Simple Thoughts

Studying the book of Habakkuk this summer. This little known book in the Old Testament has enlightened my eyes to the world of today. The similarities are striking. A nation moving away from God. In peril. Knowing judgement is coming. Seeking God. At peace with God. He is holy. He is just. He is truth. He is faithful.

A nation living for self. Promoting wisdom and security based on extortion, exploitation, debauchery, ruthlessness, idolatry. In Habakkuk’s day. See any similarities today?

Praise God we had watchmen like Habakkuk who were watching, waiting, and listening for God and speaking God’s truth to a people in need.

Thankful for pastors today who are reading, studying and speaking God’s truth today to a people in need.

Are you living in fear? anxious? lonely? depressed? Confused at the path this nation is taking? At your wits end? Come to Jesus. Pour out your heart. Come to church. Listen to God’s word preached. Study your bible. Learn about God.

All is not hopeless. As a child of God, we can declare, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18

Nothing like a walk along the shore. Feet in the water, in the sand. Waves crashing. Water to the horizon. Time to think. Time to pray. Walking with God. Worshipping. Talking. Unburdening self. So good for the soul.

We all need time to step back. To think. To pray. Conversing with God. Looking for clarity. No, God is not going to draw directions in the sand or write step by step procedures in the sky. He will, however, give you peace in your decisions. As I read and study His word, I know He wants my life- to serve Him in whatever capacity He places me. With a ready, willing, joyful heart and spirit.

Need gas? Go the stop sign and turn right. Need to get on the highway? Go to the stop sign and turn right.

We recently vacationed out of state. We quickly realized, as we got the lay of the land, that our map genie was always telling us to “go to the stop sign and turn right.” If anyone asked how to get to…?, our response was “Go to the stop sign and turn right.” It became a saying for the week.

How many times as a Christian, living in today’s world, do we check with our map genie, the Bible, about: direction in our lives, a mate, how to behave, act, speak? As we travel this orb we like to use technology. It is an important tool when in new areas- where to stay, what to do, how to get there. The Bible is just as important as we travel this orb- open it up and learn where to stay, what to do, how to get there. Learn to trust God’s word as you walk in a manner pleasing to God.

Going for a walk… 90% into the walk, the RR crossing goes down. At first, I think it is bad timing. For a nano second I think about running quickly to the other side. Then, I pause and realize God has given me this opportunity to catch my breath, stretch, and remember how I loved watching trains as a child.

God gave me this train delay because I did need to catch my breath. I did enjoy counting the railcars as they passed. I was given time to enjoy these moments.

As Christians, look for those train delays. When God gives you time to slow down: in traffic jams, waiting on a loved one at a doctor’s appointment, unexpected delays- enjoy those moments. Be thankful and find peace in the delay. As you know, it was God orchestrated for your good and His glory anyway.

Traveling north, I love walking in the grass. It is soft, lacks fire ants and is reminiscent of the grass I grew up with. It is fun to travel, to see different types of grasses, trees, shrubs, flowers. But, is it better? I guess it depends on who you ask. What grows well in one part of the country does not mean it will do well in another.

As Christians, we are called to grow where we are planted. It should not matter on geography. Read, study, serve, engage, support, encourage where you are. Don’t look for greener Christian pastures. God has you where you are for His purposes. So grow, be cultivated and stand firm on His Word.

Proverbs 11:28 “Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.”

A friend is in need of a companion. Can you help? A family member needs a ride. Are you available? A neighbor needs help with the yard. Do you have time? “No” is the quick and easy response. My plate is full. I am very tired. I am sure someone else will help. All of these and more have been my response, at times.

A conversation I had with a dear sister in Christ reminded me of this. In the span of two years, she lost her husband and mother-in-law. She had a lot on her plate, was dealing with loss, and was reaching out. She said people are quick to say no so when she asked me to do something, she said I did not need to answer right away. Think about it, see if you have time and let me know your availability. She was right. “No” was the easy answer but I called her the next day and said, “Yes!” We had a great time together and I was blessed.

Thinking of others, having a spirit of availability is what we, as Christians, are called to do. We are a community of believers, the family of God. Not only will we minister to your spiritual needs, but we care for you physical and emotional needs, as well.

The next time God gives you an opportunity to be a blessing, pause and consider saying, “Yes.” You will be glad you did.

Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

What is happening in your life right now? On the hunt for a new job, a new opportunity? Selling your house and moving? Looking for a relationship with a God-honoring partner? When things look bleak, opportunities not appearing on your timetable, feelings of loneliness washing over you, remember. Look and see. God is at work. His plan is playing out. Cry out to God. Bring your prayers before Him. He longs to hear from us. Then, in faith, believe that God’s hand is upon you. He may not answer in your time, or how you thought, but your faith is not in yourself. Your faith is in a holy, righteous, perfect God. Keep moving forward with your eyes and your heart set on Him. Allow Him to direct your paths. His words to fill you up.

Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him.”

High School. Yearbook. Memory Lane. Looking back at who I was: a friend, a student, an athlete, a teenager. I have good memories of that time. I had no idea where I was going. As I look past high school, who did I become: a college athlete, a college graduate, a teacher, a wife, a mother, a grandmother. My most cherished accomplishment was not done by me. It was done by God. He drew me to Him. Surrounded me with friends who knew Him. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, my past was forgiven. My present is to live for Him and my future is an eternity of worshipping Him.

It is fun to go down memory lane but praise the Lord! I am not who I once was. I am a child of the most high God, an adopted daughter, a member of the family of God.

Philippians 3:13b-14 ” But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

The darkness covers the land, yet the sun will soon rise. Suspects flee police yet cows surround them and are caught. The fire streaks through the forest, burning wildly, yet new growth will occur. Buds form on the trees yet in a little while, blooms.

We do not see the future and at times are so caught up in our trials and afflictions, we lose our way. Yet, the Lord alone is sovereign. He is not surprised by the events in our lives, in our world. Though we may not always understand, yet we remain faithful. While the evils of this world seemingly are winning, yet we remain steadfast in our faith, that our God is in control. We want to fix things, speak out against the injustices, yet we wait patiently for we know God’s plan is playing out for His desired end. Like Job and Habakkuk, we have questions. We lack understanding and vision, yet our God is with us, for His Word tells us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”(Hebrews 13:5) He alone is worthy of our praise and worship.

Habakkuk 3:18 “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Watching squirrels. Always on the move. Looking. Hunting. Scurrying. Keenly aware. Is it safe to run across this field to get to safety in the bushes on the other side? A hawk swoops down and clutches the squirrel in its talons.

Are we on the lookout? The devil is like a roaring lion, seeking, stalking its prey, seeing whom it can devour. He entices with pretty things, popular crowds, convincing the listener with lies. He knows what allures our senses, our emotions. He can be relentless in his hunt.

As Christians, we need to be constantly examining the intents of our heart. Are we walking in obedience? Let the word of God indwell in you richly that you may serve God.

Colossians 3:15-17 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”