Others say, “The Bible’s merely a collection of fairy tales. Who in their right mind could ever really believe the story about Noah building an ark and filling it with animals two-by-two?”

Some regard the Bible as a holy book and treat it with reverence although they neither read nor apply it. Simply having a copy in their possession somehow makes them feel safe, or like a moral, upright person.

I beg to differ from all of the above.

The Bible is God’s word to mankind. It’s written to protect us, to warn, to encourage, and to develop intimacy between Creator and created. Some people might find its words harsh, but oddly enough, the same folks find solace there in times of sorrow. Who isn’t familiar with Psalm 23—“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”?

The Bible contains answers for every issue we face. Its words give us direction for healthy marriages, parenting, finances, and priorities. It’s all there. We just need to read it and then apply its principles.

These Scriptures popped off the page at me today:

“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living…the laws of the LORD are true: each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest fold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them” (Psalm 19:7-11 NLT).

These words describe the Bible I cherish. Its words revive me when I’m feeling weary and beat-up on the inside. They give me wisdom. They bring joy, and they teach me how to live. They mean more than all the money in the world to me, and when I do what they say, they reward me with peace.

The Bible’s isn’t an old-fashioned book written to rob me of pleasure. Rather, it gives me pleasure. It gives me answers, and it gives me an insight into God’s way of thinking. When I do life His way, I will prosper. Neglecting it would be foolhardy.

What do you think about the Bible?

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"Away in a manger..."

I love that carol, especially when sung by children’s sweet voices. The lyrics transport me to another place and time, to that star-studded night in a distant land. They take me to a dark and lonely stable where a nervous young husband coaches his bride through childbirth’s groans and writhes. They help me envision a young couple wrapping their infant in a blanket and gazing on His face with wonder, awed at the privilege of holding God incarnate in their human hands.

Imagine the baby Jesus cooing, crying, sucking at his mother’s breast. Squinting through newborn eyes. Wrapping his wee fingers around Joseph’s man-sized thumb. Demanding nighttime feedings. Spitting up on Mary’s shoulder.

Now imagine baby Jesus all grown up. Need a little help with that? Try this description, courtesy of John the Baptist:

“And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave’” (Revelation 1:13-18).

Wow. This season, we celebrate the baby Jesus—the newborn wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger fast asleep as sheep and cows stand reverently nearby. He deserves our adoration, but let’s not forget to worship Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords. He is indeed, the living one who holds the keys of death and the grave. He’s our Savior, our Hope, our Peace, and our Joy not just in this season, but forever.

Take time this busy season to ponder John’s description of the grown up Baby Jesus.  What part of it grabs your attention the most? Why?

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The next three minutes seemed surreal. As our visiting 2-year-old grandson and 3- year-old granddaughter watched, our 24-year-old daughter dialed 911 while I tried to revive Gene. No luck. He slumped on the seat, his breathing labored. Perspiration soaked his body. Suddenly he opened his eyes, slurred a few words, and lapsed back into his unconscious state. That’s when his breathing stopped. I cried out to God for help. I don’t even remember what I said, but I know it was short. And desperate. Something like, “God—help!!!” Gene started breathing again, albeit very shallow.

“Lay him on the floor,” instructed the 911 operator. Easier said than done. Gene was dead weight, plus he had two cracked ribs—the result of slamming into a wave while tubing on a local lake last weekend. I couldn’t drag him to the floor if I tried, and I was afraid of causing more damage to his ribs, but I gave it my best effort.

That’s when hubby woke again. This time his eyes focused. “What are you doing?” he asked.

I should have turned his question around: “What are you doing?” but I held my tongue and continued trying to do as I was told. “Trying to put you on the floor,” I said.

His face registered confusion. “Why?”

“Because the 911 operator said so. You stopped breathing. Now work with me, would ya?”

Gene’s mental faculties cleared quickly. He knew he’d missed something somewhere: If he’d stopped breathing, and if his daughter was talking with 911, then he’d best listen and obey.

Minutes later, a fire engine with four uniformed men arrived. Next came the ambulance with two paramedics. After a quick assessment of Gene’s vitals, they loaded him into the ambulance and drove him to the hospital. There the staff ran a battery of tests, gave him Benedryl by IV, and scheduled him for a Cat scan on Thursday. His reaction, combined with headaches he’d been having lately, made the ER doc want to rule out the possibility of an aneurism.

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at the hospital again, this time for the scans. Results came back as normal, for which we’re very thankful. Next week Gene will undergo another test, this time to rule out a cardiac event.

Wednesday’s scene has replayed itself countless times in my mind. Those three minutes terrified me. I could scarcely believe that my husband might die suddenly and before my eyes. After the initial trauma subsided, however, we were faced with the possibility of an aneurism. The hospital requisition read, “URGENT.” We knew the doctor meant business.

