Category: <span>thoughts by Katherine Kehler</span>

I urge you, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority1 Timothy 1:2

A few months before Dr. Bill Bright went home to be with the Lord, Marvin and I talked with him by phone. The doctor had given him only months to live because of a deteriorating lung condition. Even though he was bedridden and on oxygen all the time, he was rejoicing in the Lord and still was working on 15 projects.

He told us how God spoke to him in a dream. In the dream, God showed him the growing number of bedridden and/or handicapped seniors who could be using this last season of their lives for the most powerful ministry of all – intercession. They could be interceding for their families, their church, their country and the world. God asked him to share this dream with all bedridden and handicapped seniors.

My brother Frank became totally handicapped as the result of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Near the end of his life he could only communicate by blinking his eyes. But as he grew physically weaker, he became spiritually stronger and his ministry became intercession.

God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil….” – EM Bounds

Would you help Bill Bright fulfill the dream God gave him by recruiting seniors to intercede for the world?

Father, the Bible says that “first of all” we are to pray. I ask that You would raise up millions of seniors who, in their retirement years, would make intercession their ministry. Amen

by Katherine Kehler
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•  The Joy of Prayer 

•  Talking to God!

•   Jesus and Prayer 

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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


“But this one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13, 14


A photo in today’s sports section of our newspaper depicted the above verse in a dramatic way. Five men in a 100-meter sprint  were pressing toward the goal with all their strength. They all wanted to win the race. Their heads bent forward, their faces reflecting their determination, and every muscle in their body taunt.

That photo also illustrates the Apostle Paul’s life purpose — pressing on to win the race.

After putting the newspaper down I pondered these verses, wondering what they mean for us. The Life Application Bible offered the following explanation:

Our Goal as believers: We train ourselves to run the race of life. So we keep our eyes on Christ — the goal — and don’t get sidetracked or slowed down. When we do this, we will win a reward in Christ’s kingdom.”

“Living the Christian life demands all of our energy. We can forget the past and strain for the goal because we know Christ promises eternity with him at the race’s end.”

“The Christian life is a fight against evil forces from without and temptations from within. If we stay true to God through it all, he promises an end, a rest, and a crown”.

“As we must repeat exercises to tone our bodies, so we must steadily repeat spiritual exercises to be spiritually fit. When we do this, we will be better Christians, living in accordance with God’s will. Such a life will attract others to Christ and pay dividends in this present life and the next.”

What are these spiritual exercises?  Six form the acronym GROWTH.

Go to God in prayer daily (John 15:7).
Read God’s Word daily (Acts 17:11).
Obey God moment by moment (John 14:21).
Witness for Christ by your life and words (Matthew 4:19).
Trust God for every detail of your life (1Peter 5:7).
Holy Spirit — Allow Him to control and empower your daily life and witness (Galatians 16,17; Acts 1:8).

I challenge you to make these spiritual exercises a daily workout. Press on to win the heavenly goal.

Father, so often we focus more on exercising our physical body than exercising our spiritual life. Thank You for Your promise that You will help us do it (Philippians 2:13). Help us become spiritually fit. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
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The Race Before Us – by William S. Stoddard

Run with Patience – by Vonette Bright

Running the Race –  by Max Lucado

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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


Do whatever He tells you toJohn 2:5


I was sitting on my Dad’s hospital bed laughing and talking with him the evening before his surgery. I found great satisfaction in being able to talk to him about anything. There were no uncomfortable silences, wondering what to say next. I could have felt that I should have spent more time with him, but I didn’t because I had been obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit the year before.

My Dad and I always had a satisfactory relationship. But because we had four children to raise, a house and garden to tend to, a large poultry farm and involvements with school and church, it seemed that the only time we saw each other was on holidays or birthdays. And then, I was usually in the kitchen cooking. Dad and I never had the chance to really talk – just the two of us.

Then one day, the Holy Spirit placed within my heart a desire to get to know my Dad. I called him and asked if he would like to start having lunch with me once a month. He liked the suggestion and so began our monthly visits. At first there were some uncomfortable silences–we didn’t seem to have much in common anymore. But as the months flew by, we began looking forward to our visits and had lots to talk about.

