Looking Up at the Big Blue Sky

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Jennifer Grace

Today’s post first ran ten years ago, on February 22, 2011. As I started to write about “Looking Up” in this New Year of 2022, the Lord reminded me I had written about this before. So today, I share an updated devotion with a surprise ending for you. Little did I know that 9 months after writing this post, I would hold in my arms the desire of my heart — a brand new baby boy, be living in a different house, and my husband would have a new job! That little boy is now 10 years old! Since that time we’ve had many joys and many sorrows, but through it all we continue to LOOK Up to Jesus, our Messiah. As our world crumbles under covid, mandates, and immorality, may we all pray continuously to the Father and keep LOOKING UP to Him, our only hope! Alleluia, Jesus is coming! His children win!

Then I turned and raised my eyes and LOOKED… Zechariah 6:1 (NKJV)

LOOKING unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith… Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

Do you LOOK UP? When I was little, I always wanted to be near a window to catch a glimpse of the blue sky. If I could just see the sky, I could smile up at God. On my walks home from school I would smile at the puffy clouds and talk to God about my day. When I was a teenager and started running, it was that blue sky that kept me going. When my college cross country team died in a plane crash, I LOOKED UP at the dreary November atmosphere and questioned the God in charge of the universe, and decided I didn’t trust Him anymore. After two years without God or my blue sky, the sun finally shone for me when dear friends introduced me to Jesus Christ. Jesus took my broken soul and washed away my sins, making my sky blue again.

Now I’m blessed to live in the Big Sky State of Montana, where the sky really is bluer than anywhere in the world (according to friends from Rhode Island). Even though I live in a narrow valley, I can see a big blue strip up above each day. As I sit by my “Daniel” window for my morning TEA CUPP, I LOOK UP at the still dark, star-speckled sky and whisper, “Good morning, Jesus.” While I pray, the sky lightens, the day dawns, and I’m having TEA with Jesus under the big blue heavens.

You know, when we choose to LOOK UP to Jesus, no matter what our circumstances, life tends to LOOK UP after all. In recent years we’ve lost 3 babies, 3 cats, a job, and other great sadnesses. I could look away from God as I did as a college student, but you know what that means? If we aren’t looking up to Jesus, where are we looking? We are looking down to Satan, and I don’t want to look there! So, I keep LOOKING UP…I want to encourage you to do the same through God’s Word.

In the book of Acts we read about a deacon named Stephen. For his preaching of God’s Word, Stephen became the first martyr of the Christian faith. Just before he was stoned to death, Stephen called to the crowd…

…LOOK! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!. Acts 7:56 (NKJV)

But their hearts were too hard and their eyes closed, so they could not see Jesus. And they killed Stephen. Jesus, help us to not be like those men. Let our hearts be softened and our eyes opened as we LOOK UP at the sky for Your coming.

Are you having trouble LOOKING UP? It might be because of your sins. When this happens, we must ADMIT our sins to Jesus…

For innumerable evils have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to LOOK UP;
They are more than the hairs of my head;
Therefore my heart fails me. Psalm 40:12 (NKJV)

Did you know Jesus CALLS us to LOOK UP?

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, LOOK UP and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Luke 21:27-28 (NKJV)

LOOKING for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:13-14 (NKJV)

Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven… Genesis 15:5 (NKJV)

While we are waiting for Jesus to return, He CALLS us to LOOK UP to Him as an example of how to live our lives…

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are ABOVE, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV)

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, LOOKING for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 20-22 (NKJV)

…LOOKING for and hastening the coming of the day of God,… 2 Peter 3:11-12 (NKJV)

…and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples… Matthew 14:19 (NKJV)

I UNDERSTAND in my story how God has helped me to LOOK UP to Him each day…

I will LIFT UP MY EYES to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV)

Unto You I LIFT UP MY EYES,
O You who dwell in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
So our eyes LOOK to the Lord our God,
Until He has mercy on us. Psalm 123:1-2 (NKJV)

But we SEE JESUS, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9 (NKJV)

And He PROMISES that one day while we are LOOKING UP He will come again…

And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall SEE HEAVEN open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:52 (NKJV)

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand GAZING UP into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11 (NKJV)

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. Revelation 1:7 (NKJV)

Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching… Luke 12:37 (NKJV)

LIFT UP YOUR EYES to the heavens,
And look on the earth beneath.
For the heavens will vanish away like smoke,
The earth will grow old like a garment,
And those who dwell in it will die in like manner;
But My salvation will be forever,
And My righteousness will not be abolished. Isaiah 51:6 (NKJV)

And we can petition our Father in heaven as we LOOK UP to Him!

