thoughts by Katherine Kehler Archives - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published May 29, 2023

A Morning Prayer

Lord, little by little You are getting through my befuddled mind to teach me another practical concept about living a life pleasing to You.

Lord Jesus, I know You said that in this world we would have troubles, but for some reason, I really thought there would be fewer problems as I aged, that I would become wise. But life becomes more complicated.

I wonder, Lord, is it because You need to constantly remind us that this earth is not our home…that we are heaven bound?

So many times I forget that people, circumstances or things cannot give me happiness; only You can. I realize now that my discouragement can be because of the lack of trusting You.

This day, Lord, I pray that You will enable me to trust You each time a problem arises. Whenever I get stressed, remind me to turn my eyes on You and Your sufficiency.

My help comes from You, Lord. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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Kindness is Contagious

Published May 8, 2023

Kindness is Contagious

“Be kind and compassionate to one another . . .” Ephesians 4:32

The waitress leaned over the table and asked me, “Is your husband always so kind?” “Yes”, I answered, “he is a kind man.” The following is the incident she was referring too.

A woman in a van with 6 children drove into a Denny’s restaurant parking lot where we had stopped for lunch– she motioned for Marvin to come to the van. Then she asked him if he could help her out. They hadn’t had anything to eat all day and the children were very hungry. They had been driving from Texas, heading towards Washington, their car had broken down and the last of their money was used to pay for the repairs.

“Of course,” he said, “come in and order the meals — I will pay for them.”

Because she had Multiple Sclerosis she asked if they could order the meals and eat them in the van. The older boys came in to the restaurant to order the meals.

Now the manager noticed that Marvin was paying for the meals — so he was impressed to supply the drinks—free. All the staff at the restaurant were excited because someone was being kind to a needy family. It energized them – kindness always does. Not only did my husband’s act of kindness bless the needy family, but also the staff in the restaurant.

“Be Kind and compassionate one to another”, the Bible tells us. Why not today? It doesn’t have to be a meal—it could be a smile, opening the door for someone, or offering to baby sit, weed someone’s garden—the Lord will open your eyes to where you can pass on an act of kindness. Someone will see it and in turn be kind to someone else.

Father, you are so kind to us. Enable us to be less self-centered and become more other-centered–to be kind one to another. Thank you. Amen

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Cling to the Lord

“But cling to the Lord your God…” Joshua 23:8 (Amp)

During a move to another house, our daughter Val was helping me pack boxes. Zachary, their eight-month-old son, was crawling by then but never wandered far from his mother. In fact, he would grab on (cling) to her leg and she would have to drag him along where ever she walked. He wouldn’t let go.

I recall one cold winter evening when the roads were very slippery and our car could not make it up a hill. After several attempts we finally abandoned the car and walked home. The snow was deep and the freezing rain had made a slick, hard icy coat over the snow, so walking was very difficult. All four young children were with us. My husband and I carried the two younger ones and tightly grasped the hands of the older two. They held fast so they wouldn’t slip and fall.

Do those word pictures help you understand the meaning of “cling to the Lord”. Here are a few thoughts regarding clinging to the Lord:

You will have to open your arms and/or hands first. You can’t cling to Him with your arms crossed or slack, or if your hands are clenched. He is there to carry you, but you have to trust Him and hang on.

When you are clinging to Him, you will go where He is going and fit into His way.

It is an act of the will. He invites us to cling to Him. He is the strong One. We chose whether to cling to Him or go through life alone.

Are you clinging to the Lord? Or have you been going it alone? It is lonely and tiring. He is strong. Why not pray the following prayer and get on His back again:

Father, I have let go of You and have been trying to live life without You. I am tired, lost and lonely. I want to get back on Your back and cling to You. Thank You for always taking the time to grasp my hand – if I ask You. Amen

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Jesus is Always There

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

She walked into the office on Tuesday morning and the first thing she did was hand me her letter of resignation. She would be leaving in two weeks, she told me. She had another job. I had been expecting her resignation, but in two weeks? She had told me she would be leaving at the end of the year. To find a replacement before the New Year was almost impossible and there were so many things to learn before she left.

