“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” Luke 18:1.
Billy Graham. PRAY.
Perhaps, this is one of the greatest teachings of Billy Graham for this dark hour we live. This old picture speaks to me to “be still.” To hear God’s voice immediately changes me from fret and fear to faith.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” Psalm 46:10.
The surrender to agree, at such a time as this, yields hope in me. This picture speaks the glory of surrender in me.
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Yes, I will be still. I will pray and cry aloud. I will hope in God who is able, I will seek His face. Join me to read aloud the transforming hope and light of God’s Word:
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” 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 helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord Psalm 27:4-14.
Our eyes look up, our ears are eager to HEAR Your voice.
Speak Lord, your servants hear. As Habakkuk in his day with questions, “Where are You, Lord,” we will pray and hear:
“I will stand my watch And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected” Habakkuk 2:1, NKJV.
Then the Lord answered me and said:
“Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry.
“Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith Habakkuk 2:2-4.
“Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.”
The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him” Habakkuk 2:18-20.
picture by Pete Fierro
“But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” Isaiah 40:31.
Dear God, help us walk in a manner that fully pleases You. Keep us praising You in the spirit. This is where we find You close by, in a heart of praise.
This is my Bible song of encouragement today, as I ask the Lord to fill me with His great love and grace in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation:
“Being confident of this very thing that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it . . . Philippians 1:6. For He who is in you is greater than he that is in the world 1 John 4:4.
In the Bible, the children of Israel found themselves in the wilderness because of unbelief, and the Lord rained down Manna every morning to provide food. “What is it?” they asked.
That’s the definition of Manna, food from heaven, God’s holy Bread.
The Bible? “What is it?” Many don’t know it’s a Book unlike all books. It’s Holy. It’s Supernatural.
Manna Notebook Pages for Families is a tool to help families build a foundation of God’s Way and Truth written by chosen men of God through a period of 1600 years, inspired by His Holy Spirit, to bring God’s message to man-kind.
Where’s the Manna? It’s in God’s Word! Enjoy the feast each day.
Mrs. Toni
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“What’s so great about the Bible?” Some may ask.
There are many skeptics these days, but some have never heard the Bible or opened it’s pages for themselves.
Like the manna pictured above, the Bible can look very boring. But God’s Holy Word is unlike any other book in the entire world.
The pages of the Bible are living, powerful, and are from the Lord to us!
So, first we will pray: “Dear Lord, we ask that You will help us have ears to hear You speak to us today form Your Word, and a heart soft to receive what You have for us, and courage to share what we learn with others, In Jesus name, Amen.”
The Bible is the greatest Book in all the world. It’s sixty-six Books with one theme: The Revelation of Jesus Christ from the beginning to the end.
“Does it always have to be about Jesus?” some might ask.
Good question, let’s look at what Jesus said of Himself at the end of the Book:
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End Revelation 22:13.
The Bible tells us,
The Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation Colossians 1:15. Stop and read that again, it’s so powerful.
Colossians continues, “For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.”
This is a lot to take in. Without faith, we can’t believe.
“What’s faith?” you might ask.
Faith is believing all God says about Himself and about man-kind.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him Hebrews 11:6.
Do we believe God exists? Do we believe his Word is His Truth to us?
The writer of the Book of Job from the Bible said, I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread Job 23;12.
Job stayed close to the Word of God. Job suffered great loss, of family and health. And more than necessary food, was the Word to him.
Many of us love our food and snacks. We taste a snack and we want more and more. Well, the Word of God, once its tasted, and the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to its wonder, and we receive His power in our hearts to understand, God’s Word becomes more wonderful each day!
Do you want to have faith as Job? If yes, God doesn’t guarantee that hard days won’t come, but He guarantees, to be with us through everything.
For He hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee Hebrews 13:5.
The Holy Bible is God’s promises & instruction for us and complete reward: Jesus Christ.
“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit 1 Corinthians 2:9,10.
