Yesterday we talked of letting God landscape our garden, letting Him weed out all that does not belong. He will use circumstances in our lives to do just that. He does not put evil in our lives to test us, but our faith and works are tested with every life situation that comes along in this imperfect world. Will we listen and “clean up our act” so that our actions are more righteous? More like Him? 

It was a hard, stressful day yesterday. I had issues with getting my 87 year old dad’s medications renewed. I had a hard time getting anyone to communicate why they were being cancelled from his regular mail order method. He has plenty of insurance coverage. I tried to communicate with his doctor’s office, who said they would order locally. I went to the pharmacy twice in one day. Nothing. The office never called. Day two: I finally speak to a real person from mail order company who told me it was his doctor who refused his meds until another appointment was made. We saw this same doctor this week! My dad went from that appointment to ER because of heart palpitations. Yes, it’s been a stressful week. After writing the devotion yesterday of letting God beautify our person gardens…He had a work to do in this stressful lady.

I am not perfect, but perfectly forgiven. It took another day off work to go personally to the doctor’s office and talk about this lack of communication about dad’s meds, which he was out of and important to his health to keep taking. The office was condescending, trying to cover their tracks. This made human anger rise up inside me. I did not curse. I did not raise my voice. I took a deep breath, prayed and stood my ground and said I am not leaving until I have prescriptions for his meds. They tried to pass around the blame for awhile. I just waited and look intently into his eyes, as I would a first grader caught on the playground in an offense. The doctor went to his office. I waited. The nurse asked what was going on. The doctor finally came out and said they were sent electronically to our local pharmacy. I said thank you and went to the pharmacy to wait. Got the meds. 

Lord, I prayed, be my strength in this “weeding”. I have no regrets for being an advocate for my dad. I have no regrets for standing firm and speaking firmly. But afterwards, I was exhausted. It’s been a stressful week. We have meds for 30 days and still have to make another appointment to get more. But we will deal with that another day. Did I show my true colors when backed into a corner? Did I reveal my love of Christ? I’m still evaluating myself.

Why do I tell you all this? Because I have to be with God EVERY morning. I have to come face to face with our Father. I have to give all of my life to him in order to live this life in His ways, with His Spirit in me. I can’t fix myself. He has to do His work in me…no matter what life brings each day. We must act on what we read in His Word each day. I’m not just “trying to do my best”, I ask for God’s best work in me. Without Him, I can’t go it alone. Without Him, I will die on the vine. Yes, He is still the Gardner and He is the Vine to which I am attached…forever.

“Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. ACT on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.” James 1, Msg

“But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel fo God–the free life!–even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.” James 1, Msg

“Anyone who sets himself up as ‘religious’ by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption form the godless world.” James 1, Msg

Dear Heavenly Father, ALL of Your Word speaks volumes to my heart, mind and soul in all kinds of areas of my life. I do NOT want to just talk a good game without acting on your guidance. Thank you for teaching us, being patient with us, and helping us to take a focused look into the mirror. Thank you for helping us to be advocates for those who cannot help themselves at times. Thank you for my sister in Christ who prayed me through yesterday’s small crisis when I called on her, so I would be at Your best. Thank you for helping me with wisdom to solve problems. Go with us THIS DAY and give us all we need for the journey so that we will please You with our actions. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen