Where have you journeyed this summer?  Did you find God there?  My journey this summer has been very different than the one I wrote about here in 2013, yet as I journey to Yountville each week to lead a Bible Study group at the Veteran’s Home I am discovering God in a new and fresh way.  Read and ponder your own journey anew……. Linda

Pictured below is the magnificent Cathedral in Santiago de la Compostela which is at the end of “The Way of Saint James”.   It is currently under restoration but still stands commandingly over the city of Santiago in northern Spain. Since medieval times pilgrims have been making their way to this church to worship.  This cathedral is the resting place of the bones of James, the brother of Jesus, and the writer of the New Testament book of James.  He was an early Christian leader that led the church in Jerusalem.  History has it that he came to Spain and preached the gospel, and then returned to Jerusalem where he was martyred.  His body was said to have been taken by boat back to Spain and his bones later discovered in Santiago.  Pilgrims or Pelegrinos  walk, bike or ride on horseback along The Way towards Santiago from France, and Portugal.

What is it that causes someone to want to journey with nothing but what they can carry on their backs for hundreds and hundreds of miles?   From what I have read and those I’ve talked to the reasons vary.  Some walk for religious reasons, personal reflection, the physical challenge, the companionship, etc.  One pelegrino I talked to in Burgos said, “It is amazing to discover how much you really do not need each day.  It is a welcome relief to step away from all our technology, busyness, jobs and commitments.  You can take time to focus on internal thinking, light, air, steps, communication and the landscape surrounding you.”  Since you do not know how far you will walk in a day, each night you need to find accommodations in an alberque- or a hostel for pilgrims.   A good deal of trust in God is required as you set out with only the final destination determined and each day open to experience.

Psalm 84:5 says “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.”   I used this verse earlier in the year when I made my way to Jerusalem, but it also fits here.  There is much to be gained by going on a pilgrimage.  This time I went on a tour and visited the “high” points, yet I do hope to walk part of The Way of Saint James myself in the future.

The cathedral is amazingly beautiful and takes your breath away.  The incense burner is swung now at selected masses but in medieval times it was swung daily.   The pilgrims were a smelly and sweaty lot that came and filled the sanctuary.  The swinging of the incense burner is vividly seen in the movie “The Way” by Martin Sheen and Emilio Esteves.  It is a touching movie that they made in honor of their ancestors that had come from that region of Spain and gives a good portrayal of walking The Way.

In Santiago,the beauty of the altar reminds me that as rich as it seems it is nothing to compare with what awaits us in the presence of God.  Ezekiel’s shares his vision of God and his glory in Ezekiel 1:26-28a, “Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like a glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.  Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.  This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.    John also had a vision of the throne room of God in Revelation 4:2-3 “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.  And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian.  A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.”  In both visions the writers were trying to describe godly things and places with earthly words and images.  Our finite minds cannot truly conceive that which we will one day experience in the presence of Almighty God.  I love visiting beautiful cathedrals for as magnificent as they seem they only give me a mere glimpse of what I will see in heaven.

When I was in the cathedral late on a Sunday evening, I witnessed a group of teenagers getting their picture taken before the altar.  They had finished walking The Way, had their certificates and were filled with joy.  They broke into song and the music of their joy was a sweet incense to the Lord and a testament to their perseverance and trust in God as they completed their journey.  (Some of them are pictured in the last photo.)

Where are you journeying with God?  Do you consider each day a journey with God or is he just something to be considered on Sundays?  Walking with God requires faith and trust, hard as that seems, it is the surest way to get where we are going.  The end of our journey is heaven and eternity with God.

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

Blessings,

Linda

This summer I have be leading a Bible Study at the Veteran’s Home in Yountville, California.  We have been studying God’s promises using my new book Promises for Dynamic Living.  It has been so encouraging to look into the benefits we have as believers that God promises us in His Word.  Today as I was preparing and reviewing Day 36.  I read Psalm 40:1-4,8.  “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.  Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn asked to false gods.   I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heat.”   As I thought about all the mercies God has shown me in my life, I decided to try and write a Psalm of my own.

Linda’s Psalm

Holy is the Lord God Almighty. He lifts me up and provides new mercies each morning.  Even as I impatiently wait for Him,  He comforts and surrounds me.  His love holds me, saves me and gives me Hope.  Jesus is my salvation, His Word is my guiding light and His Holy Spirit my indwelling  power.  Surely, I have been mightily blessed.  Thank you Lord for loving, keeping, guiding and saving me.

I would challenge you to think about how the Lord has blessed you and write a psalm of your own.  God is indeed worthy of all our praise.

Feeling truly blessed,

Linda

This week I was meditating on Psalm 37:3-4 and wanted to pass on to you my thoughts to you as an encouragement.

Psalm 37:3-4 “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

I have often prayed this verse for friends who struggle with lifelong desires that do not seem to be in God’s will for their lives.  Young men or women waiting for a godly mate (as they want to be married), those who desire to have a child and cannot seem to conceive, others waiting on a much needed job, while still others struggle with the job they have, wanting to change direction etc., these are just some of the things they wrestle with that may be the desires of their hearts.  What I pray for those waiting on God’s timing and plan is that they will grow in trust  and faithfulness.  Also, that God would be their delight as they wait upon Him, and that they would be able to focus on Him for strength an perseverance.  Difficult times require me to delight myself in Him and cling to His faithfulness, trusting He has a perfect plan for my life.   God knows the desires of my heart and will grant them if they are within His will and plan for my life.  He alone knows the perfect time and design of my life and what is best for me.  I just need to trust Him and depend upon His character.

God is good and has the best plans for me.  Jeremiah 29:11  “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   Claim both of these promises as you await the Lord’s plan for your life.  Ask Him to grow you in trust and faithfulness as you wait upon Him.

I liked these two visuals.  Hope they encourage you today.

Linda

I thought this promise was appropriate for the week of the Fourth of July.  Enjoy the holiday and cherish your freedoms.  Happy 4th!!

John 8:31-32, 36

“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’…’So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,’”

Promise: God promises freedom, truth and discipleship in Christ

Where and when do you feel truly free? As Americans, we pride ourselves on our independence, self-initiative and having freedoms to claim and practice in our daily lives. As we know our freedoms are defined and limited by the society in which we live. Sometimes we agree with these limitations and sometimes we don’t. We struggle each day to survive and maintain our freedoms within our family, neighborhoods and society.

The freedom that God promises is dependent upon Christ not us. We just need to believe and accept the true freedom and then live a life dependent upon God. We need to accept the truth that God provides in His Word and the truth of who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross. We need to accept our place in His family and take up the job of living for Him as His disciple. Working for God’s truth in our world will bring greater freedom than anything we think we can obtain or receive here on Earth. So do as Jesus commands, accept His freedom and be free indeed!

Live free today in Jesus,

Linda

Here is a fun fact I found on the Internet this morning about our flag.  I did not know what the colors represented.

Between 1777 and 1960, the shape and design of the American flag changed several times before arriving at the present form. The 13 alternating red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies. Talking about colors, red stands for hardiness and valor; white symbolizes purity and innocence; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance and justice.

What do you know of God’s plans for your life?  Are you assured that God has good things planned, that He has you here for a purpose, and that His purposes will be accomplished in your life?    Jeremiah 29:11 speaks to this hope and purpose.  “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”    Psalm 40:4,5  “Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.  Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done.  The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell them of them, they would be too many to declare.”

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us of God’s good intent towards us.  His plan for our lives  is to lead us towards hope and a future with Him.  Psalm 40:4,5  directs our thoughts towards God’s intended blessings for us if we will keep focused on Him and not worldly people and things that would place themselves in our lives as idols.  He also says that the number of good things God has done and will do for us in the future are too many to recount!   Don’t those verses give you hope, direction and motivation to keep in God’s Word, worship and praise Him for His Sovereignty in all things?  Meditate on these verses today and see if you don’t regain focus and trust in God and what He wants for your life.  Ask Him for the strength you need to face today and for His HOPE for tomorrow.

Looking to the God of all HOPE,

Linda

Mom and Dad on their 50th Wedding Anniversay

Dad in his 50’s.

Psalm 103:13 “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.”

Proverbs 23:24 “The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.”

Today is Father’s Day and it brought me into a reflective mood as I think about my earthly father, Henry Beecher Chrisp. He was a loving father but demanded that we behave well, work hard, show respect and not give up easily.  He loved to work with his hands building things and to fish.  Dad loved the outdoors by cultivating flowers, growing a vegetable garden or simply taking a hike or ride through the forest.  He had a deep faith in God.    He showed me God the Father through his compassion and love for me.  Dad was always one to love what we did and took pride in our accomplishments.

I hope your own father reminds you of God the Father in some personal way today.  I felt blessed and fortunate to have a father who loved me and wanted the best for me.  I know all earthly fathers are not like that.  Fortunately, we all have a perfect Heavenly Father we can look up to and depend upon.  He will always be there for us and promises to never leave us or forsake us.   Thank you Lord.

Have a blessed Father’s Day filled with good memories or activities with your father today.

Linda

Last night I finished a study of the book of Hebrews with my small group Bible Study.   I struggled to understand many of the passages  yet so many nuggets of truth jumped out at me about the Hope we have in Christ.

Hebrews 6:19  “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”  Hebrews 10:23   Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess as he who has promised is faithful.”     Hebrews 11:1  “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”    Jesus is the reason for our HOPE.  His sacrifice was enough to cleanse us all for all time.  Hebrews 10:10 puts it this way, “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”   We can depend upon Jesus because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

So the reason for my HOPE is Jesus.  He did it all for me and will never change his mind about loving and caring for me.  He saved me and I can place my HOPE in Him unswervingly as He who promised is faithful.   What about you?  Where is your Hope?  Is it someplace secure that will not be lost, stolen or forgotten?   Look to Jesus, He is the true unchanging place for the security of our hope.

Have a blessed day encouraged by HOPE in Jesus.

Linda

Loved this graphic when I saw it.  Hope it is meaningful to you.

I looked up the word diligent in the dictionary and it is means preserving, hardworking, industrious, and doing things with careful, steady effort.  Many of these words are used over and over again in scripture.  Here are a few examples that explain God’s desire for us to be diligent or persevering.

Hebrews 6:10-12  “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.  We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in ordered to make your hope sure.  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has be promised.”     (Our diligence in faith lead us toward greater hope in Christ.  God also loves our work for Him and will remember or efforts on His behalf.)

Romans 5:3  “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”   (Our perseverance improves our character and leads to greater hope in God- builds our faith and trust in Him.)

Revelation 2:3  “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”  ( God commends those who persevere in faith.)

Hebrews 12:1-2a  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off  everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”   (Life’s pathway has obstacles and it requires focus and perseverance live the Christian life.  Jesus is the answer.)

Hebrews 10:36 “You need to preserver so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

James 1:12  Blessed is the man who preserves under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  (Both of these verses commend us to proceed in God’s way and promise we will be rewarded by God.)

Because life is hard and required endurance to live the Christian life in our world, scripture is filled with encouragements.  God wants us to stand for Him, not lose heart, be enduring in faith, cling to the hope in Christ and know with assurance that God will reward his diligent workers.   Does this encourage you today?   What God asks is not easy but He promises a life lived for Him will be filled with hope, improved character and lead to the crown of life in Christ.   Does this help you today?  Remember the key is Jesus.  He is to be our focus in life and then all else will be under His control.

Blessings today as you preserver with diligence,

Linda

Loved this image- it so speaks to our needed perseverance in Christ.  Jesus is right there with us when we pick ourselves up.  Sometimes He has to do the picking up as it is beyond us.