Encouraging Words for Today

I’ve just started reading the book, How Not to Die, by Michael Greger, MD, the founder of NutritionFacts.org. It’s a terrific book about how, with simple lifestyle changes, we can significantly decrease our risk from dying of the fifteen leading causes of premature death.

As I was reading the title it dawned on me it was a little misleading. Although it is true we can prolong our lives by the lifestyle choices we make, no matter how well we live we all will eventually die.

We all know our time is coming, As Ecclesiates 9:5 reminds us, “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.”

There is good news, however. Do you want to really know “How Not to Die”? Then open the Bible, the original survival manual. In its pages you will meet Jesus, “the resurrection and the life.” Believe on His name and you “will live, even though [you] die.” John 11:25

For the person who has given their heart to Jesus, death is not something to be feared. It is just a rest stop on our journey to heaven. The apostle John celebrated this fact in Revelation 14:13 when he said, “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’ ”

The dear ones we have lost along the way, like my little brother, sleep peacefully in the grave, awaiting Jesus’ return. They feel no pain, know no heartache, shed no tears. They are just asleep, awaiting that glorious day when “…the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

That will be so amazing, but it gets better! “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

Never again will we have to say goodbye to a father or son or daughter, for “God shall wipe away all tears from [our] eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Soon, very soon, “…as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:27. On that day we will no longer need to read about “How Not to Die”, because Jesus has promised, “whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

Do you believe this? Then “encourage one another with these words” and share them with a friend right now.

I’ll never forget spelunking in Tennessee when I was a teenager.

The entrance to the cave was this gigantic hole in the ground, but, when we got to the bottom of the pit, the only way into the main part of the cave was through a small hole about the width of a man’s shoulders.

I had to get down on my hands and knees and squirm my way into the opening. I had to leave my backpack behind, because there just wasn’t room for both it and me to get through the hole.

I felt a moment of panic when I was halfway through. The passage took a right-angle turn and I had to turn on my side, so my body would bend around the corner. It was pitch dark and I could feel the walls closing in on me.

Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, the passage opened up into a massive underground room, with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites illuminated by the lanterns of the other members of our group. Just to see the beauty of that place was worth all the sacrifice and struggle which had gone before.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Just as there was only one way into that cave, there is only one way to heaven – through the narrow gate. Jesus said, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” John 10:9.

It is only through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins we will make it to heaven. Our gold, our silver, our good works, all are worthless at the gate. Only Jesus’ blood can pay our way. Everything else must be left behind.

Just as I could not carry my backpack with me through that hole, so we cannot carry the things of this world with us into heaven. Our possessions, our pride and ambition, unbelief and fear, hatred and anger, only hinder our way. They must be left behind at Jesus feet.

Today, what is holding you back? Guilt, resentment, anger, fear? Whatever it is, let it go. Give it to Jesus. Leave it behind and take His hand. The road ahead is narrow and rough, but you are never alone. Keep your eyes on Jesus and He will guide you safely Home.

I love to suture. Of all the things I do in my job, suturing is what I enjoy the most. It is so rewarding to take an ugly wound and draw the edges together, leaving only a thin scar behind.

Many times, however, the damage is too extensive for a simple repair. In those cases, I have to cut away the dead and damaged tissue and undermine the edges before the wound can be repaired.

With my scalpel I outline where my final edges are going to be, then, taking sharp scissors, I cut away all the damaged tissue in between. I then undermine the edges, so they can be stretched back into position.

When I’ve finished excising the torn and jagged edges, quite often the wound is larger than it was initially, but stitch-by-stitch, knot-by-knot, I slowly draw the wound closed. What was once a jagged tear is now a thin line. Within about a year, the scar will be hardly noticeable.

Our lives are filled with open wounds. Broken relationships, disappointed hopes, our foolish mistakes, have left us broken and bleeding, with ugly gaps in our soul. The torn and jagged edges of our hearts seem beyond repair.

But the great physician will not leave us that way. With the delicate skill of a surgeon, He uses His Word, like a scalpel to trim back the tattered edges of our lives, cutting away the damage done by sin, penetrating “even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV

As we read the Bible, He reveals to us “the thoughts and attitudes of the heart,” showing us what needs to go and what can stay. He undermines our false conceptions and beliefs, so the edges of our souls can be stretched back into alignment with His will.

Even the finest plastic surgeon leaves a scar, but when our Heavenly Father is done no trace of sin will be left behind. We will have “become a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)

Today, come to the Great Physician. Show Him your wounds, lay bare your soul, open to Him the jagged edges of your broken heart. Open His Word and let Him start repairing the damage done by sin. Let Him cut and probe, removing all that separates you from Him.

His healing touch will do more than repair your heart. It will transform your soul, so that one day, when you look in the mirror, you will not see your scars. You will only see Him.

Sometimes in my job I have to cause pain in order to heal. If a finger has been dislocated, I use a painful injection to numb it, so I can successfully reduce the dislocation. I may have to gag you with a cotton swab to find out if you have strep throat.

