Blog Posts

For Such a Time...As This

6/1/2025

Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders

Why, God, why?

The terror on the face of a child in a war-torn country still haunts me. The recent live image could not have been more piercing.

The answer came back swiftly.

“It is for such a time as this that you are a Christian.”

It was a sobering thought. A dose of reality. A call to “arms” and a call to prayer.

How can we, as Christians, influence events that happen half-way around the world? We can acknowledge that these people who are casualties of war are our brothers and sisters. We can lock arms with other Christians and support them in practical ways.

We can pray.

While that response may sound like a flippant, pull-it-out-of-a-hat type of answer, it’s not. Like the word “love,” in the mouths of people who profess to be believers, “prayer” has often been reduced to what we say when we don’t know what else to say.

“I’ll pray for you…”

Prayer is powerful!

When faced with a dilemma that could have led to disastrous consequences, Queen Esther chose to fast and pray (Esther 4:16).

And, if we slow down long enough to listen, prayer is one of the battle tactics God’s tells us to use. God says:

“If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven…” (2 Chronicles 7:14, CEV).

We are empowered to pray. Yes, God knows what we need, but he wants us to come and talk to him about it. So, it’s a choice we make. If we want changes…we are to pray.

Sometimes, we say about situations that look impossible, “All we can do is pray.” (I’m guilty of that, too). But honestly, such a limp proclamation sounds like we have tried all our personal remedies and are coming to God as a last resort, with a defeatist attitude.

Let prayer be at the top of our list.  Let’s start from a place of victory, remembering well what our Lord has told us:

When the enemy comes in like a flood,
The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.
                                                     (Isaiah 59:19, NKJV)

That standard is the blood-stained banner of Jesus Christ.

And, it is Jesus himself who comforts us:

“I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world” (John 16:33, CEV).

We have been forewarned by God about such a time as this when
people will love only themselves and money. They will be proud, stuck-up, rude, cruel and godless (Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5, CEV).

Yet, the Bible tells us that we are not fighting against mere humans but “We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:12-13, CEV).

Further, the Scriptures remind us:

“Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people” (Ephesians 6:18, CEV).

We pray for such a time as this. Lord, hear our prayer.

PRAYER: Father, we have neglected being our brothers’ and our sisters’ keepers. Forgive us. We have flouted your laws and commands, and now our own laws are being flouted. We have neglected to pray as we should. Grant us your wisdom and your guidance for such a time as this. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

©M©dytations 2025

0 Comments

Where's Your Heart?

3/11/2025

0 Comments

Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders

Lent is all about Jesus. It reminds us of our mortality, and points us to the blessed hope found in Jesus as he journeys to the cross.

As we prepare for this 40-day period of fasting and prayer, it challenges us to reflect, focus on Jesus and his sacrificial death, and turn our hearts to repentance.
How do we do that? Where do we start? We start by remembering Jesus’ teachings and looking inside ourselves.
For one thing, Jesus tells us, “Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is” (Matthew 6:19-21, CEV).
What captures your attention most? Your home. Car. Family. Job. Finances….
From Jesus’ perspective, our treasure is that which we value most, that which seeks and commands our undivided attention, that which we guard with life and limb.
Surely Jesus is not asking us to take a vow of poverty when he decries amassing earthly possessions, but he is warning us against the type of greed that is so prevalent in our society. He also warns of the unhealthy obsession with “things” rather than the Word of God.
Being enamored by material possessions, social status, and a “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude leaves no room for the values that really matter.
When things matter more than people, and when people matter more than God, then we have willingly allowed ourselves to be shackled by the stocks and bonds of the world.
So the question is: “Where’s your heart?”
It is so easy to be distracted from the vows we make to God. So easy to speak with our lips and not with our hearts. So easy to look around at others and make plans to “have what they have…” So easy…
Why? Because we live in a society that places top value on wealth, on self-promotion, and outward success. And while there is nothing wrong with being successful or having wealth, when success or wealth strangles our dependence on God, it becomes a tool of the enemy.
Jesus, our omniscient Savior, tells us how to avoid this trap.
“Don't worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well” (Matthew 6:31-33, CEV).
God’s Word is our treasure, and our response should be to apply it to our lives and share it with those around us. When we treasure God’s Word, a natural response is humility and obedience in the presence of an awesome God who loves us more than we can ever imagine. God proves it to us by sending Jesus to die in our place.
When our hearts embrace Jesus, God blesses us richly and the things we value will become aligned with what God desires for us. Take time to self-reflect during Lent, and pause to consider the question, “Where is your heart?”
PRAYER: Lord, you are our treasure. Help us push away the world’s distractions and keep our hearts focused on you and your Word. We are beyond grateful you know the things we need, so we have no reason to worry. Forgive us when we do, and help us to trust you in all things. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
                                                                                                   ©M©dytations 2025

  Wednesday’s Word
Where’s Your Heart?
March 5, 2025

Lent is all about Jesus. It reminds us of our mortality, and points us to the blessed hope found in Jesus as he journeys to the cross.