The evening when I left the hospital, I didn’t know that God would take my Dad home two days later. He never recovered from his surgery. Having lunch with him once a month was a very good memory. I was so thankful I had been obedient to God’s prompting and that I hadn’t put it off.

What about you? Have you taken the time to get to know your dad? Let me encourage you not to procrastinate. Make a call today or set up a time for coffee. You will be glad you did.

Father, help us to listen to and be quick to obey your Holy Spirit’s prompting. Amen.

Learn more about the Spirit Filled Life.

By Katherine Kehler
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Further Reading

•  10 Ideas: Esteeming Dad on Father’s Day

 A Call to Fatherhood

 Ten Things to Teach your Son about True Manhood – by John Grant


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler


Be delighted with the Lord.”  Psalm 37:4a


Looking out the window of our friend’s boat while traveling up the inner passage of the west coast of British Columbia, I was completely awed by God’s creation. The acres of lush green forests, the rhythm of tides and currents, the changing weather and the variety of birds and the marine life on the island we explored all made my heart soar with praises to God with the song, “How Great Thou Art!”

We had the opportunity to visit two different areas of B.C. that summer. In addition to the ocean experience, we also spent a week in the interior of BC – the desert part of our province. Each morning, quails with their chicks came down to the house to get their breakfast our hosts provided for them. What a treat to watch these bird families.

One of the most satisfying aspects of our summer adventure was the solitude. Quietness. There was time to commune with God.

Philip Keller writes about special times like this in his book, God is My Delight:

At such moments there wells up within us an overwhelming outpouring of profound praise. Often an acute awareness of His presence is so intense it is difficult to articulate or express our deep exaltation. He understands our limitations; He perceives our profound affection, our simple faith; He is pleased beyond measure; He delights to draw near; He deigns to commune with us in spirit.

These are precious, private interludes of great intimacy and open transparency. Here a man or woman is in company with God Himself.”

Be delighted with the Lord!

Oh God, thank You so much for the privilege of communing with You. You are so awesome that I cannot express my deep exaltation. But I love You and want to know You more. Thank You for creating me to have fellowship with You. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
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Further Reading

•  Delight Yourself in the Lord 

•  The Desires of the Heart

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women

“12 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree. . .”, “14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” . Psalm 92: 12,14


It was Saturday morning and as was our habit, we were at  McDonald’s’ having breakfast and reading the paper.

But then we both stopped reading and listened to the men behind us.

We heard a man with an older voice telling the man he was sitting with how important it was to be sure that his heart was right with God, because there was life after death (they had been talking about a terrible train accident where many people were killed). The younger man didn’t believe there was life after death. (Marvin and I both started praying.) The older man said he knew he would be going to heaven when he died – and encouraged the younger man to make sure his heart was right with God. The younger man didn’t say much.

Then the older man left the restaurant and so did we.  He was sitting in his car – the window open.  We went to tell him how inspired we were to hear him witness to the younger man. He said that God had really changed his life, he couldn’t help but encourage others to open their hearts to Him.

He was ninety two – yes, that is correct – he was 92 and still telling others about God.

The late Dr. Bill Bright was famous for saying, “God has something for us to do until our last breath.

Jesus said in Acts 1:8 (Amp),

But when you receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be my witnesses . . .”

Question. Do you look for opportunities to witness?  Do you feel inadequate to witness?  Have you been rejected when you have tried to witness?  Are you afraid? Trust the Lord to guide you in sharing His precious love with others

Father, people need to know about your love and forgiveness.  Your Holy Spirit gives us the power and courage to witness.  Help us to trust you to give us the words to tell others about your plan for eternity. Amen

by Katherine J. Kehler
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Making a Difference

•  Going Deeper with God

Stories of Believers

thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


Can a mother forget her little child and not for her own son? Yet even if that should be, I will not forget youIsaiah 49:15


It had never occurred to me before, but as I was watching Bronson, our eight-month-old grandson, interact with our daughter Valerie, I was struck by his overwhelming delight at seeing her. He was crazy about her. He had just woken up from his afternoon nap and she was the first person he saw. His smile conveyed sheer joy.

