“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.  You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it.” Psalms 139:1-6 (NASB)

I will never forget the moment I could have lost my little grandson forever. We had gone for a walk with friends along the edge of the ocean. My grandson was enjoying the challenge of climbing over rocks, up steep banks, and over trees on the rough trail, but suddenly, there he was, hanging by a root over the ocean and rocks below. My heart skipped a beat! He did not say a word. I quickly grabbed his wrists and lifted him back onto the trail. He simply said, “Thank you Papa.” And off he went down the trail.

That moment played over and over in my thoughts for days. Two things struck me: What if he had fallen onto the rocks and into the ocean? What amazing confidence he seemed to have in me!

I had been with him every step along the way, saying again and again, “Let me help you.” But he insisted each time, “Me do it, Papa!” But when crisis came, he knew I was there to help. I’m sure he did not fully understand the danger he was in, but his “thank you” communicated his appreciation.

God promises to be with us always. In fact, as Psalm 139 declares, we cannot escape His presence. He fully grasps the implications of all the dangers we face. Yet we, like my grandson, do not. God’s commitment is to journey with us in relationship. He seeks to provide for us and to protect us. If we resist Him we may end up in grave circumstances. Each day we have a choice: we can walk under the guidance of his direction or choose to be independent of it. How will you respond to His presence with you today?

Dear Father, Thank You for Your presence in my life journey. May I understand and trust the reality of Your moment-by-moment guidance today and not resist. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
used by permission

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God is With Us by Randy Keycik

Trusting an Unchanging God

Life’s Uncertainty Teaches God Can be Trusted

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“Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?” Numbers 22:28

When I considered pursuing full-time ministry, I asked a good friend if he thought God could use me in ministry. He turned to Numbers 22 and shared the story of how God prevented Balaam from cursing the people of Israel. God opened the mouth of his donkey, who then spoke to warn Balaam. As my friend read the story, I wondered out loud, “What does this story have to do with me?” His quick response: “If God can speak through a donkey, He can speak through you.”

I took great encouragement from my friend’s use of humor to communicate a profound point. God did not need my ability; He wanted my availability. If I was available, He could make me able for his purposes!

Consider some of the characters in the biblical record: Moses reluctantly responded to God’s call, but God transformed him to preserve and deliver His people. The formula for Christ’s disciples was “follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). That troupe of unlikely recruits was changed forever by making themselves fully available to Jesus.

What does availability look like? Think of a servant. When a servant wakes up, his or her main concern is the wishes of the master. Think of someone in love. Not many moments go by without thoughts of the one they love. Any request becomes a priority. The loved one’s desires are anticipated and fulfilled. Availability to God is a beautiful blend of a love and servanthood.

Dear Father, today I give You may plans, desires, and time. I desire to be available to You each moment. I long to be used by You to accomplish Your purposes. Speak through me to communicate Your love to those around me. May my ears be attentive to Your voice in the noise of my day. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

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Surplus and Deficit

Step out of the noise……

He Establishes Us

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We all have special people in our lives. The question is, “Do they feel special?” Sadly, too often the answer is, “No!”

Here are 7 things you can do to make the one you love feel special on Valentine’s Day or any day.

Hand Written Note: Write specific things you love and appreciate about him/her.

Act of Kindness: Do something that you know will say, “I’m doing this because I love you.” Maybe it’s something they don’t like doing or a special help around the house. Vacuuming or mopping the floors is the ticket at our house.

Thoughtful Gift: Emphasis on thoughtful. Ask yourself what is something special that would say, “I know you, and you will like this.” For my wife it would be Blackcurrant Tea and a jar of cashews. Not expensive but has thoughtful written all over it.

Special Dinner: This could be taking your spouse out to a nice restaurant but could also be a candlelight dinner at home. If you don’t usually cook the meals, take over the kitchen, and make dinner. Set the atmosphere with flowers, candles, good dishes or a table cloth.

