Category: Devotions/Letters

Cancer with a little “c” helped me SEE Christ with a capital “C”

   

(God’s Hand painting: JonathanRypkema, 2010.)

I didn’t begin to write until my cancer fight.

But, I had to write, if only for myself.

God placed on my heart to write that I might remember good themes while facing the battle before me.

Cancer changes you. For me,  it was for good.

I had many cancers of thought and attitude as well, growing in my heart after “life happens,” in other words,  great affliction and testing.

Through a flood of trial, thought patterns of fear, anger, and uncertainty came over me through the course of a day and the battle felt too great to overcome, yes, even in the Lord. 

Yes, “My flesh and my heart,” did fail, but “God was the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm  73:26. 

The physical battle of cancer kicked me into a renewed faith to live, abide, and trust in God, moment by moment.

Has your life been rudely interrrupted by something tramatic and painful? 

God did not “cause” this cancer, but He is in control and He most certainly “allowed” this trial in my life. 

It’s as if I ws “blind” to many wonderful things about God, and He allowed me to “SEE HIM” in my agony like never before.

So much so, I became what some might say, a “Jesus Freak,” so to speak!

How will we know God is All-sufficient until we’re allowed to be in a place where we have no sufficiency in ourselves.

After the cancer diagnosis, I grew strong through the Word of God by day,  but, I admit,  at night, fear would come rushing in to envelope me.

I recited aloud scriptures I had memorized. They permeated deep inside me, increasing my faith in a God I couldn’t see, but I believed was drawing near to me, personally, individually, intimately.

I prayed the name of Jesus, over and again. Victory of anxious thoughts was won moment by moment.

Weeks before the cancer diagnosis, I was feeling pains in my pelvic bone and excessive fatigue. After the diagnosis, before the scans, I feared the cancer had spread to my bones. Would I have a fourth stage diagnosis?

One particular night I felt compelled to get out of bed, to literally fall prostrate before the Lord.

I prayed,

“Lord God, I’m afraid this cancer has  metastasized to my bones. Please heal me. Heal my bones.”

I went back to bed. The verse in 2 Kings came to mind, “Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”
I felt the crazy desire to pray in this manner, seven times. 

So, I prayed on my face that night seven times.

I prayed in Jesus’ name for mercy and healing of my body. 

Weeks later, my bone scan results were clear.  However, a large cancer tumor, remained in my breast. What to do?

My father, Dr. Ernst E. Born, M.D. had passed away some years before.  He was an oncologist/surgeon in Arizona. 

As I grew up,  Poloroid pictures of tumors, surgically removed  that day lay on our kitchen counter.  This was a great encouragement for me to take vitamins and strive to be healthy.

I was a natural and alternative medicine person through and through.

After the tests and the diagnosis, my schedule was filled quickly with surgeon and oncology visits. 

The woman behind the surgeon’s office counter was from church.  A Christian song  played from the speaker in the room as I waited. 

I heard a voice, not audibly, but impressed upon me, from behind saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” as I walked in to meet the oncologist. 

“This is the way, walk in it,” chemo, surgery, traditional medicine, but I had a peace that passed all my understanding. God was with me. 

Part of the  chemo I had to endure was nicknamed by my oncology nurse, The Red Devil, because it was red and it kills cancer. (Adriamycin was used decades before by my dad to fight cancer. He would’ve been happy.)

Chemo has it’s good, I suppose, and it’s bad, and ugly.Chemo was the hardest thing I had ever been through in my life, and I birthed eleven children, completely natural.

After my third treatment, my dear friend drove me home after I was loaded up with the prescribed chemo for that day. Within an hour I was sick. My body wasn’t used to such invasion.

I laid down after my friend Andrea had prayed for me. She reluctantly left me to have some rest while my sweet neighbor Estelle had the kids for a bit. With my eyes closed, I felt I could feel death in my bones.

Anyway, I started talking to God with fear,  “Lord, I think they misjudged the amount of chemo.”

I thought I was dying. I was looking for lights or brightness.  I saw none.

Anyway, I saw darkness. But suddenly there was a door.

It was open. There was light shining out of the door. Then I saw His hands, palms side up. Scarred, but healed.

“Not all know Me as their King,” (words from Glen Keane’s children’s book, Adam Raccoon and the Mighty Giant,  I read thousands of times), were the thoughts that I heard clearly in my heart.

I knew right then, I was going to live. God gave me marching orders for my future.

The hands that were stretched out in the vision had the scars from the nails.

Jesus knows all about scars . . . because He laid down His life for each one of us. Especially me. Especially you. Everyone.

And, as best I can, being in this fleshy human body, with many weaknesses and temptations, I would like to lay down my life for Him. 

One day at a time. Moment by moment.

God allows us trial. He has us enter battles of emotion, physical weakness, spiritual fatigue. But God,. . . 

