December 12, 2015 Today’s Musing – Walking Off-Leash

Adapted and used 8-20-20

Deuteronomy 5:33  You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.

Psalm 119:133 Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by any evil.

We took the dogs on a walk through the woods today.  This time of year is good for finding natural pathways.  We took along hand clippers and trimmed some briers and small branches clearing the way for future off-road walks.  We have trained Daisy to walk off-leash while we’re in our development which has little traffic.  It was a little scary at first to let her go. They are Jack Russells with very busy noses and a hunting instinct.  Before we ever let her go the first time we walked the dogs numerous times over all the roads and side trails in Whisper Mountain, showing them the boundaries and the way home.  Next I began to drop her leash for short periods of time, staying ready to grab it if she started going the wrong direction.  Finally we resorted to just carrying her leash in case we walked to the main road or if we needed it for any reason.  She often stays behind to sniff grass and will then come flying up past us.  Other times  she will lead the way home.  When Dino spots any wildlife – especially the rabbits or turkeys he tries to pull away and run after them so we have been slower to trust him.  Still today we dropped the leash for the longest period of time yet and he did well. 

All this reminded me of the freedom of choices that God gave humankind.  We have the gift of walking off-leash.  Occasionally if we have made God the Lord of our life he will grab the end of our leash to keep us from harm. God’s Word and the believers who surround and encourage us act as that training tool, setting boundaries, showing us the right paths and the way home to God’s loving care. 

Loving God, thank you for our freedom.  Teach us your ways and show us the paths we should walk so that we may live abundant and happy lives.  We ask in the name of Jesus, Amen.

When Jesus appears as the "least of these" USED

Modified and used 11-5-20

Matthew 25:34-40 (CEB)
³⁴ “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. ³⁵ I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. ³⁶ I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’
³⁷ “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? ³⁸ When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
⁴⁰ “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’

My morning devotion about the eternal love of Jesus reminded us that Jesus promises to be with us even to the end of the age.  However, often we only envision that as Jesus coming to us in times of our particular need.  Jesus also inhabits the lives of those in need - the vulnerable, the poor, the oppressed, the hurting, the lonely.  In what ways does Jesus come to us in the form of one of the "least of these?"  During this season when our hearts are especially in tune with love and giving, let's all pray for Jesus to reveal himself to us both in our need and in the needy. 

Come, Lord Jesus we pray.  Give us the opportunities both to feel your love and to share your love by loving and serving others, especially the least of those whom you claim as your brothers and sisters. Amen.

Thursday’s Musings: Scars USED

Modified and used 7-30-19
Jeremiah 17:14  Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;  save me and I will be saved, for you are the one that I praise.

Looking down this morning I noticed on my ankle the remnants of poison ivy or oak that I got into while doing yard work well over a month ago even while wearing long pants. I wondered if it was going to leave a scar. I scar easily. I have a scar on the knuckle of my right ring finger resulting from a nip by my cocker spaniel when I got too close to her newborn puppies.  I was 5 or 6 at the time. The scar on my right knee is from a bike tumble and on my hand from the fingernail of a college PE teammate during a volleyball game. The one on my left knee is from a running fall on the sidewalk last summer.  I bruise easily, too but for the most part I can’t say how I got the bruise and they disappear. The scars, however tell stories of events in my life. Most of us probably have a scar or two from accidents, abuse or surgeries.  Some of them fade with time or ointments while others remain.  Yet we have other scars, too; scars from emotional pain.  Those are harder to heal.  For these we can look to the healing hand of the Great Physician.  In times of physical or emotional pain I often use the above scripture as a breath prayer, repeating it over and over. I know that God has healed the scars from past hurts although some of the memory lingers to remind me of God’s healing and of the lesson I learned from it all.  Look to God when you hurt and you can receive healing, too.

Healing God, you know our scars. You know our pain.  We ask your healing today. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Duets with God USED

Modified and used 4/2/20

Leviticus 26:12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.

