Most of the time caregivers are overlooked. Rightly so, the dependent needs our attention. Whether a person gives care to young children, the sick, the disabled, or the elderly, I had them in mind when writing this note of encouragement. Blessings on your day.
To the Caregiver
Someone needs to hear today
that their doing is
worthwhile.
It isn’t glamorous,
flashy or very exciting,
but someone needs you.
Your someone depends on
you.
What a gift to be
needed.
It may be draining
and wearisome and
monotonous.
And yet the gift
we give everyday
is in the giving of
ourselves;
the hands and feet
of Christ manifested
in our serving
the one in need.
Your service might be
for a season or lifelong,
but I want to tell you
-it matters.
How we care for the ones
given to us demonstrates
the love and patience
of Jesus
or becomes a
missed opportunity.
Keep moving forward
in moments of despair
or frustration.
God is there.
God is here.
He sees you
and leans in
when we ask
to operate in His
strength, not ours.
The Lord’s grace will be
enough
in your weakness.
Don’t lose heart.
The power of God
is demonstrated in our
weakness,
The love of Christ
displayed in our actions,
The Spirit comforts
and encourages us to
persevere
another day.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” -Isaiah 40:29
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” -Psalm 27:14
I believe it was J. I. Packer who said, “Trust God and get going.” Waiting is active, faith building muscle with every decision. It takes courage and discernment which the Holy Spirit provides when the Christian asks for it (James 1:5). Throughout this psalm David is steadily trusting in God’s character and promises. This verse is no different, except now action must be taken on his part. Wait on God.
When Christians pray, we bring praises and petitions to the Throne of Grace. The believer must then trust God’s will through those prayers. As we wait for Him to act the believer is also obeying what he already knows to be true in Scripture. Faith is not a passive activity where we treat Yahweh like a genie and sit on our hands. Nor is the faithful Christian to approach life apathetically, with a hyper focus on God’s Sovereignty, thereby excusing man’s responsibility. God has granted Christians the privilege to co-labor with Him. So then, we commit ourselves to His kingdom work each day with courage and power from the Spirit.
For David, and all Christians with seen and unseen enemies, we are to leave room for God’s power and His wrath. Vengeance belongs to Him and He will repay with perfect justice (Romans 12:17-21). This is something David understood, as he entrusted himself to the Lord’s care in this psalm. The longer a believer faithfully walks with God, the more enemies he will accumulate. This is actually a good thing, for if the Christian finds they get along with the world just fine then what it is they are conforming to? Believers are united to one another through Christ, but divisive to worldly standards of doing what is right in our own eyes (Romans 1:18-32).
Truth is hated, therefore God is, so Christians should expect opposition and persecution. It may take on extreme measures, like for David, who ran for his life. It could cost us our jobs, homes, or relationships. Typically in the western world it looks like cancel culture. Being snubbed, treated unfairly, overlooked with intent- these are all ways to inflict harm without directly bearing responsibility. This too, is in the Father’s hands.
The comfort believers have when despised is that nothing is permitted without the Father’s consent. If He allowed David to literally run for his life, it was meant to strengthen his faith, as well as us. Because of David’s experiences we have the beautiful psalms he penned to sustain us in our own weariness. Conformity to Christlikeness is more important to God than easy living. If God knows what is best for His people, and He does, then it is wise to wait for Him to act and not operate out of our own strength. Stay diligent in obedience, trusting in the Almighty’s way. He is our fortress against evil doers and suffering. What then, do we have to fear?
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” -Psalm 27:13
I remember when I was young we would visit my aunt’s family in the neighboring county. It was only about a 45 minute drive, but it felt like forever. Car rides seemed so long back then. I don’t think my sister or I ever said “Are we there yet?” out loud, but I definitely thought it. Sometimes we are tempted to get impatient with the Lord’s timing, “why hasn’t He returned yet?” Perhaps we get restless with the monotonous landscape of our lives, or we just want quick relief from all the heaviness life throws at us. Are we almost Home yet? How much further until we get there?
David took comfort in the Lord’s future graces, learning to wait on the Lord’s plans, not his. By taking the long view he was able to serve God wholeheartedly in the present. His life, like all of us, is but a candle, easily snuffed out at the Lord’s command. While God had the shepherd king on earth, he was used by Him. The believer is an instrument of righteousness in God’s armory. He will sustain and keep His beloved children in their faith until it is made sight.