Do you believe God? Pray, (talk to God) in your own words and tell Him your thoughts.
Here’s a Scriptures Song to help understand faith and God’s ways: Hebrews 11:6 & Isaiah 55: 6, 8,9.
There are so many books. And, oh, how we love stories.
Some books are imagined from the mind or fiction, like Amelia Bedelia or Star Trek. And some stories are true experiences written down. Books about sports players, or plants, people, etc.
We give books and stories time and attention each day.
But Manna Notebook Time is Treasure Time. We discussed on our first page, it takes faith to believe the Holy Book,
But the Bible is also called the Good News, and it tells us that
. . . faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God Romans 10:18.
So today we will hear from the Book of Beginnings, Genesis, God’s account of how everything began. What an amazing story it is, from the Amplified Bible:
In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth.
The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth].
The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.
And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and
He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness.
And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night.
And there was evening and there was morning, one day Genesis 1:1-5.
The Spirit of God hovered over the dark and empty void of earth. God the Father breathed the Word, “Light.” And at 186,000 miles per second light moved in glory.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, three in one. The Trinity in the first 5 verses of the Bible. This is powerful.
“In the beginning”, is the element of time. “God created the heavens . . . ” the element of space. “And the earth,” the element of matter. Time, space, matter, three properties of the Universe all created by Elohim, Creator God.
Yes, this takes faith to believe, but with a humble heart and open mind, ask God, “Is this true?”
What does the Bible say?
The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting Psalm 119:160.
We have choice to believe. God gave us this! We have the ability to discover the mysteries and ask God Himself the questions. What did Jesus say about light?
Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8:12.
The Book of John, chapter 1 says of Jesus,
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it John 1:4,5.
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him John 1:9-11.
What happens to those who believe? And those that don’t?
For those who believe, we have fellowship. Closeness to God for all eternity. Through faith in Jesus, God’s Son, we have access to the Prince of Peace, each moment of the present day.
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.
Not believe? What are the consequences?
Separation from God for all eternity: They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might 2 Thessalonians 1:9.
Take time to be with the Lord and talk to Him about your choice. If you believe, thank Him for making you new, ask Him to come live in your heart, and show You His ways of light and life! He hears your heart.
Here’s a Scripture song to help you think on God’s Good News, John 1:12 & 2 Corinthians 5:17.
John 1:12/2Corinthians 5:17 featuring Kanagy GirlsIf we walk in the light as He is in the light we’ll have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from every sin. 1John 1:7.
The holy Scriptures . . . they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15.
Talk to someone about your choice to accept Jesus and believe in His love and light for your life.
Amen! Sing a new God song: John 1:12, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
What’s the Manna #3
God’s Word, God’s account on how the beginnings occurred, (as well as many other events in the past which help us humans understand the events of today), has been considered “Religion.” Because it requires faith to believe.
Now, we must understand that man’s account of beginnings requires “belief” as well, because mankind was not present for observable science. This is called Historical Science. This requires belief.
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Many people don’t know what God’s account is.
What’s the Manna? “What is it?”
The Bible is God’s holy Word.
“In the beginning . . . ” I share my Creation Song as well as the first chapter of Genesis for those hungry for a manna meal:
Art by Andrea Colt
The History of Creation
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.
6 Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day.
9 Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
11 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day.
14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
20 Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
24 Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
29 And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1.
When the picture is dim. Futures look foggy. The ways of man seem right in their own eyes. (Proverbs 14:12).
God’s Holy Word stands alone, unchanged. (Numbers 23:19).
What do we do?
Do we open His pages?
Do we call on His name? (Romans 10:13).
Do we believe He’s faithful? (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Do we thank Him? Do we give Him praise? (Psalm 148: 13).
Do we have comprehension? (Ephesians 1:13-15).
Are we growing in grace and the knowledge of Him? (2 Peter 3:18).
Who is the Lord? And what is His name? (Exodus 15:3).
His name is Jesus. There is none greater. There is salvation in none other. (Acts 4:12).
