Proverbs – God’s practical guide to a joyful life

Devotion 7

Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well.

In Proverbs chapter 3, Solomon shares so many little nuggets of wisdom that are beneficial for our own well-being. As he mentions in verses 1 & 2, as you will soon read, remembering and keeping these teachings close to our hearts will guide us to having a long life here on earth, and bring us peace and prosperity while we endure these days. Oh doesn’t that sound wonderful?! Could it be so easy?

Let’s top up our coffees and dig in…

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

Proverbs 3:1-4

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;  bind them around your neck,  write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Have you ever had your Character Colours done? This is different than getting your Clothing Colours done, which is based on the four seasons. With Character Colours, most people end up having most pronounced two of the four character traits that best describe them. The two that best describe me are Blue – people person, and Gold – organizer. The two other colours are Orange – go with the flow, and Green – inquisitive, likes to learn and always needs to know the answers to questions. I had it done when I started my teaching position, as did all the staff in my program, and it has served me well in understanding myself and my colleagues. For example, it is best to put a Gold person on a task that involves tidying up and organizing something, or a Green person when needing to find all the pros and cons around starting up new types of programs. Don’t expect from an Orange abilities that a Blue is more prone to exhibit, and visa versa.

In the same way that there are distinct personal character traits that each person exhibits, the traits that Solomon mention – love and faithfulness- should be actively displayed and evident in all people as we relate to others, especially in the lives of God’s children. What would it look like if we all reacted in love to all the people in our lives, and in faithfulness in all relationships and duties in our lives. What a beautiful world! …And who wouldn’t want a good name among their community?!

Yes, Solomon, I can see the truth in your words! But these traits of love and faithfulness are not necessarily traits that we, humans, desire to exhibit or have the ability to do due to our sinful nature. These traits oppose the sinful nature in which we are so comfortable. Many times we can use the excuse, “that’s just not in me,” or “that’s just not who I am.” Well, according to Solomon and the Lord, these traits are traits that all believers in Christ can exhibit and will exhibit. But take heart, it is only by the power of the Holy Spirit living in each of us that you or I can live in love, even when it takes us out of our comfort zone, or to be faithful even when it would be easier to give up and walk away. In fact, it is in these times of love and faithfulness where Christ and God’s grace shine the brightest.

So today and each day, call upon God to walk with you in his love God so that you can share that love with those who walk with you along your life’s path and to increase your faith and trust in him so that you can be faithful in all the commitments and responsibilities of your life as if fulfilling them for the Lord. In so doing, “your light [will] shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Then it will be that the words of Solomon will be fulfilled without out guilt or coercion, but in joy and peace.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Oh how I desire to be wise and walk in your ways of love and faithfulness. In some situations, it’s so easy to do, for whatever reason, but in other situations I cannot do it. But I know you can! So, I ask you to change my tough heart to your heart of love, my wayward faithfulness to your steadfast faithfulness, so that others may first see and know you through me, and that I can live in your peace and prosperity. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!

Proverbs – God’s practical guide to a joyful life

Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well.

I must say that I was really torn up over whether or not to include these verses with last week’s devotion and just gloss over them, or give them their own devotional time of reflection. Well as you can see, here they are on their own.

Ultimately, the reason I chose to give these words of Solomon their own time of reflection is because I feel they touch on a very important aspect of our society – marriage and the family unit. Let’s top up our coffees and dig into what Solomon has to say today…

Devotion 6

Proverbs 2:16-22

Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth  and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to deathand her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life. Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land,  and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

I heard a saying the other day: The grass isn’t greener on the other side of the fence; it’s greener where you water it. Isn’t it true though? Yet, how often do we get caught up in wishing we were on the other side of the fence.

Isn’t it easy to give up where the burden of life is the heaviest and least colourful- at home with all the ‘stuff’ – the budgeting, the working, the household responsibilities, the tension of living with another person and children. Married life can be hard. So not only is it easy to not want to deal with it, it can keep us from putting any effort for joyfulness into it with our spouse and children. In fact, in our minds, we can even clump them into all the ‘burdensome stuff’. Then to make things worse for ourselves, we enjoy the common interests and moments of attention by another. Those fluttering feelings, that seem to have drowned in the midst of responsibility, seem to come alive and thrive when away from the burdens of ‘home’. Do not be fooled. The responsibilities and burden of life will follow you, except with a wake of destruction and pain behind you, that will weigh you down even more so, as you enter the same burdens of life elsewhere. Yet how many souls get sucked into these temptations and lies, and perfectly healthy, burdened but normal and healthy, marriages and totally innocent children are torn apart. Oh how my heart aches for these souls and their families!