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Throughout this psalm, David’s confidence rests in God’s character and promises. He knows what God can and will do for him. In this verse, the king’s confidence extends even further by obtaining an eternal perspective. Will God always be good to him? Yes. Even when the narrative seems otherwise. Hardship and danger do not cancel out God’s goodness to us but provide a channel of trust in His sovereignty. The end result is always the Lord’s faithfulness. No matter our circumstances, an eternal view for the Christian is peace and freedom to live boldly now. We know how the Story ends. The interim is but a means to that end. When we close our eyes in death it isn’t the end, but the beginning of our forever with the Lord. The purpose of our lives is to be used as holy instruments in the Lord’s hands while He gives us time here on earth.
The land of the living that David refers to is our destination, our true Heavenly Home. While we pilgrim on earth, the children of God live among the children of the world. Wheat and tares must grow together until the harvest (Matthew 13:24-30). Then every eye will see the Lord’s glory and bow down. Yet it is only God’s children who will see the fullness of His goodness. It is a promise meant just for us. As if redeeming our dead souls from eternal Hell wasn’t enough, our gracious Father shares His love without end. Think of how much you love your children, grandchildren or spouse. God loves you exponentially more than the love we have in those earthly relationships. His fellowship will be sweeter because we won’t be burdened by spiritual warfare anymore. To be free from sin and a broken world is relief. To enjoy unbroken fellowship with the King of Glory is supreme.
The land of the living has no more night, death or sorrow. Those troubles are banished to Hell. King Jesus lavishes His grace upon grace over the redeemed, as God has promised in Scripture. Christ fulfilled this promise by laying down His life in the place of every Christian. The fullness of God’s promise will be brought to completion at the end of Time when Christ returns. Only believers forever taste and see that God is good. This world is not the end, but a gateway into either Heaven or Hell, depending on what or Who you are trusting to save you. Are you confident in where you will be for eternity? God will rescue all who belong to Him. Then one day, our eyes will close in earthly death and open in the land of the living. You are Home.
Grace upon grace,
April
“The earth is the land of the dying.” -Matthew Henry
Growing deeper: Revelation 21
I heard this song for the first time last Easter at my church and loved it. It’s a beautiful reminder of what the Christian has to look forward to. May it bless you too.
“Teach me Your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.” -Psalm 27:11-12
God loves justice. One day, He will dispense perfect justice for all mankind and every wrong will be made right. For the Christian, this incomprehensible work was done for us at the cross. All our injustices toward God and others was laid on Jesus’ body. The price to pay for the Christian’s crimes was the life of the sinless and innocent Christ. This is the best news. The worst news is justice given to every unrepentant soul. God’s mercy is no more once their short lives end. It is then too late.
As David cries out for help against present enemies, he commits his life and circumstances to the omnipotent God. Throughout his life experiences, David is aware of God’s sovereignty over events and people. Therefore, his prayer is a plea and a confession of trust. When you know God is for you it doesn’t matter what lies ahead or who is against you. There is no one like God to trust so fully, His covenant of love over you securely. Keeping an eternal perspective when the dark waters rise is crucial. When the disciples were beginning to drown in the storm, Jesus challenged them over their lack of faith (Mark 4:35-41). Faith that the Lord is sovereign, good and victorious is the framework for peace filled Christians. If the Lord allows people or circumstances to slay us, it is only for a moment. This was Job’s cry when his livelihood, family, servants and health were taken from him (Job 13:15) because he knew this life is temporary.
God will not be mocked, therefore He will not allow His children to be mistreated in eternity. We do not lose even when all signs appear otherwise. Perfect justice will be executed by the God of Heaven and earth in His perfect time and way. David looks to God each time he is in distress. Yahweh is his protector, provider and teacher. The shepherd king does not rely on his own understanding, but looks to God for instruction (Proverbs 3:5-7). David’s humility to be teachable produces wisdom and spiritual maturity over his lifetime. When God leads our day to day, we are safe and victorious over anxious thoughts, fear and pride.
The Lord’s battle plans might look different than what we would expect, but believers who remember this will not grow easily discouraged. Keeping an eternal perspective is the key to live in the present with peace and joy. If your soul is kept in Heaven by God and your enemies will meet their Maker one day, what do you have to lose? We do not have to fear even death, because that too, is temporary. Death is only the beginning. Dearly beloved Christian, be confident in Who you serve, the time you’ve been given to faithfully live for the Lord without reservation, with a pure and holy passion.
“Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my Helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.” – Psalm 27:9-10
Does it ever feel like God is hiding from you? As if God is absent? The Bible says He is always actively at work for His children (Philippians 1:6). He also promises in Scripture to never leave you, but always be with you (Hebrews 13:5). The believer’s help comes from the Lord. He says we belong to Him, sinful though we are. Sanctifying faith wrestles with our feelings on a daily basis! The temptation to despair and throw in the towel is a spiritual fight straight from Hell. The Lord will not let you go if you belong to Him. He has received you. This is the greatest news a soul can hear. You, dearly beloved Christian, are accepted by God, loved by Him and sustained in your faith by Jesus. He prays for you, interceding on your behalf to the Father’s ear because the Perfect Sacrifice is also your Great High Priest.
Even if all others turn away from you because your pursuit of God in practical holiness seems too zealous, too self-righteous for some, trust that God knows your sincerity. Sincerity is vulnerability of worship and this God will not despise. When we come to our Father in humble transparency, He will honor this posture of worship. We bring nothing to the Father but our sin and need. As the old hymn says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling.” The Lord receives the contrite heart (Psalm 51:16-17). Even if all others reject you or disappoint, God will not. He has been our faithful helper and will continue to be as we serve Him. God gives enough grace for this small day to put our hand to the plow. Perhaps the work you do isn’t considered “spiritual”? It all matters to God. All work done for His glory is worship and “spiritual”. Whether you change another diaper, write code for computer software, wait on tables, plant a garden, or drive a loved one to another doctor appointment- the attitude we have determines whether it is pleasing to God or not.
The Lord will never turn His face away from His own, but how are we living faithfully in return? If God is not ashamed to call helpless rebels His adopted children, do we shame His Name by our grumbling and thanklessness? Let us not grieve the Spirit with callous hearts. This is the day that the Lord has made. He commands us to rejoice in it, to enjoy Him and His blessings (Psalm 118:24). Even when life is bleak and gray so that putting one foot in front of another is a challenge know this: the Sovereign Lord who sent His Son to die for you will never cast you off even when it feels that way (John 6:35-40). God always proves Himself faithful as a constant friend and helper, even if all others fall away. Remember what Christ endured for you so that these truths could become your reality.
Jesus bore the Father’s wrath and rejection so you never have to. “The LORD will receive me” is a precious promise for the Christian pilgrim to carry. You are His, but do not grieve Him with shallow faith and an anxious heart. Grow deeper, by His grace, and drink deeply from the cup which never runs dry. His mercies are new everyday. Truth and grace are freely given to the one who asks. His storehouse is abundant, His vow to you unbroken and constant.
Faith over feelings will sharpen your spiritual vision, helping you patiently endure God’s will for your life. One day when you look back on it all, the loneliness and hardship of following Christ will be worth it (Romans 8:28-29). Becoming more like Jesus is costly, but it is a priceless treasure which will never run out or wear out when we are Home.
Grace upon grace,
April
O MY LORD AND SAVIOUR,
Thou hast also appointed a cross for me to take up and carry,
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.” -Doxology
In the early morning hours after Election Day, Donald Trump was declared the 47th President of the United States of America. A group of his supporters broke out in praise singing the hymn ‘How Great Thou Art’. Along with a Republican presidency, the party will gain control of the Senate and most likely the House of Representatives. It was a clean sweep. If the elections results had to be summed up in a few words it would be this: God spared us. He spared us from a Harris administration that would have signed abortion back into federal law. Notably, Trump out-performed all across the board with Hispanics, African Americans, Orthodox Jews, young men and women, and voters with no religious affiliation at all. Even pagans can see that inflation, open borders, boys in girls’ sports, and sex change operations on minors is a bad idea!
Donald Trump is still a flawed candidate, namely because he is a sinner just like everyone else. So I don’t think it is appropriate to assume he can do no wrong and now the country is “saved”. But we can celebrate this earthly blessing rightly viewed, as God’s mercy on America. He could have handed this nation over to the most liberal, progressive and wicked agenda in the history of our country, and be right in doing so. But the Lord in His grace did not. Just as we celebrate weddings, the birth of our children, getting a new job or promotion, and birthdays, this political win is cause for thanksgiving. I don’t believe that is considered idolatry. As Christians, we get to enjoy our temporal blessings, while keeping an eternal perspective.