He was, and is, and will always be. (Isaiah 43: 13-25).
There will be a day when all will eyes see. (Philippians 2).
He alone is in control. He is before all things. (Colossians 1:17).
He’s coming again. (Matthew 24:44).
All eyes will behold, every knee will bow. (Romans 14:11).
God hates lies. God hates evil. (Proverbs 6:16-19, Amos 5:15).
The enemy of God is the father of lies. (John 8:44).
Satan comes to deceive and accuse. (Luke 22:31).
Satan seeks to destroy . . . me and you. (John 10:10).
As Moses in the wilderness with a multitude of faithless complainers, against God and His ways. Serpents were sent among all the people.
The serpents bit. People were afraid.(Numbers 21:4-8).
What happened next?
God instructed Moses. Make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Lift it in the camp. All who look on the bronze serpent will be healed.
What will we choose? Do we look up? Do we look away?
Do we bow today?
Or do we wait for some other day?
His Word is Love. (1Corinthians 13).
What do we believe?
This is a life or death question. What answer does the Bible give:
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:14-21).
What is sweeter than the grace of God?
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory! Ephesians 1:13-15, emphasis mine.
If you want to receive Jesus in your life. Simply bow your head and heart and ask His forgiveness for sin. He washes all the past shame and sin away. Then ask Him to fill you with His love. He will flood your heart with His sweet love. Accept His love and forgiveness and ask Him for the Holy Spirit to help you to grow in His grace and knowledge. He is faithful. he will surely do it!
Then tell someone. Tell the whole world that you are a new creation in Christ. And find other believers to grow with in a Bible teaching church.
Rejoice in Him. Worship Him. He alone is able to accomplish all that concerns all who seek Him, today.
It’s not easy to get all the Ryps together these days, but we were all together in 2018. We’ve grown, changed, experienced great challenges in each of our lives, (as has everyone in the entire world).
We’ve added two amazing grandchildren to our number to bring unimaginable joy to all of us.
We are family.
The Ryps. Nick & Mandy. Carolyn & Patrick. Anneliese, Emily, Jared & Anastasia, Dave, Toni & Mike, Liz, Grace, Chris, Matthew, and Jonathan, (bottom).
And Christmas 2019:
Picture from Christmas 2019. Toni, Mike, Chris, Anneliese, Carolyn & Patrick, Liz, Matthew, Jonathan, Emily, baby Reese, Sarah, Dave, Grace, Anastasia & Jared, baby Emeril, minus Nick and Mandy.
This mom and dad are little in this world. But, we trusted God in the beginning, 35 years ago and continue to trust Him now.
Our testimony has moments of faltered faith through many battles, but God in His grace and compassion always remained and remains faithful. We believe God’s Word:
Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the Lord to you, “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15.
We love family pictures because they proclaim the victory and goodness of God: Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness Exodus 34: 6.
Trusting the Lord with our family was an unpopular thought, even back in the day, when our marriage began in 1986. To many it speaks of irresponsible behavior. “Get Mike a TV!” We would often hear as a joke, even amongst believers.
Each child was the Lord’s precious plan. God knew that Mike and I weren’t able, but “in Him,” all things are possible. Mike and I covenanted in marriage and in heart to the Lord. We were to trust Him, no matter what.
We didn’t want to be everything to our children, we wanted them to know Jesus, He is everything! We taught them in God’s Word and His way, and do our best to live as witnesses to His faithfulness each day:
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:7-9.
Don’t we remind ourselves and live this as a testimony to our families?
Mike and I failed often, but God never did.
We were weak, but He had a hold of us: for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’Acts 17:8.
We’ve been through “better and worse, richer and poorer, sickness and health,” and we will see our marriage “’till death do us part.”
Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 15:57.
We will sing today as in the beginning, “In our lives Lord, be glorified, be glorified, today.”
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others . . . If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5: 11, 13, 14, 15.
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!
“Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Family.
Beautiful messes.
Each brings witness to God’s gracious message, “I loved you first,” love Jesus.
