Today’s Reading: Luke 10:38-42

I love to get a new pair of running shoes. I cannot say I love how much I have to pay for the new shoes, but I love slipping them on and then taking a lap around the store to see if they are the right shoes for me. Most mornings, I slip on my running shoes and go for a short morning walk. It helps me feel alive each day to go out and enjoy the fresh air.

There are times when I choose to wear my running shoes all day. These are usually the days when I have a lot of distance to cover and I need a shoe that will help me get through the day’s events. And I must admit, there are days when I wish I could wear my running shoes but the required attire for the day will not allow it.

What about you? Do you find yourself on the go, running from this to that, in need of a good pair of running shoes? Does life have you so busy that you find yourself on your feet more than in your seat? It seems to me that most of us fill our schedules tightly enough that we miss the opportunity to just sit at the feet of Jesus and consider all of His blessings.

“When will you stop running?
When will you stop panting after other gods?
But you say, ‘Save your breath.
I’m in love with these foreign gods,
and I can’t stop loving them now!’” — Jeremiah 2:25

As Americans, we are guilty of running after all of the things our culture offers us. We find ourselves chasing after status and promotion; we are surrounded by messages that we need the newest technology or the most recent fashion. We never intend to chase after the things of the world, but it’s easy to get caught in the trap of wanting more.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. — Ecclesiastes 6:9

God, show me the ways in which I am chasing after the things of this world. Help me to rearrange my schedule to make you a priority each day. When I am tempted to work long and hard, may I hear your voice calling me to spend time with you.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:38-42

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 2

Have you ever heard the analogy that a busy person “wears a lot of hats”? It is simply another way to say someone plays a variety of different roles in their life. The hat we wear at work may be very different from the hat we wear at home or at church. On any given day, an individual can easily play a dozen roles in the lives of other people. Let’s consider changing that analogy from hats to shoes. This morning, let’s talk about our platform shoes.

Throughout history, individuals have been wearing platform shoes for various reasons. For many of us, platform shoes take us back to the fashion of the 1970’s when it was popular to wear shoes that added a couple of inches to your height. The platform shoe was a fun fashion statement, whether you were headed to the disco or going to work. The shoe allowed you to stand taller, be more visible, and gain confidence.

Consider the “platform shoes” we wear when we are asked to play a role in the Sunday morning service. Whether you are making announcements, leading worship, or preaching the sermon, when you step onto the platform, you are stepping into a role. You now stand taller than most of the people in the room; you are more visible and the pressure of all eyes being on you is felt immediately.

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when we wear our platform shoes. We have all seen the comical videos of runway models trying to keep their composure while struggling to stay upright in their fancy stilettos. Many of us have stories of tripping or falling because we chose to wear the tall shoe or the slick shoe instead of the safe shoe. The shoes may be beautiful but it is easy to find ourselves flat on our face with little to no warning.

It is a privilege to be in ministry, an honor to step onto the platform, but with it comes responsibility and intentionality. If I’m not careful, I can stumble or cause others to do the same. Paul describes himself to Timothy as chosen to the message of faith and truth (1 Timothy 2:7). He was called, and he was given a purpose. When we are chosen to lead others in worship, we are called to provide an atmosphere where God has our full attention and the Spirit has permission to do a work in our lives. When we are called to preach, God gives us a message for His people. We often have no idea what those in the congregation are feeling or going through, but the Spirit gives us the words to speak specifically into each hearts across the room.

But it is easy for me to get in the way of accomplishing that purpose. I want others to experience Jesus, but when I stand on the platform, THERE I AM! My presence, with all my humanity and imperfections, can easily become an obstacle or distraction to others. How can I lead others to the throne if they are distracted by the way I live my life.

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

My attitude can easily be a distraction to myself and to others. My ability to truly worship God is limited when I am struggling with a conflict with another person. How can I experience the joy of the Lord when I am angry with someone else or refuse to forgive them? How can others believe that my worship is authentic if they know I am steeped in conflict or quick to run my mouth about someone else. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with grace, I must take care of that strained relationship with someone else in the congregation.

Whether we like it or not, what we wear when we are on the platform can be a distraction to the main purpose of the service. Paul points out that our appearance can get in the way; it can be a distraction or become a roadblock to someone fully experiencing God’s presence or worshipping God. It is important that what you wear does NOT get more attention than what you are saying!

So how do I look in my platform shoes? Am I wearing them well, or am I a disaster waiting to happen? Am I standing in the way of the message God wants His people to hear today? Is there anything about how I live my life or how I have handled myself in the last week or few weeks that will keep my brothers and sisters in Christ from hearing God because all they can see is me? Is my last social media post louder than the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life?