I have been listening to the new Barbara Streisand album “Partners” on my morning walks.  The playlist contains some of her most popular songs and then some newer ones. Each is a duet with another well-known artist. It even includes “Love Me Tender” with Elvis.  He sounds good for a dead man.  The addition of a new voice to an old standard like “People” or “Evergreen” brought new color and interpretation to the song. Instead of the singer accompanying Barbara on her arrangement, she adapted to new arrangements.  It is good to have others to do things with.  We can help bring out the best in each other.  Scripture tells us in many ways that God promises to be among and with us helping bring out the best in us, too.  Even though I walk through the valley of death, I fear no evil for Thou art with me.

Thank you Lord for walking with us and giving us strength, hope and inspiration for life. We ask your care this week for those who need you most but realize it the least.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Everyday Memories USED

Tuesday’s Musings: Everyday Memories Modified and used Wednesday 2/26/20
Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

This morning’s walk inspired two Musings based upon the playlists on my iPhone.  I listened to songs Joe and I compiled for our trip along Route 66.  The trip wasn’t inexpensive but the memories of the good times we had and the things we saw are worth it.  I haven’t travelled as extensively as some folk but I have been blessed to have wonderful experiences to remember from trips among others to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Toronto, California and Wyoming and of course the Holy Land; from showing horses in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida. These are special memories that will stay with Joe and me long after we are too old or infirm to make those trips. And yet as I thought through this, I realized that God has blessed us equally with everyday memories: “Good-bye, I’m off to work” kisses, holding hands and saying grace around the dinner table as a family, cheering our sons on in the Tucker High band, evening walks, trips to the park with the dogs, sitting at the kitchen table with friends and many more.  God blesses us in large and small things.  I try to remember each day that my blessings come from God and to offer thanks for that.

God of all Creation, sometimes I wonder at your attention to us, so small and insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe and yet we constantly feel your love and care.  Thank you, thank you and again thank you, Lord for all you have done. Amen.        We have a special prayer request for Joe’s brother Bob Pritchard who was admitted to the hospital last night with shortness of breath and is on a respirator.  The event is coronary related and we are waiting the results of tests.

Blessings,
Paige

Monday’s Musings: Three Words

1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Every morning during the week as he leaves for work Joe wakes me up by kissing me goodbye and saying “I love you.”  Don’t think I’m a late sleeper; he often leaves at 5:30 AM.   Those three words mean so much to me. When I get up I turn on the morning news, give the dogs their dental chew and pour a cup of coffee.  It’s then that I’m confronted daily with three more words, “Shot and killed.”  “Shot and killed” over and over along with the details of yet another overnight shooting.  Why do so many people grow up believing that a gun is the way to solve differences?  How can we bring the teaching of good core values back into parenting and our education system? Maybe the question should be how may we as the Church support parents, especially single parents and how may we show young children the love and affection and caring they must have before they can develop those attributes towards others? It is a subject that causes me as a pastor great distress.  My comfort comes from another three words, “God loves us.”  Let’s show that love to someone else today; even better, if given the opportunity, let’s show it to a child.

Father God, we pray that children will grow up with the type of love and care that will prevent them from living lives of crime and violence.  Bless and strengthen parents and families and those who love and serve them.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Thursday’s Musings: Answer the Phone!

Psalm 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

I have had a very frustrating two days when it comes to getting people on the phone. With the exception of our son and my husband or our church shut-ins, the vast majority of the time I call someone is because I need to get or to give information. I don’t call folks up just to chat because I’d rather do that in person.  It seemed that no one was answering their phone and I found some wouldn’t even be back in their offices until next week, leaving me with important unanswered questions.  I wonder why I seem to never get anything but voicemail for some folk to the point I’m surprised if they actually answer.  Expressing my frustration to my co-worker I said, “Thank goodness when we call God we can be assured that he always listens.”  Still sometimes I think we treat our prayers like leaving voice mails for God, not really expecting a response. While we may not carry on an audible conversation with God, we can hear his answer if we just open ourselves up to the ways in which God can and does communicate with us.