I also think this does not mean Christians can check out and coast the next four years. Sadly, the majority of states which voted to keep abortion practices in place succeeded. There is still work to do in swaying public opinion on the evil of the Silent Holocaust. Believers are salt and light whenever and wherever God has placed us, which means we pray and speak. Those who hate the outcome of this election are already speaking (yelling and crying) loudly, so it is prudent for Christians to pray. Here are a few things to pray for:
-Salvation for Donald Trump and all elected leaders
-Wisdom for him to lead this country in peace, prosperity, promoting good
-To surround himself with godly counsel
-An end to abortion
-Repentance and spiritual revival in America
-bold and humble Christians
Of course there are many other things we can and should pray for in this country, but this short list can serve as a guide. Never have I been more convinced of the spiritual warfare being played out right before our eyes. Satan is at work, but so is God. The Lord’s purposes will not be thwarted. He uses whatever means to accomplish His will, for His glory and our ultimate good. Praise God.
Grace upon grace,
April
*This is a testimony from a woman who survived a saline abortion when her mother was 7 1/2 months pregnant with her. It is an amazing story. She is using her story to tell others the horrors of infanticide and glorify Jesus.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” -Matthew 5:13
Imagine with me for a moment there was no such thing as salt. No salt to flavor your food. No salt to preserve meat, heal wounds, or use as a cleansing agent. Now imagine there were no such thing as Christians. No one to tell you, or anyone, about the remedy for our sinfulness. No one to be used by God as His hands and feet, restraining evil, healing, serving, or ministering to others. The world would still go on, but in a very shallow, hopeless, chaotic existence.
But God had a plan. Not only did He make a way for sinners to have eternal fellowship with Him through the blood of Jesus Christ, He then gave those same redeemed sinners a job to do. The Lord equates believers with salt in the Bible, because we are to be preservers of righteousness in the times and places God has put us, from worldwide apostasy.
In the book of Esther, the name of God is never mentioned, yet His providence is on full display. Queen Esther has been told by Mordecai of Haman’s wicked plan to slaughter all Jews in Persia. She responds with trepidation, knowing that anyone who approaches the king unannounced is liable to death. Mordecai answers her, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (4:13-14).
Esther then asks Mordecai and all the Jews to pray and fast for three days, then she will go to the king. She ends her speech with these famous words, “And if I perish, I perish.” In this historical account, God used a Jewish woman blessed with a position of influence, to deliver the Jews from annihilation. Orthodox Jews today celebrate this momentous occasion with a festival, known as Purim.
God used Esther as a means of restraining evil in her time, and He does the same today with His people. Christians are tools in the hands of God to be used by Him as He sees fit. This includes evangelism and discipleship, but also living faithfully in your own home, raising children in the fear of the Lord, stewarding the time and resources you have to glorify God. The prophet Jeremiah told the people of Israel to do this while living as exiles in Babylon. He also told them to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I (God) have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). They were living in a pagan place and yet God commands them to do good right where He planted them.
Americans have been abundantly blessed with prosperity and personal freedoms. Sadly, those privileges are often taken for granted, compartmentalized from the Christian faith. Who allowed these blessings in the first place if not God? It is not unspiritual or doltish to be concerned with the affairs of the public sphere. Every Christian has a duty to be aware and informed so that we can rightly promote peace and prosperity where God has placed us. If believers are to be salt in a tasteless world, then we are to use the means given to us to be preservative agents of righteousness. Under the constitutional republic, voting is one of the privileges we have in this country to do the best good out of the choices given. We need to pray for godly leadership in government. But if godly people neglect their spiritual responsibility to lead, the godless will. To “let go and let God” is a passive attitude many Christians take, even though they would never utter this unbiblical saying. It is exactly this worldview that has led our country to choose between two immoral people.
The judgment on our country should shake every believer awake. Have we been the salt God commanded us to be? Are we growing in our personal fellowship with the Lord? Or do we distract ourselves with lesser things? Have Christians spoken against the slaughter of children in the womb or kept silent? Have we openly shared our faith in the public square or left that up to other Christians? It might be costly. In fact, I’m sure it is, but that doesn’t mean we shy away from what God commands. Every single Christian is called to live as ambassadors in a pagan land that will mock, reject and push back against God’s laws.