My heart and spirits went “thud” and I felt like escaping – maybe read a good book. But I recalled Elisabeth Elliott teaching, “When you are facing be big problem, do the next thing”, and so I kept working. I continued answering e-mails and but also listed all the things that needed to be done before she left. E-mail addresses that needed to be changed, procedures to learn, but most importantly – find someone to replace her.

My spirits were very low. I told my husband I felt like I was at the bottom of a pit looking up. But I wasn’t there by myself. Jesus was there with me – He kept whispering promises in my ear:

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

“As your days, so shall your strength.” (Deuteronomy 33:25).

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory forever and forever.” “Philippians 4:19).

“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

He kept whispering these and many other promises in my ear.

Well, we learned the procedures during the next two weeks while we searched for a new assistant. We were able to learn what we needed to keep functioning and less than a week later we were having dinner with our very capable new assistant and her husband. She would begin working in two weeks. The Lord provided what I thought was impossible, a new assistant at just the right time!

God is good. He does not abandon us.

He is always there. He cares about us and His work.

Have you had a surprise problem lately? Don’t fret, listen to Him whisper promises in your ear. God is there. He will take care of you.

Father God, you are so amazing. So tender and caring. Thank You for supplying all of our needs. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Christ Crucified

This is the last week of Lent, also called Passion Week, and I have been reading and reflecting on the last days of Christ and His crucifixion.

I will be forever grateful for Christ’s willingness to go through the agony of carrying our sins (the sins of more than six billion people), and to suffer extreme physical pain — the torture of being whipped and nailed to the cross — and rejection and loneliness. When I think about the love He has for each one of us, I want to prostrate myself on the floor before Him and worship Him.

He went through all of this because we are sinful. However, we can be healed and experience His immense love. We can experience His power, grace, and wisdom every moment of the day and every day of our lives.

Let’s take a look at parts of verses 3 and 5 of Isaiah chapter 53 and reflect on His suffering.

Verse 3: “He was hated and rejected by people.” I find it much easier to be rejected by people who don’t know me, but when I am rejected by relatives or a friend I thought was loyal to me, that really hurts. We know that Christ experienced this, as His disciples all left Him. He too was rejected.

Verse 3: “He experienced much pain and sorrow.” I would venture to say that you have experienced some deep sorrow in your life. Because of Lou Gehrig’s disease, every muscle in my strong brother’s body deteriorated until all he could do was blink his eyes. Watching him struggle to eat and trying to make us understand what he was trying to say was one of the most sorrowful situations I have ever experienced. He had gone from using canes, to a walker, to a scooter, and finally to a wheelchair. It was sorrowful.

Jesus was with him every moment of every day, strengthening him and us and giving us courage. He has experienced every sorrow we have and ever will go through.

Verse 5: “He was wounded for the wrong things WE did. He was crushed for the evil things we did. The punishment which made us well, was given to Him, And we are healed because of His wounds.”

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

The Gentle Christian

“I am gentle and humble in heart” Matthew 11:28

I have been rereading The Glorious Pursuit, Embracing the Virtues of Christ by Gary L. Thomas. As before, the content is very thought provoking. Thomas opens with this thoughtful paragraph:

“Pause a moment and try to imagine yourself as a person who acts with the compassion of Christ; who has the patience of God Himself; who is discerning; gentle, yet confident; surrendered to the will and purpose of God. This is the life Jesus wants you to inherit, transforming you into a person who is motivated by the beautiful, not the lustful; the generous, not the selfish; the noble, not the conniving; the creative, not the destructive.”

The book is all about embracing the virtues of Christ. One chapter, “The Caressing Life,” expands on the virtue of gentleness, especially the gentleness of Christ. Jesus describes himself, “I am gentle and humble of heart” (Matthew 28–30).

We are also admonished to “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5).

How does this work out in real life? If you have read the Gospels, you know that Jesus was gentle with most people — healing, feeding, preaching, and teaching. He also became angry with phonies and people who were just trying to set Him up, and He told them in no uncertain terms that He knew what they were trying to do.

I was reflecting on this late last night when our doorbell rang. Two women were on our doorstep asking to use our phone because their car had broken down — they needed to call a cab. I hesitated. We live on a busy highway and have had some unpleasant experiences over the years — people such as these requesting help and then lying and stealing thousands of dollars worth of equipment from our barn and garage. However, to be fair, many were honest and just needed help, which we offered. — my husband has helped several women change flat tires.