May Solomon’s words today be encouragement to keep your eyes on the commitment you made with God; the commitment you made with him to fulfill your marriage vows which require you to fulfill your duties to your spouse and children. To let go of the ‘things’ that are creating such burden and gloom at home, and the mentality that things are greener and brighter elsewhere or with someone else. Take the time to water the grass where you live, your own grass. Take time to create opportunities to rekindle the flames you felt when courting. Communicate your feelings of the things that are burdening you. Chances are your spouse is feeling the burden too. Nurture the blessings you have right in your own home, and enjoy life, working as one team with your spouse, not seeing nor treating them as the problem. Make a conscious effort to walk together on the path God has for you. A path that includes you, your partner and God walking hand in hand, through the not-so-green parts of life. By doing so, you will be watering your own grass. Even if there is greener grass around, your eyes will be fixed on watering, maintaining and enjoying your own, that you won’t even notice the other, and these actions, my friend, will be blessed. Finally, may you be encouraged with these closing words of Solomon:

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. (Ecclesiastes 9:7,9-10a)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, life can be hard and filled with so many burdens and responsibilities. Desiring the temptations that would pull us away from the life we have committed to you through the vows of marriage and parenting can be so strong at times. Help me to nurture the loved ones you have blessed me with. Help me to make changes to the stuff in my life that may be burdening me and keeping me from caring for those souls that are the most important in my life. Help me to walk in your wisdom and strength. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Proverbs – God’s practical guide to a joyful life

Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well.

My husband and I have misplaced a car key, one of those fancy electronic, full-of-buttons keys that cost a mint. We have been searching and searching and searching for the darn thing.

Well this week’s devotion is certainly timely with the passion I have experienced in trying to find that key. Let’s top up our coffees and see where Solomon’s going this week…

Devotion 5

Proverbs 2:1-21

Moral Benefits of Wisdom

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdomand applying your heart to understanding—indeed,if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.

Over the years, there have been so many reality shows on television whose whole premise is a person, or group of people, committed to finding something. The individuals in Gold Rush are committed to finding gold up north, and the people in the show The Curse of Oak Island are seeking an apparently lost treasure.  To these individuals, the obstacles they must overcome are worthy of their turmoil and danger, due to their desire to obtain their treasure. The slight glimpse of a clue that brings them closer to their treasure brings such great joy and celebration, even without actually obtaining their treasure. These people would give their lives for the search of their treasure. Have you ever desired to seek something with such passion, intensity and dedication?

Well, it is with such desirous qualities that Solomon is encouraging us to listen to his words, to search the scriptures to find God’s truth, and to be diligent and deliberate in applying such words as we continue chipping away at the roadblocks of our life’s journey. However, the difference with this treasure hunt is that we will, without a doubt, find the treasure. When we seek the Lord, his love, and his truth, he does not have us wander aimlessly abandoned, as if we are a dog chasing its tail. No! He promises to be there, he promises to answer. Even Jesus assures us of this:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ..Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 6:33, 7:7-8

No, our searching for this most precious treasure will not be in vain. We will be filled. He promises to send his Holy Spirit to guide us and to fill us in knowing him and his ways.  In all this, we then receive true wisdom and success. Not this world’s temporary sense of success or foolish wisdom. For God’s wisdom gives us peace and a sound mind in the midst of turmoil, even unto death. God’s success gives us contentment in any circumstance, “whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12b).. It guides our decisions and attitudes, and it draw us back to him and his word when we are in question or feeling lost. It gives us a behind-the-scene knowledge of foolish decisions in order to be discerning. It puts us in awe of his power and majesty which produces a great respect, fear and honour of our almighty God.

Therefore, may Solomon’s words encourage you to be diligent in your prayer and devotional time. May you be assured that it is benefitting you, more than the extra 30 minutes of sleep that may be tempting you. That in all your seeking of the Lord, he will be right by your side and you will be obtaining a treasure that is well worth the journey and out of this world!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank-you for the words of encouragement and assurance that promises that seeking your truth and knowledge will change me: will produce in me a treasure and wisdom that is good and trustworthy. Please forgive me when I let other temptations draw me away from your word and life-giving, life-fulfilling promises. Please bestow your Holy Spirit upon me to guide me as you desire me draw nearer to you. I also ask your wisdom and truth, in these days, as I am faced with (add your own person struggles here). In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!

