Being Prepared

Being Prepared
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
February 21, 2013

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. -Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT Each morning before I take our puppy for a walk, I check the weather and the temperature. I need to know whether to put a coat on both of us, carry an umbrella to shield us from any rain or grab the sunglasses and a hat on a sunny day. Even though I check the weather reports and predictions, I don’t know what to really expect until I actually walk out the door. I think I am fully equipped but many times the rain gives way to sun and vice versa and I realize I am not prepared at all! We are told to put on the full armor of God each day. What is the full armor? The belt of God’s truth. The breastplate of righteousness which protects our hearts and emotions. The shoes of peace. The shield of faith which helps us to see past our troubles and remain focused on God. The helmet of salvation to keep from doubting God and the sword of the spirit which is God’s Word, our offensive weapon when we are in battle against darkness. When we cloak ourselves in the full armor of God, we can be assured we have all we need to meet the day. Each day I specifically ask in prayer that God equips me with His full armor. But why is this so important? As in the weather, sudden storms come up, hurricanes can cut a swath through our geography and lives, snow surprises us wit a covering over the sand and so much more. You get the idea. In our life, how many times have we “planned” our day but things seemed to come out of nowhere. We were thrown off course, off balance. When we are outfitted with the whole armor of God we know we can rise up over our problems while keeping God at the center of our life. We know we won’t lose control of our emotions, that we will be able to see things as they really are because God’s truth resides in us. We have an abundant faith inside of us to make it through. We will not doubt God or His existence in our life or the situation we seek wisdom to deal with and we have God’s Word to back down the enemy when he tries to come against us. On the coldest day of winter you would automatically put on your heavy coat and when the rain comes, you’d seek an umbrella and maybe boots. You have trained yourself to do those things instinctively. So it goes with the full armor of God. We should make putting it on as an essential part of our morning until it becomes second nature to us. How could we even think of going through the day without Him?

Treasured Presence
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
February 12, 2013

But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 Walking around my home sometimes I admire the little treasures I have collected over the years that have special meaning for me. Some of my favorite things are worn Bibles and dog-eared devotion books that have been highlighted for their encouragement, bowls of shells from walks on the beach, and family photographs serving as reminders of great times. Searching through one of those devotional books this week, a phrase caught my attention. It said, “Decorate ones’ home with the presence of the Lord”. I had never thought of it in those terms before, but it caused me to wonder about what my treasures really were and if I had included God into my “decorating theme”.  When I heard that phrase, I looked around my home with a new eye. What I saw brought me joy. God’s beauty surrounded me in this space through Bibles, books, artwork, photographs of nature, calendars with scripture, Bible study notes, intertwined with everyday life like music, stacks of newspapers, my puppies toys scattered about and a comfortable chair for rest. These walls have seen and heard a lot of prayers over time. I pray that this space we call home is pleasing to God. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt. 6:21My prayer today for you and for me is that the Lord is the head of our home always, that He greets us at the door, resides with us and fills us with His presence. When He is treasured in our home and there is a place made for Him, He will come.

February

February
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
February 07, 2013

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. -Hebrews 12:14 NIVThere’s always a chill in the air in February. But the weather patterns now seems to bring storms and colder than normal temperatures every few days. I find it fascinating to observe the weather. Living on the coast makes weather watching especially important and interesting too. February is also the time that we recognize those we love in observance of Valentines Day. It is a centuries old tradition that was originally called Saint Valentines Day but was shortened to simply Valentines Day as we know it and it continues today. It was intended to honor and recognize romantic love but is now extended to include all those that we cherish. In a perfect world, we would live in peace with everyone. But sometimes that doesn’t seem possible. The people that hold on to grudges with a death grip are also the ones that easily perceive offenses when none is intended. In short, they are easily offended and quick to judge. It springs forth unexpectedly and contaminates everything. This gives new meaning to the phrase, “there’s a chill in the air”. We have to navigate around people like this as though we are on an obstacle course trying to dodge the debris. This is the result of behavior when a person chooses not to walk in peace. The best we can do when these situations arise is to pray, pray and pray some more. And then let it go. Surrender it to God. Trying to be peaceful with someone that doesn’t want to be peaceful bears no fruit and is toxic. The tearing down, the judgment and condemnation serves no good but to feed grudges and offenses with more fuel. He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends Proverbs 17:9 NIVGod created us to live a life of excellence, to live our days in joy, peace and love. He has mighty work for us to do if we can step up and over the pettiness we encounter in life. God loves us and that is unwavering. His love is unconditional. What more do we need to move forward? Charles Dickens said “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.”As much as it depends on us, we are to live in love and peace. Valentines Day is a reminder to show love and to renew our commitment to God to walk in His Ways.

