You know what I’ve wanted to ask God in all this craziness our world is in? Has someone been praying for patience? Maybe you’ve heard the old adage that suggests if you pray for patience God will send a trial for you to exercise patience. The implication is that the only way you’ll ever learn to be patient is if you are tested. Certainly, I believe that our patience grows in suffering along with our character (Romans 5:3-5), but patience is also given here as a fruit of the Spirit - available to all who are walking in the Spirit.

Patience here carries the idea of long-suffering. I like John MacArthur’s definition: “the calm willingness to accept situations that are irritating or painful.” I don’t think it’s a coincidence that patience comes immediately after peace in this list. It is the peace of God that rules our hearts and allows us to patiently endure whatever may come our way.

This is not a “grit your teeth and bear it” kind of patience either. It is a patience that rests firmly in the promises and power of God. A patience that understands I can rest my head at night knowing my God never rests His head. It’s a patience that endures persecution because “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19 & Deuteronomy 32:35). It’s a patience that doesn’t allow us to sit on our hands, but to continue working for the Lord all the while trusting that His purposes will prevail.

But I also believe the patience that the Spirit works in us is for the small moments as well. When we are walking in the Spirit, we won’t respond to our children out of anger and frustration, but patience and love. When you’re tired of looking at the walls of your house and just want to know when this will all be over, The Spirit enables you to find joy and not lose your patience when you have every reason to. It’s also the ability to be patient with yourself and the process of sanctification that God is working in you. To not give up on pursuing Jesus because you’ve hit a rough spot or a dry season spiritually.

When you’re walking by the Spirit and not by the flesh, He works patience in you and I believe we all could use a little more patience. So pray for patience - God may test you, but He will also supernaturally enable you by the Holy Spirit to exercise patience when the testing comes.

by: Dave Harkey

As we deal with the stresses of life, especially life as we are experiencing it now, I find myself in some sort of prayer more often. Prayer is how we communicate with God, it how we get close to Him and share our hearts and our lives with Him in a more deliberate manner – and right now it seems I have a lot to say to Him (don’t we all right now?). I have to wonder sometimes if God is using these times to draw us closer to Him? While I don’t think this pandemic is good, I do think He is using it for good (good ole Romans 8:28 - maybe a blog for another day).

All this prayer time has me thinking about Ephesians 6:18. Paul tells us here to pray at all times. ALL TIMES?! How are we supposed to do this? Certainly, we cannot be on our knees 24/7. What does this look like? And in the Spirit? HUH?

We think tend to think of prayer of this sacred time where we shut everything out and focus on God; talking to Him and listening to Him. While I think we should do this on a daily basis, we also need to understand that this is not the only way we can pray. Here are some practical ways to pray at all times and in the Spirit:

• Listen to the nudgings you get from God, the Spirit. When they come, say a quick prayer when they come to you. Prayer does not have to be all flowery and full of words. One sentence works – He knows your heart – it doesn’t even have to be proper grammar. “God – insert word hear – please, thank you” works. The Holy Spirit will do the rest (Romans 8:26-27)

• Act on the nudgings you get from God, the Spirit. Notice when he gives you direction that seems to come out of nowhere. If He tells you to give the guy at the exit a dollar, just do it. Don’t debate it and wonder what the guy is going to use it for. Likewise, if he tells you to turn away, do that too.

• Live your life as if it is a prayer – as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). Try to please Him in all you do. Honor Him in all you do and in your lifestyle. It is the ultimate form of worship.

• Don’t discount those short little prayers – “God Help Me”, “Thank You God”, “Lord, give me strength” They are powerful. They help you stay focused on God and to acknowledge Him in your life.

• Use words you understand – keep it simple (1 Cor 14:15). I used to think that I had to use the big religious words and long prayers. I thank God that he taught me that simple is good – it was freeing.

• Sing – even if it’s in your head. I love music, it is good for my soul and helps me express those things I cannot put into words on my own (Psalm 96:1, Psalm 47:6)

During these times, there is nothing more comforting to me than to be in God’s presence and to draw strength from him in all things I do and all things I deal with. These days can be overwhelming; so, I pray.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere”
Ephesians 6:18

by: Erin Bradley

Over the last several weeks, Heath and I have both noticed a subtle unwinding beginning to take place. Our family, like most, is constantly in motion, always moving towards goals set on the horizon.  It is not that we have found ourselves with fewer responsibilities if anything we are learning new processes that have come with sudden change. However, it feels like much of the unnecessary has vanished. Unnecessary anxieties, unnecessary hurry, unnecessary yeses, that to be completely transparent most often manifest in fear, anger, and exhaustion, not love, peace and joy.

