Author: Jeannie Waters

When God Has a Different Plan

Jeannie Waters25 Comments on When God Has a Different Plan

“Sometimes where we think we are to grow and flourish, God has a different plan for us. We may believe God has called us to a particular mission, task, or service, but in time, we learn He has another plan.”

–Katherine Pasour, author of Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle

Please help me welcome Katherine Pasour as my guest blogger today. (Her bio and new book I’m reading are below the post.) She’s a dear writer friend and author who’s sharing a message to brighten our day. Here’s Katherine:

A guest post by Katherine Pasour

I pulled up a baby tree today, its acorn still attached to its root. I love trees! Why would I end all chance of life for what could become a majestic oak tree in the future?

The tiny sprout sprang forth amongst my much beloved flowers. As much as I love trees, I don’t want them taking over my flower garden.

Sometimes where we think we are to grow and flourish, God has a different plan for us. We may believe God has called us to a particular mission, task, or service, but in time, we learn He has another plan.

Sometimes where we think we are to grow and flourish, God has a different plan for us. We may believe God has called us to a particular mission, task, or service, but in time, we learn He has another plan. Share on X

David planned to build a new temple

King David settled into his new palace and enjoyed the peace God granted him after years of battle. With a respite from war, David turned his thoughts to building a temple.

He said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” (2 Samuel 7:2 NIV*)

Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you.” (2 Samuel 7:3)

But God had a different plan.

God later spoke to Nathan, promising to continue to prosper David, but denying him the opportunity to build the temple. God destined that honor to David’s son, Solomon. David did not argue with Nathan or God over the matter. He accepted God’s plan. Moreover, he was humble in his agreement.

Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, Sovereign LORD, you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant—and this decree, Sovereign LORD, is for a mere human!

2 Samuel 7:18-19

Although we may not have a prophet to intervene for us when what we thought was our purpose turns out not to be part of God’s plan, we have ways to be assured if we are following God’s will in our daily lives.

Check in with God

David had a prophet, Nathan, to be his intermediary to God, but we have someone better. We have Jesus. Our Savior is our direct link to the Father. And … Jesus sent us a Counselor to be our guide in all things.

If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:15-18

We have our own personal advocate, sent by Jesus, who will always be with us—our guide in all our decisions. Perhaps the Holy Spirit clearly lets us know what direction to take or if we need to change our direction.

Or, we may be redirected in a more painful manner.

Several years ago, just after my retirement from my university position, an opportunity arose for me to fill in temporarily for an administrator who found other employment. Thrilled at this suggestion, I believed God had sent me this position because I was not happy in retirement. However, the President of the university had a different plan and I didn’t get the job. This part of God’s plan for my future was hard to accept and I felt the rejection deeply.

If we’re embarking on a decision or a project which we believe is God’s will—if we are planted where we belong, this likely will not mean that we are to be completely uprooted. But our Father may indicate we are to step back and let someone else take the lead. Or, we may be called to act as a mentor to a growing Christian, rather than taking the lead on a project. Even more challenging to accept, God may remind us that someone else is more suited to be planted in the path we thought was to be our direction.

Pray in all things

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

The big oak tree that shades my flowerbed is the same one that plants seeds underneath its towering branches. I cannot save all the sprouts that burst forth in the spring, but I remember the mother tree as a tiny sprout that I transplanted to that location forty years ago.

The cycle of life goes on, under the care of our loving Father. He has the plan for our planting.

Let us hear from you

Have you ever been “planted” in a surprising place or uprooted from one location to another? What kept you focused on God’s plan? Katherine and I are eager to hear from you.

* All verses are taken from the NIV.

Guest Blogger, Katherine Pasour

I’m reading an advance copy and improving my health as I read Katherine’s new book, Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle. It’s an easy, step-by-step study with very short daily lessons and a wealth of information. I highly recommend it.

You’ll enjoy discovering Katherine’s surprise occupation in her bio below. 🙂 Connect with her on her blog, or on social media.