But how do I embrace a gentle spirit when I have been hurt and/or deceived? There is only one way. Open myself to Christ and ask Him to develop a gentle, discerning spirit within me. For everything that God asks us to do, He also provides the resources. Isn’t that great?

“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey Him, then helping you do what He wants” (Philippians 2:13).

He will produce in us the wisdom to know when to be gentle with people and when to be firm.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

God Guides Us

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way” Psalm 37:23

I had planned to run errands in the morning but there were so many urgent things to do, I didn’t leave until mid-afternoon. There were several entrances to this parking lot and I chose to come in the back way. I didn’t realize that God was directing me until later.

Picking up my dry-cleaning from the back of the car, I quickly walked toward the cleaners. As I looked up, I saw a young woman standing on the sidewalk in front of the store. I could see she was crying so I walked up to her and gently touched her arm and asked her, “What is wrong? Can I help you?”

Then she really began sobbing and told me her mother was in the hospital and just had a stroke. She had no money for a bus ticket to go see her. My heart went out to her and I told her I would help her. I gave her enough money for the bus ticket and some extra for food.

I asked her if she had faith in God. He would sustain her and help her. She said, “Yes, she did.” Then she surprised me by asking me if I had faith in God. I, too, said, “Yes.” We talked a little longer and then we parted. After my errands I walked back to the car. I looked for her, but she was not there.

One of God’s children was in need. God knew all about her needs that day and directed my steps so I would drive into the rear parking lot…in the afternoon…at exactly the time when she would be there…so I could help her.

Coincidence? No. God cares for His children so much. He is such an organizer that it is nothing for Him to arrange our lives in such a way so we are available to help people in need.

Let me encourage you to start taking notice of the unexpected ways God directs you.

Father, thank You that You love and care for your children. I am amazed at how You direct our steps yet so often we are unaware of it. You are awesome! Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Use by Permission

Learning to be Content

“For I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am” Philippians 4:11 (Amplified).

Contentment in all situations is the goal.

Learning how to be content is the challenge, and that only happens when we realize that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” (Philippians 4:12)

Contentment is born from a constant yielding and acceptance that the Lord is Sovereign over and in all things. Someone said,

“If He is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.”

When bad things happen to us, we desperately want to change them. It is hard to accept with contentment a loved one who is sick and dying, a child who has decided to stray from the Lord, an estranged relationship, a loss of a career you love, financial hardships, and the aches and pains of an aging body, and younger people who aren’t interested in learning from your experiences (just as we weren’t).

However, as we journey through the pain of these experiences, if we lean hard on Jesus’ grace and sufficiency, we become more content, until finally we accept them. We become quiet – we are no longer disturbed. We rest in Him. We can say with confidence, “

The Lord will accomplish what concerns me.” (Psalm 138:8)

Father, thank You for caring about us and all things that come into our life. Thank You for helping us trust in Your sovereignty and enabling us to be content in whatever state we are in. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Eagerly Watch

“In the morning, I lay requests before You and wait in expectation” Psalm 5:3

One version of the Bible translates the phrase, “wait in expectation” as “to eagerly watch” or “I watch and wait.” That verse took on a new meaning for me when Tabitha, one of our granddaughters, was at our house for a sleep over. I used to have our grandchildren stay overnight when my husband Marvin was traveling, but this time she insisted that she come when Grandpa was home so he could take her fishing.

Tabitha was so excited that they were going fishing the next day. As I tucked her into bed we talked about her day and discussed what we should pray about. We decided to pray for a sunny day so they wouldn’t have to fish in the rain.

The next morning, as soon as Tabitha awoke, she ran to the front door and opened it wide to see if God had answered our prayer. She was eager and she was expectantly watching. She was waiting to see what God had done.

I asked myself,

“Katherine, when was the last time you were that anxious to see how God was going to answer your prayer?”