He faithfully brings us through. He brought me through. I was carried by the prayers of the saints, through His Word, and , one more point to my story,

He brought me to the hymns. I’m a guitarist. I came to know the Lord in a contemporary church. But He allowed trial. And, for someone who doesn’t sit well, He allowed great stillness.

 That same afternoon, after the third chemo treatment, after the vision,  I opened a hymnal on the shelf to Be Still My Soul:

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Its as if I never knew this truth, and it was for me, right then: The Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

The Spirit of the living God fell afresh on me and ministered a breath of restoration and hope in me.

I could go out in peace and  the courage of God.

He loved me through my times of doubt and fear, and He loves us still through our struggles. He meets us there when we seek Him.

God encouraged me, “Draw near to Me, and I’ll draw near to you.” 

I learned Be Still My Soul on the guitar and sang it to myself often. It’s recorded with parts of Psalm 18, to be music therapy for me, and hopefully someone else going through trial.

Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds shall know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

 Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel

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Let me know if my story brings comfort in any way. It makes it all worth it. Every bit of it.

What have we done with Jesus?

“Don’t bring Jesus here. Don’t include Him in there,” growls the Public School System and the Public Squares.

“His name offends. Leave it out altogether. It’s time for tolerance,” exclaims the media’s voice.

Where is the wise man (philosopher)? Where is the scribe (scholar)? Where is the debater (logician, orator) of this age? Has God not exposed the foolishness of this world’s wisdom? 1 Corinthians 1:20.

Are we tolerant of everything except Jesus? Can we not discern the double standards?

There is no mystery. God’s Word explains:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God 1 Corinthians 1:18.

Jesus. Foolishness to those who are perishing.

But God . . .

He allows in this broken world, the blessing of brokenness in the lives of man, that the heart of man might have vision, in due time, to finally see Jesus, as the Passover Lamb, who’s blood was shed that our lives might be saved.

And we are “being saved” after we finally admit we are “perishing” in our own wisdom and strength, and we pray for the first genuine time, “I need You Lord.” I need a Savior to deliver me from myself and sin. Forgive me and give me life again.”

And to us who are “being saved” we know Jesus, as the name who resurrects what was dead and brings it to life.

We know Jesus to be the Light for the steps we take in this dark world.

We know Jesus to be a flowing river of deep abiding joy and peace. Jesus becomes our “better than” wine.

God is Spirit. He’s everywhere. He’s in the Public School, whether they know it or not. God is in the Public Square, He’s in the history stories and science book.

God is in control.

What have we done with Jesus?

That’s a personal question. God works one-on-one.

Jesus waits.

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe 1Corinthians 1:21.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength 1 Corinthians 1:25.

The Report has gone out.

Privately, one-by-one, Jesus waits when we realize we are perishing after going astray, and grace enters full-view, and we see He died for just me,

only me.

And our minds open wide and we bid Him invitation.

He’s gracious. He’s compassionate. He knows we are but sheep:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all Isaiah 53:6.

Have we invited Him in? Anywhere is fine for the Lord. The public square, the school library. He dwells in hearts of praise. Let’s believe Him today.

Isaiah 53:1-5: “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?”
“For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.”

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from  him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities,
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; 
and with his stripes we are healed.”

Please talk to someone if you asked Jesus in your heart today! Angels in heaven rejoice when a heart receives salvation. God bless you, for all eternity with life abundant.







Time to ponder: Corrie Ten boon

Increased faith  is gained by reading biographies.

The Hiding Place, written by Corrie Ten boon is one such biography.  This is a hard, but unforgettable read.  The suffering was great, but the testimony of God’s faithfulness shines bright in the darkness:

“You will never know that Christ is all you need until Christ is all you have,” Corrie Ten boon.

In The Hiding Place, Corrie writes of her family’s  capture by the Nazi’s. Taken abruptly from their home, they became prisoners for hiding Jewish friends during World War II.

I share a portion of her story here in hopes to increase faith for our own days here and now.

Corrie writes of a time confined into a cell of solitary confinement with endless amounts of time, stripped of everything. However, before confinement, Corrie gave credit to God, who was present in a nurse, who only had seconds but asked Corrie,

“Quick! Is there any way I can help you?”

Corrie’s quick response, “Yes, Oh yes. A Bible! Could you get me a Bible? And a needle and thread. And a toothbrush. And soap!”

Well, later Corrie did receive 2 small precious bars of soap and not an entire Bible, but little books of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

“I stepped inside. The door clanged behind me. The bolt was slammed shut . . . six steps long, two wide, a single cot at the back.

I must not let my thoughts run wildly; I must be very mature and very practical. Six steps. Sit down on the cot. This one reeked even worse than the other: he straw seemed to be fermenting. I reached for the blanket: someone had been sick on it. I thrust it away . . . at that moment the light bulb in the ceiling went out.

The cell was bitter cold, wind hammered against the wall. In the morning my fever was worse.”

But God was with her, and she had received the gospels, the Good News. Here is what she writes:

“As my health returned, I was able to use my eyes longer. I had been sustaining myself from my Scriptures a verse at a time; now like a starving man I gulped entire gospels at a reading, seeing whole magnificent drama of salvation.

