Question of Character

 

 Photo: Snoqualamie Pass WA by Dee Kamp

Question of Character

Recently the more I listened to a man speak at a gathering of campers, the more I became confused. Not to the subject matter he was sharing, nor by his speech, but rather to his character. It made me doubt him and not fully trust in what he was saying was truthful.

“God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man,

 that he should change his mind.

Does he speak and then not act?

 Does he promise and not fulfill?”

Numbers 23:19 NIV

Our God cannot exist apart from His character. He is defined by absolute consistency and with absolute goodness. He is our good and perfect gift and we will always find unceasing hope and confidence in His character.

God’s Word, like His character is completely trustworthy. The Bible is very unique among all religious doctrines. In it we will find more than two thousand prophecies that have already come true and fulfilled!

Our challenge is in our everyday life to represent the character of God in our conduct, speech and choices of life style. Do we leave someone confused about our character and in doing so, question the character of God?

Today let us trust our life and our world to God. Let us not leave others confused, but rather leave them desiring more of the joy, hope and confidence we have in God.

“Question of Character” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© August 23, 2013

The View from Here

 North Head Light House by Dee Kamp

The View from Here

“The view from here is awesome!” I called out to my husband following me up the trail to the light house. The skies were blue and the Pacific Ocean sparkled in the sunshine as far as the eye could see.

 It was at this exact moment when a thought splashed across my mind— what is God’s view of me?

“In him we have redemption though his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”

 Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV

Every day we feel the pressures and expectations of how others view us. Our world focuses on what it sees outwardly. The focus is on current styles, popular opinions, and personal accomplishments.

When we choose Jesus to live in our heart, we have a Friend who loves us just as we are; we are free from all the worldly pressures and unfair words that hurt us.  

God’s view of us is not on our outward appearance, our credentials, achievements, or the amount of works we do. He wisely views the condition of our heart.

 For those who love and trust in the Lord, there is peace, for it is His promise we are accepted, loved unconditionally now and forever.  In the end—it’s God’s view of us that really matters.

Jesus sees us clothed in radiant garments of righteousness. It is His gift paid for by the shedding of His blood. When we look in the mirror we will see one dearly loved. And when we listen to that still small voice in our heart we will hear Him say, “The view from here is awesome!”

“The View from Here” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© August 22, 2013

Like a Starfish on the Rock

Starfish on the Rock by Dee Kamp

  

Like A Starfish on the Rock

On one sunny day at the ocean I was exploring the tide pools looking for sand dollars. But God was about to show me the importance of tenacity and endurance.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way,

consider it an opportunity for great joy.

 For you know that when your faith is tested

 your endurance has a chance to grow.”

James 1:2-3 NLT

I stood ankle deep in the water of the little tide pool next to a house sized rock. I was feeling quite secure and completely absorbed in my search when all of a sudden a big wave rushed over the tide pool taking away the sand from beneath my feet and throwing me off balance. I was about to fall head first when I grabbed hold of the rock for dear life.

I was a little shaken but not hurt and as I pulled my hand away from the rock I discovered only inches away from my hand was huge bright orange star fish! Oh mercy me, was I glad I didn’t grab hold of that starfish instead of the rock!  

I was mesmerized by the strength of the starfish and how it was able to cling to the rock not matter the size of the wave.  The rock was its life support and its endurance to hold on had paid off once again.

Jesus is our Rock, our sound and sure foundation. The Bible is God’s guide to keep us from being washed away with life’s constant and unpredictable waves of trials and shifting sands of life.

God can even use a star fish to teach one an important life lesson in faith. Our Rock, Jesus, is always within our reach. With each trail we face we must hold fast to Him and spiritual muscles will grow stronger. Our hope rises up, our faith holds fast and we are able to survive wave after wave of life’s unpredictable circumstances.  

“Like A Starfish on the Rock” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© August 13, 2013--

Butterfly Moments

butterfly on blue hydrangea by Dee Kamp

 

Butterfly Moments

Car keys in hand I leaped out of my car to step over the curb and hurry to get in line at the post office. I was anxious to be done with this over extended to-do list I had been attending to all day. With my mind on the list and not my next step I stumbled over the curb and with flaying arms barely able to catch my balance.   

As I stood on shaky legs getting my bearings something fluttered right by my face! I was a bit startled but saw at once it was a beautiful huge Monarch butterfly. It was so close I could have reached out and touched it. My eyes followed this lovely flying flower land on a brilliant blue hydrangea bush.

You will show me the way of life,

granting me the joy of your presence

 and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Psalm 16:11 NLT

The beauty of the butterfly’s bold black and yellow wings against the sky blue flower was radiant like a gorgeous jeweled broach pinned on there.

Oh it felt good to see something so pretty in the midst of this busy day. I felt the tension fall away for it brought me instant joy and made me feel God was near.

I’m certain of this; the Lord will send us unexpected moments with splashes of delight to slow us down, to look around and remind us we are always in His presence and there is pleasure there.

Sometimes our life throws us off balance.  But we can be assured God will be with us and He delights to show us the joy of His love and the comfort of His company. From now on I’m going watch for more butterfly moments along the way.  

“Butterfly Moments” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Moment Ministries© August 9, 2013

Stop and Ask

Photo by: Dee Kamp

 

Stop and Ask

Beaver Valley Country Store, sits alone on a two lane county road far from the hustle of the highway. In the summer there was a stream of traffic making its way north to the popular Victorian seaport town, Port Townsend and other roads leading to the Olympic Mountains, the Rain Forest and eventually on to the Pacific Ocean.

Back before GPS and cell phones, we could count on people stopping by for directions.

For some reason Beaver Valley Road just didn’t appear on many maps and that brought in red faced and frustrated travelers trying to figure out where they were going.

But for some it took a long time to stop and come into the store to ask for help. It was humorous to watch the same car driving by the store over and over again, obviously looking for the way to go.

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;

 he will lead them to springs of living water.’

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 7:17 NIV

All of us at times feel lost, and uncertain which is the best way to go on a trip, but more important, our personal journey every day. Before we make any plans for our life, before we seek others, maps or new technology, it best first to simply stop and ask God for the way to go.

God alone is our most dependable life Navigator.  His timing is perfect and He’ll never get us lost! The Lord always leads the lost, when they will stop and ask.  

“Where God’s finger points, there God’s hand will make the way.”

“Stop and Ask” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© August 8, 2013