You Never Have To Walk Alone

My grandson Charlie with his Dad my son in law James Viebrock

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

The promises of God have empowered many a believer to walk through adversity, disappointment, and grief, yet no promise is as comforting as the promise of God’s abiding presence in the life of the believer.

The Lord does not promise that our lives will be care-free if we choose to follow Him. The supreme case in point is the life of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He was a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. The Scriptures bear witness to Jesus’ humanity and courage; and above all, to His love of the Father – even when He was subjected to hatred, torture, and death. Jesus’ life was devoted to doing the will of the Father, and He followed God’s will to His death on the Cross.

Those of us who belong to the Lord need not fear or despair, because He is with us and will walk with us every day through every circumstance. The psalmist has said, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.” (Psalm 23:4a)

It just so happened that I wrote the above devotional one morning expecting what I thought would be an average day. It was anything but—that evening our family experienced a shocking unexpected death of a loved one.  I look back at these words days later and marvel at the message God graciously put on my heart. It’s a message we all need to receive.

Knowing that I don’t walk alone is a comfort. Knowing that the Lord is with me gives me the grace to trust in His promises and the courage to face every day.

My grandsons, Nathan and Jonah.

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God. I appreciate you. I pray that all who read these words will be blessed.  May you find encouragement here.   

The Providence of Almighty God

Sunset on Lavender Field courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 RSV

These are the words of our Savior, Jesus Christ. What a beautiful promise to cling to in the midst of troubling times.  I need to read this often.  And what led me to meditate on this?

I admit I am one of the vast majority of Americans who harbor serious reservations about our presidential prospects.  In fact, I’ve fretted over it for months and frankly fear disaster in November.  I’ve read insightful political commentaries about those who are “looking for a savior.”  But, we must remember ,that indeed, there is only one.

The powers of worldly dominion are unconscious of God, are they not?  Or, they are blatantly defiant of God.  Do they care a whit about what God thinks about most matters?  And yet, we look to them.  So much of our security and peace of mind is based on the civilized life we live, apart from our faith in God.  Should it not be the other way around?

God is Almighty. He is working out His plans.  Do we trust Him?

Christ trusted in the will of His Father and submitted to the providential order of God.

Consider when He stood face to face with Pilate.

Pilate therefore said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?” Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above…” John 19:10-11a

When I read those words of Scripture the other day, I had to meditate on Jesus’ words. His words are TRUTH.  I thought of the providential order of God behind everything.  I wondered if I have come face to face with that reality.  The rest might be little more than a farce on the world’s stage that creates chaos in our lives.  We must go on with God, rooted and grounded in Him in spite of the chaos.  God’s kingdom is not of this world.

But we need to also continue in prayer, remembering Timothy’s words concerning intercessory prayer for ecclesiastical and government leaders (See Timothy 2:1-7).

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Psalm 39:7 KJV

Photo Courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I hope you have found a bit of encouragement to strengthen your heart.  Feel free to share your thoughts. Take His peace.  

Breakfast with Jesus -- Guest Post by Jeanette Levellie -- Plus Book Give-Away

Jeanette Levellie 

I'm glad you are visiting Write Moments with God. I'm pleased to welcome my friend Jeanette Levellie, pastor's wife, mother, speaker, and Christian writer. She is sharing a devotional with us today.  Then, I want to tell you a bit about her newest book, Shock the Clock. (Interesting concept, don't you think?) She's also giving away a signed copy.  So, enjoy.

Breakfast with Jesus

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11, NIV

After he turned the TV off, my husband asked, “How did you like Breakfast at Tiffany’s?”

            “Okay,” I said, “although it seemed a bit shallow.”

             “Did it? I thought it held a valuable message. A selfish, aimless man finds meaning in laying down his life to help a girl more selfish and aimless than he. In the end, she realizes she can only be satisfied by committing her life to someone else.”

            “Well, when you put it that way…”

As believers, we were created for a higher purpose than living to please ourselves. When we focus on what we see in the mirror, how we feel or what we want, we remain empty. We’re too small to fill the world, even our little corner of it.

            God’s image in us compels us to serve. We find fulfillment by our commitment to relationships.  First, to the Lord Jesus Christ and then by loving service to others. As we surrender to Jesus, fellowship with Him in prayer and the Word, His nature takes the place of our pride. We discover hidden gifts and talents, which we share with others, leading to deeper fulfillment.

