Wait with Hope

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:24-25 (ESV)

HOPE….

not a pipe dream or a wish upon a star.

Hope carries the promise of an everlasting God.

“Hope springs eternal” in a believer’s heart. 

What do you hope for?

When surrounding situations overtake a peaceful moment,

When feet sink deeply in mirky muddy water,

When worldly woes intensify with escalating fear,

Is there hope at all?

A casual hope for happiness, 

A fleeting wish for bliss,

Offers temporary calm,

Soon dissipates with time.

Do you give up? 

When trials liquidate a dream from long ago,

When disturbances destroy peace,

When evil seems to overcome the very good of God,

Does belief cease?

Hope is firm and steady

Hope is sure and certain

Hope is fixed and anchored 

In the Sovereignty of God. 

Hope is based on truth,

The truth of God our Father. 

He made a promise long ago.

He keeps it for eternity.

He promised to abide with us, if we remain in Him.

Within the trials of the day, He draws closer than a friend. 

He’s faithful to His eternal Word, His deeds are guaranteed.

He will do what He says He will do.

Do you believe Him? 

When no answer comes,

When He says to wait on Him,

When unexpected situations occur,

Is trust thrown to the wind?

Hope refuses to focus on the past.

Hope doesn’t dwell in the present.

Hope leans forward into the future,

With expectant eyes.

Allow peace with patience to reign while waiting,

Like watchmen who sit upon city walls, 

Anticipating morning’s light while darkness encloses.

Watchmen heed signs of disturbances, schemes of the enemy.

Watchmen guard exposed areas where angst invades.

Watchmen believe, without doubting, morning comes,

So they wait. 

Waiting may be lengthy and laborious, demanding and draining,

But watch with expectancy.

Hope for His promises fulfilled.

Wait…..

Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him

For the help of His presence. 

Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God.  Psalm 42;5,11 (NASB)

Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why are you disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him,

The help of my countenance and my God.  Psalm 43:5 (NASB)

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice!

Let Your ears be attentive

To the voice of my supplications.

If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,

O Lord, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with You,

That You may be feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait,

And in His word do I hope.

My soul waits for the Lord

More than the watchmen for the morning;

Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord;

For with the Lord there is lovingkindness,

And with Him is abundant redemption.

And He will redeem Israel

From all his iniquities.  Psalm 130 (NASB)

“Hope springs eternal in the human breast; 

Man never Is, but always To be blest. 

The soul, uneasy, and confin'd from home, 

Rests and expatiates in a life to come.”  —-Alexander Pope

ENOUGH

Have you ever worried about not being good enough or not doing enough in this world? I’m sure we all can answer yes. But worry is in vain because we aren’t good enough and never will be. The truth lies in the fact that God is our enough. With Him, we are enough. He is enough for us.

My son encountered a sleepless night as he pondered these thoughts. I encouraged him to write down his contemplations about being enough. All these reflections are his; I only rearranged and put in poetic form. I’m sure you’ll be encouraged with God’s answer to being enough. We’re not, but He is.

Enough…… 

I said as I lay awake

Pondering my duties of work, family, life.

Enough? Am I enough? Am I doing enough?

NO! The answer is clearly no

Because at the root of my question

Lies the flaw—I, ME!

Of course I am not enough,

Life is bigger than me.
It's about a little baby boy named Jesus

Who came to earth to be all of our ENOUGH, and more. 

Lives are filled with anticipation, joy, struggle, strife.

And yet my head screams enough,

Am I enough?

Quiet my mind, Lord God,

I’m trying to listen for You.

Enough?

Confusion clears 

As I hear Jesus, my Savior, calling out,

ENOUGH!

You are NOT enough,

But I AM.

The Great I AM came to us all,

To be our enough

With His grace, love, and compassion.

We need only be still long enough,

Be quiet long enough,

Listen and reflect long enough

To His perfect offering of love,

Of being our more than ENOUGH.

Written by Brad Crawford

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NASB)

"Your Grace is Enough" by Matt Maher....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wN-fspKg1Q

Wintertide Intrudes

Shadows of Christmas fall like tears,

Bright days wane away into the winter

Of cold, wet, drab, and dull.

The frenzied pace of holiday prep

Now leaves remnants of empty boxes, empty stockings, empty hearts.

Oh let it not be.

The time fulfilled,

You came to us,

A Savior babe,

To live with us.

Your joy and peace

Don’t take away.

Our God with us, Immanuel, the Great I AM,

Occupy our hearts again.

Expectations emerge as festivities approach.

Imaginations dream of terrific times

With family and friends, rarely seen,

Together again for a very brief time

To laugh and love and live.

Interruptions of human shortfalls break in,

Leaving sorrow and sadness aplenty.

Disagreements, arguments, failure, death,

Reality blemishes gatherings.
Disappointments afflict daily life.

Oh let it not be.

The time fulfilled,

You came to us,

A Savior babe,

To live with us.

Your joy and peace

Don’t take away.

Our God with us, 

Emmanuel, the Great I AM, 

Occupy our hearts again.

WHAT? Darkness conquers? 
Absolutely not! Truth prevails

As perspective determines state of mind.

Set eyes and heart on a timeless God—strong, steadfast, unchanging—and remember...

Nothing, absolutely nothing, even death, can separate us from the Great I AM.

God is with us!

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. Psalm 73:23 (NASB)

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)

…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NASB)

"Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h4qNNWGq-8

A New Beginning

Your past…..it doesn’t define, it prepares!

The slogan captured my attention as we rode past the billboard. I missed the advertisement, yet the saying stayed with me. The past doesn’t define me, it prepares me for what lies ahead. 

My believer’s heart pondered the words. No matter what I’ve done or thought, or what’s happened in my life, I don’t have to allow my past to define me. It’s a new day, a new year, a new start with a gracious God whose compassion never ends. Thank you, God, for this most precious gift. 