And as I did, an incredible thought pricked the back of my neck. Was it possible that this—all of this that seemed so wasteful and so needless—this war, Scheveningen prison, this very cell, none of it was unforeseen or accidental?

Could it be part of the pattern first revealed in the Gospels? Hadn’t Jesus been defeated as utterly and unarguably as our little group and our small plans had been?

But . . . if the Gospels were truly the pattern of God’s activity, then defeat was only the beginning. I would look around at the bare little cell and wonder what conceivable victory could come from a place like this.” (The Hiding Place, pg.139).

Four months later, Corrie had a trial with a Lieutenant Rahms. With his true National Socialistic mentality, he remarked about Corrie’s family’s humanitarian efforts,  “What a waste of time and energy! “If you want converts, surely one normal person is worth all the half-wits in the world!”

After reading the gospels for four months and keeping company with a few ants that came to eat crumbs through a crack in her cell, here is Corries response to a Nazi Lieutenant: “The truth , Sir, . . . is that God’s viewpoint is sometimes different from ours —so different that we could not even guess at it unless He had given us a Book which tells us such things.”

Did you know that instead of getting into more trouble, the following morning this Nazi Lieutenant himself unlocked her cell door and escorted her to her hearing.

She writes Lieutenant Rahms words, “I could not sleep last night, thinking about that Book where you have read such different ideas. What else does it say in there?”

“On my closed eyelids the sun glimmered and blazed, “It says,’ I began slowly, ‘that a Light has come into this world, so that we need no longer walk in the dark.’ Is there darkness in your life, Lieutenant?”

There was a very long silence.

“There is great darkness,” he said at last. “I cannot bear the work I do here.”

The Hiding Place uncovers many great testimonies of light in great darkness.

“When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not! You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through . . .” Corrie Ten boon.

Taking a glimpse of this story invigorates faith in me today.  I hope you Agree.

Four other quotes among many in Quotes of Corrie Ten boon are:

“Do you know what hurts so very much? It’s love. Love is the strongest force in the world, and when it is blocked that means pain. There are two things we can do when this happens. We can kill that love so that it stops hurting. But then of course part of us dies, too. Or we can ask God to open up another route for that love to travel.”
“Today I know that such memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work he will give us to do. ”
“And our wise Father in heaven knows when we’re going to need things too. Don’t run out ahead of him.”
“Love is larger than the walls which shut it in.”
“Even as the angry vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him . . . Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me your forgiveness . . . And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world’s healing hinges, but on his. When he tells us to love our enemies, he gives along with the command, the love itself.”
Let us ask the Lord that He may give us His forgiveness and His Agape love.
“Help us Lord Jesus, we can’t do these things without You.
In Jesus name, we pray,
Amen

Knowing God through Worship, Everyday

Many years ago, sitting high above the row of seats in the sanctuary in a small, separated “new mom’s room” with a window. I was alone with a new baby. Jesus and me and a new-born. It was my fourth child.

Worship was in progress.

My heart was over-flowing with thanks to God for a healthy baby, for a safe delivery, for energy to be at church with a one-week old.

Holding a new little miracle, (as all children are), I came to the house of worship to give thanks to God.

I will confess, when I first found out I was expecting, again, . . .  my heart and mind didn’t take hold of celebration, but instead, fear and anxiety, “Who has four kids?”

“I’ll probably never play the guitar again.”

God could see my selfishness in the beginning, but, He had a plan.

God patiently loved me still. He turned my heart completely.

He changed me.

I came to worship Him.

Who is God besides our Lord?

There is no love like God’s love:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

God endured all for me, and you.

God’s love believes in me, and you.

God’s love hopes all things for everybody.

“God’s love never fails.”

My mind couldn’t (and can’t) fully comprehend the width and depth of God’s love.  But holding this knew baby, somehow, my spirit knew the language to speak,

“Worship Him.”

This was an extra-ordinary day, but what about the ordinary? What if we make the choice? Today. To have a heart of praise.

Let’s worship God. Let’s lift up spiritual words with the sound of our voice to meet the Lord in a quiet place. That He might meet us here, and pour out His grace:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

A worshipful heart has no room for complaint or lack. God’s presence dwells in praise. He brings peace to experience His love.

He is our Father in heaven. He is holy. He alone is Love:

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

The Father gave, the Son obeyed, the Spirit reminds me, “Worship the King.”

And in the very act of worship,

we believe Him purer, understand Him greater, sense His love deeper.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Oh, to have a heart of worship this day. Not just those precious moments, but the ordinary days as well.

“Oh, that we would know You greater, God of Love and grace. Empty us of ourselves and fill us with Your praise:

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Full of Joy? Guaranteed, after spending time with the Lord.

The rains that come before sunny spring days can make life feel cold, stagnant, and grey. But, we know this will pass and the sun will shine. We must wait, without fret.

