Tag: God

Don’t be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on to test you . . .

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you, 1 Peter 4:12.

Do we read God’s word and respond, “Dear Lord, I am surprised at this trial. What’s going on? But does it draw us ever deeper, whole heartedly seeking Him in His word? Has this fiery trial brought heat in our prayers.
Have prayers been multiplied, have hearts stopped to intercede. Are God’s children coming to receive. The fiery trial is causing many to ask, seek, and knock. The fiery trial has brought about a thirst for God’s word and truth:

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.
 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 

 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 

 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”(1 Peter 4:7-10).

The trial brings the Word in view. The trial is causing us all, . . . to follow through, to seek His face, to grow in His grace:

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.  As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1,2).

These are words from Peter’s letter. How comforting to hear from Peter who failed in his flesh. He denied his Lord three times before the rooster’s crow. Peter made mistakes. Peter’s failure is recorded for all to see in Matthew 26: 69-70.

But God had plans for Peter. God has plans for hearts that hear and ears that turn. God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness of  sin is seen in His gentleness after He had died for all of man-kind’s sin, and yet appeared to many after these things, the story is written. It’s all recorded in the # Best Seller of all times, the Holy Bible, the Living Word. God’s voice to His people, to all who have ears.

Today, it must be read, that we might be encouraged by Him, in the Gospel of John 21:

“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way:  Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.

“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.

 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”

As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 
 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 

 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”  So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.” (John 21: 1-14)
But this must be continued. Jesus reinstates Peter! These words need to be read aloud with our hearts crying out: “Show us their meaning, this day and all the rest.”

 “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.  Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, 
“Follow me!”

This might have been Peter’s biggest catch ever. He obeyed the Lord’s word. “Do you love Me more than these?” Was the question Jesus asked.
Perhaps, the fiery trial was allowed that one by one, we might seek the Lord and hear Him ask each of us, “Do you love Me more than these?”

And, may we spend our days, following Him, seeking His Word, asking, knocking, and receiving His sufficient, amazing grace that gives us a peace that passes understanding, . . .

that moment by moment, He gives us His strength and His joy, and enables us to give Him glory as we wait for Him. And ultimately, He will  take us to a heavenly home, void of sorrow, pain, and tears.

Pulling our treasure from The Church Hymn Book, 1867, page 53

Taking some time each morning to glean from God’s Holy Word and Spurgeon, it seems, that very old words from hymns loudly speak, in language poetic, rich, and . . . timely.

“Great God, I love thy sacred word/ What light and  joy its leaves afford!/Thy precepts guide my doubtful way/Thy fear forbids my feet to stray.

Thy threatenings wake my slumbering eyes/ And warn me where my danger lies;/ They show me all my guilt and shame/ And make me prize the Savior’s name.

May this blest volume ever lie/ Close to my heart and near my eye;/ Till life’s last hour my thoughts engage/ And be my chosen heritage.”

So, in the morning, early and dark, I went digging for treasure that Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible had sparked.

I found old words written that made me rejoice in the Lord. The Church Hymn Book from 1867, full of costly treasures, all can afford.

“God in the gospel of his Son/ Makes his eternal counsels known;/ Where love in all its glory shines/ And truth is drawn in fairest lines.

Here sinners of an humble frame/ May taste his grace and learn his name./ May read in characters of blood/ The wisdom, power, and grace of God.

Here faith reveals to mortal eyes/ A brighter world beyond the skies;/ Here shines the light which guides our way/ From earth to realms of endless day.

Oh, grant us grace, almighty Lord/

To read and mark thy holy word,/ Its truths with meekness to receive/ And by its holy precepts live.”

Before the words were read this morning, I awoke with struggles and stresses stirring. But God’s breathed out message, and these long lost words, have proved to revive and set me again, on a straight and narrow course.

Let’s open His Word. Let’s sing the old songs. Oh God, help us humble ourselves, be teachable, and with joy, carry on!

Taking time to think on the day Jesus died for me.

The soldiers led Jesus into the hall, the Praetorium by name.

And they called together a band—of mockers and scorners of ridicule and hate.

It’s as if it were staged. The one’s who chose not to believe, shouted with rage.

