Frightening glimpses through the fog!

We live in a world filled with sickness, death, evil and trouble. 

We are in this world.

We don’t think “bad” things will happen to us.

We live in a complacent fog. 

We catch glimpses of the true battle clashing around us when occasionally the fog lifts and we see the results of evil. 

We see godlessness, the raw wickedness of the heart and mind of man controlled by Satan.

In the shifting vapors we see the suffering that occurs daily in many parts of the world – areas where God is forsaken and evil rules blatantly and openly.

I find it appalling that “horror” shows depicting bloody killings, torture and darkness are welcomed into our theaters and homes through Internet and TV.  As we sit numbly watching “entertainment” these very atrocities are taking place in far off and not so far off countries against men and women, little boys and girls, many of whom are brothers and sisters in Christ. They are beaten, imprisoned, tortured, and killed. Children witnessing unspeakable acts not reported in the States.

God, in His mercy, allows us to be safe and secure – but for how much longer? Our country has turned her back on Him and worships the god of self and materialism. 

The war is in full swing around us – a spiritual battle full of hatred directed toward us and our children.

Man’s laws allow us to live, work and play in relative safety and security. BUT man’s heart is desperately wicked. Satan knows his time is short and is stepping up the attack. We are in the way – may our eyes be opened to see through the fog! We must read and know the Play Book and its’ Author! We must stay on our knees before our God!

Will we be touched by evil? YES

Will it defeat us? NO

Our hope is Christ, the victory is already won by Christ at the cross and empty tomb, our peace and security is in Christ.

May the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit         (Romans 15:13)

 

It is through our hope in God, our trust in Christ, our joy and peace given to us by our Father during the battle, enduring the suffering, in the midst of disappointment, tearful in grief, stunned by tragedy and picking up the pieces of shattered dreams that others see Christ.  

They see and are drawn to:

the Prince of Peace

Our Emmanuel!!!!

When angels dance and sing!

I just read a story of lost and found.

In a countryside filled with green pastures and sloping hills a shepherd stands straight and tall. Leaning on his staff, he looks out over HIS precious herd making sure the little ones are close to their Mamas, the older sheep are well and walking without difficulty, the herd as a whole is happy and content, feeding off the bountiful grass he has led them to. As a matter of habit he begins to count the sheep, smiling at the antics of the lambs jumping and chasing each other. Then he stops smiling and frowns. He slowly and carefully counts again. 

One is missing!

He sounds the alarm to his friends and neighbors and the search begins.

He scans the area. He moves swiftly and carefully along outcroppings and drop-offs. He calls the missing  sheep by name. He does not stop for food or rest. He quickly walks around the area, calling, listening, looking. Then he hears, of in the distance, a lonely bleat, a cry for help. Running, the shepherd arrives to find a frightened, dusty little lamb and gathers it gently in his arms, carefully wiping off the dust from the lamb’s face and holding it close as he softly probes with his loving fingers for cuts and bruises. The shepherd moves slowly back to the herd, murmuring loving words quietly to the little one. He places the lamb down by it’s mother and smiles as it hungrily feeds.

His friends and neighbors gather around the shepherd, celebrating and rejoicing with him. The lost lamb is back in the fold with the herd. The precious lost has been found.

Wow!

Jesus then went on to say, “there is more rejoicing in Heaven” when one of His creation comes to Him and accepts Him as the Savior.

 We made the angels dance and sing when we wrapped our arms around our Lord and asked Him to live in our hearts at the foot of the cross! The trumpets blasted, the music swelled and the angels sang songs of praise and joy when we became part of our Lord’s family.

 And the incredible reality is,  He is still smiling! And I believe the celebration is still going on and will continue till we join it and our loved ones to dance with Jesus and sing His praises with the angels! 

We are HIS!

Emmanuel, God is with us - Part 2

 EMMANUEL 

GOD is WITH US

Are we truly grasping this reality? Can our minds wrap around the FACT He is beside us and in us . . . always? Our wonderful God who loves us infinitely with outspread  arms ready to wrap them around us, who sings over us at night while we are sleeping, who calls us precious and never takes His eyes off of us or stops listening for our voices. The God who knows our name, who provides for us, protects us, dances with us in joy and comforts us  in sorrow . . .

 HE IS WITH US!

Let’s look at this from a different perspective:

As we drive to our work, run errands, shop –

 God is with us

As we brush our teeth, do the dishes, make the bed, fix the car, do the yard work –

 God is with us

As we care for our children, our aging parents, our sick loved ones –

 God is with us

As we walk the dog, clean the litter box, change a diaper –

God is with us

As we go give a hug, hold a hand, wipe a tear –

 God is with us

As we watch TV, look at a movie, listen to music, read a book, play a game –

God is with us

As we think a thought, speak a word, reach with our hand, react to others – 

God is with us

As we face our fears, bear our grief, feel overwhelmed, feel alone – 

God is with us

When others fail us and we are betrayed, hurt and in pain -
God is with us 

When we don't know which way to turn, there's no way out -
God is with us
 

Does this change:

What I look at?
   God is with me

What I listen to?
 God is with me

Where I choose to go?
 God is with me

How I react?
 God is with me

How I speak and what I say? 
 God is with me 

How I do my “jobs”?
 God is with me

How I rest in Him?  
 God is with me

GOD is WITH ME

EMMANUEL

Emmanuel, where You are is holy ground,

and You are HERE!

Emmanuel, God with us! Part 1

What a special time of year!

A time when God, the Father, fulfilled multiple scriptures in sending the Perfect Lamb to walk among us and be our Redeemer and Savior.

