“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” 

Matthew 7:13

The easy way. When you’re a kid (or teenager), it’s the way to go. Minimum effort, maximum results…well, maybe not maximum. Not to say the easy way is just for young people. Plenty of adults take the easy way—out and in—regarding jobs, relationships, parenting, etc. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes, not so much.

As for me, I’m not exactly a “do-it-the-hard-way” person…I’m more a do-it-the-right-way kind of gal. (Um, this speaks to my perfectionist personality tendencies, but that’s for another post.) Ironically, I can also be somewhat impatient. This sets the stage for why I’m choosing the easy way for a particularly daunting quarantine task I’m facing: painting my kitchen cabinets.

After much research, and a practice run on a couple cabinets, I have decided to take the easy way on this. I plan on (a) not sanding, but only cleaning well and (b) not removing the doors. A perfect solution for the impatience in me. Hopefully, it won’t turn out like the typical Pinterest-ideal-gone-wrong. I’ll let you know.

My point? Sometimes there are, in fact, easy ways that work out just fine. But, when it comes to your eternal destination, there is one way to go—and it’s narrow. And hard. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). One narrow road. And why is it hard? Well, choosing to accept the forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ is super easy: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). It’s the following Him that’s difficult.

The Bible is very clear how we’re to live our lives—and practically every step of the way goes against our sinful, natural inclinations and desires. We do have the assistance of the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us strength, but we inevitably fall (daily). We get back up, move forward, fall, get up, repeat. The process can be pretty bloodying and bruising. So, there’s that. And there’s the fact that living a godly life in our culture is like swimming upstream against the raging current (with all the other fish mocking you and telling you how crazy you are, as they cruise effortlessly in the opposite direction).

But the Christian way—the hard way—is worth every step. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And the road He paved for us leads to eternal peace, joy and perfection. That’s the ultimate outcome I want…what about you?

Lord, thank You for making the way for me. Although it’s hard, help me to keep on the path that leads to an eternal life with You.

“…throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”      

Ephesians 4:22-24

I’m not sure how many of you ladies can relate, but my closet is filled with clothes that are a variety of sizes (and, I’ll admit, styles). I just can’t seem to get rid of some things, no matter how long it’s been since I’ve actually worn them. I think, “What if I lose some weight—then I’ll fit into this again.” Or, “If I gain that weight back, at least I’ll have this to wear.” There’s even the self-rationalization that goes, “Well, I know I haven’t worn this in the past two years, but I might need it at some point.”

Chances are, I’m not alone in this because there are a lot of current online videos, TV programs and podcasts about simplifying and getting rid of our “stuff”. One popular author and host advises that if you don’t absolutely love something and it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s got to go. Others say that if clothing doesn’t fit your today-body, it shouldn’t be in your closet. And if it’s out of your current style, just let it go.

Interestingly, this is all wonderful spiritual advice as well—right from God’s Word. Once you become a Christ-follower, you are not the same person you were before. Your life has been washed by the blood of Jesus, and you have the Holy Spirit within you to guide and direct your path. Even though you’re in the world, you’re no longer to be of (or like) the world (John 15:19; John 17:14-16).

So, regardless of how long we’ve been walking with the Lord, we each have to assess the “spiritual wardrobe” we wear. Does our attitude bring us—and others—joy? Do we put on unconditional love to reflect Jesus? Or are we, perhaps holding onto a few choice pieces from the “good ol’ days” that still hang in the dark corner closets of our soul…things like lust, envy and deception. 

Sisters, if something doesn’t “fit” our new self, if it doesn’t make us “look” holy and honorable to others and to our Lord, if it doesn’t create joy in our life…it’s time to toss it and clothe ourselves with the righteousness of Christ.

“Lord, help me clean out my spiritual closet and put on a holy attitude every day in order to glorify You.”

When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.

Proverbs 29:9

Over the last couple of decades, our nation has been slipping into greater and greater divisiveness. I’m not talking about the political left and right here (although this is the case), but of a Biblical worldview versus humanism. You may have been aware of the divide as it gradually widened, or you may simply have looked up one day to see a gaping chasm. But if you’re on any social media platform today, all you have to do is scroll to see, read, and hear the venom. Especially in our current culture of crisis.

That’s why I’m not on Facebook. It was probably eight or nine years ago when I started seeing posts from some of my closest friends become hateful to Christians and Christ-honoring organizations and causes. And, due to the fact that I wanted to keep these people as friends in real life, I had to “unfriend” them, digitally, by removing myself from social media. 

Throughout the Bible, unbelievers, mockers, scoffers are called “fools”—and this is the foundation of our lesson. 