Oh, that those who believe on His name, would have double the passion to sing aloud their praise.

They clothed him with purple and laid a crown of thorns on His head. The one who it was said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sins, He sits alone. Misunderstood. With a bleeding head.

He was saluted, “Hail King of the Jews,” as they mocked him on their knees. He was hit, and spat at and whipped with a reed.

Is this what we think of when we read, “Remember Me.”

They took off the purple and put on the plain, then led him out to be crucified. They compelled a foreigner to carry the cross through.

On that note, believer, think it not strange when passing through this foreign land, that we be compelled, to carry a cross too.

But, oh, we do. Oh, yes, we do.

The one’s who chose not to believe, laughed and scorned Him, and brought  horror and shame. Shall we take a minute as we take our next breath, to adore Him and thank Him for enduring such pain.

Jesus was brought to the place, Golgotha. The Place of the Skull was and is it’s reputation. They offered him “wine mingled with mhyrr” but he refused—He endured to the utmost, the crucifixion.

He was numbered with the transgressors. He was crucified with two thieves. His guiltless name was written with a list of men with wrong-doings.

Yes, this was prophesied hundreds of years before, that this would be.
He bore ridicule from passers-by. He bore mocking from Religious heads.

He bore the shouts, “Save, yourself. Come down from the cross.”

What is meekness? What is patience? Let Jesus be our teacher when we find ourselves at a loss!

And “when the sixth hour had come there was darkness over the land.”

Noon until three, darkness surrounded. Does God have wisdom and power above what we do and don’t understand?

What were the hearts of men doing then? Some had fear, others—faith. For those who choose faith, let’s bow our heads together, taking time to thank Him for His loving grace.

There’s more to His Story. This is from Mark 15. On the ninth hour, 3:00 in the afternoon, Jesus shouted, “Eloi, Eloi, lama Sabachthani.”
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

And He shouted, and we learn from another Gospel the words, “It is finished.” Jesus died on that tree.

“And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” Impossible with man, but with God—this testimony is true.

A witness, the centurian standing in front of Him during the passion, watched Him as He breathed His last breath, and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 
What is our comment? We best consider our reaction.

It might not seem to matter much to us today. But we best take time. To consider. Where. We plan to spend our eter-ni-ty . . .

Taken from Mark 15:16-32 and Isaiah 53

God, I have a prayer . . .

“God, I have a prayer,  for the little ones and the old. May  children wake up surrounded, not by evil thoughts that are cold, but let the Spirit breathe on them, even words from long ago, hear our prayer:  “Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind…” (1)

