Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-3
 
 
Known as the “Proud One”, Genoa is one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean Sea and the largest seaport in Italy. Bearing the Italian name of Genova, this city is rich with history. Walking through its streets on a warm fall day, I was impressed with the city’s numerous palaces and cathedrals, its beautiful skyline of both old and older architecture styles, and the glorious sunset we encountered at the end of our day there.
 
On our walking tour of the city, we learned much of Genova and its long-standing heritage. Its checkered past is reflected in the black and white marble buildings, some of which have been rebuilt after wars and various occupations. One of Genova’s famous sons is none other than Christopher Columbus, who was born here in 1451.
 
Following our guide, we walked the wider promenades and the narrower cobbled streets.  At one point, I realized that our surroundings had changed significantly and just as I was wondering if we had veered off-course into a less than desirable neighborhood, we passed three women who were scrutinizing us closely as we passed by. My suspicions were confirmed. Our guide had taken us through the streets of “ill repute”!
 
How often do we think we are on the safe and sunny boulevards of life only to realize that we’ve taken a wrong turn and are passing through crooked and narrow pathways that are increasing becoming darker? Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get us off-track. Proudly putting our map aside as if we don’t need it, we turn one street too early or late. Entangled in temptation, it’s difficult to find our way back.
 
As a Jesus-follower, I’m thankful we have a Guide who is totally trustworthy and will not lead us into places that will tempt us. And as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105), the Bible is better than any map or GPS.
 
Hebrews 12 opens with an analogy of a race where we are the runners. Surrounded by faithful ones who have gone on before us and are now cheering us on to the finish line, we keep our eyes focused on Jesus. When running the course, we can’t be tripped up by things that hinder us or entangle us. Is there a particular sin or temptation in your life that keeps you from running the race of faith full speed ahead? Are there worldly distractions that keep tripping you up? We are called to throw off such hindrances and the sin that so easily entangles us so we can freely run to the finish line. As verse 1 says, we do need perseverance. Focus and courage are needed to finish well this life marked out for us. The Christian life is the marathon we run. How we run this journey of faith is marked out in God’s Word for us.
 
Next time you find yourself wandering the dark streets of temptation and sin, look up to the One who endured the cross. Jesus’ victory over death gives us the strength we need. We can run untangled to the finish line and not grow weary or lose heart.
 

Lord, give me the perseverance I need to run this race of faith. Keep me focused on You and free from distractions that entangle me. Guide me with Your Word and Your Spirit to run the course and finish well. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
 
 
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Copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of harbor at sunset in Genoa, Italy.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“You shall have no other gods before me.”  Exodus 20:3
 
 
Scotland is a country beautiful to behold and rich in history. In the Lowlands along the River Pow, the small town of New Abbey plays host to a once-magnificent monastery called Sweetheart Abbey. Built out of local red sandstone, Sweetheart Abbey is a monument wrapped in a love story.
 
Born in 1210, Lady Dervorguilla married John Balliel when she was 13. After Sir John passed away in 1269, Lady Dervorguilla commissioned the building of an abbey in his honor and to the glory of God. Completed in 1275, Sweetheart Abbey was home to Cistercian monks until 1610.
 
Visiting Sweetheart Abbey recently, I was overwhelmed by Lady Dervorguilla’s great love for her husband. The abbey is indeed a beautiful testament to love with its Gothic arches and traceried windows. Over time and through wars and neglect, glass no longer graces the ornate windows nor does a wooden roof provide shelter from the frequent rains. Despite its decay, Sweetheart Abbey remains a testimonial to Lady Dervorguilla’s devotion to her Sir John and to her faith in God.
 
What is most interesting to me about Lady Dervorguilla is that when her husband died, she had his heart embalmed and encased in an ivory and silver casket. Everywhere she went in life, she carried this small chest with her. In death, she was buried in Sweetheart Abbey, clutching the box containing her husband’s heart.
 