Katherine Pasour is an author, teacher, farmer, and speaker with a passion for service. She blogs regularly at www.katherinepasour.com with a focus on faith, wellness, and the lessons nature teaches. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are God’s special creation, “fearfully and wonderfully made”, thus Katherine believes we should nurture all aspects of wellness in service to our Lord. She is a regular contributor to Refresh Bible Study Magazine, published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. Katherine has articles in several Bible Study compilations, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2018); Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (2019); and The Power to Make a Difference (2019). Katherine’s wellness Bible study, Honoring God with My Body: Journey to Wellness and a Healthy Lifestyle, published by Morgan James, releases October 4, 2022. You can connect with Katherine on Facebook and Instagram at KatherinePasourAuthor and Twitter @KatherinePasour.

Serve One Another: What’s on Your Serving Tray Today?

Jeannie Waters30 Comments on Serve One Another: What’s on Your Serving Tray Today?

What do the words “through love serve one another” in Galatians 5:13 mean to you? God taught me a lesson about this verse through my husband.

 “Do you have to help move the piano after church?” I asked one Sunday morning years ago. As usual, my husband was the first to volunteer. I’d planned to hurry home after the last amen, serve lunch, and conquer my to-do list.

He called over his shoulder. “This will only take a few minutes. Be right back.” I watched him smile as he used muscle and a willing spirit to help move the grand piano across the worship center.

Similar scenarios arose often. One weekend he helped a friend move furniture, repaired security lights for a widowed friend, and helped our daughter with a wood-working project.

 I was happy he helped, but his service didn’t always fit my plans. My gifts were different, so I didn’t understand his.

Years later when I learned about the spiritual gifts God gives every believer, I repented of my impatience and self-centered attitude. I thanked God for the gift of service He’d given Ray. It’s his God-given ministry.

Called to serve

 Our gifts and styles of service vary. They are uniquely designed works empowered by the Holy Spirit.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

1 Peter 4:10 ESV All verses in this post are taken from the ESV.

Some serve by teaching and others, like my husband, minister in practical ways. Some lead well, and others excel in offering encouragement. We are all called to exemplify Christlike behavior, but we’re especially gifted in some areas. Our gifts connect the pieces of His work like a puzzle. We each have a hand in “fitting” together a beautiful picture of God’s love. The Bible teaches

Through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

The best example of a servant is Jesus “who … did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant …” (Philippians 2:6-7). The Son of God even washed the dusty feet of weary disciples. He said, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35).  

In addition to the Good Samaritan parable, we find numerous examples of service in the New Testament. While Paul was imprisoned, a friend met his needs (2 Timothy 1:16), and Tychicus encouraged the Colossian believers (Colossians 4:7-8). Dorcas fashioned clothing for widows (Acts 9:39), and James teaches us to look after orphans and widows (1:27) and provide for those in need (2:14-17).

In our lives today, when the family of God serves as He intends, more needs are met, fellowship is sweeter, and each member has the joy of serving well. Do you sometimes wonder as I do which needs God is calling you to meet? 

When the family of God serves as He intends, more needs are met, fellowship is sweeter, and each member has the joy of serving well. Share on X

A story of service

Consider my story of Rachael, a believer who longs to serve God with her whole heart. After reading her Bible, she knelt to pray beside a table with a large wooden serving tray on top of it.

Father, I trust You to guide my life, but something bothers me. I don’t feel like I have much to offer, but I know Your Word says You gift every believer. I want to serve others well, but, Lord, the needs are great, and my time and skills are limited. I notice needs daily in the lives of family members, church friends, and even strangers. Am I to take food, send money, babysit, clean a house, send a card . . . I’m never quite sure. Who do you want me to serve this week?

Scripture warmed her heart and directed her thinking, as usual.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8).

