I Hear You



Photo by : Dee Kamp

 

I Hear You

 

It was a dark and stormy day, exactly how you would think a writer would begin a story to draw you into it and make you wonder what would happen next.

 

But this was my stormy day story several years ago and I recall it and wonder at it many times over and over again. It wasn’t the threatening cold November clouds above me that made me fearful and sad that day― it was the storm of emotions racing within my heart making me tremble in anticipation of the day ahead.

 “Call to me and I will answer you…”

 Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

I gripped the steering wheel of the car and pressed on for it was time again for one of Bill’s all day chemo treatments and I knew by the past experiences how hard it was going to be on him

 

In silent prayer I called out “Oh Lord, help me, I need you, and I need your strength today. Oh Lord if only I could know in some special way you have heard me call to You.

 

Traffic moved slowly increasing my uneasiness and I was beginning to wonder if we would be late.  I glanced at Bill who was quiet and peaceful, his faith as strong and steadfast as always. He called this time with fighting cancer, “A bump in the road.”

 

Something caught my eye and I heard Bill suddenly call out “Look!” “It’s a Bald Eagle flying right over us. It looks like its leading us right down the road!”

 

It was an amazing sight that went on and on. The Bald Eagle with his wings gloriously outstretched and soaring just ahead of us.

 

Perhaps the eagle had a nest in that grove of cedar trees up ahead on the hill. Perhaps not. But I felt my heart soaring right along with the eagle. I just knew it was God’s way of letting me know He heard me and always would –even when driving down a highway. In my heart I could hear the Lord say, “I hear you, I will lead the way, and I will be your strength.”

 

“I never prayed sincerely for anything but that it came. At some time, no matter at how distant a day, somehow, in some shape-probably the last I should devise-it came.”― Adoniram Judson quoted from Magnificent Prayer by Nick Harrison

 

“I Hear You” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 18, 2013

When You Are

Waterfall White Pass WA by Dee Kamp

 

When You Are

 

When you are falling down …His Word is the foundation you can stand upon

When you are tired…He will refresh and inspire

When you are lost…He will seek you until found

When you are weak…He is your strength

When you cry…He already knows why

When everyone turns away…He’s never left your side, He’s there to stay

When confusion reigns…He is the sorter of all truth

When shame is a torturous flame…He is the cool water to put out the fire

When there is nothing left, not people, not health, not wealth…He is all you need

When you are depressed…one thought of Him and you are pressed to His chest in love

When you see a shooting star…He’s the One who sent it just for you

When the world is but a huge roar in your ears…He’s the plain honest truth in your heart

When the arrows fly, and the rocks are sharp…He is your shield, His blood He shed for you

When you are misunderstood…He always understands

When no one will listen…He always hears and understands every word you say

When you thirst and know not what for…He will quench your thirst by His Word

When your thoughts are wild things flying high…He is the tamer of them all

When in the night when all thoughts appear all black and white…He is the painter of light to your soul

When you can’t take a step forward…He picks you up and dances with you to the moon

When you feel afraid and shy…He will make you laugh and hold your head up high

When something scares you and says boo…He will lift His lion head and say shoo!

When all dreams are shattered…He reshapes and creates and gives new hope for tomorrow

When you are sick to death…He reminds you heaven waits

When no treasures can be found…that’s when you discover He is your rarest treasure of all

 

“Unfailing love and truth have met together.

 Righteousness and peace have kissed!

 Truth springs up from the earth, and righteous smiles down from heaven.

 Yes, the LORD pours down his blessings….”

Psalm 85:10-12 NLT

 

“When You Are” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 15, 2013

Seeing With the Heart

Double Rainbow over Astoria Bridge by Dee Kamp

 

Seeing With the Heart

“Grandpa! I believe, I believe now with all my heart what my eyes could not see!”

This is quote is from my children’s story “The Whales Sang and Danced”. When a wise grandfather who loved the Lord and shared with his beloved granddaughter that faith is believing with the heart what the eyes can’t see.

Reasoning does not attain the glorious discovery of God, but a child-like faith always will.

”By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command,

that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.”

Hebrews 11:3 NLT

Those who seek to know God by knowledge are really seeking to satisfy their own reasoning of Him. They are seeking God by other means rather than discovering a depth of joy found in the unseen realms hidden in the heart of every believer.

Faith in God and His Word becomes real, personal and passionate when He is sought with the heart and not by sight. In our heart there is a peace that passes all understanding.

And there is the place God lives, where He keeps His throne and communicates Himself to us who enter there in faith.

In those times of great need to know, when we yearn for facts, want answers and explanations that is the exact time when God calls us to trust in Him. Come seek Him with all our heart and we will find Him waiting there.  

Seeing with the heart and not by sight gives one a great advantage over those who are still too blind to see.

Seeing with the heart and believing by faith is a gift of good sight from God.

“Seeing With the Heart” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 14, 2013

My Heart Heard You First

Photo: Spring Hill Lambs by Dee Kamp

 

My Heart Heard You First

I made the journey to see him as the news was he was fading fast and would soon be home with Jesus. I wasn’t even sure my favorite Uncle Ed would know me or recognize me in his present state of illness.