Pondering this oddity and not wanting to judge Lady Dervorguilla in her grief, I presume she found comfort in having the tiny casket near her as she kept alive the memory of her husband. I wonder though, if always having the tiny box in her line of sight was distracting. Did she so focus on this ornate box containing death that she lost sight of life? Did her undying love for her husband get in the way of her love for God? The first commandment of ten in Exodus 20:3 tells us we are to have no other gods or idols or anything we worship except for God Himself. We were created to worship the one true God. I like how the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which has its roots in Scottish history, answers the question of what is the chief end of man. “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Building a church in honor of her husband was glorifying to God, but I wonder if her husband, or even the box containing his embalmed heart, served as an idol to her. Did she worship God or did she worship the box?
 
What box do we hold onto tightly? Is it something material like our possessions? Is it relational like a spouse or child? Is it achievement or success? Power or money? Comfort or convenience? While on the outside we might be constructing buildings of our own sort to the glory of God but in private, what do we death grip so tightly that we can’t fully worship God? What distracts us from the abundant life Jesus promised to those who believe?
 
I admire Lady Dervorguilla’s love for her husband, her desire to see him honored, and her tenacity in holding onto his memory. In learning her story, I can’t help but wonder at the lesson in letting go of what distracts so we can indeed glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
 

Lord, may we put aside idols, even those based on the love of others, so that we can focus on You. Instead of tightly holding onto the “box” that distracts us, may we firmly clasp our hands in Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the LORD forgave you.  Colossians 3:13
 
 
There are times when I just don’t want to forgive. I mean, I know I should forgive. The Bible says I need to forgive those who have wronged me. But the business of forgiveness is incredibly messy. Holding onto unforgiveness makes me feel in control somehow, as if I have power over the person who hurt me.
 
Relinquishing that perceived power by forgiving someone is risky. To forgive means I have to risk being vulnerable. Forgiveness involves opening my heart to the One who is the ultimate Forgiver, but forgiveness feels like I’m opening my heart to the one I’m forgiving, allowing the wound to be stomped on all over again as I relive the hurt and sting of the past.
 
The interesting thing about the power and control we feel when we don’t forgive is that we, as the forgiver, don’t really have power over the yet-to-be-forgiven. We only think we do. Withholding forgiveness usually doesn’t impact the offender as much as it hurts us. They may not even know we haven’t forgiven them or that they are even in need of forgiveness. Unforgivenss really puts us on the “hook” with them, trapping us in anger and resentment, while we continue to hold “court” in our heads with the person who has hurt us. In these imaginary court proceedings, we are both the judge and the prosecutor. These cerebral arraignments only lead our hearts further astray. We ruminate in a vacuum. The only person getting worked up is ourselves.
 
In the long run, these unforgiving and often vengeful thoughts enable us to justify our anger and draw us further away from forgiveness. Unforgiveness wreaks havoc in our relationship with God and in our relationships with others.
 
When our anger or resentment is triggered, we need to reach up and take the offender off that hook. In the courtroom of forgiveness, God is the ultimate judge and we can trust Him to deal with the offender justly. Opening ourselves up to God to heal our hurts and help us forgive creates a vulnerability in us that is real, that makes us a bit more authentic. When we give up our perceived control to the One True Judge, we can truly forgive.
 
Some say forgiveness is a process. I disagree. Believing that forgiveness is a process means that we can say we’re working on forgiveness but often the “process” allows us to procrastinate on the actual act of forgiving. In reality, forgiveness is a decision of the will. Forgiveness is deciding once and for all to forgive, taking the offender off the hook, canceling their debt forever, and then choosing not to renege on our decision. It may take a while to get to the point where we can decide to forgive. Even then, our hearts may not yet be fully engaged. When we stand firm on our decision to forgive, our hearts will follow. The process is the healing of the hurts we’ve endured from the offender which takes time. Choosing to forgive is the decision that starts this process towards wholeness.
 