The prospect of something sinister lurking in hubby’s brain unsettled me, but at least I had a few hours to process the possibility. In all honesty, I can say that I felt deep peace. Many people were praying, and I’m sure that had a lot to do with it. But I also know that the peace came from applying the truth that I’ve been teaching for several years.

Psalm 56:3,4 says, “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you, I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” When crisis comes, we need not fear. What has God promised? That He will never leave or forsake us. No matter what life brings, His presence remains.

If you were one of those who prayed for Gene and I this week, I owe you a HUGE thanks. We’re grateful for your love and concern. To all who read this blog, have a great weekend. Keep putting your trust in the Lord and praising Him for what He has promised. If you have a minute or two, take time to ponder those promises.

My hubby after the wasp encounter...smiling as always.

I can scarcely believe how life has changed since my childhood, when walking to school or to town alone raised no concerns whatsoever about our personal safety. When locking our doors at night was considered a sign of paranoia. When gas cost thirty cents per gallon. Shucks—we could buy a bag of potato chips and a bottle of soda pop for a quarter. If we returned the empty bottle, the store clerk would hand us a nickel. We felt like we’d died and gone to heaven!

I watch my three grandchildren grow up and wonder what the world will look like when they’re my age…if it lasts that long. What freedoms will be theirs to embrace? What will the moral landscape look like? What financial challenges will they face?

What does the future hold?

No one knows what the future holds, but of one thing I’m sure: God holds the future. No matter how bleak our tomorrows appear, we need not be anxious or afraid when we’re walking in right relationship with Him.

That’s true for believers in the context of global concerns, but it’s also true on a personal basis. Psalm 37:37 brings encouragement in that regard: “Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.”

Note that this verse doesn’t guarantee a trouble-free future. Rather, it promises a wonderful future. Big difference. The former suggests a life free from problems of any sort. The latter suggests a life of depth and richness even in the midst of problems.

What does my future hold? I can speculate and I can hope, but I can guarantee no specifics other than it’s wonderful. How about you? What does your future look like?

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Traveling by plane as often as I do provides lots of opportunities to speak with fellow passengers. When I engage in a conversation, I’ll admit that my spiritual antennae are up, looking for ways to share God’s love. Often, the other person makes a comment that makes for a perfect lead-in. Last December, a lady seated next to me asked, “I’m on a personal quest for peace. Have you found it yet?” One usually only dreams of such obvious openings.

As believers, we need to go through life looking for and recognizing opportunities to present Jesus. Peter did so, specifically in Acts 3:12 when people showed their amazement upon seeing him heal a lame man. He seized the moment to direct their attention to God, whose power made it possible for the man, born lame, to walk and leap.

“Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd,” says Acts 3:12. Let’s ask God to give us eyes like Peter’s. Let’s ask Him to enable us to see divine opportunities to share our faith, the reason for our hope, the source of our joy and peace.

Those opportunities might happen on the city bus. They might come at the hair salon, or in a restaurant, or at the gym. We don’t know how God is working in other people’s lives, but we know that He is. And we just need to be alert, keeping our spiritual eyes open to see those opportunities when they come.

Question: Describe a recent opportunity you’ve had to share Jesus.

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“Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens…All heaven will praise your great wonders, LORD; myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness. For who in all of heaven can compare with the LORD? What mightiest angel is anything like the LORD? The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than all who surround his throne. O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD? You are entirely faithful.”

The author repeats one characteristic several times – faithfulness. Unlike humans who make promises and fail to deliver or who turn their backs on those who depend on them, God remains true forever and ever, amen.

According to the Psalmist, the highest angelic powers stand in awe of God because of who He is. Today, allow your heart to do the same. Take a moment to meditate on His faithfulness to you in the past and present. Thank Him in advance for His faithfulness in the future. Write a prayer of praise to Him, telling Him what you appreciate about Him and acknowledging Him as God over all. Doing so will help chase away negative thoughts and discouragement and restore peace and joy.

I pray that the greatness of God will be the wind beneath your wings today, my friend!

Past experience has taught me that praise is a powerful force when fighting fear. And so I put my head-knowledge into practice. I praised God for being sovereign in all (not merely some) circumstances. I praised Him for being wise, and for being faithful, and for being merciful. I praised Him for His strength and for His unfailing love. I also praised Him for redeeming our mistakes and turning them into something useful and good when we love Him. The result? Peace washed over me, slowly replacing my angst with a calm assurance that God was in control and I could rest in Him.

Praise isn’t a natural or easy response when messing with negative emotions. It takes effort and discipline to lasso and corral one’s thoughts. It requires deliberate action to turn them around and to focus them on the Truth of God’s promises. The effort is worth it, for then and then alone is when peace is restored.  