Time: In the high paced world we live in, time has become a precious gift. Slow down. Linger over the meal and dessert. Sit and relax, talk, reflect on special moments in your relationship. Last week my wife was having a bad day. After dinner she started debriefing from her day. She talked for over an hour. I just sat and listened. Finally she said to me, “Are you okay, you have not gotten up to do anything this whole time.” I have this bad habit of thinking I can do little things while she’s talking to me. Later in the week she commented how much it meant that I just sat and listened.

Words: Think about what you would like to say if you knew it was the last time you were going to see them. If words come hard, great, think how special they will be, and write them out! If you need some help formulating your thoughts, finish the following sentences:

– Thank you for being…
– I appreciate you/your…
– I look forward to growing old with you because…

Intimacy: Make your spouse feel special.   Do what you know will satisfy. (If you don’t know, then ask, “How can I express how much I love you tonight?”.) Linger in the embrace of each others arms. Go for the best lover of the year award!

Thought:  Don’t feel like you have to do everything on this list.  Pick a couple ideas and make the one you love feel special, because they are!

Apostle Paul gives us a standard to follow:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
– Letter to the Ephesians 4:32

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission
https://www.familylifecanada.com/

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My seven year old grandson asked me, “Papa, what is your most important job?” Well, I thought that’s easy, “It’s being your Papa!”

His response was so simple and yet profound. He said with a bit of, you should really know this answer, in his voice… “No, Papa it’s to love everyone.” His answer has stuck with me. For some reason it has etched itself in my mind. Over and over I think… My most important job is to love everyone. Everyone includes even those people who I really do not want to love.

God agrees with my grandson! I know, maybe it’s the other way around. The Apostle John said, “For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” 1 John 3:11 (NIV) It’s clear that from the beginning, God’s most important job has not changed.

God also makes it clear that our ability to love is sourced in him. God is the source of love. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 (NIV) Experiencing his love and forgiveness on a personal level makes us able to love and forgive ourselves and  others.  Because God is perfect in his love he can give us the ability to love beyond our human limitation, to love with his kind of love, a perfect, selfless and unconditional love.

By Mike Woodard
used by permission

February 14th is Valentine’s Day. We often think about romantic love but how about making the effort to expand the circle, fulfill your most important job… love everyone. The beginning might be to experience God’s love and forgiveness personally. This prayer might help you express your desire…

God I want to personally experience your love and forgiveness. I know I have lived independently of you. I want to invite you to come into my life to be the one who guides me and gives me eternal life. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you that I can trust you to direct me and to give me the strength to be the kind of person you want me to be. Amen

If you prayed this to express your desire to God, he has heard you. You can be confident that he has responded to your faith and you can be confident that:

1.       God’s Spirit now lives inside you                 Revelations 3:20
2.       Your sins are forgiven                                   Colossians 1:13-14
3.       You are a child of God                                   John 1:12
4.       You received eternal life                              I John 5:11-13
5.       You will begin to experience God’s love and forgiveness in your life and relationshi

FURTHER READING

Love for a Lifetime by Karen Woodard

I Corinthians 13 ~ The Way of Love

Why is my Marriage in a State of Conflict?

Romance – Keeping it Alive

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“Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.  Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 ( GNT)

“What made my interview stand out from the other 27 people you interviewed?” I asked.  “You sat on the foot stool,” the interviewer replied.

At the end of my second year of university I applied to be a resident assistant (RA) in my dormitory. Twenty-seven guys applied for the two positions available. The interview team decided to give interviews to all the applicants. I walked into the head resident’s apartment to face a team of 7 interviewers, and when invited to sit down, I had a choice of a chair and a footstool. I sat on the footstool.  I later learned that I was the only one of the 27 guys interviewed who did that. Yes, there were other things that influenced the decision but my choice to sit on a foot stool caught their attention.

I remember feeling overwhelmed before I went into the interview. I prayed and asked God to direct me and give me wisdom in my responses. I think sitting on the footstool was a “God moment” for me. He is indeed the God of the universe, but He is also the God of small things, so trust Him today for challenges both great and small. Humbly sit on the foot stool before him and express your concerns and desires.

By Mike Woodard
used by permission

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The post Foot Stool appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

It was winter and the buses were on strike. I picked up a student who wanted a ride on this cold day. He was from Africa and this was his first experience with a Canadian winter. As we talked, I noticed he didn’t have gloves. In that moment, it seemed that God prompted me, “Give him your gloves and tell him I love him.” I hesitated, not because I had a special attachment to my gloves, but what would the student think? How would he respond? As we approached his destination, I surrendered my fears and gave him my gloves. I told him I was doing this because God loves him. He thanked me, took my gloves and got out of the car.

Shortly after I got home, the phone rang. A friend was phoning with a question. “Do you need a pair of gloves?” Before I could answer, she explained she had purchased a pair of gloves for her son but they didn’t fit. For some reason she thought of me. Amazing.

God knows all things — the number of stars, the hairs on our heads and even when a sparrow falls to the ground (Luke 12:6-8). In his knowledge, he can guide us to special places in order to touch lives if we will listen and act on his direction! We may never know the results. I never saw that student again. But we can know our simple obedience will fit in God’s good plan!

Lord, I confess that so often I trust in my own thoughts and perceptions. I want your spirit to guide me in each area of my life. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

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Encouraging Word

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What’s Holding You Back?

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“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 (TLB)

After a recent trip my wife told me that she worried more when I was away because when I’m home she knows I do all the worrying for both of us.

I’m the king of worry. Over the years I’ve learned that worry is an indicator of how I’m responding to my circumstances and my desire for some level of control.

Now when I begin to worry, I see it as a call to go to God. First, I confess my self-reliance. Slowly, I turn my focus from the circumstance to God. With effort I release my grip on the circumstances and express my concerns, fears or feelings of helplessness to God. As I begin to thank Him for His presence, His love and His plan in the mist of my anxiety something changes. It’s like stepping out of a stuffy room into fresh air, my worry is replaced by a new sense of assurance. I start to look with anticipation for what God will do. It is as if I come with an armload of worry, and through prayer, exchange it for confidence in God’s love, wisdom and power to handle every circumstance. Then I begin to anticipate how God’s hand will be at work in the situation.

When we exchange worry for faith, this transaction is an act of worship. We choose to submit to God’s rule and reign in the circumstance. We honor His role our life and express faith through thankfulness. This act of worship will move you from worry to anticipation!

God use my moments of worry to remind me of my need for you. Compel me to move quickly to you in confession and worship. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

If  you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws

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My grandson was visiting. He was not his normal happy self. He was very sad and upset about something. He could not put it into words. We were just about to sit down for lunch. He asked, “Papa can I sit in your chair?” I always sit at the head of the table. I moved and gave him my chair and spot at the table. Something about it seemed to comfort him and reassure him. The tears passed. Funny thing, he has never asked again.

Jesus offers a place of comfort and rest. His invitation…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11: 28-30

Being close to Christ is the place of comfort and reassurance!

by Mike Woodard
used by permission

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The post Being Close to Christ appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Many years ago I spent a day with Apollo 15 astronaut James Irwin. I was hosting him for a speaking engagement. It was a memorable day for many reasons. One was because it was the day in January, 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger blew up. I heard news as I drove to the airport. When we met, I broke the news to him.  On top of the regular schedule the various media outlets wanted interviews with him because of the Challenger disaster. He handled each event of the day with such calmness.

As we walked through the day I learned he had 4 grown children. Being the father of 4 small children I was looking for advice. In a quiet moment at the end of the day I asked, “You have four adult children, I have four small kids. What advice would you give me?” I remember his simple answer, “Mike, always make sure they know you love them.” I thought to myself surely you have more for me than that!

The profound nature of this advice hit me years later. One of our children was going through a really rough time. They were seeing a counselor. When my wife and I met with the counselor she said, “I can’t tell you what is being said but I can tell you, your child has something going for them that many others do not. They know you love them!”

Words of Wisdom: “Always make sure they know you love them!”

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  – Jesus   Gospel of John 13:34-36 (NIV)

By Mike Woodard
used by permission

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“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17

Think for a moment… who do you admire? On the top of the Gallup Poll list of the most admired people of the 20th century is Mother Teresa. We often admire people that have shaped the lives of others through a dedication that brings help to those most in need. Deep within, we know that a profound indicator of noble character is how someone treats those who can do nothing for that person in return.

God has this same view. In the opening words to the nation of Israel, God called His people to do right, seek justice, defend the oppressed, and care for orphans and widows. Isaiah then pronounced God’s displeasure and rejection of their religious observances because their actions were not consistent with their profession of faith. They were being hypocrites.

God’s longings for his followers have not changed since the days of Isaiah. James restated God’s perspective:

“What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world” (James 1:27 GNT).

Jesus is the ultimate example of a person with a willingness to help the helpless.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6).

How do you respond to those in the greatest need near you? Is it consistent with your experience of God’s grace and compassion in your life? Or do you do it to be admired?

Father, may I reflect your grace and compassion to each person in my day. I want to see myself and each person as you see them, as loved, valued and uniquely made for your purposes. Thank you for your love and forgiveness in my life. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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“In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” Jonah 2:2

“Dad, why are you different?”

This was the question my daughter asked on a family vacation to the farming community where I was raised. She noticed how different my life was from that of my siblings. Broken relationships, addiction, and poverty characterized my roots.

Why the difference? There could have been a few answers. I had some good friends growing up that were good influences. I’m the only family member that went to university. None of these came to mind. Just one word seemed to be the right answer. God.

My early years were marked by alcoholic parents — anger, physical violence and neglect. A cloud of despair moved into my life. I began to wonder if life was worth living. Through a simple question from a friend, “Have you ever invited Christ into your life?”, I began a spiritual journey that gave me an unshakable foundation to stand upon. I discovered God’s love and forgiveness.

At first I didn’t understand the question. Fortunately, they explained that God loved me and as proof of that love sent his Son to give his life as a payment for my debt of sin. No one had ever told me they loved me; now someone was telling me that God loved me! Plus I could invite God to forgive my sins, to be a constant companion. I would also receive the gift of eternal life. This was good news! That day, just like Jonah, I called for help.

That choice is what makes me different! It can make you different, too — in the best way.

God, thank you for your love and forgiveness. Thank you for the gift of eternal life. Today I invite you to work in my life and in my heart to make me different and more like you. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Would you like to invite Jesus into your life? Learn how at http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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“Coby, you have to be thankful,” is the line of conversation between my two grandsons that caught my attention. I listened as Domonic, the 5 year old, was attempting to teach his 3 year old brother a profound life lesson.

They were negotiating who should play with which toy. Domonic’s plan was to use the “Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Mo” rhyme to determine who should get the more desirable one. But before he used this as the solution to their disagreement, he coached his little brother, saying, “Coby, if you get the larger toy you have to be thankful. No complaining. You have to say thank you. If you get the smaller toy you have to be thankful. No complaining. You have to say thank you.”  However well-meaning Domonic was, Coby did not appreciate the wisdom offered by his brother that day, but maintained, “I want this one.”

God has some similar advice for us. In fact, it is a command. In the letter to the Corinthians, Paul urges his readers, “Be thankful in all circumstances.” Thankful words come easily in the moments when we get what we want.   It is a little more challenging in the difficult moments to respond with gratitude.

Being thankful in all situations is a step of faith. It is choosing to believe, in spite of the circumstances we’re facing, that God is wise, loving and has a good plan for us. When I make an attitude adjustment and choose to say “thank you” in the difficult moments, it moves my focus from one of complaining, at least in my heart, to anticipation of what God will do and how the circumstances will fit into God’s bigger plan.

“And we know that all thing work together for good to those who love God and are called for his purpose.”     Romans 8:28

by Mike Woodard
used by permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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