Thursday Devotional - Chasing After the Wind of Independence (9/7/23)

We often desire independence – whether it’s a kid wanting to get dressed by themselves or a young adult wanting to live on their own. We want to be able to take care of ourselves, support ourselves, and help our children and grandchildren to do the same. Some of the desire for independence is a great motivator for working hard. However, we can think we are so self-sufficient that we forget who truly provided our skills and abilities.

It’s easy to think we accomplished our successes. It can be disheartening when those successes are fleeting and don’t end up meaning as much as we thought they would. Solomon wisely encourages us to remember God, our Creator, before we get too caught up in our independence. We are to remember Him before we “need” Him. We may think we don’t need Him when we are young and that we have everything under control, but we aren’t in control. Circumstances can change in an instant.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7     

Remember your Creator
    in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
    and the years approach when you will say,
    “I find no pleasure in them”—
² before the sun and the light
    and the moon and the stars grow dark,
    and the clouds return after the rain;
³ when the keepers of the house tremble,
    and the strong men stoop,
when the grinders cease because they are few,
    and those looking through the windows grow dim;
⁴ when the doors to the street are closed
    and the sound of grinding fades;
when people rise up at the sound of birds,
    but all their songs grow faint;
⁵ when people are afraid of heights
    and of dangers in the streets;
when the almond tree blossoms
    and the grasshopper drags itself along
    and desire no longer is stirred.
Then people go to their eternal home
    and mourners go about the streets.

⁶ Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
    and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
    and the wheel broken at the well,
⁷ and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
    and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

In the end, all our earthly successes shrivel up (“return to the ground”). However, our soul lives forever and can have eternity with God! The troubles of this life may be overwhelming, and the fleeting successes may be disheartening, but His ways will never disappoint!

Isaiah 49:23b         Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.

I Thessalonians 4:16-18   For 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. ¹⁷ 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. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Instead of focusing on meaningless independence, we can focus on meaningful dependence on God our Creator and Sustainer! His ways and His work bring lasting purpose and reward whether we are young or old!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Chasing After Leisure before Labor (8/31/23)

Who doesn’t like a fun party or leisure activity?! Especially if it’s with people we like and enjoy. However, we can’t have a party or vacation every day. In fact, if we started every day with a party, how much work would get done? However, if we get all our work done first, then we can truly relax and enjoy a celebration.

Over the summer, the kids complained about having to get their reading, flashcards, exercise and piano practice all done first before they could watch part of a movie. In fact, sometimes they asked if they could go ahead and watch something for a little bit and then finish their tasks later. However, I knew that wouldn’t work well and they would be less motivated to complete their work after their leisure time. 

Solomon highlighted the danger of leisure before labor.  

Ecclesiastes 10:16-17  Woe to the land whose king was a servant
    and whose princes feast in the morning.
¹⁷ Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth
    and whose princes eat at a proper time—
    for strength and not for drunkenness.

I think Solomon is talking about pleasureful feasting and celebration BEFORE the work is done. The person who became a king young or after formerly being a servant might not understand their responsibility and abuse their privilege. However, someone who learned from an early age to take their responsibility seriously, understands not every meal is a luxury. Most meals are for nourishment and not parties every day. They diligently work hard and celebrate at appropriate times.    

What about you and me? What labor project do we need to be diligent to complete, and save our leisure time until after it’s done?

Thursday Devotional - Chasing After the Wind of Tomorrow 8/24/23

 My kids want to hurry and grow up! I remember thinking the same thing as a kid – wishing I was older.

Getting ready for school to start next week, James doesn’t want anything that looks childish (backpack, lunch box, or bike helmet). He’s going into 5^th grade and thinks his backpack from kindergarten is too kid-like. 😊

Sarah said she’s never ready for school and how nice it must be that Dad and I don’t have to go to school anymore. No, but we get to go to work everyday and still learn new things! We also use much of what we learned in elementary school on a daily basis (reading, counting, telling time, writing, etc.).

As adults, sometimes we want to hurry to the next phase of life, too. We can chase after the wind of tomorrow and miss the blessings and joys of today. I think that’s what Solomon wanted to highlight in this next passage.