Thank you Lord, for always hearing our call.  Help us to be open to hearing you answer.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

On this day, let us remember those who lost their lives to terrorist attacks on our country and let’s continue to pray for justice and world peace to prevail.

Blessings,

Paige

Thursday's Musings: A Good Noticer is a Good Listener USED

Modified and used 12-11-20

1 Corinthians 15:51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed

It seems to be impossible to watch the local channels now without seeing the political ads of Michele Nunn and David Perdue.  Because I was raised to believe that truthfulness was to be highly valued, I really dislike political campaign ads.  They are so very often filled with half-truths that insinuate things that are not true at all.  We need more news casts that analyze these claims line by line and either affirm or refute them.
The sad part is that too many people just take these political ads at face value, believing them to be true because after all, they are on TV.  To be a good noticer, one must be a good listener, too.  Jesus says, “Listen.”  He says other things like, “My sheep hear my voice” and “He who has ears, let him hear.”  Jesus wants us to hear with understanding. Everyone we encounter has a story. We may never hear all of it.  Sometimes it’s difficult for folk to be trusting enough of others to open up and share.  Good listeners learn to read between the lines.  It is a key to understanding and to better relationships with one another and with our Heavenly Father.

Creator God, who has given us the power to hear and to understand, please help us to truly listen to all presented to us; to discern the truth so that we may be confident in the opinions we form.  Help us to notice those who need to tell their stories to someone.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: My Week as a Noticer Part Two

Philippians 2:3-4 (CEB)  Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.

Yesterday I related the incident of noticing a neighbor during my Monday morning walk crying as they put another neighbor into an ambulance.  I shared how we held hands and prayed.  This was the first time I had met Blanca but we immediately connected in prayer.  What I didn’t share was that yesterday morning during my walk I found a nice hardcover devotional book in the road.  There were several black bags near it on the curb. When I checked they were filled with sodden books including The Baptist Hymnal and other faith-centered books.  I bet that homeowner’s basement had flooded in these terrible rains.  This book however must have escaped the bag and although obviously not brand new was unharmed.  I was familiar with the book and liked it very much.  I carried it with me and left it on Blanca’s doorstep.  Today as I walked past her house I noticed the book was gone.  She came running out of the house and asked if I had left the book. I said that I had and she said, “I knew it was you.  Thank you so much!  I had to go to a meeting and I was anxious.  I didn’t bring my Bible with me when I moved and wanted it.  I asked God for direction and He seemed to lead me to read the devotion for February 28^th instead of August 19^th.  It was perfect for my day.” 

She told me that Trish was home from the hospital and would be having hip surgery soon and I told her my concern had been positively resolved.  God is good; especially when we take time to notice others.

Thank you, God for all your love and care.  Help us to share that in word and deed with others.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a great day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Becoming Noticers

Modified and used 9-28-20 

Matthew 15:1-2 Rules from the elders -  Then Pharisees and legal experts came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,  “Why are your disciples breaking the elders’ rules handed down to us? They don’t ritually purify their hands by washing before they eat.”

This past Sunday my message was on the conflict between Jesus and some of the religious leaders.  They were hung up on the observation of man-made traditions while they themselves ignored the commandment of God to honor their parents by refusing to help them.  Instead they said they consecrated their funds to God.  We pointed out that while they were noticing people breaking the rules, Jesus was noticing those who were around him who needed love and healing and caring.  I challenged those in the congregation to become noticers.  Noreen Conort noticed one of my plants was dying and repotted it.  Yesterday morning I noticed an ambulance & fire truck on a neighborhood street.  EMT’s carried someone out of the house on a stretcher and put them in the back of the ambulance.  I noticed a young woman standing in her own driveway wiping away tears.  I immediately walked up to her and said, “Does anyone need prayers? I’m a pastor.”   She explained that our neighbor Trish who has a bad hip had been putting off needed surgery.  However she had been unable to get out of bed even with help for the past few days and needed professional transport to get her to the hospital.  I had prayed with and for Trish in the past.  My new friend Blanca and I held hands in the driveway and I felt the power of the Holy Spirit working through me as we prayed a powerful prayer together for Trish with praise for our EMT’s and good neighbors.  She said, “Sometimes when you need prayer the most God sends someone along to pray for you.”  I revealed that I had been praying for myself that morning and really needed someone to pray with me.  God helped me achieve the peace I needed as I was helping someone else. Whom can you notice today?