Children have great faith. I guess that is why Jesus said:

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

Lord, You expect us to teach our children and grandchildren, and yet often their childlike faith puts us to shame. Enable us to have the faith of little children. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Prayers of Mercy

“But God, being rich in mercy” Ephesians 2:4

Not long ago I was looking through my library and noticed a book I had read years ago. It was a compilation of the best writings of Catherine Marshall. I decided to reread some of them and God used one of the articles to teach me about “mercy” prayers.

Often we forget that God’s love is unlimited. When we notice weaknesses in the lives of the people we live or work with, we can become impatient. We wonder why they don’t apply the Biblical truths that would surely help them live more consistently. We pray for them (maybe), but seldom do we remember God’s mercy and grace.

After reading Catherine Marshall’s book, I began to pray “mercy” prayers. Just a simple prayer like,

“Lord, have mercy on ______.”

Many times we don’t even know how to pray, we just know something is not right. But God, who knows all things, knows exactly what the situation is. When we pray, “Lord have mercy,” He will intervene and answer our prayer in the best possible way.

For years I prayed for two little girls whose parents were not following Jesus. Many nights, I would pray, “Lord have mercy on those two little girls, they didn’t ask to be brought into the world.” One week, things began to change – God had mercy on them. Today, through amazing circumstances, the mother is following Jesus, they are living in a stable environment and the girls are lavished with love. God cares and loves more than we can possibly imagine.

I encourage you to begin to pray “mercy” prayers when you notice people’s weaknesses. It so much better than being judgmental or critical.

Lord Jesus, You are loving and Your mercy endures forever. Even though our own love is often so shallow, when we intercede for your mercy on the lives you bring across our path, You will answer. Thank You so much! Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Love is Patient and Kind

“Love never gives up. Love cares for others more than for self” (I Corinthians 13:1).

This story reminds me of how often we make judgements about situations or people without knowing the facts. How wrong we can be.

A bus stopped and one of the passengers noticed a father with several children getting on. The children were very unruly. They wouldn’t sit still and kept changing seats and fighting — all the annoying things that children do when they are out of control.

The father had sat down beside a man who became quite annoyed, thinking, “Why doesn’t he control his children?” Finally, he could take it no longer. He turned to the father and blurted, “Your children are out of control. Why don’t you do something?”

“Yes,” the father replied, “I suppose you are right. But you see, we have just come from the hospital. Their mother died this morning. They don’t know how to handle it and neither do I.”

Wow! Talk about blowing it.

So often our judgments are based on outward appearances. We base them on hearsay or our limited experience. God looks at people’s hearts. Isaiah 11:3 has this to say about Christ, “He will not judge by the way things look. He will not judge by what people say.”

The more we allow Christ to take control of our lives, the less likely we will be to make quick judgements about people or believe rumors. As we ask Him to put His love in our hearts, we will become more like Him.

Lord Jesus, Your love is perfect. Thank You for being so patient and kind with us. When You judge and discipline us, it is because You know all the facts and it is for our good. Love always rules everything You do. We, on the other hand, are so often harsh and self-righteous when analyzing the actions of others. Today, we confess our critical and unkind attitudes to You and ask Your Spirit to enable us to be patient and kind. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

A Thought about Gratitude

“Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’” Luke 17:17- 18

“Gratitude recognizes that a gift has been given, a favor has been done by someone. There is a gift and a giver. But there is more. Gratitude also calls for a response to that gift. We thank the giver with an expression of appreciation — a handshake, a hug, a note. A gesture of gratitude completes the exchange, closes the circle, lets the love flow back to the giver.” — Don Postema, Space for God.

I needed to read that quote. It was an “ah-ha” moment for me — it made so much sense. Many gifts I have given in the past have left me with a sense of emptiness because I never heard back if the gift was appreciated or not. The circle was not closed — I didn’t feel love flow back from the recipient of my gift.

But there have also been so many times when I have not taken the time to thank the giver of a gift for me. Those who gave me a gift would have likewise felt empty because I didn’t take the time to let them know the gift was appreciated.

How often do we take all the blessings and gifts from the Lord for granted — we almost feel entitled to them. Far too many times.

You may relate to this thought. I encourage you to say this prayer with me.

Lord, thank You, for You are the giver of so many beautiful gifts. I thank You for them all. Enable me to remember to thank You and thank others when they give a gift of kindness. Cause me to express my gratitude. Let the circle of love close — let love flow back to the giver. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Measurable Goals

“Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should” Psalm 90:12

Having measurable goals is good because life is short. Striving to reach your goals is good.