Forgiving others as Jesus has forgiven us gives us the strength to move forward, no longer stuck hanging on the hook of unforgiveness. Freed from these shackles and their close inmates of anger, resentment, and bitterness, we can live lighter, no longer weighed down by this huge burden we’ve been dragging around with us. Strength through vulnerability to the One True Judge and the firm decision to forgive leads to the pathway of freedom, wholeness, and peace.
 
 
Lord, I thank You that You have forgiven me for my sins. Help me decide once and for all to forgive those who have hurt me. May I continue to honor that decision and not go back on it as I move forward in healing, freed from the burden of unforgiveness and empowered with the strength of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of path in Monet’s garden at Giverny, in Normandy, France.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 
 
After spending time in the village of Gatehouse of Fleet one afternoon, we began our walk through the woods to our hotel. Although we were told there was a turn or two, we were not prepared for the many crossroads of paths in this verdant forest in the Lowlands of Scotland. Every time we came to yet another intersection of trails, collectively as a group, we would decide which way to go, ever hoping and praying we were making the right choice as we ambled along.
 
Ever find yourself at a crossroads? Those times in my life where I need to make a major decision that could potentially drive my journey off in another direction have been agonizing. I want so badly to make the perfect choice, and one that is in God’s will. Many times, that “perfect” choice isn’t obvious. Fear of making the wrong decisions can be paralyzing. What I’m learning is, when it comes to knowing and doing God’s will, God is not so much interested in us making that perfect choice as He is interested in our hearts.
 
When we wrestle with what God’s will is for our lives, we lose sight of some basic principles. Yes, we do need to know and follow God’s will for our lives, but sometimes we create roadblocks when perhaps the signpost to follow is more visible than we think.
 
Our key verse today contains three steps we can take to reveal God’s will for our lives. Rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances are unexpected practices we can insert into each day. As we lean into God’s heart, His desires become our desires, causing our wills to be shaped into His will.
 
In knowing God’s will, “rejoicing always” is finding joy even when circumstances tell us otherwise. Rejoicing involves seeing God above our circumstances. It’s a vertical focus, looking upward to God, even as we look horizontally at the events swirling around us. Discovering joy is more about focusing on God’s character and the relationship we have in His Son, Jesus, than focusing on our circumstances. God is good, God is faithful, and God loves us. Parking our minds on these truths helps us to experience joy, even in the midst of hardship.
 
In addition to “rejoicing always”, we need to pray continually. This doesn’t mean we’re always on our knees in prayer. Rather praying continually means having a conversation with God throughout our day and being mindful of His presence. Being so in tune with the Holy Spirit in prayer creates in us a joy from being in the presence of the Lord that we come full circle from prayer back to joy. Prayer and joy go hand-in-hand.
 
Lastly, giving thanks in all circumstances is easier after practicing joy and constant prayer. Even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to give thanks, not for the circumstances themselves, but that Jesus is with us and walks with us in those trying times. Again, it’s more about the vertical focus, rather than the horizontal. Choosing an attitude of gratitude aligns our hearts and minds with that of God. Even Job still praised God when everything was taken from him because he trusted in God and in His character (see Job 1:21).
 
When we rejoice in God and pray continually, especially praising Him, we find it easier to be thankful. It’s interesting that joy, prayer, and thanksgiving are all linked in Philippians 4:4-7. And the end result is peace.
 
These three practices of rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances can thaw the paralysis of decision-making while aligning our will with God’s will. We can live in joy and in peace, not in fear. When our hearts are beating in time with God’s, we needn’t fear making the wrong choice. God takes our every decision and weaves them together to create the beautiful tapestry of our lives. He can use whatever path we take as long we’re walking closely with Him.
 
As for the long walk in the Scottish woods that day, we did find our way to the hotel. And I’m happy to report, we arrived without getting lost, not even once!
 