In our sin nature, anything can become an idol. Our spouse, children, material wealth, job, reputation and even politics. All Baals must be smashed and all blessings viewed in their rightful place. A right order of affections is required, with God above everything else. However, you and I have been born in a time and place where we are to be salty Christians. Be an Esther. This includes voting the lesser of the two evils on Election Day. We are not voting for a pastor, but a politician. It is disheartening that Donald Trump has waffled on conservative issues, like abortion, and moved to a moderate position. But he did appoint three Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade. He is strong on issues like the economy, immigration and foreign policy. The American people have already had a taste of what a Kamala Harris term looks like under the current administration, who views all Trump supporters as “garbage”. Harris’ record bears out her harmful progressive values and she stands behind them.
We should not naively think that because this is America we are immune from having all our liberties stripped away. God can do what He wants. This may include the fall of America, and it might be for our good. Americans have rejected God for so long, doing what is right in our own eyes, that repentance and revival come by way of bringing the nation low. But if God should choose to have mercy on us, He will do so and Christians can take part by carrying out our civic duty in voting and through prayer. Since all of life is worship, then our actions through voting and prayer are both important.
Even as I make this argument the obvious needs to be said: This world is not our home, and yet, we do have to live on earth until Christ returns or we go to be with Him through death. Only Jesus can save, satisfy and sustain us completely. But in His wisdom, God uses people to bring about His purposes. The mystery of God’s Sovereignty and man’s will means we cooperate with Him, leaving the results in His Hands. Even if the election outcome is disappointing, we can have a clear conscience knowing we voted for the better option. Choosing not to vote isn’t neutrality, but a passive choice of escaping responsibility to steward a privilege all American citizens have.
If Esther had chosen to shirk her responsibility, the Lord would have used another way to deliver the Jews. The same is true for Christians today. Whether you choose to vote or not, God’s purposes will be carried out. Yet every one of us will have to give an account for our actions here on earth (2 Corinthians 5:10). Dear Christian, live salty lives so that no one will mistake you for anything less than a hope filled Christ follower. We are called to preserve our culture from societal decay. This includes promoting the welfare of others in the Babylon we live in by voting for the best candidate who will restrain evil. As J. I. Packer once said, “Trust God and get going”.
“Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of You, “Seek His face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” -Psalm 27:7-8
Does the Lord hear us when we pray? Is He ever too busy to listen? Are some of our cries not important enough? We may doubt whether God hears our prayers sometimes, and that is why it is crucial to answer our questions Biblically. God in Heaven will always bend an ear to hear His people’s cries and act according to His wisdom. This is God’s nature. The Creator ministers to the created without reservation. When David pleads for God to be merciful to him and answer his prayers, he is asking the Lord to be Himself. God is already merciful. This may mean at times that God does not act as we expect, but He is never wrong in His decisions. It is we who must adjust our expectations, trusting in His Sovereignty.
King David asks for the Lord to see his plight and act on his behalf. He doesn’t yet know the outcome of his prayer request, but David still responds to the Lord with worship. This is an example every Christian can pattern. No matter how God chooses to answer our pleas, the consistent character of worship should be the makeup of our hearts. We seek His face regardless of circumstances because Yahweh is the best refuge for any situation. Even when we don’t like how He answers a prayer- perhaps ‘wait’ or ‘no’ was given? How does the believer respond? What does that do to your faith? Shaken but not shattered.
When our faith is sifted through trials, we can have confidence that Jesus intercedes for us. He prays for our faith to stand firm, just like He did for Peter (Luke 22:31-32). When the dust settles and the shock wears off, the Christian can choose to grow bitter and jaded, or take their broken hearts back to the throne room of grace, crying for more mercy. More trust in His providence, more love to rest secure, more of God to find strength for another day. Perseverance of the saints is grace and mercy at work. The Spirit will bless the believing heart with this lion lamblike quality of humility, trust and boldness after the living God.
Bending to the will of God produces spiritual maturity. God is after a harvest in our hearts, using whatever means necessary for abundant growth. Pray and pursue. Trust and obey. These commands are woven throughout the entire Bible because it is for our good and God’s glory. Believer, you have the privilege of living before the face of the One who made you and saved you. He hears our heart cries. The Lord is most merciful.
redeemed in grace 