Bronson put his hands on her shoulders and pressed his face hard against hers. Then he nuzzled his head on her shoulder expressing contentment, joy and satisfaction with life. His mother wholeheartedly returned his love. I knew that this love-filled period of his young life would build his self-esteem and influence his view of himself and others. But then my thoughts turned to the babies who were not so blessed. Unwanted babies, orphans, some foster children and aborted babies.

Until the age of fifteen months, one little boy I know was in a foster home where he was not accustomed to being hugged. He was one of those children who missed that important time of bonding with his mother (parents). He missed out on eye contact with a loving mother while he was nursing and the sweet kisses and hugs while his diaper was being changed. And it affected his feelings of self-worth.

Yet his birth mother loved him enough to give him up so he could be raised in a family with two loving parents. In this new home he was loved by his adoptive parents and by his sisters. Most importantly, he was introduced to Jesus Christ who fills all the gaps in a person’s life.

Why don’t you take a moment and pray for the orphans around the world today.

Lord Jesus, today I pray for those mothers who gave up their babies so they could be raised in a family with two parents. Lord, comfort them when they wonder about their children. Cause them to draw strength from you. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
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Honoring Mothers on Mother’s Day

A Mother’s Special Promise – a touching story

A Mother’s Marvelous Love – a story of sacrificial love

We Asked:  ‘What is Special about your Mother? You Answered

Surprised by the Blessings – My Autistic Son Changed My Life

The Rewards of Having Children

Mother – Child Bond

 

thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).

While in church one Sunday morning, I was introduced to the song, Above All written by Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche. I cried when we sang the chorus. In fact, for years, I could not sing the song without being deeply moved. I still can’t.

Crucified laid behind a stone
You lived to die rejected and alone
Like a rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all!

Just to imagine Christ, my comforter and best friend, crucified, rejected and alone, touched me deeply. I myself was going through a time of rejection and felt very alone, so the words of the song touched me deeply – realizing that Christ must have had some of the same feelings.

The sentence, “Like a rose, trampled on the ground”, gave me such a clear word picture of what Jesus went through for us.

One of the names of Jesus is “Rose of Sharon.”

One week, my husband and I spoke at a Day of Prayer gathering. We sang the song again and the Lord gave me a new insight. When a rose is crushed or trampled, it offers a very sweet fragrance. Jesus is a sweet smelling fragrance. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are a sweet smelling fragrance to those who believe. I wondered what kind of fragrance we as Christians offer when we have been rejected and feel alone – when we have been crushed and trampled on. Mine is not always sweet. How about you?

Lord Jesus, thank You! Thank You that although You are above all powers and kings, nature and all created things, You were trampled to the ground – for us. Yet being crushed, You were like a sweet smelling rose. You did it all for us. We ask that today and everyday, when we feel crushed and rejected, a fragrance of sweet smelling rose would flow from our spirit so people would be drawn to You. Amen

by Katherine Kehler
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When I was in my thirties, I believed in God—was a Christian, was a churchgoer, but I did not know that I was created to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. I learned that to experience a full and meaningful life, I needed to yield the control of my life to God (I had never done that), then I could experience His love and power moment by moment. This is the prayer I prayed. You can too!

“Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit.”

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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At the Foot of the Cross

Touched by the Risen Lord by Elfrieda Nikkel

I Want to Know Him! Christ and his Resurrection Power

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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


If we (freely) admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins (dismiss our lawlessness) and (continuously) cleanse us from all unrighteousness (everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action) 1 John 1:9 (Amplified).


Cleaning the oven is not my favorite thing to do. In fact, it slides down to bottom of my “to do” list several times before I actually make it a priority. I know I am not the only person who feels this way.

The owner of the house we moved into obviously disliked cleaning ovens even more than I do. It was very dirty and hadn’t been cleaned for a long time. I put it through the self-clean cycle then used SOS pads to clean the build up around the edges. But the buildup on the front bottom part of the oven and door were so caked on that I had to take a screwdriver to scratch it off. Finally it was clean.