No greater joy awaits us than the overflowing heart of a fully abandoned life.

Find your joy in fellowship with Jesus and service to others.

Thank you Jeanette for that.  I always find your writing uplifting.  

Jeanette has written several books of devotions and humor, which I found to be very enjoyable. Check them out on her blog or Amazon page. Today I want to tell you about her newest book, which really speaks to issues faced by so many of us. 

Help for Time-challenged Creatives and Everyone Else

Unlike other time management programs, Shock the Clock is a unique approach that empowers you to focus on your strengths and minimize your weaknesses to make the best use of your limited writing—or other creative time.  Author Jeanette Levellie (and her zany artist son) shares practical tips and creative insights that will enable you to say “no” with confidence, delegate with grace, and find your car keys.

Includes time management tips from:

o   New York Times Bestselling author Cecil Murphey,

o   Award-winning novelist Jody Hedlund,

o   Director of Professional Writing Department at Taylor University & author of 54 books Dennis Hensley

Jeanette has offered to give away one free signed copy to a blessed winner on my blog! To enter to win, please connect with Jeanette in one or more of the ways listed below, then comment which way(s) you chose. This contest will end at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, June 11th. I will announce the winner here on Monday, June 13.

Connect with Jeanette:

Blog: www.jeanettelevellie.com

Twitter: @JenLevellie

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jenlevellie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeanetteLevellie/

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5784219.Jeanette_Levellie

Thanks again for visiting Write Moments with God.  Please visit on June 13th for a new devotional, plus give-away announcement.  May you find the encouragement and strength you need in your everyday moments with Him.  'Til next time.

The Ordinary Business of Life

This lovely BLUEBIRD is courtesy of my talented friend, Eileen DeCamp.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

It’s been some time since I wrote for this blog.  What I thought would be a brief hiatus turned into several months.  I didn’t expect the long absence.  However, all this time I’ve been busy about the ordinary business of life, doing the duties that lie nearest.

I’ve asked the Lord a couple of times over these last few months, why I’m not writing as I intended.  No answer came, but still I had peace about it because I am certain that God engineers my circumstances.  I abide in Him, in family matters, in health matters, business matters, in spiritual matters, and His grace abounds. I do my best to cooperate, so to speak, with God.

But, I intended to write regularly for this blog.  The thought comes that maybe that’s not what God intended. At least, not just now, or in that manner.  Isn’t it possible that God intended for me to be doing exactly what I’ve been doing?  He said, “Follow me”; He said, “Feed my sheep”.  I’ve been ministering to needs in ways other than writing.

The thing is, we are apt to tie ourselves up, and God as well, by our own expectations and intentions.  I think sometimes when God upsets or overrides our plans, it is because we are in danger of making our programs an idol, some ego-centric self-fulfilling plan, that’s maybe a bit out of alignment with harmony in Him. When all the while He simply wants us to follow Him, wash some feet (see John 13:5), and serve Him through the duties that come to us in the ordinary moments of life.

There’s no need to sulk or be impatient about it.  I chose to remember the calming assurance that all things work together for good for those who love God.  After all, my fondest desire is, to be the called according to his purposes.

One of my sweetest distractions, my granddaughter Evie.

Thank you so much for visiting the blog today.  I appreciate you.  January 4^th I began a new job as adjunct English instructor at a community college.  It's given me more time to pursue my projects, so I hope to write more regularly again for Write Moments with God.  I welcome your comments.

'Til next time.  May God bless you, encourage you, and keep you safe in your daily walk with Him. 

Enough for each day -- Little by little the bird builds her nest

A wren ~ image courtesy of Google images

Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.  In this way, I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.  Exodus16:4

We’ve had some unexpected guests at our house.  A sweet little wren built her nest in the wreath on the front door.  For days, I heard her little by little adding bits and pieces of leaves and grass she’d gathered to construct her nest.  All our comings and goings through that door did not deter her.  Little by little the nest took shape. Every time we’d open the door she would peek at us before flying out. One day she brushed against my son’s shoulder in her flight to the azaleas bushes.  Every evening I sneaked a close up look. When I noticed the eggs, I tied a string across the door posts to detour unsuspecting delivery folks and visitors. Sure enough, the eggs hatched.