The one who speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. — 1 Peter 4:11

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Do you have a favorite gift – a gift that you will forever remember because of how love was expressed and how the gift changed your life? One of my favorite gifts I have ever received was a pair of church shoes. I know, it doesn’t sound like that significant of a gift, but this gift perhaps changed my life more than any other physical gift I have ever received. In order to tell you about this gift, I have to tell you about two very special people.

There are people in this life that we cross paths with…and then there are people we meet and the trajectory of our life is forever changed. Ron and Donna Pate changed my life forever. They crossed a busy street in Bloomington, Indiana, knocked on our door and invited our family to church. When my mother politely declined, she invited them over to their house to play cards and get to know each other. Again, she invited them to church, and they politely said no.

After many attempts, Donna changed her invitation to a request to take my sister and me to church with them. My mom made up a reason why that Sunday wouldn’t work…and the next Sunday…and the next Sunday. Then my mom used the excuse, “Sherry doesn’t have any church shoes.” Before the day was over there was a knock on the door. Donna stood there with a pair of church shoes. The next day, my sister and I went to church – I wore my new shoes.

I was young but I remember being really scared when she dropped me off at my class. I also remember LOVING church! We went back week after week and soon my parents started coming too. There at Bloomington First Church of the Nazarene in Indiana, they accepted Christ as their Savior and were soon working with the youth group. My dad left his doctoral program at Indiana University and accepted a call into full time ministry. In 2010, he retired after 33 years as a pastor. The friendship Ron and Donna offered changed our family forever!!!

There are three parts of this gift of church shoes that stand out to me. First of all, these shoes represent a life brought up in the church with godly parents. Because of the influence of my parents, I too accepted Christ as my Savior. From a young age, I loved God and would tell people I wanted to be a pastor’s wife when I grew up. Eventually I made a full commitment of sanctification and my relationship with God has been growing little by little each day of my life. I am now married to an incredible man who serves the God he loves and we have three beautiful daughters who love Jesus! The impact of the gift of my first church shoes continues generation after generation.

The second part of this gift of shoes is the first-hand knowledge that I have the potential to forever change someone’s life, just like Ron and Donna Pate forever changed mine. The third part is about opportunity. Donna had an opportunity and she took it. Now I have opportunities in my life. What will I do with them?

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Donna made a decision in her heart – she decided to cross the road, she decided to keep coming back, she decided our family was worth the cost of a pair of shoes. Donna was not rich but God supplied her with what she needed to obey Him. God provided the seed and Donna obediently planted it.

Two good things result from this ministry of giving: 1.) I received a new pair of shoes and the experience that would last a lifetime and 2.) I have a lens through which I can look at the opportunities around me. And in all things, God receives glory for everything He accomplishes through me in the lives of others. I thank God for this gift – the gift of church shoes – it is too wonderful for words!!!

On November 12, 2014, I attended the funeral for this precious woman who changed my life with an opportunity and a gift. That day, I stood before the caskets of both Ron and Donna Pate and said goodbye to a couple who made sure I knew I was loved by them and loved by God. Together with my parents and my sister, we expressed our thankful hearts for the courage of a woman who dared cross a busy street to once again invite a young family to their church.

The gift of opportunity is extended to each of us today. What will we do with the opportunities God gives us before this day is over? What gift can we extend in love that will forever change someone’s life.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 96, 98, 108 and 149

Sing a new song of praise to him…and sing with joy. – Psalm 33:3

Today is a new day. It’s not just any other morning. It’s a new day with new opportunities and a fresh chance to experience God in a new way! It is a special day with a unique purpose woven into God’s greater plan. It’s everything you need it to be. Today is God’s day and THE SHOW IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.

Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves…Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! – Psalm 96:1-2,4a

I love having a new song to sing to the Lord! I love when my worship reflects what my heart is feeling and I get lost in the “dance”. This week I discovered the song “Prayer to the King” by Highlands Worship. The song begins with this prayer: Let the word of Christ, my Savior / Dwell in me today / May His goodness be reflected / In all I do and say / Let the wisdom of my Father / Be the light upon my way / May His Spirit always guide me / I am willing to obey [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZmy0JRBtl8]

I love songs of salvation that celebrate that point of change in our life. What song do you sing because of the place God has saved you from and the wondrous place to which He has brought you? God wants us to continue to sing his praise about the salvation we have experienced. He wants us to share our salvation experience so that others can see that our God saves!

Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! …Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! – Psalm 98:1,4

Sing a song of praise today for all of the wonderful things God has done in your life since you gave your heart to Him. From what has He delivered you? In what ways has He made a difference in your life? How has He shown Himself to you and in what ways has He been faithful?

I will sing a new song to you, O God!…Yes, joyful are those who live like this! Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 144:9a,15

Let’s sing a song of joy to the Lord today. My prayer is that all those around us today will sense that we have been in the presence of God by the joy that we show. If God has saved us, if God has delivered us, if God has healed us, if God has done wonderful things in our life, let our joy be evident!

Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praise in the assembly of the faithful…Let the faithful rejoice that he honors them. Let them sing for joy as they lie on their beds. Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands… – Psalm 149:1,5-6

If you were going to write a song today, what would the lyrics say? Perhaps that is what God is calling you to do today – to write a song or a poem or a love note to Him. What would your new song say?

Sing a new song to the Lord! Sing his praises from the ends of the earth!…Let the people of Sela sing for joy; shout praises from the mountaintops! Let the whole world glorify the Lord; let it sing his praise. – Isaiah 42:10,11b-12

Sing a NEW song! What is God doing in your life now – today? What is your most recent story of God’s faithfulness? It is great when we can tell the stories of the wonderful things God has done in our life but how wonderful to share a new and fresh song of what God is DOING.

What will God do today? I eagerly anticipate to hear from God today or to see Him in action – to feel His presence and be filled with His Spirit. What NEW song will God give me today? Will it be a song of praise or a song of salvation, a song of struggle or a song of commitment? I sit in expectation as I wait for the show to begin.

Today’s Reading: Psalms 55, 61 & 93

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help!
Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. — Psalm 55:1-2

In his distress, David often cried out to God for help. When he was troubled, his first response was to pray to the God He knew was both capable and willing to rescue him. If your heart is heavy this morning, I pray that these scriptures will remind you that we serve “the God who saves”. Over and over again He is there to be our shelter during moments of uncertainty.

O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer!
From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge,
a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.
Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! — Psalm 61:1-4

But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.
Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice. — Psalm 55:16-17

Father God, we thank you for hearing our cries for help. Not only are you there to listen to our worship and to receive our confession, you are there to comfort us when the circumstances of life are weighing heavy. You invite us to pour out our hearts to you, and then you remind us that you are BIG! You are mightier than the waves crashing in on us; You are higher than the biggest mountains we must climb. Thank you for spreading your wings to create a plate of shelter and protection. Thank you for being the unshakable God who consistently steadies us when the ground around us feels unsafe. We love you!

Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial.
You yourself are from the everlasting past.
The floods have risen up, O Lord.
The floods have roared like thunder;
the floods have lifted their pounding waves.
But mightier than the violent raging of the seas,
mightier than the breakers on the shore—
the Lord above is mightier than these! — Psalm 93:2-4

Today’s Reading: Psalm 119

How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. — Psalm 119:103

I fell in love with the Bible at a young age. I still have my first Bible, and I can still remember the excitement of searching to find the text for the sermon or the verse for the Sunday School lesson. Later, I got involved in Bible quizzing and my love for the scriptures intensified as I spent hours memorizing the scriptures and perfecting my recall. God’s word is still a big part of my life today. It’s my favorite way to spend my morning and I find myself hungry for a word from the Lord.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. — Psalm 119:105

The Bible is unlike any other book we can read because it is alive. When we spend time soaking in the scriptures, it changes us. It is God-breathed and powerful. The Spirit accompanies God’s word and speaks to us through the ancient writings. We gain an understanding of who God is and what His plan is for our life, and the Spirit reveals the areas in our life where we are falling short of fully letting God have control. The moment we read the word, it becomes active in our life.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. — Hebrews 4:12

It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it. — Isaiah 55:11

When we long to hear from God, the first place we should go is to the Bible. God uses His written word to speak into our lives, to answer our questions, and to guide us through even the most difficult of situations. When we need Him most, He is there for us. If you seek Him in the Scriptures, you will find Him.

Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
for your regulations are my only hope.
I will keep on obeying your instructions
forever and ever.
I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
I will speak to kings about your laws,
and I will not be ashamed.
How I delight in your commands!
How I love them!
I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your decrees. – Psalm 119:43-48

May God bless your time in His Word this morning! May you hear from Him in a special way as you open up your heart to all He wants to teach you today.

Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide…
I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.
I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.
How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.
Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. — Psalm 119:97-98, 101-104

Today’s Reading: Psalm 29

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. — 1 Kings 19:11-13

Have you ever longed to hear the voice of the Lord? When Kari Jobe came out with her song “Speak to Me”, it resonated with my heart. There have been so many moments in my life when I longed to hear from God; there have been times when I prayed for a word from the Lord to get me through a situation or to lift my spirits. God is faithful and He speaks to us in so many ways — sometimes audibly and sometimes in a gentle whisper.

The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
with bolts of lightning.
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks
and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” — Psalm 29:3-9

Years ago, I heard the voice of God loudly say, “Stop!” I was driving home from church and all three of my girls were buckled into their car seats behind me. We were approaching one of the busiest intersections in town, and I stopped at the red light. When the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and applied pressure to the gas pedal. As I started to roll forward, I heard an audible voice tell me to stop. As I slammed on the brakes, a semi-truck came barreling through the intersection just inches from the nose of the van. I did not see it until it was right in front of me. I have no doubt that God spoke to me that day in order to save all four of our lives — it was not a gentle whisper, but a loud voice.

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. — John 12:27-30

Most of the time, God speaks to us through other people or through His written word — the Bible. But there are times in our lives when God allows us to hear His voice in order to teach us or to strengthen our faith. There are times when He clearly instructs us, like He did for Moses on Mount Sinai:

“Forty years later, in the desert near Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he went to take a closer look, the voice of the Lord called out to him, ‘I am the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses shook with terror and did not dare to look.

“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.’” — Acts 7:30-34

I encourage you to spend time this week listening for the voice of God. Spend time in His word; find a quiet place to sit and wait on the Lord. Seek Him and He will be found — sometimes in a gentle whisper and sometimes in a loud voice; sometimes through a scripture verse and sometimes through a preacher or friend who has been given a word for you. Give God your attention and listen for the voice of the Lord.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 25

O Lord, I give my life to you.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you. — Psalm 25:1-5

I am so thankful this morning that I serve a God who sets a path before me, even when I am not sure where the road will take me. When we put our trust in the One who created us, allowing Him to use us for the purpose for which He created us, we can know that He will be with us every step of the way. And when we stray from the path He has planned for us, He is there to guide us back. He does not leave the journey unfinished and He does not leave us where He found us. If we will humble ourselves before the Lord in repentance, He will lead us back into a right relationship with Him.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.
The Lord is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
For the honor of your name, O Lord,
forgive my many, many sins. — Psalm 25:6-11

This Psalm, written by King David, shows the repentant heart of a man who had strayed far from the path God had laid out before him. He had seen the generous provisions of God, yet reached beyond what was His to take what was someone else’s. This reaching caused him to get completely off balance with God and he quickly lost his way. One sin covered up another sin, which covered up another sin, until the multitude of bad decisions overwhelmed him. He found himself off course and cried out for God to rescue him from the mess he had made. “Lord, I give my life to you…point out the road for me to follow…forgive my many, many sins.”

The same grace displayed towards David is available for us today. Have you gotten off course? Perhaps today is the day to pray Psalm 25 and allow your Creator to get you back where you need to be — back on the path He planned for you long ago.

Who are those who fear the Lord?
He will show them the path they should choose.
They will live in prosperity,
and their children will inherit the land.
The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
He teaches them his covenant.
My eyes are always on the Lord,
for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.
Turn to me and have mercy,
for I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
Oh, save me from them all!
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
Forgive all my sins.
See how many enemies I have
and how viciously they hate me!
Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.
May integrity and honesty protect me,
for I put my hope in you.
O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles. — Psalm 25:12-22

Today’s Reading: Psalm 24

Those who know me well know that fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler temperatures, the smell of backyard fires, and the fall decorations. I love going to Friday night football games and Saturday fall festivals. I love the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas that we often feel in the fall, but most of all I love the beauty of the changing leaves on the trees.

Fall is also fundraising season for the nonprofit I work for, so I have the privilege of doing a little extra traveling as I try to make it to as many banquets as I can. A few years ago, I was driving to Jacksonville, Illinois, for the Pregnancy Resource Center banquet, and I chose to cut through Spoon River territory in order to enjoy the beauty of the fall leaves. Typically I map out the route that will take me the least time, but that year I decided to take the scenic route, and I was not disappointed.

The weather that day was gorgeous. The temperature was comfortable and the sun was shining down on the trees. You could see all the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves. Red, yellow, orange and purple mixed in with so many shades of green. The beauty was breathtaking! Every time I came up over a hill, I would anticipate what the next mile was going to look like and I was rarely disappointed.