“Give us all a genuine encounter with You, dear Lord. That we might view our world through Your eyes. Help us not miss the glorious and precious. In Jesus’ name. Amen.“
Because the LORD is Omnipotent in wisdom and power, I invite you to speak aloud His Word back to Him:
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad Psalm 118: 21-24.
Together we pray to the LORD, Creator of heaven and earth His Word:
Listen to (our) my prayer, O God, do not ignore (our) my plea; hear (us) me and answer (us) me . . . Psalm 55:1.
Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets Psalm 55:9-11.
As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice . . . Psalm 55:16,17.
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords Psalm 55:20,21.
God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God Psalm 55:19.
We unite in prayer and pour out our complaints to a Living God, Sovereign over all the affairs on the earth:
Your words were found, and (we) I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.
I did not sit in the assembly of the mockers, Nor did I rejoice; I sat alone because of Your hand, For You have filled me with indignation. Jeremiah 15: 16,17.
The LORD spoke in regards to Jeremiah’s cry. What is the LORD saying to me? To you? To US? Let’s speak the Word of God aloud that we might have ears to hear and hearts as soft clay in the potter’s hand, that He might work in us,
Therefore thus says the Lord:
“If you return, Then I will bring you back; You shall stand before Me; If you take out the precious from the vile, You shall be as My mouth . . .
And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; And they will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you;
For I am with you to save you And deliver you,” says the Lord. “I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, And I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible” Jeremiah 15: 19-21.
Can we hear the cry of the LORD, “Will you come back to Me?”
Can we hear His voice over the noise, “You’ll be able to extract the precious from the vile.” “Come back to Me. I am able to make all grace abound. I make all things work together for good to those who are the call according to My purpose.”
Together, evening, morning, and at noon we will:
22 Cast (y)our cares on the Lord,
we recite together His faithful Word. We will seek His face forevermore:
. . . He will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days
But as for me, I trust in you Psalm 55: 22,23.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Eph. 3: 20).
We hear opinions and beliefs in our post modern culture, of patched-together ideas of Jesus, personal truths as it relates to each individual, such as, “The Jesus I believe in is love. He would never condemn anyone to hell.”
And we, Christians, understand that Jesus doesn’t condemn anyone to hell, our unrepentant sin does that. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”
Christians understand that Jesus is Savior of the world.
We hear open arguments such as,
“The oppression throughout history has been caused by Christianity.”
The idea of Christian’s believe there is only one way to heaven and they are prejudice against any other belief system is hateand toxic.“
As Christians, we hear these thoughts of great misunderstandings with broken hearts, because we desire to be witness to the Gospel message: Mankind is plagued with dark hearts due to sin. The Father gave His Son, Jesus to make a complete and sufficient payment on the cross for our sins, and He overcame death and sin and with the miraculous wonder of being resurrected from the dead.
He lives forevermore, and offers life eternal to whosoever will believe. This is the Gospel. Jesus is the solution to all of the world.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16.
We all have many questions. The Bible is a Book worthy of study and a place to bring our misunderstandings, that we might cry out our questions to God. He will answer.
“No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? John 6: 4-9.
Christians don’t live by a set of rules and make rules for the world. We don’t read simply black and white letters on a page.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart Hebrews 4:12.
Christians receive the Holy Spirit when we believe on Jesus. His Word speaks and the Holy Spirit moves and gives us understanding in His Word. God is Holy and able to draw all men to Himself to all who believe.
“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment” John 16:8.
We’re tempted to be shaken by people’s opinions and thoughts about “their” Jesus. But what did Jesus Himself tell us who believe?
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.
And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” Matthew 24:3-14.
God’s Word strengthens us. Our faith is restored by God’s Word. Jesus speaks to us today:
“Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone.
And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” John 16:32,33.
In the Bible, Jesus was brought to Pilate’s court the Praetorium.
“Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?“
Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of the world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?“
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all” John 18:33-38. What is truth? Let all the Christians say, “The person of Jesus.”