God offers new mercies each morning—there is hope. Receive His grace and begin anew. Today’s a good time to start. Happy New Year!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Oh, remember the bitterness and suffering you have dealt to me! For I can never forget these awful years; always my soul will live in utter shame.

Yet there is one ray of hope: his compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his loving-kindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in him. Lamentations 3:19-24 (TLB)

Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]! 2 Corinthians 9:15 (AMP)

A Time of Tribute

He drops to his knees in reverence. The one most people talk about at Christmas time worships the One Christmas truly represents. Santa Claus pays homage to the Christ Child. 

It’s my favorite Christmas decoration. The Truth resonates from this small figurine. Because it speaks volumes, I leave it out all year. The kneeling Santa epitomizes the importance of baby Jesus. 

He is the reason for the season, this small babe. Yet the big business of secular Christmas bombards us. Our commercial society continuously tempts us with advertisements of things. Billboards relentlessly remind us of stuff. Store owners regularly rearrange their window displays with the newest trends. 

It all means nothing when confronted by the newborn King. We drop to our knees before His powerful peace. Our hearts move toward compassion as we accept His gracious forgiveness. The extreme love of a Sovereign God humble enough to become one of us is extraordinary. We creatures halt our hurried pace and bow before our Creator God.

In the stillness all else pales into insignificance before an Almighty God. His glory fills the air. We’re humbled beyond belief because of Who He is.

Worship with me. Bow before the newborn King, the One born to save. He is our loving Heavenly Father, providing peace that passes all understanding. Will you choose to honor Him?

It's your choice though one day every knee will bow, freely or forced. One day every knee all over the world will bow before the Maker and Redeemer of all the earth. He is God. Choose now to worship Him, the King of kings. He came to earth for you. Receive His supreme love. 

For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel left her. Luke 1:37-38 (AMP)

Since we have a Kingdom nothing can destroy, let us please God by serving him with thankful hearts and with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28 (TLB)

It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” Romans 14:11 (NIV)

Maranatha Singers - Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVQzOhNMn_A

Light of Life

“Why haven’t you turned on the Christmas tree lights? You’ve always turned them on during your morning devotions,” my husband asked. 

“I just haven’t,” I quickly responded, hiding the real answer in my wounded heart. 

After he left, wet drops of pain hit my lap. Mom is dead. Doesn’t anyone remember that? Why should I turn on Christmas lights when a light in my life has gone out? Forget this Christmas cheer. 

Many people struggle with life’s hardships, especially during holiday seasons. It’s not easy to experience “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10) when gloomy conditions exist. The first instinct of a suffering soul is to curl up in a corner and sob. And for a moment, this release is necessary. But then what? Life continues minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. The human condition dispenses both delight and despair. How do we manage life's ups and downs?

God understands His human creations. He knows His people. Even though He made all things good at the foundation of the world, sin entered in, bringing sorrow and death. Immediately He devised a plan to save His people, yet waited for the proper time to fulfill it. 

Believe it or not, the God of the universe chose to invade our sin and darkness. Prophets of old foretold His coming to earth. Isaiah powerfully penned the prophecy with hope. Peel back the layer of hurt from your heart and allow his words to penetrate your wounds. 

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair shall not go on forever. Though soon the land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be under God’s contempt and judgment, yet in the future these very lands, Galilee and northern Transjordan, where lies the road to the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness shall see a great Light—a Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death. For Israel will again be great, filled with joy like that of reapers when the harvest time has come, and like that of men dividing up the plunder they have won. For God will break the chains that bind his people and the whip that scourges them, just as he did when he destroyed the vast host of the Midianites by Gideon’s little band. In that glorious day of peace there will no longer be the issuing of battle gear; no more the bloodstained uniforms of war; all such will be burned.

For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of his father David. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. This is going to happen because the Lord of heaven’s armies has dedicated himself to do it!  Isaiah 9:1-7 (TLB)

The drapes of darkness have been undone. A heavenly light shines into our situation. See the glow. Feel the warmth. An enthusiasm for something better grows.

Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecy. He entered into our human condition as a baby thousands of years ago. The Creator God chose to enter His creation to demonstrate a better life. He brought the Kingdom of God to earth, offering to fill believers’ hearts with joy. He is the “good news of great joy for all people.” 

Turn on the lights. Allow Christ to dispel your darkness. You’ll soon see things differently.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

But when the Father sends the Comforter instead of me—and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you. John 14:26 (NIV)

You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name. Isaiah 63:16 (NKJV)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (TLB)

The mighty God, the Lord, has summoned all mankind from east to west! God’s glory-light shines from the beautiful Temple on Mount Zion. Psalm 50:1-2 (TLB)

Thank you, Lord God, for your good news of great joy. As you shine on me, let my light shine for others to see. In the precious name of Jesus, AMEN.

Matt Redman's "Help from Heaven".....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZTkJU9gzJA

Be Thou My Vision....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CMclLT_Hjg

Have Faith in God

“Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me. There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming.” John 14:1-2 (TLB)

“…..The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:28 (NIV)

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. Mark 11:22 (NIV)

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

Thwack. Thwack. Whap. The sounds of repair work in the basement suddenly drifted to the room above where Mom lay dying. “Mom, they’re building your mansion in heaven. Can you hear it?” I said.

No response came but I knew Mom heard. Earlier the hospice nurse reminded my family that hearing is the last to go in the throes of death. Evidence failed to prove Mom heard me, yet breath moved in and out of her seemingly lifeless body. Pale and bruised with bed sores developing, she groaned every time we attempted to gently move her. Her deteriorating earthly life progressed toward a hopeful heavenly end. Her mansion in glory awaited. 

Are you living in the midst of a desperate situation? Does evidence surrounding your situation point to a demise of sorts? Have you lost all hope that anything will change?

Have faith. God is in control. He is with you. Believe in the name of Jesus. Trust Him and keep hoping. The best is yet to come. 

