40-day devotional.

Coming Soon!
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Letting go…Moving On

Letting go…Moving on

“There is great power in letting go and there is great freedom in moving on.” Anonymous
I found this quote on a calendar I picked up at a local business. It could just as well been written for a grief support resource. Immediately I related it to the grief journey I’ve been on these past 7 years.
How timely to find this thought on the August calendar page.  July has always been a very tough month for me – so many dates to remind me of my profound losses and painful stages of my husband’s decline. But as I steadily approached the 7 year mark when the calendar page turns to August, I realized that this past July was not quite as difficult as the last seven have been. Could it be I was letting go and moving on?
Power…freedom. The quote might be penned by a worldly writer, but the original source is undoubtedly the Living God.  The Holy One of Israel has faithfully taken me by His strong right hand and upheld me through many, many Dark Nights of My Soul.  Power and freedom are His specialty. By His grace He excels in showering His children with the victory that results.
The quote got my brain working and led me to God’s truth in His Word.
“He gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might He increases strength.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:29, 31
I have been waiting on the Lord for some time now. Without a doubt, not so very patiently or fruitfully. But with the mustard seed of faith to keep on waiting, God has been faithful to give me strength and grace to continue the waiting game.
At this crossroads…completion of 7 years of mourning and waiting for my purpose to unfold, the Lord is fulfilling His promise to me in Isaiah 40.  Mounting up like eagles…running not being weary…walking not faint…renewed strength. Power and freedom.
The completeness of year #7 does not mean my grief is over, never to be revisited. I will always grieve the loss of my beloved husband in some manner. Yet, my mourning is slowly turning into dancing, as the Holy Spirit comforts and guides me into His plan and purposes.
Yes, it’s all the work of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!
Power to let go…And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. 1 Cor 6:14
 Freedom to move on…Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Cor 3:17