Author: The Sun Porch Lady

If I have counted correctly, this is my 400^th blog post since I first began on October 4^th, 2022. Writing has always been a joy to me (I know, I’m a little weird).  Even in school, term papers were always something I relished.  If I could write a paper instead of taking a test, I was all in. 

Over the last three and a half years, I’ve laughed and cried over some of my posts.  The laughter was usually the result of the good memories that I recalled.  The tears were usually because the message that God laid on my heart was to convict me, regardless of whether it convicted anyone else.  My goal has always been to keep my writing true to Scripture, and as a result, I have studied the Bible more than ever before.  I truly believe that the Holy Spirit inspired at least 95% of my posts, so the credit is all His, not mine.

Lately, however, I think that God is leading me to take a break.  I feel that He is prompting me towards something, but I’m just not sure what that “something” is.  I know that it has been increasingly difficult to come up with a topic for each post, which was seldom an issue in the past.  For these reasons, I’m taking a sabbatical from blogging.  This will be my last regular post until August 4^th.  During this time, I’ll be focusing on my regular Bible studies, rekindling my love of reading, and spending time seeking the Lord’s guidance for what lies ahead. 

If you would like to continue to receive my blog when it restarts, please send your e-mail address to me at thesunporchlady@gmail.com.  Upon receipt, I will send you a list of 10 Scriptures you can pray over your children and family members.  I will also add you to my subscribers, which will give you immediate access to each blog post.  If you are currently subscribed through “follow.it”, it will no longer be active, so you will need to resubscribe.  During the Sabbatical, I may also post an occasional list of other Scriptures that you may find helpful, but you will need to subscribe to receive those.  Your e-mail will not be used for any other purpose and will not be given or sold to any other person or entity.

I have no idea what God has in store for this next chapter of retirement, but I look forward to staying focused on those “good works which He has prepared in advance for me to do” (Ephesians 2:10).  I hope you will stay connected so that you can join me on the journey.  Don’t forget to send me your e-mail at thesunporchlady@gmail.com

We’ve all had situations where we wonder, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”  First, there are no “good” people.  Romans 3:23 makes it clear that “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV84).  The only “good” in our lives is because of the blood of Jesus that washes us clean.

Secondly, Jesus gave us the answer, “In this world you will have trouble….” (John 16:33b NIV84).  Christ told us trouble would come, so we shouldn’t be surprised when it arrives.  Thankfully, He didn’t stop there.  He continued, “…But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33c NIV84).  Through Christ, we have the power to handle any trouble that comes our way, so how should we face our troubles?

Paul recognized that our greatest defense against the troubles of this world is prayer.  In his letter to the Philippians, he said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:6, 7 NIV84).  Notice, he didn’t say “scream and yell at God, demanding His help.”  He said pray “with thanksgiving” as you present your requests to God.  If anyone knew how hard it is to be thankful in the middle of trouble, it was Paul.  He received 39 lashes on 5 separate occasions.  He was beaten with rods three times, stoned once, and shipwrecked three times (II Corinthians 11:24, 25).  He didn’t even list the number of times that he was imprisoned. That is a lot of “trouble.”  Yet, he continued his mission despite the trouble, and he never stopped praising his Lord (verse 31). 

Being well-trained in the Jewish religion, I’m sure Paul knew the story of Hezekiah and the battle with the Assyrian army.  Assyria had already conquered Israel when its army invaded Judah and threatened Jerusalem. Hezekiah assembled his army and said, “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him.  With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and fight our battles” (II Chronicles 32:7 – 8a NIV84).  The apostle, John, said it like this. “…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (I John 4:4b NIV84).

Life will have trouble and pain and may appear to spin out of control.  Don’t despair.  God still reigns, and He not only “sees” His children but also provides for them.  Does that mean we will be free from trouble? No, but it does mean that He will be with us every step of the way.  Trust Him!  Satan may give it his best shot against us, but we win in the end because we have a Savior who has already won the victory.  Pray with thanksgiving to the one who walks beside us and be strong and courageous!