What you might ask does this story have to do with manna in the wilderness? 

I believe this little bird was faithful each day to her call from God, quietly working and trusting in His supply for the day.  I think she was satisfied with enough – whatever God provided was sufficient and whatever she could accomplished was satisfactory.  I think if hers was a test, she passed.

That little bird inspired me by her unwavering devotion and persistence.

As the French say, petit a petit, l’oiseau fait son nid. Little by little, the bird makes her nest.

What encouragement might the wren offer to us goal-oriented, work obsessed folks?

I think it might be to work with confidence accomplishing manageable pieces each day, which in turn build for tomorrow, and demonstrate to God our obedience and trust in Him and the vision that He have given us.  Patience and self-discipline are critical. Don’t look beyond what you can do today or burden yourself with fears for the future. God’s provisions are sufficient for each day.

Take therefore no thought for the morrow. Matthew 6:34

Obedience and faithfulness honor God and bring its own reward.

Spectacular sunflowers at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery ~
photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.  Psalm 20:4

Thank you ever so much for visiting Write Moments with God.  It means a lot to me that you are here.  Feel free to share your thoughts and add to the conversation.

Thanks to my guest Nan Jones for her recent interview.  She would like to send a copy of her book to Brenda C.  Thank you so much Brenda for your kind words.  If you'll include your email address with a comment, Nan will make arrangements to get the book in the mail.  Many blessings!

Meet the Author -- Nan Jones -- Win a copy of her new book

Nan Jones

My guest today is Nan Jones.  I first became acquainted with Nan Jones through her uplifting blog, Morning Glory. Nan is an author and speaker who resides in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County, North Carolina. She is the mother of three adult children and one grandchild. When Nan is not writing or preparing messages for her speaking ministry, you'll find her gardening, crocheting, reading or sharing a cup of coffee with a friend.

I’ve asked Nan to tell us a little about herself and her new book, The Perils of a Pastor’s Wife.  Nan would like to give away a paperback copy of the book, so be sure to read the details for the give-away at the end of this interview. 

Nan, tell us about your ministry.

For years I prayed, "Lord, open my eyes that I might see You. Teach me to know Your voice." God has honored my persistent prayers. He has taught me what it means when Paul said, "For it is in Him that we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). That is how I survived the years of sorrow and loss I have lived through. I love encouraging others with the truth that God is with them always, even when it feels like they've been abandoned. I know that by sharing my personal struggles with them and the tender ways the Lord has pursued me with His love in the midst of my pain—I know it will encourage them and give them strength for the journey. I love when the words of my heart meet a deep need in the life of a reader. It is an honor for me to share His message of faithfulness through my writing and speaking.

Share with us the most meaningful truth you hope your readers glean from your writing.

There have been times in my life that I was so overcome with sorrow I could no longer pray. All I could do was speak the Name of Jesus. He drew near to me in response to my cry and taught me to see Him and hear His sweet whispers of love. I learned to rest in His Presence—just being. Not striving. Not running my mouth. Just basking in His love. These are the things I write and teach about.

Tell us a little about your new book and what inspired you to write it.

The Perils of A Pastor's Wife will help mend hearts burned in the lonely fires of ministry. Through its pages I share what God has taught me about finding Him in my darkest hours.

I served as a pastor's wife for 31 years. These were some of the most fulfilling and rewarding years of my life. These years were also some of the most trying—not necessarily because of the people, but because of the spiritual battles that raged. Our lives could be turned upside down as quickly as the wind changes in a storm. A pastor's wife knows what it is to feel completely alone in the middle of a crowd. We are known to have trust issues—wondering who we can really be ourselves with and share our hearts with when we're troubled. Rejection is another hurt that most folks don’t think about when they consider the lives of pastors and their wives. The pain can be unbearable. I knew that other pastors' wives needed to know that they were not alone in their struggles and that someone understood what they were going through. I hope readers walk away from this book with renewed confidence in her calling, with healing deep in her spirit, and the realization that in her darkest moments God is with her—He is faithful.

I’d like to share this excerpt:

CHAPTER ONE

AFTER THE FIRE, A GENTLE WHISPER

ONLY GOD KNEW where my husband was. I had run from

the business meeting before its completion. Tempers

flared. Tongues were unleashed, and nearly three years

of fruitful ministry were all but destroyed. My heart beat

madly within my chest, fighting desperately not to break

from the pain of rejection. Angry tears stung my cheeks

as I bolted from the sanctuary. I didn’t know if I could

continue in this thing called ministry. God was asking too

much of me.

