Never Alone

"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:20b

I found these words in an old journal:

June 2010
I could close my eyes, take a breath and what I think and feel is this--a deep yearning, a stirring of love; pure, full of color and texture; melody making my heart thump, feet tap, overflowing joy, peace that feels like warm sun shining on my skin, warming me from my head to my toes. That warmth doesn't stop there. It penetrates into my innermost parts. I feel I must take off my shoes because I’m on holy ground. I can't pray fast enough. My words and even my prayer language do not adequately express what I feel, and I surely can't write fast enough. Even now, trying to gather my thoughts to express the depth of love and thankfulness for my Heavenly Father, I can’t find adequate words."

As I read these words I remember the moment I wrote them--it was when I had to put my mother in a Care Facility because of her Alzheimer’s. Everything I could do for her had been stripped away. I had to entrust her to the care of others. I literally fell on my face crying. The words of this Scripture impressed themselves on my heart:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5 & 6

It was then that I started to thank God for my mother and His love for her. I couldn’t find the words to pray, but His Spirit found the words for me.

"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words."
Romans 8:26

I well remember that day, and the hundreds of others, when God showed me His love for my mother and for me. I hope those of you who read this, who are going through the same fears and doubts I had--or have a loved one going through cancer or loss--will be encouraged to trust God even when you feel absolutely helpless. God is nearer than you think and He hears your broken heart.

"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:13

by Eve Montano

 

Are You Thirsty?

"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink--even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk--it's free!  Why Spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an ever lasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David." 
Isaiah 55:1-3 (NLT)

We're more than half way through the summer vacation. Are your kiddos exhausting you with activities they want to do? Have they reached the point where they are bored and look to you for ideas to keep them "sane?" Is the "Mom-Bus" running out of fuel? Are you overwhelmed with detours that keep you from enjoying this time with family?

Take a moment to refresh your spirit. You (and your kiddos) need to re-energize. It doesn't have to be a long, in-depth time of Bible study. Put some praise music on in the background, pick up your Bible and read even one verse (Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 19:1 come to mind). Put your mind on God and inhale deeply. Listen to hear His voice. He promises to meet you.

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show you great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV

Doers of the Word

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
James 1:22

The word of God should spur us into
     doing His will...
     offering love and kindness... 
     strengthening the weak...
     encouraging one another with the hope that is to come...
     building one another’s faith...
     sowing seeds of righteousness and...
     reaping the harvest of salvation.
God’s word is alive and active and should be working in the hearts of all who hear it.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12

To do nothing, as we sit week after week listening to the Bible being taught, begs the question -  “Do you truly understand what is being taught? Have you allowed the Word of God to transform you?" 

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Romans 12:2

Pray for Gods help. He will answer!

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." 
James 1:5

Do you need strengthening? Encouragement? Edification? The building up of your faith, in order to live what you hear, to gain the confidence to share? This, too, is an action. Ask those in leadership your questions. No question put before a loving fellowship is too dumb or inane. Become part of a Bible study to learn more deeply what the Word of God says.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16

God’s Word was never meant to be kept secret. Like a yummy morsel, it is meant to be shared and enjoyed by others. 

Whether learning or teaching God’s Word, let us be thankful for His loving kindness that draws us nearer to Him. 

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:24-25

by Eve Montano

Grace For The Journey

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28
 

Author's note: I wrote this 4 years ago. It came up 'On This Day' on my Facebook feed. I miss my mother but I'm happy she's out of pain. Reading this reminded me of the hundred of little glimpses I shared with mom during her last 5 years. I'm glad I read this. Those of you who now have the heavy burden of being caretakers to a loved one with Alzhiemers - God will give you moments that you will treasure always in the middle of what may seem difficult.
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5/16/2013
I’ve worn many different hats in my life. Some fit me to a "T," and some - mmmm - not so much. At this stage of my life, I’m comfortable being Anthony’s wife; Laura, Mikey, Tony and B’s “Mama”; and Grammy to all the grands and their friends.

The one hat I’ve never worn well was daughter. I’ve struggled most of my life feeling like I didn’t fit (a topic for another time). But the last 10 years I’ve stepped into that Daughter role and God has allowed me glimpses of my parents which neither of my siblings shared.

I was able to care for my father the last few days of his life. After his death, I prayed "Dear Lord, please don’t make me go through this again." That prayer wasn’t answered. I find myself back in the caretaker role and having to wear the Daughter/Caretaker hat again.

God is giving me the chance to love and care for my mother and. although she lives in a Skilled Nursing Facility, my fingers are in every aspect of her life. Unfortunately, her health is not the best and she is not going to get better.

This morning I reached out to a friend. I poured out my fears and pain, asking her to pray for me. She put my prayer request out there immediately and I’ve been covered in prayer all day. The doctors appointment I was dreading went smoothly with just my eyes tearing up. No blubbering! Chocolate, Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt, and a few texts from my Pastor's wife took away the lingering sense of sadness.

The Lord gave me a gift today. While we were in the waiting room my mother turned to me, eyes clear, and said, “You are always here when I need you. Thank you” I looked at her, holding back my tears and said, “I love you, Mom, and you can’t get rid of me even if you try.” She smiled. We talked about nothing important but she was there, even though it was only for a moment. For the life of me, I can’t remember what we talked about - only that we did; then she was gone. I held her hand as she started singing a little tune, I closed my eyes and prayed “Thank you”.

I know many of you are in the middle of the same thing. Nothing I can say will lessen the pain and grief you feel. I understand. Hang in there and hold tight to the Lord. He promises to be there with you!

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."  Isaiah 43:2

by Eve Montano

God's Handiwork

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

For the past few weeks I’ve been out of my element – out of the “normal” circumstances of my life. Currently, I’m called upon to serve a beloved relative whose health status has taken a hit. Life changing decisions will soon be necessary.

My quiet time with Jesus is a struggle. There is time for prayer (before they know I’m awake), but undistracted time in God’s Word – well, that’s nonexistent. As a result, I find myself dry, shallow, and vulnerable to the siren song of the enemy.

You may be familiar with the lyrics. You’re a failure. You’re a hypocrite. You’re judgmental. You expect too much. The “if only” and “what if” phrases ricochet in my mind. Discouragement, even worry, take over.

Have you noticed, when you are busy through your day and the “world” bombards you with constant unsettling messages (political unrest, rampant anger and disrespect in speech, “fake news,” impending doom in the Middle East, Korea, etc.), it’s easy to hear the messages from the enemy and not the still, quiet voice of God?

When all my inner thoughts center on “ME”, I know I’m off balance and need to put myself in the place where I can hear God speak. He is greater than the “white noise” in the background. When I pull aside and focus on Him, on His WORD, His voice becomes loud. All else fades.

It is then I can remember who I am in God – His child, His workmanship. His call on my life is not always in the direction I desire. If it were, where would the sacrifice be – the reckoning of my “self” dead?

This current path is for a season. It looks like a detour, but there’s a lesson in detours. Instead of being delayed without forward progress – or coming to a complete stop and having to back up and retrace my steps – the detour route may be longer but accompanied by steady forward movement.

It’s all good. God is good. His creation is good. His sacrifice is Good. His call is good. The work He prepares for us to do is good. His Song is loud and clear.

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

by Marilyn Allison