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 (TLB)

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Jeremy Camp's "Walk by Faith".....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9WXUlERHKc

Thanks Be To God

I’m walking through a season of grief as I mourn the loss of my mom. Many family members and friends have offered their sympathy. Those supporting hands of comfort lift my spirits. In return I offer thanks for my blessings. 

Insulating my heart from the deep sting of death is the truth of my living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He overcame sin and death through the power of His resurrection. The grave could not hold Him—He now lives forever (Romans 6:9). 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). 

Gratitude is a heart expression. As Christ freely offers me grace, my praises echo back to Him. Writing thank you notes to individuals who have extended condolences to my family grant a sense of peace. I profess thanksgivings to the God who comforts me. My thanks go forth to people living as extensions of His grace and mercy on my behalf. Thanks be to God!

T - Thanks to our Almighty God

H - Hallelujah to the Lord

A - Adoration goes to Jesus

N - None greater than He

K - King of Kings

S - Salvation brings

G - Glorious is our God

I - Immanuel, God with us

V - Victorious is our Savior

I - I AM is great indeed

N - Never leaving nor deserting us

G - Great is Almighty God

Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples. 1 Chronicles 16:8 (NASB)

But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (NASB)

Natalie Grant's "Your Great Name".....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuuLBPOYcI8

Do You Trust Me?

        T - Trouble’s
        R - Refuge
        U - Under
        S - Salvation’s 
        T - Truth

Are you suffering from a lack of trust? Do your eyes focus on current circumstances? Is your mind stayed on misery? 

“Stop with the fear,” says the Lord God. “I will walk where you walk. I’m right beside you. You are so precious to Me. I love you.”

God repeats His Words throughout Scripture and provides proof of following through. Do we believe Him? Do we literally live out trust in the loving God of the universe? Or do we choose to suffer in the bowels of earthly captivity? 

Trembling and shaky, Mom held on tight to me. Only inches away, I braced myself to transfer her from wheelchair to sofa. “Come on, Mom, move your foot. You can do this. We’re so close. Don’t you trust me?”

My mother’s moans and trepidation said no. Her recent fall created fear of another collapse. She lacked the strength to move on her own while also needing to trust the stronger arms supporting her. Fear, distrust, immobility, nervousness—gloom hung in the air.

Honesty brings us face to face with our own daunting lack of trust. If it were me in a debilitative state, would I trust my daughter to move me from place to place? In daily life, do I trust Almighty God to take care of me and all my concerns? Over and over again His Word tells me of His support, His nearness, His commitment to stay with me forever. He loves me too much to let go. Why then do I continue to shake and whimper with fear?

It’s human nature to focus on earthly situations, but God has given us hope through His Son Jesus Christ. With a hopeful heart and His helpful hands, focus on eternity. Fix your eyes on actual things above instead of the faulty things of earth. 

No matter what you walk through, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will stand by your side till the

end. He already carried your sins to the

cross and died in your place. Don’t you think He can handle any situation before you? 

Trust Him. He is faithful

and true. He loves you. 

But now, says the Lord—

the one who created you, Jacob,

    the one who formed you, Israel:

Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you;

    I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

    when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched

    and flame won’t burn you.

I am the Lord your God,

    the holy one of Israel, your savior.

I have given Egypt as your ransom,

    Cush and Sea in your place.

Because you are precious in my eyes,

    you are honored, and I love you. Isaiah 43:1-4 (CEB)

Lauren Daigle's "Trust in You".....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_aVFVveJNs

Christ's Assurance

“All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.” —-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Do you fear the unknown? Are you afraid your future may contain a maze of hazards? Many of us worry about the unforeseen things in our lives. We desire to protect ourselves and our families against possible outcomes. One way to provide protection is through monetary means.

We buy insurance—health, home, auto, life—in hopes of providing the means to take care of ourselves and/or families should accidents, disease, or death befall us. Insurance is a guarantee of compensation for the payment of a premium. Paying insurance premiums gives assurance for days ahead. But sometimes insurance details surprise us if we haven’t read the fine print. 

Consider the amount of time and money spent on a variety of insurance plans and investments. We prepare while we’re able for a profitable future when we’re unable. Buying into different assets seems to give hope for the future. We plan for those times just in case something occurs. 

And then it happens—reality. Years have gone by and the dreaded disaster transpires. Your declining health may require residency in a nursing home. Your children assist you in contacting one and together a decision is reached. Then someone reads the insurance policy and discovers it doesn’t “kick in” for 90 days. You must pay out of pocket until the 91st day (this actually happened to my mom).

What if you don’t have 90 days? What now? Didn’t you guard against such stuff? You paid and strategically planned for your future with care. The time ahead seemed secure. 

But the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry wrote Robert Burns in his poem entitled “To a Mouse.” Yes, the best plans often go awry. We have no control over our future. Earthly plans have no guarantees. 

The only certainty in life is the blessed assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ. God, our Heavenly Father, planned a hopeful future for you and me. He loved His creation so much that He sent His Son to die for us, offering joy in the moment and hope for eternity. He is faithful and true—a promise-keeper. By investing in faith and belief in the name Jesus, we are guaranteed forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.

God’s Words are not cloaked in fine print. They are not concealed or hidden. They’ve been handed down to us through patriarchs, prophets, disciples, and apostles of the Lord. His desire for us is to read His revelation and hear with our hearts. God longs for all of creation to believe and be saved by the blood of Jesus. Christ is our blessed assurance for life and life eternal. 

"Blessed Assurance" by THIRD DAY....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IUMTJoH-PQ

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18 (NASB)

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 (NASB)

…that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 (NASB)

For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end… Hebrews 3:14 (NASB)

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12 (NASB)

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-22 (NASB)

For the word of the Lord is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness. Psalm 33:4 (NASB)

For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5 (NASB)

Waiting....

A farmer plows the earth, creating furrows in the ground. He plants seeds and covers them with dirt. He waters the ground as he is able and trusts nature to do the rest. He waits for growth.