 
Dear Lord, thank You that You are more concerned about my relationship with You than You are about me making the “perfect” decision. I praise You that You are in control of my future and are more than able to use whatever well-intended choices I make to bring about Your plan for me. Keep me close to Your heart so I may desire Your desires for me and live out Your will for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of woods near Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2
 
 
“La Ville Lumière” is one of my favorite places to visit. Paris was nicknamed the City of Light because it was one of the first European cities to adopt gas street lighting back in the day and also because of its role in the Age of Enlightenment. Known for being the hub of art, fashion, and cuisine, Paris has so much to offer. One fun fact is that the Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world. Not surprising since it houses many treasures including the famous Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory.
 
On a recent sunny autumn day, I took the Métro to a less-visited museum to see another famous sculpture. The cloudless sky was a beautiful blue and a faint breeze greeted me as I ambled down rue de Varenne. Musée Rodin and its lovely gardens is home to many of Auguste Rodin’s works, including “The Thinker”.
 
Outside in the garden and surrounded by a ring of hedges, the Thinker is a full-size bronze sculpture set on a huge stone pedestal. Originally named “The Poet”, Rodin’s “Thinker” appears lost in deep thought as he sits perched above. His lifelike muscular body looks powerful enough to spring into action at any moment.
 
As I stood below gazing up into this expressive bronze face, I wondered how often I sit and reflect. In a particularly busy season of life, I know I didn’t hit the “pause” button often enough. Although I’m more likely to do so now, stopping to reflect and think is crucial. If we find we are “waking up in the middle of a story”, not really knowing how we got where we are in life, then perhaps hitting “pause” can reset our course, re-shift our priorities, and help us live more purposefully. If we think we are too busy to slow down once in a while, we’re too busy!
 
Romans 12:2 says we are to not be conformed to the world’s patterns but to be transformed by renewing our minds. The world may tell us to wear our busyness as a badge of honor, but what’s the point if we never slow down long enough to ponder whether what we are busy doing is a worthwhile pursuit? Or whether it’s even what God would want us to do? Perhaps we are involved in many good activities but just too many. I’ve been caught in the trap of busyness too often. Pausing and reflecting keeps me grounded. Incorporating Scripture verses and prayer into that thinking time enables me to hear God’s truth and apply it to my life.
 
Taking time out from busy schedules to think, reflect, and pray helps us refocus on what’s important, to redirect our efforts if needed, and to simply slow down so we can journey through life in a more mindful and intentional way. By stopping to think about what God would have us do keeps us focused on His will for us. Even Jesus slipped away for some quiet time and prayer so He could reconnect with His heavenly Father. If He needed to, then surely we do!
 
While the Thinker’s pensive stance is a great work of art, we’d do well to take a cue from this famous sculpture and strike a similar pose. Pause, reflect, and pray. Living unrushed and intentional as we renew our minds and focus on God’s will for us reaps huge rewards here and for all eternity.
 
Lord, sometimes I am simply too busy to pause, reflect, and pray. Help me slow down to focus on You and what You want me to do, not what my to-do list dictates that I do. Transform me into who You want me to be by renewing my mind so that I can then live out Your will in my life, Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photo copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of “The Thinker” from Musée Rodin, Paris.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”…When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”  Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11
 
 
Memories of my childhood often include one of my aunts. Although she had nineteen nieces and nephews and a meager salary, every year she purchased Christmas presents for each of us. What made those packages special was her penchant for creating the most gorgeously wrapped packages on the planet, ones that would cause even Martha Stewart to be envious. My favorite wrapped delight held a Christmas elf on top, dressed in red and green with an adorable pixie face and a secret pouch in the back which appealed to my eight or so year-old self.
 
