The Resting Place

This World Is Not Our Home

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:17 ESV

Last Sunday while at church, I noticed how some of our congregants have gotten old right before my eyes. Those who are now middle-aged couples were once young adults just starting out, having babies, living their lives, and reaching for their dreams. Their babies are now grown and many have married and now have children of their own. Seems like only yesterday, but I fully realize that in the 40+ years I’ve attended my church, I have also gotten old right along with these younger folks. And, I’m very thankful for the privilege of having done so.

Today, in thinking back on these young families, I’m reminded that our days here on earth are moving very quickly. The words of the old hymn “This World Is Not My Home” tell us that we truly are “just a-passing through.” The good news is that while we are here, despite hurried days and challenging times, we have a sure and mighty Anchor to hold onto and One who will always steady us. We have One who never changes and is perfect in every way; One who will lead us through this journey of ups and downs and all of the “in-betweens” of life.

Jesus is as near as the mention of His name. If you aren’t depending on Him for your strength today, why not read the Book of John. Get to know who He is. You will see how much He loves you. He died for you. Even though we are all a work in progress, God is very patient with us, for which I’m eternally thankful. He takes us right where we are and begins His work in us—shaping and molding and shaping and molding some more until He begins to see His image shining in our reflection.

Friends, there’s a better day coming and I pray that you’ll remember where you are now is not your final destination. Without a doubt, as our days sail by so quickly, we will experience the peace of God in our hearts through each of our anxious and uncertain moments. We have the option of making each new day one in which we don’t focus on the bad stuff, rather we view our present difficulties in light of eternity.

May you find the Anchor for your soul and walk through today with peace in your heart and a song on your lips. You have this day. It will never come again. As with yesterday and all days before, let us always remember that God is good, all the time.

Prayer: Thank You, Father God for this new day! It is a gift that we don’t take lightly. Forgive us when we fail to honor You as we should. Please continue Your good work in us in all areas of our lives. Help us to walk in Your ways and bring the light of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to all we encounter in the traffic lanes of life. I pray this in His name. Amen.

More Than Enough

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Psalm 90:1-2 ESV

As I read the above verse of scripture, I am encouraged when I think back over what has now been many years of my life. I remember and am thankful that God has helped and protected me through His mercy and goodness. He has provided more than enough for my needs during times of struggle, hardships, and times when I didn’t know which way to turn. He has been there to guide me toward what is best for me even when I didn’t always give Him my best. It has been through those super hard times of grief and sorrow that He has comforted me as no one else could ever do. I can never thank Him enough for loving me that much!

I have found that regardless of where we are in life—in times of difficulty or the calmer seasons, God will meet us right where we are. As we remember all He has done for us in the past, we are encouraged and strengthened with renewed hope for the future.

Today will be a brighter day as we keep our hearts and minds on the main thing—following the way that leads to peace and comfort no matter what comes our way. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is as close as the mention of His name.

Prayer: Father we thank you for being more than enough. To know that You are with us when we face challenges in life brings peace and hope for better days ahead. It is during those hard seasons that we can face our struggles knowing that we are never alone. Help us to always honor you in all we do. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Family of God

Christian brothers and sisters from around the world. Photo taken at the International Convention of the Gideons International, Grapevine , TX. July 2022.

“My mother and My brothers are the ones who hear the Word of God and do it.” Luke 8:21

In her devotion, Thelma Wells of the Women of Faith ministry, writes: “In the family of God, there is a bond deep inside that binds us one to the other. It is the glue of authentic love expressing itself in caring for, clinging to, and coming to the aid of each other without strings attached. It is the River of love streaming from the bloodline of our Savior that finds, fetches, and fastens us to one another.” Thelma Wells—Faith for a Lifetime, Daily Inspirations for Women of Faith

Such beautifully written truths. All humans long for connection because we were made for relationship with God and others. The body of Christ is such a beautiful thing. Even though we are imperfect people serving a perfect God, we benefit greatly by our connection with other believers. We draw strength from those of like-mind.

We are sinners, saved by His marvelous grace.

We are different shapes, sizes, and colors, but all created by our loving Heavenly Father.

I am beyond thankful for the Family of God. I pray for those who don’t yet know how special God’s love is, and how His children find strength not only in Him, but also in one another.

