Aspen Place Ministries

Never Changes

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

The summer was in full swing and an actual vacation was on the calendar! For each one of us, covid19 has halted normal activity and vacations. I am certain we could combine our experiences and write a book on Staycations! There has been so much that has changed this year and we were beginning to feel cabin fever set in. So we decided to getaway to the coast for our twin sons’ 17th birthdays. It was truly a blessing that we found a beach rental on the exact dates we needed and within our budget! I was really looking forward to getting away and had plans of hiking, kayaking, swimming, and exploring the beautiful coastal area of Washington near the Canada border.

We had spent most of the summer helping my dad and his wife pack up their home to move. One week before the vacation, the family was as busy as bees cleaning and packing on the final day of moving. And then it happened, I lost my balance on a footstool, and down I went, twisting my right ankle severely spraining it and breaking my heel bone. Oh yes: one week before our family vacation!

Thankfully, no surgery was required but I had to wrap it and wear a boot at all times for at least 8 weeks. Yes, my vacation activities changed drastically as the doctor stated to keep my foot up as much as possible. This was terrible timing! But was it? The blessings that came from my immobility was amazing. It caused me to slow down and appreciate the simple things. It allowed me to take in the scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and to listen to the waves lap onto the shore. It caused my family to be able to do more for me and to help in ways that they normally would not need to. We had more opportunities to talk and enjoy our time together.

These last seventeen years have gone by way too fast! I’m looking in the rearview mirror at the beautiful life we have had regardless of the struggles that have changed our plans on many occasions. Several times, these changes have brought about many unexpected blessings. Looking forward, I know that more change is coming, but I will keep my eyes on Him and remember that He never changes and He works all things for His good!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your loving care. Thank you for knowing what is best for us. Help us to keep our eyes on you as the changes come. Thank you for being the same yesterday, today, and forever! In Jesus’ name. Amen

For further reading: Romans 8

Drawn to Jesus

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:4–7

Joseph is a wonderful picture of Christ. Joseph was not only a savior to the world, but an example of our loving and forgiving God, that wants to bring His people back into relationship with Him.

The Lord does not hold our sins over us, or continually remind us of how wicked we are. Instead, once He leads us to repentance, He completely forgives us; casting our sins away as far as the east is from the west. Then the Lord joins us in celebration of eternal life. There is no more fear of death. No more guilt and shame over our past sins. There is only a confident and joyful faith that we will live together for eternity with our fellow brothers and sisters. Safe and secure in the beautiful place Jesus has prepared for us in heaven.

Come to Jesus today, whether you have been a Christian for many years, or are just now starting to seek Him. Let the hardships and the famines in your life drive you to your Savior. He is waiting to forgive you, refresh you and offer you new hope and direction for each day.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how thankful we are for your mercy and forgiveness! Enable us to turn our woes into worship, whatever the situation. We love you. In Jesus name. Amen.

For further reading: Genesis 45

Teenagers (Revised)

The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 10:29

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,” Psalm 1:1-2

Recently, a very kind lady at my church and I have been corresponding through email. She had some wonderful encouragement regarding my sons and their service at our church. Jacob and Michael have been very involved at church since becoming teenagers and especially since the beginning of livestreaming due to covid19. At times, they were questioning their involvement.

God brings people into our lives right at the time we need them. Her words were firm words of affirmation and just what was needed. I like to think of God as my path layer!!! As I take a step, He lays down the next firm stepping stone. We are always stepping out in faith as we seek His will for our lives. As a parent of twin teenager boys, I have taken steps expecting to fall to the bottom of the parenting grand canyon. Yet, God has been so good and gracious guiding my family’s steps of faith and placing people into our lives that have shaped each one of us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

As this new school year begins, I have teachers, leaders and parents of teenagers on my heart. Dynamics are very different now in our culture and with the major changes that covid19 has brought, we all need prayers and to hear some words of affirmation. The youth that do not know the Lord, they really need to see God’s truth as black and white through the lense of His love. They are getting bombarded with messages from the evil one all around. They need to see how God is their safe haven, that He is real and moves in their lives when they allow Him to.

I will be praying for stamina for each of you and clear direction from God for your paths. The beautiful thing about leading youth is that they need unconditional love and guidance to a relationship with Christ. Parents, teachers, youth leaders, you have been chosen by God to be in this role for a reason. If you are a Christian, your strong faith and walk is what teens need to see and unconditional love to receive. If they already have Him as their Savior, they need guidance to a deeper relationship with Christ. They need to understand how to seek Him daily and that if they are in His Word daily they are filled, guided and given a peace that surpasses all understanding especially in these trying times.