Proverbs – God’s practical guide to a joyful life

Devotion 4

Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well!

Have you ever experienced someone standing on a busy street corner yelling the law or gospel to anyone who would hear and listen? Well, perhaps this week’s visit with Solomon will give us a new appreciation for such callers. Let’s top up our coffees and check out what Solomon has to say next…

Proverbs 1:20-33

Wisdom’s Rebuke

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech:  “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke!  Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;I will mock when calamity overtakes you, when calamity overtakes you like a storm,  when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,  when distress and trouble overwhelm you.“Then they will call to me but I will not answer;  they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways   and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

Can’t you just see it now: God’s wisdom, in the form of a person, standing on the corner of a downtown intersection calling out through a megaphone to anyone and everyone, pleading for them to heed her words, to turn from their wayward ways which will lead to disaster, to repent of having ignored her words, and come to heed the wisdom she has to offer and share without cost- a wisdom that will lead to safety and peace.

As a parent and grandparent, I can totally appreciate this analogy of God’s wisdom desiring to be heard and heeded. Oh how we long to have our children and grandchildren heed any life lessons we may have to sprinkle upon them. We desire to run behind them, yelling out our cautions and guidance. And when they don’t listen, and things don’t go well, oh how we desire to say, “I told you so.”  Yet, so many times nothing needs to be said. The wisdom once shared oozes around them as if to mock them, it releases that oh so familiar acquaintance named guilt and humility. Then, even if the wisdom once given is appreciated and desirous, consequences need to be endured; consequences that usually come with a heavier burden and greater sacrifice, than if wisdom was heeded initially. Yet not all is lost. In fact it may be at this point that wisdom may be sought. For when the burden is great and weariness from guilt has become part of us, isn’t that when Christ reaches out to us? He says, “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) Perhaps it’s at this point that we are ready to seek wisdom and life… ready to seek Christ.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you have the words of life. Your words are wise unto salvation and good for my life. Guide me this week to seek your words and heed your wisdom. I desire to take my Saviour’s yoke upon me and to learn from him. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!

Proverbs – God’s practical guide to a joyful life

Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well.

Today’s topic is one that many of us may say doesn’t apply to our lives, but upon closer look can find that it is a topic that we have found to be true by our experience… it’s the topic of seeking after ill-gotten gain. Let’s top up our coffee’s and see what Solomon has to say…

Devotion 3

Proverbs 1:10-19

My son, if sinful men entice you,  do not give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,  let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;cast lots with us; we will all share the loot”— my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into evil,  they are swift to shed blood. How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it! These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves! Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.

“Of course I would never be so deceptive or harmful. I could never fill my house with plunder of someone else. I would never lie in wait to shed someone’s blood.  This passage is certainly not talking about me.” …or is it?

So often we can read passages like this and think this refers to the big crimes. This is the passage that those individuals should have read before getting caught up in that robbery or murder or really big ‘no-no’. However, have you ever been tempted, or someone you know devised a little plan, to take a few items from the office, or that really nice glass with the restaurant’s name etched in it or perhaps a couple friends start making fun quietly as a passerby goes by because they have a limp or just simply look different in some way, and you join in the joking, the bullying.

It is so easy to get caught up in the moment and the seemingly harmless silliness or the quiet desire of greed. I know. I’ve been there. It’s so easy to follow along and it really isn’t meant as something extravagantly evil. In any case, it is a path of ill-gotten gain. It negatively affects the victim from whom we’ve gained, and it will negatively, should negatively, affect our life.

However, it’s these thoughts of innocent, fun loving play, or self-gratification that the devious individuals, that satan, or that our sinful selves would have us believe. It’s the lie used to draw us into the lie of a better life and self-fulfillment when in reality it draws us to disgrace, regret, self-loathing, and death. It is in these things and the temptations of these people, satan and our sinful-self that Solomon is warning us against. He is warning us to stand strong against them and to walk away and to have nothing to do with them. For although in our minds they will seemingly give us all this wonderful glory and possession, in reality they are a life-sucking burden of guilt and regret. Do not be fooled.