In our key verses today, the Magi, often referred to as the Wise Men or the Three Kings, traveled a great distance as they followed a star that would lead them to Jesus, the Messiah, the King of the Jews. Historically, this day is known as Epiphany and is typically celebrated in many cultures on the 6th of January. This event is amazing to me for several reasons. First, the Magi traveled for a couple of years before they reached Bethlehem to worship a king they did not know. I have to ask myself what my worship looks like and am I willing to spend time worshiping my Lord? Secondly, their worship flowed from a place of joy. Of course, after traveling so far, they probably were glad to just be there and they may have been discouraged earlier when, for a time, they didn’t see the star. But, regardless, their worship flowed from a deep place centered in joy. Do I worship from a place of joy or from a sense of obligation? Lastly, the Three Kings each brought costly gifts to lay at Jesus’ feet. While gold, frankincense, and myrrh seem unlikely offerings for a toddler, I’ve come to realize that Mary and Joseph needed those tangibles when later they fled to Egypt. They required something valuable to trade for food and lodging as they traveled and then settled in a foreign land. God knew exactly what they needed.
 
Sometimes God’s gifts to us come in unlikely packaging. Sometimes it’s obvious, like my aunt’s presents that were all wrapped up in shiny paper with sparkling bows and curly ribbon and maybe a special treat on top. Other times, a box wrapped in brown paper packaging tied up with string isn’t so obvious. Unless we take the time to unwrap it, we won’t know what’s inside.
 
How many gifts from God have I missed because they didn’t look attractive on the outside or they weren’t shiny enough to catch my attention? Or I was simply too busy to notice? God gives me gifts every day:  a gorgeous sunset, the laughter of my children, and the beauty of a colorful flower. Delicious aroma of home-cooked food or the scent of coffee wafting through the air are spiritual gifts in the mundane.
 
Celebrate Epiphany in a new way this year. Unlike the Magi, we don’t have to travel far and long to worship the King. Every day is a gift from God. All we have to do is take the time to unwrap the package and joyfully worship the Giver.
 
Lord, You are my King, the Giver of life itself. You alone are worthy to be praised. Help me be aware of Your wonderful gifts to me in the everyday. Thank You for the joy that abounds when I spend time with You in worship. In the Name of Jesus, the Messiah, the King of Kings, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photo copyright © 2016 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of tulip from the garden of Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose, Scotland.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”   Romans 5:3-5
 
 
Heading toward the security line, I had just checked my suitcase for a recent international trip. Ahead of me was a sign that read “Upgrade Yourself to First Class”. I sighed. I’d be cramped into a coach seat on an overnight flight, knowing that I’d get precious little sleep and have to “hit the ground running” when I deplaned.
 
Passing that disconcerting sign, I rounded the corner in the terminal only to spot a store called “Indulge”. “What an indulgence it would have been to have upgraded myself to first class”, I thought. As I glanced at the store window, it was obvious this was an indulgence of a different kind:  chocolate!
 
Having time to think as I waited in the security line, I pondered the whole idea of upgrading and indulging. We don’t have to be at the airport to encounter these temptations. They are all around us, particularly at Christmas time when the marketing folks are working overtime to convince us we need whatever they are selling.
 
How many lies do we encounter every day in our culture? What sort of advertisements tell us daily that if we only buy their product, we will look young and beautiful or have a lifestyle that looks opulent and trouble-free? Most goods are ones we don’t actually need, but they appeal to our wants and desires.
 
Reflecting on what marketing strategies typically ensnare me, I realize that often I’m looking for what will make my life easier. The twin gods of Comfort and Convenience call to me like the Sirens in Greek mythology, enticing me to come ashore only to have me shipwrecked on the rocky coast and drowned in a pool of deceit. The goods sold rarely live up to the hype.
 
God doesn’t call us to a comfortable life. He is more concerned about our character. John 16:33 says in this world, we all will have losses, troubles, and heartaches. No one is exempt, even someone who seems to have it all together. Character is forged in our sufferings, not in our comfort and convenience. Building character is ultimately the result of how we respond to our sufferings. Giving into the marketers’ lies and indulging ourselves in comfort and convenience can be a coping mechanism for our own hurts. Character-building starts with the choices we make every day. Ultimately we will be like Christ (1 John 3:2) but developing character is a process. It’s not microwavable. There are no instantaneous results.
 