I’m so glad I’m apart of the family of God….🎶🎶🎶

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we honor You and give thanks for the opportunities we have to gather in one accord with Your people. Our fellowship is sweet when we are with those who love, follow, and serve You. What a beautiful sight it is to see Your people from across the world worshiping together. No language barrier exists where Your love is present. All customs and differences fade quickly from view when Your Spirit is free to work in the hearts and lives of Your followers. Help us to serve You with passion for the lost and hurting. In doing so, we will lift the Cross of Christ higher as we go, for Your glory and honor. I pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Wonder Working Power

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

“Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” Revelation 21:6-7

I’ve always loved these verses of Scripture. It is inevitable that In life we will have times when we grow tired and weary from things such as illness, loss, circumstances beyond our control, or a myriad of other causes. We often don’t understand why things happen as they do, but God has a plan through it all. He is always on duty tending to every small and large detail. As Christians, our job is to trust Him with every detail of life and to walk in such a way that others will see Who it is that we depend on through every season. Sometimes that’s hard, but it’s the safest and wisest thing to do.

When our HOPE is placed in the Lord, things change. We look at life differently knowing that the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last are always there giving us strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Today and every day, I’m thankful for the restorative peace and joy that Jesus brings to those who trust Him enough to let go and let Him do the needed soul work in their lives. There is peace, joy, and hope in His wonder-working power.

🎶🎶There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder working pow’r, in precious blood of the Lamb.🎶🎶

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, how we honor You for Your mighty power. You alone have the keys to life and breath and strength. Thank You for being there for us in all ways, at all times, through all circumstances in life. You give us hope and freedom through salvation in Jesus and we thank You from the depths of our hearts. Please forgive us when we fail You and help us walk in such a way that others will see Your wonder-working power through our lives. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

God’s Ambassadors

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58 ESV

“There is no ideal place for us to serve God except the place He sets us down.”
Truth For Life Devotional, Charles Spurgeon/Alistair Begg

I connected with the above quote. So many times, I’ve felt inadequate to serve the Lord in the manner to which He was calling. I’ve felt insignificant in my little corner of the world. If I’m honest, that would be more often than not. The truth is, I am inadequate and I am insignificant when it comes to things of a spiritual nature. BUT……when I daily empty myself of the fear and self-doubt that Satan likes to hurl at me, and when I put on the armor of God, then I am ready for the spiritual task ahead.

Wherever you are in your walk of faith, God wants to use you. He will equip you specifically for the assignment He has for you. As Henry Blackerby wrote in the “Experiencing God” study that I participated in years ago, “He will drop you in the middle of where He is working.” You may not think you are capable, but rest assured, with His help, you are! He will never turn away one who is desirous of serving Him.

We are Christ’s ambassadors, and we’re the only means He has here on earth to spread the Good News. He will gladly use us in our place of influence, both for our good and His glory! I’m so thankful that He never gives up on us. He will take care of the details. We only have to be willing.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You are forever worthy of our praise. Thank You for calling us to be Your children. We can never express enough what our faith in Jesus Christ means as we live out life on a daily basis. We need Your strength and wisdom each and every moment. Thank You for always supplying just what we need when we need it. How comforting it is to know that You will never leave us or forsake us. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Peace

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” -John 14:27

Peace. Ahh! Isn’t that what we all want? How can we be less focused on fear and worry? How can we look at God’s long-range plan for our lives rather than focusing on these troubled times in which we live? How can we find lasting peace?

None of us is exempt from the struggles of this life and the fear we sometimes feel as a result of our struggles. From personal experience, I can testify that we CAN have lasting peace if our focus is in the right place. To me, there’s only one place where I have found such peace, which in turn brings less and less fear of anything that will come against me—present or future. It’s in and through the person of Jesus Christ. It is through my sweet relationship with Him that I find peace.

It is in and through our commitment to God and our reliance on Him to guide us through each day, that we will be able to rise above the hard places in life. We are not blinded by the circumstances around us. Rather, we will see that there is no need to fear and through God’s help, we will understand the words found in I John 4:18a: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”

When the veil of pain and sorrow is lifted from our eyes, we’ll see a brighter and clearer picture of His love and peace all around us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Yours is the only peace that we desire. Thank you for giving us all that and more. To know that Your love reaches into the depths of our souls brings not only peace but sweet joy. Help us to live in such a way that we will shine the light of Jesus to a lost and dying world, and that we will exhibit peace amid the great challenges we face today. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. Amen.

Who’s In Your Boat?