To make it even better, there was just a slight breeze that caused the leaves to slowly drift down across the road. It was raining down the colorful leaves around me and I was caught in the beauty of the season. I found myself praising God for the beauty of the leaves and the grand effect the sun had on the leaves as it shone brightly down.

The next day I drove to Shelbyville, Illinois, for another banquet, but the weather that day was much different than it had been the day before. It was cold and rainy, and clouds covered the sky. I have to admit there was very little beauty to be in awe of that day. The clouds were blocking the effect of the sun and the result was that the scenery was much less breathtaking.

Now, consider this. Were the trees any less beautiful on Friday than they were on Thursday? Did they have less color or less variety of colors? No, the trees themselves were the same. The difference was in the lack of sunshine. It is amazing the difference it makes to have the sun shining down on or shining through the trees. The beauty is still there, God’s creation is still quite gorgeous, but its beauty is hidden or veiled by the clouds and the rain on the windshield.

God spoke to me on that second day of traveling. He showed me that there is beauty in every circumstance of life and in every person I come in contact with. But He also showed me that, just as the beauty of the Fall colors is dimmed by the lack of the SUN, the beauty of people is often dimmed by the lack of His SON – the lack of Jesus in their life. Their potential remains the same; their beauty is there but waiting for the enhancement of God’s son, Jesus Christ, to shine down and make a difference in the appearance of their life.

When we think of autumn, we often think of it as being a season of change. The temperatures are changing, the leaves are changing, and the foods are changing. This is probably what I love so much about this time of year. And more than ever, this has been a season of change for Scott and I. We are living in a new community, getting used to his new role, and settling into an emptier nest than we are used to.

What change is the Lord leading you through in this season of life? Is the SON shining down on your circumstances and showing you the beauty all around you, or do you find your blessings hiding under the clouds that today has brought? Perhaps this morning would be a good time to look for the beauty of the season and intentionally list out all the good that God is surrounding you with. Look at your day through a different lens — a lens of acceptance and submission, a lens of optimism that sees the beauty surrounding you. Ask God to make His presence known to you as you give Him praise for the season you find yourself in today.

May the glory of the Lord continue forever!
The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!
The earth trembles at his glance;
the mountains smoke at his touch.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.
I will praise my God to my last breath!
May all my thoughts be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord…
Let all that I am praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord! — Psalm 104:31-35

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. — Psalm 24:1-6

Today’s Reading: Psalm 37

Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act. — Psalm 37:7a

This morning I am soaking in the lyrics of a song by Elevation Worship called “Won’t Stop Now”. I am overwhelmingly grateful for a God whose presence is available for us to experience. As many of us prepare for church, we look ahead to enjoying the fellowship of believers and opening God’s word together. We will stand among both friends and strangers, lifting our voices in worship to the God who has provided for us this last week.

What has God done for you this last week? With intentionality, let’s consider what He has brought us through and give Him the glory. Perhaps it was comfort that you received from God this week, or perhaps peace when it did not make sense to be calm. If God answered your prayers this week, take a moment to thank Him again and give Him glory by sharing your story of God’s faithfulness with someone else today.

I give you glory / For all you’ve brought me through / And now I’m ready / For whatever you wanna do / I’m moving forward / To follow after you / And now I’m ready / For whatever you wanna do / Your presence / Is an open door / We want you Lord like never before / Your presence / Is an open door / So come now Lord like never before [Won’t Stop Now / Elevation Worship / Steven Furtick & Chris Brown]

This was a big week for our family. It was the week of my husband’s presidential inauguration at Nazarene Bible College. We were surrounded by leaders in the church who were placing their confidence in the role to which God has called Scott. Family and friends traveled many hours to come and help us celebrate. God’s Spirit was present, and we had a wonderful opportunity to worship Him and give Him praise for the many lives He has prepared for ministry through the school.

But this was also a week where we were concerned about some of our family members. We spent lots of time praying over test results and asking for healing for those we love so dearly. This morning we sit in a place of trust knowing that God is in control and He is aware of all the details of our lives.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread. — Psalm 37:23-25

This morning let’s soak in the promises found in scripture and know that God is present in our lives — the good and the bad. Know that God will never abandon you.

In every season / Your grace has been enough / And I’m believing / The best is yet to come / The cross before me / My hope on things above / And in you Jesus / The best is yet to come / I know breakthrough is coming / By faith I see a miracle / My God made me a promise / And it won’t stop now [Won’t Stop Now / Elevation Worship / Steven Furtick & Chris Brown] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjoA6n5GfXs