We can trust in the Lord.

The sun is hidden behind the clouds, but we know it’s there, continuing it’s daily course:

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
 It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth Psalm 19:4-6.

The clouds and rains are good for the ground. The seed is broken and soon will sprout. We can trust in God, and grow in Him, if we spend time in His word each day:

The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul Psalm 19:7.

How can we know if we don’t take time to seek God? We need refreshing of the soul—whether we are young or old.

We must first consider, am I His child? Ask Him to fill your life. Receive His Son, His forgiveness, His hope. In Jesus’ Name, thank Him for new life.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple Psalm 19:7.

Worthy of our trust, the Bible says of God’s Word. Wisdom from God will fill our simple minds.

Yes, and we can know that God hears our prayers. The Bible tells us so, time and again. When we call on His name, He is Faithful and True.

The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart Psalm 19:8.

Taking time for what’s good and right. The Word of God will give joy to our heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes Psalm 19:8.

The sun shines in our heart as we witness the goodness of God. 

God does the work. We must trust, know Him more and more, and seek to obey. The seed of love will grow. 

As we adore Him, the hymn proclaims: “Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!

Speak aloud old words of praise and our hearts are refreshed as sun that appears after a rain.

The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous Psalm 19:9.

We can trust our God. He is right in all He does. We must seek Him when we are tempted and afraid. He is only a prayer away.

Our faithful God, the Light of the Lord, abides in our praises. Let’s speak Henry J van Dyke’s words of praise:

Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life.

(Tell me, if the peace of God touched your heart as it did mine, speaking aloud God’s hymns and Psalms!)

Am I His Child? Can I know?

Promise of rest.

Promise of peace.

If we have no strength to hold on to anything. God promises to hold His children through the storm.

Who is a child of the Lord? Are all people born?

The Bible instructs us to hear. His Word says, to those who believe in His name He gives rights.

He gives the right to become His child: Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—John 1:12.

What name? Who? What’s going on in our spirit? Does it fight and war against God, or is it broken and ready to hear it?

The name?

Jesus.

Who is He? Spend time walking with Him in the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

In today’s world we can listen audibly to the Word of God. Instead of popular music, the choice can be made to hear the music of God’s love.

Ask Him to help you understand. Pray to God. Ask Him to show you Himself in His Word.

Do you think God will answer a prayer like that? Ask, seek, knock. He instructs open, willing hearts:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened, Matthew 7:7,8.

What’s the Father in heaven like?

The Bible tells us all:

 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  Matthew 7:10,11. 

Ask God. Seek His face.

“What’s the importance of the Bible?” Let God help you know:

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name, John 20:31.

The Lord Himself will reveal His truth. Ask His Spirit to help you understand. He will show you the Way.

When we believe in Jesus, He comes in and heals, forgives, and lifts our guilt by the power of His blood. The atoning sacrifice Jesus gave on the cross, sets us free from our past and great losses.

The promises of God are our gain. We believe Jesus. We become His child.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life1 John 5:13.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him 1 John 5:13-15.1

 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.  We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. 1 John 5: 19,20.

And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

We can know that we are children of God.

God, our Father in heaven, knows that we are healthy and blessed when we walk according to His ways and rest:

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 1 John 2:3.

  But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him:  Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did, 1 John 2:5,6.

So, as a child of God, we must seek to know Him greatly that we might live our lives for Him completely.

Our Valentine Promises

The true Valentine keeps promises to His own.

To all who receive Him, He makes their heart His home.

He is the Vine, our Valentine.

He asks that we abide and unite with His Word and fruit will come forth bringing glory to the Lord:

Speak aloud age-old hymns and be revived in the soul. Actively respond, and discover, it is so:

“Quicken’d by thee, and kept alive, I flourish and bear fruit; My life I from thy sap derive, My vigour from thy root. 

I can do nothing without thee; My strength is wholly thine: Wither’d and barren should I be, If sever’d from the vine. (1)

He is faithful. That we might trust Him more and more.

Faith grows as we hear His Letters of love. Ears that hear, with souls refreshed, as words are read of Jesus’ faithfulness:

“Come just as you are, for Jesus invites Poor sinners to share substantial delights: Ye weary and burden’d who happy would be, And wish to be pardon’d, come listen to me.”

“The ear of your heart if you will incline To you I’ll impart my fulness divine, Your souls by my Spirit made meet for the sky, The life shall inherit which never shall die.” (2)

Valentine comfort. Valentine hope. This is Jesus, to all whose heart will take hold.

“My precious Lord, for thy dear name I bear the cross, despise the shame; Nor do I faint while thou art near; I lean on thee; how can I fear?

No other name but thine is given To cheer my soul in earth or heaven; No other wealth will I require; No other friend can I desire.”

Yea, into nothing would I fall For thee alone, my All in All; To feel thy love, my only joy; To tell thy love, my sole employ.”(3)

He makes beauty from ashes. Will you join me in praise? His Name together, with thankful hearts, raise!

