By His Love and Power

By His Love and Power

 

May Christ, my Savior

Live in me each hour of the day

By His love and power within me

In all I do and say.

May the power of God’s Spirit

Rule my life in each and every way

That I may be compelled to comfort

Whoever He brings my way

May the love of Christ fill me

As the streams of waters fill the sea

Let Him be exalted- be glorified

And in this love abiding all is satisfied

 

 

 

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of is glorious riches he may strengthen you and with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide ad long and high and deep is the love of Christ…”

Ephesians 3:14-18 NIV

 

“By His Love and Power” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 29, 2014

Power in the Light



Power in the Light

Now for me, it appears in the simple things, the ordinary things around me. From time to time the Lord nudges me take pause and look more closely at something. For the Lord knows my heart and what it is that will catch my attention, open my eyes and turn my thoughts to Him. This morning was no exception.

 “And I will rescue you from both our own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.” Acts 26:17-19 NLT

Perhaps some call it an epiphany. Epiphany― that moment a flash of insight and understanding about God becomes clearer than ever before.  It happens for us when we read His Word, when we come to be alone with Him and sometimes when we are simply admiring a plant.

There is a house plant in my windowsill filled with beautiful white blooms. I was about to turn the plant around, again, for uniformity, for every leaf and every flower was leaning against the window stretched towards the light.

Now that’s expected, a normal thing Lord, I thought to myself. Nothing out of the ordinary Lord. But I heard that soft whisper in my heart that said to take pause and consider how plants lean into the light. That’s when it hit me. The plant doesn’t turn itself to the light, it’s the power of the light that lifts, and turns the plant!

As it is with all people and with all things growing and living on this earth, that when in the presence of the Omnipotent God, all heads turn to His Light. Not by its power, but by the power of His love for us.  

It’s by faith in Jesus, the Light of the world we see turning a heart away from the darkness. Like flowers on the windowsill we are drawn by His powerful love to lean into His Light for the strength we need to live, thrive and survive today and filled with bright hope for all our tomorrows.

“Power in the Light” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 28, 2014

Stretching

 

 

Stretching

 “Hello everyone! I’m stretching today. How about you?”

Though he was a retired professor now into his late eighties, he continually surprised everyone with his positive enthusiasm, wisdom, wit and humor. As usual, on this particular day, he greeted us with a question that was a riddle. You can imagine how we looked forward to his visits in our little country store each summer.

“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy…Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.” Proverbs 2:10, 3:13 NLT

Naturally we had thought the professor meant he was doing some stretching for physical exercise. That was an odd thought considering his sweet tooth and observing how his rotund belly seemed to be expanding.

 “Do you grasp it?” He said waving his arms about with great enthusiasm. “Reaching for knowledge beyond our grasp is a good stretching exercise for the mind.”

Seeking and fearing God is the foundation of true wisdom. God’s wisdom and the Good News of Jesus Christ leads us to all truths which is turn brings wisdom, joy and hope to enrich our lives and those around us.

 “Ah, but man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s heaven for?” Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest

Learn Of Me

 

 

Learn Of Me

            For a short time in my young life I had the privilege of living with a woman who had been a kindergarten school teacher for more than thirty years and who began her beloved career in a one room school house.

            She started out at the age of twenty-one in a Washington rural community. And her bright blue eyes twinkled as she shared with laughter  her first experience as a new teacher there. But also of the contract they must sign and the very strict rules to teach and to live their personal lives.

         “Those rules by today’s standards may look way too strict and unreasonable, but we considered them with honor for the highest standards of our teaching the children.”  
   
    Mildred dug around in her cupboard of old treasures and pulled a yellowed piece of paper and read a few of those old time rules to me.
   
    “Men teachers may take one evening a week for courting purposes, two evenings a week if they go to church regularly. After ten hours of school, the teacher may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed.”

     “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 NLT

    There is one thing for sure, life is unsure and often unfair. And the rules man makes for us to live our lives are often prejudiced and unfair. Not only that they can change to fit the accepted way of current culture demands.

            But we can rest assured God has given us His time tested truths to live by and to define the way we should navigate the very best way for our life. His commandments never need to be updated or changed over time. God’s commands fit perfectly today for everyone, for every generation as they did thousands of years ago.

            This dear teacher, who taught me so many valuable lessons. I felt sad to hear her tell how for a time she had to walk away from teaching of her beloved children. She met the love of her life and they wanted to get married, but those old rules said she had to quit.

            “I could have broken the rules and been sneaky, but what would that say to the children? And besides― God would know,” she said quietly.

            Mildred did get married, raised three children and then to her delight and that of many generations of children went back to teaching school until the age of seventy!