Jesus prayed for us in the Garden of Gethsemane in John 17,
” I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth.
Your word is truth.
As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth” John 17:14-19.
Who is my Jesus? “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” Hebrews 13:8.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5.
Are there Christians strengthened in God today by His glorious Word? Let all the people say, “Amen.”
Has God put on your heart to write? And specifically, to the glory of God? If the answer is yes, check to see if there is a local Word Weavers chapter in your area.
There is in mine.
I love the name, “Word Weavers.” However, for me, (and perhaps you), preparing for the casual meetings to gather with local writers with a piece of no more than 1500 words, “Word Wrestler” is a more appropriate name.
Word Weavers will inspire, instruct, and encourage. No one goes home crying. However, you might feel the need to go home and wrestle.
After our time together with “cold-sandwich” critique, (meaning, after your piece is read), words are spoken of what’s “sweet,” then they get to the “meat” and a bit of “let us” too, with some wrapping up without leaving you pickled.
Word Weavers is community. It provides homework, produces commitment, and offers a calendar of opportunity.
Check out to see if there’s a local Word Weavers in your area. What was the purpose for my little “commercial?”
Well, if it be true that we are created in the image of God, and it’s apparent that something’s terribly wrong. And blaming God or others doesn’t bring constructive change.
Then those who treasure the Word breathed by Him, must take courage and declare God’s glory with their pen-or their keys, or etc. (You know what I mean.)
What if it’s true that we’re in the “last days?” And the warnings of God were never read because of man’s rage?
Let’s do it. Let’s write. God Himself has stirred us up.
If there be but one Door. (1) (Which often angers men and brings out their worst.) Let’s proclaim what’s written, and give God back His voice. Then those who take a minute to read, . . .
might find themselves transformed by a “renewing” of the mind.(2)
“His will be done, not yours, not mine.
Do you have a story that brings glory to God? A novel. Fiction, non-fiction, devotions. Poetry, Children’s stories and picture books too. Word Weavers will welcome you in a world of “weaving” and “wrestling” for some.
Join us.
Let’s write.
And enjoy a “cold-sandwich” or two.
In obedience and courage, we will proclaim light.
God gives us choice. (A great love-gift from Him.)
But, it’s time to persuade man to turn back to God, because “as in the days of Noah,” the door was closed tight.
I’ll end my rough poetry with Matthew 24. And I hope I’ve encouraged you to enter a Word Weaver’s door:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father.
As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.
That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? . . .“(3)
Faithful and wise?
Food for thought, for you and me, always.
I hope to see you at the next local Word Weaver’s meeting.
“Dear world, STOP. Look. Listen and hear the Father God, Creator of all natural beauty we see and enjoy,
the One Who is holy and just, truth, and all righteousness,
the One Who knows everyone by name.
The One Whose nature is unconditional Love.
STOP and look at the cross. Not the one around your neck, but the one that Jesus’ died.
Listen to Almighty God’s Voice:
‘My children, turn at once from running toward the lying thief that I sent my Son Jesus to rescue you from. Turn from believing lies that you can do it all on your own without Me.
I sent My Son. He is the the promised One.
His blood was shed, to cover each and all of your shame.
Admit your sins. Believe on Him. And Celebrate a new-born life, abundant and free.
And go and tell others. Be a witness for Me.'”
Oh, that the world would listen to the Father at this time.
This is what’s on my mind.
Jesus found me when I was lost.
He gave His life . . . for my sin.
He offers hope and His Spirit that we might each day walk in the power of His resurrection. He didn’t hold back, so neither will I.
Take time to ask yourself this question, “What is my direction?”
Stop. Look. Listen, these are words Jesus prayed. Will you turn and trust in Him today? “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them,” John 17:20-25.
It’s hard to stop. It’s a challenge to look. But God’s glory is revealed and our broken hearts are healed when we finally listen. He is the very definition of commitment!