(1) From Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible

(2) From Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible

(3) From Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible

Picture Credit: LegacyandCo

Need Rest. Got Jesus?

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust” Palm 91:1,2.

A secret place of rest, “yes.” That is what we desire.

Right here, right now, no matter the circumstance, no matter the geography, we can place our heart and mind in a position of praise to the El Elyon-the Most High God.

Paul and Silas were attacked for being servants of the Most High God. They were ordered to be stripped, beaten, and severely flogged and then thrown into prison. (Acts 16:23,24.) These were not happy circumstances for believers in the true and living God.

How can this encourage us? How can this bring rest? Have you heard what happened to Paul and Silas?

These were ordinary men, like you and me, but perhaps not ordinary in their faith and lifestyle: . . . the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.  When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.  The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.  But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” Acts 16: 24-31.

Do we dwell in a place of praise? There’s a difference if we do. There’s a difference in our moment to moment response. There’s times of faltering and discouragement, yes, but when we live a lifestyle of faith and worship, as Paul and Silas, we be changed.

The chains break off. The jail is opened. And our witness can be genuine and fruitful. Even if we find ourselves in difficult times.

Can we say, “The Lord is my refuge?”

Psalm 91 feeds new courage and hope within our souls:

If we make the Most High our dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

But that doesn’t mean the trials won’t come. Paul and Silas were beaten and put in jail.

What it does mean is, we call on the Most High God and praise Him for His Love, and He changes things.

How do we have a lifestyle of praise? We must fight our battles with faith in our heart. Faith comes by reading (aloud) God’s living Word.

Today, right now, I mean what I say, for you and me both, every day, we must read aloud, straight from His Word.

Ask Jesus in. Ask the Spirit to minister deep within.

Like a musician who plays, we will read what His Word says:

 Do you not know?

Have you not heard?a

Has it not been toldb you from the beginning

Have you not understoodd since the earth was founded?e

 He sits enthronedfabove the circle of the earth,

and its people are like grasshoppers.g

He stretches out the heavensh like a canopy,i

and spreads them out like a tentj to live in.k

 He brings princes to naught

and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.m

 No sooner are they planted,

no sooner are they sown,

no sooner do they take rootn in the ground,

then he blowso on them and they wither,p

and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff.q

 “To whom will you compare me?r

Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.s

 Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:t

Who createdu all these?

He who brings out the starry hostv one by one

and calls forth each of them by name.

Because of his great power and mighty strength,w

not one of them is missing.x

 Why do you complain, Jacob?

Why do you say, Israel,

“My way is hidden from the Lord;

my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not know?

Have you not heard?z

The Lord is the everlastinga God,

the Creatorb of the ends of the earth.c

He will not grow tired or weary,d

and his understanding no one can fathom.e He gives strengthf to the wearyg

and increases the power of the weak.

 Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young menh stumble and fall;i

 but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.k

They will soar on wings like eagles;l

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:21-31.

God’s ministering Spirit. God’s precious Word. All glorious.

If you don’t know Jesus, He’s a prayer away.

After you’ve asked Him to come in, receive forgiveness and grace, and he will give you the power to offer it to all that you meet.

He is God. He is able to help our souls soar on wings like eagles where ever our bodies might be.

Amen. Please tell someone if you’ve received Jesus for the first time.

Angels rejoice in heaven.

And your soul receives . . . rest.

Anchor the Ship. We must Trust in the Lord.

The winds of change, the sharp storms of this world. How do we anchor the soul of our hearts and minds?

What are the promises of God?

We must keep it simple. Our minds must rest.

North winds of bad attitude and strife,

turbulent gusts of people cold as ice,

hard rains of struggles, time pressures, and more, often prove to close off the mind’s ability to stay centered, secure.

“Dear Lord, be near. Calm each of our hearts.  Help us draw near. Help us hear. Remind us of the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all, Standing on the promises of God. 

(Russel Kelso Carter, 1849-1928).

“Give us ears each day. Help us hear what the Spirit has to say:

A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
    the way for the Lord,
make straight in the desert
    a highway for our God.
 Every valley shall be raised up,
    every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
    the rugged places a plain.
 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken,” Isaiah 40:3-5.

Secure the anchor. His words bring hope. His Spirit brings courage to rest and wait, . . . yes, we can do this.

We can wait and trust in the Lord. His Word will bring us safe, when we meditate and obey.

“I will sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!
 The Lord is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

We anchor our minds by singing. We gain courage by growing in His Word: 

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

But I will sing of your strength,
    in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
    my refuge in times of trouble.

 You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
    you, God, are my fortress,
    my God on whom I can rely, Psalm 59:16,17

Be Still.  Jesus took the bread. He lifted it. He broke it. Then He passed it out.
“Take Eat . . . 
Jesus fell to His knees, for our sakes, not His.

He prayed for me. He prayed for you. He still intercedes. 

