Mary Cantell

May

27

A secure hope

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In the Old Testament, we read about the prophet Jeremiah, who spoke to the Jews living under the controlling authority of foreign empires. One can imagine how difficult it would be to live under that kind of strident domination and control.

Jeremiah told the people they would be exiled to Babylon for at least 70 years, and they should settle down, build houses, marry, and even pray for the peace and prosperity of the city in which they now found themselves (Jeremiah 29:4-10).

His prophetic words were spoken to people in the midst of hardship and suffering, but God’s response then, and even now, is that he does not always provide immediate escape from difficult situations. Rather, God promises that He has a plan to prosper his people, sometimes in the midst of their current situations. We refer to Romans 8:28 that tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.” This should reassure us to look beyond our circumstances and focus on God in the storms of life.

Christians facing difficult situations today can take comfort in the words of Jeremiah, knowing that God is still on the throne and hasn’t forgotten us. He has a plan for our lives as we walk in faith while trusting in Him. Regardless of our current state, especially in this current culture, we can be assured that He can work through it all to prosper us and give us hope, joy, and a blessed future.

May

21

His incomparible glory

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There is no God like Jehovah and no other name so glorious. He is faithful and true to his word. He says what he means and means what he says. He is steadfast, immovable, and consistent.

Who of us is consistent? Is there anyone or anything? Life changes on a dime and today’s good thing is tomorrow’s bad. We say one thing today, and a week—even hours—later say the opposite. We forget. We’re human.

Inconsistency is so like the human nature of man. So, it’s tough to get our finite minds wrapped around the glory and infinite being we call God, who never changes.

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? ~ Numbers 23:19

The infinite nature of Jesus and his incarnation and becoming our Emmanuel is utterly unfathomable. He’s been around from before time began, and he is as steadfast today as he was then.

To think the creator of the universe does not change at whims or predilections like man does, should give us all the more reason to depend on him—the one who is faithful and true—and hold his Holy Word above all else.

May

13

A mother’s love

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How blessed are those who have been raised and nurtured by a Godly woman—one who takes the responsibility of raising her children under the guidance of her heavenly Father. Next to Jesus, there is no other love quite like a mother’s.

To walk with the Lord and bear much fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit requires one to become less and allow God to become more. This is often what a Godly mother is about; her love often extends beyond her own needs or concerns. Sacrificially, she’ll hold back from herself the last scrap of food, lend her only dollar, drive to the ends of the earth, or stay awake throughout the night, if necessary, to make sure her children are safe. She gives and gives until it’s time to give again.

Mothers are God’s special gift to the world. Whether a surrogate mother, godmother, or grandmother—we celebrate you all today. While here on earth or at home with the Lord, we remember you today and every day with our utmost love and appreciation.

May

05

Our Guiding Light

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Where does one find help and guidance in times of extreme pain or difficulty? Seeking help for problems can be sought in numerous ways, but nothing can really cure the situation totally if we use only our own strength and muster. In fact, it may compound things.

The psalmist in Psalm 43 speaks of his oppression in the face of distress and questions God on why he seems so distant. Why do you cast me off…you are the God of my strength. So, why am I in mourning?

Sometimes, God can be silent and tested people of faith sometimes ask this same question: Why isn’t God answering in the way I think he should? Our reasoning should be: God, I need to be led by your light and truth…please send it to me and increase my faith. Until you answer, please be my strength.

Our road to the land of spiritual healing comes through submitting to God’s light and truth. It’s the only way to be led through our faith journey… unless we want to do it ourselves and wonder why life goes dark on us. We need God to lead the way to live abundantly.

Apr

29

Rejoice!

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When you rise in the morning and lie down at night, are you consumed by personal struggles? When trials seem bent on grabbing your soul to suck out your joy, what do you do? The book of James states…

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing ~ James 1: 2-4

When you are lacking nothing, you have everything that you need in the provision of Jesus. Your relationship with him lends to the trials and temptations a chisel by which you are able to become more like him. …to make you stronger and more perfect—in Him.  Let Jesus do a good work in you by faithfully keeping your mind fixed on him.

For the children of God, the ones Christ calls his brethren, our solace is met at the cross. The cross is not a crutch but a symbol of power through Christ.

The world is a battlefield for control of our mind. The combat skirmishes will always be there until we’re promoted to heaven, but there is assurance that in Him, our battles are already won. Our deliverance is met in Jesus. Rejoice, he’s on the throne!

Apr

24

Grace and truth come through Jesus

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The path Jesus traveled to the cross at Calvary has become a pivotal point in history where his shed blood and selfless sacrifice allowed the curtain to the Holy of Holies in the temple to be torn in two—top to bottom, yes! The immovable barrier between sinful man and a holy God is now changed forever.

Jesus didn’t say he would show us the way. Rather, he demonstrates that He is the way. He is the only source that can lead fallen mankind to the true God—to his Father in heaven. Jesus did not say he would reveal some truths but that He is truth. He is the personification of it. Jesus is the life in whom we put our faith and hope. Christ’s claim is exclusive. He is the one and only way to truth and life. There is no other path, or philosophy, or religion that can lead a sinner to redemption.

It’s a simple message, yet so profound. Knowing this, we can be overjoyed to share the good news that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life to whomever the Lord places in our path. With so many people lost, it’s our privilege to share the gift we’ve been given with those who don’t have it.

Apr

16

His abundant grace

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The magnificent works of the Lord are above and beyond amazing. Can words do them justice?  There really aren’t words enough to describe or measure the goodness of the Lord. Taking the rich abundance of all he supplies, it would take an eternity to count the blessings God bestows. Surely, we’d run out of numbers!

We are so blessed by what our Creator lends us for life on this planet every day. He brings the sunlight, provides our food for harvesting, and His word tells us that the rain, too, falls on the just as well as the unjust.

Take a look at the natural beauty of the sky, a flower, or a butterfly, and marvel at the handiwork of our Lord. If he can be concerned for such things, how much more for you?

As God has given us life more abundantly, we need to make it a priority to share the good news with others who do not know Him. What a privilege!

 The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful  than we will ever be able to comprehend

~ A.W. Tozer

Apr

08

His goodness and mercy follow us…

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The magnificent works of the Lord are above and beyond amazing. Can words do them justice?  There really aren’t words enough to describe or measure the goodness of the Lord. Taking the rich abundance of all he supplies, it would take an eternity to count the blessings God bestows. Surely, we’d run out of numbers!

We are so blessed by what our Creator lends us for life on this planet every day. He brings the sunlight, provides our food for harvesting, and His word tells us that the rain, too, falls on the just as well as the unjust.

Take a look at the natural beauty of the sky, a flower, or a butterfly, and marvel at the handiwork of our Lord. If he can be concerned for such things, how much more for you?

As God has given us life more abundantly, we need to make it a priority to share the good news with others who do not know Him. What a privilege!

 The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful  than we will ever be able to comprehend

~ A.W. Tozer

Apr

01

He is risen, indeed!

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Pierced, bruised, and crushed all describe our savior at the scene of his fateful death. Many would have passed out from only a portion of what Jesus endured on the cross. Amazingly, he hung in there through the suffering. All for you and me.

The sacrifice he made, the torture, the humiliation, and how he was mentally and emotionally brought down by the weight of humankind’s sin is mind boggling. What the Lord went through is stirring in the deepest of ways because what he suffered was what we deserve.  An innocent lamb led to slaughter. Though because of this miraculous feat, we are now set free…set free spiritually from everything that besets our souls forever.

The compassion of God is truly greater than anything we’ll ever come to know. The more we dwell upon the flogging he endured… the stripes upon his back… the nails in his wrists, and the crown of thorns on his head, the more fully we can understand the magnitude of his suffering. The greater meaning of it all, we’ll understand in heaven, but for now, we can rest in the truth of God’s word that these things were designed from the beginning for good.

The only remedy for the world’s sickness and disease of sin with all of its manifestations is the Lord. Isaiah tells us: “By His stripes we are healed.” We take medicine for our physical ailments, but the only medicine to cure our souls is the blood of the perfect lamb.

Mar

18

A friend to the friendless

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Friends are wonderful. Without them, where would we be? They are supportive, loving, and often go out of their way for us. While there are friends in name only—more like casual acquaintances—there are others who stick by closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

While we appreciate our friends and what they can offer, what’s even greater is that Jesus is so much more; he’s both our savior and our friend. He’s been called a prophet, a priest, and a king when he walked the earth. Today, he’s all of that—and more.

Bright Morning Star, the Alpha and the Omega, Prince of Peace…the list of Jesus’ names goes on… But with all of his titles, the fact that he is our friend, too, is stunning.

So, what has Jesus done for me lately? This may be a thought in your mind. Though if you have to ask that question, you may want to look no further than the book of John.

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but has everlasting life ~ John 3:16

What Jesus accomplished on the cross in doing his Father’s will is above and beyond anything we’ll ever need. Whatever we may require, it surely will not go unnoticed to him. He is faithful to supply all of our needs.  Sometimes, it’s just a matter of trust.