As Solomon stated very clearly in Proverbs, it doesn’t matter how you approach a foolish person—with sweetness, righteous indignation, or outright anger—you won’t get peace. Because that person’s belief is rooted in the world and not the Truth of God’s Word, he or she will either mock you for your “ignorance” or rage at you for your “malice”. After all, when we speak words based on our knowledge of Christ, to that person, it simply smells like death (2 Corinthians 2:16).

I’m not saying to forgo speaking the Truth in love—even using your social media platforms to do so. We must share the Good News of Jesus Christ! How He came to make payment for our sins with His blood. How He rose again, beating death once and for all and making a way for us to have eternal life with God. We must love others. We must forgive as we’ve been forgiven. Because, sometimes, we will find common ground, and we may even bring someone to the believing faith in Jesus.

But the Word also tells us in Romans 12:18 that we must, as much as it depends on us, keep peace with others. So, sisters, keep on speaking Truth—it’s commanded of us. Just don’t argue with fools. 

It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Proverbs 25:24

For some reason, King Solomon brings this “contentious woman” thing up quite a bit in his writings. (It makes one wonder if it had something to do with his 700 wives and 300 concubines. But I digress.) 

“Contentious” isn’t commonly used these days, so let me define it in one word: argumentative. So, a contentious woman is given to quarreling, griping, and complaining. In fact, this wise ol’ king (who sadly lost his godly judgement as the years progressed) also compared this woman to continual dripping on a rainy day. And he said that it’s basically impossible to restrain her (Proverbs 27:15-16).

I think about being part of Solomon’s harem of women (yuck), and I’m confident it would easy to point my finger at a few gals at whom this complaint was probably directed. Certainly, it wouldn’t have been me! Ah, but we must consider the marriages and relationships in our culture today, which are mostly of the one-to-one ratio. Could it be that, with no one else to blame, the nitpicky, naggy, complaining woman is the one who’s staring back at us in the mirror?

Ouch.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not doing a lot of mirror-gazing these days—I barely put real pants on anymore, because no one sees me from the waist down. If I have several video meetings, I may add some mascara to my face and make sure my hair isn’t sticking out weirdly. Full-on get-ready-to-face-the-day mode, however, is a thing of the past. 

But reading these Proverbs has convicted me to do some self-reflection—not of my face or body, but of my spirit. It’s so easy to use this crisis and its fallout as an excuse for crankiness and grouchiness. Times are challenging. And hard. But how am I treating the people in my home? Do I take out my fear, exhaustion, and frustration on them? Do I “drip” with discord such that they want to go hide on the roof?

My 17-year-old confirmed this “Proverbial” message the other day, when he asked, teary-eyed, that my husband and I stop griping about the virus stuff (and all the ramifications). “I know it’s bad,” he said, “but there’s nothing we can do about it. Please stop constantly complaining about it.”

Again, ouch.

Sisters, let’s take some time to consider our attitudes and our words. It’s not necessarily about being all sunshine and rainbows. But let’s definitely watch our contentiousness and make an effort to be kind and pleasant to those around us.

Lord, thank You for the people in my life who love me. Help me recognize when my attitude and words are causing strife for others—and let me drip no more.

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time. 

Proverbs 17:17

Would you consider yourself a “good friend” to others in your life? What does that mean to you, and what kind of action is required in being a friend? Of course, friendship is about fun times, laughter and adventure. And it’s about support and encouragement in those darker seasons of life. Friendship involves saying the right thing at the right time…and saying nothing at all. Those of us who have even one close friend are incredibly blessed.

Like the Proverb above says, “A friend love at all times.” In joys and sorrows. Through thick and thin. (Wait, is anyone else thinking waistline here?)  

But there’s another nugget of truth in Proverbs worth acknowledging: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” (Proverbs 27:6) 

Sometimes, out of love and faithfulness, a friend has to reveal a truth unseen or unveil a deception unrecognized. And. It. Hurts. When this happens—and it will within true, godly friendships—how will you respond? 

Not long ago, I warned my friend of 15 years that a teacher she follows speaks heresies and has some shady connections. I spoke these words kindly—in love—sharing my discernment within Biblical truths. But, despite my emphasis on my love for her, she viciously attacked my intentions and my character. Now, it’s important to note that we’d been through the ringer together, upholding each other through indescribable pain, heartache and trials. She knew my character very well. And my faithful friendship over a decade and a half. 

But she didn’t want to delve into a discussion about the situation or talk about our disagreements through a Biblical lens. Her anger quickly built a high, thick wall between us. And, instead of trusting the “wounding” as faithfulness and love, she chose to dissolve our relationship. 

A good friend does love at all times…we need that from each other. But also, we must be brave enough—faithful enough—to wound when necessary in honor of our Lord. You won’t be able to predict the outcome. Your friend may open their eyes to the truth or appreciate the revelation you made as a sister in Christ. Or, she may turn around and walk away for good.