Jesus died and rose. Jesus lives.
Jesus is faithful and secure. He must be the Anchor of our souls.
But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves, John 17:3.

Do you have Jesus? Ask Him to come into your life. He will forgive your sins and wash you clean. Ask for His Spirit to fill you each new day. He will give you understanding to His promises in His Word.

He is the Anchor of our souls.


 

Garden Lessons #1

A garden is a field of promise.

For the promise of fruit to come, there must be good soil, rain, and sun.

This is Gardening 101.

When the gardener begins to clean up the land, he quickly finds, there’s an enemy in the sand.

If that enemy is allowed to stay, the whole area will decay.

Weeds and poisonous plants must go. If they are left to survive, the fruit simply won’t arrive.

Spot them quick. Pull them early, so they don’t take over and make the good seed sick!

These weeds have a plan to cause distress.

We must root them out, and tend to the plants of promise.

There are “weeds” of fear and discontent. Weeds of arrogance. Weeds of sin and hatred. Weeds of care-less-ness. All of God’s created people have sin in their heart. (1) We are weak, and unable to root it out.

God alone is able to take it from us and make our lives new. Only God, through Jesus His Son is able to bring change, and an everlasting one.

On our own, we become frustrated and discouraged. But God, the Master Gardener provided Jesus on the cross. He sends His Holy Spirit to remind us He’s able to cleanse us.

What is fruit? What are weeds? Can the Bible help us to grow to discern between good and bad seeds?

Here are Words from Galatians 5:19-21.ERV,

The wrong things the sinful self does are clear: committing sexual sin, being morally bad, doing all kinds of shameful things, 

 worshiping false gods, taking part in witchcraft, hating people, causing trouble, being jealous, angry or selfish, causing people to argue and divide into separate groups, 

 being filled with envy, getting drunk, having wild parties, and doing other things like this. I warn you now as I warned you before: The people who do these things will not have a part in God’s kingdom. 

God’s Word is rough. Like pulling of poisonous plants. But they must go. Or, we are left with pain, and trouble wherever it continues to grow.

Can we find fruit? Not without God. We must first ask Him to cleanse us, then He provides for all good:

 But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their sinful self. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do.   Galatians 5:22-25. 

We get our new life from the Spirit, so we should follow the Spirit.  Galatians 5:26.

Fruit, through Him. God’s power within. He gives us His Spirit.

He does the work when we make Jesus, LORD.

Fruitful plants. Rejoicing lives. All because God, He’s able to do all things.

(1) Romans 3:23

Watercolor credit: Grace Rypkema

Follow?

Who’s following me? How quickly we forget. I’m not talking about all the friends on the internet. It’s Goodness and Mercy that are following us, today, tomorrow, and in every last breath. When we choose to let the Lord be our Shepherd, Goodness and mercy follow us. As if living and nearby. But we forget. The Lord told us why. He likens us as sheep. We’re often too busy noticing that other people’s grass is green.  We’re minus the joy. Depleted of smiles. Our focus is not vertical, but searching for popular styles.  We forget to be thankful of God’s watchful eye. Not noticing the many gifts He brings. Our minds are elsewhere, we walk on by. We fret on along. We lose our song. We wonder. We ask, “Where is the road to happiness?” “Today.” Today.” The Lord cries to all. The most important day of our lives is the day we answer His call. We put it off, we wait for the day. “Who wants to be a Jesus Freak anyway?” But the Lord calls again, “Today.” “Today.” And we know deep in our heart, He’s the Way. “I hear. I believe. Jesus, come, make me new.” God hears. He comes. Forgiveness, Salvation, Comfort in all. Angels rejoice. The sky is the bluest of blue. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing,(1)  He patiently works in us, as we grow in our trust and believe, receive, and let go of the stuff. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,   Allowing, at times, disappointment to come, or sickness, or loss, . . .  but the good Shepherd promises, and  he refreshes my soul. Psalm 23 tells me so. He promises to lead, to guide, to provide, to protect. Yes, He promises. “My goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life. Remember Me,” He asks at His communion Table. “Remember my mercy poured out with My out-stretched arms. Remember my goodness to pay your debt for all of your wrongs. Eat this bread broken for you. “Dear child of God, Remember Me, I love you.” Is the Lord your Shepherd? Ask Him to be “Today.” Today— Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23 NIV

 

Hope for 2020. Where does our help come from?

https://seekthingsabove.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/4595177604_49db06e213.jpg

As our world enters a new decade, 2020, do we often feel like pilgrims in a foreign place?

Do our heart’s long for a homeland of peace and truth? Stepping up to hope for our upcoming year is found in our own personal, active worship to the LORD.

I won’t use the word god, because in this day, as in the Bible days, there were many gods among the people.

In ancient Israel, the people would travel in companies up to Jerusalem three times a year to worship the LORD, YHWH. They would sing pilgrim’s songs, marching songs to the true, eternal God, defined as the Creator of heaven and earth.

The songs are recorded for us in the Psalms of ascent.