A mother and father raise two children, instilling godly values. They teach God’s Word, attend church, and pray regularly. One child eventually walks away from these life lessons. The parents humbly bow before Heavenly Father and pray. They wait for their child’s return. 

Over two hundred years ago, a new country emerged, building its principals around God. Today many Americans have turned away from God-instilled morals, creating dissension and division. Corruption infests our nation. In the midst of this chaos, votes are being cast for our future with a new leader. Many Christians are on their knees praying for God to wake up His church to the truth of His Word, to stand firm and speak up for God. We wait for the future before us. 

What are you waiting for?

Two weeks ago my mother passed away in her home. My sisters and I tended to her needs for nearly a week as a hospice nurse visited with medications and advice about the stages of death. We prayed, we sang, and held Mom’s hands as we stood around the hospital bed. With a cross physically in her hand and literally in our minds, we waited for Jesus to take her to eternal glory. We waited for physical death in order for Christ Jesus to grant her eternal life.

Faith waits. Faith stands firm on God’s promises and waits for His fulfillment in His own timing, not ours. In due season He will bring about His will for His people. Faith believes and trusts in God, knowing that He stands by our side as we wait for the accomplishment of His plan for our lives.

He stands by our side as we wait for the accomplishment of His plan for our lives.

After Jesus Christ arose from the dead and ascended into heaven, God promised to return to earth one day and make all things new. He will dispel darkness and restore righteousness. Believers in Jesus will live with Him for eternity. Those who reject Him will face everlasting death. 

But God….

God desires for all to join Him. His love for creation sent Jesus into the world, so all may be saved (John 3:16). At His ascension He commanded His disciples to spread the good news of His salvation to all the earth. Throughout the ages, His invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature have been exhibited (Romans 1:20). Now He waits for the lost to repent, turn to Him, and be saved. His patient love desires all people to be saved. So He waits—is He waiting on you?

Well then, what are you waiting for?

Do you know the Heavenly Father? Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins? He is waiting for you to repent and believe in Jesus’ name. He desires to redeem you. Are you ready to proclaim your belief and live out faith in Jesus Christ from now through eternity?

Don’t wait to get to know Him. Bow now and declare your trust in Jesus. He’ll run to you and never leave you. He’ll pour out His gracious mercy on you and faithfully stand by your side. He’ll wait with you as you wait for His fulfillment in your life. 

He’ll wait with you as you wait for His fulfillment in your life.

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. Psalm 38:15 (NIV)

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 (NIV)

If someone dies, will they live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come. Job 14:14 (NIV)

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

They all wait for You

To give them their food in due season.

You give to them, they gather it up;

You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good.

You hide Your face, they are dismayed;

You take away their spirit, they expire

And return to their dust.

You send forth Your Spirit, they are created;

And You renew the face of the ground. Psalm 104:27-30 (NASB)

Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him. Isaiah 30:18 (NASB)

Does My Redeemer Live?

Can I honestly say, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and when I die, I will see God”? 

Pain comes in many shapes and sizes. It ranges from tiny cuts to torture to terrible disease to death. We’ve all experienced discomfort in some form or another. How have we responded? 

Gazing with earthly eyes, it appeared Horatio and Anna Spafford encountered tremendous tragedy (post from 10/9/16). And yes they faced unbearable pain. But the Spaffords lived life with a heavenly purpose, and though they lost children and material stuff, they trusted God to redeem all things. 

Remember: Horatio wrote “it is well with my soul”. 

Because they knew their Redeemer lived, they also believed their children lived with Him. They put confidence in the joy of knowing Jesus. They persevered through agony while looking forward to heavenly joy. 

Jesus knew heavenly joy, and He resolved on earth to endure pain because of the reward. Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). He looked forward to the joy of life eternal, even as He faced unimaginable torture and death. And He did it for you and me!

Can I say, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and when I die, I will see God.”

An upright and blameless Old Testament Biblical character named Job also endured tremendous tragedy. Job and his wife survived the loss of possessions and children in one day. Through all this calamity, his body developed boils from head to toe. His wife taunted him with the temptation to curse God and die. 

Though he faced excruciating earthly situations and grappled with them, he eventually came to this confirming conclusion about God. In the midst of suffering, Job said without a doubt, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth” (Job 19:25). 

Job believed his Lord lived on in eternity and he knew he would see Him on the other side. He confidently made that statement to his friends who questioned his belief. He assuredly spoke those words as pain gripped his heart. He hopefully claimed his belief while miserable circumstances surrounded him. With resolution, he stood firm through his struggles.

Though I too struggle with earthly trials, with doubts, with fears for family, faith, my nation, and the world, I still desire to stand with Horatio, Anna, Job, and Jesus. I want to be able to say with courage and conviction, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and when I die, I will see God.”

What pain bears down on you now? What sorrows do you face? How are you responding to your situation?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Remember the trials of Horatio Spafford. Bear in mind the misery of Job. Be mindful of the fact that you have a Savior who died for you, a Redeemer who desires for you to experience joy with Him. `

Joy awaits, so stand firm in the power of your mighty Redeemer. Your soul will be well. 

P.S. Do you want to know the end of Job’s story? I hope you’ll read about it in the book of Job found in the Old Testament. In the meantime, pore over some statements below made by Job as he wrestled with the reality of his heartbreaking earthly trials and the promise of a joy-filled heavenly purpose.

My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Psalm 6:3 (NIV)

This, at least, gives me comfort despite all the pain—that I have not denied the words of the holy God. Job 6:10 (TLB)

“Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Job 7:11 (NIV)

“I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. Job 10:1 (NIV)

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he will stand upon the earth at last. And I know that after this body has decayed, this body shall see God! Then he will be on my side! Yes, I shall see him, not as a stranger, but as a friend! What a glorious hope! Job 19: 25-27 (TLB)

Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor? Job 30:25 (NIV)

He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 (NIV)

Bless the Lord, the God of Israel, who exists from everlasting ages past—and on into everlasting eternity ahead. Amen and amen! Psalm 41:13 (TLB)



Enjoy praising your Redeemer......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkLuZxqPPzE - "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRW-jr_PnbQ  - Nicole C. Mullen - "My Redeemer Lives" 

Is It Well With My Soul?

Without a doubt, can I truly say, “It is well with my soul?” 

Last week in my blog post, I linked the song “It Is Well With My Soul” sung by Chris Rice. The powerful words of this old hymn tend to inspire me, but do I believe what I'm saying? Is it really okay with my soul if I lost everything, EVERYTHING—parents, husband, children, grandchildren, business, house, job? What if someone threatened to put me to death unless I recanted my belief in Jesus? How would I respond? Would I be able to gallantly sing this song? 

I recently asked myself those questions after an early morning phone call. A security company called our home telling my husband and me that our son’s house alarm was going off. My son, his wife, and their two children live in the home. The company couldn’t get an answer from either of their phones, so they called us. My mind scattered into a thousand possibilities. Did someone enter their home to burglarize and kill? Did carbon monoxide infiltrate their home and cause death. My racing mind landed in several scenarios while my body numbed and my stomach lurched. 

Praise God it turned out to be a false alarm, a mix-up with their phones. Thank you, Jesus, that my family is alive and well! And then I cried as questions rushed my mind. What if all was not well? Would I allow fear to take over?

Without a doubt, could I truly say, “It is well with my soul?” 

Consider the life of the one who penned the beautiful hymn—Horatio Spafford. This man and his wife encountered tremendous tragedies. In 1871 they lost their son to pneumonia. That same year they lost much of their business during the great fire in Chicago. Eventually they rebuilt the business.

Several years later, Horatio and his wife Anna planned a trip to Europe. An unexpected business glitch delayed Horatio’s travels, but he sent Anna and their four daughters on the scheduled ocean liner, promising to be reunited with them as soon as possible. 

Four days into the journey, the ocean liner collided with another ship. In less than fifteen minutes, 226 passengers, including the four Spafford girls, lost their lives as it sunk. A sailor, rowing a small boat near the accident area, discovered Anna floating on wreckage. He pulled her into his boat where they waited to be picked up by a larger vessel. 

Nine days later they landed in Wales. Anna immediately wired her husband and told him the horrible news. Childless—now the remaining four of their children dead. Unimaginable pain.

Horatio immediately booked passage on the next available ship. When passing over the area where his daughters met death, inspiration deep within his soul found its way onto paper.

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll,

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul. 

How could he declare it is well with his soul? Who or what strengthened him to stand strong within a storm of sorrow? 

If you are familiar with church, the Sunday School answer is Jesus. And yes, the correct response is Jesus. But simply knowing the answer is not enough. Knowing Jesus personally gives affirmation of the source of strength and peace.

Only Jesus takes us through tragedy.

          Only Jesus strengthens. 

                    Only Jesus grants peace.

Horatio and Anna knew Jesus! They understood His strength and they understood His sufferings. They believed He suffered and died for them so that they could live eternally forever with Him.

Jesus encountered the cross for the joy set before Him, the joy of eternal life with the Heavenly Father, the joy for all who believe in Him as Savior (Hebrews 12:2). Even as He lived on earth, He gazed at the world through eternal eyes. Because of their belief in Jesus, Horatio and Anna regarded worldly issues with eyes turned toward eternity. 

A pastor who also survived the ocean liner disaster later recalled something Anna said about her personal catastrophe. “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand why,” she stated with conviction. 

Horatio and Anna envisioned hope and a future with eternity's eyes. They believed in God’s promises. I believe those promises of God too—He has been good to me. He gives me courage to gaze toward eternity rather than dwelling on the situations around me. Can you look at your circumstances with eternal eyes? 

Without a doubt, can you truly say, “It is well with my soul?”

PS. God blessed Anna and Horatio with three more children, but one died at age four with pneumonia. Two of the children survived their parents. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem in 1881. It is there that Horatio died and is buried.

Bless the Lord, the God of Israel, who exists from everlasting ages past—and on into everlasting eternity ahead. Amen and amen! Psalm 41:13 (NIV)

And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Mark 9:23-24 (NASB)

You will keep in perfect peace

    those whose minds are steadfast,

    because they trust in you.

Trust in the Lord forever,

    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4 NIV

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far

more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (TLB)

The Lord bless you, and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine on you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance on you,

And give you peace.’ Numbers 6:24-26 (NASB)


"It Is Well With My Soul" - Audrey Assad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY5o9mP22V0

Sustaining Peace

Quietly Still

I glimpsed a patch of radiant light

Among countless clouds of gray.

The peace that swept over me 

Will keep me all the day.

The circumstances in my life

Appear at times so bleak.

Refusing to accept the stress,

I choose my Lord to seek!

He waits for me to come each day

And sit upon His knee.

Desiring a personal relationship,

He loves and cares for me.

He offers spiritual nourishment,

The blessings of daily bread

He knows exactly what I need 

And goes wherever I tread.

I choose today to walk with You

And listen for Your will.

The way for me to know You:

Sit quietly and be still!

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.  Romans 5:1 (NLT)

But from there you will search again for the Lord your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.  Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.  1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Give us today the food we need...   Matthew 6:11 (NLT)

God is our refuge and strength,

    always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come
    and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.
    Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 

A river brings joy to the city of our God,
    the sacred home of the Most High.

God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
    From the very break of day, God will protect it.

The nations are in chaos,
    and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders,
    and the earth melts!

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
    the God of Israel is our fortress. 

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
    See how he brings destruction upon the world.

He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
    He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God!
    I will be honored by every nation.
    I will be honored throughout the world.”