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41 ESV

Many people were crowded, by the seashore, that day
Wanting to hear more of what Jesus would say

The disciples were there lending Jesus a hand
To Him, they’d committed to preach in the land

Listening to Him teach, the crowd gathered ‘round,
More likely than not, there wasn’t a sound.

He had much to say to these He held dear
To show them the Way to salvation, so near

Having taught a long day, they launched out to sea.
Into the waters they called Galilee.

The crowd had pressed in most of the day
Jesus was tired, so in the boat, he did lay

Suddenly a storm came, quick as a wink,
The disciples were fearful that the boat would soon sink

But Jesus got up and spoke to the sea
The waves and wind stopped, and the storm ceased to be.

Those in the boat, a loyal, trustworthy band
Marveled as the winds and waves obeyed His command

How many times have you faced your own storm?
With no one around to keep you from harm.

Just like the disciples, you fear what’s ahead.
That your boat will go under, sinking like lead.

As Jesus commanded, the wind and the waves
He’ll do what it takes, His people to save.

Sisters and brothers, I ask you today,
Has Jesus walked by to show you the Way?

Has He lovingly bid you to trust Him
alone?
To give you a reason to sing a new song?

Don’t be disheartened, I tell you for sure
That He’ll carry your load and give strength to endure

Those hard times in life when you feel so alone
It’s during those times when He’ll bring you that song.

His love and protection are there for the taking
And our hearts He doth mend, whenever they’re breaking

He gives us the peace we are longing to know
And shows us His path, the direction to go.

So, friends, look to Jesus to calm all your fears
He’ll always be with you and dry all your tears.

He’ll be there to quiet the storm in your heart.
He’ll give you His love and never depart.

I learned a good lesson long years ago
That it’s best to let Jesus sleep in my boat.

Written by Carolyn McDaniel Canizales, May 30, 2023

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for calming the storms that sometimes come against us. It is only through Your hand that we are able to find peace and comfort in all circumstances. We thank you that we have the choice to let Jesus sleep in our boat and bring peace to the wind and waves. Help us to always remember that it is because of what He did on the cross for all mankind that we have the promise of everlasting life. I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

He’s Waiting

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

I have a long list of things to get done, but on this quiet and peaceful Sunday afternoon, my thoughts drifted to spiritual matters. After a wonderful morning at church, I found another way to show my appreciation for what Jesus has done for me. I hope this simple poem will help others remember what God has done for them. As Christians, we have much to be thankful for. Blessings to all.

He’s Waiting

I’ve walked some mighty long roads in my life
And I’ve been held hostage by worry and strife

Traveled through sadness, sorrow, and pain
Convinced that my eyes would always see rain

Hiding the fact that my heart was well broken
Engaging in life without hurts being spoken

I longed for true peace and contentment to be
Deep in my heart, something special for me

Others I’d seen had a sweet peace so real
And I knew they had something I wanted to feel

Then Jesus came in as quick as a wink
And gave me new life that caused me to think

How he’d been there with me all the day long
And He was the One who gave me this song

It’s a song that I’ve carried for many a year
And I’ll always be thankful for something so dear

This song I’ll keep singing as long as I can
Of how He has changed me and shown me His plan

He helps me to see those who are sad and alone
Just like I once was, til He gave me a song

He helps me to tell them that life does have pain
But in trusting the Son, they will have Heaven’s gain

That His ways are all perfect; His plan is the best
And that He will lead them to valleys of rest

Friend, if you’re walking a lonely dark road
He wants to relieve you of your heavy load

Trust Him today and find all that and more
For He’s waiting to enter your lonely heart’s door

It’s up to you to let Him come in
You have a choice to stay where you’ve been

Or enter into a new relationship sweet
Where forever you’re privileged to sit at His feet.

But please don’t delay; life goes by so fast
Believe in the Son, then you’ll have something that lasts.

Written by: Carolyn McDaniel Canizales, 5-28-23

Happy Mother’s Day!

“As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children” (1 Thessalonians 2:6b-7).

“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She opens her mouth with wisdom , and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Her children rise up and call her blessed. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:17,26,28, 30

“No man is poor who has a godly mother.” Abraham Lincoln.

Happy Mother’s Day! Mothers and grandmothers are special and have a purpose that God created them for before they were born.

Many of us have strong women in our line. I have said many times what a wonderful mother my six siblings and I were blessed with. My daughter, Shelly always said she got her strength from me and I now see that strength in her children.

