Farewell ...

Faithful readers ...

In 2003, the Lord led me to a ministry (Stonecroft Ministries) and the beginning of an unexpected vocation as a speaker, which in turn led to my writing a few books.

In 2005, I felt called to start a speaking ministry of my own, and thus Triple-E Ministries was born.

In 2006, I began writing this devotional blog.

So much has changed over the last 16 years. 

Job changes. New opportunities. And the "biggest" change: My husband and I moved to Tennessee.

With that move, I prayerfully disbanded Triple-E Ministries (although I do still speak for Stonecroft on occasion).

For the last several months, I've been praying about this devotional blog. I love writing about our Lord and His goodness, but it takes a lot of time writing this blog. Since my readership has consistently dwindled, I have to ask myself if that time would be better spent elsewhere.

I'm involved in other areas of ministry, including directing the Drama Ministry at my church, and I have an opportunity to write scripts (which satisfies my writer's heart).

So it is with gratitude-and some sadness-that I say farewell. I certainly invite you to revisit previous posts, and feel free to stay in touch via email. 

May I leave you with these words of hope and encouragement:

The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you,
And give you peace.
(NASB, Numbers 6:24-24)

Hope in God (Psalm 42:11)

Today's scripture: Psalm 42:11

Psalm 42 ends with a question and an answer that have been addressed other times. The question: "Why are you cast down, O my soul?"

Our souls are "cast down" for many reasons. Relationships fail. Jobs end. Health declines. Loved ones leave us. The world continues its downward spiral.

When I wake up every morning to unrelenting pain, when I can't even sleep because of it, it's easy to feel downcast and disquieted. I'm sure you feel the same way sometimes. Even if it's not physical pain that keeps you up at night, I know you often feel discouraged.

It's at those moments that I remember the answer: Hope in God.

I lift my heart and seek the One—the only One—who gives me hope. My hope in God comes because I know He loves me, and I know He has a plan for me. I know each day He gets me out of bed has a purpose.

And so I praise Him. I praise Him for the breath that fills my lungs. I praise Him for a job that allows me the flexibility to rest. I praise Him for a husband who supports me. I praise Him for His word. I praise Him for the hope that comes when I think about eternity with no pain or tears.

I'm sure days will still come when my soul is downcast, but I know that I can—that I will—find my hope in Him.

If you're feeling downcast and disquieted today, lift your heart to the Giver of hope. Search His word for verses that lighten the load, that remind you of the One who loves you more than you know.

Hope in God.

Feeling Forgotten (Psalm 42:9-10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 42:9-10

Many times in my life, I have felt forgotten ... When my dad left our family. When I was abused. When I couldn't get pregnant.

While I never doubted God's existence, I doubted if He really loved me or maybe He'd forgotten me. So, I went on my meandering, twenty-year journey, trying to find my own way. And even if my enemies hadn't asked, I often did: "Where is my God?"

It wasn't until I faced a fork in the road that I realized that God never forgot me even as I turned my back to Him—over and over again. It was a brisk September evening over 25 years ago that I realized if I didn't head down the road of surrendering everything to Him, I would head down the road of self-destruction.

Since that September evening, my life has been far from the world's definition of perfect.

I still dealt with infertility, which culminated in my not having children of my own ... but the Lord hadn't forgotten me. He has blessed me with "children of my heart" who bless me so very much. 

I continue to deal with chronic pain and fatigue ... but the Lord hasn't forgotten me. He blesses me every day with strength to accomplish what He has planned for me.

I have not been forgotten even when the road seems dark; I know He'll shine His light and guide me.

God's Overflowing Love (Psalm 42:6-8)

Today's scripture: Psalm 42:6-8

I have a strong affinity for waterfalls. The sound of the crashing water cascading down to hidden depths is somehow soothing to my soul. I think it's because it drowns out the world's noise. I find myself more in tune with the Lord. Some of my favorite trips have involved searching out waterfalls.

I guess that's why I like verses like Psalm 42:7.

But I love verses like Psalm 42:8.

God loves me! He "command[s] His lovingkindness in the day time" ... He loves me more than I can imagine, and He wants nothing more than me to feel His love flow over me like water over a fall. He wants His love to saturate me and fill me so fully that the sounds of the world are drowned.

I especially love the next part of verse 8: "in the night His song shall be with me ..." You've read that one of my favorite ways to offer praise is through song. But this verse says something very soothing to my soul. God also sings. He sings over me and through me.

Because I of God's love flowing over me and His song with me, I offer a "prayer to the God of my life."