It’s time to run with Jesus, and never again be deceived by the thief. This Passion Week, will you choose to believe? If so, make sure you let someone know. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity—Jesus
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him,” John 3:17.
Choose Jesus? His passion is outstanding. In heaven is great celebration.
“Empty the impatience, empty the anxiety.” You, Lord, can read my heart as it cries, “Give me a break!”
This tapestry of mine is frayed and torn and worn out, forlorn.
Then, I remember, when You walked this dry, barren land, officials with position put on Your head a thorny crown.
The words, “Give me a break,” come back to me, as I watch You in Your word, in silence You went, the way of the cross.
I have a payment owed. I can’t come close to pay it.
Death for my sin is the bottom line. To be separated forever from Your Love, for all time.
I am broken and frayed. I can’t meet the requirements. To be perfect and holy, there’s naturally, no way.
“I am willing.” Jesus answers.
Not with words, but in action. The words of the pages bring the past into focus. The words are today, for me, in the present.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged.The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robeand went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.
Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, “Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him.”
When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them,
“Here is the man!“
As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted,
“Crucify! Crucify!” (John 19:1-6, NIV).
The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” (John 19:7).
The word speaks with such sharpness. How the story often is blurred. But living, it is, and it speaks. To me, every word:
When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid,and he went back inside the palace.
“Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer.
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”
12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar . . .”
13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out, . . . “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.
15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!”
How can I read all this and not ask, “Who is this Man?”
Praying, “God, give me a break.” He shows me, “I AM. I have given you a break.”
Deeply woven in me is a sense of justice. But, it’s not found in You.
Weaved inside my being are threads that life should be fair. That what’s “right” must prevail.
But, Jesus.
You didn’t fight. You didn’t defend Your innocence.
You remained silent. You weave the word s-a-c-r-f-i-c-e in Your cloak of Love.
And in my tapestry, you find competition,
comparisons,
insecurities,
and pride.
And, who am I kidding, rudeness and evil thoughts thread their way through, knit, naturally inside.
Rip it all out Lord.
Rip these threads from me.
I believe Who You are. You came that I might be made free.
Weave in me, Your Scarlet thread.
Death to myself and my own righteousness, and my needing control of the circumstance.
Re-weave me.
I am broken and frayed.
But I believe You came. Let my tapestry proclaim You.
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
The world is a whirlwind of motion and time. The needs are great. Energy is given.
Babies held. Toddlers taught. Children learn what’s right what’s not. Schools full. Businesses open. Roads busy. Food prepared, and food being eaten. Time ticks on.
Are our thoughts all our own?
The pond in the park by the big oak tree sings. The still waters speak to halt my reasoning. My heart is calmed, my pace is slowed, my vision is expanded, and my mind’s thoughts echo:
“Maybe I’m confused. It’s not all about me. Maybe what I think is actually hurting me.
And somehow in the park, when the ducks go by “quacking,” I come to the conclusion: I’m not the center.
The stress, the strife, the fast pace of life, halts as the sun’s reflection sparkles the water. The smells of fresh air, and birds chirping everywhere. All my senses come to life. There’s something special about this moment, this moment in time.
In an instant my vision is expanded to include, not just me, and my world. My woes and and my goals, but to think about God. The Creator of all.
That’s what I need. I need more of Him.
I need God. Bottom line. Period.
As I needed the still waters of this pond, to bring vision to my broken heart. I need God to bring alive what’s died. I can’t look back I must move on.
And suddenly I’m saddened. “I’ve been lied to. Been made to believe that with my own reasoning and actions, I can achieve. That the course is simply A then to B. Then each step of the way, it’s all mine. It’s up to me.”
Oh, the lies I believed. The whirl of the world and it’s hum of pride: “Yes, there’s a God. He’s “love” and all that. But look at this world. Can you really believe He’s in control? Be reasonable. Use your mind. You must wear your own hat!”
And the sun hit the water and the breeze sang a song, and the duck went by slowly with his “quack, quack, quack.” And my heart stopped singing it’s sad, mourning song.