Ecclesiastes 11:7-10    Light is sweet,
    and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
⁸ However many years anyone may live,
    let them enjoy them all.
But let them remember the days of darkness,
    for there will be many.
    Everything to come is meaningless.

⁹ You who are young, be happy while you are young,
    and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
    and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
    God will bring you into judgment.
¹⁰ So then, banish anxiety from your heart
    and cast off the troubles of your body,
    for youth and vigor are meaningless.

Where are you and I missing the blessings and joys of today by chasing after tomorrow? Maybe it’s the next promotion, the next “perfect” job, retirement, the next phase with kids, more time for a new hobby, that next trip and the list goes on. Let’s enjoy what God’s given us to do today!

Thursday Devotional - Chasing After the Wind of Strength (8/17/23)

This summer my kids took turns walking my sister’s dog with my Dad. My sister’s dog, Patty, probably weighs more than most of them! However, my Dad helped them learn how to control her, even if they aren’t stronger than her. I guess you could say they learned how to outsmart rather than overpower.

Solomon was impressed by wisdom’s power over strength.

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18    I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: ¹⁴ There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. ¹⁵ Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. ¹⁶ So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.

¹⁷ The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded
    than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
¹⁸ Wisdom is better than weapons of war,
    but one sinner destroys much good.

Strength isn’t everything. We can desire strength in order to gain power or fame, but it can crumble in an instant. Man’s wisdom can outsmart the strong, but as Solomon points out, even that can be fleeting. Seeking God’s wisdom has eternal significance, though!

James 3:17-18             But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Are you and I chasing after strength or wisdom? For what purpose and by what means? Let’s seek God’s wisdom for an eternal harvest of righteousness.

Thursday Devotional - Faithful God despite our Foolish Frenzy (8/10/23)

I was convicted by this passage when I read it this past Sunday! 

At church earlier in the day, Joe and I read some Scripture passages as part of an interactive church service. Ahead of time and during the service, I was a bit distracted in several ways: nerves, making sure the kids were sitting properly, and concerned Joe wasn’t going to remember all that he was supposed to say before and after his reading!

Then, when I read the following passage during my own quiet time later in the day, I realized I didn’t guard my steps well while going to God’s house. I wasn’t prepared to listen to Him and was more concerned about how my family and I sounded.  

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7        ^]Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.

² Do not be quick with your mouth,
    do not be hasty in your heart
    to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
    and you are on earth,
    so let your words be few.
³ A dream comes when there are many cares,
    and many words mark the speech of a fool.

⁴ When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. ⁵ It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. ⁶ Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? ⁷ Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

I want to prepare better the next few weekends so I am ready to listen to God at church and not distracted by my own thoughts or nerves. What about you? How will you prepare to listen to God, whether it’s at church, Bible study, personal prayer time or other times of worship?  

Our Faithful God has so much to say to us, if we will just listen! He was faithful to gently tap me on the shoulder and point out my foolish frenzy from earlier in the day.

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Faithful God Through Quiet Work (8/3/23)

Last week I mentioned one of my prayers for the summer was that we would be witnesses in our interactions. Sarah’s coach noticed her positive attitude, but I wondered if she knew it was God’s joy in her. So, I prayed more specifically for natural opportunities to mention God, Bible study, prayer, etc. In answer to that prayer, God provided a couple different opportunities later in the week to naturally mention Bible study and prayer as I talked with a couple parents!

Then, I got an unexpected email from one of Alexis’ coaches. It said “I just wanted to tell you how much I love having Alexis in my group. She’s not only very talented, but she works very hard as well. I’m very impressed with her behavior. It’s a nice break from some of her teammates!”  

While the coach didn’t say “I can see Jesus in Alexis,” maybe she will eventually realize He is behind the difference she sees in Alexis versus her teammates. I realized I needed to be thankful for the small and quiet opportunities to reflect Christ, even if others don’t recognize Christ in us right away. Our Faithful God is powerful enough to work through one quiet moment or combine thousands of quiet work opportunities to accomplish His purposes in the lives of those around us!