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

    the God of Israel is our fortress.  Psalm 46 (NLT)

"It is Well with My Soul" - Chris Rice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HLyhEdh92E

I Need You Daily, Lord

 Rest evades me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and yet I need it desperately. Not until I take my eyes off of situations that surround me and meditate solely on God’s greatness can I experience any of the Lord’s peaceful strength. I need to soak in His powerful love and heed His comforting words, but I haven’t taken the time to sit still before Him. Now my strength drains while grumblings pour out before you and God. Maybe my honesty will help you to be open and frank with the Lord as well, allowing Him to work in all of our lives.

Lord God, I’m sick and tired of a multitude of things happening in my life, my community, and the world. I’m personally tired of raging hot flashes that make me drip sweat like a man and cause me to huff and puff as if I just ran a 100 yard dash. I’m sick and tired of night sweats waking me up three or four times a night and causing my body to experience exhaustion everyday. Why Lord?

I’m sick and tired of the amount of time my husband puts into his job, only to daily face frustration and little support from his superiors. I’m sick and tired of him being sick and tired of working for people who seem to care little for him. Why Lord?

I’m sick and tired of cancer bombarding my mom’s health at every turn. I’m sick and tired of watching her fight this disease to no avail. I’m sick and tired of facing death and its horrible sting. Why Lord, why?

I’m sick and tired of praying for all the heartbroken parents whose children make bad choices and nothing seems to change. I’m sick and tired of hearing about people who are enslaved by sex trafficking, drugs, and/or alcohol. I’m sick and tired of hearing about heroin overdoses, especially the ones in my community where I recognize the names of the dead young adults. Why Lord, why is this happening?

I’m sick and tired of people walking blindly in this world, rushing to judge other people and their situations. I’m sick and tired of growing racism, riots, and disrespect for others. I’m sick and tired of people abandoning Your truth for the misconceptions offered by Satan. I’m sick and tired of the church playing like a cruise ship instead of daily going to war with You in the battleship. Why Lord, why? When will we wake up?

I’m sick and tired of leaders in office who abuse their power and lie to the people they are to serve. I’m sick and tired of political correctness that serves to only weaken people’s character and increase fearful minds. I’m sick and tired of declining morals, where right is wrong and wrong is right. I’m sick and tired of people being silent in the face of evil. I’M JUST PLAIN SICK AND TIRED, GOD! Why do the wicked seem to prosper? When will You right all wrongs, Lord?

I may be sick and tired of many things in my life, but thanks be to God I have hope in a faithful God. Even though perfection on earth isn’t a guarantee, His faithfulness to us is a promise. His life’s sacrifice and resurrection from the dead gives us hope for a better future and life everlasting when we believe in His Name Jesus. He will right the wrongs of the world. He will make things beautiful in His time.

And yes, God listens to my complaining with open ears and arms, gently whispering reassurance of His presence, passion, and power. When I am still before Him with His Holy Word before me, I hear Him say, “I am here for you (Isaiah 58:8-10). I will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). Don’t worry (Matthew 6:25-34). Look to me instead of your circumstances (Isaiah 31:1). I can be trusted (Psalm 56:4), after all I died for you (Romans 5:8). I love you (John 3:16).”   

THANK YOU, LORD GOD, FOR YOUR FAITHFULNESS TO ME! ALL GLORY TO YOU!

Have you lost hope in God? Do you find yourself grumbling because of your life’s circumstances? Open up to the Lord and pour out your feelings. Be still before Him and receive strength from His Holy Word. Praise Him for His faithfulness. 

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. Psalm 42:5 (NASB)

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 (NIV)

Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24 (NASB)

For I hope in You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord my God. Psalm 38:15 (NASB)

But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. Psalm 71:14 (NASB)

"I Need Thee Every Hour" by Fernando Ortega...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZIMDcgrF-Q

"My Hope is in You" by Aaron Shust...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RRZgr7wNDs

"Hope Now" by Addison Road...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwdXqDYfBYQ

He is My Helper

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;

From where shall my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel

Will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;

The Lord is your shade on your right hand.

The sun will not smite you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

The Lord will protect you from all evil;

He will keep your soul.

The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in

From this time forth and forever. Psalm 121 (NASB)

Lord God, Heavenly Father, Jesus, my Jesus,

I need You, I need Your arms around me, 

Holding me, keeping me from falling,

You are my help. I trust You. 

Even as anxious thoughts prevent my rest, 

I know You are there.

Lord, forgive my wandering mind.

Calm my soul. 

You who requires no sleep, stay close by my side…..always. 

You are ever present, never absent.

Draw me closer to Your promises. 

I hold them in my heart as life swirls around me.

I believe you will secure my coming and going now and forever.

You are my help. I trust You!

This psalm is one of many songs of ascent (Psalms 120-134) that the Hebrew priests recited as they approached the Temple and climbed the stairs to worship the LORD. Reciting the powerful words of Scripture remind us of our Holy God, who we are, and where our help comes from. 

Be encouraged by God’s Holy Words. Worship the One who created and redeemed you. Know that He loves you. Believe and receive God’s peace.

Shall I look to the mountain gods for help? No! My help is from Jehovah who made the mountains! And the heavens too! He will never let me stumble, slip, or fall. For he is always watching, never sleeping.

Jehovah himself is caring for you! He is your defender. He protects you day and night. He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you. Psalm 121 (TLB)

for King & Country sings "Shoulders"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfiYWaeAcRw

The Holiness of God

Rap, rap, rap. “I am here,” a voice says on the other side of the door. Do you answer the caller or simply walk away, ignoring the guest?

John answered the caller and walked through the open door to a heavenly experience. Before him stood a mighty throne with the majestic One sitting on it. Bursts of light glittered about Him as if through a crystal clear diamond and a blood red ruby. Even though flashes of lightning and peals of thunder emanated from the throne, an emerald-hued rainbow arched around it (Revelation 4). Peaceful assurance filled John’s spirit.