God, I have a prayer, that vision would be giv’n to things that are unseen, that our minds would think above, that our souls would be set free.
That the prayer of our heart and exclamation of our tongues would be:  “More than all, in Thee I find!” Let Your Spirit refresh and our tongue repeat: “More than all, in Thee I find!”
You, Lord Jesus are what we need. To seek Thee first, is the key.
Oh God, may the world see the colors in Your hue.
May our eyes be opened to the sunrise of Your face. May the children of the entire human race, see that Your color, Dear Lord, is Grace!
“God, my prayer is written in this old Wesley hymn,“Just and holy is Thy name; I am all unrighteousness… that these words would be ours, our proclamation to you:  “Just and holy is Thy name; I am all unrighteousness…
As easy as ABC, yet harder than any Chemistry – there is no need for ‘outside clean-up’ jobs, the main event’s gotta happen inside, where the heart of the child sees their own mess, and finally cries: “Just and holy is His name.
I am all unrighteousness.”
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.”
That children young and old would know, the words to the hymn, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul!”
“ALL the children of the world must admit, each in his own unique time and space:
 “I am all unrighteousness!”
Oh God, may the world see the color in Your hue, may their eyes be opened to the color of Your face – and that in Your image You created the entire human race, Your face, our Prince of Peace is full of Grace.
For “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Your very own words, dear Lord God. Matthew chapter 5  – is full of the attitudes You, Yourself had spoken – to be remedy to the sadness, pain and cries. Be still, children. And, on God’s green sod, lie.
“The Kingdom of heaven is yours today, be poor in spirit and blessed you’ll be.” These are the words, the remedy. But not one man likes to hear words of this sound. Oh no,”poor in spirit?” that means “I have need.”
“God, I have a prayer that the children can say: “Other refuge have I none; hangs my helpless soul on Thee. Leave, ah, leave me not alone; Still support and comfort me!”
Dear Lord, that the children would sing, “All my trust on Thee is stayed; All my help from Thee I bring. Cover my defenseless head, With the shadow of Thy wing.”
Yes, God, I have a prayer that the children of the world that You laid Your life down for, would change their tune and sing an old song:
“Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high! Hide me O my Savior hide, Till the storm of life is past. Safe into the haven guide. Oh, receive my soul at last!”
That the children would trust as they rest in Your hand, and sing and sing, “Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high.” “God I have a prayer, that the children of the world to YOU would direct their cry!”
“Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all, in Thee I find.” That revival would spread like a fire in the forest, the children would pray,
“Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick and lead the blind. Just and Holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness. False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.” Yes, this is my prayer for me and for them!”
“Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin. Let the healing streams abound . . .” I pray for the children, the children of the world, that they would turn around and speak this new ‘old’ song, “Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life, the Fountain art, Freely let me take of Thee …”Spring Thou up within my heart; Rise to all eternity.”
This is the prayer, this is it, I say, “Spring Thou up within my heart;” May revival around us speak louder than the lies, “Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin . . .
“Thou of life the Fountain art, Freely let me take of Thee. Spring Thou up within my heart; Rise to all eternity!”
“Let it be. Amen, let it be. Amen. For the women, the men and all the children.
“Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all, in Thee I find … 
“Spring Thou up within my heart; Rise to all eternity!”

(1) a hymn by Wesley: “Jesus, Lover of my Soul”

Water into Wine, Remembering my Journal entry. August 9, 2010

August 9, 2010. On this date, I knew there was a very large lump on my right breast, but I didn’t know what it was at this time.
I was keeping a Bible Journal at the time. Apparently I was in John 2:
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
That was a crisis for this wedding feast. And I was in “crisis” as well.
Jesus said her,”Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”John 2:4.
In my journal writing I wrote, “Can God be showing me what to do in my crisis?”
I wrote so many years ago, (7 years to be exact):
There were 6 water pots of stone about twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.”
Today feeling very empty and confused, He said, “fill the water pots with water.” Water in the Bible symbolizes the Holy Spirit. And at the wedding they ran out of wine and He said, “Fill the pots with water.”
My very first thought is, the Holy Spirit. I need to be filled with the Holy Spirit!
So, on that day, many years ago, God was showing me personally, intimately what I, Toni, needed to do to get through that day, and the days I didn’t even know were to come, (which included a cancer diagnosis, many doctor and surgeon visits, then chemo, surgery, hormone therapy, etc., etc.
The words of Mary ring so loud to me, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”
“Fill the pots with water.”
That’s what He said.
I knew I needed counsel. He answered me, “Fill your clay vessel with water.”
So, I went to the word about the Holy Spirit:
And not be drunk with wine which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD, giving thanks always…,” Eph. 5:18.
Little did I know, but for me, to help me through and keep me standing on the Rock, to keep faith through all the chemo and chemicals, I would be turning the pages of Then Sings My Soul, by Robert Morgan.
Speaking the words of the hymns, and singing them as I learned them, I was transformed, from fear to courage.
I was continually being transformed- from fear to courage!
So today, a lot has changed. I am healthy and strong. But what’s amazing is the remedy for my crisis today still remains:
“Whatever He says to do, do it.”

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2: 7-11.

Dear Lord, teach me to seek Your face and hear Your voice as I open your word to hear what You say.” In Jesus Name. 
Amen.

Moving Forward

The horse precedes the cart. Does it not? If it’s to move forward it must.

Am I guilty of putting the cart before the horse? Am I am guilty of lifting my hands in praise to my God, yet often forgetting to remember He is Holy. He is Just.
Have I forgotten?

He knows every thought in my heart.

Do I come through God’s doors seeking blessing and peace?

And yet expect perfection from others, not trusting, making lists of their wrongs, and then come to praise God, lift my hands. What is it I seek?