My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will LOOK UP. Psalm 5:3 (NKJV)

O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our EYES are upon YOU. 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NKJV)

But my EYES are upon YOU, O God the Lord;
In You I take refuge;
Do not leave my soul destitute. Psalm 141:8 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP: Here’s a unique story to complete our devotion today: Will you consider that perhaps Jesus first miracle will also be His last? Read John 2:1-11, The Wedding at Cana. In this account, the wedding party ran out of water, so Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine, better than any wine they had ever tasted. The master of the banquet was so amazed that the good wine came last. Dear ones, the same is true for us today. The peace and joy and comfort we receive from the Lord now are just a foretaste of the wedding feast in heaven. Prepare your heart! Keep LOOKING UP! The good wine is yet to come!

“…You have kept the good wine until now!” John 2:10 (NKJV)

…all the people shall keep the WATCH of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 23:6 (NKJV)

Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked… Genesis 22:13 (NKJV)

And Isaac… lifted his eyes and looked… Genesis 24:63 (NKJV)

…when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand… Joshua 5:13 (NKJV)

For then you will have your delight in the Almighty,
And lift up your face to God. Job 22:26 (NKJV)

Therefore I will LOOK to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
My God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (NKJV)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you… Zechariah 9:9 (NKJV)

My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. Psalm 25:25 (NKJV)

My Heart Inn

Posted on December 12, 2015 by Jennifer Grace

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 (NKJV)

“NO ROOM in the INN” the sign proclaims on the make-shift inn created by the Sunday schoolers for their Christmas pageant. The beautiful story of our Savior’s birth will soon be portrayed by the youngest members of our church family. As the students and teachers make the final preparations for this year’s production, my mind contemplates the words on the sign — “NO ROOM in the INN.”

The sign is taken right from the book of Luke, And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Why do these words from the Christmas story strike such a chord with me? Is it because God allowed me to share in Mary’s experience? Is it because He showed me “NO ROOM in the INN?”

Not once, not twice, but three times God let me be pregnant and then moved us to a new place! In each instance, during a span of 18 years, a home, a job, and our future were uncertain. Oh, how I wrestled with God each time! And just as He provided a stable for Mary and baby Jesus, God provided homes for us, from a rustic cabin in the mountains to a spacious home near town. But best of all, He gave us the babies.

The Sunday schoolers suspend my thoughts for the moment, now parading onto the stage in their costumes. Instead of the usual bathrobes and shepherds’ staffs, they are dressed in modern outfits. One holds a sign that reads, “Super 8, No Vacancy.” Another says, “Holiday Inn Express, No Vacancy.” Another proclaims, “Comfort Inn, No Vacancy.” I look down the line at all the children, each with another hotel sign, all claiming, “No Vacancy.”

The last little girl comes in a red velvet dress. She has a different sign. It reads, “My Heart Inn.”

“Oh, what can this be?” I wonder. We sing “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem” before the children commence with the play.

Mary and Joseph wander onto the modern Bethlehem stage, looking for a place to stay. First the Super 8 manager explains how he has no vacancy because of a cattlemen’s convention. He turns his sign so we can read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Cattlemen!” Next the Holiday Inn Express manager tells about the craft show people filling her motel. She turns her sign to read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Craft Fair!” The Comfort Inn manager is excited about the basketball tournaments in town and turns his sign to read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Basketball Players!” And on down the line it goes, with each motel manager giving reasons for no vacancy.

Finally we come to the little girl in the red velvet dress. This sweet little girl explains why her “My Heart Inn” has no vacancy. She turns her sign so we can read, “No Vacancy. Welcome American Girl dolls, video games, cell phones, ballet, new clothes, earrings…”

The congregation lets out a gasp. We are all so shocked, just sure the little girl was the one to welcome baby Jesus. We can’t believe it! How is it possible?! Such a sweet little girl with no room for Jesus. It causes us to think, “Are we making room in our hearts for Jesus? Is there room in ‘My Heart Inn?'”

And so Mary and Joseph continue outside into the cold. We see them standing outside the church window, shivering in the snow. There is an uncomfortable pause as we await whatever is next.

The little girl in the red velvet dress stands trembling in front of the congregation. Tears form in her eyes because she also sees Mary and Joseph outside. A sob escapes her as she cries, “Yes, baby Jesus, Yes! I do have room in my heart for You!”

The little girl tears up her “No Vacancy” sign and throws it into a nearby manger, sobbing uncontrollably on the alter steps. Tears spring from all eyes as we watch the little girl helplessly, not sure if we should go and comfort her. From out of the shadows appears an angel who reaches down and touches her, giving her a new sign.