A "Cast Down" Soul (Psalm 42:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 42:5

I honestly don't know how anyone lives without the hope that comes from Jesus Christ. Waking up every morning without the confidence that a loving God is in control and has a plan for my life, for my pain ... I wouldn't want to go on living.

However, even though I believe with everything I am that God has a purpose for my pain, there are days when my soul is "cast down" and disquieted. There are days when the world and all its "junk" attempt to steal my joy and peace.

It's on those days that I draw even closer to the Lord, when I spend more time in His word and in prayer. I praise Him even more through the difficult days. On those days, I remember those verses that remind me of God's love for me (Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16), that He has a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11-13), that He is always with me (Hebrews 13:5), that He will give me peace and hope (Romans 5:1-6), that He will always work even the most difficult situations for good (Romans 8:28), and that I will one day be with Him in heaven—pain-free (Revelation 21:3-4).

Yes, days will come when I the pain and weariness of this tired, decaying body will "cast down" my soul. There are days when the cares of this world will "disquiet" me.  No matter what, though, I will find my hope in God. I will praise Him as I seek His face.

I'll make it through those days ... one day at a time.

A Family of Faith (Psalm 42:4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 42:4

I love the fact that when I find myself with a group of Christ-followers, I'm with family. Since I don't have children of my own, and my own family is spread across the country, I find myself seeking others to be my "family."

I've found family at church ("... the house of God") and in small groups. I've found family in pockets of believers at past jobs.

There's a reason why we're told not to neglect fellowship with other believers (I apologize: I'm having a bit of fibro brain this morning and can't remember the passage this comes from ... I think it's in Hebrews?). Being around other people who share our faith and believe in our Lord helps us to grow in our own faith.

Seeing how the Lord answers others' prayers reminds us that He always does. Hearing stories about His provision assures us He always will provide. Reading of how He's miraculously intervened in difficult situations gives us confidence that He still does miracles today.

While it is important to be in a good, Bible-teaching church home, we can find those "multitudes" that lift up "voice[s] of joy and praise" in so many places. Work. Someone's home.

Just find that place where you feel surrounded by the love of Jesus. Find that family.

You'll be so blessed when you do.

Thirsting for God (Psalm 42:1-3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 42:1-3

I have been a Christ-follower for a long time now ... and I love to talk with God and study His word. But I have to admit: I certainly don't "pant" or "thirst" for Him as I should ... or as I'd like.

I'm convicted.

Last Memorial Day, the day on which we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, I "googled" the question: "How many have lost their lives for America's freedom," and one site came back with an astounding answer: over 1,346,000 ...

Think about it: over 1.3 million men and women have died so that I—and you—can freely worship as we choose. We can go to church without fear of arrest ... or even death. We can display our Bibles, wear t-shirts embellished with verses, and ask God's blessings as we eat in public.

We are so very, very blessed. Other Christ-followers don't have anything like this. They worship in hiding. They risk everything to even own a Bible. They absolutely "pant" and "thirst" for God. You may have already seen this video, but this is such a pure example of thirsting for God.

I'm convicted.

Oh, that I would have a deep-in-the-soul hunger for God, to want to be with Him, to be saturated with His word.

Lord God, help me to pant after You, desiring an ever-deeper relationship with You. Let me hunger after You, needing You more than breath. Be my all-in-all. Be glorified. Amen.

My Help and My Deliverer (Psalm 40:16-17)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:16-17

Praising God, rejoicing in Him ... one of my favorite things to do. And yet, I do often neglect to do so. It's not because I love Him any less; it's just that I get so caught up in "stuff." I was especially convicted of this very thing this morning.

Several years ago, my small group went through Francis Chan's Crazy Love, and one of the study questions asked me to "List the elements in [my] life that keep [me] distracted [from God]. List both good things and bad things." As I went through this exercise, I recognized (not that I didn't already know this) that my distractions stem from pain.

Anyone who suffers from chronic pain or ill health understands what I mean about its being a distraction. When you're hurting, often your focus is solely on "what can I do to manage this pain?" Pain can easily cause a loss of focus. So, when I'm trying to just function, just get done what needs to be done, I can lose sight of God's work in my life. I fail to fall at His feet in praise and worship.

Yet, the irony is that when I feel the worse is when I need to cling to Him the most. I need to cry out in my neediness, knowing that He is my "help and my deliverer."

I can rejoice in Him. I can magnify His name. And, in fact, if I keep my focus on Him, those things that distract me lose their hold. 