Heath has been home for a solid month without interruption. In the 14 years I’ve known him, we have never been under one roof that long together. It has been amazing. Sure, our kids have fought and have had meltdowns, we all have, but I’ve noticed something… it is not just Heath and I unwinding, the kids are too. We have laughed and played together. We have worked, done chores, cooked, gone on bike rides, painted, argued, prayed, talked and heard one another, cried and done absolutely nothing all as a family.

I have heard and read several news stories and articles encouraging people to grieve the loss of societal “norms,” and accept that things are different. I get what they are saying, but what if we have completely missed something in our hurried lives? What if this “slowed down, nowhere to go that is more important” state of being is the “normal” we should be striving for?

Current world circumstances are forcing a slowing down in our lives to maintain health and reduce infection rates. While acknowledging the seriousness of our present plight, I find my heart asking if many of us have not already been afflicted with a much more devastating disease, the disease of self. Some of the symptoms are fear, anxiety, complacency, distraction, exhaustion, pressure and anger. This disease is slow working, making its way into every area of our lives. It devastates relationships, tears families apart and leaves our lives broken and empty.

In some ways this time of seclusion has felt like the gentle exposure of our hearts, revealing the true state of our lives. We have spent countless months stressed out and exhausted, constantly feeling like maybe we are just spinning our wheels, but as the have days passed, and peace and rest have filled our house and family, I have been reminded each morning of Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG),

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Our reality is we have taken on burdens that we were not meant to bear; our Truth is that His burden is easy, and His yoke is light.

Today and in the days to come, whatever this unwinding is, we are in until the end.

by: Nate O’Brien

I can remember the reactions of both of my boys while being out with them as youngsters when encountering a sudden, scary,  and startling sound. One minute they would be walking completely relaxed by their father and the next they would, upon hearing the sound, become wide-eyed and panic.  They would drop the hand they were holding and take matters into their own hands.  Although I was still right there with them, they would momentarily act as if they were no longer there.  They would react as if they were alone and as if they were no longer being given protection or provision. They would act like sheep without a shepherd.   I have seen them freeze.  I have seen them run either away from the sound (and me) or toward it.  Just like a lamb, typically their reaction was not in their best interest.  They needed a reminder that their father had not left them.  Usually, I would use words to remind them.  I would use particular phrases that they were familiar with that I have used their whole lives to comfort them.  In a soft, calm, and deeper voice than normal, I would say “hey, hey.”  Their wide eyes would then find mine, they would remember that I was near, and they would come toward me and be comforted and calmed.

In times like these, we (even adults) can forget that our Good Shepherd is so near.  When we are startled by disaster, illness, death, etc. we can react like sheep and like my sweet boys.  We can freeze, run this way and that, and act as if we are alone without protection or provision.  We are in need of a reminder that our Father has not left us or forsaken us.  We need to hear His words to us.  We are so blessed to have it in the Bible and especially in Psalm 23.  With His words to us in this psalm, He is, in a sense, saying “hey, hey” to His people.  Let us meditate on His words, turn our eyes to Him, and remember that He is near.  Let us move toward Him and be comforted and calmed.  Let us consider the words of our Good Shepherd. 

1. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In the first verse, we learn the identity of our Shepherd, the eternality of our Shepherd, the personal nature of our Shepherd, and the provision of our Shepherd.  The Shepherd is the One and Only Lord God of Heaven and Earth.  There is no other.  He is the triune God of the bible.  He is Immanuel (Matthew 1:23), Deliverer (2 Corinthians 1:10), Savior (1 John 4:14), and most familiar Jesus (Luke 1:31).  He has so many wonderful names.  In times such as this, it is good to remember that our Shepherd is the Lord.  He is not a man only that He could fail us.  The Shepherd is eternal as we can see with the simple word is. We do not have a Shepherd that was or that will be, but one that is ever-present.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  He is a personal Shepherd as He is “my shepherd”.  What a thought!  Who am I to even have His attention?  It is not who I am, but who He is.  He knows His sheep (John 10:3) and they know Him (v. 4).  The Shepherd provides everything His sheep need and so they “shall not want”.  He is Himself the source of what they require.  Now, it is not always what the sheep want, but it is always what is good and best for them (Romans 8:28-29).

2. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
In the second and third verses, we learn more of the provision of our Shepherd.  Sheep typically do not lie down unless they are calm and content (they are very similar to little boys).  The Good Shepherd provides the food that His sheep need so that they can rest.  They might not always rest despite having what they need, but they always have what they need to rest.  He provides them physical food and especially the food that their spirits desperately need.  He is the bread from heaven (John 6:51). He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14) .  We cannot live on bread alone, but on every word of God (Matthew 4:4).  Sheep typically do not follow the lead of their shepherd unless they trust Him.  They often have to be driven.  Yet, the words used in the psalm indicate that the Good Shepherd gently leads His sheep "beside still waters". He provides them physical drink and especially the water that their spirits desperately need as well.  He is a fountain of living water (John 7:37-39).  Physical water can run out, yet He is never-ending.  Whenever His sheep are thirsty, they can come to Him for drink.  Yes, His words are food and drink for our spirits.  Not many of us starve our bodies from physical food yet many of us starve our spirits.  We must go to Him and His word in prayer and with thanksgiving so that we have healthy, calm, content, and trusting spirits. 

3. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Our spirits can be wearied by life in a sin-cursed world, as a result of our own sin, and as a result of the sins of others.  They can become downtrodden.  It is why David, the author of this and so many psalms, is constantly telling himself "be lifted up O my soul!"  He usually stated this right before reflecting on who God is and what He has done.  In all three of those circumstances, our Good Shepherd restores our souls.  Remembering Him and what He has done lifts our spirits.  Crying out to Him in sorrow for what we have done brings comfort and forgiveness (Psalm 119:176).  Praying for our enemies brings peace.  He causes us to constantly be more and more like Him.  He promised to finish what He started in our hearts upon His saving of us (Philippians 1:6).  Why does He do this?  For His name's sake.  His name is so precious to Him.  His reputation (His glory) is His first concern.  Over and over throughout the scriptures, we read about it (one of my favorite set of verses on this subject are Ephesians 1:1-14).  That is a sweet comfort to His sheep as we can trust that He will restore us and He will guide us in "paths of righteousness" because His name is at stake.  He will not fail.

4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
In the fourth verse, we learn about the present help and comfort of our Shepherd.  The psalmist spoke of the fact that we will walk through "the valley of the shadow of death."  We will suffer in this world.  We will be given trials and tribulations.  Anyone who tells you that you can have your best life now is contradicting scripture.  The word of God tells us again and again that we will suffer.  It also promises that we will never suffer alone.  Our Shepherd is always with us (Matthew 1:23).  We need not fear anyone but Him rightly.  Even then, He comforts us (Revelation 1:17-18).  There will be evil in the valley.  There will be sin (our sin and the sin of others), illness (to include viruses), the evil one, and even death that we must face.  Yet we do not suffer or grieve as those without hope for our Shepherd is with us in the valley.  He will bring us out one way or the other.  He has promised.  The rod of a shepherd is for protecting the sheep and the staff is for rescuing the sheep.  Yes, the protection and salvation offered by our Shepherd is our present help and comfort today and every day.  Our flesh might feel the real emotion of worry and fear.  We must preach the good news of the gospel to our flesh.  "Be lifted up O my soul!"  We must battle against our feelings with the facts of scripture until our emotions bow the knee to Christ.  Your Shepherd is with you even now.

5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
In the fifth and sixth verses, we learn of the hope offered by our Shepherd.  Oh, His promises are rich and many!  He gives hope to His sheep with His words.  Despite having to face the shadowy enemies of sin, disease, death, and the devil; we will be victorious over all in Christ.  There is coming a time when we will sit with our Shepherd free from all harm.  Our past enemies will only be left to watch us sup with our God.  We will be free from sin, all disease (especially viruses), death, and the devil.  We will be made members of the household of God (Ephesians 2: 19-22).  Having been hate-filled enemies of the One True King, we will be family by sweet adoption.  We will be sons and daughters of the Most High God.  We will lack no good thing.  And my heart can barely stand reading that He will "prepare a table before me."  Who am I that the Lord of Creation should serve me?  I am a sinful wretch and yet, He will prepare a table before me.  I am not even worthy of cleaning up after Him!  Behold our Humble Shepherd (Philippians 2:5-11).  Who is this King of Glory?  Who is this Creator who serves His creatures?  O, He is your Shepherd!  He leads us with a glorious vision of future Hope.  Let us follow Him.

6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
But that is not enough for our sweet Shepherd.  He saves us.  He serves us.  He sups with us.  He stays with us forever.  In this life and the next, He is with us.  Even in the midst of suffering, I have known Him to be so good and so full of mercy.  The words of God are true.  My experience does not validate them, however, my experience is possible because they are true.  Christ has been walking with me for 19 years.  He has never lacked in goodness and mercy even in the darkest days in the deepest valleys.  I can echo the psalmist when saying, "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."  Perhaps you have not yet experienced His goodness and mercy.  Preach this truth to your spirit and to your flesh.  I have such a hope in this life yet my hope for the one to come is even greater.  Not only will we be free from all evil, but we are also guaranteed eternity with Him forever.  We are to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.  That word dwell signifies an intimate fellowship that is permanent.  We will be with Him forever.   