The older teens, need Christian adults coming along side of them encouraging them into a deeper relationship with Christ too. They also need encouragement to engage with the younger teens to be good role models. They need to be empowered and given the chance to serve and lead at church in various ways. I have been so thankful that Jacob and Michael have had these opportunities. Each of us have different roles and different gifts that can be used to influence the teenagers in our lives. Stand up, be brave and share God’s truth with them. Start with what He has done in your life and see how God will use you in their life!

Be encouraged!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for focusing my heart today to shape this devotion. I pray that one person is encouraged and reaches out to someone today to affect Your kingdom. It is by you and through you, Lord, that good changes occur. May ears and hearts be open to receiving your Word! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

For further reading: Psalm 1

Teenagers

The way of the Lord is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. Proverbs 10:29

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,” Psalm 1:1-2

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Be encouraged!

For further reading: Psalm 1

Fall Like Rain

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew,

like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

Deuteronomy 32:2

I sat inside on a rainy day before giant windows, in a cozy chair with my textbooks before me. I was in college and studying inside the library. I listened to the pitter patter of the fat raindrops hitting the window. I stopped reading and watched the drops roll down the glass one after the other. I focused my attention there, watching the patterns of little streams running down the glass. I allowed my gaze to look past the window out onto the plants and flowers just outside the window.

With every drop that hit a leaf, that leaf bent in a bow as the glistening drops rolled off. The raindrops came down in a rhythmic pattern pressing downward on the flowers, causing them to dance. The drops below sat on top of the grass sparkling like diamonds. The plants and flowers were renewed, washed clean and glistening anew.

We are His tender plants that are renewed by His Word, washed clean by His blood and made new in His image. Because of Christ, let’s dance like refreshed flowers and sparkle like glistening raindrops to share with others what He has done in our lives!

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” 1 Chronicles 16:31

Prayer: Dear Lord, my prayer is like Moses’ prayer in Deuteronomy 32:2. May my words, whether spoken or written, be refreshing and encouraging to all. Thank you. As the rain falls afresh around us, help us to remember Jesus, who came down as a precious baby and now reigns from Heaven above! It is in His precious name I pray. Amen.

For further reading: Deuteronomy 32

Do Not Be Afraid

Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Acts 27:23-24

Paul was being taken by ship to Rome as a prisoner, to stand trial before Caesar. The Jews had brought up charges against him for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

While at sea a terrible storm of hurricane force came upon them. After many days with no sun or stars visible everyone on the ship lost hope of being saved (Acts 27:20). According to the opening verse, that meant Paul too.

Even strong believers need encouragement from time to time, especially when the light has been dimmed. For Paul it was physical, the terrible storm and no illumination from the sun or stars. Our storms can be just as hard, whether they are physical or spiritual. We need the light of the Lord shining in our lives, to give us hope and help us through.

Jesus is our light. Just as Jesus sent an angel to tell Paul to not be afraid, Jesus sends us the same message, through His powerful Word.

… Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31

Christians believe, we seek to obey, we even walk on water at times, and yet when the storms of life come, doubt and fear can still seep into our hearts.

Turn to Jesus, He will catch you, don’t be afraid. Keep your eyes on Him, He still has work for you to do.

Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father for your encouragement and your saving grace. May we trust you more as we seek you daily. In Jesus name’. Amen.

Powerful Eternal God

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. Psalm 102:25

All praise, honor and glory belong to you oh Lord. You are the Alpha and the Omega, you have always been. And yet….. you care about me. How can this be so?

In the world, the mega rich move people like pawns on a chessboard. Politicians, writers, media, educators and the masses, are all just puppets to their commands. Commands that lead to what? Certainly not a better life! No, commands that lead to more power and influence for them. More money, more control, to live in defiance of what is good, and right and holy. They have no cares for real people, for the poor or even the middle class. We will be crushed if we even try to ask them, why they do the things they do.

Yet they are only people, flawed and sinful, they must stand before the Lord and give an account for all they have done (Hebrews 4:13). For the Lord is eternal and reigns over all. He created the earth, the sun and the stars. It’s you oh Lord, that truly holds control and power in your hands. You could crush us in a heartbeat, make us bow down before you and obey your every whim. Yet, you do not.