But this is what godly friendship requires of us. So, let me ask again…are you a good friend?

“Lord, help me be an authentic, honest and faithful friend—even when it’s hurtful or hurts. Give me the grace to recognize that the wounds of a real friend can be trusted.”

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You.

PSalm 63:1

I love sunflowers. They’re definitely my favorite flower. Thankfully, my husband knows this—as well he should, after 25 years. So, with every birthday, each Valentine’s Day, and often for no occasion at all, he’ll walk through the door with a gorgeous bouquet of these bright, festive blossoms.

It’s fairly common knowledge that sunflowers have a unique characteristic when they are young: They are heliotropic. This not-so-common term simply means that the head of the sunflower follows the arc of the sun as the sun moves across the sky throughout the day. The science behind this phenomenon is pretty cool. Basically, cells on the east side of the stem elongate during the day, turning the head gradually to the west to follow the sun. During the night, the cells on the west elongate, so the flower is facing the east in time for the sunrise.

The how is definitely interesting…but what about the why? Well, scientists identify two main reasons. First, they grow more by following the sun. The second reason is that by facing the sun more, the flowers heat up faster—and the warmth attracts pollinating bees.

Sisters, because our creative God does nothing out of chance or without purpose, we can learn a simple, yet profound, spiritual lesson from these beautiful blooms: Face the Son.

So, what does this lesson look like as we live it out? Let me break it down as a set of questions we can each ask ourselves. 

• When I wake up, am I facing the new mercies of a new morning? 
• Do I daily soak up life-giving rays of the Light of the world through meditating on His Word? 
• Throughout the day—every day—am I keeping my eyes heavenward, knowing that this world is not my home? 
• Do I make the most of the nourishment provided to me by constantly seeking its Source?
• Am I growing as much as possible through spiritual disciplines (Bible intake, prayer, worship and serving)?

Like the majestic sunflower, our purpose—the why—for this “holy heliotropism” will be evidenced by the result. When we face the Son, we will exude a warmth that attracts others. And when our spiritual demeanor is inviting to those walking through this dark world with their heads bowed to the ground, we have the opportunity to turn their eyes to the only true Source of life. 

“Lord, may I keep my face toward You, so that I grow closer to You and exude an inviting warmth that impacts the lost and broken people around me.”

I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13:6

I love music. Throughout my youth, I saw countless concerts. From Jimmy Buffet and Bruce Springsteen to the Rolling Stones and U2, I have ticket stubs from all my ‘80s favorites. (I realize I’m dating myself here.) My album collection was countless as well…music speaks to my mind and heart with significant power. Once I became a Christian, the Lord slowly altered my music tastes as my walk with Him deepened. Today, my ears pine for passionate praise and worship. 

Until recently, whenever I drove around town, I cranked the radio and sang along (not caring who may be seeing me from across the yellow line). And my headphones filled my mind with praise while helping to make my workouts go faster. Like all of us, I don’t get in my car much anymore. And gym doors are locked. My days are marked by time in the Word, work (praise God!), eating, a little mindless TV, and (fitful) sleep. And repeat.

But a dear friend of mine texted me a link to a beautiful folksy Christian song I’ve never heard before. And I actually stopped what I was doing to listen to it. The soothing melody, a rich tenor voice, and violin harmonies struck the chords of my soul that had been so silent. So did the message of hope.

Although so much has changed—and continues to change—let’s hold fast to the things that bring us joy and glorify the God of wonder. I still love digging into the Bible. I pray for family, friends, and leaders daily…I give thanks for my innumerable blessings. But I’m not filling my ears with music anymore at all. And this absence has parched my soul. 

What did you used to do (way back a couple of months ago) to put you in tune with the Lord (pun intended)? Consider this question, and then take action. 

As for me, I’m going to reconnect with familiar melodies of praise that I’ve let this crisis silence. I will join the chorus of trees in a song of joy.

Thank You, Lord, that heaven is filled with the songs of angels. And thank You for the reminder that I can sing along.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

What a strange time this is. I don’t know about you, but this social distancing and self-quarantine thing is messing with me—and the people with whom I virtually interact on a regular basis. Even with the economic fallout of this crisis, my work is crazy-busy (praise the Lord!)…but it seems that everyone is functioning a bit “off” from their normal. Responsiveness is delayed or lacking, there’s a drop in care about quality, and the new work week is now 24/7.

Regardless of whether your job is currently hot, cold, or nonexistent, and whether you’re the only one in your house or you’ve got a family of nine, all this social distancing is creating a unique level of loneliness right now. And it’s a bit soul-crushing.