“Our Father who is in Heaven, Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Do I even come close to understand the words I’m saying?

“Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors.”

We all have debts, we all have debtors. God knows this world is hard and painful, but He breathed out His letters.

“As we have forgiven our debtors.” This is the method Jesus instructed we pray.  How sharp, and at the same time grace-full; instruction and warning yet, “always believing.” This the Lord’s, (not man’s) way. “Help my perceiving.”

I have forgiven. I have spent time in prayer. God knows I have, but then, am I being tempted that I haven’t?

The battle is great, my constitution weak:

And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil.” (1)

I won’t for a minute longer try to celebrate the joy of the Lord, until I have first come, asking mercy, with a heart ready for surgery from His Word.
I come to the cross. Drawing near to God. He laid down His life. He took all my sin—my ugliness, my strife.

I must not worry about what others think,  I must first come to Jesus, and be willing to hear Him speak.

Tempted to run, but right here I’ll stay. Today must be a day of atonement for me.  To be at-one-with-God. To know Him and His love and His compassionate, gracious way.

So I look up atonement, and let God’s Word (and Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible on Leviticus 23), speak.

The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves,  and present an offering made to the LORD . . .
A time to be sorry for sin. For looking . . . in.
But then on the same page, in the same chapter and all, is a feast, a celebration, a joyous time. I continue to read in Spurgeon’s Devotional,
“So beginning with the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the crops of the land, celebrate the festival to the LORD for seven days; . . . On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches . . . and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.“
Sorrow for sin is the “horse” so to speak. The horse must precede the cart, or nothing gets moving.
Sorrow for sin is the hallway I must go through, before I enter the room of atonement. “If sin is sweet to my tastebuds and life, I will miss completely at-one-ment with Christ.”

The horse precedes the cart. This is the only way to move forward. This day of mourning and sadness for sin, leads on to gladsome feast and in the Lord, great rejoicing.

No work of mine. Not one thing I can do. Jesus did the work for me. And He paid it in full . . . for you.

We’ve all been broken. We’ve all fallen. We so often miss the mark. But He’s risen and alive!

The day of atonement must come first. But then the joy of the Lord will move the cart.

Daily let us come to the cross and seek His grace. Receiving and believing, this moment, then . . . we wash the tears from our face.

Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible brought insight for this blog. Feb. 24—Evening, Leviticus XXIII.
(1) Matthew 6:9-13

There is a place of quiet and rest . . .

There is a place of quiet and rest/there is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God.

Do we long to be held. With acceptance and care. Do we long in our hearts for love. Where is it? Where?

Why is it, that oft’ times we don’t stop, until we are “made to” lie down. When all of a sudden, we are broken, and we have time to look around.

But the heart of God? It seems so far. When I try to focus, He feels distant as a star.

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, . . .”

I was taught as a young child that He never changes. I learned, He is the Shepherd that takes good care of His sheep.

But I’m wanting, dear Lord! What does all this mean?

Did I forget the Lord as my Shepherd this day? Did I move ahead of His lead? What can I say. It feels as if I’m trying, then failing. Trying then fail?

Sometimes I believe He’s forgotten my name.
But, “He makes me to lie down on green pastures.”

And, I confess, I’m guilty of doubting and asking, “Pastures of green. Are You sure?”

He allows pressures and cares and warned me there’d be troubles here and there, but “He leads me beside still waters,”
“He restores my soul.”

And it’s true, He does. It’s just not easy getting there.
Time alone. Quiet, and rest. These moments prove to be a giant test.

He allows me to be broken that I might seek God’s heart. And God so loves me all that He patiently waits until, from all my own best efforts, I depart.

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
Refrain:

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.

A spoon full of medicine brings relief at times, yet God’s Word and a Hymn revolutionize the mind. Words spoken like “Redeemer,” and “blest” refresh tired minds like dew on morning grass.

 

  • There is a place of comfort sweet,
    Near to the heart of God;
    A place where we our Savior meet,
    Near to the heart of God.
  • There is a place of full release,
    Near to the heart of God;
    A place where all is joy and peace,
    Near to the heart of God.

