Category: Articles

I choose health over anxiety. Where's my hymnal?

Got health? Real wealth? Worthwhile things are worth the fight.
The struggle to balance. The work to think straight. The temptations surrounding. The need to put off, put away, to breathe, to wait.
I’ll let go of blame and fret. I’ll look up, not out. If it pleases God, that’s my final answer. His way, not mine, or the popular opinion of the time.
I choose to follow the direction that God leads. Even though He knows, I will fail Him over and over as He watches me.
So I take hold  of some old trust-worthy words, and recite them aloud like a song of a bird,
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
Oh, there are ten thousand charms. Yes, riches, true riches are being near to God. Being full of peace and comfort, not fearing nor having alarm.
But alarm I have, and in fear I dive. But God is a help, and old hymns remind:

Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh
Come, ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry ’til you’re better
You will never come at all

 
God is love. We are not. He is gracious in His being. He is compassionate.  His heart is gentle and kind. He doesn’t parade Himself. He is truthful, all of the time.
He knows our thoughts.
He is able to make a hard heart soft. He is powerful and willing. So often, we are not.
Are we are tired of being sick? Are willing to change our direction.
God the Father through Jesus His Son, and the power of His Spirit can bring change to our whole story.
He can give us wealth of health with freedom and forgiveness.
And He gives us victory to bring a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
No longer dwelling on the failures of the past. No longer projecting of a future unknown. Living in the present on this earth making my house a dwelling place for the Lord.
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms.

Hymn by Joseph Hart:
Come, ye sinners, poor and needy
Weak and wounded, sick and sore
Jesus ready, stands to save you
Full of pity, love and power
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms
Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome
God’s free bounty glorify
True belief and true repentance
Every grace that brings you nigh
Come, ye weary, heavy-laden
Lost and ruined by the fall
If you tarry ’til you’re better
You will never come at all
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me in His arms
In the arms of my dear Savior
Oh, there are ten thousand charms

Get up! And fight with Hymn and Psalm

Crisis comes. The “fight” begins.  The battle is greatest against thoughts of fear and uncertainty. “The Lord is on thy side,” the old hymn reminds. But these words feel far removed at this time.
“Be Still My soul.” The words learned during past trial, now echo from deep below. “Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently, the cross of grief or pain.”
“Patiently.” That word. Who would ever choose that word?
Bear in l-o-n-g – s-u-f-f-e-r-i-n-g are my thoughts’ reasoning.  And, like a thread of continuation, “Love suffers long and is kind” pops in head.
“1 Corinthians 13 is impossible with man!” is my next exclamation. “I need a Savior.” is my heart’s cry.
Sorrow and fatigue leave me by a “Slough of Despond,” Just as in the old classic I have read. But, the Hymn of faith fights to bring truth to my lips,  “Leave to Thy God, to order and provide. In every change, He faithful will remain. Be still my soul.”
The battle rages against doubt and more doubt: “I can’t do this.” “God’s plan is not for good.”
“Why did He allow this?” My heart fails, only to remind me of a verse hidden there:
“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26.
Remembrance is as if picking up a sword, and doubt flees. “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73: 25, 26 reminded me what I forgot.
Forever. That includes today.
But God is …
“Be still my soul, thy best, thy heavenly friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.”
So, I take up a hymn and a Psalm for strength. I breath the words that my heart and mind have learned and I speak aloud that my whole being hears the sound:
“Be still my soul. Thy God doth undertake. To guide thy future, as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake,
in every change, he faithful will remain. Be still my soul. The waves and wind still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”
Faith restored, I open up God’s word. Psalm 73 speaks so personal to me: “Truly God is good to Israel. To such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped…”
“Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. NeverthelessI am continually with You;”
“You hold me by my right hand.”
“You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail;”
“But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:1,2,21-26.
My “forever” begins this minute, right now. Let us fight this battle with faith.
Join me? Let’s get up and get going in His strength. The Lord is on our side!
 
