A Goldilocks Life

I Choose to Worship the Lord

After the death of Moses, the Lord spoke to Joshua, Moses’ aide telling him to lead the people of Israel (Joshua 1:1-5). God promised to never leave or forsake Joshua and encouraged him to be strong and courageous. (vv 6-9).

Joshua sent two spies into the land to confirm the Lord’s direction. Through a woman named Rahab, that confirmation clearly and miraculously came (2:1-24).

Early the next morning, Joshua and all the Israelites set out to the land God promised to give them by way of the Jordan River. The water stopped flowing as the priests carrying the ark of the covenant touched the water with their feet and crossed the river (3:14-16).

On the journey, Joshua saw a man with a drawn sword and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man replied, “Neither, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have come.” Realizing this man was an angel, Joshua fell facedown to the ground and asked what message the Lord had for him. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” (5:13-15). That’s the last mention of Joshua’s encounter with God’s servant.

Like Joshua, I choose to worship the Lord. All morning long He reminded me of a beautiful song we sang in church on Sunday. Please listen to “Holy, Holy, Holy (We Bow Before Thee)”. Join with me as we bow before the King of Glory, our God forever! Click the link below.

Rest or Stress?

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. All good things happened, but changes in routine sometimes shake me up. Through it all, mostly I’ve had peace. A few moments rattled me, especially when driving to our vacation destination was delayed by stopped traffic for more than two hours.

How can it be that I may feel rest instead of stress? Perhaps it’s because most mornings, busy or not, I have drawn close to the Lord by reading the Bible, recording praises in my Thank You Log, and praying. God is key to lasting peace even in busy times.

The Lord promises that the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard our hearts through Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7). We may be in a crazy season, but the rest He provides is not reliant on circumstances. Peace is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22) and we may be sure that it is available anytime, anywhere.

I remind myself—trust, don’t doubt. Keep looking toward the Lord through changes, stresses, or painful times. God promises to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). He will provide the inner rest and peace needed to face anything. Ephesians 2:14 says, “For he himself is our peace…”

Thinking About Heaven

The greatest kingdom inheritance that we have is the presence of God himself. James Wychers

Pastor James has been preaching a compelling sermon series from the book of Ephesians. I am learning through it that God is the best of all fathers and in the end, everything will be summed up in Jesus Christ. The quote above from a recent sermon got me thinking about heaven.

Often, we talk of going to heaven, and it’s about seeing our friends and loved ones who’ve gone there. And those streets of gold we sing about—can’t wait to see those. But Pastor James reminded us of the best thing about heaven. Being in God’s very presence will fulfill every longing we’ve ever had.

Trust in Jesus Christ and you’ll enjoy being with Him forever. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”