Jesus knew why He was on earth and everything He did and said moved Him toward that goal (to seek and save the lost). He always had time for people, but time with His Father was of utmost importance to Him. He needed to get direction from His Father.

We can set big goals (lifetime) or little ones (clean the deep freeze). We can set spiritual goals, self-improvement goals, career, educational, fun, weight-loss, housekeeping, decorating or cleaning goals.

I confess that I am a results-oriented person. I set measurable goals for myself and I work hard (with the Holy Spirit’s direction and power) to reach those goals.

Not long ago, I was going through some papers and found ministry goals I had set for myself eight years ago. I was amazed to see how God had honored the goals and the faith of the team working with me – far beyond my biggest dreams. God honors and is pleased with faith.

My husband has often said,

“If you don’t have a target or goal, any road will get you there.”

Conversely, if you set measurable goals, trusting God to provide your needs, you can count on God’s faithfulness to reach them. One of my deep desires is when I stand before God, He will say,

“Well done, my faithful servant.”

In my life and ministry, I have worked with and observed many people. Sometimes I am saddened to see that many never use or develop the talents God has given them.

Are you adequately investing the talents God has given you?

Do you pray and ask God to help you set measurable goals for the tasks He has called you to?

Do you set priorities?

If not, let me encourage you to begin the habit of doing so.

Father God, most of us will live seventy-five years or more. You have planned every day of our lives – yet given us a free will to follow You and Your wonderful plan for our lives or go our own way. Father, help us to number our days – realizing that life goes by so quickly. And help us do what counts. Enable us to recognize when we are diddling our days away with frivolous things. Cause us to do what counts for eternity. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

The Way of Love

I awoke early this morning with the “Love Chapter” of the Bible on my mind:

1 Corinthians 13. I got up and read it in several different translations of the Bible. I had not read this passage in (The Message, Eugene Peterson’s paraphrased version), until today. I found it was written in such an understandable way that it left no doubt about what love isn’t and what love is. I decided to use this message of love for my devotional today. May the Lord speak to your heart as He did to mine.

The Way of Love

“If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.

If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain,“Jump” and it jumps, but if I don’t love, I’m nothing.

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.

So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies.”

Prayer: Father, we want to be so filled with love, that people will see Jesus in us. We realize that we can’t change ourselves on the inside, but Your Holy Spirit can. Today, we yield the control of hearts and minds and actions to You and thank You for producing love in us. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

A Prayer

Lord, little by little You are getting through to my befuddled mind to teach me another practical concept about living a life pleasing to You.

Lord Jesus, I know You said that in this world we would have troubles, but for some reason I really thought there would be fewer problems as I aged. That I would become wiser. But life becomes more complicated.

I wonder, Lord, is it because You need to constantly remind us that this earth is not our home . . . that we are heaven bound?

So many times I forget that people, circumstances, or things cannot give me happiness; only You can. I realize now that discouragement can be a lack of trusting You.

This day, Lord, I pray that You will enable me to trust You each time a problem arises.
Whenever I get stressed, remind me to turn my eyes on You and Your sufficiency.

My help comes from You, Lord!

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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

“Be kind and compassionate to one another . . .” Ephesians 4:32

Further Reading

“But cling to the Lord your God…” Joshua 23:8 (Amp)

Further Reading

God is good. He does not abandon us.

He is always there. He cares about us and His work.

Further Reading

Further Reading

“I am gentle and humble in heart” Matthew 11:28

Further Reading

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way” Psalm 37:23

Further Reading

Contentment in all situations is the goal.

Further Reading

“In the morning, I lay requests before You and wait in expectation” Psalm 5:3

FURTHER READING

“But God, being rich in mercy” Ephesians 2:4

Further Reading

Further Reading

“Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’” Luke 17:17- 18

Further Reading

Having measurable goals is good because life is short. Striving to reach your goals is good.

Are you adequately investing the talents God has given you?

Do you set priorities?

Further Reading

I awoke early this morning with the “Love Chapter” of the Bible on my mind:

Further Reading

A Prayer

Further Reading