Your love and goodness, know no bounds. You are ever mindful of all your children. Caring deeply for each one of us, from the mega rich to the lowest beggar, you love us all. You give us freewill, you don’t force us to love you and obey you. You gently call us, and show us a better way; a way of love, joy and peace.

Who am I to receive such a gift, such privilege and honor from God Almighty, the Eternal One?

I am His. I am His child.

My hope remains in Jesus Christ alone, for He will one day bring justice and righteousness to this earth and reign supreme. I will rest in His care and love for me and be forever thankful of all He has done for me.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for your great love for us. Give us peace during these trying times and patience to endure until your return. We love you Lord. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Stress is an SOS for Rest

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

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

What a year we all have had! 2020 will not be forgotten. The emotional and physical stress has made us all weary and burdened in one way or another. On top of a virus, shut downs, school closures, job losses, financial burdens, fires, riots, political unrest, smoky skies, we have grown weary from major schedule changes and many other issues that have made us all have to rethink our daily lives and how we spend our days. Some of us have been heavily burdened.

As I was listing the negatives that have come this year, I know that for many there have been blessings interwoven as well. Keeping our eyes on Who God is and how He moves in our lives is so important!

After quarantining for 5 months, my family was able to go on a much needed secluded vacation up north near the border of Canada to a beautiful bay. It was gorgeous with impressive sunsets, pretty rock beaches and serene snow covered mountains. It was definitely an enjoyable time of resting with family in God’s magnificent creation. Long talks, great meals, trips to the beach and drives to parks cleared our troubles away. We were so thankful God gave us this time with one another to focus on what is good and to be refreshed!

For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations. Psalm 100:5

Be encouraged!

Prayer: Loving Father, you are all knowing and see our every need. Your love and faithfulness is everlasting. We lay our burdens before you and ask to be refreshed. Thank you! In Jesus’ precious name. Amen

For further reading: Jeremiah 31

God is Good!

How long Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “violence”, but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Habakkuk 1:2-4

Smoke covered the landscape, like a shroud on a casket. It felt claustrophobic and hard to breathe, just looking at it.

Firefighters worked day and night to get the fires under control, but Oregon remained filled with smoke for weeks. Can 2020 get any worse? As if the pandemic and the riots were not enough, we now have to deal with hazardous air quality and fear of losing our homes.

What’s the purpose in all this? Why does the Lord allow His children to go through such difficult times?

As I struggled through these thoughts, the Lord reminded me of a few important truths.

We live in a fallen world, where sin abounds; death, sickness, hatred and brokenness are always with us. Weather, storms, droughts and even fires have been a part of our earth for thousands of years. The good news is, we know God is good and therefore we can continue to trust in Him through every situation.

When troubles fill our minds with thick black smoke and our hearts with discouragement, think on these truths.

1. Believers have an eternal perspective.

(2 Cor. 4:17 NLT) For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us and immeasurably great glory that will last forever.

2. The Lord turns all of our hurts and struggles for good.

(Romans 8:28) We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

3. Hard times prepare believers for deeper ministry.

(2 Cor. 1:4a NLT) He [God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

The Lord is good, just, loving and merciful (Psalm 135:3). Trust the Lord through these challenging times, for He will make a way for you.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us oh Lord I pray to endure these trying times. Build our faith and our trust more deeply in you each and every day and give us a tender heart to reach out in love to those in need. With hope in the name of Jesus. Amen.

For further reading: Habakkuk 3

Firm Steps in Him

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;

though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

I can remember the days that my twin sons began to walk. First, cruising around edges of furniture, holding on for balance, stepping away for brief moments at a time while balancing on their own, then ending with a short plop to the ground on their padded diaper seat. They were determined to get back up and start all over again in their adventure. Soon, it was with the hand of dad, mom, grandma, or grandpa, that they confidently took several steps at a time. Then it developed into several brave solitary steps from one person to another. The joy from their little faces radiantly shone as the confidence grew and the cheers encouraged them on.

Our Lord delights in us when we take steps towards Him. He longs for us to seek Him in prayer, quiet time, Bible study and worship. Yet He is so loving and patient that when we stumble He is right there, upholding us with His hand. He smiles, cheers and encourages us back into relationship with Him. And, oh, how precious it is that the more time we spend with Him, the firmer our steps in life become. We understand His love for us, and we walk in confidence, showing His love to those around us.

Prayer: Dear loving Father, “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1). As we seek you this week in confidence knowing that you, Lord, uphold us with your hand, may we be a blessing to those around us displaying your love to them. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

For further reading: Psalm 37