Archive for August, 2009

Feeling Feeble?

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Several times a week I walk around a local park for exercise. I love the community atmosphere – I see young moms pushing strollers, teens on rollerblades, joggers of all ages, seniors in electric scooters, and people with special needs.

On occasion I see elderly folks moving along, slowly but surely, while leaning on their walkers for support. This equipment is especially necessary if their balance is tipsy or their legs are feeble and prone to buckle beneath them. The walker steadies them and enables them to enjoy God’s creation rather than be confined to the indoors.

Now transfer this picture to a spiritual analogy. Psalm 40:2 says, “He (God) lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”

Life sometimes hands us experiences that make us feel feeble and frail. The muck of discouragement sucks our feet down, and it’s difficult to stand, let alone move forward. Our knees buckle under us, especially if we’re carrying a weight of fear or guilt.

Thankfully we don’t have to live as feeble women because God’s Word has made a wonderful promise: God will steady us. When we’re feeling weak, He will be our strength. When we’re feeling unable to stand, He will be our stability.

How does God do this? Often it’s through a meaningful Scripture at just the right time, through the lyrics of a special song, or through the words spoken by a friend or even a stranger. In my case, I usually experience His steadying hand through a Bible verse that seems written especially for me and my circumstances. My journal is filled with verses that have given me strength for my walk.

Have you experienced His promise to steady you during a difficult time? Encourage us by sharing that story with us!

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Heaven — More Than Wishful Thinking

Friday, August 28th, 2009

My father-in-law’s death last month naturally caused sorrow because we’ll miss his presence in our lives. Despite the grief, however, I’ve experienced an undeniable peace and even a sense of celebration. This man, age 90, lived a good life and was ready to take up residence in heaven – a promise fulfilled because he’d placed his saving faith in Jesus Christ. Earthly pain and struggles are behind him, and without doubt, he’s now with his Savior.

His passing reminded me of my father’s death a year ago. As his body slowly shut down, he whispered precious words to my mother. They were words that brought comfort in our loss, words that brought hope, peace, and that same sense of celebration. “It’s so beautiful there,” he gasped. “I see Jesus.” (more…)

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Announcement: Moving From Fear to Freedom

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

I’m doing a happy dance today…

Wait! That doesn’t sound very spiritual, does it? Perhaps I should say, “I’m feeling very blessed.” Whatever. The reason for my excitement is the same no matter how I express it. What’s it all about? I’ve had some wonderful feedback/ministry opportunities in the past couple of days regarding Moving From Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation.Freedom -- Fox

One woman called today to say she feels God is telling her to use this book for a year-long study with a group of young mothers involved in the MOMS program (Mentoring Our Mothers Society). She said she read it this summer and found it incredible. Praise the Lord!

Before that phone call ended, my doorbell rang. There stood a woman I’ve met only once, while at a women’s retreat three years ago. She told me how her 30-year-old son died in a motorcycle accident in July, and how this book has transformed her life by giving her the courage to share her life’s journey, including this tragedy, with others. Her copy was  highlighted, and the corners of numerous pages were turned down.

I listened to her testimony in awe, praising God for how He’d directed me to write this book , given me the courage and ability to do the job, and provided a publisher who believed in its message (Harvest House Publishers).

Perhaps you’re looking for a book to share with a friend who’s been recently diagnosed with cancer, or whose marriage has recently broken up. Perhaps you’re in those circumtances yourself and needing encouragement. Maybe you’re looking for a book to study with a group this fall or winter. Consider Moving From Fear to Freedom – it’s making a huge difference in readers’ lives.  It’s available at bookstores everywhere. If you’ve read it and found it to be helpful, would you consider spreading the good word on Facebook and Twitter, or in your own blog? The message about overcoming fear is too important to fall by the wayside! Thank you!

Now read on for today’s devotional…

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The Patient Traveler

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Our kids learned to travel long distances from the time they were babies. Matthew flew halfway around the world twice by the time he was 20 months old; Stephanie made the trip from Nepal to the U.S. when she was only three days old. Kim was born in the States, so she didn’t accumulate frequent flier miles while still in diapers, but she was only 8 months old when she made the first of many road trips from Washington to Alberta to visit her grandparents.

Videos, ipods, and other techno wizardry didn’t exist back then, so our kids kept themselves occupied by listening to Focus on the Family’s Odyssey tapes and reading books galore. On one long trip to southern California, they enjoyed coloring books, water pistols, and bubbles that I’d packed to help pass the time and make it more enjoyable.

