A Time for Everything

3 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

² A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
³ A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
⁴ A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
⁵ A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
⁶ A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
⁷ A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
⁸ A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.

⁹ What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? ¹⁰ I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

¹¹ He has made everything appropriate in its time.”

My oldest son turned 4 last Tuesday and for the last month he has asked me over and over and over again, “When is my Birthday party going to be here? Is it today? What are we doing tomorrow? Is my Birthday tomorrow?” He never stops talking and right now he’s going through a phase where he never stops asking questions. Gotta love it!

I guess you could say he was a little excited about his birthday. Apparently 4 is the marker for “Big Boy Status” in his eyes.

However, shortly after his birthday, he told me he couldn’t wait to be 38… (no idea where 38 came from)

Keep in mind, he’s 4 years old.

But somehow, he got it into his mind that at age 38 he could get a motorcycle and take me on a ride then buy his dad, G-Pa, and Aunt Jessie a motorcycle too. So now his big thing is “When I’m 38 I’ll…” then he fills it in with some crazy story about buying a motorcycle, chasing t-rexes, and becoming a ninja turtle. I told you this kid has an imagination!

But my point is…at age 4 he’s already dreaming about the future.

As teenage girls, I’m sure you’ve dreamed about the future at some point in time. Maybe you’ve met someone special, considered how your future may look with them, and possibly even how their last name would look beside yours…

Or maybe you’ve just dreamed about the day you turn 15 and can finally drive or 18 and you can do whatever you want (that’s a devotion for another day)

As young ladies, it’s easy to plan your life before it even happens. If you’re like me…you like to plan and know what’s going to happen next. If you’re like my husband, you like to play it ear and hope for the best.

Whatever your personality may be…always remember that God has a “time for everything.” God’s timing is not always your timing, but I promise His timing is always right for you.

Be patient and trust in Him.

Just a few weeks ago, I ran into an old friend that had hit rock bottom several years back. About 5 years ago, he and his wife both lost their jobs about the same time, they had young babies at home and some health issues in the family that were causing them a lot of stress.  Finding a job was not easy with two young babies at home. We continuously prayed for this family and couldn’t imagine the turmoil and stress that it had caused for them. Every now and then I would run into them and see them smiling and making it through the day, but I never really knew how things were panning out. They always looked happy, and any time I asked how they were they would reply, “trusting God.”

5 years later, I sat down and talked with them. God has taken their mess, their stress, and all their anxieties and blessed them with a new home and a new career path where they can live without worries. It took over 3 years in the valley for them to see the mountaintop but they trusting in God and He blessed them in many ways. It’s amazing how God works things out when His people trust in Him.

Sometimes to see God’s blessings you have to sit back and realize that it’s all in His timing. If you could wave a magic wand every time you wanted a blessing, you would never truly trust in God. In an “instant satisfaction” world, you have to remember that God is still God of the Universe and you are here to serve Him, not for Him to serve you. With patience and trust…you can truly see God’s timing work out for your good.

Whatever “time” of life you are in right now, realize it is only temporary. God is still with you, and He’s just waiting on you to trust in Him.

Praying for you always!

May God Bless you and Show you His Grace every day!

• Sunday was Mother’s Day. It’s the one day out of the whole year where everyone honors their mother.

  One Pastor put it this way…

  “Whether you have a good mom or not, the Bible still commands you to honor her. We don’t honor our mothers because she’s a good parent…we honor her because she is our source of life. Being a parent is her job – being your mother is what she did for you. She gave you the gift of life. Without her giving birth to you – you wouldn’t be here! So honor your mother, just as you honor the Lord for being the ultimate source of life.”

  Mothers aren’t always perfect, but if you are honest with yourself, you aren’t perfect either. As teen girls, I can imagine you don’t always see eye to eye with your mom. (Maybe never) but the Bible tells us, to honor and obey our fathers and mothers. It may not always be easy, but we are called to obey.