 
 
 

The prayer in the hymn. The answer within: "Just from Jesus, simply taking …

Deep inside, tired. Deep within, weary. Like a wilted plant longing for reviving water. We hold out our hands, and our spirits seek God. In our weakness of faith, we cry out to Him.
And He hears our silent voices. He sees our seeking hearts. He breathes upon our frame mysterious peace though nothing changes.
Personally, as for me, deep inside my heart, I write what the Living God, through His glorious Spirit does, as I long for so much, time and time again. My morning prayer is written – from an age old hymn.
Not the first part, nor the middle – but the last thought becomes my prayer: “… O for grace to trust Thee more … O for grace to trust You more.” Silent words repeated over and again, but with wholehearted meaning and truthfulness: “O for grace, to trust You more.”
The next thing I know is a resurrection takes place. My eyes lift up and my whole countenance has change. “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.” This is the Spirit of God speaking: “Trust Me.”
“Trust, … Me.”
I know the old words. What a treasure store. The Spirit brings them to my mind to answer and restore:“Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.”
Simply take from Jesus: life and rest, and joy and peace?
Then the realization is brought to mind, in my weariness, I’m not taking from Jesus – anything. Like stagnant waters with no movement and sound. But to my rescue at my soundless call, the Spirit woos me to remember His Song.
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
The next thing I know, my heart responds. Being reminded of my Love who is mine, evermore. And the song, though silent, stirs in my heart and revives me and prays the words I longed for:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Then those words, almost hidden, they are. Words that could be so easily missed – become highlighted to me and repeated again …
“Just from Jesus simply taking, life and rest. Joy and peace.” 
“Take from Me. Take from Me.” I feel my Jesus answer.
“I offer life. I offer rest. I offer joy and peace.”
What do we say, to the old hymn’s reminder? What is our response this day, this hour?
Let’s respond with the old words that are written, and be renewed in the spirit of our minds once again. Let us rejoice in the Lord, always – no matter the mess we’re in.
Let us sing, even aloud with our voices today,
“Jesus, Jesus, how I trust You. How I’ve proved You o’er and o’er Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust You more!”
“O for grace to trust You more.”
So, today I will go, knowing I will fail Him often. Especially in my trust in Him along the way. But there will be a day, when He calls me to meet Him, and I will finally be able to truthfully say:
“I’m so glad I learned to trust Him, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend”
but today, I will believe with all my heart the hymn:
“And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.”
Let us sing with rejoicing and be ignited with praise:
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood
And in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
 

Let's be gloriously changed – Let's choose to Praise

Let’s make the choice now, no matter the story. No matter the pains, the loss, the new worries.  To start the day with God and giving thanks is fine, but to end it in praise is victory, power, and brings a sound mind.
We be changed through the praise. God draws ever near, as we draw near to Him. Let our voices (aloud) ring clear.
“You are the LORD God Almighty. You are worthy. You are worthy. You are worthy to be praised.
You are Elohim, strong Creator of all the natural beauty we see.
We worship You God. Jehovah, I AM, (YHWH) self-existent, un-change-ing.
The Most High God, El-Elyon is worthy of our praise. There is none like You. Too much, too high, to great for our minds to comprehend and know.
But the Bible tells us, You loves us so.
We worship You Lord, for You alone are worthy. “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”(1) Worthy and  powerful – O so wonderful is Your Name.
We choose to think on things that are noble, right, and true, and altogether lovely. Yes, I choose to worship You:
Father, Son, You are Savior. We worship You Lord, You are Beginning and the End, the Lamb of God, and Friend.
We worship You Lord, for You alone are worthy. You are Eternal and Guide, You are King of all kings. You are Shelter. You are Judge. You are for us,  Cleansing.
You are Powerful, Faithful, Sustainer and Prince.
Majestic and Tower and Everlasting.
There is none like You God. You alone are worthy. I worship Your name, may nothing else take Your place.
You are Wisdom, Faithful, Merciful, Glorious.
You are Peace, Counselor, Healer, and Guard.
You are my Shepherd.
My Deliverer.
My Comforter.
Lord, You are my Hope.
You are my Joy. 
F-o-r-e-v-e-r, You are my Love.
You, God are gloriously magnificent.
You, “so loved the world,” (2) that Your Son You have sent.
I lift up Your name and proclaim with my voice  – “You, Lord God Almighty, are my Lord. You are my heart.”
I love You Lord Jesus, that You first loved me. Forgive me when I forget all that You are, all You did, and do:
Jehovah-Roi, the God who sees me. Jehovah-Shamma, Who promises to be there. Jehovah-Jirah, the LORD will provide.
O God, be my Adonai. My Lord, and Master, that I serve You -always.
I worship You Jesus. You have given me life. Today, this moment … for the rest of my life.
Amen. Amen. Let all the children say again,  “Amen.”
Praise goes before the battle and fight. Victory is won when I see God in all His might. Lead me Good Shepherd, as a sheep I often forget, to speak these words aloud and be transformed again, and … again.
(1) Proverbs 18:10, NIV.
(2) John 3:16.
 
 

As the ducks go by, my vision came clear

The world is a whirlwind of motion and time. The needs are great. Energy is given.
Babies held. Toddlers taught. Children learn what’s right what’s not. Schools full. Businesses open. Roads busy. Food prepared, and food being eaten. Time ticks on.
Are our thoughts all our own?
The pond in the park by the big oak tree sings. The still waters speak to halt my reasoning. My heart is calmed, my pace is slowed, my vision is expanded, and my mind’s thoughts echo:
“Maybe I’m confused. It’s not all about me. Maybe what I think is actually hurting me.
And somehow in the park, when the ducks go by “quacking,” I come to the conclusion: I’m not the center.
The stress, the strife, the fast pace of life, halts as the sun’s reflection sparkles the water. The smells of fresh air, and birds chirping everywhere. All my senses come to life. There’s something special about this moment, this moment in time.
In an instant my vision is expanded to include, not just me, and my world. My woes and and my goals, but to think about God. The Creator of all.
That’s what I need. I need more of Him.
I need God. Bottom line. Period.
As I needed the still waters of this pond, to bring vision to my broken heart. I need God to bring alive what’s died. I can’t look back I must move on.
And suddenly I’m saddened. “I’ve been lied to. Been made to believe that with my own reasoning and actions, I can achieve. That the course is simply A then to B. Then each step of the way, it’s all mine. It’s up to me.”
Oh, the lies I believed.  The whirl of the world and it’s hum of pride: “Yes, there’s a God. He’s “love” and all that. But look at this world. Can you really believe He’s in control? Be reasonable. Use your mind. You must wear your own hat!”
And the sun hit the water and the breeze sang a song, and the duck went by slowly with his “quack, quack, quack.” And my heart stopped singing it’s sad, mourning song.
I looked up, and blocked the intense light of the afternoon sun just by lifting my tiny, wrinkly thumb. I decided right there, in that very moment of time, that the “thumb” of pride and unbelief was going to be set aside.
I was going to use my “reason” and remember my need. I need God. Right now, today. Front and center, no longer me, but He.
If God says He sent His Son to set me free, from myself and the rest of the ugliness, (as I learned as a child, and then unlearned by the world), then that will be my vision. “For God so loved the world that He gave …” who was I to change God – to be what my mind says.
“Jesus, can You see me? Today, I accept Your love. Somehow, as the ducks “quacked” in the still waters of this pond, my vision was changed.”
“You became my vision, and I remembered Your blood. It has washed me clean. But I forgot. I was taught by this world that I didn’t need washed.”
“Wash me again, and again. O God, I’m so sorry. Will You forgive me?”
So I went home and read Psalm 139 aloud, to be reminded again, that in fact, He is the center of all I see:
“O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me. 

You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do];
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
 
Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken],
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And [You have] placed Your hand upon me.
 
Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead), behold, You are there.
 
If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
 
Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will take hold of me.
 
If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me,
And the night will be the only light around me,”

 
Even the darkness is not dark to You and conceals nothing from You,
But the night shines as bright as the day;
Darkness and light are alike to You.

 
For You formed my innermost parts;
You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.
 
I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.

 
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was being formed in secret,
And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were appointed for me,
When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape]. 

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You …

Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thoughts;

And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139, Amplified.

“Yes, Lord, You see me. Help me grow in You, each day, please.”

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In restlessness – He is peace.

Where is God in all this “restless-ness?” Wars going on outside and in. The struggles, the hardships, the anger, the hate. The words that go back and forth without restraint.
A prophet of old wrote in his letter: O LORD, “How long?” “How long, … must I call for help,” Habakkuk 1:1. This is how Habakkuk felt, yes, open it up – God’s word, and see for yourself.
“Why?” you might ask. Because, today, we “feel” the same way.
Habakkuk writes freely his complaints: “Oh LORD, are you not from everlasting? My God, my Holy One, …” (emphasis added), “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil, your cannot tolerate wrong. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? …”(1) Questions, questions – these are the same questions we daily ask ourselves.
We’re fighting for some peace, we’re yearning for a song.
And for me, in my house – (that is, in my heart and mind,) He came to rescue. He came to my help. He gave me His Song, Psalm 23:1.”The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”
But in great need, and stress and fret, I spoke the full Psalm, from beginning to … “and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, forever,” the end. And I thought, “forever” is a very long time.
Then the question, “Where am I dwelling, right now, in this moment? Am I dwelling in His house, or have I let “faith” walk out His Door?” “Without faith, it’s impossible to please God.”(3) Was this the lesson for Habakkuk as well?
He invited me in, to come into His house, that I am “forever to dwell.” But He knows, I go astray, each and every day. But He offers “peace” unlike the world, “His peace,” He so graciously gives, even though I mess up, and sin …
so very often.
A song, an old hymn came to my mind just then, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”(4) 
It can’t just be “God” and “heavenly thoughts.” I called and I cried to “Our Father in heaven,” and He drew near to me, and reminded me “hallowed be His name.”
He can’t be what my small brain makes Him, He must be Who He is. And “Holy is His name.” But more amazing still, His “grace is sufficient.”(5).
So, to conclude this whole matter of restlessness and stress, and my mind running in circles, (can anyone relate?) May I learn from God’s help that He “presently” sent. And remember as Habakkuk had learned as well) …
I put some breath on the strings, that He, Himself has given (to each of us, no less), and I made the choice to sing, …
to sing praise for His glory, as I was (and seem to be always), in a battle of wills to trust God, it seems.  I sang and I prayed, and a “present” peace I received. But “today”, and “tomorrow” (if God will’s be mine) may I remember to put sound on the strings He designed.
Let us humble ourselves and praise His name “forever.”
“After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 20:21.
(1) Habakkuk 1:12,13.
(2) Psalm 100.
(3) Hebrews 11:6.
(4) Hymn: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.
(5) 2 Corinthians 12:9.
 

Fruit, the glorious fruit of praise!

The Story reveals it, from Genesis to the last page. Stillness is required. Brokenness invites. Pain and affliction powerfully change our direction. There’s a fight inside to move forward, to move on.
God, in the beginning – created all we see. He is not pacing the heavens, whether or not we believe. But, it does matters ultimately, …
to you and to me – because God is eternal and also His Word. And man who is created in His image as well. Ultimately, it must needs be important to you and to me, to think on where we will spend eternity!
If believed, that God created it all, that He said, “Let there be light,” and we believe that “it’s so.” Then, God puts “light” in the depth of our soul. He divides the darkness of sin and brings sight to our heart. He said, “this is good.”
And evening and morning are the first day – a new birth is born. God’s Name … to be praised!
He, the God of Creation, Elohim, Three-in-One, then separates the waters, and brings the breath back to our lungs. 
He gives us ground to stand on, and restores vision where we knew not, we were blind. He turns us inour  thinking. He touches our confused minds.
“Earth” it is called, which “brings for grass and herb, and seed after it’s kind. God gathered the waters, and as “Seas” they are known. This is the Story given, expanding our place. This is a new beginning, and “God” is the center. He initiates.
No longer do we think the sun revolves around earth. We know that the sun is the center of our Universe. Yes, and breaking new ground, in my mind each new day, is the revelation of … the Son in the center of my life, for now and always!
“O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” King James Version Psalms 8:1. A new day has dawned. “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast  thou ordained strength…” Yes, indeed, this new babe is proclaiming God’s praise.
By means of “insignificant creatures,” babies, as it were – God’s name is praised. And from these lips, each new day, “Praise” will keep me secure.
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Psalm 8:3, brings a meditation to me.
It is time “consider the heavens” and the work that God has “wrought” with only his “fingers.” And the Word from His mouth brings such beauty about. “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth.” Believing God and seeking His face is abundant life, each day is new birth.
“We raise our shouts, O God, to thee, And send them to thy throne; All glory to the united Three The undivided One. 
‘Twas he, and we’ll adore his name, That form’d us by a work; ‘Tis her restores our ruin’d frame: Salvation to the Lord!” Old penned words by Charles Spurgeon, bring morning dew and inspiration.
“Glory to God, the center, the Source. In Jesus name,  may we plod His course. Moment by moment, by His glorious power. May we praise and cry out and continually seek, the One who made us and has ears when we call. The One who cares and is a “present Hand to help”those who put their trust in His name. He is faithful, He is able, He is the LORD, above all.
The earth brings forth fruit after its kind. May the foundations of our heart rejoice in God, and seek the face of Jesus and ask continually the Holy Spirit to help us be fruitful as a …  tree, beside the still waters, surrounded by green sod.
Praise be the Lord forever! Praise be to our God!
 
 

No Pillars to Hold the Sky

My eyes fell upon an old story told, that Martin Luther, in years gone by, spent time in awe and wonder at the “arch of heaven” as he gazed at the sky. It stands mysteriously “unsupported by pillars,” upheld by “unseen power,” with ocean-depth’s high.
“Certainly this is a lesson from God.” Martin Luther believed. “If God can hold up the heavens, He can hold up all that concerns me.” Luther pondered the Word in this way.  We can be reminded to ponder Him* too.
God holds up the arc of the heavens. He separated with His Word “the waters from the waters.” Genesis 1:6, we see this recorded.
“And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.” Genesis 1:8. These verses are often brushed over with barely a thought.
But when the heavens feel as if to be crashing down on me – in a day of my life – causing great strife and deep, bitter grief. I think on the unseen pillars of God’s strong arms, which hold up the sky – with power that is able,  and I breathe …
through the present moment, and then the next.  The powerful Word changes my mind from losing it all together to being almost sane, one moment at a time.
“Can you see my strong arms?” I can almost hear Him whisper. So I search and I look and my eyes are lifted up. Fear and doubt and anxious thoughts fall as my eyes and my breath search and seek for Love’s powerful touch.
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; … with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3. “Think on these things. Think of Me.”
In a moment when I could go either way, from fear to faith – from faith to fear – unseen arms lift, the heaviness of the clouds that press down on me, up to separate and place me above the waters and waves of the stormy sea.

Ponder with me? Inspired by an old story.
Let us seek and search and discover together, the unseen arms of the One Who can hold us together.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7, New Living Translation.

 And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.”  So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.  God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. Genesis 1:6-8.
“This is what the Lord says: … “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, …” Jeremiah 29: 11-14. 

  • *Revelation 19:12-14. …”He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is THe Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses.”

(1) Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible, pg.2.

Light. Day, inside of me? How about you?