The early steps of the journey, step by step, began with a company of singers proclaiming their heart.

Tell me, does your heart not cry out these phrases?

I took my troubles to the Lord;
    I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
 Rescue me, O Lord, from liars
    and from all deceitful people . . .
 

How I suffer in far-off Meshech.
    It pains me to live in distant Kedar.
 I am tired of living
    among people who hate peace.
 I search for peace;
    but when I speak of peace, they want war! Psalm 120 NLT.

But as Christmas decorations get put away, in this new year of 2020, we must be diligent to keep our Jesus in full view, for this world is a battle zone.

“I search for peace;
    but when I speak of peace, they want war!”

Many words are spoken by the people and leaders around. But only God knows the heart of man.

Some words have been shoved aside because they’re offensive, but when someone has an invasive cancer, the attack is often bitter treatments. Our world is sick with a cancer.

The original word of this particular sickness, (which needs to be resurrected to make sense of this upside down world) is . . . sin.

The heart of people, all people, is deceitful. We are all prone to war in our minds. All have sin. (Romans 3:23).

None of us escape this condition, but thanks to the Lord, He gave us Jesus.

Where does our help come from?

Did we not sing the song this Christmas?

“Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic hosts proclaim:
“Christ is born in . . .

our hearts today?

Hail the Heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Yes, we must lift our eyes and worship aloud. The heaven-born Prince of peace abides in a heart of praise. Do we need peace? Do we need light?

We must receive this Prince of Peace. We must believe He loves us and came to heal each of us individually.

This new year can we put sound to the words? Do we dare sing aloud the never aging words of hymns and psalms. We must receive in order to . . . receive:


Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth

We live in a world that needs help, . . . one person at a time. Help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.

I look up to the mountains—
    does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth! Psalm 121.

The wise men came to worship the New-born King. Do we take time to worship Him. Do we go out of our way to give Him praise? This is a New Year. We will answer,

“Yes!”

“Thank You Lord, for saving my soul. Thank You Lord, for making me whole. Thank You Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free.”

God’s provision of the Babe come down to later die on the cross that Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled.”

We say, “Amen. Let it be in me.”

Jesus is our gift for each day of this new year.

Let’s worship the Prince of Peace, in the assembly of the congregation, stepping up with community that we might live with renewed courage every waking day.

Speak, sing, mumble, grown, to the LORD it’s glorious if it’s praise and adoration to Him, the Creator of heaven, earth, and the incredible life we see.

Our help comes from the LORD.

Yes, we lift up our voices exalt His great Name:

 He will not let you stumble;
    the one who watches over you will not slumber.
 Indeed, he who watches over Israel
    never slumbers or sleeps.

 The Lord himself watches over you!
    The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
 The sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon at night.

 The Lord keeps you from all harm
    and watches over your life.
 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
    both now and forever Psalm 121.

“Praise be to our God, the Maker of heaven and earth, forever.”

 Hark the Herald Angels Sing. 1739, Hymns and Sacred Poems, Charles Wesley and George Whitefield.



#2 God Reveal: God’s Ocean Deep Love

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! Romans 11:33, New Living Translation.

Oh, but to seek and to search and to know God and His love more and more is to find soul changing discovery and answers through His amazing creation.

The Bible tells us, You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, Jeremiah 29:13.

Isn’t Love what we’re all searching for? God says, when we seek Him (His Love), with all our heart, we will find Him.

Samuel Trevor Francis wrote of God’s deep love in a hymn from 1875,

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!

Underneath me, all around me, Is the current of Thy love, Leading onward, leading homeward, To my glorious rest above!(O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus).

Like an ocean, deep and vast, God’s love is like the current surrounding those who step in, and walk deeper, deeper still. Those who desire, know Him more. God is love.

God’s love is a Person. We learned that from Reveal #1. God Sent His Son for us because we needed a Rescuer from our sin. We all have sin. The Bible uses the word “all” have sin, (Rom. 3:23).

There are not “good” people and “bad” people, NO! There are “all” people. The Bible says, we’ve all turned from God. We are one people,

in need of Love.

Perhaps the ocean is a good picture for us all. Do we stand on the shore without getting our feet wet? Are we satisfied to simply look from afar? There is a great separation.

Or do we take steps into the water, to walk deeper still.

Do we walk in depth to our knees? To our neck?

Risking loss of our own balance, our own sure step, that we might speak as the hymn from our heart past our lips: O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me! 

Even to those who don’t know Him now. God is love. He waits that they might know He is love.

The moment something happens in our heart and we agree with God that we need a Savior, the moment that we invite Him to come in our lives, He washes away the guilt. All of it, completely.

He comes in. Erases the past. He releases the fear. He gives us hope to start over anew. God gives us a song, Underneath me, all around me, Is the current of Thy love, Leading onward, . . .

This is the unsearchable mercy and grace of God, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New Living Translation, read it aloud for yourself often (and someone else, very soon. Emphasis added). . .

