Verse of the Day—Life's Unexpected Turns

(The verses I'm posting today are from the ESV version of Daily Light on the Daily Path devotional.) 

Last week hubby got a text from our landlord saying he was "thinking" about selling the house and property we've been renting the last two years. He said he would call us the next day. No phone call, no text, nothing. 

Then Thursday a realtor put a For Sale sign up in our yard. 

Friday the realtor called to set up a time to see the house that afternoon. We couldn't do it then and finally we settled for a time Sunday. 

Saturday we found the listing online with this in the description (yes, I'm aware of the misspelled word: "Tennant in property now but will be vacant soon."

Hubby again tried to get a hold of our landlord. Hours later, our landlord texted that his house had burned down and he was selling all his rental properties. 

Okay. But does that constitute the 30-day written notice the state of Missouri requires? Not to us, but who knows what the landlord thinks? He's a little bit of a "strange duck," as my mama used to say. 

So we add one more difficult situation on top of several others. God certainly isn't surprised by any of this, though I'm beginning to understand how Job felt. Even more than I have identified with him at times in the past. I'm very thankful that God knows the path ahead; He has a "new" place prepared for us to call home; and He will never leave us to face what seem to be insurmountable mountains before us. 

Saturday, before we saw the online listing, the Lord gave me these verses from my reading in the Daily Light:

Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. Psalm 25:12

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:108

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! Psalm 32:8–11

I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23

If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 127:2

This morning, these verses were in my reading:

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7–8

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14–15

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. . . . The Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:15–17

“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24


Yes, I'm thankful that the Word of God is living. It has the answers to anything life throws at us. It equips us for the battles and tasks we face. And its promises are as true today as they were when the words were written. 

I'm thankful that God is continually guiding me, that He never leaves me, He's always with me. His plans for me are beyond what I can even think or imagine. And as I keep my eyes on Jesus, He will enable me to run the race He has ordained for me. 

God is good. All the time. Even when our plans and tasks for the week include starting the search for our new place to live. 

Answered Prayer and a Tough Decision—Part 2

Then Roger said he wanted me to go with him for a second trip to Missouri so I could see the plant, meet the people, and look around the area for possible places to rent. We drove—a twelve-hour drive from Denver. Previous to this “jaunt,” we continued to pray for a clear, distinct answer from the Lord. In my quiet times I felt the Lord encouraging us to say yes. But during the day, all sorts of objections rose up to put that certainty into doubt. It was tiring! I knew we needed something definitive.

So we asked for prayer from all our praying friends at church, in my writer’s groups, and on Facebook.

We were still unsure of the decision. A major move hadn’t been in our plans for the future. Knowing that God’s way is best, we didn’t want some of the objections we had be a deterrent from following Him if He truly was leading us to Missouri.

Here are more journal entries leading up to our trip and through the days (November 9–11) we were in the Springfield/Marshfield area.

November 5, 2011

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33–34

“Let go your earthly cares.

            “I do not forbid you to work, only to worry. The best way to break the power of worry is to refuse to take thought for tomorrow. Today is rarely a problem. Most anxious thoughts are related to the future. Put all of tomorrow into my keeping.

            “For today you need wisdom. For tomorrow You need faith.” (Frances J. Roberts, Progress of Another Pilgrim)

Father, You are in control of all my tomorrows. I don’t need to worry. My part is to rest in You. Your peace and love, Your strength and goodness, You faithfulness, grace, and mercy are all I desire. Continue to guide our steps to the work You would have us do. Show Your peace and love. Thank You for Your love. I praise You. I love You.

November 6, 2011

Lead me in Your truth and teach me. Psalm 25:5

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

“If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God.” John 7:17

The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him. So it is good to wait quietly for the salvation from the Lord. Lamentations 3:25–26 nlt

“There are always a few decisions that need to be made that are life-changing . . .

            “How do you determine your course of action? ‘Patient endourance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.’ (Hebrews 10:36 nlt)

            “Waiting on God’s promise with patient endurance often feel more like endurance than simple waiting. Your next important decision may be worth some patient endurance to see what the Lord has in mind. He will truly direct your steps if you give Him a chance.” (Karen Moore, A Taste of the Spirit)

“Oh, My child, let me speak to you, and let my Spirit direct your life. I may lead you in unexpected ways, and ask things of you that are startling, but I will never guide you amiss. You shall go as Philip went—at the direction of the Spirit—into the places that are out of the way, and bring light on my Word to those who are in need.” (Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved)

Father, thank You for these reminders that You are guiding our way. We are facing some major life-changing decisions. Keep our eyes on You. We want Your will. Show us Your way. And keep us in the best path for our lives. We are waiting on Your clear direction. Love, thank You for Your promises that echo our prayers. I love You. I praise You.

November 7, 2011

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men. Psalm 107:8

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34:8

How great is his goodness. Zechariah 9:17

The Lord is good to all. Psalm 145:9

We consider those blessed who remained steadfast. James 5:11

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing. . . . Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he shall receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:2–4, 12

“The one thing that doesn’t have to change is your outlook on these events. You can know exactly how you’re going to approach them, and what you’re going to do because your attitude is based on the constant faith you have in Christ Jesus. Build your day on the Rock, and you won’t have to worry when the sands of change start shifting under your feet.” (Karen Moore, A Taste of the Spirit)

“There is a great spirit of bewilderment showed in the land today that causes people to go about as though they were moving through a dense fog. Vision is obscured. Never have I needed watchmen, heralds, prophets, and seers as I need them in this hour.

            “Stay close to Me no matter what attractions exert themselves to draw you away. Give fuller attention to the things of the Spirit.

            “You never fail to hear my voice if your ears have been unstopped by obedience and the desire to please and serve Me.” (Frances J. Roberts, On the Highroad of Surrender)

Father, Thank You for these verses and readings. I truly praise You that You desire Your best for those who seek You and Your way. Give us wisdom as we seek to discern Your way for us. Lord, give us peace. May I base this day on You and what You would have me to. I praise You. I love You.

November 8, 2011

I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6

Little children you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

“They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you.” Jeremiah 1:19

“It is this waiting upon God until God speaks that we . . . Christians know so little about.

            “If the workers of today gathered together in this way to seek the mind of the Spirit of God, how different would the work be; and how quiet and restful would preparation for any meeting be, sure of it being in God’s hands. . . . Oh, that God’s people might know the ministry to the Lord that will bring the personal direction of the Holy Spirit to those who seek and wait for it.” (Jesse Penn-Lewis, Fruitful Living)

“Surrender is the key to joy. By release the soul is freed. Bondage is the twin of selfishness. To hold is to lose and to free is to gain.

            “Meditation opens the door to revelation, and revelation brings liberation. Test it in any given situation. You will find that you hold in your own hand the instrument of life. It will work a magic eye to open the heaviest door.” (Frances J. Roberts, On the Highroad of Surrender)

Father, thank You again for evidence that You are leading. You assure me over and over that you are working on our behalf. There is nothing to fear. Right now the battle is fierce. I am weary and worn. Strengthen me. Help me identify the source, whether the enemy or my own flesh, and rebuke it. In Jesus’ name. Keep my eyes firmly focused on Jesus. Give peace in place of fear. I love You.

November 9, 2011

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8

“Be sure of your call. Our Lord deals variously with souls, but the soul must be sure that He and He alone is the chooser of its path.

            “Do not feel as if the call of God is always, as it were, audible. It is more the quiet sense of peace that comes as one is on one’s knees before Him and as one goes about one’s daily work; peace, but also outward attack. . . . All who are to bear the burden of leadership know it.

            “ ‘I am not hear because of choice’—to be able to say that, unshaken by all that will happen after the field is reached, and the pressure of life comes on, is rest of heart. Anything less is torture. A call is a quiet, steady pressure upon the spirit from which there is no escape. It is an assurance, a conviction.

            “Then there is the leading of God from the other end. If both coincide and the way is opened, let the soul go on in peace. If it be otherwise, then the meek will He gide in judgment; and the meek will he teach his way” (Psalm 25:9). There is something else in His mind for that life, something better. He will not waste its offer of love if only it is willing that He should choose how it is to be outpoured.” (Amy Carmichael, Fragments that Remain)

Father, this verse and reading is the prayer of my heart. And Roger’s, too. Give us Your answer, Your choice for us as we go to Missouri to check out this job offer. Give us Your peace, knowing that Your way is best. Keep our eyes on Jesus as the battle increases in intensity. I praise You. I love You.

November 10, 2011

“I chose you and applauded you that you should go and bear fruit and that your bruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16

Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

“I have fashioned you for better things. Do not fail Me. Place your life under My divine control and learn to live in the full blessing of My highest will.

            “I will strengthen you and comfort you. I will lead you by the hand.” (Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved)

“He still speaks in the silence of the waiting spirit, impressing His will, and saying, “Get thee out.” Listen for that voice in the inner shrine of thy heart.

            “. . . Let nothing hinder your obedience; strike your roots, and follow where the Lord of glory beckons; if you would have His companionship you must follow. . . .”

           

Father, wow! How much clearer can You get? Keep us listening for Your voice. Continue to lead us on the best pathway for our lives. Give us Your peace. I love You.

The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham and said, “Get out of your country and come to a land that I shall show you.” Acts 7:2–3

“Not thus does God now appear to us; and yet it is certain that He still speaks in the silence of the waiting spirit, impressing His will, and saying, “Get thee out.” Listen for that voice in the inner shrine of thine heart.

“This same voice has often spoken since. . . . Has it not come to you? If it has, let nothing hinder your obedience; strike your tents, and follow where the God of glory beckons; if you would have His companionship, you must follow.

“This call involved hardship. And so must it always be. The summons of God will ever involve a wrench from much that nature holds hear. We must be prepared to take up our cross daily if we would follow where He points the way. Each step of real advance in the divine life will involve an altar on which some dear fragment of the self-life has been offered; or a cairn beneath which some cherished idol has been buried.

“It is true that the blessedness which awaits us will more than compensate fus for the sacrifices which we may have to make; but still, when it comes to the point, there is certain anguish as the last link is broken, the last farewell said, and the last look taken of the receding home of past happy years. Count the cost clearly indeed; but, having done so, go forward in the name and by the strength of Him in whom all things are possible and easy and safe. And in doing so you will approve yourself worthy to stand with Christ in the regeneration.” (F. B. Meyer, Abraham)

November 11, 2011

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand. I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol. . . . You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:7–11

Let nothing disturb you,

nothing frighten you,

all things pass, and God never changes.

When you endure things with patience,

you attain all things that God can give you.

When you have God,

you lack for nothing.

~Teresa of Avila

That you may be filled with the knowledge of His will. Colossians 1:9

Father, we continue to wait on You. I believe this trip is of You. I can see us here, but what is going on with my anxiety level this morning? Fear not, for You are with me; be not dismayed for You are my God. You uphold me. If this is a check of Your Holy Spirit, then use this to direct us. But if it is from my own flesh or from the enemy, then I rebuke it and ask You to cast it away from me in Jesus’ name and in the power of Jesus’ blood. Continue to give me the discernment I need. I love You. I praise You.

November 10 was the key day for both of us as I shared the verses and readings from that day with Roger. As we drove home, we were convinced that if God resolved the upside down factor with our house, we were to go.

Kathy and Ben told us not to allow the house to stand in the way of a decision as they had some options for us to consider. We were also consulting with a trusted real estate agent who deals with lots of short sales and “special circumstances.” When Kathy and Ben’s ideas didn’t pan out, we took agent Dan’s advice and decided to put the house up for sale.

[To be continued . . . at a later date, since I didn’t accomplish the “next day” statement in the previous installment to this “saga.”]

Answered Prayer and a Tough Decision

Answered Prayer and a Tough Decision

After eleven months of unemployment and not having any “real” leads for a new job, Roger has accepted a job offer. In Missouri. Since we’re in Colorado . . . well, yes, that means a move. Not exactly what either of us wanted. Especially right in the middle of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. It turned out to be one of the toughest decisions we’ve ever made.

We first heard of the possibility of this job back in October. Our pastor and his wife were on vacation when I received a phone call from them. They had just toured the plant and heard the owner’s requirements for new project managers. Roger wasn’t home at the time, so Susan gave me all the details (phone numbers, e-mail address, and the name of who to contact). Roger e-mailed the owner that evening and had a phone interview the next day.

When they offered to fly Roger in to see the plant and job for himself, we knew it was worth pursuing. So two weeks later, he was there for a three-day introduction to the area (one we were somewhat familiar with since we’d vacationed there several times) and the job. He came home with a job offer. Even though he’d called every evening with a report of the day’s activities and conversations, he was still unsure of how I would react—especially when it meant we’d need to move.

The first thing we did was ask for prayer from many different arenas. Our church, my writing groups, Facebook, etc. The biggest obstacle we had before us was what to do with our house. We are upside-down in it, especially after almost a year of unemployment. We looked into renting and/or selling.

Here are some entries from my prayer journal at the time:

October 26, 2011

Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise. Hebrews 10:35

“Believe that you have received,” is the Savior’s word to us, “and ye shall have.” It is clear that during the waiting time, Abraham believed he had received, for the simple reason that he was “giving glory to God” in confident anticipation of blessing. While still praying and waiting, he was brought to the point of faith where he was as sure of the son that was to be given as if he held the babe in his arms. To reach the same point should be our goal as we pray. . . .

            “You may have prayed long and earnestly for _______________. Your faith may have been sorely tried and tested. You have been tempted to give up in despair. Hold on! Hold on! For He is faithful that promised. The very testing is effecting in you the will of God and preparing you for the blessing.” (Arthur Wallis, In the Day of Thy Power)

The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14

“I would have you as the waterfall whose sound is continuous, as a great river whose flow is continuous.” (Frances J. Roberts, Come Away My Beloved)

Father, I praise You. Thank You for the verse in Hebrews, reminding me that my confidence in You is never wasted, never unprofitable. In fact confidence is the result of faith and trust in You, that You never fail to keep Your promises. You are trustworthy. Right now You are showing us that persistence in prayer, confidently expecting the answers, grows us spiritually and results in receiving the blessings You have in store for us. Show us Your will this week as Roger checks out ACGI. Help us to know beyond a shadow of a doubt if this is Your will or not. . . .

October 28, 2011

“I desire to do your will, O my God, your law is written in my heart.” Psalm 40:8

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13

“Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit.” John 15:8

“Only to have life is not enough. Fulfillment is that for which I am waiting, yes, the manifestation of My sons and daughters as they come to maturity and as they produce that for which I created them.” (Frances J. Roberts, Progress of Another Pilgrim)

Father, I praise You for the Spirit of truth You have given us to guide us in You truth, Your way, Your purposes for our lives. We want to do Your will, to bear much fruit. We desire to do Your will. We want Your best for us. If You want us in Missouri, make it very clear. If You want us to stay here, make it just as clear. Right now the circumstances seem to indicate the move. But we don’t want to base that decision on circumstances alone. We desire Your clear direction. Use others, even put within us Your Word, so when the enemy attacks—and he will—we can fall back with certainly on that Word. Above all, give us peace. In Jesus’ name, we ask this. I love You.

October 29, 2011

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly . . . but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law does he meditate day and night. Psalm 1

I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8

David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6

I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. . . . I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:1, 4

“I have purposes for you. I have a ministry for you. Look not to any man to open this door. I not only open doors, but more often than otherwise, I create the place of service. I lead in new paths and down unpaved roads. . . . Be prepared for the unexpected and anticipate surprises.” (Frances J. Roberts, Progress of Another Pilgrim)

Father, I want to do Your will. I don’t want to drag my feet and miss what You have for us. Right now I think the ACGI job is part of Your plan for us. Others have said we need to check out more places around here, but how can we when we’ve heard of nothing. Father, if this move is of You, then help us see around the obstacles, knowing You are able to work them for our good and Your glory. But above all give us confirmation from Your Word and through the Spirit who dwells in us. And continue to give provision. We are running low. I praise You. I love You.

Later: Who knows but You have brought us to this point for such a time as this? To wait on everything to be perfect is to fail to follow You. And if we fail now. . . I don’t even want to contemplate it. . . . Our times are in Your hands.

October 30, 2011

It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:6

Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. Proverbs 20:22

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Psalm 37:7

Let us not grow weary of doing good; for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Father, I love You. You do hear my cry and You answer. Your love still amazes me. Last evening as I was going through my journal from the end of August and into September I saw again how You have been leading us to change. And in many ways You have already brought change. But there’s more. I hoped that after going through those, I would have a clearer vision of what’s ahead, but instead I’m sensing that you want us to step out in faith, to make a decision before seeing all the details fall in place. Like Esther, allowing You to guide us step by step. So again I’m asking for clear conviction, a verse, a word, for both of us. It doesn’t have to be the same one, but I need it for when the enemy tries to thwart us. You do have plans to prosper us. Help us see the next step with confident faith and trust in You. I love You.

November 1, 2011

The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 28:29

The Lord of hosts . . . is excellent in counsel and excellent in wisdom. Isaiah 28:29

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 1:5–6

Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

“My Spirit broods upon the waters, even upon the waters of difficulty. Be not dismayed, neither be turned aside. Set your hearts with even greater diligence to follow the Spirit. Others may find Me and lose Me again. Be not discouraged, what navigator would set his course by the location of other ships? You have a harbor to make, and you have a course to follow that lies dead ahead. (Frances J. Roberts, Progress of Another Pilgrim)

Father, You are all I need. You do give wisdom and understanding to all who seek You. This is what we need for the job decision before us. You have reminded me of several promises of Your direction since we received the job offer, so I have no doubt You will keep those promises. The more I trust You, the more I know You will not lead us astray. Guide my thoughts and actions today. I love You.

[This topic will be continued tomorrow.]