Stretched out like a curtain, the blue heavens opened. A Word was spoken, “Let there be light.” And “light” was there. It’s written. “God said,” and it was so.
Light separates. Darkness escapes.
The Book’s been opened, the words are read. But is there something stirring in my heart, and my head? Could this be … “evening and morning” a new day dawning? Like a ‘first day’ for me. I’m so desperate for ‘new.’ How about you?
God says “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3).  And somehow, I see something more than the ordinary. The hope is there, but it’s quickly erased by fear. Such a battle rages in every thought, every breath. Is there a way to move forward? Life is so complex.
Add to the mix, pain in the story. A bleeding heart or a body breaking down. The need for money so that the ends don’t fray. Life whirls past, then a new day.
There’s a hunger deep, for love, for more. Longing –  loneliness for someone to care. Someone to hear. Won’t someone listen? Anywhere?
On this day, in this moment, an old chorus comes to mind – from the need of love that never changes, that doesn’t turn and never leaves – a song from the deep came up to the surface:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new ever morning,”
“Never ceases,” the steadfast love of the Lord? How can His mercies never come to an end? Could they really be, new every morning? For me? Does God know my story? What about you?
“Let there be light,”
“And it was so.”
God says so.
No one did anything. God spoke. God simply “said,” and “it was so.” Incredible!
And, this day I read, perhaps, just for myself: “And there was evening, and there was morning–the first day” Genesis 1:5.
I can’t conceive, it’s too amazing to grasp, but even for me, even for me, and most definitely you too – on this new day, I believe. I believe in a whole new light. Somehow, there’s hope and courage for all things new.
Will you join me in this? His mercies never come to an end.
The word “never“ means according to the dictionary: “at no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not ever.”
Never do the mercies of God come to an end. “At no time in the past or future; on no occasion; not ever.” Guilt has no place, the Word dis-spells the darkness.
Genesis 1:5, God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning–the first day.
Today. God has separated the darkness from the light. Today, God has made my Night – Day. How about you? Let’s walk in the Light, and have courage to walk, step by step, with a willing heart to discover God’s Word. We can grow together in discovering just how much Jesus, the Son that God sent, loves us so:
Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus Loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so. (Jesus loves me, hymn).
 
 

Teach us to pray with a hymn of old …

“Be Still my soul … ” (1)
O God … How can it be? The reality? God help us see – that You are the Almighty. “Be Still my soul … Be Still my soul.” 
Words – are powerful. Let us speak old words together. With tears and pain, whether seen on the outside – it is raining within. Let us cry out with our whole heart  – “O God – increase our faith  – again.”
 Words penned in 1752, over 200 years ago, bring health to the soul, somehow. So, today, let us pray together, to our God Almighty and our Father in heaven, with old words, true, (yet ‘first person’, is changed a few)-  that we might  comfort ourselves in You. Let us say together:    “Be Still my Soul.” 
“Be Still my soul, The Lord is on our side …
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to our God to order and provide;
In every change, You faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.”
“Dear God there is so much change. But You, O LORD remain. We draw near to You, and You draw near when we do. O God, help us, today in such darkness, take hold of Your light and believe and rest …
in Your faithfulness:
“Be still, my soul: Our God doth undertake
To guide the future, as You have the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
Your voice Who ruled them while You dwelt below.”
“Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart, And all is darkened in the vale of tears, Then shalt we  better know Your love, Your heart,
Who comes to soothe our sorrow and our fears.
“Dear Lord, comfort the downcast with Your Spirit, we draw near.”
“Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with You Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.”
“Dear Father in heaven, we bow our heads together. The most important change that needs be, is that which must be done, inside of me. Increase my faith, that I might stand, and follow You, as You take hold of my hand:
“Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing,  You, O Lord on high; to
Acknowledge You in all our words and ways,
So shall You  view us with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Son of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.”
Today! Today! This is what You have given us. Teach us to pray!
Teach us to trust. Help us to take hold of You – who are Love, and let go of all lust. Let us put off the fight, and the anger, and the strife …
and let us make harmony as we sing Your melody throughout the rest of our life.
We bow our heads, we pray to You. We end our words  and whole heartedly say:  “Our soul is still, as we set our minds on the hill, where You laid down Your life, as a perfect sacrifice, forgiving my failures, Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You.”
(1) “Be Still My Soul” by Katherine von Schlegel. 