Psalm 106:1-3 Praise the Lord.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.

² Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord
    or fully declare his praise?
³ Blessed are those who act justly,
    who always do what is right.

We can’t fully give God the praise and honor He deserves. However, He chooses to give us blessings through our meager obedient work. What a Faithful, Generous and Mighty God we serve!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Faithful God Through Disqualification (7/27/23)

It’s been an exciting and busy week with all 4 kids swimming and diving in their championship meets this week! Both girls got disqualified in one of their races, though. However, when Joe was talking to the coach about Sarah’s disqualification, the coach said “but Sarah’s still smiling!” Yes, Sarah doesn’t let things like that bother her. She is usually happy and content.

No matter what is going on around us, we always have something to be happy and joyful about – our Faithful God!   

Psalm 68:1-3      May God arise, may his enemies be scattered;
    may his foes flee before him.
² May you blow them away like smoke—
    as wax melts before the fire,
    may the wicked perish before God.
³ But may the righteous be glad
    and rejoice before God;
    may they be happy and joyful.

I pray our joy is contagious to those around us. I’m glad Sarah’s coach sees her as a happy girl, but my prayer has been that we would be witnesses in our interactions this summer. Maybe there will still be opportunities for others to realize that our joy comes from God (not our own self-talk or positive thinking)! He’s our Faithful Savior! Whether we win or lose, He’s already victorious over our greatest problem!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Faithful God Encamps Around You (7/13/23)

James loves playing soccer, but he wasn’t thrilled about going to our church’s soccer outreach event on Tuesday. James participated last summer, but several of the boys had been mean. He didn’t want to have to deal with their actions and comments. In fact, he begged not to go.

After praying about what to do, I talked to James about this being an opportunity to be a witness to some of the kids from the community that come out to play. We also talked through how to handle some of the situations that might happen. I told him I would be there to watch.  

Of course, God is always watching. As we look to Him for direction, we can trust that things will turn out for His good purposes.

Psalm 34:7-9      The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.

⁸ Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
⁹ Fear the Lord, you his holy people,
    for those who fear him lack nothing.

We lack nothing because we always have God on our side, encamped around us! Things won’t always be easy or turn out the way we want, but as we obey Him we can be assured we are in His will.

For this week, God worked it out that none of the mean boys came! That may not be the case next week, but we know God can help James through any challenges that come. God will also bring blessing as a result! He faithfully watches and encamps around us!

Alice

Thursday Devotional - Faithful God over Our Fears (7/6/23)

This week we’re continuing to memorize Psalm 34. It tied in with some of the big and small fears we faced.

Psalm 34:4-6      I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
⁶ This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.

I mentioned a few weeks ago how terrified Edmund was to start swim and dive team practice. This past weekend he and Alexis successfully completed several swim races in their very first swim meet! Edmund went from holding the lane line all the way down (a week ago) to diving off the block and swimming with side breathing.

Alexis had originally not been scared the first week, but she got terrified to swim in the deep end without also holding the lane line. One time, while swimming on her back in the deep end, she said she prayed to God when she was really scared.

Whether our fear is rational or irrational, we can take it to God. He will listen and can help us. As we follow His direction and trust His lead, we can know He’s got it! He’s Faithful!

Alice 

Thursday Devotional - Faithful and Praiseworthy God even in Disappointment (6/29/23)

With the wildfire smoke from Canada, we’ve now had several activities cancelled because of the very unhealthy air quality! The kids have been disappointed.

We did get to attend several fun outdoor activities this past weekend, though!

One was a picnic after church. The sermon was on Psalm 34 which includes the verse: Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (verse 8). The pastor tied that right in with our picnic! 😊

Later that day, the kids, Joe and I decided to memorize part of Psalm 34. We’ve learned a verse a day, the past 3 days.

Psalm 34:1-3 I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

We talked about how hard it is to praise God when we are mad, sad or hurt. However, we owe everything to Him! If we can remember that, we’ll be able to praise Him in all situations, whether it is a small disappointment or a huge tragedy.  

How will you praise Him today?

Alice