The good news is developing character produces hope (Romans 5:4-5). If we allow God to work in our hearts, we will come through suffering stronger than before and will be walking closer with our Savior, able to trust Jesus through life’s difficulties. The hope created by character is found in God’s love for us (verse 5) which He pours into our hearts by His Spirit.
 
This holiday season, let’s focus on comfort and convenience – but not our own! Giving to those less fortunate than ourselves, offering God’s love and comfort to those who are hurting, and extending hope to those in despair are gifts we can indulge in now and throughout the New Year. The choice is ours – to indulge ourselves or to help others. When we make the right choice, we’ll find we’re allowing God to build our character to become more Christ-like. And that’s an endeavor worthy of indulgence.
 
 
Heavenly Father, especially at this time of year, I pray You will open my eyes to opportunities to give Your comfort to others, rather than thinking about my own comfort and convenience. Even in the midst of my own heartaches, may I focus on You as I reach out to help others. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photo copyright © 2016 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved.  Photo of fern growing through the sandstone at Sweetheart Abbey, New Abbey, Dumfries, Scotland.
 
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.  Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.  Used by permission of Zondervan.  All rights reserved.

Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.  Psalm 105:1-4
 
 
Scattered among Scotland’s bucolic land are at least thirty abbeys and monasteries. These gems, often off the beaten path, date back to the Middle Ages. It’s incredible they are still standing! Built of sandstone, they have stood the test of time, multiple wars, and declining budgets. I had the privilege of visiting six of these distinguished structures on a recent trip to the Lowlands.
 
Dryburgh Abbey is located in the Scottish Borders outside of Melrose on the banks of the River Tweed. Built in 1150 for the Premonstratensian Order, Dryburgh Abbey has a varied history with assorted accounts of being burned by troops and later restored. Monks lived, worked, and worshiped here for 400 years. For the next 200 years, the abbey was deserted and began to decay. Efforts in the late 1700’s created a peaceful garden from the ruins.
 
Today, Dryburgh Abbey is missing its roof and several major walls. But interestingly, the chapter house, used as a meeting place by the monks, still remains. I had the privilege while there to meet in the chapter house with my fellow travelers. Singing “Amazing Grace” together within those sacred walls, with the echo of our voices enhancing our choral talents, was calming, healing, and absolutely worshipful.
 
Sometimes we are like Dryburgh Abbey. While our exteriors may (or may not!) have stood the test of time, our hearts have experienced the fallout of numerous battle zones and losses. We are still standing, but we’re broken on the inside. We feel hollow, not whole.
 
Healing begins in many ways. Worshiping the Lord together is a soothing balm to our souls. Just like the affinity felt through song in that chapter house, we experience the power of God’s love and grace when we first connect with Him and then with others. The richness of community yields a harvest of hope and healing. Together, we can experience the healing power of God’s truly amazing grace. May it be so!
 
 
Almighty God, You alone are worthy to be praised. May I sing Your praises and worship You with my sisters and brothers in Christ so that Your Name will be lifted up and our hearts may be healed. Thank You for Your healing power that comes through community with You and with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photo copyright © 2016 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Dryburgh Abbey, Dryburgh, Scotland.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”  Luke 10:25-28
 
 
The French macaron is sublime. With its pastel crispiness on the outside and creaminess on the inside, eating a macaron is like eating a slice of heaven. Being lighter than air, I’m sure they must be calorie-free!
 
On a recent trip to Nice, I was fortunate to be a participant in a cooking class where the instructor patiently taught us the art of creating macarons. Although this French delight may look like art, there is definitely a science to making them. As we precisely measured ingredients, meticulously stirred and then carefully piped the dough onto the cookie sheets, it was apparent that there is more to making macarons than meets the eye. The soufflé-like persnicketiness of the dough requires flawless execution. When done properly, the results are incredibly rewarding.
 