             “This is what Christianity is for―to teach men the Art of Life. And its whole curriculum lies in one word-‘Learn of Me’.”―Henry Drummond The Golden Book of Henry Drummond

“Learn Of Me” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 23, 2014

Water from the Wells of Salvation

 

 

Water from the Wells of Salvation

 

   Drawing water up from the spiritual well can be hard labor, indeed. Our senses are so much in the habit of flitting about from one worldly distraction to another. It takes practice to learn to set aside what we see and hear in order see and hear what God would say to us from His invisible kingdom.

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.

The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:2-3 NIV

 

   When we renew our minds in His Word, its building a habit of deep mediation upon the Lord Jesus and we will then draw water up out of the deep wells of salvation.

     It is our part to wrestle with our wandering senses and our thoughts in constant motion. And it’s God’s part and promise to enliven our time with Him by the power of His Holy Spirit.

  Dipping into the wells of salvation will become for us as living water to refresh our faith, inspire and encourage us.  

     In this way drawing water up from the spiritual well of the Lord will water flowers of new spiritual growth to bloom and grow.

If we commit our time with God
And learn to follow in His way,
He’ll give us living waters from His spiritual wells
To fill us up with hope, strength and purpose for our day

 

“Water from the Well of Salvation” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 22, 2014

 

Beauty of God's Reflection

Cowlitz River Randle WA by Dee Kamp

 

Beauty of God’s Reflection

            We were called as photographers to the challenge of sending in our best shot of the beauty in reflections. Eager to join in the fun I searched my files and found I had several images of nature, birds and more reflected in the still waters. It was then that the obvious came to me― reflections are only possible when the waters are calm.

            “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.” Psalm 62 5-6 NLT

            When we come before the Lord in prayer, if we cultivate a moment of calm in preparation for our time alone with Him, our heart will be less ruffled, disturbed and distracted.

            Our God is a calm God calling us to enter into His presence in an attitude of quiet trust. There we will discover the beauty of God’s reflection in our heart.

            “Do not be afraid of silence in your prayer time. It may be that you are meant to listen, not to speak. So wait before the Lord. Wait in stillness….” Amy Carmichael

“Beauty of God’s Reflection” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 21, 2014

Remembering the Source

Columbia River WA by Dee Kamp

 

Remembering the Source

            The Columbia River flows mightily through the State of Washington beginning in British Columbia Canada, with its source from Columbia Lake. From there it travels 1,000 miles to its final destination― the Pacific Ocean.

            At first a river may flow smoothly, but in those many miles it faces to its destination comes trouble like boulders, cliffs and other unexpected barriers.

       “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

      One thing about living more than seventy years I am now a living testimony of all the amazing things my Source of life, God, is able to do when I faced so many barriers, boulders and troubles.  I learned for instance, I needed to look away from me, away from the problem and look to Jesus, my Source.

            I have learned to trust in God’s Word that He will either take us around the problem, past the barrier, remove it or hold our hand tightly until we get on through it.

            When life isn’t flowing like a smooth flowing river but filled instead with unexpected barriers, boulders and troubles ― that’s the time to pause, pray and remember Who the Source of our life really is.

            “Never focus your eyes on the obstacle or the difficulty. The obstacle will be a matter of total indifference to the river that will flow steadily through you if you will simply remember to stay focused on the Source. Never allow anything to come between you and Jesus Christ―not emotion nor experience―nothing must keep you from the one great sovereign Source.” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

“Remembering the Source” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 16, 2014

 

 

Life and the High Storm Surf Warning

Photo by Dee Kamp

 

Life and the High Storm Surf Warning

          A storm was brewing and declaring itself with gusts of wind and purple-black clouds pressing in fast over the Pacific Ocean. The white capped breakers were rolling and crashing high up against the shoreline rocks and bluffs. From my vantage point of the second story window I watched as a man and woman strolled slowly along beach. They appeared unconcerned and even unaware of the great storm coming or of the high surf rising.
         The locals in these tiny beach towns will warn new comers it’s not wise to take the sea for granted or take your eyes off the surf. When a storm is coming or has recently passed the sea is able to send what’s called a sneaker wave that can rush upon a person silently and quickly and able to wash them out to sea.
          And as the Israelites learned in Jeremiah, it’s not wise to take one’s eyes off God or take Him for granted either.  

“…Should you not fear me? declares the LORD.

“Should you not tremble in my presence?

 I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross.

The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.”

Jeremiah 5:22 NIV

            God inhabits our prayers and times of worship. When we thank God for all He provides, and that’s everything from stopping the sea at an invisible boundary line to the smallest detail that blesses our lives every day― it is a lifesaving choice.  