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Assured God would guide her, Rachael smiled. She glanced at the wooden serving tray on the table and imagined it filled by God with the resources she’d need for the day—gifts, talents, time, words, material possessions, and smiles. She determined to converse with Him and listen to His promptings as she watched for opportunities. She bowed her head and asked her heavenly Father to open her eyes and her heart.

What about you and me?

Although we may feel like Rachael, with limited skills, God has gifted us to meet the needs He’s planned for us to meet. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Let’s take inventory of the ways God equips us with gifts that fit someone’s needs like a missing puzzle piece. Our day and the day of those we serve will be brighter.

Father God, lead me to communicate with You throughout the day that I might serve well in Your name. May You receive glory from those works. 

A brief interruption

Excuse me please for one minute. My husband is calling . . . I’m back and apologize for the delay. My sweetheart was heading out to help a neighbor remove a fallen tree. We had planned to work in our own yard today, but I’m thankful for examples of godly servants in my life, aren’t you?                                   

Let us hear from you

Please share your thoughts about serving others. How has someone served you or someone you loved? Why do you think serving others is so important? How can you use your gifts to serve Jesus and others this week?

All Scripture verses are taken from the ESV.

Which Promise of God Does Your Heart Need Today?

Jeannie Waters30 Comments on Which Promise of God Does Your Heart Need Today?

We can trust God’s promises because He’s faithful to keep them. Two symbols of promises touched my heart last weekend.

Here’s my story.

Late Friday afternoon, Ray and I drove twenty-five miles to our favorite restaurant, a quaint, upscale café. As we held hands to pray over our anniversary dinner, I noticed our wedding rings—symbols of the promises we’d made years ago.   

After a delicious meal and dessert, we recalled and laughed about our early marriage misunderstandings. The first occurred several months after our wedding.

Ray had promised this ready-for-Christmas-in-September girl we’d get a Christmas tree when he returned home from work. Filled with seasonal cheer, I watched for his car. When he arrived, I climbed into the passenger seat. He looked puzzled. “Why did you get into the car?”

“You promised we’d buy a Christmas tree today. Aren’t we going into town to find one?”

He chuckled, opened the car door, and called me to follow him. We walked through a pasture on his family’s property where we lived and stopped at a fence. He pointed to a row of cedar trees. “I didn’t say buy a tree. I said get a tree—one of those.”

“Get a tree” to this city girl meant traveling to a store or Christmas tree stand. To my raised-in-the-country husband, the translation was “cut a tree we already have.” We finished our coffee and laughed at the memory of a promise made and kept before our first Christmas season.  

We paid our bill and left the restaurant. A gentle rain quickened our steps to the car. Soon, my husband navigated a sharp curve in the road, and we spied the evening’s second symbol of promise.

Clouds obscured part of the rainbow’s arch, but the visible portion looked as if God painted one broad brushstroke of the spectrum’s colors onto a rain-soaked sky canvas. A striking sight.

After the flood, God described the rainbow to Noah as a symbol of His promise.  

When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Genesis 9:14-15 ESV

The rainbow represents one of God’s promises, but His Word contains many. As we admired the beautiful streak of color for several miles, we thanked God for His faithfulness. No translation is needed for His promises.    

When I fret about how I’ll accomplish my to-do list or which choice to make when decisions arise, God’s promises calm my heart and turn my eyes toward Him. He shows me whether I’m trusting Him or myself. Concerns about the future that trouble my heart, shrink in the light of His Word.  

Here are truths about life with God I’ve studied lately.

We don’t walk alone. He promises His presence, strength, and help.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

 Isaiah 41:10 ESV

He assures us of wisdom for trials.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

James 1:5 ESV

Jesus offers supernatural peace in a troubled world.  

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John 14:27 ESV

Our wise Father knows our needs and provides for them.

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.”

Psalm 84:11 ESV

Do you need a promise from God today?

On a card, write one of these promises or another you find in the Bible. Keep the card handy to read and pray when troubling thoughts arise. God’s Word is a symbol of His faithfulness you can cling to as you trust Him.