Psalm 35:9,10 describe how I felt yesterday upon making that effort: “Then I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be glad because he rescues me. With every bone in my body I will praise him: “LORD, who can compare with you?”

Fear’s weight lifted from my shoulders. I was finally able to relax and enjoy the ride and the beautiful scenery through which we passed. As we rounded a bend in the road to see majestic and snow-capped Mt. Rainer towering in the distance, I thought of God – the One who spoke it into being – and my heart sang, “Lord, who can compare with you? Surely I can trust You with every circumstance of my being.”

Today the same fear threatens to engulf me again. But I refuse to let it harm me. I’m rejecting its force by applying the power of praise as I did yesterday. There’s a battle raging, but praise will ultimately win.

Can you relate? What insights can you share with us about applying the power of praise when you feel afraid?

The first lesson was about using the sword of the Spirit. Each camper received a Romanian New Testament and was encouraged to read it. Brian explained that simply owning a Bible isn’t enough to fight the enemy; one must be familiar with what God says.   

The second lesson was about wearing the helmet of salvation. Each camper received a knitted winter hat to stress the importance of wearing this armor. Without it, Brian explained, we’re vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.

The third lesson was about wearing the breastplate of righteousness. Brian explained that this means walking in obedience to God’s Word. Knowing what He says isn’t worth much unless we apply His truth to our lives. Each camper received a tee-shirt as a reminder to be obedient to God in everything.  

I believe God’s Word was presented clearly and in a relevant way this week. Several kids placed their saving faith in Jesus Christ. What a joy to see the peace in their eyes and the freedom on their faces. The kids have much to think about and we’re praying that they’ll remember these three simple but life-changing truths.

Bible-teacher Brian and hubby Gene demonstrating the "fight." Brian was dressed in his helmet and breastplate and used his sword. He won!

Peter recognized this truth at work in his life, too. It happened after King Herod Agrippa had arrested and imprisoned him. The night before he was to be placed on trial, an angel rescued him from his cell. At first Peter thought the angel was a vision and his escape was only a dream. But Acts 12:11 says, “Peter finally came to his senses. ‘It’s really true!’ he said. ‘The Lord has sent his angel and saved me from Herod and from what the Jewish leaders had planned to do to me!’”

In Peter’s aha moment, he acknowledged that God was in control of his life. The Jewish leaders had planned to do him harm, but God had plans of a different kind and He had the resources to fulfill them. Guess who won?

When we’re walking in right relationship with the living God, we can rest assured that everything’s under control – His control. Psalm 138:8 says, “The LORD will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

This theme of God’s ultimate sovereignty is especially meaningful to me today. I’ve written a study guide for Moving From Fear to Freedom and am awaiting a decision about a grant application that would provide the funds to publish it and produce a corresponding 7-part teaching DVD. Today, this potential product is being presented at the U.S. headquarters of an international women’s ministry. If it’s accepted there, then the grant will likely be approved and the book and DVD can be produced as an evangelism tool for women’s groups.

I’m excited at the prospect. I’ve seen many details come together to bring this concept to this point. But I’m also aware of the what-ifs – What if the U.S. staff say no? What if the grant isn’t approved? I’ve worked on this project for weeks, I’ve booked a venue and a videographer for the live teaching sessions that will take place this fall, I’ve figured out a budget and filled out a grant application, and the list goes on. My challenge now lies in trusting God’s sovereignty. Do I really believe that the Lord will work out His plans for my life as He promises?

I’m pondering this truth, meditating on it, mulling over it…and I’m experiencing rest, peace and confidence (most of the time!). Would you pray with me for God to accomplish His purposes in this situation?

 What situation in your life calls you to trust God’s control?

Consider problems, for instance. It’s interesting to see how one’s memory of God’s promises often fails when life deals a tough blow. Stress and fear sabotage our minds, and our ability to recall His words takes flight.  

Perhaps this is what happened to several women in Luke 24:1-9. They’d gone to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning to anoint his body with burial spices. Imagine their grief after witnessing His crucifixion. With the scene still fresh in their minds, they may have been hanging onto hope by a thread and fearing an unknown future without the Messiah. But the angelic visitors at the tomb helped them refocus with these wise words: “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day” (vv.6,7).

The women did what the angels said and immediately their hope was restored. Scripture says, “Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples – and everyone else – what had happened” (v. 8,9).

When problems or obstacles face us, we need to heed the same advice – remember Jesus’ words spoken to us. Matthew 28:20 is a good example – “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Our problems look much less intimidating in light of His promises, and we find encouragement, confidence, and peace.

When you think of Jesus’ words, which ones have been especially meaningful to you during difficult times?