As we prepare for this 40-day period of fasting and prayer, it challenges us to reflect, focus on Jesus and his sacrificial death, and turn our hearts to repentance.
How do we do that? Where do we start? We start by remembering Jesus’ teachings and looking inside ourselves.
For one thing, Jesus tells us, “Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is” (Matthew 6:19-21, CEV).
What captures your attention most? Your home. Car. Family. Job. Finances….
From Jesus’ perspective, our treasure is that which we value most, that which seeks and commands our undivided attention, that which we guard with life and limb.
Surely Jesus is not asking us to take a vow of poverty when he decries amassing earthly possessions, but he is warning us against the type of greed that is so prevalent in our society. He also warns of the unhealthy obsession with “things” rather than the Word of God.
Being enamored by material possessions, social status, and a “keeping up with the Joneses” attitude leaves no room for the values that really matter.
When things matter more than people, and when people matter more than God, then we have willingly allowed ourselves to be shackled by the stocks and bonds of the world.
So the question is: “Where’s your heart?”
It is so easy to be distracted from the vows we make to God. So easy to speak with our lips and not with our hearts. So easy to look around at others and make plans to “have what they have…” So easy…
Why? Because we live in a society that places top value on wealth, on self-promotion, and outward success. And while there is nothing wrong with being successful or having wealth, when success or wealth strangles our dependence on God, it becomes a tool of the enemy.
Jesus, our omniscient Savior, tells us how to avoid this trap.
“Don't worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well” (Matthew 6:31-33, CEV).
God’s Word is our treasure, and our response should be to apply it to our lives and share it with those around us. When we treasure God’s Word, a natural response is humility and obedience in the presence of an awesome God who loves us more than we can ever imagine. God proves it to us by sending Jesus to die in our place.
When our hearts embrace Jesus, God blesses us richly and the things we value will become aligned with what God desires for us. Take time to self-reflect during Lent, and pause to consider the question, “Where is your heart?”
PRAYER: Lord, you are our treasure. Help us push away the world’s distractions and keep our hearts focused on you and your Word. We are beyond grateful you know the things we need, so we have no reason to worry. Forgive us when we do, and help us to trust you in all things. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
                                                                                                   ©M©dytations 2025

0 Comments

Mountain Top or Valley - God Is There!

3/11/2025

0 Comments

Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders

Ever been awestruck? Luke plunges us into the narrative of the transfiguration of Jesus and describes how Jesus took his three closest disciples, Peter, John, and James, up on a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28-36, CEV).

The writer tells us that the disciples fell asleep, and when they awoke, they were blown away when they witnessed Jesus completely changed by an illuminating brightness.

“… his face changed, and his clothes became shining white. Suddenly Moses and Elijah were there speaking with him. They appeared in heavenly glory and talked about all that Jesus' death in Jerusalem would mean” (vv. 29-31, CEV).
Glory! Glory!
Peter wanted to hold on to that moment; to capture it with more than his memory, to hold on to that spiritual high. So he suggested building three shelters to house Jesus and the two prophets.
Who can blame Peter’s brain for going into overdrive? Oh, the wonder of it all. And to think, they almost missed it!
The Scriptures tell us that “Peter did not know what he was talking about” (v.33). It was one of those times when the sheer glory of the presence of Jesus makes us feel compelled to punctuate the silence with a comment.
God himself, from a cloud, breaks in with these words:
“This is my chosen Son. Listen to what he says!” (v. 35).
God’s words are relevant for us today. First, he affirms Jesus. If we are unsure who Jesus is, here’s our assurance: Jesus is God’s Son. Yet, Jesus is not just God’s Son, but God’s “chosen Son.” God honors Jesus above all others. Jesus was “chosen” by God to be the sacrificial lamb for our sins.
Too often we profess to love Jesus but we do not give him the glory and honor he deserves. Further, God says, “Listen to what he says!” (v. 35).
Jesus speaks to us often and we hear him. But are we truly listening? Listening is an active and intentional act that involves not just our ears, but our hearts.
Are we listening to the cries of those around us? The homeless, the hungry, the helpless, the voiceless…? Do we see “the least of these” as our brothers and sisters?
Are we listening when the Holy Spirit points out our sins? Are we listening when Jesus instructs us to witness to someone? Are we listening for ways in which we can make life better for those around us? Are we listening when Jesus tells us to love our enemies?
God points us to Jesus. We are to listen to what Jesus says, and do it.
Both the Old and New Testaments confirm that God’s Word is not just for the ears, but the heart as well.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6, NIV).
“Do not merely listen to the word …. Do what it says. Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:22,25, NIV).
Like Peter, we want to hold on to the ecstasy, to stay on the mountaintop. But that is not what Jesus has in mind. He leads us down, back to the plain, or the valley, down to the nitty gritty of real life. Down to where hardship and obedience hold hands, where suffering is linked with endurance, and where doing the will of God is paramount.
Jesus affirms us by calling us “friends,” and he tells us that no matter where we are, he is there. Yes, there will be times of exhilaration, but after the experience, each of us has to go back and do the work. Let’s find joy in the journey, knowing that wherever we are, God is already there.