Ray and I noticed two symbols of promise last weekend—our wedding rings and the rainbow. Symbols are important, but they are only reminders of God’s faithfulness. We don’t place our faith in signs or in life events. Our heavenly Father asks us to trust Him.

We can trust God’s promises because He’s faithful to keep them.

We can trust God’s promises because He’s faithful to keep them. Share on X

How has a promise of God sustained you? What’s your favorite? Perhaps one of us needs the one you’ll include in your comments today. Let’s brighten each other’s day with God’s words.

A heart-felt thanks to each of you, reader friends, for reading and leaving a comment.  

Incorporate Four P’s into a New Season of Learning with God

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on Incorporate Four P’s into a New Season of Learning with God

Although I chuckled at my kindergarten students’ responses, I counted their eagerness to listen as a predictor of learner success.

Years ago, I’d designed a lesson on evaporation. The five-year-olds noticed the water level in our uncovered classroom aquarium was lower than usual. I asked, “What do you think happened to the water?”

Stacey guessed I’d scooped some out, and Adrian asked if the aquarium had leaked. Then Brian bounced up and down and yelled, “I know, I know. The fish drank it.”

Stephanie folded her arms and said, “No, they didn’t, Brian. Mrs. Waters, tell us what really happened to the water.” Twenty-five little wiggly bodies paused, tilted their faces toward mine, and waited for an answer.

What if we began each day, hearts tilted toward Jesus, our Teacher, with the enthusiasm of my kindergarten students?  

At this time of year, students and teachers prepare to meet new challenges. Each season of learning requires an eager mind set and determination to discover truth.

You and I may not enroll in a class this month, but when the sun rises each morning, new opportunities unfurl to delight in God’s presence and marvel at His lessons. Filled with enthusiasm for learning, we can ask God to transform our hearts as we study the Bible.

When the sun rises each morning, new opportunities unfurl to delight in God’s presence and marvel at His lessons. Share on X

Let’s pray each morning with the psalmist,

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.

Psalm 119:18 NKJV*

Are you ready for a new season of learning with God? Sharpen your pencils and note any verses or ideas below that resonate with you.

Four P’s for Eager Students of God’s Word 

1. Pray.

We can ask God to teach us what we need to learn. He may remind us of a lesson we’ve forgotten, lead us into deeper study of a familiar passage, or show us verses we haven’t studied before. I like to pray words of Scripture like these:  

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. On You I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4-5

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.

Psalm 143:8

2. Prepare your heart.

Receptive students who understand the relevance of a lesson learn best. When we humble ourselves and admit our need for God’s daily guidance, our hearts open to His teaching. He promises to forgive confessed sin and instruct us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Psalm 32:8

3. Position yourself to listen.

Jesus’ followers and curious bystanders gathered to listen when He taught on the hillsides. Surely, their homes and occupations held numerous tasks, but they paused and positioned themselves to hear Jesus speak.

When Jesus visited the home of Lazarus, Martha complained about Mary’s failure to help with meal preparation. Jesus honored Mary’s choice to sit at His feet and listen to His teaching (Luke 10:38-42).

Mary, the disciples, and the hillside crowd shouldered daily responsibilities like we do. The stance or location matters not, but we each need time to meet with God. What’s the best time and place for you?

4. Ponder biblical lessons you learn.

Meditate on the verses or passages you study and record in a journal what God teaches you. Ask Him to transform your heart with His Word.

James 1:22 reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

Ponder these questions:

  • How will I obey His words and honor Him today?
  • How will my walk with Jesus change because of this passage?
  • In what ways will my study lead to a more victorious life with Christ?
  • Armed with Truth, how will the Light of Jesus shine from my life this week?
  • How will the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, help me fight spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:11-17)?

Are you ready for a new season of learning with God?

Let us hear from you

Won’t you contribute to our “class discussion?” The Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron,” to remind us we need each other.