(God’s) Love is patient and (God’s love is) kind. ( God’s) Love is not jealous, (God’s love is never) boastful or proud or rude.

(God’s love) . . . does not demand its own way. (God’s love) . . . is not irritable, and . . .

it keeps no record of being wronged. 

(God’s love) . . . does not rejoice about injustice . . .

but (God’s love) rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 

(God’s) Love never gives up, (on anyone),

never loses faith, (in anyone),

(God’s love) is always hopeful,

(God’s love) . . . endures through every circumstance.

God’s love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8.

There is nothing human about God’s love. His ways are not like ours. God’s love doesn’t depend on us. God is love.

Agape.

Unconditional.

Other’s centered love.

It’s alive on its own. God’s love is, “I love you.”

It’s like an ocean saying, “Come on in!”

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Love of every love the best! ‘Tis an ocean full of blessing, ‘Tis a haven giving rest!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ‘Tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me, And it lifts me up to glory, For it lifts me up to Thee!

This new day, let’s say together, “I’m diving in!”

And sing from our hearts, this age old hymn: O the deep, deep love of Jesus, Spread His praise from shore to shore! How He loveth, ever loveth, Changeth never, never more!

How He watches o’er His loved ones, Died to call them all His own, How for them He intercedeth, Watcheth o’er them from the throne!

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus, Samuel Trevor Francis, 1875.

Gaze at the Christmas Tree, Differently . . .

(To be read for the children, both young and old, that our minds might be refreshed. Let a new picture unfold.)

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree, how richly God has decked Thee:

Christmas is here! Look at the tree.

Sit and be still.

Let us gaze, differently.

It sits on its stand so high and so grand.

Wrapped in light, what a glorious sight,

bearing ornaments of love from each branch.

But think for a moment, living trees are far.

Alive and growing in beauty,

then, we come in our car.

We search.

We choose.

Then we cut down the tree.

We open our door and let it in, happily.

Broken and dead the tree had become,

yet, now beautifully alive.

Does this make you think of Someone?

The Christmas tree can be a picture of Jesus.

He came down from heaven to die on the cross.

to be cut and broken . . .  

for each one of us.

He rose again, in glory and light.

Just like the ChristmasTree that we now have inside.

What happens to a heart, much like the door, that allows the cut Vine a place on the floor?

No longer distant, but close.

Now near.

Jesus died that all of our guilt is cleared.

We ask Him in.

We believe in His love.

We call on Jesus,

for His promises of Love.

“I will never leave you.

 I will never forsake.

I am your helper. You no longer need be afraid.

Call on Me.

I will answer.

I Am your Bright and Morning Star.

I Am your light,

your glory.

I make new all you are.

Believe.

And bring Christmas to others throughout the year.

I make you a blessing, a gift, each day.

Seek, to be still, . . . know Me . . .draw near.

And, I in turn, will draw near to you. 

that you might shine for Me in all you do.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Let the Christmas Tree Speak (when the mood might be bleak)

Not in the mood for the Christmas cheer? Think on Jesus. He’s the reason we bring in the tree each year.

Some might not know it, some might not care, but the Christmas Tree has a speech from it’s core to share.

Imagine with me and listen down deep. Let God show you His gift. He changes things . . . supernaturally.

Open the door and bring it on in. Don’t be boggled down with origin.

Simply bring in the tree and get it right, in quiet or noise, and wrap around the light.

Place an ornament or two, three, or more, and bring back old memories from Christmases before.

Have a seat. Rest, and listen after the task,

“Listen?” With my ears, you might ask.

“Yes, but with your soul and heart,” I pray. “The annual Christmas Tree has so much to say.”

Untangle your thoughts.  Unweave your mind. Withdraw from all schedule for a moment of time.

The Christmas Tree lights reflect off colored spheres, much like the moon, that draws our gaze near.

“Remember Me,” says a still quiet voice.

Let Me in, I bring calm and peace in the day’s noise.

The Tree is a symbol of what was, what is, what is to come. I represent God, His nature, His glorious Kingdom.

I AM the Vine, I Am Light. I AM beauty. I AM the Bright and morning Star. I AM the Beginning of Christmas, the angels proclaimed from afar,

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill to all men.”

God’s will is that I come,

to be a sacrifice for all isn.

The tree points up, to heaven above, yet it sits on the ground to remind you,

I have come down,

to be cut off,

to be thirsty,

to bleed on the cross.

To rise again in glory.

I understand all things.

I came for you, to provide salvation. Let this Evergreen Tree speak revelation.

I came that I might die on a tree. That you might believe, and rise as Me.

Talk to the children about My everlasting beauty. Look at the Tree. It’s a symbol of Me.

Tell them I give. I gave. I Am all this world needs.

I wait for that day, when My gift,

is whole-heartedly received.

Forgiveness and grace, and promise to someday see Me,

face to face.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

I hear Your love. “Yes, I receive.”

O God, You have come down to set us free!

“O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”