I looked up, and blocked the intense light of the afternoon sun just by lifting my tiny, wrinkly thumb. I decided right there, in that very moment of time, that the “thumb” of pride and unbelief was going to be set aside.
I was going to use my “reason” and remember my need. I need God. Right now, today. Front and center, no longer me, but He.
If God says He sent His Son to set me free, from myself and the rest of the ugliness, (as I learned as a child, and then unlearned by the world), then that will be my vision. “For God so loved the world that He gave …” who was I to change God – to be what my mind says.
“Jesus, can You see me? Today, I accept Your love. Somehow, as the ducks “quacked” in the still waters of this pond, my vision was changed.”
“You became my vision, and I remembered Your blood. It has washed me clean. But I forgot. I was taught by this world that I didn’t need washed.”
“Wash me again, and again. O God, I’m so sorry. Will You forgive me?”
So I went home and read Psalm 139 aloud, to be reminded again, that in fact, He is the center of all I see: “O Lord, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up [my entire life, everything I do]; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me. Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead), behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will take hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will cover me, And the night will be the only light around me,”
Even the darkness is not dark to You and conceals nothing from You, But the night shines as bright as the day; Darkness and light are alike to You.
For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You, When I was being formed in secret, And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were appointed for me, When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You …
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139, Amplified.
“Yes, Lord, You see me. Help me grow in You, each day, please.”
“O soul are you weary and troubled. No light in the darkness you see. There’s a light for a look at the Savior and life more abundant and free.” (1) Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, a hymn quite familiar to many, speaks compassion and comfort for the brokenhearted and lonely. God says, “Speak of the hymns,” in His Book of Ephesians. So, speak we will, seeking a light for a look at the Great Physician.
Others are praying in this time of great pain. Prayers going out during this dark of night. But greater still – Jesus is praying – He, the giver and keeper of Life itself. The King greater than all other Kings, He’s praying for us. The prayers, “Through these tears – “O Lord,Give us sight, through this darkness and night.” O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. (2)
“Behold the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him, Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. He will feed His flock like as shepherd; He will gather His lambs in His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.” this is Isaiah Chapter 40 verse 10 and 11. These are words breathed out straight from heaven.
Chapter 30 verse 5 in the Book of Psalms: “For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
“Oh Lord God, give us sight. Give some relief as we wait and are tempted to wonder, ‘why.‘ Open our eyes for spiritual things. We are weak, our mouths are so dry . . .
“The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.” The LORD speaks, He is our Immanuel, yesterday and today. He is near, forever.
“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the LORD’s hand Double (forgiveness) for all her sins.” (3) This is the word that will not fail, this is the Word of our Immanuel.
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, And every mountain and hill shall be made low …” (4)
Oh, how we need to be reminded that God, the Creator of the Universe – He’s in control.
“The crooked places shall be made straight, And the rough places smooth; The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, And all flesh shall see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”(5)
These are promises given for our hearts to take hold. When there’s darkness and pain and endless oppression, we must remind ourselves, ‘the mouth of the LORD has spoken.’
“All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, …but the word of our God stands forever. O Zion, You who bring good tidings, Get up into the high mountain, . . . You who bring good tidings, Lift up your voice with strength, Lift it up, be not afraid; Say to the cities, . . .“Behold your God!” (6)
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.
Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; Over us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conquerors we are! “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (7) There’s a light for a look at the Savior . . . His word shall not fail you, He’s promised . . . Over us sin no more hath dominion – For more than conquerors we are! “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (8)
The light has been given, the weak hands that hang down, are strengthened to hold the sword of God’s word. Nothing has changed, save the spirit inside us, now transformed and encouraged to hope and have faith and to love – Victorious! There’s a light for a look at the Savior. A light, so abundant and free : God’s love never fails …For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. (9) Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. (1) Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
I hope to see you at the next local Word Weaver’s meeting.
“Empty the impatience, empty the anxiety.” You, Lord, can read my heart as it cries, “Give me a break!”