Today, while it is today- who will join me in seeking His face? Confessing sin and all the rest, that we might find peace and health near the heart of God. “There is a place of quiet rest . . .”

A Rhyme for Mankind, for All of Time

“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.” This famous Mother Goose Rhyme has stood the test of time.

It’s much like the world’s daily news. Dark, sad, full of hopelessness. But our Father God, in heaven, is holy. He has a whole different story for each of us.

But how can we know unless we stop and take a look, with God given curiosity, and open up the Holy Book?

“In the beginning,” it is written on page one, “God created . . .” And so, it’s documented how it all begun.

A,B,C, 1,2,3. The Book is a treasury—if only the human heart is willing to see. On the first page it’s hidden, in mystery style, man’s help and hope. Will you stop and consider for a short while?

God must have known that man might not turn the first page, so He cleverly, (by Masterful Design) includes the Remedy for every age.

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (1) And He knows and is, even before it’s birth. But, there’s a struggle to agree—right from the first line,
but on page one, before verse four, is the hope for all of mankind.

“The earth was without form and an empty waste.” And darkness was upon the great deep of the face. Yet the Spirit of God was moving, hovering still. And God said, “Let there be light.” And there was.

 And always will.

Humpty Dumpty might have had a great fall, but God is greater and the ruler of all.

If there is no help as you and I look around—we must look up and believe.

God’s love is sufficient. Let’s finally, let go and receive.

The picture is clear. “In the beginning,” it’s recorded. Even if I never read to page three in God’s Book, I can see a great fall occurred everywhere I look.

A great fall occurred and I went down with it all. You, me, and all the people of the world. Our hearts are empty, void and covered in darkness.

My disordered ways had me filled with confusion and emptiness.

“All the kings horses and all the kings men,” Oh, how we try to put ourselves together again, . . . and again.

But, the Spirit of God was hovering over my troubled waters. And He came to my rescue and helped me see His light.

“The earth was without form and an empty waste.” And darkness was upon the great deep of the face. Yet the Spirit of God was moving, hovering still. And God said, “Let there be light.”

And there was, and always will.

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But God is greater and ruler of all. There is no help as we look around, but God’s love is sufficient. He has made us to stand on solid ground!

The exclamation point is for me and for you when we surrender our whole selves to the One who is able—to not only “fix,” but make us new.

While it is today, what is our response to God and His ways?

“Amen, Hallelujah! With our lives we give Him praise.”

Who is the LORD?

Who is the LORD? I thought I knew. But, like a flood, at times, the foundation of my mind becomes overwhelmed with weight and heaviness.
Do you know of this kind of stress?

What then do I do? Where do we go? What kind of witness is this?

If it’s true, that we’re not alone. And we’ve received the love of the Father and have believed on His Son.

If it’s true He promises to hear when we call, and is a present help in time of need,
what  do we do when it all seems to be swept away by a flood? Can you hear the still small voice whisper,

“Hear the word of the LORD.”

Not, “read” the word. But words sprinkled throughout the entire Bible remind us to also “hear” and “listen”  to word of the LORD.

“So then faith comes by hearing and hearing of the word of God,” Romans 10:17.

To hear the word it must be read and spoken. For those with no hearing, it must be signed.

So, here it goes, let’s put sound on our voice. Let’s take extra effort and read aloud, even though the carpet’s been lifted from under our feet. Even though the water is rising over our heads, let’s increase our faith by reading the Word, aloud.

Because God said.

So I open my Bible to Psalm 27.

I read aloud verse 7 first, as it fits my situation.
“Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When You said,”Seek my face,”

My heart said to You, “Your face LORD, I will seek.”

Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help; Do not leave nor forsake me. O God of my salvation. When my father and mother forsake me,

Then the LORD will take care of me.”

Power is given by the Lord our strength. Now let’s read on together aloud and strong every word from the 27th Psalm.

But, go to your Bible and open it up, and together we be changed by His Spirit of Love. Alone with the LORD,

Let’s make Him our trust. And hear our voice ring, and call Him today,
“Lord.”

What news are we investing time in?