PRAYER: God, change us to be like Jesus. Make us shining examples to the world, so it can see what you truly look like. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. ©M©dytations 2025

0 Comments

Lord, Hear Our Prayer

2/4/2025

0 Comments

Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders

The Scriptures tell us that Jesus often took time to go to a quiet place to commune with God. It was our Savior’s way of connecting with his Father, and our model for making it a priority to be in constant communication with the One who loves us and who holds all power in his hand.

While we plan to achieve certain goals for this brand new year, God’s wisdom tells us that we need to bring all that we hope for to God in prayer.

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NLT).

As we look around us, the world has become more chaotic, more uncaring, and tumultuous, but let’s not give in to the temptation to turn away from prayer, or from God. Let us not step off the path. Now, more than ever, we need the steady hand of our Savior to direct and guide us.

Perhaps, we don’t have what we think are the “right words” to approach God’s throne of grace. But the amazing thing is that he tells us to come just as we are. For it is in these moments that “…the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:26-28, NLT).

Be encouraged that God knows the groaning of our hearts and the stirrings of our spirits. Know that our God neither slumbers nor sleeps. Nothing catches God by surprise, and certainly nothing slips by him. In his time, God will fix what needs to be fixed, and dismantle what needs to be dismantled.

God is waiting for us to come to him in prayer. God invites us saying:   “ …  if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, NLT).

Even when words do not escape our lips, surely we can say, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we have so much to pray for, and it seems our busyness crowds out the longings of our hearts. Pull us away to a quiet place where we can hear your heart, and listen to the tender whisperings of your Spirit. Give us a heart to worship and adore you. Give us a heart to love our neighbor, as ourselves. Give us a heart to shine your light wherever we are, and give glory to you in all things. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

                                                                                                              ©M©dytations 2025

0 Comments

Good News

2/4/2025

0 Comments

Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders

Imagine yourself sitting in the synagogue in Nazareth that day. You expect the usual religious ritual—prayers, readings from the scrolls, and the chanted responses of those assembled. Today, however, a young homegrown rabbi who has just finished a well-received teaching/healing circuit in nearby Capernaum, is in the house. Given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, he carefully unwinds it, searches for Chapter 61 and reads its opening lines:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor.”

What could be good about living under oppression? What could be good about being poor, or sick, or not envisioning a hopeful future (literally or figuratively)?

Nothing really.

Yet, Jesus dressed in garments of righteousness and empowered by the zeal of the Holy Spirit declares:

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
    and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed
    and announce that the time has come
    when the Lord will save his people.”
                                          (Luke 4:18-19, GNT)

To be sure, this passage of Scripture from the prophet Isaiah (61:1-2a) was read in the synagogue hundreds of times before. Yet, there was something radically different about the message this time. It was authoritative. It was revolutionary. It was real.

At this reading, the words took on the significance they were meant to convey. Rabbis usually interpreted this Isaiah prophecy as the mission and ministry of the Messiah who was to come.

The audience was mesmerized. When Jesus takes his seat, he further declares: “This passage of scripture has come true today, as you heard it being read” (Luke 4:21, GNT).

Every person under the sound of Jesus’ voice was included—those in the inner court of the synagogue, and those in its outer court.

Today…

Sit up and take note we who listen. The Word becomes flesh before our very eyes. The Scriptures are trumpeted in our ears. Jesus declares that Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled, and we are hearers of God’s Good News!

The good news is that God chose and commissioned Jesus to accomplish and fulfill his will. The Messiah is here!

The good news is that we have an advantage over our enemy going into battle. We have an advocate—our God fights for us, and yes, we know, even before the end, that we win!

How our attitudes would change if we truly believed that “if God is for us, who can be against us.” We would meet every challenge, as just that, a challenge. We would not yield to the mental gymnastics the devil plays in our heads, so that we doubt God’s Word.

Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus presents a God who very actively works on behalf of his people in every area of our lives. Clearly, only he is our Savior.

In a world that often aims to keep us spiritually and physically impoverished; blind to the opportunities and blessings God offers; oppressed by doubts of our self-worth; confused about who is in control; and denies us birthright as children of a Heavenly King, Jesus’ words are indeed Good News.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, even now, fill us with your Spirit that we might share the Good News. You, Lord, are the hope of every nation, the joy that makes our life worth living. We worship you and give you praise. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

                                                                                                              ©M©dytations 2025

0 Comments

<<Previous

Forward>>

For Such a Time...As This

Where's Your Heart?

Mountain Top or Valley - God Is There!

Lord, Hear Our Prayer

Good News

Author

Archives

Categories