Looking surprised, the girl in the red velvet dress stops crying to read, “My Heart Inn. Welcome Jesus.” She smiles, wiping away her tears, delighted with her new sign.

The pastor stops the production to point us to our church bulletins. Inside we find hearts like the “My Heart Inn – No Vacancy” sign. Pastor asks us what is filling our hearts, creating no room for Jesus? Is it money, things, toys, activities, computers, cars? He asks us to write it on the No Vacancy heart.

I consider my heart and the Christmas story. I didn’t really share in Mary’s ordeal. I don’t know what it is like to have a baby in a stable. I haven’t really shared in Jesus’ sufferings, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death. I ponder what to write on my heart, and then I know. I write down all my worries that keep me from trusting Jesus. I write down my busy projects I think I have to do for Him, when all He really wants is my heart.

Pastor invites us to come forward and leave our torn hearts in the manger, just like the little girl. There is not a dry eye as we file to the front of the sanctuary. Wise men and shepherds appear on the scene. They give each person who places a “No vacancy” heart in the manger a new heart that reads, “My Heart Inn. Welcome Jesus.”

The children’s choir softly sings, “Jesus is knocking at the door of my heart.” Then the congregation sings “The First Noel” and other Christmas hymns until the manger is overflowing with our torn hearts, and everyone in the congregation holds a new one. As the piano music ends, the girl in the red velvet dress runs to open the door for Mary and Joseph. The couple walks in holding baby Jesus, Who Mary carefully places in His manger bed (we wonder if He was born in the snow, but we don’t ask).

Pastor leads us in a prayer, asking God to help us truly give up these things that have cluttered our hearts, and for Jesus to fill our hearts instead. The prayer ends and we look up to see…

The little girl in the red velvet dress, standing behind the manger. She begins to sing, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart. Prepare Him room…” The children’s choir and the congregation all join her in singing this beautiful hymn.

Suddenly, with great joy, it is every holiday all mixed in one. There are red heart balloons with John 3:16 falling from the ceiling like Valentine’s Day. The Sunday School teachers bring in a cake for baby Jesus and we all sing “Happy Birthday to You!” The cross on the alter reminds us of Easter and Jesus’ reason for being born – to die. And outside the head elder sets off fireworks like the Fourth of July to celebrate our freedom from sin.

We gather our children in our arms and sing “We wish you a Merry Christmas” as we all share a piece of Jesus’ cake. And you know, I think it really will be a Merry Christmas this year. For this is the year Jesus found room at My Heart Inn.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

Heaven and Airports

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Jennifer Grace

But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16 (NKJV)

Heaven and airports. Arrivals and departures. Terminal illnesses and terminals. I wonder if others have pondered this connection while waiting in an airport terminal for loved ones? If it’s a light day, you can get a seat to watch the action. Otherwise, you may be standing to observe the tearful or joyful embraces.

Last August we put our daughter on a plane from Montana to Guam for her junior year of college. As we said good-bye, and watched others say farewell, there were plenty of tears (from others, not our brave daughter, of course). It seems that airports and funerals are two places it’s okay to show love and grief. Why do we display more emotions at these times than we do when sending someone off to work or school each morning?

If we knew it was the last good-bye, would we hold our friends and family closer when we depart? My testimony begins with a plane crash, and I never got to say good-bye to those on board. It was my college cross country team returning from the national meet. My two coaches, three team mates, the athletic trainer and pilot all died that icy November day in 1985. While their plane lay shattered in Des Moines, Iowa, the plane of my life continued to spiral downward as I questioned how God could let this happen. Two years later I gave my life to Jesus Christ, and I soared for Him again.

One of the many joys of being a Christian is knowing I will always see other Christians again. If I don’t see them here on earth, I will have eternity to visit with them in heaven. We live at a church camp where there are good-byes every week of the summer. Volunteers serve and become our friends, and then they depart. I am thankful that we will get to see these folks again in heaven. Perhaps Jesus will line up some of these great workers to help prepare houses for more people coming to heaven!

Four months after we put our daughter on that plane for Guam, we found ourselves at the airport again on a frigid December day. As we eagerly waited for our daughter’s return, I watched couples and families reunite. I thought of heaven and how loved ones will welcome us. Hugs, tears, slaps on the back, ruffling hair…all these say, “I love you!” I imagine our relatives there will be delighted when we finally reach heaven.