My husband, David, and I had been ministering in the

small rural church for three years. Under his leadership

and the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the church had experienced

exponential growth. God’s mercy and grace flowed into

the lives of our people. Church had become a place of joy,

restoration, and refuge.

Then evil reared its ugly head.

The Perils of a Pastor's Wife

Share with us your favorite Scripture and give us your insight about it.

The Scripture that I ponder and rely upon the most is Exodus 33:14:

 "And the Lord said to him [Moses], 'MyPresence will go with you and I will give you rest.'"

This verse expresses the Truth that carries me through my difficulties in its simplest form—God is with me always and because of that I can find rest from the heartache, rest from the fears and anxieties, rest from the enemy's pursuit.

Where can we find you on the web? Readers might like to connect with you there.

blog: morningglorylights.blogspot.com/

website: www.NanJones.com

Twitter: @NanJonesAuthor

Facebook: Nan Trammell Jones

Facebook Community Page: Seeing Beyond the Veil

Pinterest: Nan Jones, Author

To contact Nan, please visit her website or contact her directly at nan@jubilantlight.com

Please leave a comment below (along with your email address) to be included in a random drawing for a copy of The Perils of a Pastor’s Wife. The winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, August 17th.

Many thanks to Nan for being our guest, and thank you as ever for taking the time to visit Write Moments with God. You are much appreciated.

BLIND SPOTS -- Obscuring our view of the Cross

Beautiful picture taken and graciously provided by Aaron Barton

Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? Mark 8: 17b – 18a (RSV)

I glanced in the rear view mirrors and began moving over into the left lane when suddenly a horn blared causing me to jerk the car back into my lane.  None too soon. Disaster diverted.  I totally did not see that car although it was right beside me. Blame it on the “blind spot.”  Do you have a blind spot in your car?

This incident started me thinking about the blind spots we Christians have.  Do you think you might have a blind spot, or two?  I think I do.  Sometimes maybe that blind spot obscures sight due to immaturity or flat-out ignorance.  More often I suspect it’s due to arrogance.  We can become obsessed with our preferred style or methods and lose sight of the Cross.

Caution is advised when sentimental pious self-consciousness turns our eyes on self and away from Christ.

The Pharisees had a blind spot. They couldn’t see Jesus. God Incarnate walked among them yet that haughty crowd saw Him not.

 

His humble disciples saw Him.

Then he saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?  And Peter answering says to him, “Thou are the Christ.” Mark 8:29 (Douay-Rheims)

John the Baptist saw Him.

The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and says, Behold, the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29

Now I suppose one could say the Pharisees had all the trappings of having it all together.  The crowd Jesus hung with didn’t appear to have much going for them but their devotion to Jesus. When the Pharisees looked upon Jesus, they saw “a man gluttonous, and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” (See Matthew 11:19)

Not only did they not see, they didn’t want to see. Seeing Jesus for who He was would have totally shook up the world as they knew it, like it did for Saul.

Saul had a blind spot.  He was a Pharisee, a very religious man, who hated Jesus and persecuted Christians.  God, in His mercy, cured Saul’s blind spot by striking him down by His light, blinding him completely.  Only then did Saul see the Lord and understand the Truth. This revelation of Christ totally changed him into a devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ who spent the rest of his life as the apostle Paul, a missionary and teacher of the gospel.

Christians suffer from blind spots which we think of as benign until they cause us to behave in anti-Christian ways toward one another.

Might it be possible that our own individuality and temperament is obscuring our vision? Do we have obstinate attitudes that have formed and hardened – possibly based on past hurts, habits, or prejudices – and we don’t even want to examine them in the light of God’s Truth? 

When I first wrote this, I listed examples from my own experience, then deleted them, because I didn’t want to inadvertently step on toes. It’s better to examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word.

A new commandment I give to you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. John 13:34-35 (KJV)

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (KJV)

Hopeland Gardens, Aiken, S.C.

Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy day to stop by Write Moments with God.  Feel free to share your thoughts and comments.  I appreciate hearing from you.  Be blessed.

Note to Readers: This meditation has nothing whatsoever to do with recent events in the media.