We see and hear the news. Have we honestly been deceived in believing the daily news is of more value than the inspired Word of the God, who Loves and created us all?
With intelligence in technology, and language, and medicine, and law – have we really come to believe we can “live life without God?”
In Literature, we understand the best story has great conflict. Did we forget there’s an enemy that’s out to destroy? Did we forget he hates everyone? Satan deceives the world that God is the “kill joy.” When he, himself is the killer of all joy.
Satan hates. Satan lies. And he’s deceived the world that God doesn’t care.
Our hearts and minds are naturally dark from the fall.
By page 3, in the Book, the Bible, by name – we can clearly see, that God didn’t bring the ruin we often give Him blame.  Where is the curiosity to “check it out for ourselves?” Do we really believe the modern “opinion” of what the Book’s all about.
Did we forget that all the words that flow through our brains is not truth. All the words we read are not fact. Satan hates. And He is in full attack!
The name of “Jesus” is an offense. “Whatever you do, don’t speak of His name.”
Can’t you see the smirk on Satan’s face, when in the name of “Jesus” Satan has to flee.
Run to the Word. Seek refuge in God. Yell at Him if you must. Tell Him your heart. God is big enough to take your pain and your anger.
He sent His Son. Your debt has been paid. Talk to Him about Jesus. Ask Him what it’s all about.
His word will bring healing to your heart.
When we turn in our disaster to His good and precious Word. When we seek Him in brokenness, He won’t turn away,
He hears . . .
He hears . . .
Are you seeking His face? He will pour down on you, His grace.
Satan hates for any to believe. If you get on your knees, he has to flee.
A Book in the Bible, Nehemiah by name, tells a story, that today many can relate. Nehemiah received news about the state of his homeland.
“Those who survived the exile . . . are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:3.
Turn and open the pages in the Book. Watch Nehemiah’s response, after receiving news of the day:
 “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”   Then I said:

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,  let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.” (Nehemiah 1:4-6).
Have we forgotten God is the creator of heaven, and is the great and awesome God?
Have we believed all the words of deception, of  “Big Bang” evolution – even though every day we see that through time all material things break down.
The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics – a universal law of decay. Yet book after book fill the libraries today that great systems evolved through eons of time.
Satan laughs through it all. He’s deceived God’s creation.
Back to Nehemiah, and his prayer. Could it be, that God will restore life and hope in the hearts of us all, if we simply open old, and sacred pages:
“I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you.  We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,  but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’” (Nehemiah 1:6-9).
Can we humble ourselves and admit “sin” anymore?
“O God, turn us around. Restore. Restore!”
What medicine ever “tastes” good and is “easy to take?” The remedy of “turning to God and admitting my wrong,” isn’t pleasant,
but that’s when the healing comes. Do hard things.
Can you and I admit that we’ve been unfaithful? That our hearts feel “scattered” and torn. Can you and I receive today, the promise in the return:
“but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.” (Nehemiah 1:9).
I pray for a return of the children of God. Let’s pray “Revival.” And believe in our hearts that with God’s “great strength and mighty hand,” He will “gather” His children back and restore.
That the News of God’s Holy Word would be the priority above all things.
“Today, Our Father in heaven, in Whom we pray, and in the name of Jesus, Whom You gave to save, I humble and pray and seek Your face. Will You wipe away all my sin and disgrace? I believe healing, salvation and an outpouring of Your amazing grace. A new creation today, I’ll be. Thank you for gathering me, and setting me free. in Jesus name, Amen.”
 
 
 
 

Fact, not feelings: "As thy day, thy strength shall be"