An outer ring of twenty-four smaller thrones 

surrounded the predominant Throne. On each of the smaller thrones sat elders clothed in white, wearing golden crowns upon their heads. Nearby the throne of the glorious One were four living creatures, each with bodies covered in eyes and having six wings. Three of the creatures resembled a lion, a calf, and a flying eagle. One creature’s face looked like a man. Even though these creatures appeared mythical, they certainly recognized the Holy God before them. Unceasingly they praised the Holy One saying,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come” (Revelation 4:8).

The awesome Presence of the Holy God caused the twenty-four elders to fall down before Him casting their crowns and proclaiming,

“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

What a scene to witness! The holiness of God revealed once again to one of God’s servants, this time to John the apostle. Scripture says nothing about John feeling unworthy and fearful as Isaiah did when he witnessed the Lord in the temple (Isaiah 6). Why? 

Isaiah’s firsthand witness of the absolute holiness of God caused him to recognize his own sin and shame. He was undone and despaired over his wretched life until an angel placed a hot coal from the altar of the temple upon his lips absolving him from sins. 

John had already seen this Holy One after he arrived on the island of Patmos. While many of his companions had been executed for their faith in Jesus Christ, he was exiled to this island because of his belief and testimony about the risen Lord Jesus. 

Soon after his arrival, he heard a Mighty Voice commissioning him to write what he saw and suddenly he fell like a dead man before the vision in front of his eyes. He encountered the Mighty One, the risen Christ Jesus. Christ placed His right hand upon John and said, “Don’t be afraid! Though I am the First and Last, the Living One who died, who is now alive forevermore, who has the keys of hell and death—don’t be afraid! (Revelation 1)

This experience confirmed his faith in Jesus, the faith that landed him on Patmos. For three years he and the other disciples followed Jesus, learning about the kingdom of God. John saw Jesus die on a cross and then witnessed His resurrected body before He ascended into heaven. Now here he stood before his Friend and Savior, Jesus Christ, and he understood the pardoning of sins by a righteous God. 

So when John encountered the Holy One upon that glorious throne, he stood in reverent awe before his Mighty Savior. Even though he observed an incredible scene, almost more than a human could bear, he confidently stood with firm faith before the One he believed in. Why? What made it possible for John to approach this resplendent throne of glory with confidence? How could he, a sinner, stand before this holy, holy, holy God? The answer—God’s mercy through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 

John knew the Hebrew Scriptures. Even as he looked upon the One on the throne of judgment, John recognized God’s rainbow of mercy encircling it. Because he believed in the salvation of Jesus Christ, his sins were forgiven. The blood of his righteous Savior made him worthy. He had nothing to fear. God’s grace allowed him to stand with courageous reverence before this holy and awesome Spirit of the Living God. 

John lived on the finished side of the cross, as we do today. John received forgiveness of sins through God’s Son, the mighty One on the throne, the Savior Jesus Christ, as we can today. John answered the guest at the door, allowing Jesus to enter his heart, receiving deliverance from sin and shame. Have you answered the Caller knocking at your door?

The Caller stands at the door of your heart and knocks (Revelation 3:20). He is Jesus Christ. If you let Him in, He will exchange His righteous for your filthiness. The judgment you deserve will be replaced with His gracious mercy when you believe in the saving power of His Name. And like John, you’ll be able to stand with confident boldness before the holy Presence of God, rendering praises for His powerful salvation. 

Go ahead—grab the doorknob, open the door, and let Him in. Receive His salvation and join the throng of worshipers who offer continuous praises to a holy, holy, holy God. 

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NASB)

"When I Look into Your Holiness" by Maranatha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYyIJtfu2ew

 I Worship You, Almighty God (There is none like you)- Sondra Corbett with Lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evbA09mwpos

A Holy, Holy, Holy God

UNDONE!

          Unclean. 

                    ruined

words of defeat and doom 

This feeling of disgrace suppresses any feeling of personal goodness. In order to save face, a cover up transpires with one’s own intellect and beauty, talents and abilities, and/or success (real or imagined). Until…..

…a revelation in the GRAND design of life where humans realize their own sin and shame. 

Isaiah served God as a righteous prophet, attempting to call back the Israelites into God’s will. Almighty God desired His people to return to Him and He chose Isaiah as one of His messengers. Even the meaning of his name spoke volumes about God’s intentions for His people. “Jehovah Saves” or “Salvation of Jehovah”  expressed the name of Isaiah. And with God’s help, Isaiah set out to proclaim God’s salvation to the Jews. Until…..

…he saw the Lord sitting on a towering throne, reverently worshiped in the temple (Isaiah 6).

Angelic beings called seraphim hovered around the presence of the Lord God with covered faces and feet, singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory” (Isaiah 6:3).

Suddenly the foundations of the doorways shuddered at the mighty voices glorifying the Holy One, God Almighty. Smoke filled the temple. In the majesty of that moment Isaiah became aware of his own wretchedness. Shattered by shame and sin, he uttered his unworthiness before the Lord of Hosts, the King of all kings, the Holy One of Israel, saying, 

“Woe is me, for I am undone!

Because I am a man of unclean lips,

And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;

For my eyes have seen the King,

The Lord of hosts,” declared Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5) until…..

…a seraphim touched Isaiah’s mouth with a burning coal from the altar of the temple, saying,

“Now that this has touched your lips,

your wickedness is removed

and your sin is atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7).

Forgiven!

          Absolved!

                    Redeemed! 

Words of deliverance, grace, and mercy!

A soul released from human transgression. Restored to serve his Lord and Savior. On a mission to testify to the salvation of Jehovah.

Immediately the voice of the Lord said, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?”

And Isaiah responded with courageous conviction. He said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

Humbled and forgiven, against all odds, Isaiah readied himself to go and tell others about the Holy One of Israel. 

We are all underserving offenders before a holy God until…..