I dearly loved this old Norwegian uncle who was always full of laughter, made me laugh and told me crazy stories of his childhood growing up on the farm in North Dakota. We had a special bond since my birth.

I called out to him, “Uncle Ed, can you hear me?”

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him,

and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

After he has gathered his own flock,

 he walks ahead of them,

 and they follow him

because they know his voice.”

 John 10:3-4 NLT

 

To the surprise of not only me, but those standing nearby, Uncle Ed turnrd his head and in a very weak voice called out, “Deanne! Ya sure, dats you! I heard ya with my heart first!”

Just as the sheep know their shepherd’s voice above all the other voices around them, those who choose to follow Jesus hear and know His voice above all the confusing voices of this world.

Jesus never forgets or loses sight of His sheep and knows us all by name. Our Shepherd never ever forgets the sound of our voice― even if it has been a very long time since we have called out to Him.

Though our ears may not hear above the din of this world, it is our heart that will hear Him first and foremost, it is His heart that will lead us to Him.

“My Heart Heard You First” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 9, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

A Heavenly Time

Storm at the Jetty by Dee Kamp

A Heavenly Time

The seaward winds from the Pacific Ocean are blasting us with strong gusts rattling the windows and doors and shaking our motor home like a ship at sea today. We are parked near the sand dunes and I literally feel the pounding of waves.

 It’s early October and the shore birds and geese are gathering in huge flocks in preparation for their southern destinations. But today, for all our feathered friends― all flight plans are cancelled.

“I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own;

 it is not for man to direct his steps.”

Jeremiah 10:23 NIV

 

How often have we had plans, flight or afoot, that have suddenly been cancelled by storms in the weather, or circumstances beyond dour control tossed into our lives? We can find ourselves without family or friends, but grounded and suddenly left alone to wait it out.

But this can be the perfect time, a simply wonderful quiet time to be alone with God. In these moments we discover all over again how God is really in control of all heaven and earth

 It God’s Sovereignty that gives us hope and strength knowing He is not up there somewhere but in the  moment, and in smallest detail of our lives wherever we are.

When our plans are called to a halt, when all flights are cancelled, and everything seems to not be going as we had planned, it may be God’s way of calling us to draw closer to Him and enjoy His sweet companionship.  

It’s always the perfect time to come and have a heavenly time alone with God.

 

“When storms of life are round me beating,

When rough the path that I have I have trod,

Within my closet doors retreating,

I love to be alone with God.

 

Alone with God the world forbidden,

Alone with Him O blest retreat!

Alone with God and in Him hidden,

To hold with Him communion sweet.” ―Hymnal,

From: Springs in the Valley

 

“A Heavenly Time” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 8, 2013

New Morning

Sunrise by Dee Kamp

 

New Morning

 “Happy Birthday. How do you feel about turning sixty today?” I asked.

“How I do I know? I’ve never been this age before,” my brother declared with a smile.

“This is the day the LORD has made.

We will rejoice and be glad I it.”

 Psalm 118:24 NLT

 I pondered the deeper truth to my brother’s statement while writing down today’s date and time at the top of my daily journal this morning. It’s true, I’ve not been this age, or in this time ever before.  

God has infinite time to give us, but how does He do it? He does not give it out in a huge tract of time, or in one long millennium but ever so wisely He cuts it up into a neat succession of new mornings.

Today is the first time we are here, in this time and space. How do we know how it will turn out? It’s all new to us!

 Well, we don’t know. But this we can know for certain, we will never face it alone. Our faithful and loving God promises to always be with us, morning by morning, hour by hour, every moment of the day and night.

This is our new day. And each precious day is like stepping into a stream of fresh flowing water filled with new ideas, opportunities, healing and hope when Christ is living His life through us.

 

“This New Day” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 2, 2013

 

 

 

 

Sweet as a Songbird's Refrain

Song Sparrow by Dee Kamp

 

Sweet As a Songbird’s Refrain

At sunrise I heard the sweet songbird’s refrain. It made me think of how our prayers must sound and be received by God. Oh, how delighted He is every time we sing our heart out to Him.

Prayer simply stated is a heartfelt conversation between two who love each other. Prayer doesn’t require words spoken but is always heard and understood when it’s but from a humble and hopeful heart.

“Then when you call, the LORD will answer.

 ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.”

 Isaiah 58:9

Prayer is the lining up of the soul and mind and heart to God. No matter if we feel our words are too weak, or that they are not in perfect order, and though may be sung a bit off key-it’s still a prayer dearly loved by God.

 

Prayer and love and are linked together. It’s what prompts us to pray not only for ourselves, but for those whom we love and even for those who we may not agree.

 

Prayer is what urges us in our most stressful moments to be to still desire to praise God in all our daily circumstances and situations. Our prayers acknowledge God and show our dependency upon Him.

 

Feel free at any moment, in any place or time, even just where you are right now- to pray! From a human side, prayer disconnects us from this world and places us instantly at His mercy seat.

 

By God’s Sovereignty, forgiveness, mercy and unfailing love we find our rest, our strength and heavenly peace. And to God, our prayers are as sweet as a songbird’s refrain.

 

“Sweet as a Songbird’s Refrain” by Dee Kamp, Grace Every Morning Ministries© October 1, 2013