An orthopedist sometimes has to re-break a bone, which has healed wrong, in order to get it back in proper position. A surgeon may have to remove your leg to save your life.

Sometimes a parent has to discipline a child, so they will learn a lesson and sometimes that means the child may not want to sit down for a while.

God sometimes has to do the same for us. God “…disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Proverbs 3:12. Sometimes we have to be broken before we can heal. We must be emptied before we can be filled.

This is an inconvenient truth. We want to think of God as a loving Father, and He is, but like any loving parent, God knows, in order for us to grow, sometimes a little discipline is needed.

As Hebrews 12:11 says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.” However, the very thing which causes so much pain “…produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

I don’t know what kind of trials and disappointments you are going through right now. I don’t know what is causing you pain, but whatever it is, I know God is allowing it to happen for a reason.  He sees something in you worth developing and He’s ready to pull out all the stops to help you grow, even if that means you have to endure a little discomfort along the way.

So, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

Hang in there, my friend. God is at work. He delights in you, “as a father the son”, but sometimes love hurts. However, I promise you this – it will be worth it all in the end!

God bless and have a wonderful day!

“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life…” Proverbs 21:21 NLT

Life is so busy, but have you ever wondered why you’re moving so fast? Do you ever feel like you’re just chasing your tail, getting nowhere fast? As you rush through another hectic day, have you ever stopped for a moment and asked yourself, “What is it I’m after? What am I pursuing?”

The answer will be different for all of us, but:

• If it’s knowledge you seek, then “…the Lord grants wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and understanding” Proverbs 2: 6
• If you long for love, stop looking for it in all the wrong places. Instead, come to the God who “…lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9
• If you want to make a name for yourself, seek Jesus, “…the name above all other names”, the name before which “…every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” Philippians 2:9-10
• If it is power you crave, join forces with God, who is “all-powerful.” Job 36:22
• If you covet honor, “humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, [who] at the right time…will lift you up in honor.” 1 Peter 5:6
• If you’re after wealth, don’t turn your back on the One who declares, “…all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.” Psalm 50: 10
• If you’ve grown tired of the mad rush and long for a little peace and quiet, come to Jesus, for he says, “Come to me, all you are who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-30
• If your just seeking to drown the pain of a broken heart, then alcohol and drugs are not the answer, but “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18

Whatever it is you are pursuing today, whatever it is you seek, know this – you will only find what you long for when you sit at Jesus’ feet. He alone is the source of “righteousness and unfailing love” and if will but seek His face you “will find life.”

Pursue Jesus today, with every fiber of your being, for He declares, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13

Give up your mad pursuit of things which cannot satisfy and come to Jesus today, to the One who is “humble and gentle at heart” and “you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29.

The search is over! What you’re after is already yours. The One you’re pursuing stands by your side.

Take His hand today and walk together into a better tomorrow!

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

Have you ever noticed how God is really good at messing up your life? He’s been messing mine up for years!

For example, just yesterday I was looking forward to a day off and He sent me to work instead. On Super Bowl weekend, no less! What’s with that?

But, you know what? It turned out to be a good day after all. If I hadn’t gone to work:

• I wouldn’t have gotten to work with Carla, Erin, Meghan, Narcilli, Leslie, Jennifer, Laura, Vicki, and Alex. I sometimes hate my job, but I love the people I work with! BTW, you all did great yesterday!
• I would have missed out on praying with a woman overwhelmed by depression, offering her hope for a better tomorrow.
• I would have had to go through the pain of watching my Patriots lose to the Eagles.
• I wouldn’t have had a 2 year old girl, with the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen, dance on the exam table, just to make me laugh! That was worth coming in all by itself!

God loves to mess up our plans. Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Just when you think you’ve got your life figured out God throws a monkey wrench into things. He’s been doing it since time began:

• David was content minding sheep, but God wanted him to lead a nation.
• Moses was on the fast track to be the next Pharaoh, but God called him to set His people free.
• Gideon was hiding in a pit, threshing wheat, when God chose him to defeat the Midianites.

God has messed up my life so many times through the years, but I’m so glad He did! If He hadn’t:

• I never would’ve met Ana, who’s been messing up my life now for 36 years – in so many wonderful ways!
• I would’ve missed out on the joy Rishana, Andrew and Alex bring me. Without them my wallet might be fatter, but my heart wouldn’t be so full.
• I’d have stayed in New York and missed out on having friends like Shawna, Christian, Heather, and Christine.
• I’d have never left Chehalis and gotten to live in the beautiful Wenatchee Valley or know the wonderful people at the Cashmere Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Over and over God has messed up my life and fooled with my plans, but my life is so much richer and rewarding because He did.

Today, God wants to mess up your life too. 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  Your Heavenly Father wants to take you places you’ve never been, show you things you’ve never dreamed are possible, and mess you up in so many beautiful ways.