As I was scrubbing the oven, I compared the dirty oven with our hearts. People can’t see inside our ovens, or our hearts, but God can and it can be pretty dirty. I remember so vividly the time when I asked Jesus into my life at the age of 12. I asked Him to forgive my sins. He cleansed me and I felt so clean. At the age of 30, I learned about spiritual breathing (confessing our sins and appropriating the Holy Spirit). I learned I could be “clean” all the time – moment by moment.

However, sometimes we become so busy that we don’t spend time daily with the Lord and His Word. We become sloppy and accumulate ungodly habits that are like the caked on grease at the bottom of my oven. You have to work at getting rid of those. Worry, ungratefulness, critical attitudes, etc. We need to confess them immediately and begin thanking the Lord for all His blessings, start thinking “good, pure thoughts” and focus our thoughts on God and His sufficiency. If we spend quiet time with the Lord and His Word, He will point them out to us. Many, many times a day, we have to do this to change our ungodly habits.

Don’t let your oven (heart) get dirty – keep it clean. What are your “caked on” habits? Admit your sins and He will cleanse you.

Thank You Lord Jesus, for dying on the cross for our sins. Thank You that you have broken the power of sin over us. Thank You for your cleansing of our hearts. Thank You for the Holy Spirit and the Word that remind us when we need cleaning. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
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Further Reading

Contentment and a Broken Ankle

Forgiveness is Good for Your Health

What the Lord Values.

Open My Eyes

 

thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:  love, joy, peace, patience . . .” Galatians 5:22


Lately, I have noticed how impatient I am.  The other day, I was driving home—it was rush hour traffic and I planned to drive the back roads so I would miss the traffic, but there were police cars blocking them, so I had to drive the Highway, knowing full well that when I got to the intersection, I would have to wait for several light changes before I could make the left turn.  One light change, two light changes then three light changes and I was feeling very inpatient.  Then the thought came to my mind,

Does it really matter—in light of eternity?”  “Why don’t’ you pray for the people in the truck ahead of you?”

When I began to pray for the people in the truck ahead of me, the time went fast and soon I was able to make the left hand turn and was home in a few minutes.

Lord, when I think about it, I wonder why I was in such a hurry?  I don’t have kids waiting for me at home anymore.  I guess I am still habitually busy like I was when the children were still at home, when we had the farm, when our parents were sick, when we were in full time ministry, etc., etc.  But now my life has slowed down —I have more time to enjoy life —but sometimes I forget, Lord.  Slow me down Lord!  Help me be calm, relax and enjoy my day – my husband, my family, my friends, my neighbors, and the people I meet. I need the Holy Spirit to control my life and produce patience every moment of the day. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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Impatient Heart, Be Still –  by Deborah Yemi Oladayo

• Very Little Things – by Bethany Hayes

What Do You Smell Like? – by Mike Woodard

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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


“We were the ones who strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet God laid on Him (Jesus) the guilt and sins of every one of us!”  Isaiah 53:5

Not long ago, I read some results of a survey that found that most women live with a constant feeling of guilt. We feel guilty because we are eating too much, we are not exercising enough, and we don’t spend enough time with our kids, husband, relatives, or friends. And even though we can’t squeeze one more thing into our already frenzied schedule, we feel guilty because we are not doing enough, or because we aren’t doing what we see other women doing.

Last week I had lunch with an extremely gifted woman. She told me she felt guilty because she was not doing more of the things I was doing. I wasn’t surprised she said this, because there seems to be an epidemic of guilt feelings among women today.

I have learned that there are two kinds of guilt: real guilt and false guilt.

My friend was feeling false guilt, and this is what I told her: “God has given you many wonderful gifts and an amazing way with people. People love you. You are so good at what you do. I couldn’t possibly do those things. If you didn’t do what you did, those things would be left undone. You are just where the Lord wants you to be.”

The enemy of our souls is the “accuser,” and he will try to put these feelings of “not good enough” into our minds and hearts. Usually he puts this vague feeling of guilt on us, but nothing really specific. Don’t listen to him.

There is, however, a kind of guilt that is real. Sometimes we have sinful attitudes, or do and say sinful things. We may speak angry words, swear, gossip, entertain jealousy, flirt with someone, have an affair, or eat or drink too much. The Holy Spirit will convict you of these specific sins, and you will need to admit and confess them. Then, as 1 John 1:9 says, He will forgive and cleanse you — take away your guilt.