Not just a Teacher

Not just a Teacher with impossible commands, “Be holy, be blameless, let love rule your heart. Trust Me with your life, take hold of My hand.” So much of His Word, we simply don’t understand.
Impossible with man, His commands prove to be. For example, “Love  – your – enemy.” But Jesus is more than a Teacher – He is. He’s Redeemer. He takes from us weakness, and gives His power in return. He takes from us doubt and reason of thought, and gives us hope and faith beyond what we are.
He’s not a rule-book, or judge, yet He is both of these. But first and foremost, He’s Redeemer and puts His very nature in me. Who wants to hear, “Blessed be the poor in spirit,” ? Jesus’ words exactly.
So the book is closed, because it brings about a storm, in the heart of man as we walk out our paths. And, step by step, our feet  become worn, and in our own strength, we become defeated and torn.
But, His Book is the main event. His Book is the main Story. Not about man and how he messed it all up, but about Jesus who was given to bring life back from death, to restore man’s weak breath, to open blind eyes to see, and give to ‘the poor in spirit’ the power of God’s glory.
The Book, the Bible, God’s Holy Word is a love letter to His Bride, His Redemptive Story. There is no understanding at all for a man, until he’s poor in spirit, then God fills his heart and his mind to understand.
Then a complete change in the spirit so poor, filled with the love of God that just wasn’t there before. Power to overcome, to hope, to believe. Resurrection power, not once and for all, but step by step, by the Spirit within. The Spirit of God, beyond our comprehension.
He’s not just a Teacher. He’s the Son of God. He’s been sent to be Savior, Savior of the whole world.  And He died, but He rose – that we might receive, all that He is at work now, in me. The very nature of God empowers a surrendered heart, forgets all that’s lost and brings a new start.
The Holy Spirit Comforts and guides and helps us at best. He reminds us, Jesus is not just a Teacher – He is Peace, He is Love, He is Hope, He is Life, He is Bread, He is Shepherd, He is Patient, He is Kind, – the whole entire Book, the whole of the Story is about the Redeemer, that we might presently, and eternally – have rest.
______________
Matthew 5:
1One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes
3“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
7God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:1-10.
These are the words of Jesus. New Living Translation, simple, not sweet. But written for life’s transformation.

 
 
 

Drawing pictures as the Story is read …

The Story is told. But often lost and forgotten.  Let’s read the old words, and bring the pictures to our vision: “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and Even and clothed them.” This is Genesis 3:21, the New International Version.
(Rough rhyme, I’m aware. But perhaps rhythm and flow and melodious sound will help the ears listen to the old Words that are found.)
Did they ask for the garments? Did they cry out to God? The first man and woman, now knew they were bare. The Story is told in Genesis chapter 3, how they took itchy leaves and sewed them right there.
The sound of the LORD God was heard in the garden, so they took off and hid, from the LORD out of fear. “Where are you?” asked God.
Do you think He knew – that Adam disobeyed and Eve was deceived? Did God know they ate from the one tree forbidden? It’s quite obvious, they knew that He knew, from the Story that is given.
Adam blamed the woman, and she blamed the snake. The Story in Genesis 3 is repeated time and time again- but what happened next? Man wasn’t asking, “Where are You, God?” They were warned of a death if they disobeyed – now they were hiding, and blaming, and afraid.
“The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife,” God saw, God knew, God loved and made provision: The LORD God made garments of skin, “… and clothed them.” 
Adam and Eve were going to suffer for this deed, for the rest of our lives. Yes, our lives indeed. But God made provision, the picture is clear, way back when, that we might understand, His hands covered them, with a sacrificial lamb.
“Who is the LORD God?” “What’s He about?” “Where is He now, in this world upside-down?” “What’s He doing about all that we see?”  Confused hearts cry out, or think in their own reason completely.
But the Ancient Book on the shelves of all ages, has a sacrificial lamb written of, all through the pages. “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John chapter 1 verse 29, brings more than a covering. This Lamb’s Divine.
The Lamb of God, provided by the Father, takes away all the mess, shame, guilt and lies, and clothes us anew. How can we refuse?
But, so often we do.
Perhaps the picture of God we have in our head, must be renewed and transformed, by finding out and searching for what He actually says.
“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”(1) This is the picture of God in His Book.
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and Even and clothed them.” Today, let us draw new pictures of God, and learn of Him. In His Word – let us daily take a look.
(1) Exodus 34:6,7.
 

