God Has a Plan

 

Photo by : Dee Kamp

 

 

 

God Has a Plan

“If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?”

 say, “The Lord has need of it.” Mark 11:3

 

     God speaks to us through His Word, by His Spirit in many different ways, and through other people He so wisely and creatively chooses.

     Today for me it happened when I read through one of my favorite books of quotes from Francis of Assisi - it hit directly home and right to my heart. From time to time when we find ourselves called to serve outside of our comfort zone we may wonder and ask God, “Why me God? Surely there is someone more qualified than I?” This quote below answers that question so very well.

     Someone once asked Francis of Assisi how he was able to accomplish so much. He replied, “This may be why. The Lord looked down from heaven and said, ‘Where can I find the weakest, littlest man on earth?’ Then He saw me and said, ‘I’ve found him. I will work through him, and he won’t be proud of it. He’ll see that I am only using him because of his insignificance.’” –quoted from Our Daily Bread

Our assignment from God is one only we can fill,

Whether it be to build or teach or the earth to till;

His plan may still be hidden from us to see

But God has for certain a great need for you and me.

 

“God Has a Plan” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© June 30, 2014

We Really Can Hear Him

The Gate is Always Open by Dee Kamp

 

We Really Can Hear Him

“But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!” Psalm 70:4 NLT

“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved….” Isaiah 30:15 NLT

While single verses alone cannot express the full meaning contained in each chapter of the Bible there are verses that shine the light as an overview of the love message God has to share with each one of us.  In numerous ways God constantly shows His great desire for us to come away and be alone with Him so we can hear Him speak into our hearts.

When we step away to be alone with Jesus, something supernatural happens in our heart.  Like an automatic door at the store sensing someone is wanting to enter, our heart swings wide open with joyful anticipation to receive Him.

We really can hear Jesus speak in our heart, and when we do, we will hear Him say, “I love you more than you can ever imagine."

 “Jesus wants me to tell you again, especially in this Holy Week, how much love He has for each one of you―beyond all you can imagine. I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus―one to one―you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in chapel―but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love? Do you really know the living Jesus―not from books but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you?”― by Mother Teresa on March 25, 1993, from the book, Works of love are Works of Peace.

“We Really Can Hear Him” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© June 27, 2014

 

 

Up in His Lap



Up in His Lap

I returned one summer day to the small village by the bay where I once worked. As I sat down under the old maple tree on the little bench in the plaza a sweet memory came to me. It’s a heart sweeping memory, a story of love that unfolded right before my eyes

As I was looking out my window at work that day I saw three people getting off the bus across the street. Leading the way was a young woman holding canvas bags in one hand struggling to hold the hand of one lively little girl in a head full of braids and bows. And coming along as best he could to join them, was an elderly man leaning on a cane, wearing a fedora style hat, a well-worn rain coat and heavy shoes despite the warm summer day.

I watched as he sat on the bench and waved to the mother and little girl as they made their way to food bank two doors down. To my surprise as soon as they were out of sight he got up leaning hard on the cane and made his way to the second hand store.

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” Romans 814-16 NLT

When I happened to looked down at the plaza again, the man I assumed to be the grandfather, was sitting on the bench lifting something out of a plastic bag. I wondered what he had bought for himself. But I was wrong, it wasn’t for himself at all. What he pulled out of the bag made me laugh ―it was a Miss Piggy Doll!

Grandpa held up the doll in front of him turning it around and pulling on the little straw hat to cover a place where Miss Piggy’s ear should have been. Satisfied that all else was in order he quickly tucked it inside the bag. At that moment the little girl came running back with her mother letting loose of her and leaping up on the bench and onto grandfather’s lap.  

Grandfather leaned over and reached down pulling the Miss Piggy doll out of the bag handing it to one very surprised child. She squealed with delight, throwing her arms around him. I wasn’t sure who was happier at that moment― the child or the grandfather 
The scene reminded me how all of us at some time or another need in this life with its uncertainty need to climb up on our Abba Father’s lap. In those times we are reassured all over again we are His child, He delights in us, and we are dearly loved.

"Up in His Lap" by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries, June 25, 2014

Cup of Encourgemet

Rest Awhile in the Garden by Dee Kamp

 

Cup of Encouragement

Sometimes the most wonderful reminder of God’s love and the cup of encouragement we need comes as a simple reminder in a little list of what God has promised us.

·       “I will give you rest.” …Matthew 11:28 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

·       “I will strengthen you.”…Isaiah 41:10 NIV “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

·       “I will answer you,”... ”You who answer prayer, to you all people will come.” Psalm 65:2 NIV

·       “I am for you.”… This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:7 NIV

·       “I will provide for you.”… “He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.” Psalm 111:4-5 NIV

God’s Word is a love letter written specifically for us, He is our Father in heaven who adores us.

Come, sit down with a cup of your favorite beverage and take the weight off your feet and your heart. Come away His beloved, rest awhile with Him. He is waiting there on the sofa, on the porch swing, in the garden just for you.

“A Cup of Encouragement” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Moring Ministries© June 24, 2014

 

 

 

Joy of Wonder

 

 

Joy of Wonder

Children can surprise us with their wonder at things we might take for granted. One time years ago, when I took my four year old son to the park to see the spring tulip display he suddenly stopped and said in awe, “Mommy, who made these flowers so many colors!”

 “God did,” I said.

“Wow, He sure does it good!”

Children so often remind us of why Jesus said to have a child like faith. For kids are continually filled with wonder, and that’s exactly how God wants us to be too, and He wants us to enjoy it!  Because the Lord knows age has nothing to do with being filled with wonder, it lives in the heart of one who loves and trusts in Him.

“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” Psalm 40:5 NIV

When we are filled with the joy of wonder, when the awe of God fills our hearts, this then is our most beautiful act worship of Him.

   

  “Joy of Wonder” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© June 23, 2014

Man and the White Water Rapids

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Man in Kayak by Dee Kamp

 

 



Man and the White Water Rapids

As I stood gazing at the roaring rapids of the fast moving river I saw something in the water that at first my mind could not understand what I was seeing. Then with sudden clarity I realized the something that was dipping and bobbing and at times disappearing under the water ―was a man in a kayak!

What a wild ride he was having! The man and the tiny boat looked ridiculously small and fragile against the power of the river. Yet each time he tossed about he popped right side up and made progress down the river to where it was calm. God used this moment to remind me of one of my favorite Psalms, Psalm 18.

 “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me….He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” Psalm 18:16-17, 19. NIV

The man in the kayak didn’t enter the rapids unprepared or uneducated about the river. He had read the manual written by others and practiced what he learned. He was a man dressed and prepared for battle with words of wisdom giving him confidence he could survive the tumultuous rapids.

The Word of God is our manual for life. He knows the trials and fast moving rapids and the circumstances we must face.

The man in the kayak was dressed for this ride down river. He wore a helmet, had a strong paddle, a suit to protect him from the cold and shoes especially made to keep him steadfast.

In Ephesians 6:13-18, we too will find all we need to survive the wilderness adventures in this life’s white water challenges.

For every battle we face, God provides us with a full set of spiritual armor. God’s armor is based on truth and righteousness, faith and peace. He asks us to be suited up with His attributes, not our own. We can cast all our white water situations, trials and tribulations into the hands of the One who has already won the battle and know He will come to our rescue every single time.

“The Man and the White Water Rapids” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Moring Ministries© June 17, 2014

Tow Things Must Go Together

Dawn on Icicle River by Dee Kamp

Two Things Must Go Together

I’m curled up in the lawn chair overlooking the river wrapped in a blanket against the predawn chill of this early summer morning.  The river where I sit by is called Icicle River and one can feel the icy freshness of its fine mist splashing over the river rocks.  

I have found myself in a rare and exceptional place to seek God and be alone with Him. But there is something else I need for this prayer time to be receptive to what God wants to tell me through His Spirit. Two things that are inseparable and I shall always have at hand to go together when we come to pray and worship the Lord.

 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws…Your statues are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” Psalm 119:15-106, 111-112 NIV

Two things, prayer and God’s Word are inseparable and should go together in our quiet times with Him. When we pray in His Word we are striving to know God, and using God’s Word to pray instead of our own, makes prayer so much more powerful.

I am captivated by the constant flow of the river. So much water rolling by from a source unseen from high above in the mountains. Day and night the water goes on and on reminding me of God’s everlasting mercies and love for us.

 So, when life in this tumulus world brings soot and shame, fear and untruths, I’ll remember God’s river of never ending love flowing endlessly over and through us to give us hope and strength each new day.

Bible and prayer together makes us receptive to what God wants to tell us. It doesn’t take a river to hear God speak in our heart, but by His Word and prayer together, and adding one small splash of faith, we will be guaranteed, we are never are alone.  

“Two Things Must Go Together” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministry© June 9, 2014

Someone Greater than Mother Nature

Olympic Mountains Washington State by Dee Kamp

 

 

 

Someone Greater than Mother Nature

The news is full of the powerful acts of “Mother Nature”, and we cannot pretend to understand it all, but we can trust in the One who created it all.

 As we witness all things in God’s creation, we know it is a testimony to God’s magnificent creatorship and they are signposts pointing to Someone greater than “Mother Nature”. It reveals the God who wants all people of all nations to recognize His majesty, to worship the One whose infinite creativity and power produces all these spectacular displays we see and hear about around the natural world.

 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2 NIV

As we appreciate the beauty and the mysteries of the world, may we always remember to listen closely to the deeper truths of God’s Word. For God has a heavenly plan in all of it for each one of us.  .

For all those who trust the Lord, each will be rewarded with His comfort, and filled with His peace to face life’s unpredictable circumstances today, and also to find again and again the great joy in His surprising and beautiful creation.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5k-6 NIV

“Someone Greater than Mother Nature” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© June 2, 2014