Our daughter, however, did not arrive on schedule. She was not on the one o’clock flight from Denver, or the two o’clock, or the three o’clock. With no cell phone, we didn’t know where she was or when she would land. A desk attendant said she wouldn’t arrive until the next day. I felt like crying. We waited for the four o’clock flight anyway, and guess what, at just a little before five o’clock our daughter appeared! After checking the faces of every blond girl that afternoon, we finally saw the face of our daughter!

I wondered if that could happen in heaven? Will we be dismayed when our loved ones don’t show up? God says He’ll wipe away every tear from our eyes and there will be no more sorrow. So, will I be somber if my brother doesn’t pull in? I think there will be an empty spot in my heart, because Jesus desires that none should perish. While I’m still on earth, I’d better make sure my family knows they are invited, that they know Jesus and His salvation. I may be distressed when my family members depart from this earth, but I’ll be delighted when all my loved ones arrive in heaven, even if it is a day late.

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1 (NKJV)

The Narrow Gate

Posted on October 18, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Becausenarrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)

We live at a church camp way up in the mountains of south central Montana. Like most of the ranches in our area, we have a log rail fence to define the property. At one point in the fence, a small walk-way was installed so hikers can pass through without climbing over. This is handy if you are the right size. I found when we had little kids that I didn’t fit if I had the back-carrier or stroller or wagon. We could only fit through the narrow gate one at a time.

This narrow gate is such a symbol of God’s Word above. Most people would rather go through the main entrance because they can do it their own way, bringing the big vehicle, the family, the horse trailer, the RV…all their extra stuff. But God says, “Enter by the narrow gate.” We can’t bring our stuff or anyone else to heaven, only ourselves. We can’t even do good works or give big offerings to enter heaven. All we can do is believe in Jesus and point others to the narrow gate.

We can tell our family and friends that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through” Him. John 14:6 (NKJV) We can explain “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV). And we can urge them to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31 (NKJV).

Looking at my photo of the narrow gate, you might suggest that a person could just climb over or through, or crawl under the log rails. That might just work to get to camp, but God does not allow that for getting to heaven.

I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. John 10:1 (NKJV)

We don’t want to be thieves and robbers. We want to enter the way God intended, through the narrow gate. How hard can that be? Jesus says, “And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24 (NKJV) A camel wouldn’t even fit through our narrow camp gate, let alone the eye of a needle. How then is it possible that we can enter the kingdom of God?

Jesus responds, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NKJV) I pray this possible miracle for all my family and friends and even my enemies, that they will believe in Jesus, my Savior, the Narrow Gate, the only Way to heaven.

If you would like to bring your family or church to this beautiful church camp in Montana, I will be delighted to show you our narrow gate, and share a devotion with you. Please visit…

http://www.campontheboulder.org/

I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. John 10:9 (NIV)

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Luke 13:24 (NIV)

My Home’s in Montana…for now

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Jennifer Grace

In My Father’s house are many mansions;if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 (NKJV)

“My Home’s in Montana, I wear a bandana, my spurs are of silver, my pony is gray…” In my early years I attended Girl Scout Camp at Camp Sacagawea near Boone, Iowa. In the evenings around the campfire we harmonized this tune. As the twilight faded and the stars appeared, we crooned “Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play…” and “Down in the valley, the valley so low, late in the evening, hear the wind blow…”

Now, I am a mom and still make my bed at camp after we hum hymns around the campfire. I breathe in the land once walked by Sacagawea in Montana, where my head is often bedecked with a bandana as I cook in the camp kitchen. Our valley is filled with deer and antelope as the breeze blows the bows on the pines and aspens. And just over the mountain from us is Yellowstone National Park, where the bison and bears http://www.healthandrecoveryinstitute.com/antabuse-disulfiram-alcoholism/ attract photographers from around the world. It is a wild land, one I never quite imagined as I sang those campfire songs so long ago.

Yet God knew I would be here. He had a plan and prepared me for it in His own way and time. He also has another home He is preparing for me in heaven, because He knows I’m coming. There the mountains will be more majestic than any on earth, and the valleys will be lush with vegetation. The animals will play freely in the fields of rainbow-kissed wildflowers. The wolf will lie down with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6). I won’t worry about bills to pay, sickness, or troubles of this earth. There will be no more tears (Revelation 7:17). It will more wonderful than I could ever imagine. And with all believers, I will sing praise to God around the eternal campfire of His throne. “Holy, holy, holy.”

And one cried to another and said:“ Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”

Isaiah 6:3 (NKJV)

My TEA CUPP Prayers

Praying God's Word … Inviting Ladies to TEA with the King of kings!

Category Archives: Short Essays on Faith

Looking Up at the Big Blue Sky

My Heart Inn

Heaven and Airports

The Narrow Gate

My Home’s in Montana…for now