Look at this beautiful picture captured by Ray White. While it appears these trees are about the same age judging by their size, it is also clear that each has endured its own storms of life. Each appears to be at different stages of “healthiness”. At any given season of my life, I could identify with one of the trees. Sometimes I may feel as healthy as the tree on the left or as battered as the tree on the right. I may even feel all those stages in one day! How about you?

Difficult times are part of the seasons of life. As a Christian, how do we handle the hard seasons? We must transform our perspective by looking through the lens of scripture. The following scriptures are just a few examples of strength and hope for hard times.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“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 ‭NIV‬‬

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Start your day by listening to this song and allow God to transform your thoughts by giving you strength and courage for difficult times. May we each feel God’s presence as we step out the door this morning and move through our day. Transformation, change, different; all are hard, but sometimes necessary. Know that whatever we face today, God is with us and will guide our thoughts and steps if we allow.

It Is Well by Kristene DeMarco

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in Laity Sunday at church. One of the blessings of standing in the pulpit area of our church, is the perspective of this cross and stained glass window that adorns the front of the building.

Another blessing was hearing other laity in our church deliver a message about ways to serve. One of the speakers reminded us of the definition of laity. One definition of laity is: distinct from the clergy. The second definition is: ordinary people. That is you and I! Ordinary people, called to serve and called to “go and make disciples” Matthew 28:19.

As I was standing in the pulpit looking at the stained glass window, I saw a bird fly up and perch on the cross. I was reminded that God’s thoughts are higher than ours. God sees the big picture. God knows all that is ahead of us. When we feel the nudge and answer the call to serve, God will be with us along the way, providing us guidance, support, and a place to perch.

This Mindset Monday I encourage you to sit still and listen for ways God is calling you to serve others this week. Be ready to step out and trust God to lead you along the way.

Good Sunday morning! Outside the air is crisp and inside my cinnamon scented candle is burning. I have made my coffee and am sitting with my cup of coffee in one hand and devotion book in the other. This is the way I love to start my mornings. How do you start your morning? Do you “seek God” with devotion time in the morning, at lunchtime, or the evenings? Today we have the opportunity to seek God through worship. Will you attend worship in person? Will you watch your church’s worship service via live stream? What other ways will you intentionally seek the kingdom of God?

Pay attention to the verse directly after Matthew 6:33:

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Seeking God first helps us learn to not worry. Seeking God first guides and directs our day. Seeking God first helps us manage and deal with all we face in the day. Today, let’s all seek the kingdom of God first through worship.

P.S. I snapped the above picture one day last week on my way to work. The sky was so beautiful that I had to pull over and capture the beauty. God shows off all the time. Keep your eyes open today as you seek the kingdom of God.

Last night I had the pleasure of taking my daughter, Briley, to see Lauren Daigle in concert. One of the first songs she is known for is “How Can It Be”. As she sang last night, I was reminded again of what the cross means to you and I.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

No matter our mistakes. No matter our failures. God sent His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that you and I may have everlasting life. That concept is so hard to understand, so hard to believe. Why would anyone take our punishment? As Lauren Daigle sings, how can it be?

On this Finish Friday, let’s hold on to the love and grace of John 3:16. Let’s share that verse of mercy with others. Let others learn about God’s promise of eternity through our own living testimony. What actions in your daily life are a reflection for others to see your belief in John 3:16?

Listen to the words of this song and gain power and strength from God’s love and mercy for you.

How Can It Be

Today I am thankful for hope. When my day is gloomy and I feel overwhelmed, I don’t have to be consumed with worry. I can kneel at the cross of Jesus Christ and look up to Him for strength and courage. I am thankful for the symbol of the cross as a reminder of my Savior. I am thankful I walk under the protection of His love, grace and mercy.

Today let’s start our rainy, gloomy day, by looking up to the cross. Let’s look up and give thanks. Let’s look up and have hope and courage. This song by Lauren Daigle can guide our gaze.

https://youtu.be/-4Nx2hEhVRE

When I am parallel with the cross I am reminded of a scene from the movie “The Shack.” The main character, Mark Phillips, who is mourning the loss of his daughter, is seen rowing a small boat in the middle of a body of water. The boat, which represents Mark’s sorrows, begins to sink. Mark’s grief and regrets are consuming him. Jesus calls to Mark and tells him to focus on Him. Slowly Jesus helps Mark change his focus and together they walk across the lake. Since seeing that movie, I visualize Jesus walking beside me, as I “walk on water.”

This Water Walking Wednesday, I encourage you to think of Jesus beside you. He wants to be your friend and partner as you walk through life. What are you feeling, knowing He is beside you? What do you two talk about as you walk side by side?

Below is a link to the scene from the movie.

https://youtu.be/G1OHyINxuRQ

Some days I have big tasks ahead of me that seem insurmountable. Some days the giant in front of me is towering overhead. On these days, I must remind myself of the cross behind me as I meet these challenges.

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, has already conquered the world. No matter what we face, Jesus is not only ahead of us, but He is behind us. Jesus is following us as we meet each giant. Jesus is whispering words of strength and courage in our ear.

On this Transformation Tip Tuesday, as you face obstacles, stay focused on Christ ahead of you and then remember to take a glance behind you at the cross of Jesus Christ following your steps and giving you courage to keep going.