So let us keep our eyes on the path that Christ has for us. To know the truths of what lay behind these seemingly gloriously harmless, but empty facades. Repent of those times you have given in, for our gracious Lord will forgive and renew you. Then, with his help, do not sway by such temptations to take another path, but stay focused on his path ahead.  Enjoy your days with those who would encourage you in your faith walk and guide you when you feel tempted to stray, and in the same way you should encourage them. Be wise, live wise!

Prayer: Dear Lord, there are so many sinful desires that would draw us into attaining ill-gotten gain. Forgive me all those times that I have given in to such desires and help me to overcome my selfish greed by keeping my eyes on you and seeking your help when I am tempted next- and I know there will be a next time this side of heaven. Help me to be discerning and wise in all my decisions and interactions. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Coffee w/t Solomon Proverbs 1:8-9 Proverbs – God’s practical guide to a joyful life

Devotion 2

Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well!

Over the past few years, as our daughter has been raising our grandson, she has shared how thankful she is for our love, teaching, guidance, and discipline/instruction, even though, at the time, it she didn’t necessarily appreciate it. Now, she and her husband try to raise our grandson and granddaughter in the same way, with their own uniqueness and challenges of the changing times. It is so comforting to know that all those tough teaching moments intermixed with extreme patience, love, and sleeplessness have been instilled in our children, which they can now draw from in their own toolbox of parenting skills. 

Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon encourages children and parents, in their respective roles, often. Today is the first of many familial words of encouragement. Today it is specifically directed to children.

Let’s top up our coffees and see what Solomon has to say…

Proverbs 1:8-9                                                                                                                             Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction                                                                         and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.                                                                      They are a garland to grace your head                                                                                   and a chain to adorn your neck.

Solomon’s words in today’s passage to children, take the fourth commandment one step further:

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12

The fourth commandment is the only commandment with a promise: If you obey and honour your parents, life will go well for you. What Solomon is adding to this commandment is that not only will life go well for you and beautify your life if you honor and obey your parents’ wise instruction, but that you also will be a beauty to those around you. In other words, your actions and words will bring beauty and guidance to those in your life. Not only do you feel handsome when you dress in fine clothes, but others see your beauty. In the same way, by heeding and instilling your parents teachings in your life, you are putting on fine clothing to be enjoyed by yourself, and seen by others.

So if you are frustrated by your parents’ words, be patient and obedient, heeding the guidance and wisdom they impart to you. Ask the Lord to help you to be honourable towards them. Also, it may be beneficial to take time to reflect on your parents’ teachings that perhaps you may have abandoned, and consider their God-given place in your life, then pray to God to subdue any rebelliousness with willingness and joy, especially towards those teachings and habits that would draw you closer to your Saviour.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank-you for parents that give so much of themselves to providing me with the love, guidance, teachings and discipline needed to help me to know you and to be adorned with your beauty through my actions and life. Forgive me the times when I do not honour my parents and am rebellious. Help me to be obedient and patient towards them. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN!

Proverbs – God’s practical guide to a joyful life

Devotion 1

Good day friends! I pray your August has gone well, and that your summer has been relaxing and refreshing! I have thought of you often, and I am excited to begin our weekly devotions with you and the wise words of Solomon.

Like any wizened person, it is in our best interest to sit and listen to what they have to say and to heed their instruction. We’d be fools not to! So it is with great joy and excitement that Solomon will be joining our weekly morning coffee time, as we work through the Book of Proverbs. Let’s top up our coffee’s and get started…

Proverbs 1:1-7

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,  doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,  but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Just think… Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. God blessed him with such great wisdom and discretion. Royalty came from all over the continent to experience for themselves the wisdom of Solomon… and they were never disappointed. In fact Queen of Sheba said it like this in 1 Kings 10:6..7: “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true…Indeed, not even half was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.”

Now in the book of Proverbs, Solomon imparts his wisdom to us.  In the introductory passage above we are informed of the purpose of the writing of this book of the Bible; to learn what is right and just and fair, and to learn what it means to display prudent behaviour. He desires to teach the young in order to be knowledgeable and discrete, and for the wise to add to their wisdom and to give guidance to those willing to be discerning. But first and foremost, and above all, is the understanding that true wisdom and knowledge comes from the fear, knowledge and respect of the Lord, and living according to his instructions. To deny, ignore, or despise such wisdom would only be foolish and self-detrimental.