...Someone offers His own righteousness to us, granting us boldness to bow before His mighty throne. How is it possible that we can approach a HOLY GOD? 

Discover the answer and more next week when we stand beside John as he too encounters a Holy, Holy, Holy God.

Worship with the traditional hymn, 

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMLpAv1Slro

Worship with Gateway Worship's song,

Holy Holy Holy Savior and King

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV56fA6jPuU

NOTE: This worship of a HOLY, HOLY, HOLY God is not to be confused with the worship of a H.O.L.Y, H.O.L.Y, H.O.L.Y (a new song sung by a country music duo) idolatrous god. Please please please don’t be deceived. Our Holy Lord says, "I am the Lord your God....you shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:2-3)

You Have a Friend

Have you ever felt abandoned, alone, and afraid? Darkness closes in and you think no one cares about you or your problems. Feelings of isolation grow until you feel unloved. 

Sounds preposterous, but when such feelings invade your mind, resist and confront with the reality of a Creator God who designed you and desires relationship with you. Remember—feelings are simply feelings, choose reality.

The truth is there is Someone who would never abandon you or leave you all alone. Not only is He the Creator of the world, He is a Faithful Friend. He can be trusted. His name is Jesus and He says He will never ever desert you (Hebrews 13:5).

He is a Man of His Word. He is the Word of God. 

He displayed His loyalty to you and me all the way to the cross. Written in red, His promise to uphold His covenant with mankind dripped from His wounds until drained of life. Death held Him only until His mighty power burst forth into resurrected life! For you and for me!

He is a Man of His Word. He is the Word of God.

Do you know anyone willing to suffer such pain until death for you? Only amazing love accomplishes such devotion. Jesus is committed to His promise. He is your faithful Friend.

He is a Man of His Word. He is the Word of God.

Covenants, pledges, agreements, promises have been made for centuries by unknown, legendary, and infamous people. Sometimes drops of blood sealed the deals. While some commitments were preserved, others were broken. 

Yet one covenant of old, fulfilled by the blood of God Himself, remains steadfast today. Jesus’ scars constantly remind Him of His promise of faithfulness to you and me. When His hands are lifted in intercession for us, His palms bear the marks of covenant. And He says, “Even if a mother should forget her child, I will never forget you because you are engraved on the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16)

This selfless, gracious Savior who died for us is our Friend, and He calls us friends when we follow Him. Like friends who confide in one another, He revealed through the Word of God the things of God. He chose to be in a lasting covenant with you and me. Praise God.

Friendship—a bond of love and loyalty. A friend is someone who understands you in good times and bad. Someone you can chat with every day of the year or once a year as if no time has passed since the last conversation. A friend is available 24/7.

I’ve moved to different places off and on my whole life, making new friends and then leaving them. Even though it always breaks my heart to move away from friends, I trust our friendship remains true, even in the throes of life. Oh the joy of constant, steady relationships. 

These are treasures from my friendships.......

A song by Michael W. Smith, "Friends are Friends Forever"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ped1jYLFtkA

Even if you feel you don’t have a friend, reality tells a different story. 

Someone cares for you. He is your Savior and your Friend. He’s devoted to you. He’s a blood brother who commits to His promises. He laid down His life for His friends. He laid His life down for you.

You have a faithful friend in Christ Jesus because He is a Man of His Word. He is the Word of God. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg78BwqNFRY

What a Friend We Have in Jesus - piano with lyrics

A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17 (TLB)

A man of too many friends comes to ruin,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NASB)

“But you, Israel, My servant,

Jacob whom I have chosen,

Descendant of Abraham My friend,

You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,

And called from its remotest parts

And said to you, ‘You are My servant,

I have chosen you and not rejected you. Isaiah 41:8-9 (NASB)

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:13-15 (NASB)

….and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God. James 2:23 (NASB)

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (NASB)

Someone Cares for You

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NASB)

Lost and alone, 

          insecure and inferior,

                    worried and anxious,

                               fearful and worthless......

human flesh feelings of despair and defeat.

Everyone experiences these emotions at some point in life. Sometimes sufferings blanket us in darkness. Intense distress feels like rejection and abandonment. We wonder if anyone cares. 

Someone knows and cares about you!

Really? How can anyone understand unless they’ve “walked in my shoes?” It’s hard to believe that anyone could be aware of our personal hardships. But there is Someone who understands, Someone who’s actually “walked in our shoes.” He knows and cares about you. His name is Jesus and He is the Savior of the world.

Jesus, God’s own Son, entered the world that He Himself created (John 1:1-5). 

He experienced birth, life, and death (Matthew 2, Luke 1-2, Matthew 27-28). 

He arose from the dead (Mark 16, Romans 8:34).

He was fully human, experiencing happiness and pain, highs and lows (Hebrews 2). 

He experienced hunger, weariness, loneliness, and temptation in the desert (Luke 4:1-13). 

He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26, Luke 22). 

He felt forsaken and abandoned on the cross (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34).

Is it possible that this Jesus truly understands mortal pain, my pain, your pain?

“Christ became what we are that He might make us what He is,” said Athanasius, the Bishop of ancient Alexandria, Egypt and defender of the Christian faith. Jesus chose to put on our human flesh in order to give us the chance to be filled with His divine nature. Through His sacrifice (becoming a human, dying for our sins, and arising to new life), He offered to the world the plan of salvation from sin, death, and despair. 

Jesus offers deliverance from desperate feelings (Habakkuk 3:1-3, Romans 11:27). 

He extends mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).

He provides hope (Psalm 71:5), strength (Isaiah 40:29), and joy (Psalm 51:12).

He grants salvation from the sins of your past (2 Timothy 3:15).

He loves you and desires you spend eternity with Him (John 3:16).

Believe it or not, there is Someone who knows and cares about you. He waits with open arms for you. If you haven’t already, begin to search for Him (Deuteronomy 4:29, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 6:33). And return next week for more good news about the One who understands you.