I can’t say our efforts were flawless or that our macarons were a work of art. However, both the lemon and the chocolate macarons still achieved that lighter-than-air quality, that subtle crispness, and that to-die-for creaminess. The result was pure joy.
 
Thankfully, the recipe for faith doesn’t require a lot of hard-to-find ingredients painstakingly measured and stirred while following the recipe perfectly. Faith isn’t a set of rules and we don’t have to come already prepared with all the right ingredients.
 
Faith is about love and relationship, forgiveness and redemption, hope and joy. It isn’t a set of rules nor is it about an iron chef just waiting for you to mess up. Faith is based on a relationship with the God of the universe who sent His son Jesus to planet earth to save us from a life without God. To be in a personal relationship with Jesus means believing who He said He was. While the reward for our faith is living in heaven when we die, we also can living abundantly now, with the love, joy, and peace that comes only from Him.
 
Jesus boiled it down to two simple statements:  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. While religion may add a lot of rules, true faith hangs on these two things – love of God and love of others. Faith is about relationship, not religion.
 
While we must follow all the rules if we are to create a delicious French macaron, I’m thankful that following Jesus doesn’t involve a set of rules. I would never measure up if it did. The recipe for faith is loving God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength, and loving others as myself. The reward is worth more than all the delicacies this world has to offer – that of hope, love, joy, and peace, for all eternity.
 
 
Heavenly Father, thank You that faith in You is based on relationship and not rules. Show me how to love You more every day. May Your love flow through me to those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photo copyright © 2016 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:31-32
 
 
What is truth? This is the question Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, tossed to Jesus on the night He was condemned to die. (See John 18.) While Pilate seemed rather cavalier in his approach to truth, we can’t afford to be. Whether we talking about what we believe about Jesus that impacts us for all eternity or whether we’re talking about facts that impact us in the everyday, truth matters.
 
In John 8, Jesus is teaching about Satan, calling him in verse 44, “the father of lies”. There is a spiritual battle raging for our souls and the battleground starts in our minds.
 
What lies do you believe about yourself? What tapes play in your head that keep you from being all God intends you to be? What stories do you tell yourself that are simply not true? Many times, we tell ourselves that we are not worthy, that we are not loveable, that we are not capable, that we are not…..fill in the blank. What do you tell yourself that is not true?
 
The enemy will hurl lies at us. He is indeed the father of lies with falsehoods so subtle we are not even aware they are not true. We have a choice regarding whether to believe them or not. But first we have to be aware that these deceptions exist. That can be difficult to discern and acknowledge. Take some time to reflect on what distortions you are believing about yourself.
 
Sometimes these lies come at us from deep within. Over time, we’ve spun a tale about who we are based on our history and our emotions. Or perhaps they are “gifts” from others who have spoken untruths or even half-truths into our hearts that are now buried deep inside our souls. Lies either latch onto existing insecurities and fears or they create new ones. Preventing us from taking risks because we’re afraid, these falsehoods can keep us from reaching our full God-given potential while they wreak havoc in our lives and in those around us.
 
John 8:31-32 says if we know Jesus, if we read the Bible, and if we live according to His teachings, then we will know the truth. Verses like you are loved by God (Jeremiah 31:3), that God has lavishly bestowed His love on you and you are a child of God (1 John 3:1), and that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35) are truths we can hold onto. These and other truths from the Bible can replace the lies in our minds. They can rewrite those stories in our heads that our heart have believed.
 
In John 8:32, Jesus says that when you know the truth, “the truth will set you free”. When you stop believing lies about yourself and start believing God’s truth about you, the lies lose their power over you. Believing the truth frees you to be who God wants you to be, to live as God intends you to live, to be free to be you!
 
 
Lord, I want to break free of the lies that so entangle me. Set me free with the knowledge of Your truth and Your love for me so I can freely and fully be who You created me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photo copyright © 2016 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Mediterranean Sea from the monastic ruins on Île Saint-Honorat, near Cannes, France.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™