Yes, our kids were great travelers, even if they did ask the inevitable: “Are we almost there?” If they’d had a choice, they probably would rather have entered a time warp machine and pressed a button labeled “Instant Arrival.” Instead, they had to learn how to be patient and enjoy the journey until they reached the destination.

Just as we have to learn patience along a physical journey, so we need to learn patience along the journey of life. Sometimes that’s a tough lesson. For instance, we might set our sights on a goal or relationship and then head that direction. We want an “instant arrival,” so we put prayer on hold (ie: “I don’t have time to pray”) and try to take shortcuts, or we speed ahead of the proper process and procedure. What happens? We end up in trouble. I’ve done this myself, and I’ve watched others do it, too.

Becoming a patient traveler on the Highway of Life doesn’t happen overnight. It comes as we learn to trust God’s sovereignty. It comes when we begin to see our circumstances through His eyes and realize that He works on an eternal timetable. It comes as we learn to give our concerns to Him in prayer and then wait for Him to answer in His way.

Psalm 37:34 says, “Don’t be impatient for the LORD to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land…” What does this verse teach us? To set aside our desires for an “instant arrival.” Practice patience. Relax, travel steadily and surely along God’s path for us. Resist the temptation to rush ahead of His timing by taking matters into our own hands. When we do this, we avoid self-inflicted trouble and we experience God’s honor and rewards.

Would you call yourself a patient traveler on the Highway of Life? If not, why not? What troubles have you encountered when you’ve been impatient? What blessings have you enjoyed when you’ve waited for the Lord to act on your behalf?

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Integrity

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Someone once defined integrity as “who you are when no one’s watching.” It means being honest through-and-through even when there’s no one to impress and nothing to gain. Wouldn’t it be great if the world’s population was comprised of men and women of integrity?

Job was such a man. In Job 1 and 2, we read three statements about his character:

  • “He was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil” (Job 1:1).
  • “Then the LORD asked Satan, ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth – a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil’” (v. 8).
  • “Then the LORD asked Satan, ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth – a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you persuaded me to harm him without cause’” (2:3).

As I read these verses, a couple of thoughts came to mind regarding integrity. First, it flows from the fear of God, or having a healthy respect for who He is. For instance, when we truly understand His holiness and the fact that someday we’ll give account to Him, we’ll be motivated to keep our attitudes and actions pure. Second, God values complete integrity. He longs for us to be pure from the inside out – at all times – not just when others are watching us. Third, integrity is consistent even when our circumstances change. Job’s life went from good to ugly in minutes, but he remained blameless on the inside.

Being a person of complete integrity is no easy thing for faulty humans like me. What challenges do we face? Here are a few ideas for starters:

  • Maintaining a pure thought life.
  • Keeping our tongues gossip-free.
  • Thinking loving thoughts about the difficult-to-love.
  • Driving the speed limit when we’re running late.
  • Keeping the promises we make.
  • Returning extra change when a cashier makes a math mistake.
  • Watching appropriate television, videos, or internet resources when we’re home alone.  

Thankfully, God has given His children the ability to overcome temptation through the Holy Spirit’s power. We don’t have to figure out this issue of integrity on our own strength; He’s there to enable us to be successful.

What challenges to integrity have you faced?

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Simon Says

Friday, August 21st, 2009

As a little girl, I remember playing games on the lawn with other neighborhood kids – games including “Tag,” “Hide and Go Seek,” “Red Light, Green Light,” and “Simon Says.” Did you ever play the latter?

Someone – whoever was lucky enough to play the role of Simon – stood in front of everyone else and called out directions to them: “Take three steps forward.” “Move one step back.” “Hop three steps forward on your right foot.” Those who dared would try to sneak an extra step or two forward. If caught, they’d be sent back to the starting line. If not caught, they’d reach the finish line first and become Simon for the next round.

What fun we had! I look forward to introducing this game to my grandkids when they’re old enough to understand it. I also look forward to teaching them about the directives God has given His children. Take Psalm 37:1-11 for instance:

  • V.1 – “Don’t worry about the wicked. Don’t envy those who do wrong.”
  • V.3 – “Trust in the LORD and do good.”
  • V.4 – “Take delight in the LORD.”
  • V.5 – “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.”
  • V. 7 – “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.”
  • V. 8 – “Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others – it only leads to harm.”

Take a moment to think about each of these directives. Which one speaks to you where you’re at today and why? Ask the Lord to teach you whatever you need to learn through it. And remember the rules…God gives the directives. If we try to wiggle our way around them, we lose. But when we follow them, we win.

