Scripture for Today: Psalm 17:7  “Show Your marvelous loving kindness, O You who save by Your right hand, those who trust and take refuge in You from those who rise up against them.”

I am quite familiar with bubble wrap with all the moves I have lived through.  Most of the time I just use newspaper for my breakables.  But for those items that are particularly fragile, I use bubble wrap for extra protection.  Of course, it is a lot less effective when the kids have been into it, popping those bubbles!  This last move I was quite proud of myself that only one item was broken.

A young mother recently shared with me that she wished she could wrap her small son in a bubble and so protect him from all potential danger.  What mother does not share that same feeling!  My children are adults and I still feel that way towards them!  But a mother is powerless to provide complete protection for her child.

Thankfully, there is Someone whose love and protection is trustworthy.  I wish belonging to the Lord meant that we were never touched by evil, sickness or accident.  We live in a fallen world and it is not Paradise!  But God’s Word reassures us that He is in control.  The pain and suffering He allows is always used for His higher purposes.  None of it is “bad luck” or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Our verse for today tells us that evil will not triumph!  I am to run to Him for protection.  His right hand is mighty to save when I take refuge in His loving kindness.  Even when I watch the news on television, I can continue to feel safe and secure.  Yes, I am fragile, but He is my protection!

Scripture for Today: Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

Coming to the end of a  toilet paper roll always presents a dilemma.  Should the new one be put in rolling out from the top or the bottom?  An important question for every newly married couple!

The French have a saying about having no more money, “au bout du rouleau” or “at the end of the roll.”  Who has not experienced panic at the end of that toilet paper roll, thinking it may be the last one!

For the believer, we need not ever panic when it comes to finances.  Our verse for today gives us a promise.  He will supply all our needs.  His store of supplies will never run out.  One can never come to the end of the riches of His glory.

Paul wrote this verse when he was in prison.  He experienced all kinds of hardship and yet he was able to affirm this truth.  God took care of all his needs.  I am sure that while traveling on his mission trips, he saw God supply all his needs.

I can also affirm the truth of this promise.  For the last 24 years my husband and I have seen God provide for all of our needs through individuals and churches.  There were times that were leaner than others.  But the Lord has always come through for us.  We have seen the truth of this promise on a monthly basis over and over.

My problem arises from the difficulty distinguishing between what is “need” and what is “want.”  God’s Word does not promise to supply all I want.  (I know, I’ve looked!)  He knows the difference.  But He loves to give good gifts.  His generosity is amazing!

Scripture for Today:  II Corinthians 5:7  “For we walk by faith and not by sight.”

The fog was so dense today.  The normal view from my window was completely obscured by it.  The tower of our beautiful cathedral was no longer visible.  It was an eerie feeling to know something was there but not to be able to see it.

Even though the fog lingered for most of the day, it never occurred to me to doubt whether the cathedral was still there.  I did not see it but I had no problem believing it was still there.

In the spiritual realm nothing can be seen with our physical eyes.  But there are things that are very much spiritually seen.  We see with eyes of faith.  We walk by faith which according to Hebrews 11:1 is the “substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.”

I cannot literally see the Lord.  But I do see Him with eyes of faith.  There is sometimes the fog of doubt or discouragement, but I know He is there.  Nothing has changed except my perception.   His Word remains true and His promises continue to be valid, regardless of how I may be feeling today.

Everyone has faith in something.  But faith in and of itself is worthless without the object of our faith being true and worthy.  And He is.  I am thankful that the fog lifts and He reassures me of His presence and care.

As I write this, it is dark.  The fog has completely lifted and the cathedral is bathed in spotlights.  One day, there will be no more need for faith as I will be walking by His side.  My prayer echos these lyrics; “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight.”

Scripture for Today:  Jeremiah 29:11  “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope,”

The French celebrate New Year Eve much as the Americans do.  There are fireworks.  There is time off work.  And there are lots of special foods with family and friends.  Everything is closed on New Years Day.  The streets are quiet and deserted.  Many are sleeping in, having a “grasse matinée” after too much of everything the night before.

I think I am too old to make any New Year’s resolutions.  I have seen too many of them quickly abandoned in my life.  I do not need that kind of pressure.  I would hope that as a believer, I have an every-day motivation to please my Lord.

As I look forward to this New Year, I am faced with all kinds of potential changes, both positive and negative.  I have a very vivid imagination for what could be.  That is why today’s verse is so important to me.  The changes that the New Year could bring are no surprise to the Lord.  He is sovereign and over all.  The movement from one year to the next is only the next step in giving me a future and a hope that HE has planned.

How wonderful to be able to face the unknown future with this confidence!  Worry and fear need have no place in my thinking.  He holds me in the palm of His hand.  Whatever hard thing may be in store will be lived through with His help and love.

Thank you, Lord, for all the gifts and blessings that await me!  Happy New Year!