Loving God, I pray you continue to be with Trish and place your healing hand upon her hip.  I pray for Blanca and her little girl Madison as they settle into Hapeville.  I praise you for answering prayer for myself. And we pray you will help us notice others who need our care.  We offer this in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: When Life Takes Unexpected Turns USED

Modified 4-28-20
James 4:13-14 (CEB)  Pay attention, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such-and-such a town. We will stay there a year, buying and selling, and making a profit.”  You don’t really know about tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for only a short while before it vanishes.

Yesterday I woke to the message that someone close to me had sustained an unexpected and serious injury.  I dressed in record time, threw the coffee Joe had made for me in two travel mugs and then spent the entire day in the ER and then a doctor’s office where he received outpatient sutures.  When I finally left him resting at home I returned to my home to the news that beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams had passed away, apparently taking his own life.  Times like these remind us that life is fragile, that we never know completely what the day might bring and that we should love one another dearly while we have them with us.  It also reminds us that we must think of the legacy we will one day leave behind and if we have the faith and relationship with God that will assure our continuance of life even after these jars of clay that house our souls are no longer.

Loving God, I pray you will continue to heal my friend, comfort his family and the family of Robin Williams and all who have lost loved ones suddenly in the past.  May we look to you for the example of love and grace.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Have a Blessed Day,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: An Ever Present Help

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Just as I left the parsonage this morning for a walk, the Hapeville garbage truck came down our street. An odious smell always follows along with it.  I thought I would just alter my route, cut through the Christian Church parking lot and walk down Old Jonesboro road.  Of the three directions it could have gone, the truck came down the street after me.  I ran down Old Jonesboro to stay ahead of it.  I mean it is a really BAD smell, one that can turn your stomach. What do people put in their trash cans?  At the foot of the hill I turned right and sought refuge in the park.  There are no trash receptacles lining the road around the ball fields or in Master Park. I am glad that there are parks so near our home in Hapeville. They are shady and quiet and a good place to walk and commune with nature and God.  We each need people and places of refuge in our life.  It may be a quiet place in nature, a good friend, an altar railing or even a good book.  Above all scripture tells us that God is our refuge and strength; always near when we are troubled.

Holy God, thank you for being our refuge and strength.  Today we turn our many cares over to you.  Help us to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

 

Wednesday’s Musings: Be Ready!

Matthew 25:13 (NLT)  “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

Sunday my sermon was on the parable of the ten bridesmaids who were on watch for the bridegroom to welcome him into the wedding banquet.  Five were foolish and did not bring enough oil for their lamps and when the bridegroom was delayed they found themselves without enough oil.  The parable concludes with the above verse. 

The point is we must stay prepared.  Jesus says no one, only the Father knows the day or hour of his second coming.  Still we are most likely to go to Jesus in heaven before Jesus returns here.  And even with that we must be ready because we really don’t know when that might happen.  Monday we attended the funeral of an acquaintance who had just recently turned 43.  It was a tremendously sad time for his sweet wife, little girls, family and all who knew him.  Our consolation is that we know he was ready to face Jesus.  He had lived a wonderful Christian life.  We must be ready, too.  Don’t go to bed with unspoken apologies.  Be ready; know if you leave earth today that you made a positive mark on the lives of others.  Be ready; know that you have not just head belief in Jesus (which alone won’t get you into heaven) but you have a heart faith and have lived as a disciple.  Are you ready?