             In the act of lifting up our thankful heart to God we discover how it takes our eyes off our problems and miraculously lifts our spirits and blesses our heart.

            It’s good for us all to keep an eye on the high storm surf warning and it’s even more important to have a thankful heart and keep our eyes on the Lord!

    “Worship lifts us out of ourselves and reminds us of who God is.” Susan Yates quoted from Quiet Places of the Heart

 

“Life and the High Storm Surf Warning” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© March 9, 2012

Promise of New Life



 

Photo by -Dee Kamp

 

 



Promise of New Life

I read the morning newspaper and felt sad and emotionally drained from what was there. Then outside my window a little brown sparrow rested on the railing of the deck and amazed me by how loud and strong he sang his sweet song of hope― in it was God’s promise for new life.

“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. Colossians 2:12 NLT

Its spring. And in spring we are afforded a fresh perspective by a daily reminder in all God’s creation. We acknowledge and believe in His promise of new life written not only in the Bible, but in every bird song we hear, in every new leaf that unfolds, with ever flower that blooms. God has given us all hope in His promise of new life by the death and the resurrection His Son Jesus Christ.

 ^“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.” ― Eugene H Peterson’s “The Message”, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“Promise of New Life” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 14, 2014

Meet Me in the Quiet Place





Bench in Ome Gardens by Dee Kamp

 

Meet Me in the Quiet Place

A quiet place is a stepping aside mentally from the world around us. It’s when one hears that still voice inside the heart saying, “Meet Me in the quiet place.”

 “And Jesus said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Mark 6:31 NIV

 

It takes a bit of practice. It takes determination not turn to the thoughts in our head about our lives and busyness and concerns. But when this happens, take heart and turn right back to Him again. It’s okay, don’t give up, go right back because Jesus understands this challenge we have.  It’s not complicated, it’s not about religion or theology― it’s simply a matter of the heart― a heart seeking to be alone with God.

A prayer for today:

“Lord Jesus, I thank you that a new day affords another opportunity for dedication and devotion to You. You have turned a fresh page in my life’s story. It comes from You without blemish or soil; help me to keep it so.

Forgive the past blotted with my failures and sins, and help me to walk in Your light today.

Help me, O Lord, to realize the hope of Your calling, the riches of the glory of Your inheritance.

Above all, grant me the spirit of wisdom and revelation and the knowledge of You in all I say and do today.  And lead me once again to the quiet place alone with You.”

 

 

 

“Meet Me in the Quiet Place” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 10, 2014

 

All the Way Home!



  

All the Way Home!

              The sun hadn’t risen beyond the hillside yet, and the kitchen was warm and steamy as I was folding in fresh blueberries into the muffin batter in the little kitchen of our Beaver Valley Country store.  I was about to pour the batter into the muffin tins for baking when I heard the screech of a car out on the highway and a car door slam. I hurried up as I knew someone needed me to open the doors to store early today.

            I unlocked the door and I was surprised the car had driven away leaving a young woman standing there alone looking sleepy-eye lugging a heavy backpack. I invited her in and inquired about where she was headed today. I was stunned to hear her say―”France!”    

            She was in her early twenties and spoke English well. She told me she had been staying in student housing at the state park studying art on a special scholarship. But she received a call in the middle of the night from her mother that her brother was extremely ill and she needed to get back home to France right now! She had no car, no busses left this early in the morning and she needed to get to the airport soon where a ticket home was waiting for her!

            Did her family know what they asked of her? From this remote place on the west coast of Washington State to France looked to me like mission impossible. I felt sad I couldn’t help her out myself, at the least to get her onto the ferry to Seattle.

            Just then, another car pulled up and a woman rushed up to the door declaring how happy she was we were open! She needed to get gas for her car now for she was in hurry for her trip today! It was twenty miles to the next gas station, “Am I ever grateful to see you open this hour of the morning, I had no idea how little gas I had for this trip today,” she declared.

            Without hesitation the young woman from France, walked over to the new customer and asked if she could drive her as far down the highway as she could this morning. She explained her story of her brother and her urgent need to get to the airport as soon as possible. Could this woman help her in anyway?

                There was a pause as the woman studied this eager young woman. And then a miracle happened! This woman, who just now happened to nearly run out gas, said to our surprise,

            “Yes I can help you even more than you may think. I myself am on the way to the airport this morning to meet a relative there. I’ll be happy to drive you all the way to your destination.”

            “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with love.”

 Romans 5:3-5 NLT

            Was this a coincidence? No, I knew it was God’s perfect timing. We saw tears of joy in the young woman’s eyes and heard her say, “Merci’! God has surely blessed me today!”