The Right Path

The Right Path
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
January 31, 2013

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you”. 1 Peter 5:6-10 ESV When I talk walks on the beach, I can absorb the serenity and peace of my surroundings. It is the place where I can clear my mind and where I have my best talks with God. I talk and He listens. The anxieties and worries of the day that overshadow my thoughts I want to get rid of and resist. By having a conversation with God, I receive clarity and my mind is restored and I know by the Holy Spirit, God is comforting me and directing me in my thoughts. Many of you know exactly what I am talking about. Maybe it isn’t the beach for you, but a comfortable chair in your home, at a desk, on a park bench. God can meet us anywhere! Years ago, there was a mindset that we should charge forward and “make things happen” for ourselves. It was an age of abundance and we were told we should have our share! The world was teaching that we could rely on ourselves for a great life: desire it, go for it, and make it happen. That thinking had no room for God. Not to say that ambition is bad because it isn’t. God wants us to follow Him and He makes the path straight. Remember that in Jeremiah 29:11 God says that “He” has the plan for us. To get there, we have to surrender “our ways” for “His ways”. When we want something so much that we become obsessed with it and we ask God to bless our latest obsession, that isn’t godly at all. But how many times have we done that? Trying to control God in a tug of war for our wants and desires won’t get us far. Nothing happens in a power struggle. It is only when we “let go and let God” do we see His hand. Does God always answer every prayer? No. Does He promise to always be there and stand beside us? Yes! Sometimes we have to experience things that are unpleasant or uncomfortable, but in the end, the trial or turmoil or strife we were held captive to is for our benefit and God’s glory. He is always teaching us. Showing us the right path. Walking us through it. Whatever He takes us, we are assured we are not alone. Just like those walks on the beach that I love so much, He is holding my hand every step of the way and He is holding yours too. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful”. Hebrews 10:22-23 ESV

-Transition-
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
January 24, 2013

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESVWhat does the word “transition” really mean? The dictionary says it is movement, passage or change from one thing to another. The definition makes it sound easy doesn’t it? A favorite quote that simplifies the meaning of transition: “One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.”A transition of any kind can have huge impact. Some change and transition we choose willingly and others seem forced on us. If we are reluctant participants in change that faces us, we can get caught up in an overwhelming emotion of fear. Fear can be paralyzing, both physically and emotionally. I think we have all been faced with fear of change at one time or another. But then God’s wisdom intervenes and we are pulled out of it with a fresh outlook and anticipation. A wise person once said, “You don't have to be afraid of change. You don't have to worry about what's being taken away. Just look to see what's been added.”That helps us to turn what we think is a negative experience into a positive one. Every time my husband and I had the chance to advance his career by moving, I was always reluctant. Very reluctant. But once we got settled in our new surroundings, I realized “home” is in my heart, not in possessions or memorabilia or familiar places. God can give us a peace about change He is bringing to us if we ask Him. Like nature, the tides, the blowing and drifting sand, birds migrating, the change of seasons, fluctuating weather patterns…everything is in transition. It is called “life”. It is normal and we should accept God’s hand and involvement in our lives and our surroundings. He is everywhere and He walks us through our life’s pah with His Guiding Love. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Trust

-Trust-
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
January 16, 2013

He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him.  Let him deliver him, since he delights in him. - Psalm 22:8 A boat ride can be fun, and in order to really  enjoy the experience I think that having trust in the captain is all important. I want the captain to know the boat, know the water, understand the weather and be familiar with the navigation charts. It makes for an easier ride if there are no worries and the captain is fully experienced and capable. I would hesitate to take a boat ride with a captain that showed inexperience. The depth finder and radar are so helpful, but ultimately it is his skills that come with experience that will help the captain guide the boat because of his knowledge and ability to handle the vessel. At the start of each day lies before us are all the choices and decisions we must make. We may not have the great skill and knowledge of a professional boat captain to apply to our life. We may be navigating uncharted waters as we deal with choices before us. Some days can seem a bit overwhelming at times with so much facing us and many people depending on us. We wonder what is the right thing to do. Often we will poll our family and friends for their advice, only to come away more confused than ever, even though they love us and mean well. Those decisions that simmer day after day on the back burner eventually have to be handled. They can’t be put off another day. But what if you don’t know what to do? God says we are to trust Him. God has a way of directing our paths and we are not aware of it. If we go down the wrong path we will surely know it because nothing about it will work out. We will come across too many obstacles which sometimes is God’s way of telling us we have veered into the wrong direction. Just as soon as we make the correction, we get a “knowing” on the inside of us that we are where we need to be. When we are in God’s Will everything seems to fall into place. It is by His design because He has been working behind the scenes to line up the right people, right circumstances for our situation. Basically, He has made a way. And what if you want something so bad and have prayed so hard for it and it isn’t happening? Don’t despair. Perhaps God’s Timing and our timing are not in sync. It doesn’t mean it won’t happen, it will only happen when God anoints it to happen. Decisions face each of us. Big ones and little ones. Life-changing decisions and the simple ones that are easily forgotten by the end of the day. To keep from wasting steps and time, consult God before each decision. His wisdom is ever abundant and He always has our best interest at heart. And if you feel like you haven’t heard from God about what to do, start moving in the best direction and make the best decision you can. God likes to see us use the wisdom He has given us. And if it is to be, God makes a way. And if it isn’t, God will stop us with delays, cancellations, and a whole string of situations will stand in front of us that will prevent us from moving forward. He has the plan. He knows what is best. We don’t have to explore uncharted waters alone. God is at the helm and He says we can trust Him.

Tides

Tides

Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
January 08, 2013

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18: 1-3 The tide comes and goes twice each day. It is calculated and certain. The way it ebbs and flows suggests it is the true music of the sea. Pacing itself with the wave that went before and the one that follows, unleashing its energy on the shore. The moon and the sun are responsible for the tides and their movements. Low tide is serene and exposes more of the shoreline at water’s edge. There I have found numerous shells and sand dollars just waiting to be plucked from the mud flats. High tide is not a beachcomber’s delight but it is certain that if you have the patience to wait for low tide, you may find treasures exposed that you never imagined.  My favorite, of course, is low tide. It’s when we can step out a little further towards the ocean in faith. We hope to see more as we inch towards deeper water. It is daring and exhilarating to be near the drop off, yet feeling safe and secure. When the tide is high however, the drop off is not visible and we can’t assure our safety. God promises protection always to those that put their faith in Him. We are never alone. God’s love and His presence are constant like the movement of the tide. He is with us when our inner tide runs high with joy or low with sorrow. He can take us to new heights, teach us to dream, and expand our own visions. With God by our side, we don’t have to worry about getting into deep water. He is our protector and best friend.

Wide Open
Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Glass
January 03, 2013

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV The New Year was just a few days ago. The Christmas decorations are packed and stored for another year. My little house seems wide open again. Oh, yes I do love the decorations, but I like the feeling of the extra space too. Everything seems new again. This time of year gives way to many reflections of the past: past Christmases, changes within our family, new adventures, achievements and disappointments. But January marks the time for new hope, plans, books to read, a life to live. Like my house, I feel like I am wide open to new things. One of my favorite places to be is when I feel I have the beach all to myself. No one but me and God, the occasional shorebird and the rustling sound of the dried stems of the sea oats in the winter wind. It feels like anything is possible on those days of peace walking under God’s umbrella. Lots of time to think, reflect and pray! Praying God’s Will over our life and the lives of our loved ones is far better than making strides by ourselves to “do our own thing” while not having his covering over us. Like many of you, I don’t know just yet what He is calling me to do in 2013, but I know it will be good. Let us be wide open with a heart of obedience to accept the plans He has for us. Yes, we will continue to dream and hope, knowing some of those dreams and hopes have been planted in our hearts by Him. Seek Him. Be expectant and hopeful. Trust Him