A Cry for Deliverance (Psalm 40:13_15)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:13-15

I'm focusing on verse 13 today. Verses 14 and 15 deal with those who were "seek[ing] to destroy [the psalmist's] life," which is something that most of us don't experience. However, we have cried out for deliverance. From pain. From trials. From failing relationships. From financial difficulties.

We often need God's deliverance, and as The Message paraphrases, His "intervention."

While I don't feel attacked by human enemies or those "who wish me evil," I do know I'm in a battle. I know the enemy of my soul wants to drag me down and doubt God's love for me. Chronic pain can do that. It can make me want to give up. My health has been worse than "normal" lately. An over-flowing "plate" has brought unusual stress (good stress, but stress all the same), and that stress has caused fatigue and extreme pain. More than once, I have cried out.

I have echoed the New Living Translation's interpretation, "Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me." On those days when I feel alone, I may use words closer to the Contemporary English Version's, "Please show that you care and come to my rescue. Hurry and help me!"

Although God doesn't remove the pain, He does remind me of His loving presence. He does give me enough strength to accomplish what I need to ... if just for that moment or that day. He does "show that [He] care[s] ..." He does help me.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by life, then cry out to God. Cry for His rescue, for His strength, for His help. He will hear you, and He will answer.

Sin ... Forgotten! (Psalm 40:11-12)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:11-12

The Bible tells us that—when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, when we accept the gift of salvation through His sacrifice—we are forgiven. Sins we've done. Sins we will do. Not only are our sins forgiven, but they are also forgotten (Psalm 103:12; 25:7; Isaiah 43:25).

So, if we're forgiven and if God doesn't remember our sin, why do we often live in regret? Sometimes, we think, "If only I hadn't [fill in the blank]." Or "I wish I'd chosen this instead of that." We allow our "iniquities [to] overtake" us. Our "hearts fail" because we continue to remember our sins ... instead of our salvation.

This isn't how God wants us to live. He wants us to live with the joy of our salvation through Jesus Christ. He wants us to experience His "tender mercies." He wants us to feel His lovingkindness. He wants to "preserve" us with His truth.

Psalm 16:11 says,

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."

This is how God wants us to live: lives full of joy as we live in His presence.

He doesn't want us to wallow in the pass or live in regret. He doesn't want us to be overtaken by sin. Rather, He wants us to be free from sin, living for Him.

That's true joy ... forever.

The Blessing of "Family" (Psalm 40:9-10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:9-10

One of the greatest joys I have in being a Christ-follower is that I'm part of His family. I have brothers and sisters all over the world, and I can rejoice with them when God works in and through them.

I love sharing stories of God's faithfulness. It's one of my favorite things to do. I love hearing stories of His faithfulness as well. When I'm feeling discouraged or doubtful, sometimes just hearing about how God has worked in someone else's life gives me hope.

I think this is one of the reasons God calls us to "assemble" with other believers. We certainly need to listen to God's word through the teaching of godly men and women, but it also gives us the chance to hear what God is doing.

This is also why it's important to be part of a small group. When you meet with the same group of people regularly, you share stories. You have a front-row seat to God's work. I have had the greatest privilege of being part of a small group for the last two and 1/2 years. We know each other very well. We see God's hand through amazing blessings, and we see His comfort through the deepest pain. Without fail, my heart is blessed when I hear of God's righteousness, faithfulness, and lovingkindness through their stories.

We really do need to "proclaim" God's faithfulness and not "conceal" it. Through stories of God's faithfulness, our faith grows.

If you're not already in a church where you hear truth, I pray you find one. If you're not part of a small group of believers with whom you can share God's stories, again, I pray you find one.

Proclaim His truth. Share His stories. You will be blessed.

Delight in God (Psalm 40:6-8)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:6-8

Sometimes, we Christ-followers focus on all the things we do. We go to church. We tithe. We read our Bibles. We pray. We serve the community. We're doing, doing, doing. Then we pat ourselves on the back and say, "Look at everything we're doing for you, God."

You know something? I'm not certain He's all that impressed. In fact, according to today's verses (and others like it), God doesn't "desire" our sacrifices and offerings.

What does He want instead? He wants us to surrender to Him. He wants us to "delight to do [His] will." He wants us to keep His "law within [our] heart[s]." Hosea 6:6 tells us that we should "delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." God wants us to love Him and others: "love Him with all the heart and understanding and strength, and to love one's neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices" (Mark 12:33).

Sometimes, we get so caught in doing that we neglect to just be. Just being in His presence, listening to His voice, desiring His will.

Delighting in Him.

I don't know about you, but I want to delight Him ... and so, I'm going to spend some time with Him. Delighting in His presence.

I invite you to do the same.

The One and Only True God (Psalm 40:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:5

It is impossible to truly describe the wonder of who God is. He is beyond measure, beyond human comprehension.

His works are incalculable. He was before time as we know it, and He'll be long after time ends. He has created all things. All things. This universe and its untold mystery. This earth and its incredible beauty. Each animal. Each person.

Our God is ... indescribable.

Even the psalms, as amazingly evocative as they are, fail to fully define our God ... because He's ... well, God.

That's what I love about our God. If He could be fully known, He wouldn't be God. I love the mystery of Who He is. I love that His works can't be, as the psalmist writes, "recounted" or "numbered."

Instead of knowing Him fully, I can worship Him for His majesty, glory, and wonder. I can praise Him for the peace and joy I find only in Him. I can kneel in humble gratitude for His love, grace, and mercy.

And I can stand in awe of Him ... because He is God, the one and only true God.

Trust God! (Psalm 40:4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:4

Since the fall in the Garden of Eden, mankind has had idols. Some idols have been of wood or gold or bronze. Others have been of flesh.

We still have our idols today. We hoard our stuff. We pay homage to our credit cards. We revere celebrities or sports icons. We respect the successful in business. We spend more time worshipping at the altar of television or the Internet than we do at the foot of God's throne.

We don't trust God; we trust our things or other people.

Then we wonder why we're so discontent.

I used to give a talk called "Joy Stealers" It's about those things that are lurking about every corner that want to steal our God-given joy. One of those "thieves" is discontent. No matter how much we have, we find ourselves wanting just a little bit more. We envy those with a bigger house, a better car, or a more prestigious career.

I then talked about a couple of ways to "arrest" discontentment:

The first is to spend time with those less fortunate than we are. For example, it's difficult to be discontent with our more-than-adequate houses when we volunteer at a homeless shelter.

The second is to trust God. If we believe His word and trust that He has a plan for our lives (see Jeremiah 29:11)—and we surrender our lives to that plan—then we can rest in the knowledge that whatever we have, whatever we do, is part of that plan.

We really are blessed when we "make the Lord [our] trust." He is faithful and will never let us down. Never.

A New Song (Psalm 40:3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:3

As I've written many times, one of my favorite ways to worship and praise the Lord is through song. Old hymns. Contemporary praise. Scripture put to music. My heart seems somehow closer to Him when I sing.

Sometimes, I'll read a verse, and a melody will flow. It truly is "a new song in my mouth ..." I feel such peace and joy in music that I just can't feel blue or stressed when I'm singing praises to the Lord.

There are times, though, when I get caught up in "life" and the song begins to dim, and for me, at least, my faith dims ... just the tiniest bit.

And so I crank up my favorite playlist, and whether it's the smooth harmony of the Gaither Vocal Band (who happens to be singing an a cappella version of "Gentle Shepherd" as I'm writing) or an upbeat MercyMe tune or the profound words of Chris Tomlin, I'm drawn closer to my Lord.

The renewed joy I feel permeates my heart and soul ... and it shows.

I think that's what the psalmist meant when he wrote, " Many will see it and fear/And will trust in the Lord." Music is a barrier-breaker, a bridge-crosser. It speaks an international language. When we're full of music that honors and glorifies God, people can see our joy, and they might just find themselves attracted to the music ... and to the One who gives the music to us.

So sing a new song—or an old favorite—in praise to our Lord. Your heart will be full, and you may just touch someone else's life too!

Out of the Pit (Psalm 40:1-2)

Today's scripture: Psalm 40:1-2

I feel so tremendously blessed that we Christ-followers serve a personal God. Unlike other belief systems where the god or gods they serve are out "there" somewhere, our God is with us, and He hears us when we call to Him. He hears our cries.

When we feel like we've descended to the bottom of a "horrible pit," He lifts us up and sets us on a solid "rock," the rock of faith and grace and strength that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Every so often, I feel rather "pit-ish." Sometimes, stress and an over-loaded plate make me more emotional than usual, and even the smallest things can set me off. I grumble and complain ... if only to myself.

Sometimes, when I'm in the pit, I recognize something very, very important: Often in those times, I haven't spent quality time with the Lord. While I may meditate on the daily devotionals I read, I find I haven't just sat at the feet of my Lord. When I find myself in these situations, I stop what I'm doing and rest in His presence for a while. In those moments, He reminds me how blessed I am, how I am able to do something I love, and how this season is temporary.