II Corinthians 11:16 – 33; II Chronicles 32:1 – 8

Don’t misunderstand me.  I love Mothers and think they are more than worthy of a special day of celebration and praise.  I was blessed with a devoted Mom who not only raised two kids but also helped raise her grandkids.  I cherish her memory.

So, what do I hate about Mother’s Day? I hate the “all-inclusive” efforts that seek to include every female as a “mother”.  I agree that giving birth is not the only criterion for being called “Mother”.  Many women have adopted and/or fostered children and are very devoted mothers.  Others are grandparents raising their grandchildren.  All these, as well as birth mothers, have earned their day of praise and celebration.

However, I am opposed to the attempts to include all women in this category.  There are women whose heart’s desire was to be a mother, but for whatever reason, it never happened.  To try to draw them into this “all-inclusive” group only magnifies their hurt and intensifies their pain.  Focusing on what might have been is agony for them, regardless of the good intentions. 

There is also the attempt to include so-called “Spiritual” mothers in this group.  These are the individuals who have contributed to the Spiritual growth of individuals in their lives.  They may be aunts, older siblings, teachers, coaches, friends’ moms, or others who have had the opportunity to speak into someone else’s life.  I commend them for their efforts and cherish their contributions, but they are not Mothers. 

To me, a mother is the one who spent sleepless nights agonizing over their sick child.  She is the one who kissed the skinned knees, hugged away the hurts, and agonized over the decisions their child had to make.  A mother teaches right and wrong and then reinforces the lessons with discipline.  She gives advice and then allows her child to make their own decisions, even when it sometimes means they will have to learn from their mistakes.  No matter what her sacrifices or choices are, she is the one who always wonders if she did enough and if she carried out her responsibilities as a mother well. 

If you haven’t experienced the blood, sweat, and tears of mothering a child, I don’t think you deserve to be called “mother”.  To include every woman in that honor is a form of “stolen valor” that detracts from the sacrifices mothers make and diminishes the honor that should be theirs.

Call me aunt, teacher, coach, or a friend, but don’t call me “mother.” 

As some people claimed that the Apostles were drunk, Peter stood up, representing the other eleven.  All thoughts of his denial and desertion were long gone.  He was now ready to assume a position of leadership.  The “old” Peter would probably have argued with the hecklers or even challenged them with a sword.  The “new” Peter had a different tactic.  He used the Word of God. 

Peter told the crowd there was no reason to be surprised.  This anointing of the Holy Spirit was exactly what the prophet Joel had foretold hundreds of years before.  Joel had prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit and that the Holy Spirit would be for all people (Joel 2:28 – 29).  Peter informed the crowd that this prophecy had now come true, another reminder that God keeps His promises. 

The promises of God are key to our faith and trust in Him.  As believers in His Son, Jesus Christ, here are just a few of the promises that we can be assured He will keep.

• If we come to Him, He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28).
• He has come to give us life to the fullest (John 10:10).
• He is preparing a place for us and will return for us someday (John 14:2, 3).
• He comforts us in our troubles (II Corinthians 1:3, 4).
• We are new creations in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
• He will complete the work that He began in us (Philippians 1:6).
• His peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
• He will meet our needs (Philippians 4:19).
• He has given us new birth into an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade (I Peter 1:3, 4).
• If we ask anything, according to His will, He hears us and will provide what we ask (I John 5:14, 15).

The promises of God are precious blessings for His people.  He is not fickle. He does not change like shifting sand. “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind” (Numbers 23:19 NIV84). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV84).

We serve a God who keeps His promises.  Peter boldly proclaimed that to the people on the day of Pentecost, and we can stand on those promises today!  If He said it, believe it!  It will come to pass in His time.

Read: Joel 2:28 – 29 & Acts 2:14 – 21

Food for Thought:

• Do you believe the promises of God?  If not, why not?  If so, do you live as though you believe them?

After the Holy Spirit came upon the Disciples, they “began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4b NIV84).  The people who heard them were Jews from various parts of the then-known world, and as they listened, they were both “bewildered” and “amazed”. They knew the Disciples were Galileans, largely uneducated, and what we might call “country bumpkins,” so to hear them speak in various languages seemed utterly preposterous. 