            Sometimes God requires us to make a choice to trust Him, believe in Him and stay steadfast to the journey we are called to go. No matter what it takes, no matter if it’s a trip to the airport and all the way home to France.

 “All the Way Home” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 9, 2014

Life Is Happening Right Now

 

 

Life is Happening Right Now

“This is why I tell you not worry about every day life-whether you have enough food and drink

 or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?...

       So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries.Today’s trouble is    enough for today. Matthew 6:25-34 NLT

 

    While sifting through a well-worn devotional book I inherited from my sweet and dear mother-in-law, I found a little handwritten note inside. I’m not certain who wrote the note in this old copy of Springs in the Valley by Mrs. Charles E Cowman in 1939, but the truth of it still hits right at home in my heart.

Life is what is happening right now. This is it, it is well-and it’s all okay.

Life isn’t happening after: The bills are paid, or when- A cure is found. Or when -reconciliations abound. Or when -A promotion is achieved. Or when-the wedding takes place. Or when-we are vacation bound. Or when-The baby is born. Or when retirement begins. Life is happening here and now. This is it- it is well- and it’s all okay!

 

“Upon Thy Word I rest

Each pilgrim day;
This golden staff is best
For all the way.
What Jesus Christ hath spoken
Cannot be broken!”
 by―Frances Ridley Havergal

 

“Life is Happening Right Now” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 4, 2014

 

 

 

An Angel Knocking at the Door

Old farm house North Dakota by Dee Kamp

 

 

An Angel Knocking at the Door

            Sometimes, if prompted, when we were alone and sharing a task from canning to crocheting, my Norwegian maternal grandmother would tell her story of living out the hard times in North Dakota as a young mother with four small children.

            It was the Great Depression and one had to be strong and resourceful.  But I remember so well one particular story when Grandma was home alone and Grandpa was away out of town for work when she all four children were very sick with the flu.

            She was barely managing and she was so sick and weak that one day when a persistent knocking kept coming from her front door she had to crawl across the floor to get there!  She spoke of it in a whisper and shook her head at the memory of how surprised she discovered there.  

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.

Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.” Luke 22:43 NLT

 

            As Grandma spoke her Norwegian accent became more pronounced and she said, “Oh, ufta, it took all I had to open dat door. I was so ashamed how weak I was and what a mess I must look like, oh ya for sure. But when I did, I was certain God heard my prayers and He had sent an angel. There stood a woman who said she was from our church. But I couldn’t remember her at all. She had basket in her arms filled with fresh baked bread and a large container of hot soup enough for us all. Oh ya, for sure, I was taken aback, for I hadn’t told anyone we were all sick― but ya sure, don’t you know? The Lord knew it well enough.”

            Let us pray to Jesus when we are weak and afraid, for He too found it necessary to pray for strength when He was on earth. Pray to the Holy Spirit, who will impress the truth on our heart that we are never alone, God will hear us and uphold us, (Isaiah 41:10). It’s as necessary as the food we eat and the air we breathe.

            Only then will we be able to submit ourselves fully to the will of God and day by day discover how He will keep His promise when we pray to Him, to sustain us, strengthen us and He may even surprise us with an angel knocking at our door.

 

“An Angel Knocking at the Door” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 3, 2014

 

Rich In Ways Money Can't Buy

Photo by Dee Kamp

Rich In Ways Money Can’t Buy

            From the first time people first settled here where I live along miles of forest land, there have been mini-farms with bountiful gardens, summer get-away cabins, fishing and hunting camps, retreats and campgrounds.

            But now new homes are being built and old ones remodeled into grand homes, and huge estates that are expansive, modern, and expensive in stature. I guess the rich and famous have discovered our land here for its beautiful panoramic views.  

But still the old timers, the simple and the humble who have tilled the land remain here every hopeful and hearty in their shadows. And from them I gained great wisdom on what makes one happy.

             “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart, he is mine forever.” Psalm 73:22-25 NLT

            My elderly neighbors, who have lived in this area more than forty years, captured the truism of Asaph’s wise words when they said to me years ago, “We feel like we live in the little house on the prairie next to them big fancy homes. But we still enjoy and appreciate God’s creation. We still fish and hunt and plant our gardens and gather our eggs. We don’t envy them. We are rich in ways money can’t buy.”  

            Asaph realized, and then shared with us, (Psalm 73:1-28) that those who put their hope and confidence in their wealth and what they themselves can do, live in a dream world. The reality of true contentment and happiness for every heart, is one dependent on God alone, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

            “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” St. Augustine

“Rich In Ways Money Can’t Buy” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© April 2, 2014