The Gift Giver

Notice, freedom to choose.

Given by God.

God gives, God gave.

 

Freedom to hate.

Choice has been given to man from God.

He’s the Creator above.

He’s the Author of life.

Choice was given, because God loves.

It’s so sad to see what we do to God.

Blame Him,

The Author of life. An eye for design, has gained pleasure with color,sound, shape, and line.
But His greatest joy, I believe I have learned, is when we choose to believe, receive and love Him back in return.
Then a song develops deep in our heart, and abiding in Him, strengthened by Him, joy returns with each day’s new start.
He’s a gift giver, our Father in heaven, reaches out His great hand. He sees, He knows, He is able … and He waits … ’till we reach out to Him.
If we don’t, we won’t see – that our Father in heaven sent Jesus to save us and the Holy Spirit of promise to keep, comfort, and help us.
The gift of God is gloriously expressed in heavenly sunsets, and sunrises. He is the Master Artist, the Author of life, and patient as He waits … for us to call Him beside us.
He’s the Creator of all that we see. He is Great. He is God. And we all have a choice. To live in the Spirit in fellowship with Him, or walk away from Him and follow the lead of our own voice.
Freedom to choose. God, the greatest gift giver.  Freedom to love. When we choose Jesus, we bring God complete pleasure.
Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
John 1:12,  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

"This I recall to my mind …" Lamentations 3:21

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope …” Lamentations 3:21. 
Jeremiah, a prophet of God, wrote these words. Who was Jeremiah? What exactly is a prophet?  What did he recall to his mind to bring him hope? Why was he so hope-less?
At a time like this, with a world filled with violence, and sudden destruction, and immorality, and confusion, perhaps we should recall the same things Jeremiah did, that gave him hope. 
Jeremiah lived in a time filled with much the same as what we experience today, only, this was around 600BC.
Jeremiah was a prophet of God. Webster’s Dictionary’s definition from back in 1828 reminds us that a prophet: In Scripture,  (is) a person illuminated, inspired or instructed by God to announce future events; as Moses, Elijah, David, Isaiah, etc.
Etc., including, Jeremiah. He was instructed by God to tell His people, (the nation of Judah, the children of Israel,) that they were bringing an avalanche upon themselves in judgement because they had turned away from their God.
Jeremiah was to show the people they had turned their back on their Creator-King, their Provider, their Protector. The One who gave them manna from heaven, the One who was their ‘pillar of cloud’ to lead the way, and their ‘pillar of fire’ to give them light in the night. 
Jeremiah prophesied for 40 years warning the people of destruction if they didn’t turn their faces to God. Not one person turned. Zero, zilch, nada.
Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. But, he wept for the people, not himself.
Jeremiah wrote: “All your enemies have opened their mouth against you; they hiss and gnash their teeth. They say, “We have swallowed her up! Surely this is the day we have waited for; we have found it, we have seen it!”  ( Lamentations 2:16).
Jeremiah weeps. He also writes: “Their heart cried out to the Lord.” (Lamentations 2:18).
Jeremiah reminds the people of Jerusalem’s hope: To cry out to the Lord,”O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; Give yourself no relief; Give your eyes no rest. Arise cry out in the night … pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord …” ( Lamentations 2:18,19).
Jeremiah deals with depression and the devastation around him, and he writes words that are hope. 
Hope for him, Jeremiah who wept, and those whom he would hope to hear him back then.  And, hope for me and for you, if our hearts are soft, if we are willing to hear. Jeremiah wrote inspired by the Lord:
“This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, therefore I hope in Him!”
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly …
For the salvation of the LORD.”(Lamentations 3:21-26).
Jeremiah, I hear the words you proclaim from the Lord,so many, many years later. I am here to turn my face to the Lord, for such a time as this.
Let us,’pour out our hearts like water  before the Lord’s face.
“Hear our cries Lord to You. We will trust in You, for You are our God.” Amen.