Life is not easy; it’s filled with difficult decisions and consequences to each action or behaviour. So if we have been blessed with the knowledge of God’s grace in Christ for our eternal good, and also God’s instruction for our earthly wellbeing, why would we human beings- choose to deny or despise such assistance? This is the plague of the human heart as it is drenched and dripping in sin and in opposition with God. May our constant prayer through these devotions with Solomon and his proverbs be one of cleansing of our hearts. May we be open and hungering for God’s wisdom to be poured out in our lives, and our hearts and minds awakened to his practical guidance in our earthly walk.

Prayer: Dear Lord, As I dig into your wisdom through the words of Solomon in his proverbs, please open my heart and mind to hear and understand what you are saying for my life, as well as, all people – young and old alike. Give me clarity of mind and courage to heed and follow your instruction for my good. In Jesus name, I pray. AMEN!

Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well!

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest…” Hebrews 4:9-11a

I am sharing with you today that I will be having a Sabbath-rest for August which will include abstaining from writing and posting the devotional blogs. I will continue to post the week’s readings for those enjoying our Journey Through The Bible, but I will not be posting my weekly devotions for August, as I am finding that I am needing time to get back to just resting in the Lord during my morning times of devotion with him. Instead of just focusing on him and giving him praise and thanksgiving, and joyfully extending  all my prayer requests heavenward, I am finding I am focused on deadlines, and post times, and scheduling, and the list goes on and on.

The world might tell me I’m weak because I can’t fit it all in, and rightly so. But in knowing my limits and temptations, I’m aware that it is time for me to take a sabbath – time to rest and refocus on the Lord. With renewed focus and clarity, it is my hope to begin working through Proverbs for my weekly devotional blog, starting in September.

When taking our Journey Through The Bible this past year, I was captivated by the practicality and wisdom of the proverbs. I hope you will join me as I share my thoughts on these wonderful little nuggets of wisdom.

I look forward to having our Monday morning coffee visits, starting back up on Monday, September 3, 2018.

God bless you throughout August and always!

In Jesus’ love and mine, Brenda

Good day friends! I pray your week and weekend went well!

My husband and I are away on a beautiful vacation to the Hawaian Islands to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. As I sit on the balcony and watch the waves lap up onto the rocks, I am prepared to start my day like I do every other day- with my Lord. It doesn’t matter which day it is or where I am sitting, but each day he meets me wherever I am.

Let’s top up our coffees and revel in this reality….

Our One Constant

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:7-12

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:28-29

Have you ever thought about it? Have you ever thought about how it doesn’t matter where in the world you are, what your day holds, or what you are going through- no matter what- God is with us. Whether I’m on vacation in Hawaii or Cuba or Europe or any part of the world, he’s there. Whether I’m sick in bed, or waiting for the birth of a grandchild or preparing the day for a loved one’s funeral, he’s there. Whether I’m emotionally celebrating a mountain top experience, or I’m psychologically going through the darkest of days, he’s there with me. God is the one I can talk to every single day, every circumstance, every single time. He starts my day- every day.

Over the years, our earthly confidants come and go. The joys of our lives grow up and move out to start their own households and lives. People in our lives come and go. Life’s highs and lows drift through our days in an ebb and flow. No matter where in the world our days take us- physically, emotionally, psychologically- the Lord is always with us. We never need to miss him. Where we are, he is. He is our one and only constant this side of heaven.

So where ever today takes you or tomorrow or the next, know that God is with you. If you are planning to leave for your summer vacation, remember to have him go with you. Where ever you are, God will join you as you take time to be with him. He will guide your days and give you rest at night, every day and every night. He is our One Constant!

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank-you for always being with me. Thank-you for loving me and guiding me. Here I am in _____(name the place you are in right now)___________. Forgive me all my wrong doings and keep me from sin. Guide me this day in your grace. Give me the wisdom I need to tackle the decisions and situations with which I will face. Help me to love those people you put in my path. I lay before you now my thanksgivings and my requests…… Dear Lord, thank-you for being my one constant! In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!

Reflection: It’s so easy to not bother taking time with the Lord when you’re not home. However, over the next month I ask you to challenge yourself – take this prayer with you by copying it into your notes on your phone or rewriting it or whatever works best for you, and take it with you where ever you go for the next month. Then as you say it, take a look around at your surroundings and know that our Lord is present with you exactly where you are at that moment. So no matter where you wake up  each morning, over the next month, you will be reminded to include Jesus in each day.