Even so, they understood enough to recognize that the Disciples were praising God. Some of the people said, “…We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:11b NIV84). However, they had no idea what it all meant. There were others in the crowd who were hecklers.  They weren’t about to believe, no matter what the Disciples said.  They even claimed that the Disciples must be drunk.

We’ve all probably experienced similar reactions to the miracles of God in our own lives.  When God moves in mighty ways, some marvel at His power and praise Him for His goodness, while others scoff at His power and credit humans with His miracles.  The latter are the ones who not only doubt but attempt to humiliate those who believe in His power.  They may not call us drunk, but they won’t hesitate to call us Bible Thumpers, or Goody Two-Shoes, or Holier-than-Thou, or fanatics.  Unfortunately, some of us probably fall somewhere between these two groups.

My questions for myself and for you are: Are you actively looking for the power of God in your life?  You may not see Him cause people to speak in other languages or cause a crippled man to walk, but be assured that He is working in power in mighty ways.  Do you purposely look for answers to your prayers, or do you credit His healings to the medical experts?  When hecklers challenge your faith, do you stand firm, as Peter did, or do you hang your head and slowly slip away, hoping you won’t be noticed? 

Those are questions that can only be answered between each individual and God.  The Psalmist, David, said it like this, “Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. …I wash my hand in innocence, and go about your altar, O Lord, proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 26:2 -3, 6 – 7 NIV84.  We can be amazed at the power of our mighty God, or we can sneak away when faced with the unbelief of hecklers.  It’s our choice!

Read: Acts 2:4 – 13 & Psalm 26

Food for Thought

• When you pray for God to move in your life or the life of others, do you look for where He is working?  If not, what do you need to do differently?
• How can you respond with the love of Jesus to those who “heckle” your belief?

Jesus’ followers remained in Jerusalem until the Day of Pentecost, ten days after His ascension.  On that day, “suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2 NIV84). Immediately, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised.

So, who is the Holy Spirit?  He is the third member of the Trinity, but for many of us, this anointing on the day of Pentecost is our first realization of Him and His power.  We don’t seem to catch the fact that He was there at the beginning when “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:2b NIV84). He was there when Elizabeth proclaimed that Mary’s child was the Messiah (Luke 1:41).  He was there when Simeon declared “my eyes have seen … your salvation” (Luke 2:27, 30 NIV84) as baby Jesus was presented at the Temple.  He was there when Jesus was baptized (Luke 3:22), and He was the power that raised Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19, 20). 

He is also the gift we receive when we accept Christ as Lord and are baptized with Him (Acts 2:38).  Why then does He remain a mystery to us?  Perhaps it’s because His power and purpose remain a mystery.  Jesus prepared the Apostles and us for the Holy Spirit, and it is from His teaching that we gain a better understanding of who the Holy Spirit is.  During Jesus’ last message before His death, He promised to send the Holy Spirit who would be “a Counselor to be with you forever” (John 14:16b NIV84).  He explained that the Counselor or Helper would teach and remind us of Jesus’ teachings.  He also convicts the world of guilt and guides us in all truth.

Life is not always easy, but it should be a comfort to know that we have a “Helper” who is constantly by our side.  He will help us understand the Truth of the Scriptures, and as we grow, He will reveal more and more Truth. We are not alone!  The power that raised Jesus from the dead now dwells in us.  What a blessing the Holy Spirit is to us!

Read: Acts 2:1 – 4, John 14:15 – 21 & 25 – 27, and John 16:5 – 16

Food for Thought:

• What do you know about the Holy Spirit?  How can you get to know Him better?
• How has the Holy Spirit been your Helper and Guide? Share your experiences with someone else.

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Disciples returned to Jerusalem.  Jesus had told them to wait there until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit, which He had promised to them.  They had no idea how long they would have to wait.  He had given them a mission to spread the Good News, but now they had to wait. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been good at waiting.  This year will mark the 50^th year since I took the bar exam.  I endured those two days of torture in the middle of July, but it wasn’t until mid-October that I finally received the results.  Those were approximately three months of agony as I wondered if I had passed.  Thankfully, the results were good, and I was finally sworn in as an attorney on October 21, 1976.  Still, that was some of the most difficult “waiting” that I have ever experienced. 