We need not walk with feelings of guilt. Christ has set us free from guilt and sin. Let’s walk in the freedom of forgiveness.

Father, thank You for freeing us from all guilt and sin through Your Son’s death on the cross. Enable us to walk in the freedom of forgiveness. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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Freedom of Forgiveness  

Have You Forgiven Yourself 

From Victim to Victory 


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything that I need.
He lets me rest in green pastures.
He leads me to calm water
Psalm 23:1,2

Looking out for number one. Be in control. Make yourself look good. Be at the top, or least near the top. This attitude seems to be a plague with which we are all afflicted.

We see it early with children in the playgrounds and sand boxes. We see it in homes, in schools, churches, organizations, at our work place and in the corporate world. Even in senior’s homes. When my husband’s father was bedridden in a hospital or in a wheelchair, we would notice how these older people would jockey for a position at the dinner table and in front of the television, pushing the wheelchairs of others. Pecking order until the day you die.

Phillip Keller, in his book, A Layman’s Look at the Twenty Third Psalm , writes about sheep and their “butting order.” One of the ewes is number one and she attains that position by butting the others into submission. The second in control ruthlessly butts the others into submission and so it goes right down the line to the last sheep. They all become fearful of each other and they can’t graze or lie down to rest because they are afraid.

Phillip Keller was a shepherd for years and knowingly explains that when the shepherd enters the field, the sheep instantly stop butting each other, calm down and relax. They know He is in control and will take care of them.

I reflected on the fact that the Bible often likens His people to sheep, and Christ the good shepherd. If Christ’s presence brings peace to a situation or place can we then conversely conclude that when there is friction, fighting, criticism and striving that Christ’s presence is not there? Or at the very least, we are not yielding to His control?

Think about it. Are you at rest today?

Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. We pray for Your people today. There is so much competition, gossip, criticism and division in your flock. We pray for Your Presence to be in control. We pray for unity in your flock. In your precious name, amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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Real Rest  by John Grant

•  He Lets Me Rest

Take Rest Oh My Weary Soul 

thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


I the LORD do not change.” Malachi 3:6

Recently we decided to downsize and reluctantly listed our property on the real estate market. So for the past month we have been sorting through everything: cupboards, closets, shelves, drawers, storage rooms, the garage and barns. Sorting through forty-seven years of stuff and many, many precious memories.

Everything has changed -except God.

•    Our children have grown and left home. They all have their own wonderful families  now.
•    Our home address has changed several times.
•    Friends change but God always supplies new precious friends.
•    Careers change and our responsibilities change.
•    With moving, we have changed churches several times. And pastors move to another church.
•    Hobbies change with age.
•    Our bodies change – our looks change.

But God does not change!

What a secure feeling to know that although our lives and circumstances keep changing, God is always the same. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He always leads, guides and protects us. He never gets old, tired or hard of hearing. He never gets sick. Not only does He not change, He is always present. He is always faithful. His love endures forever. Our God is amazing!

Father, what a comfort You are. Knowing You means security and peace. Thank You, thank You! Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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God Is…  a selection of articles and writings

•  Going Deeper with God

•  God Requires Risky Obedience

thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.Matthew 10:42

One Sunday we were having lunch with friends and discussing the desperate shortage of clean water in so many parts of the world today. Think of it — an estimated 25–37 million people die every year because of contaminated water.

Next time you drink a glass of water or take a sip of bottled water, pray for the families who must drink water that could bring on disease and death. Pray for the mothers and children. What can we as women do? Jesus said even one cup of water given to a little one would be rewarded.

1. PRAY. Each time you have a glass of water, pray for the success of the organizations that are attempting to drill wells to supply clean water.

2. RESEARCH. Become informed and inform others. Use your coffee time to recruit others to pray and give.

3. GIVE. Every dollar counts. Jesus talked about one cup of water. He talked about a widow giving a mite.

by Katherine Kehler
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Giving Freely to Others by Karen Woodard

• Joyful Generosity by Caran Jantzen

What the Lord Values!

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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me’” John 14:6


What is truth? This morning I read an article in the daily newspaper reporting supposedly the “real” truth about an incident that happened recently. Was it? Or was it another opinion?