“Time” is weirdly fluid as well. Some days, we may use our time “wisely,” and other days are filled with more foolishness (um, can anyone say, “Tiger King”?). Social media posts are filled with quarantine productivity projects people are doing (making me somewhat feel guilty). But it’s all too easy to wander aimlessly within our walls, feeling purposeless and emotionally paralyzed. 

But the Lord is near! He is above all of the CDC regulations and invites us to nestle in under His wings. He hears our cries of loneliness and frustration, and He delivers us from our fears (Psalm 34:4). Because challenges and trying times like this are promised in His Word, He encourages us to learn from them—about ourselves and about Him.

Let’s take refuge in the promises of God’s nearness to us—Psalm 16:18, Psalm 73:28, Jeremiah 23:23, James 4:8 are just a few. No matter how we feel (or don’t feel) or what we do (or don’t do) during this COVID-19 madness, He won’t leave us or forsake us. 

We are never alone…even when we’re all by ourselves.

Lord, I am thankful that You will never distance Yourself from me. Help me rest in this Truth.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!

Isaiah 26:3

Whether or not you are physically ill from it, COVID-19 has infected everyone. For some of us, this pandemic hasn’t yet made a big difference to our daily lives…for others of us, it has changed, well, everything. For all of us, though, there are health concerns, general anxiety and fear, financial uncertainty. This is really hard.

But, as believers, we have something that much of our nation does not: Faith and hope in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, let’s agree to do two things throughout this crisis:

1) Let’s LIVE this truth.

As challenging as it may be, we must embrace supernatural peace amid the chaos, and choose love and grace in response to the growing vitriolic attitudes around us. Solitude and isolation naturally create discouragement and anger…be very careful. You may be alone all day, every day. You may share a home with family members—a home that seems to shrink exponentially with every passing moment. Spend time with the Lord. Talk with Him, meander around your house with Him, cry to Him, rest in Him. When we intentionally focus on Jesus, we are promised that a peace passing understanding will guard our hearts and minds (Phil 4:7, emphasis mine). And because nothing makes sense right now, this promise is exactly the thing we need most.

2) Let’s SHARE with others the reason for our hope.

With little to no contact with others, it is difficult to share the love of Jesus. If we go for a walk outside or make a grocery run, we can’t come within six feet of others…and with the pervasive fear, few people want to make eye contact or talk in these situations. If we are blessed to still be working, we are probably at home, perhaps occasionally connected via phone or video meetings. So, what can we do? First and foremost, we can pray for others, from our President (and other leaders in this crisis) to the neighbors we’ve never met living around us. Take every opportunity to share joy and hope with others that you do come in contact with—smile, be positive, and don’t engage in all the political and cultural ire. Find creative ways to love your neighbors, through group emails or maybe porch drop-offs of cookies or an encouraging note. 

If we can focus on attempting these two things daily, we will be a great light in the surrounding darkness. But there’s one more thing…let’s make sure to be kind and gracious to the people with whom we are quarantined. These are probably the ones in our lives we love the most. But they’re also the very people on whom we are most likely to take out our daily frustrations and anxiety. Let’s love them best.

Is anything too hard for the Lord?  

Genesis 18:14a

Many of you may know the story in the Old Testament—in Numbers, specifically—about Moses sending the 12 spies to check out the Promised Land. When they came back after 40 days, 10 of those guys spun a tale of the insurmountable obstacles ahead. They spread terror and woe among the Israelites, convincing the masses there was no way they could triumph. “We were like grasshoppers in our own sight,” they bemoaned. 

And in that statement lay the problem. 

They saw their circumstances, their enemies, and their hurdles through their own eyes. They failed to recall—despite the pillar of fire and smoke in front of them, the manna every morning, and shoes that didn’t wear out—that it wasn’t “their sight” that mattered. It was God’s. To God, the purported giant men and huge walls were like mere particles dust. Moreover, the Lord had made a promise to His people to bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey. And although He’d kept all of His promises to the Israelites so far (notwithstanding all their whining and complaining), they were still too paralyzed to take the land.

Can you relate? Do you have an obstacle in your way right now that seems immovable? A hope-stealing problem that feels overwhelming? Are you feeling paralyzed because it’s just too hard? I’ve been there for sure.

What we need is a fresh perspective. Remember, whatever we are facing, our God is bigger. He is greater and more powerful than anyone or anything standing between us and His promises. In time eternal, He’s already been to the other side, and He knows just how best to get us there. We must simply trust that, in whatever we are facing, we are not the grasshoppers in the situation—our adversity is. We are standing alongside our immense and victorious heavenly Father. And the battle belongs to Him (1 Samuel 17:42)—so let’s hand it over.

He will make a way. Because, sisters. nothing is too hard for Him.

“Lord, when a daunting obstacle is before me, making me feel small and helpless, remind me that I can’t handle it on my own…but nothing is too hard for You.”