The Lord provides so many promises in His Word regarding “God with us”, here are just a few:  

• And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age - (Matthew 28:20)

• . . . He (the Father) will give you another Counselor - to be with you forever -  He lives with you and in you - (John 14:16)

• (Because I live - v 19) you will realize that I am in the Father and you are in Me and I am in you! (John 14:20)

• Be strong and courageous . . . for the Lord, you God, goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you – (Deuteronomy 31:6)  

•  Were I to count them (the thoughts the Lord has concerning me), they would out number the grains of sand, when I awake – I am still with You (Psalm 139:18)
• Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you (Joshua 1:9)

• Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) 

•  Since you are precious and honored in My sight – and because I love you, do not be afraid for  I am with you – (Isa 43:4-5)

•  You hem me in, behind and before, You have laid Your hand upon me (Psalm 139:5) 
  
• . . . though he stumble, he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37:24)
  
• . . . when you pass through the waters I will be with you . . . (Isaiah 43:2)
  
  

  EMMANUEL

  
  

  GOD IS WITH US

  
  

   Where you are is holy ground

  and you are HERE!   

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

Clean out our INBOX!

I am sitting here looking at my Inbox and shaking my head.

How did 11 pages of stuff accumulate so quickly? 
 
Why did I leave these e-mails sitting here taking up space, serving no purpose except to make it so hard to find those special ones I want to read and remember.

Ephesians 2: 1-10 compares and contrasts a life before Christ and a life in Christ.

Verse 2 is particularly intriguing; “You HE made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world."

There is a continual tug of war occurring around us -  subtle, deceptive and relentless. Our standards and beliefs are constantly bombarded with compromise and erosion. We are told what is good and bad. We are instructed as to what to wear, eat, listen to, watch, read, and even think. We are inundated with ideas and changing values, Satan inspired philosophies and constantly evolving morality.

Reminds me of waves that I used to watch rolling in on the beaches of Florida. In some areas the rolling waters quietly removed layers of sand while in others , the swells deposited blankets of sand to reform the entire beach.

If we are not watchful, if we are not diligent, our thinking will, as in verse 2, follow the "course of this world'. Layers of opinions and eroding ideas will bury God's principles and twist His truth in our minds.

Our faith, our values based on His Word are given in order to protect us as we walk through the waves of ungodly bias crashing in on us and shield our minds from the disintegration of our culture’s philosophies.

Solution?

Delete the junk and trash and clean out our mind’s Inbox by holding to the truth (1 Thes 3:21-22)

Daily reading, studying, memorizing and meditating on God's Word (Romans 12:2)

Diligently, excitedly and purposefully seek to know Him (Exodus 33:12b-13)

Depend on the Holy Spirit to teach us and Christ to fight for us! (1 Corinthians 2:10-11, 1 Samuel 17:47)

Grief - another journey

Several weeks ago we attended a memorial service of a dear friend’s Dad.

 It was wonderful to see the love and appreciation shared for a man of integrity who provided faithfully for his family. His love language, “Acts of service”!

Now the hard journey begins for a daughter left behind as she gathers up the precious  memories and places them in a treasured spot in her heart.

No more picking up the phone to call with news. No more hearing that sweet voice again. No more quiet  moments just being in the same room – where few words were needed – the love was there in little things, a smile, a touch, a look.

The promise of reunion, very real, but for now the colors are muted and greys surround my friend’s heart. The world continues, not any different than yesterday and will be the same tomorrow, yet to my friend’s eyes all has slowed and stopped.

In time, carried by her faithful God, supported by her wonderful husband and children and her loving friends , healing will occur and  a new normal will begin. She will hear the birds singing again. She will marvel at a beautiful sunset. She will laugh again. 

In sweet memories of times past she will see her daddy as he once was – strong – independent and whole. She will remember without pain.

But for now the numbness protects her soul. Gentle reminders of the Lord’s love heals her heart. The adjustments come gradually. The pain  slowly subsides. The heartache, a tender gift of expectation of a meeting yet to be – a quiet time with no words needed.

I love you, Ann!

Grey foggy days or blue skies?

Am overwhelmed this morning with sadness.

I am in awe of the blessing to sit at my Father’s feet and share my heart with Him. 

So I begin to list off all the things that trouble me. All the disappointments of special concerns that seem to be stagnant and unmoving. How I long for these heart burdens to be changed to answers. The ache is deep. The weight is hard to bear.
My eyes glance down and see these words in my open Bible, I gasp and smile:

Be joyful always

Pray continually

Give thanks in all circumstances

- for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus

Don’t hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in you life

Listen to prophesies with respect

Test everything with God’s Word

Avoid every kind of evil

I Thess 5: 16-22

Father, may Your joy be evident in my daily going and coming as I give You my cares. 

I give You my sadness, my fears, my disappointments, my longings. Carry them for me. You see all. You control all. Your perspective is perfect. May I rest in Your love and trust in Your heart!

The burden is lifted! He carefully carries it now!

Your Joy is filling my heart – You hold me close!

Jesus Calling today took my breath away in light of the paragraphs above!

Do we see grey, foggy days,

plodding along the rocky path

bowed low with worries, cares and sadness,

grumbling and complaining in our circumstances,

allowing fears and self centered thoughts to rob us of energy, of life itself?

or

Do we live in the blue skies of God’s abundant Presence,

casting our cares, worries and fears into His capable hands,

trusting in His loving heart for our every moment,

delighting in His surprises as we move through our day,

giving thanks for His goodness,

revitalized with His peace and love?