I know you’ve got your life all planned out, but take a chance and let Him direct your steps instead. His plans for you are “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

Give Jesus your heart today. Put your trust in Him. Then stand back! He’s going to mess up your life in so many wonderful ways!

God bless and have a wonderful messed-up day!

Through the Storm

In the midst of life’s storms,

due to life’s stress,

It’s hard to believe

in a God who knows best.

***

Sometimes you can’t see

the sun through the rain.

Sometimes you can’t feel

God through pain.

***

But if you can’t see

God through life’s mist,

that doesn’t mean

He doesn’t exist.

***

It’s by the storms,

the earth is made new.

It’s through life’s trials,

God does the same thing for you.

***

Though the waves crash

and the winds screech,

He’s never far off.

You’re never out of His reach.

***

If you’ll but listen,

His voice you will hear.

If you’ll but wait,

He soon will draw near.

***

If you’ll will stop

and seek His face,

He’ll flood your life

with His mercy and grace.

***

Come to Him now.

He’s waiting for you,

with arms wide open,

with love that is true.

***

So, today take His Hand,

let Him lead the way,

through life’s dark storms,

to a brighter new day.

Where is God

when a loved one dies,

when grief overwhelms,

tears fall from our eyes?

***

Where is He

when a spouse departs,

taking with them

a piece of your heart?

***

Does God turn His back

when your child strays?

Does He cover His ears,

when you kneel down to pray?

***

No, God never leaves,

Nor does He turn away.

No matter what comes,

by your side He will stay.

***

Nothing can ever

separate us from His love,

no power on earth

or in sky up above.

***

He’s with us in trial,

death or despair,

hunger, persecution,

calamity or care.

***

Not even the powers of hell

can tear us apart.

He’ll never leave you.

He’ll never depart.

***

So, when next trials come

or loved ones depart,

when tears fall like rain

on your poor, broken heart…

***

Don’t ask where God is

or think you’re alone.

Don’t murmur, complain,

cry out or moan.

***

Instead, trust in God,

put faith in His care.

No matter what comes,

He’ll always be there.

Some days are harder than others. You wake up full of energy, feeling on top of the world. You can tell already it’s going to be a great day!

Unfortunately, your spouse woke up on the wrong side of the bed and some sharp words are exchanged. Your kids won’t get moving and miss the bus. To top it all off, your boss calls to tell you to come in early. Suddenly your day’s not looking so great after all.

It’s on days like these that texts like 1 Corinthians 2:9 mean so much. It says there, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

That sounds really good. No matter how my day is going and even if my life to this point hasn’t been all I hoped it would be, there are better days ahead. God has wonderful plans for you, “…plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. He’s going to do amazing things in your life, things which are better than anything you could ever imagine.

So this morning, if things haven’t started out quite like you had planned, why not start over right now? Take a moment to thank God for all His blessings and invite Him to take back control in your life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5.

I know the day didn’t start out so hot, but don’t quit now. God’s got something special prepared for you today, something beyond your wildest imaginings! So, pick yourself up off the ground, dust off your worries and cares, and take His hand. Put your trust in Him and prepare to be amazed! It’s going to be a great day after all!

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5 NLT

Today is a very special day. 50 years ago today my twin sisters were born. Happy Birthday, Jan and Nan!

As most of you know Jan and Nan were adopted. After having 3 boys my parents realized they were doing something wrong, so they decided to adopt the girls. It was the best decision they ever made.

From the moment they came into our home Jan and Nan have brought love, joy and laughter to all of our lives. I can’t imagine what our home would’ve been like without them, but I know it would not have been nearly as much fun.

What many of you don’t realize is I am adopted too. So are my brother Larry and my other sisters Joanne, Joan, and Donna. No, we were not adopted into the Edison family. We were adopted into God’s family.

Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

You and I and every person in this world are children of God. Even before He created the world, God decided to adopt you into His own family. He’s been thinking about you from before time began. You are His special child, the apple of His eye. You give “him great pleasure.”

Now Jan and Nan haven’t always done what Mom and Dad wanted them to do. Okay, I admit, neither have the rest of us. But, the thing is, no matter what we did, no matter how badly we hurt them; we never for a second doubted our parent’s love for us. We knew if we would just come back and say “I’m sorry” we’d be forgiven. We never stopped being their children, even when we messed up.

It’s the same for you. No matter what you’ve done, no matter how far you’ve strayed from the family of God, you are still a son or daughter of God. He still declares, “I have loved you…with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3

In fact, God loves you so much “He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. If you will just come back to Him today and tell Him you’re sorry, He will forgive you and welcome you home with open arms.

Our family is scattered across the United States, but whenever we are able to get back together the air is filled with joy and laughter. We’re just so happy to be together again.

However, the joy we feel at those times pales in comparison to the joy God will feel when you come home to Him. What’s holding you back? You don’t need to stand out in the cold any longer. You’re still part of the family. You still have a seat at the table.

Just come home.