Feelings aren’t facts. But they are very real.
Feelings can whirl with tornado-type style. They make havoc of the present moments and solid things even fly wild.
Based on facts of circumstances and realities in this life, our hearts become ripped up in the midst of overwhelming feelings.
But all the while, one thing remains, though we can’t feel Him,
Jesus Christ stays.
We leave.
We mis-perceive.
But He’s present. God doesn’t change.
“Afflicted soul, to Jesus dear, Thy Savior’s gracious promise hear; His faithful word declares to thee That, “as thy day, thy strength shall be.” 
“Let not thy heart despond, and say, How shall I stand the trying day? He has engaged, by firm decree, That, “as thy day; thy strength shall be.”  (Poem found in CH Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible, p.142, based on Deuteronomy 22:35).
“Why should I continue to read,”some will say in the midst of the storm, “Why do you state that Jesus is God? Why does Jesus have to be in the mix? I can do fine with just God in all this.”
Others will say, “I need a lot more than Jesus right now. Get out! I really don’t want to hear you right now!”
The fact remains, God stays the same. Whether we believe or not – Jesus loves, period. You are precious, period. Yesterday this was true. Today this fact stands. Forever, He is God.
God is love.
Can we come close to understand?
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13. Words breathed from God in the Old Testament persuading, but not only that, these living words provide peace that’s alive. Living bread for a hungry soul.
Comfort true. Comfort whole.
“Let not thy heart despond, and say, How shall I stand the trying day? He has engaged, by firm decree, That, “as thy day; thy strength shall be.”  
“Your bars shall be iron and bronze, and as your days, so shall your strength be.” These are verses from the Living Word. When the Book is open to Deuteronomy. Chapter 33:25, and by chance one will open the dull looking Book, only to discover precious breath within each word.
“For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life. And by this word you will prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess.“Deuteronomy 32:47.
“As thy day, thy strength shall be . . .”  Will you believe?
Abide in Me.
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,

 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:1-6.

Who was it that came down and rebuked the winds and the sea became sound?

“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.  Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.  The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:23-27).
“Afflicted soul, to Jesus dear, Thy Savior’s gracious promise hear; His faithful word declares to thee That, “as thy day, thy strength shall be.” 
“Let not thy heart despond, and say, How shall I stand the trying day? He has engaged, by firm decree, That, “as thy day; thy strength shall be.”  
 

God Calls a Meeting

I wrote a piece yesterday for our Word Weaver’s (of Lexington) Meeting in the evening. I called it “A Child Can Teach Many Things.” After time with other writers and gentle critique, I share with you ideas in editing, so you might be encouraged to join us once a month that the words God has put on your heart would be written and shared. And God is in control of all that happens through the process.
God calls a meeting.
He’s tugging at my heart.
I’m hungry. I’m tired. My tapestry is unraveling.
I’m seeking, but not finding. There’s a Dead End again.
Where is this place of meeting? Does my heart yearn to go?
My thinking goes amiss. I think, “Before the meeting, I have to do this.”
“I have to get rid of that, but I can’t. I can’t. Or maybe, it’s more like, . . . I won’t.”
Is this how we think? Do we believe, “God doesn’t want to  meet with me, I’m way too lost. I’ve gone too far.”
God calls a meeting, time and time again. Do I continue to run the other way?
Do our minds spin out of control?
God saw me running. So He brought me a 3 year old. To simply watch and listen.
A child’s smile, the skip, the joy, the love. How we’re always changing, but some things never change.
As I was watching a child at play, it was like a first day of spring. It was like a sky with fun, puffy clouds.
I was running from God, so He brought me a child. So I could see with my eyes, something I knew of before. Of forgiveness and grace, gentleness, and noise. Of making a mess, but having a second chance – of two sides of a coin.
God called a meeting and I kept putting it off, until He brought a child in my view.
I heard the song coming from their heart during play, “A,B, C, D . . .” So accomplished and confident. So, I broke in and asked, “What’s your favorite song?”
She began to sing: “Jesus loves me . . .”
I watched a tender faith. I witnessed a confident trust. I knew these words. They were hidden deep down in my heart.
“Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.”
My heart was pierced, that very moment. I forgot what was true.
I forgot what I knew.
As sheep often do.
I left from following the Shepherd. I thought I had to “plow on through.” By myself. On my own.
I became like the prodigal. Hungry, far. With pig slop for food. It was when that child sang,  “Jesus loves, . . . ” That I heard, “Remember Me.”
The child sang, “this I know . . .”
My thought, “No, I don’t know anymore.”
The Lord kept His appointment. He spoke:  “Remember Me.”
Gentle and kind. God used a little child to remind. To remind me it’s not “Do this.” “Don’t do that.”
Simply, “Jesus loves.”
How I forgot.
So, I turned around that moment. That moment was new. Because, in my heart, instead of my back, I turned to face the Lord. Inside my heart was bursting.
I held it all in, but, if I didn’t I would have a face filled with tears.
Immediately, . . .
I felt hope.
Out of a child’s praise, I remembered God’s amazing grace.
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear 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 29:12-14. 