You’ve probably had similar waiting periods—waiting for your wedding date, or the birth of your first child, or some other milestone.  Sometimes we can tie ourselves in knots, just waiting.

The Disciples had no way of knowing that they would only have to wait ten days until the day of Pentecost.  Jesus didn’t give them a schedule, so they just had to wait patiently.  Unlike many of us, who tend to waste our “wait time” by stewing and stressing, they put their “wait time” to good use.  The Disciples took two important steps while they waited.

First, “They all joined together constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14a NIV84).  They didn’t waste the time.  They put it to good use by praying to the Father.  They had no idea of what to expect, so talking with the One who did know was the logical step. The men were joined by other followers of Jesus, including His mother and His brothers.

Secondly, they realized that Judas’ position as an Apostle needed to be filled.  This new Disciple had to meet certain criteria, including being a witness to all that Jesus had done and taught.  Two men were eligible but knowing that this choice was too important to leave to their own desires, they sought God’s guidance in making the final decision.  He chose Matthias to fill the vacancy.

My point is that “waiting” is not a time to be idle.  There is still work to be done.  When you are not sure of the next step, then keep doing the last thing that God has led you to do.  Most importantly, make sure that you bathe your “wait time” in prayer.  The answer will come in God’s timing, which is always perfect.

Read: Acts 1: 1 – 26

Food for Thought:

• What are you waiting for?  What should you do while you wait?

Passion Week was a week of celebration, followed by turmoil, uncertainty, and profound grief for those who followed Jesus.  Thankfully, a celebration like none before or after began the new week, as the resurrected Christ made Himself known to the world. 

During the forty days following His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other women, Peter, the two travelers on the road to Emmaus, ten disciples, then to the eleven, to seven disciples while they were fishing, to more than 500 people, to his half-brother, James, and finally to the group that was gathered with Him at the Mount of Olives on the fortieth day.  That is quite a group that gave testimony to Christ’s resurrection!  He is risen indeed!

On that fortieth day, Jesus commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit, which He had promised to them.  They needed the power that the Holy Spirit would provide to “…be [His] witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8b NIV84).

Then another miracle occurred.  Jesus ascended into heaven right before them, and as they watched, two angels appeared, bringing a promise for them and for us.

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11 NIV84 emphasis added).

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us victory over sin and death, but the fact that Jesus is coming again is the ultimate climax to the greatest story ever told.  Sin created a great divide between God and man.  Jesus came to earth as a human being, lived a life free of sin, willingly gave His life on the cross to pay the debt that we could not pay, was resurrected, and then, God’s plan gets even better!  Jesus is coming again!

The story is far from finished.  The mission continues, but one of these days, Jesus is going to return the same way that He left.  The question is: will we be ready?

Read: Luke 24:50 – 52; Acts 1:1 – 11; & John 21:24, 25

Food for Thought:

• God’s plan to cross the great divide that sin created only requires us to accept His Son as our Lord and Savior.  If you haven’t taken that step yet, don’t hesitate.  Time keeps moving towards that great day of Jesus’ return.  Don’t get left behind.

• Do you believe Jesus is coming again?  If so, what are you doing to be ready?

For a fictional perspective on Jesus’ ascension into heaven, read Chapter 24 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

After the Resurrected Christ revealed Himself to His disciples, His mission continued.  He had come to reconcile the world to Himself, but His death and resurrection were only the first steps.  The world still had to be told the Good News!  Jesus purposely extended His stay on this earth to prepare His disciples for their mission.

He began by wiping away Peter’s guilt and shame.  He gently forgave and restored him by asking him three times to “feed my lambs”.  Many of the disciples were present, so Jesus’ message of forgiveness was probably not lost on them.  After all, they had also deserted Him. 

With the restoration complete, the real teaching began.  Jesus had taught them much during His three years of ministry, but it was often beyond their understanding.  After the resurrection, Jesus “opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45a NIV84). Then, He gave them the mission that would change the world.