Some people lie out rightly or only tell some of the facts. Some withhold information and give a false impression. Sometimes, nothing is said when the truth should be told. Can we believe anyone anymore? And, if we are honest, we must confess that at one time or another, we too are guilty of telling lies.

In his book What is the Father Like?, Philip Keller writes that what God says is absolutely true because He is the embodiment of all truth, and all truth through all time has its source in God.

This reminded me that truth is constant and unchanging. God’s truth remains the same from age to age, generation to generation, no matter how things change. God’s truth will set us free, if we act upon it. If we ignore it, our lives can be wrecked — broken hearts, hopes, homes, and even countries.

If our lives are centered in God’s truth, He is able to renew our minds, calmly guide our emotions, and activate our will to tell the truth. His presence brings truth and can bring a magnificent, purifying influence into our lives.

The Lord Jesus, the Truth, can restore our soul, heal our diseases, preserve us in peril, and make us live in peace. To live life not believing in absolute truth robs us of the stability He seeks to give to us. We can trust God to be absolutely truthful — He cannot lie. The more we are centered in Him, the more we will become like Him — more truthful.

We sometimes wonder if what we are told by others is the truth. With God, we never have to wonder. He is Truth.

Father, You alone are absolute truth. You cannot lie. Your Word is Truth, and we can rely on it. Cause our lives to be centered in You and make us more like You — the Truth. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
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Further Reading

•  Keep Yourselves in God’s Love

•  Living Waters

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


“Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to Him, so He can show you His love” Isaiah 30:18

I read a book entitled The Sacred Romance. The author calls God’s love for us, “The Sacred Romance.” And he calls the enemy’s attempts to lure us away from God, “The Arrows.”

Here is an excerpt that touched my heart deeply:

Indeed, if we listen, a Sacred Romance calls to us through our heart every moment of our lives. It whispers to us on the wind, invites us through the laughter of good friends, reaches out to us through the touch of someone we love. We heard it in our favorite music, sensed it at the birth of our first child, have been drawn to it while watching the shimmer of a sunset on the ocean. The Romance is even present in times of great personal suffering; the illness of a child, the loss of a marriage, the death of friend. Something calls to us through experiences like these and rouses an inconsolable longing deep within our heart, wakening in us a yearning for intimacy, beauty and adventure.

This longing is the most powerful part of any human personality. It fuels our search for meaning, for wholeness, for a sense of being truly alive.

This longing is real. This longing is God-given and cannot be satisfied by anyone or anything but God.

When I first read the book, memories came to mind about times when I knew for sure God was there in a very special, but quiet way.

There were the times when, as a pre-teen, I’d go fishing in the in the stream that ran through our dairy farm. It was so quiet yet God’s presence was so real. Can you think of a time like that?

I knew God loved me very much shortly after the death of my brother, Frank. God gave me two dreams where my brother was alive. After the last one, I awoke and said to God, “Let me look at him a little while longer.” And He did.

I know God shows his love for me when I see the miracle of a new baby – at the birth of each of our children and grandchildren. God brings so much joy, fun and delight into our lives as we watch these little ones develop. He gives us joy!

I know He loves me when He gives the words of wisdom or kindness to help a person understand how much God loves them.

I know God loves me whenever my husband, Marvin, smiles at me.  He is the light of my life.

God is waiting to show us His love in all of its fullness – in our joy and in our sorrow. Sometimes we are just too busy to recognize Him.

There is nothing more significant I could wish and pray for you than that you would take the time to recognize the “Sacred Romance” in your life. I want to encourage you to reflect and make a list of times when God has shown you that He is your “Sacred Romance.

Father, thank You for pursuing us. Thank You for loving us so much for providing those special moments of “Sacred Romance.” Help us to recognize them. God, help us to receive all the love You have for us.  Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission


Would you like to know the love of God and be in a personal loving relationship with him and experience his unconditional love? You can do so right now by earnestly praying a simple suggested prayer. God knows your heart so the exact words don’t matter, but this is a sample:

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of woman you want me to be.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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FURTHER READING

Holy Cravings
The Gentle Christian
Practicing the Presence of God

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thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women