We’ve had praying mothers—ones who gave so much love to us. That love has played a huge role in shaping us to be who we are today. Because of our mother’s unconditional love, we have been able to look at our strengths, weaknesses, fears, and failures. We recognize the areas where we have survived only by the grace of God.

I am thankful to have had a mother who taught her children through the way she lived life. She was perfect in my eyes–a wonderful Christian woman–humble, gentle, and full of such a deep love for her family. By the life she lived before us daily, we were taught how to love God and others. Although she is in heaven, I still miss her so much and am comforted by the fact that one day we will be reunited.

I want to share the following excerpts from the Wisdom Hunter’s Devotional, entitled “A Mother’s Love”, written by Boyd Bailey. It speaks to my heart and expresses my feeling about the Christ-like characteristics my mother possessed.

“A mother’s love reflects the love of the Lord, deep in its capacity and generous in its application. She awakens in the middle of the night to nurse a hungry infant or care for a sick child. Her intuition injects love at points of pain and in situations that require extensive encouragement. A mother’s love lingers long in conversation and understands with her sensitive heart. She loves, because Christ’s love compels her to love like Him.

Moreover, a mother’s love is loyal and longstanding. A child may be in trouble, but Mom is always close by, full of compassion and acceptance. Her love can be blind in its loyalty, but her offspring never doubts where they are welcome. Jesus was rejected by angry, jealous men and abandoned by His closest friends, but His mother was waiting with Him to the bitter end, “Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother…” (John 19:25a).

A mother’s love even has the capacity to be a mother to those who are not biologically her own. She opens her home, shares her food, gives her time, dispenses her wisdom, and encourages obedience to follow Christ. Paul experienced this. “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too” (Romans 16:13). Moms sometime mother greatness not their own.

Lastly, a mother’s love is gentle; the way God is gentle toward His children. He calls us to love and to lead like Jesus. Love serves people and does not rule with rigor. “God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey” (2 Timothy 2:24, TM).”

Thankfully, my mother was the type of person Mr. Bailey speaks of in his devotional. Knowing my Mother would welcome me home despite my failures and poor choices reinforced the assurance that I always had those earthly arms to run to. This is also how our heavenly Father is. He loves us despite our failures and bids us to come to Him for rest, safety, and comfort. For me, knowing that He loves me that much gives a peace deep within that nothing else can even come close to giving. I pray that each of you has experienced, or will experience this peace in your heart and life.

Prayer: Father, God. Thank You for the privilege of motherhood. Help each of us to continually look to You for guidance in our role as mothers and grandmothers. Lead us in love to be the kind of role models that You desire, so that we might gain the respect and love of our families. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

In Memory of Verdie Sophia Smith McDaniel, 11-25-1911 – 10-10-1990 and Shelly Rena Forston, 5-25-1967 – 11-13-2016

How Great Thou Art

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

On that particular Sunday, the church service had just begun with the congregation singing the hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” As the meaningful words to this song were lifted high in adoration to God, a beautiful sight brought tears to my eyes and deeply touched my heart. There, in the back of the church, slowly making her way to a pew was one of our dear seniors, a sweet lady whose smile has always been contagious. The main thing that brought my attention to her was not the fact that this precious lady was using a walker to maneuver her way into the church, but rather it was the joy on her face as she sang the words of the song. Her countenance reflected not only joy but a commitment to be at church despite the difficulty of getting there. It was evident that this was a lady who had loved and trusted in Jesus for many, many years and one who would finish well when her time on earth was no more. On her face, I saw the assurance that she would one day stand in the presence of the One who had been her comfort, help, and hope. At that moment, she would hear these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21 There was no question that she was confident of the “greatness” of God.

This dear lady, who has now gone on to Heaven encouraged me that Sunday morning without knowing it. Moments like this remind me what a wonderful thing it is to be a child of God! I am also reminded that He is bigger than any problem or frailty we might have; that He will never leave us or forsake us, whether we are young or old; that His love for us encompasses more than we can imagine; that we are NEVER too old to serve and praise Him; and that He alone will give us strength, wisdom, and the commitment to live out our lives in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Prayer: Dear God, indeed, how great Thou art! Thank you for being with us all the days of our life, and for the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks for those who encourage us and inspire us not only with words but by how they live their lives. Help us to be strong in our faith and love for others, as we commit everything that we are and ever hope to be to You alone. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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