Heavenly Father, help us to grow in our faith so that when the time comes for us to stand before Your throne that we will be ready.  We ask in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have a lovely day.

Paige

Friday's Musings: Rethinking the Cross

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Galatians 6:14  But as for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through him, and I have been crucified to the world.

 Yesterday morning as I put on a red leather wrap bracelet I admired the jeweled infinity symbol clasp.  It made me think of God's infinite, yes never ending love.  I thought that this symbol instead of the cross might be a better sign for Christians to use. But then something or someone reminded me that God's love is not just a touchy feely love. God's infinite love is a love willing to make tremendous sacrifice for us; even the death of his own Son on the cross.  We use the symbol of the cross to help us remember not just the length but also the depth of God's love.

Loving God, help us to never forget the cross even when we long for a symbol that is less remindful of the pain suffered by our Lord Jesus.  Help us to have a good weekend and to share your love with others. Amen.

Happy Friday!
Paige

 

Thursday's Musings: Where We Carry Things

Used theme but not exact text 8-7-19

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

The other day I saw a photo on TV of a younger picture of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.  He was really stylin’ with a black turtleneck, gold chain and …….a fanny pack!  He had his thumb hooked onto said fanny pack to show how cool he was. I don’t know why we call them fanny packs since people usually carry them in front.  I have one that I used to take to the annual elementary school December craft show.  The place was always so crowded that I didn’t want a purse that would be knocking into people. I’ve used it when hiking in the mountains because I don’t like leaving my wallet in the car.  Now Joe has a hiker’s backpack.  When I was in seminary I carried a backpack for my books and instead of a purse. Whether we carry our stuff on our tummy, on our arm, in our hands or on our back we can easily put them down when we want.  It’s not so easy when we are carrying the burden of troubles.  Maybe we are heavy-hearted, have the weight of the world on our shoulders or have a knot in our stomach.  When we can’t seem to put them down Jesus says, “Give them to me.”  Jesus, who carried a cross knowing it would be the instrument of his impending death can certainly carry whatever load we give to him.

Thank you, Lord Jesus for offering freedom from burdens and rest in you. We ask that you help us turn our troubles over to you, trusting in your loving care.  In your name we pray. Amen.

Prayer request:  Please pray for my friend and fellow pastor Allyson Lawrence and her little girls and the Lawrence family.  Her sweet husband Kevin who was only 43 died of a heart attack early yesterday evening.

Blessings,
Paige

Wednesday’s Musings: Finding Contentment USED

Modified and used 8-26-19 USED

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

There were so many scriptures returned this morning when I did a search on God’s provision that I found it difficult to choose only one.  Alfred Nobel said, “Contentment is the only real wealth.”  A great number of people devote much time seeking happiness but we know there is a difference between being happy and being content.  To be content means to be satisfied over all with life.  Happiness is temporary; it comes and goes with mood and situation.  I believe one can be content without being happy all the time but it is much more difficult to be happy without being content. What helps me be more content?  My trust in God and God’s provision.  To seek first the kingdom of God because influences my priorities. This helps us eliminate the desires for things beyond our reach and the dissatisfaction we feel when we can’t have these things.

Prayer from 2 Corinthians 9:8-11  Loving God, you have the power to provide us with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, we’ll have everything we need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work. As it is written, “He scattered everywhere; he gave to the needy; his righteousness remains forever.”  We know that you who supply seed for planting and bread for eating will supply and multiply our seed and will increase our crop, which is righteousness. Then we will be made rich in every way so that we can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to you God for all of your provision. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Tuesday’s Musings: Yearning to watch GNN

Modified and used 11-19-20

Luke 8:1  After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.

Buying a new home usually involves getting utilities either changed over into your name or newly installed.  When we arrived in NC this past Friday we had no cell phone service, television or internet.  That meant for me no Facebook, no calling my friends, no email, no Google and no TV. I suffered major withdrawal!  It was very rainy and we had to stay at the house to wait on the cable and internet installers. The side benefit was that there  was no bad news to hear. No shootings, no tragic wrecks or weather or plane crashes; no war stories and no political mudslinging.  Yeah!  I thought how nice it would be to start GNN – the Good News Network.  Jesus had one, maybe we should ask for one, too. I’d like one that just had stories of human triumph and generosity and great things going on in communities around the world.  In the meantime we can have our own personal GNN by sharing the joy of Christ and our faith with others.

Loving God, The newscasts we watch to stay informed are filled with so much sadness and evildoings.  Help us to find good news to balance out those things that cause our hearts to be heavy.  Bring good news into our lives each day that we in turn may share with others.  Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

 

 

Monday’s Musings: Under Wraps

Modified and used 5-12-20
2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

Joe and I and a number of folk from church went to McDonough yesterday to visitation after the death of another church member’s sister. On the way back to Hapeville I noticed two flatbed trucks carrying large loads that were wrapped in heavy black plastic.  I wonder what they were transporting under wraps.  Then I thought about how we describe things we keep to ourselves as being “under wraps.”  Are you tired and troubled?  God will bring you among people who care. Are you happy in your faith? God wants you to share that with others.  I’ve never noticed this morning’s beautiful verse until today when I searched the scriptures for sharing.  I’m imagining groups of Christians coming together in faith and friendship, caring for and supporting one another and then going out to share Christ with the world.  To me that is the Kingdom of God on the earth.

Loving God, thank you for Jesus who taught us about the Kingdom.  May our lives this week reflect your love for us.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Blessings,
Paige

Thursday’s Musings: The Busy Brain Shuffle

Thursday’s Musings - The Busy Brain Shuffle  Modified and used 2-9-20
Luke 10:41-42 The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.” 

I sometimes use the Shuffle feature for my iPhone playlists when I’m walking.  I did that the other day and enjoyed the music as it jumped randomly from one song to another.  I suddenly thought how much that reminded me of my brain at times and immediately recalled this scripture.  I want to be Mary and sit still and learn from Jesus but often I’m more like Martha, scurrying about with a hundred things on my mind.  Let’s remember Psalms 46:10-11. “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Lord, when we get too busy for our own good, help us to slow down and be still and remember that you, our God will provide for us all that is necessary.  In Jesus name, amen.

In Christ,
Paige

Wednesday's Musings: An Immediate Answer to Prayer USED

Modified and used 3/4/21

1 John 5:14-15  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

Yesterday I had a discussion with my assistant Randy about my prayer times.  I said often when I pray and ask God for direction the answers don’t come right away.  They usually come when I am walking or doing some mindless task that doesn’t require concentration.  Today I was blessed to be able to take a long walk and to sit in the park for awhile.  I pondered something I heard on a news program.  It was a follow-up to the story of a stalker getting into Sandra Bullock’s home. He had notes saying that they were married and her child was his.  He was obviously deranged.  The analyst said that social media has led many to feel a familiarity with celebrities that goes beyond what it should. 

I then thought about our relationship with God.  I wondered if we have become too familiar with God; if we don’t think of him as some benevolent being in the sky. I thought about scriptures that say God brought fear (awe) and trembling to those in his presence.  Is God our friend? How will it feel to stand before his throne in the heavens?  How would I react if I could sit now at Jesus’ feet?  I prayed some favorite lines from the Psalms then decided to read some more on my iPhone NIV app.  To my surprise when I opened it, Ephesians 3 beginning with verse 14 immediately appeared. It is a wonderful prayer by Paul for the Ephesians.  Then I scrolled up to the beginning of the chapter and found my answer in verse 12.  “In him (Christ) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”  Praise be to God for listening to my question and providing the perfect answer. 

A Prayer for the Ephesians

4:14-19 For this reason I kneel before the Father,  from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Amen.

Blessings,

Paige