For all of the sheep who belong to the Good Shepherd, be reminded of your Good Shepherd.  He is gently calling out to you "hey, hey" through His words.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  Look toward the face of Your Shepherd and the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.  Remember that you were dead in your trespasses and sins and you were deserving of hell for your crimes against God.  But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved you saved you by His grace (Ephesians 2:1-5).  The Father sent His Son to live a sinless life, suffer your punishment on the cross, die, and rise again so that you could be saved and forgiven of your sins.  He, by the power of His Holy Spirit, caused you to be born again.  He made you His sheep, gave you a new heart, and is making you more and more like His Son.  Draw near to Him.  Remember that you have a Good Shepherd who provides all you need, offers present help and comfort, and is your hope now and forever.  If you, like me, have been anxious and worried, confess your sins to Him.  Obey Him when He says "do not be anxious (Matthew 6:25-34)."  Cry out to Him for a heart that is not anxious.  Ask Him to help you trust Him more and more - especially during this time of dark valleys.  He will hear you and answer your prayers.

For those of you who do not belong to the Good Shepherd, I am most saddened for you.  I don't know how you will weather these times or the times to come.  For you do not have a Shepherd.  You will always be in want.  There will be no green pastures or still waters for you.  Your soul will not be restored.  God has set commandments or rules you must obey.  You have disobeyed and broken His laws.  You have not honored God as you ought, you have lied, been disobedient to your parents, hated others, coveted their things, and have taken what was not yours.  If you have done this even once, you are guilty before a Holy God.  You will continue to be lead in the paths of sin and unrighteousness.  You will walk through the valleys of the shadow of death and you will be so afraid.  There will be no comfort for you there.  You will eventually die and stand before the God of the universe.  He will render the guilty verdict.  Instead of serving you, adopting you, and caring for you forever, He will sentence you.  Your sentence will be hell forever.  Criminals must pay the fine for their crimes.  You will be confined into His prison with your enemies forever.  This was the state of my own heart.  This was my own sentencing before He changed me and renewed me by His love and grace. There is good news for you too, if, by God's grace, you will hear it!  The word of God says that if you repent (confess and turn from your sins) and believe (accept and trust) in Jesus (who He is and what He has done for sinners like you), you will be saved.  God commutes your death sentence and renders it paid by His Son.  He forgives your sins, changes you, and adopts you into His family.  Repent therefore and believe this Good News.  We would love for you to join the family and experience all the promises offered by Psalm 23 to His people.

May God bless you all during these times.

by: John Wilbanks

When Janet and I were first married, she was excellent at cross-stitching.  My favorite piece was of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”  It has hung in our home for nearly 42 years of marriage and is a constant reminder of our good Father.

What an incredible promise this passage truly is.  We don’t have to rely on our own intellect nor experiences.  We have an omniscient guide to direct our paths or as the verse is otherwise interpreted, “make our paths straight.”  In these days of turmoil and confusion, we  all seek that direction more than ever. 

A few days ago, Matt, my son, Eli, his 8 year old, and I went on a pretty serious hike from the top of Gingercake Mountain to a rock formation called Sitting Bear.  In order to get there, one has to navigate a steep and slightly treacherous drop finding footholds on rocks and roots and grabbing any available trees or limbs.  Eli started down behind his father and having not done this before, became frightened pretty early on in this effort. He began to say, “I’m scared.”  His dad patiently worked him through the process of watching how and where to step and what to grab onto, giving physical assistance as needed.  We made it down to the lookout and were treated to the most amazing views of the Linville Gorge and the mountain vistas around us - God’s magnificent handiwork laid out before us.  What an incredible shared experience it was!

I reflected on that time and thought that it was an apt illustration of the direction part of the passage from Proverbs.  Eli was scared of falling and unsure of his own ability to scale down the narrow and tortuous path.  He could see the challenge right before him, but he wasn’t sure of what lay beyond his vision.  Every slight slip reminded him of the danger he felt.  But through it all, his good father was there, guiding him, encouraging him and “making his paths straight.”  We could have gone back when the fear and doubt crept in, and concluded it was just too hard for Eli (and maybe me too!) but we kept moving and after all the hard work, the payoff was that we together experienced the wonder of creation in a profound way.

So, what does it really mean to trust in the Lord with all your heart?  That truly is a high standard.  All of our hearts?  In order to fully trust, we have to recognize our dependence on God and release control of our lives to Him.  It’s been said that you can have control or you can have trust, but you can’t have both at the same time.  They are opposed to one another.  In verse 5, we are admonished not to lean on our own understanding (be in control ourselves!) but instead to trust God and seek His direction. Only then will we experience the amazing wonders of His grace!

As a side note, when it came time to go up that same path, Eli transformed into a mountain goat and left us in the dust!