United sound brings a sweet fragrance/ Amazing Grace

Common knowledge learned, in the reach to smell a rose is, “Every rose has its thorns.”
“Ouch!”
How this world with vast beauty and joy, is also sharp and prickly. It punctures and so often, brings about so much more than a “whine”.
Yet,”For God so loves the world.”
How can it be? There are days I can’t “love” anything.
I feel so far from smelling the roses. The “thorns” seem to be, like weeds, surrr-rrrou-nnn-ding.
The darkness of nursery rhymes come to the surface, “Ring around the rosie, a pocket full of posies. Ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”
“Whoever wrote these rhymes anyway? Though the origins are argued, we must believe, it was a day of “thorns” in a struggle to smell the rose.
Common knowledge. Community. Comforts and joy in the reciting. Children gather, hand in hand. Going around and ’round, making familiar sounds. “Ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”
Amidst dark clouds, and thoughts of ashes – being together, gathering around, common words chimed – heaviness dashes.
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see.”
The song is sung and we all join along, even if the tone is completely wrong. The melody flows from all lips with a smile. In full agreement, hearts receive the gracious love God freely gives.
There’s no strife when hearts unify. There’s no disagreement in the “wretch” that we each be. The thirst seems quenched. The heart instantly warmed.
The smell of roses comes vibrantly alive, when we put sound on our voice and in a common hymn sing! This is where God abides. This is where He dwells. We can all agree. Yes, we agree and somehow our blindness is made to flee:
“‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.”
As if time stops. Glory invites. “For God,” gave His Son, that we might overcome. The song, is sung. And we agree together, and sing along:
“Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”
Jesus can turn water to wine. Jesus can heal. Jesus can restore. The fragrance of joy is smelled. Let us put sound on our voice. And join together and sing.
Let us unify. Let us give thanks. Let us worship our King.
“Praise God. Praise God. Praise God. Praise God!”
 

Boastful In One Thing Alone/To God be the Glory

Not boastful about family, yet full of joy, love, and pride. Our family is a gift from God, shared and loaned to each of us for a time.
Not boastful in our talents, or all of our great powers:  To think. To sing. To run fast, to draw.
To create. To figure. To fly. To build high towers. Not boastful in any of these things at all. These are gifts given to us by the great and Almighty God.
Instead – Let us boast and give glory to Him. It is high time we give glory to One who is worthy. We seek God. We desire Him. Let us open His Book and receive His whole Story.
“To God be the glory, great things He hath done, So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, . . . ” (1)
Boastful in one thing and one thing alone: the cross that the Son of God endured for each and everyone.
For God so loved the world, yesterday and today. Even for all who hate Him and despise Him, the cross He endured.
Who yielded His life our redemption to win,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.
The Place of the Skull, where there stood the cross. Oh, perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God;
Not only one, but of crosses, there were three. And the story is read, of the choices of the thieves:
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son.
Boastful today about the cross alone. We’ve been redeemed, yes, bought by the Son, who paid for all the damages brought on by our sin.
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.
We must not boast for ourselves, in a gift that is given. Let’s give God the glory He so wonderfully deserves.
Those who fear man will be fearful in this. But in these last days, let us boast in Christ – let us be of the courageous.
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport when Jesus we see.
Jesus laid down His life that we might have it abundant. Living water for our thirst. Daily Bread for our hunger. His Spirit indwelling when we believe on the cross. The Father so loves that He gave His own Son.
On thing we must boast in, let us boast in the cross.
This old hymn brought out to the light was written by a woman who was completely blind. Fanny Crosby’s fingers wrote thousands of hymns. God allowed blindness in her life, only to give her incredible sight.
“To God be the Glory,” one hymn out of many, has perhaps even today, opened some eyes that were blind – to see. Let’s give God praise:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice;
Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.
(1) To God Be the Glory. Fanny Crosby (1820-1915).
 
 
 

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