He lifts me out of that "horrible pit" of stress and frustration, and sets me on the solid rock of His faithfulness.

What pit are you in today? Cry out to God, lift up your hands, and let Him set you on His solid rock.

Our Refuge (Psalm 34:8)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:8

As many of you have experienced, the last few weeks were a bit rough ... good, but rough. The holidays can be hectic, and adding to that travel, teaching, and social things, it's been ... well, rough.

I was beyond weary, so I found myself seeking the refuge that only comes from God. I was indeed blessed. He is so good! I'll admit, more days than usual had me asking for supernatural strength. Jesus held my hand and walked alongside me ... and carried me more often than not.

Another of my favorite verses about God's being my refuge is Psalm 46:1:

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

I have all confidence that God is with me ... always. When I have difficult times, He gives me peace and strength. When I'm rejoicing, He's rejoicing along with me.

He invites me—and you—to crawl onto His lap and seek refuge in His arms.

He really is good!

Saved from Troubles? (Psalm 35:6-7)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:6-7

A few days ago, I wrote of how God answers prayers. Today's verses might cause a bit of angst in some people. I get that God answers prayers, they say. But one of today's verses says the Lord "saved [this poor man] out of all his troubles." I'm still in a mess of trouble, so is this really true?

Some people go to God's word and pull out a verse and then claim its truths for their own situations ... and then when things don't happen as the verse promised, they then doubt God's entire word.

I believe that God always answers prayers. Always. But we live in a fallen, sinful world, and sometimes, we go through heavy storms. People hurt us. Nature destroys property. We make poor choices. Troubles abound.

So, we cry out to the Lord. Does He hear us? Yes! He always hears our cries. And He always "saves [us] out of all [our] troubles." Really. He does. It doesn't always mean, however, that He ends the troubles. Sometimes, He carries us through the troubles we face.

My chronic pain hasn't ended, and for reasons only He knows, God continues to allow it. Even though my pain is relentless, every day, God carries me through it. He saves me ... every day.

If you're facing troubles today, cry out to the Lord. Let Him hear your voice, your pain. Perhaps He'll take the trouble away ... but if not, be confident He'll carry you through it.

Radiance (Psalm 34:5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:5

Have you ever watched someone speak of God or (especially) sing a worship song, and her face is just radiant? Or someone hears stories of God's love, and he glows with the joy he feels for his Lord?

I remember vividly when my maternal grandfather used to talk about his Jesus. He would literally glow with the love he felt. And he loved nothing more than to tell others about his Jesus. He spent many years as a chaplain at the Los Angeles Rescue Mission, and even among what many would call the dregs of society, my grandpa loved them with the love of Jesus.

One of my greatest joys and honors is to speak about God and His love for us. There's nothing quite like seeing the faces of those to whom I speak. When I share words of God's love and grace and mercy, heads nod and smiles grow. There is a radiance to the faces of those who love God.

When you speak of the Lord, does your face light up with the joy of knowing Him? Can you just not help smiling when you think of all He's done for you? Feel the joy and peace and love that comes only from knowing our God—Father, Son, and Spirit. And let that joy and peace and love overflow!

God Answers Prayer ... Always (Psalm 34:4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 34:4

One of the greatest blessings in knowing the God of the Bible is the assurance that He hears my voice. So often, I call to Him in my pain and weariness. And I know He hears me ... and answers my prayers.

We who follow Christ have a familiar saying: "God always answers prayers. Sometimes He says 'yes.' Sometimes He says 'no.' Sometimes He says 'wait.'" But He always answers. Always.

As I look back over my life, I see times when the answer was immediately yes. For example, our move from California to Tennessee came together so smoothly, it was a clear yes.

A clear no was my prayer for having a baby. I prayed for several years, but with a final diagnosis of endometriosis, I heard God's loving voice say, "No, this isn't My plan for you." Even in His no for my having a baby, though, God answered yes. How can this be? Well, after a while, I changed my prayer to "Lord, if it's not Your will for me to have a baby, would you please give me peace?" And that's the yes answer I received.

I currently live in a waiting season for several of my prayers. I continue to pray for my husband's salvation. I continue to pray for God's will for my health. I have no indication that God has shut any doors and that I should stop praying, and so I pray. And I wait.

God does hear our prayers. He does lovingly listen to our petitions. And He does answer them ... in His will and in His timing.

We just have to trust Him. We need to thank Him when He clearly answers yes or no ... or wait patiently until He does.