  As a teenager, my mom and I butted heads on everything. To be honest, I was a terrible teenager. We argued, we fussed, and I know time after time I put my mom in tears and never thought twice about all the pain I was causing her.  I was cold hearted and only cared about myself. I remember catching her off guard one day crying in the laundry room as she folded clothes. She wouldn’t tell me what was wrong but I knew she was hurting. Despite her pain and hurt from trying to raise two teen girls, she stayed strong in our eyes and did all that she could. She even held back her tears so we couldn’t see her pain.

   

  Its now that I regret every year, every argument, and every tear I made my mother cry. I’ve apologized to my mom thousands of times since I’ve become an adult but there is nothing I can do to replace the painful memories that scar our minds.

  It’s a regret that I’ll always live with but I’m thankful to say that my mom is now one of my best friends…and the best Nana’s a kid could ask for. She spent years on her knees, crying at the alter to God for her daughter’s hard heart to be softened … and one day… her prayer was answered. My mother’s prayers are the reason I’m alive today, saved by the Grace of God, and living for God above. She never gave up on me – despite how mad I made her.

  I tell you all this now to simply say… love your mom. (Yesterday, today, and always)

  Love, respect, and honor the mother God blessed you with.

  She may not be perfect in your eyes but you’ll always be her child.

  What you may not realize now is that your life is just beginning. When you step out of your home, away from you parents, and finally taste freedom…you’ll realize how much your parents really did for you. You’ll see why they disciplined you and gave your curfews and rules.

  It takes time to develop an understanding love between mother and daughter, but I promise in time she will become your best friend. In time you’ll apologize for being a teenager…and you’ll realize how much she actually loves you.

  Every day…

  Love, respect, and honor the mother God blessed you with.

  Happy Mother’s Day to each and every one of your moms!

  May God bless you and show you His Grace every day!

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

With school reaching an end and exams every week, don’t let stress get you down. Exams will come and go, school days will be over before you know it, but one thing you can be certain of, God will never change or leave your side.

As you go through exam week, seek the Lord for wisdom.

As you wait for the last day of school to come, seek the Lord for patience.

When times get tough, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and pray.

Here are a few of my favorite verses to help you through these next few weeks. Praying for you daily!

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” Luke 21:34
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.” Luke 6:48

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 55:22

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

May God bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Yesterday we celebrated Easter with fancy church services, big floppy hats, colorful dresses, and cute matching bow ties. We spent time with family members we hardly ever see, packed out the church pews, and hid eggs for little ones. Most everyone took a million pictures and posted about their Risen Savior on social media. The weather was perfect and the atmosphere was even better.  (yes…the picture above is of my 2 wild and crazy boys. Asher is 1 and Carson will be 4 next month.)

I have to say…I wish people were more like this every day.

What if we celebrated Jesus every day…and not just on Easter and Christmas?

Imagine what life would be like if you woke up every day to a social media feed filled with smiling faces, bible verses, and glory to God. Imagine the difference that could make!

What if churches were filled every Sunday and families always spent time together?

Easter is a great day to celebrate our Risen Savior, but remember to celebrate Him daily, pack the pews every week, and always take time to spend time with your loved ones.

Jesus is not just a Holiday visitor…He is the reason we’re alive, He’s our Savior and our Salvation!

Never forget what He did for you!

May God Bless you and show you His Grace every day!

Day 8: Resurrection Day

On Resurrection Sunday we reach the culmination of Passion Week.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event, the crux, you might say, of the Christian faith. The very foundation of all Christian doctrine hinges on the truth of this account.
Early Sunday morning several women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna, and Salome are all mentioned in the Gospel accounts) went to the tomb and discovered that the large stone covering the tomb’s entrance had been rolled away. An angel announced, “Don’t be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.” (Matthew 28:5-6, NLT)
On the day of his resurrection, Jesus Christ made at least five appearances. Mark’s Gospel says the first person to see him was Mary Magdalene. Jesus also appeared to Peter, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and later that day to all of the disciples except Thomas, while they were gathered in a house for prayer.
The eyewitness accounts in the Gospels provide undeniable evidence that the resurrection of Jesus Christ happened. 2,000 years after his death, followers of Christ still flock to see the empty tomb, one of the strongest proofs that Jesus Christ actually did rise from the dead.
Sunday’s events are recorded in Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, and John 20:1-23.

Praise be to God! He’s Alive!

Day 7: Jesus’ body lay in the tomb where it was guarded by Roman soldiers throughout the day on Saturday, which was the Sabbath. When the Sabbath ended at 6 p.m., Christ’s body was ceremonially treated for burial with spices purchased by Nicodemus:

“He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth.” (John 19: 39-40, NLT)

Nicodemus, like Joseph of Arimathea, was a member of the Sanhedrin, the court which had condemned Jesus Christ to death. For a time, both men had lived as secret followers of Jesus, afraid to make a public profession of faith because of their prominent positions in the Jewish community.

Similarly, both were deeply affected by Christ’s death. They boldly came out of hiding, risking their reputations and their lives because they now realized Jesus was, indeed, the long-awaited Messiah. Together they cared for Jesus’ body and prepared it for burial.

While his physical body lay in the tomb, Jesus Christ paid the penalty for sin by offering the perfect, spotless sacrifice. He conquered death, both spiritually and physically, securing our eternal salvation:

“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” (1 Peter 1:18-19, NLT)

Saturday’s events are recorded in Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40.

Day 6: Good Friday

Today we’ll trace Jesus’ steps on Good Friday, the most difficult day of Passion Week. Christ’s journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death.

According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning.

Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of capital punishment.

Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed him to the wooden cross.

Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. His first words were, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NIV). His last were, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46, NIV)

Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last and died.

By 6 p.m. Friday evening, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus’ body down from the cross and lay it in a tomb.

Friday’s events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.

Day 5: Somber Thursday: Passover

Our tour through Holy Week takes a somber turn on Thursday.

From Bethany Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to the Upper Room in Jerusalem to make the preparations for the Passover Feast. That evening after sunset, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as they prepared to share in the Passover. By performing this humble act of service, Jesus demonstrated by example how they were to love one another. Today, many churches practice foot-washing ceremonies as a part of their Maundy Thursday services.

Then Jesus shared the feast of Passover with his disciples saying, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15-16, NLT)

As the Lamb of God, Jesus was about to fulfill the meaning of the Passover by giving his body to be broken and his blood to be shed in sacrifice, freeing us from sin and death. During this Last Supper, Jesus established the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, instructing his followers to continually remember his sacrifice by sharing in the elements of bread and wine:

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’ ” (Luke 22:19-20, ESV)

Later Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room and went to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony to God the Father. Luke’s Gospel says “his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:44, ESV)

Late that evening in Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed with a kiss by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Sanhedrin. He was taken to the home of Caiaphas, the High Priest, where the whole council had gathered to begin making their case against Jesus.

Meanwhile, in the early morning hours,​ as Jesus’ trial was getting underway, Peter denied knowing his Master three times before the rooster crowed.

Thursday’s events are recorded in Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38.

Day 4: Silent Wednesday

The Bible doesn’t say what the Lord did on Wednesday of Passion Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of the Passover.

Bethany was about two miles east of Jerusalem. Here Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha lived. They were close friends of Jesus, and probably hosted him and the disciples during these final days in Jerusalem.

Just a short time previously, Jesus had revealed to the disciples, and the world, that he had power over death by raising Lazarus from the grave. After seeing this incredible miracle, many people in Bethany believed that Jesus was the Son of God and put their faith in him. Also in Bethany just a few nights earlier, Lazarus’ sister Mary had lovingly anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume.

While we can only speculate, it’s fascinating to consider how our Lord Jesus spent this final quiet day with his dearest friends and followers.

Read More:

Bible Story – Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead