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Posted on November 11, 2020 by beverlyeash

8Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. 9For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. … So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living…. 14 …clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Romans 13:8-14

This admonition has always caught my attention and even more these last few days. It is so easy to get swept away by the values of the culture around me. In the past I read this through the lens of monetary debt — a warning against borrowing to buy things. Owing money to someone for a thing or a lifestyle. I no longer believe that is what Paul meant. He aimed at much deeper problems.

Loving our neighbor fulfills the last six commandments that teach in favor of honoring our parents and specifically against murder, adultery, stealing, lying and coveting. When Paul says to leave no debt outstanding, he is speaking about the debt we have to love one another unconditionally.

Focusing on financial debt is the easier of the two roads. While not an easy task, especially if the debt is high, it is less painful to correct an expensive lifestyle than an unloving lifestyle. When I have cheated others out of the love I owe them, it requires humility and a laying down of my own agenda to correct. It’s a heart issue.

What debts to love remain outstanding in your life? Perhaps if energy is focused on paying those debts, the financial ones will fall into place as well.

Happy Hump Day!

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Posted on November 10, 2020 by beverlyeash

Thirty years ago on this day, my day began as every other. We were in the final stages of building our first house, planning to move in just before Thanksgiving. I was pregnant and due November 25. Yes — we were supposed to move on my due date. Then everything changed.

About 6:30 p.m., as my little family finished dinner and I prepared to do dishes, my water broke. The overwhelming realization that the baby growing inside me was going to make an entrance washed over me. It is like being tied to a railroad track and the faint, shrill sound of the train whistle sounds in the distance. Terrifying. And yet something rose up within me and I knew I could meet this challenge.

At the hospital, it was obvious we weren’t the only ones having a baby that day. In the room next to us was a woman who was having a rough time. I finally asked the nurse about it and she quickly informed me it was a teenage girl having her first baby. My mind and heart calmed and I began reciting Psalm 34. It goes like this:

1I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. 6This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Psalm 34:1-8 KJV

I walked around our tiny room, saying these words of faith and trust over and over again. My heart calmed, my mind stilled and the Lord strengthened me for the hours ahead. Our second child and first son was born in the early morning hours of November 11, 1990. It is God’s word that brought me through those long hours of waiting.

Today, I was challenged to do the same with scripture. Monday was a tough day for me. But I forgot to use scripture recitation to calm my mind and heart. Until someone reminded me that it might help reset my thinking and restore peace of mind.

Here’s the challenge: Stop five times a day for one week and recite or read Psalm 23.

It’s not hard. But I think it will make a difference. I would love for you to join me in this short personal challenge to change our thinking, reset our minds and restore peace.

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Posted on November 7, 2020 by beverlyeash

I am writing this before the USA election is decided. In a few days or maybe hours, fifty percent of the population will be disappointed. I don’t know which side of the fence you are on, but I’ve been thinking how I want to respond regardless of the outcome.

“The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21:1‬ ‭

I first want to remember who is ultimately in control. Our God has not changed; he has not gone to sleep, he isn’t distracted or inattentive.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭13:1-2‬

Secondly, it is my responsibility to submit to and honor the one who we will call president. Scripture tells us that he is placed by God, when we don’t honor him, we rebel against what God has instituted.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-4‬ ‭

Finally, and most importantly, I need to pray and intercede for him, whoever it might be. It will benefit not only our president and his advisors but also enable me to have a peaceful and quiet life.

This is an important time in our nation. Not so much because of the election, but because this time reveals who we are. What kind of people will we be? It seems that is the really important challenge of this time!

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Posted on November 6, 2020 by beverlyeash

When I seek God with my whole heart, in a way that fits me, he promises to listen. He doesn’t just promise to listen, but he promises to respond!

9The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9

The other day I received a text from a woman I mentor. Checking in to see how life is going, she said this: “Hoping Jesus is making more progress in my heart than what I am realizing. I feel like ever since I started being proactive in doing heart work, I am robbed of time and so distracted.” As I read her text, I felt my heart quicken. You see, I had just written this post and I knew with certainty that the Lord’s eyes were seeing my friend’s heart. I knew he was strengthening her even in her distraction because her heart is fully committed to him!

The Lord takes a keen interest in what is going on in your heart! He isn’t just willing to listen if you seek him wholeheartedly. He is eager to strengthen you, to turn your sorrow into joy, your weakness into strength, adversity into opportunity. He is with you. He is for you. And he thinks you’re a big deal!

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Posted on November 5, 2020 by beverlyeash

Seeking God with my wholeheart…it intimidates me. Like if you would ask me to run a marathon. That’s a long way and I don’t know if I can do it and how do I train and … I just don’t think I will do it.

I just love what scripture says about those who are serious about seeking God. It’s tempting to think that seeking God follows a formula or will look a certain way. But what if it doesn’t?

“…The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

It is natural to think that seeking God with my whole heart will look a certain way. Does it mean going to worship services, prayer gatherings or healing meetings every night of the week? Does it mean reading through the Bible in a month or at least in a year. The truth is, it might not be observable from the outside. It might be that I watch less TV or change up what I read on my Kindle; maybe it is changing what I think or say about others. It might mean practicing kindness and empathy, inviting the neighbor to dinner or saying no to an invitation to dinner.

A relationship with Jesus is not a “one size fits all” thing. It’s not even a “one size fits most” thing. It’s a custom made calling that just fits you. And he isn’t looking at the outward appearance, he’s looking at your heart! So go ahead, you do you and seek him your way!

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Posted on November 4, 2020 by beverlyeash

11For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14I will be found by you,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

The Israelites lived in captivity in Babylon for seventy years. It might be considered a holy time out. They were having trouble listening and obeying. So God sat them in a corner to give them time to decide if they wanted to have listening ears. All the while, he had good plans for them. He had always had good plans.

I like it that the Lord has good plans for me, his child; plans for a hopeful future, not a disastrous one. But those good plans will not come to be by just sitting on my chair thinking about it. He gives two strategies to employ to ensure that his good plans come to pass. I need to pray and I need to seek him with my whole heart. Then, and only then, will I find him.

Prayer is spiritual communion with God. The most effective prayers I pray often have no words. It is sitting with an awareness of His presence and allowing Him to say what needs to be said.

Wholehearted seeking, in my experience, is living with open hands, listening with an open heart, with a willingness to be transformed, to change. At times, it’s kind of scary. Looking into the dark corners of my heart isn’t always easy or comfortable. But I find that the Holy Spirit embodies kindness, gentleness and love.

Are you like me — excited about a hopeful future? What keeps you from experiencing it? As we say to our grandchildren: do you have your listening ears on? Are you using them? Perhaps now is the time to pray and seek Him with your whole heart.

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Posted on November 3, 2020 by beverlyeash

What now? We sit and wait. Waiting for the results of an election that does not have the power to change anything unless I am willing to be a part of that change. As I sat and pondered what to write for today, a phrase kept running through my mind: pray for peace.

It’s not really a random phrase from nowhere, but an admonishment from God to the people of Israel during their time of exile in Babylon through the prophet Jeremiah. You see, I imagine the Israelites were very much like you and me. Divided along party lines, convinced their way of responding to captivity was the BEST way. God had a different way.

4This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

Jeremiah 29:4-7

This passage is extremely familiar to many people, with verse 11 printed on posters, wall signs, book marks, T-shirts and every other sort of medium. We wave the flag that says, “God has a plan for you…” but forget that his plan starts right now, in captivity not later after everything is like I want it.

In many ways, we are all in captivity. Scripture says that this earth is not our home, we are citizens of heaven, we are aliens and strangers in a foreign land. But it’s become so home-like, so familiar. So much so that we fight about it.

I think we are going to be here awhile. While we are here, let’s take to heart Jeremiah’s words to the exiles. Pray for the peace of the city where you live. It’s welfare will determine your welfare.

Then let’s do everything we can to work for peace in our communities. Lay down the weapons (read: shut the mouth), take up instruments of peace (read: think the best of others), honor one another above yourselves (read: be kind) and live in peace with others. Everyone is doing the best they can with what they know. And then the rest of Jeremiah’s words will be your blessing as well:

11For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 

Jeremiah 29:11

Are you part of the good in your community or part of the disaster? You get to choose. Choose wisely!

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Posted on November 2, 2020 by beverlyeash

Fifteen years ago, Dave and I purchased twelve acres of woods. Trails through the woods were maintained for four-wheel or snowmobile riding; a sledding hill offered the thrill of winter fun; a 14 x 20 cabin offered warmth and shelter from the cold, snowy adventures. All of this was the dream and work of the previous owner.

A year later, we cleared some of the trees to make room for our house and kept the trails open even though we didn’t use to ride ATV’s. We also maintained the sledding hill to always be ready for snow and sleds!

The cabin has been more challenging. We talked often about maintenance. We met with carpenters to discuss renovation. The squirrels used the cabinets for winter nesting. We don’t like sharing with squirrels. Much to my dismay, there was also an infestation of carpenter ants, requiring professional treatment. It was at this time that we had a reality check. We needed to amp up care for the cabin or it would deteriorate beyond usefulness.

About a year ago, I learned of a local gentleman who not only builds cabins, but restores old ones! I felt like I had hit the jackpot! His enthusiasm for restoration and his ability to see possibility inspired us. After several consultations and private conversations, we decided to go for it! The restoration work begins sometime in the spring of 2021.

Why am I sharing this? My vision for the cabin has always been to be a place of safety from the chaos of life. I don’t know yet what that means, but I know I want it to be a refuge. It might be a weekend away for frazzled parents, a place of refreshment for a worn out pastor, a silent retreat for a seeking pilgrim, a safe haven for battered travelers. Maybe it is a stopping place for you along your journey. Whoever stays there, I am sure of this one thing: there is refuge from the chaos of life.

Psalm 91 is an inspiration passage for me. It is an invitation to find refuge and safety in the shelter of the Most High!

1Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

Psalm 91:1-2

Too often I take that invitation for granted. Rather, I attempt to put up with the chaos, find a way through the busyness of life, excuse my frazzled, stressed out existence as the successful way. Recently, I began a journey to redefine success. One of the descriptive terms that came to me in this quest is safe harbor. I want to not only be, but provide a place of safe harbor for others — whether through my writing or a stay in the cabin.

You can follow our progress through this blog and eventually through a website dedicated to the cabin. Maybe one day you will find yourself relaxing on the porch in one of these rockers or snuggling down in the loft bedroom!

Front porch sitting!
Cabin interior…before!

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Posted on October 30, 2020 by beverlyeash

23Some went off to sea in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. 24They, too, observed the Lord’s power in action, his impressive works on the deepest seas. 25He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. 26Their ships were tossed to the heavens and plunged again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. 27They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. 28“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 29He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. 30What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! 31Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.

Psalm 107:23-31

Life can be unpredictable. It seems 2020 has shown us that with undeniable clarity. If there is a common theme in what I hear, it is that right now life feels like a chaotic storm. I am proud of those who cry out to God in their deepest fears and he brings stillness to hearts and minds. But he isn’t giving a redo on this year with all its chaos. We get to ride it out with the blessing of the quietness he offers.

I take courage from these verses knowing I am not doing life alone. No matter how the seas churn or the ship is tossed about, the waves and winds STILL KNOW HIS NAME! He will bring me safely into the harbor.

This song seems to sum up the promises of Psalm 107 quite aptly. No matter where you find yourself, may you know the living hope of Jesus!

Praise the Lord for his great love and the wonderful things he has done for me!

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Posted on October 29, 2020 by beverlyeash

17Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins. 18They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door. 19“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. 21Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 22Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.

Psalm 107:17-22

When God rescues me from captivity, he isn’t concerned only for those things that keep me physically contained. Of even greater concern are those things that keep me from him while I walk in “freedom.” It might be soul wounds; it might be unconfessed sin.

As David says in Psalm 32:

3When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

When I hide my sin, covering it with activity, addictions or appeasement, I lose. My body loses. My mind loses. My relationship with my Creator loses. When I confess my sin, He speaks the word and I am set free from death.

Are you suffering under the weight of unconfessed sin? Cry out to Him and he will snatch you from the grips of death.

Praise the Lord for his great love and his wonderful things he has done for me!

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