 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19, 20 NIV84).

That “Great Commission” was not just for the Disciples.  It is still the commission of every Christian today.  We have an obligation to take the Gospel to distant lands, but I submit that we also have an obligation to those around us.  There is someone in our family, our work, our school, or our neighborhood who needs Jesus.  It is our responsibility to take the Gospel message to them.  The Disciples boldly took the Good News to the farthest corners of the then-known world.  They did so, knowing the danger that every day brought.  They did so willingly because they knew that only Jesus offers hope, peace, and eternal salvation.  That message hasn’t changed.  Isn’t it time that we proclaimed the saving grace of Jesus Christ to a world that is lost?

Read: Matthew 28:16 – 20, Luke 24:44 – 49, & John 21:15 – 25

Food for Thought:

• Who do you know who needs Jesus?  What can you do to introduce them to your Savior? Hint: Begin with prayer.
• How do you perceive your role in fulfilling the Great Commission?  What do you need to change (i.e., thinking, use of resources, boldness) to be more persistent in spreading the Gospel message?

For one fictional account of the days after the Resurrection, read Chapter 23 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

We woke up this Easter morning to learn that one of our brave servicemen had been rescued from behind enemy lines.  Some are calling it the greatest military rescue of all time.  Others referred to it as an Easter miracle.

While I rejoice and give thanks that this serviceman has been rescued, I can’t let it obscure or diminish the greatest rescue the world has ever known.  Easter is the reminder that El Shaddai, the Mighty God, stepped out of the splendor of heaven, lived a sinless life, died a cruel death, and rose again, victorious over sin and death!

Why?  Jesus’ sacrifice had one purpose: to save us from the eternal destiny we each deserve.  He didn’t have to leave Heaven.  He chose to.  He didn’t have to stay on that cross. He chose to.  He came on a mission to rescue us, and He didn’t stop until He had completed it.

Our military has a slogan, “No man left behind!” God had that slogan first.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV84).

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:3, 4 NIV84).

The only thing that can prevent our rescue is us.  God has set the rescue in motion.  We only must allow Him to rescue us by accepting His Son as our Rescuer.  If you do not yet know Christ as Lord of your life, don’t wait another day.  There will come a day when rescue is no longer possible.  Accept the lifeline that God has extended to you.

Today and every day, give thanks that God did not abandon us in our sin.  He did not forget us.  He rescued us!  No one left behind because of the blood of Jesus!

As the hours passed that Sunday in Jerusalem, doubts and anguish continued.  Most of the Apostles hovered together in a locked room because they feared further repercussions from the Jews (John 20:19).  Then, as evening closed in, everything changed!

First, two of Jesus’ followers came to report an encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13 – 35).  While the disciples were still giving their two friends the “third-degree” about what they had seen and heard, suddenly, there was Jesus standing among them.  The door was still locked, but He was there!  His heart was beating, He was breathing, and then He said, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36b NIV84).  He showed them His hands and feet and ate a piece of broiled fish.  He is alive!

His miraculous appearance concluded with a reminder of what had been written in the Scriptures, “The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46, 47 NIV84).

Unfortunately, some still doubt the truth of the resurrection.  I am not one of them.  The greatest proof for me, aside from the Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, is the testimony of eleven men who were tortured and imprisoned, and except for John, martyred for their faith.  I doubt that you can find eleven men who can keep a secret for very long under any circumstances but knowing that the “secret” would cost them their lives reinforces the truth of their testimonies.  They lived and died teaching the certainty of Jesus’ resurrection.  It is true: The Messiah lives!

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.

Where, O death is your victory?

Where, O death is your sting?

…Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:54b, 55, & 57 NIV84)

Read: Luke 24:13 – 47, John 20:19 – 31, and I Corinthians 15:50 – 58

Food for Thought:

• What does it mean to you personally that the Messiah is alive?
• Do you live your life in a way that reflects your belief in the truth of the resurrection?

For one fictional perspective on realizing that Jesus was alive, read Chapter 22 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.