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Keep Up Your Great Work

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

Into what activity are you pouring your time and energy? Perhaps you’re a stay-at-home mom whose days are consumed chasing toddlers or driving your tweens to and from extra-curricular activities. Maybe you’re a career gal using your skills in office management, teaching, or nursing. Perhaps you’re caring for a senior parent, or teaching a Sunday school class for preschoolers, or working hard to keep a difficult marriage intact. Whatever it is…if you’re where God wants you…remain focused and faithful on the great work He’s called you to do!

Nehemiah sets a good example for us. He and his people had undertaken the project of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. They’d persevered despite the enemy’s threats and taunts. Now, as completion loomed on the horizon, their enemies tried once more to disrupt them. The three ringleaders sent a message to Nehemiah: “Come, meet with us.”

To an uninformed bystander, the request may have appeared reasonable. After all, what harm was there in simply meeting with these men? But Nehemiah was no dummy. He knew better than to fall for the enemy’s tactics. Recognizing that the men meant harm, he replied, “Not a chance. I’m doing a great work! I cannot stop to come and meet with you” (Nehemiah 6:2,3).

As a stay-at-home mom of three preschoolers, I often struggled with recognizing the greatness of my work. I compared my days with those of my friends who’d chosen to work outside their homes and felt like I was missing out. More than once I was tempted to do as the inner voice suggested: “Go find a real job – something that rewards you with a paycheck.” For me, doing so would have meant playing into the enemy’s hands. Thanks to a husband who encouraged me to value my role as a stay-at-home mom, I rejected the temptation. “No thanks,” I said. “I’m doing a great work! I cannot…I will not…stop what I’m doing to feed my felt need for public recognition or fulfillment in other ways.”

Whatever your role, it’s possible you’ve faced (or are facing) taunts and temptations to quit, to leave your work and turn your focus to something else. Let me encourage you to disregard those thoughts. If you’re where God has planted you, then stay focused and faithful there. Recognize that what you’re doing is valuable in His eyes. You’re doing a great work, my friend. Stay where you are until He moves you elsewhere, and you’ll find joy in obeying His voice, not the other.

Here’s a question for you: What’s your great work? Have you ever been tempted to turn your focus elsewhere? If so, how did you respond and what was the outcome?

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Take Nehemiah’s Advice

Monday, August 17th, 2009

I tried to post on Friday, honestly. So there we were, sitting in a hotel parking lot in southern Alberta after a marathon 13-hour drive, trying our best to hook into the wireless (we weren’t patrons there, otherwise we could have hooked up in a room). The scene went something like this:

  • Gene, handing the laptop to Grace: “Okay, here ya go. It’s hooked up.”
  • Grace, taking the laptop from Gene: “Great! Thank you! Now I can post – hey, wait a minute. It’s not connected.”
  • Gene, taking the laptop back: “That’s odd. It was online when I gave it to you. Look – it’s connected now.”
  • Grace, taking the laptop from Gene: “Okay. Let’s get this job done…hey, what’s up with this? It just disconnected.”

 Bless Gene’s heart, he fiddled with my laptop for 45 minutes, trying one thing and then another. We even moved to a different parking lot and gave it another try, but we had no luck. Finally, with less than an hour remaining to get ready for and show up at my niece’s wedding, I had to cast off my good intentions. Such is life. Later that night he discovered that my laptop’s battery was loose – that’s why the connection was intermittent.

Now it’s Sunday noon and we’re driving past Hope, B.C. Nearly home after our whirlwind  1600-mile trip to Alberta. I’ll post from my office when I get there. Here’s the latest devotional….

Several days ago, a longtime American friend told me that her adult son had recently joined the military reserves. She shook her head and said, “I’m afraid of what might happen to him. Hopefully our world will become a more peaceful place because I really don’t want him to end up overseas.”

I appreciated this woman’s honesty and reassured her that she’s not alone in her concern for her son. Everywhere I travel, I meet women with similar fears. Some are mothers whose teenagers are involved in drugs and sex, seemingly bent on self-destruction. Some are moms with adult children who are in prison, or headed for divorce, or struggling with unemployment issues. Others, with younger kids, are fearful of the media’s negative influence on their offspring, or of secular worldviews learned at school, or of the bullying issue.

So what’s a mom to do when struggling with fear for her kids’ well-being? I suggest following the advice Nehemiah gave when he and his people encountered obstacles while trying to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem: “…As I looked over the situation, I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!’” (Nehemiah 4:14).

Whatever situation we’re facing with our kids or even our extended families, we can choose not to let fear overcome us. We can refuse to entertain the frightening what-if thoughts and focus our minds on promises from God’s Word and on truths about His character instead. Then we need to take our positions and do battle on our loved ones’ behalf. This means we stand in the gap for them through prayer, and we take other practical action when necessary and appropriate.