What makes you eager to learn from God? How do you tune your ears and position yourself to hear from Him each day? We’re eager to hear your answers.

*All verses are taken from the NKJV.

Would you like to pray for students and teachers as they begin a new school year? Here’s a former blog post on the topic: https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/three-ways-you-can-influence-the-lives-of-hundreds-pray-for-schools-in-your-community/

Follow Two Biblical Steps to Lighten Your Backpack of Cares

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on Follow Two Biblical Steps to Lighten Your Backpack of Cares

Years ago, my dad helped Carson, my twelve-year-old brother, prepare for an overnight camping trip. “Son, now that your backpack is full, try it on and make sure you can manage the weight. It’s really heavy. You don’t need all these campfire pots and cans of food.”

“Oh, I can handle it, Dad. No problem. I’ve been swimming all summer, and I’m really strong. Will you put it on my back now?”

“Okay, but remember you’ll have to hike through the woods to the campsite.”

Carson slipped his arms through the straps. We watched as he rocked onto his toes and leaned forward, hoping to maintain his balance. Although his lanky arms boasted budding muscles, his slender frame was no match for the backpack’s weight.

I’m sorry to report this older sister laughed when the weight of the load pulled him backward and down. He wasn’t injured, but he landed on the kitchen tile and resembled a turtle who had the misfortune to land on his shell.

“You were right, Dad. I guess it’s a little too heavy. Maybe I should take out some of the pots and canned food. Will you help me repack?”

Lesson learned.

Sometimes as adults we carry around more weight than necessary and allow burdens to rob us of joy. We might insist we know best and struggle for a while leaning forward with determination to keep our balance. We often fail to take the next step—lightening our load.

Our heavenly Father offers wisdom in a passage about submission to Him.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride] …casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” 

1 Peter 5:6-7 Amplified

Two Steps

Ready for step one? The passage tells us humility is the first step toward a lighter load. When we recognize our inability and God’s strength, a humble heart positions us to seek and receive His help.

When we recognize our inability and God’s strength, a humble heart positions us to seek and receive His help. Share on X

The second step involves “casting all your cares” on God. The word casting in verse seven means letting go of something and pitching it to another person or location. Humbling comes first, and casting follows.

Like my brother, when we realize our load is too heavy for our limited strength, we abandon pride and humble ourselves before one who can help us.

God designed us to depend on His strength, not our own. He planned to bear our burdens before we knew they existed. 

God designed us to depend on His strength, not our own. He planned to bear our burdens before we knew they existed. Share on X

Jesus bore the sins of the world on His shoulders. He’s certainly capable of carrying the heavy weights of our hearts.

Does the gravity of your burdens encumber a joyful walk with Christ? I hope the following idea will help you when your backpack weighs you down.

Try This

Draw a line down the center of a page in a notebook or journal. In the left-hand column, use a pencil to list burdens that distract you or weigh you down. In the right-hand column, list some of God’s promises. Consider these and others:

  • He promises to forgive us when we confess (I John 1:9).
  • He provides for our needs (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 7:11).
  • He offers peace (John 14:27) and wisdom (Proverbs 2:6).

Now imagine holding each burden in your hands. Read 1 Peter 5:7 and follow God’s instructions. One by one as you pray, erase your burdens and list them on His side of the paper beside a promise.

Encouraging Words

All your heartache and circumstances won’t disappear when you pray, but the burden of them, the weight that’s too heavy, will rest on His shoulders. Your heavenly Father is bearing them with you and for you.

Take a deep breath, my friend. Thank God for His hug of relief. Smile. Yes, smile even when burdens feel heavy because you won’t bear them alone.

With our Burden-Bearer beside us, let’s settle into our campsite for the day and rest in His promises. “He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” 

How does remembering God’s strength and 1 Peter 5:7 help you release burdens? I look forward to your comments.

A related post: https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/the-answer-to-anxiety-is-on-the-table/