Don’t be afraid…remember the Lord…and fight for those you love. Great advice, Nehemiah!

Think of a time when you applied this counsel and share it with us!

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Thunder, Snowbirds, and God’s Voice

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

I’m sorry for not posting a devotional on Monday, but there was good reason. My father-in-law’s memorial service was held in Washington on Sunday afternoon, and we spent that night with Gene’s siblings and out-of-town relatives. On Monday, we drove back to British Columbia but the trip took several hours longer than expected due to long waits at the border and rush-hour traffic through Vancouver. However, I’m home now – at least for two days – and eager to get back into my posting routine. Thanks for your patience. Here’s today’s devotional. Enjoy!

One morning in Poland, a bone-jarring ka-boom woke me at 4:30 a.m. An electrical storm had blown in, bringing with it a window-rattling display of nature’s power.

Last weekend, the sky over our city was filled with sound of another sort when the famous Canadian Snowbirds flew in for the annual air show. They swooped and plunged, their jet engines roaring as they streaked over Abbotsford in various formations.

The sounds of cracking thunder and screaming Snowbirds can impress anyone. But they’re nothing compared to another sound that Scripture refers to: the voice of God. Psalm 29 describes it like this:

  • The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The LORD thunders over the mighty sea (v. 3).
  • The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty (v. 4).
  • The voice of the LORD splits the mighty cedars (v. 5).
  • The voice of the LORD strikes with lightning bolts (v. 7).
  • The voice of the LORD makes the desert quake (v. 8).
  • The voice of the LORD twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare (v. 9).

Yes, cracking thunder and screaming Snowbirds are impressive, but God’s voice and His infinite, matchless power supersede them. Nothing…nothing compares to Him and His strength. Nothing compares to His might. As a child of God, I ponder these verses and find huge encouragement. Imagine! This all-powerful God loves me. This One whose voice thunders over the mighty sea speaks peace to my anxious heart. God, whose voice makes the desert quake, tenderly calls me by name. God, whose voice strips the forests bare, whispers tender words of reassurance when I feel afraid. I’m humbled and grateful that He treasures me as His own.

These verses also command my respect for God. He’s not to be minimized or mocked. Rather, He’s to be held in high esteem and honored for who He is. He is God – almighty, all-wise, eternal, and holy – and there is none like Him. When He speaks, He deserves my undivided attention and obedience.

What thoughts come to your mind when you ponder these verses?

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A Promise Kept

Friday, August 7th, 2009

 It was Sunday, July 26 – the third morning of the evangelistic family camp at which Gene and I were ministering in Poland. We’d been awake for a half hour when our cell phone rang. The caller was our son back in Canada, and the news he delivered was sad: Gene’s 90-year-old father had suffered a massive stroke and died three hours prior.

Gene and his dad, Tim

Gene and his dad, Tim

My first thought was, Oh no – not again! Sixteen months ago, my father passed away while I was in Eastern Europe and I was unable to attend his funeral. The thought of experiencing the same thing a second time nearly knocked the wind out of me.

Gene and I hugged and cried together for a few minutes before having to head out for the morning’s staff meeting. As we shared the news with our staff – North American and Polish alike – they immediately covered us in prayer. Later that day, we were able to reach our kids by phone. They said they’d asked the people in their churches to pray for us, too.

With nine days remaining before our scheduled return to Canada, our main concern was that we’d remain focused on our responsibilities and the people to whom we’d come to minister rather than be distracted by our grief. God honored our desire through the prayers of His people, and in doing so, kept the promise He made in Psalm 29:11 – “The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace.”

Our schedule at camp was rigorous. Each morning began with a staff meeting at 7:15. Following breakfast, we attended a short worship service followed by small group Bible lessons and then English classes. The afternoons were filled with preparation time for the next day’s lessons, crafts, or a trip into town or to a local tourist attraction with the Polish campers. At 5 p.m., Gene and I taught parenting workshops. Each evening hosted games, campfires, testimonies, and more workshops. We fell into bed after 11 p.m. Did we need strength, especially in light of the news we’d received? Oh yes. Did we need peace? Absolutely. Did we receive them? Without a doubt, the answer is yes.

I want to publicly say thanks to the Lord for keeping this promise. He enabled us to finish the camp well. And He blessed us with the privilege of returning in time to attend Dad’s memorial service on Sunday, August 9th. 

I also want to say thanks to those of you who prayed for us while we were overseas. May God’s strength and peace be yours today and always.

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