Gifts of a Good Father

A month ago we celebrated mothers. Last week we celebrated fathers. Today and everyday let's celebrate our Heavenly Father. Not only does He offer eternal life through His name Jesus, He extends blessed gifts to us for our daily journey. Will you receive them? All you need to do is ask.

 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 (NASB)



If a child asks his father for a loaf of bread, will he be given a stone instead? If he asks for fish, will he be
given a poisonous snake? Of course not! And if you hard-hearted, sinful men know how to give good gifts to your children, won’t your Father in heaven even more certainly give good gifts to those who ask him for them? Matthew 7:9-11 (TLB)

“Look, there, see it. It’s what I’ve been wanting for so long. Can I have it, please, please, pleeeease? 

Children aren’t shy about asking. Their approach is simple, honest, and heart-felt. And parents truly desire to fulfill these wishes for their children (but good parents use wisdom when answering their pleas). Love is the reason. A parent’s love for her child pours out in many ways. Good parents train children properly, blessing them with good gifts. 

True love causes one person to want to give another person the shirt off his back (this American phrase means to give anything that is asked for, no matter the sacrifice required). Most parents give generously to their children, even being willing to die for them. Loving parent-child relationships beautifully illustrate the attainable bond between us and our Heavenly Father. 

Whether you’ve experienced a devoted earthly parent-child relationship or not, God offers you the opportunity to experience the heavenly one. Your Heavenly Father, who created you, yearns for a loving relationship with you. He desires to bless you with good gifts, and yet He’s already given you everything because He laid down His life for you (John 3:16-17). With His sacrifice comes gifts of gracious forgiveness, peace on earth, life eternal, and more. Now if He is willing to die for you, which He did, won't He give you these good gifts, if you ask Him?

Go ahead. Ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7-8). Expect Him to answer (Psalm 5:3, Galatians 5:5). In faith, believe (2 Corinthians 4:13) you have received.

What good gifts does your Heavenly Father offer?

He gives forgiveness…..Matthew 26:28
He gives mercy…..Psalm 6:9
He gives grace…..Ephesians 2:8-9 
He gives peace…..Numbers 6:26
He gives strength…..Isaiah 40:29 
He gives comfort…..2 Corinthians 1:3-4
He gives joy….. Psalm 16:11
He gives assurance of His presence.....Hebrews 13:5

AND HE GIVES SO MUCH MORE. SO ASK.



As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on his faithful followers.
Psalm 103:13 (NET)

See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God’s children—and indeed we are! 1 John 3:1a (NET)

Enjoy Chris Tomlin's "Good Good Father"......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqybaIesbuA

We Need You, Lord



Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother’s knee. Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair, like rings on your fingers. Dear friend, if bad companions tempt you, don’t go along with them. If they say—“Let’s go out and raise some hell. Let’s beat up some old man, mug some old woman. Let’s pick them clean and get them ready for their funerals. We’ll load up on top-quality loot. We’ll haul it home by the truckload. Join us for the time of your life! With us, it’s share and share alike!”— Oh, friend, don’t give them a second look; don’t listen to them for a minute. They’re racing to a very bad end, hurrying to ruin everything they lay hands on. Nobody robs a bank with everyone watching, Yet that’s what these people are doing— they’re doing themselves in. When you grab all you can get, that’s what happens: the more you get, the less you are. Proverbs 1:8-9 (MSG)


God, do you weep
As you look around your world?
People everywhere, seeking anything,
Attempting to fill the barren hole 
Created by Your absence.

Drugs, disaster, death, devastation,
Stolen souls and wounded hearts.
Pride, lust, glory, money,
Hurting people hiding behind society’s trappings.
It’s fleeting, Lord, the worldly goods,
Perishable stuff.
Selfishness in overload,
Poor choices significantly vast.

Sometimes I can’t bear it, Lord,
Bad news voiced.
Heroin overdose, a captive life dead,
Teen suicide, why Lord?
A mother with empty arms wails for a child,
While a father silently sobs.

I meditated on the love of my Heavenly Father
And I knew He wept.
Death brought tears to Him
When He stood at a friend’s gravesite.

But He overcame death!
Through a miracle and resurrection,
Life returned.

And I ask—
Father God, what can I do?
Jesus, how can I help?

Be a light, He said to me, show the best way.
Proclaim My love and grace to all people.
Shout out good news of forgiveness and restoration,
Tell My truth, speak of My peace.

I bring freedom and favor,
I supply strength and beauty,
I bestow blessings of gracious mercy.

I desire to fill deadpan souls, 
Chosen hollow holes.
Lost mortals drifting through life,
Searching, striving.....

Come to Me, just as you are!
Come to Me, all you weary ones!
Come to Me, if you desire rest!

Give them assurance of My love,
Its lavish scope,
My life given for everyone.
The stripes inflicted upon My back,
Bled forgiveness for the sins of all people.

Blame and burdens,
Offer up to Me.
Trade them in for My righteousness,
For deliverance and freedom.

I yearn for relationships with My creation,
Repent and turn to Me.
I desire to be known in your hearts,
Repent and turn to Me.

I’ll wait as you labor 
For My kingdom here on earth.
Heaven finds Me interceding, daily on My knees.
Will you bow before Me and intercede with Me?


My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 (MSG)



People Need the Lord.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uZcGaixMhg

Casting Crowns - Until The Whole World Hears.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7qi2KlUffs

Pictures and Praise



Sometimes life speeds by us like a fast moving train. It may seem as though no one cares whether we move forward or fall apart. Someone cares and His name is Jesus. Lean on Him. I sure am. 

Life’s struggles are surrounding me and threatening to take me down. You may be wrestling with a similar fight. Don’t give up. 

Trust Jesus. Be still and rest in Him. The God who suffered and died for you won’t let you down now. If you can do nothing else, worship Him with songs of praise. 

Gaze at His beauty. He created the earth and everything in it. Even if the world has damaged His creation, look through the destruction and find His grace.

I’m a visual learner. Possibly you are too. I remember words when connected with images. God’s Word speaks to me through His creation. Seeing His beauty raises up praises in my soul. And then I sing. 

Pictures and praise—some of my favorite things. Use your senses of sight and hearing to find the peace that passes all understanding. Rest in the presence of the God who loves you dearly. And sing. 









Here I am to Worship.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoxopsRSfdU

How Great Is Our God.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi0yLRX4d2

                Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty .. [Agnus Dei].....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWndDW_271g

How Great Thou Art from Vocal Majority.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJiHqbe3bLA

Cling to Hope

I glanced heavenward early one morning as I drove to work. The unusually dark sky appeared ominous. Black clouds held more than just the possibility of rain. Stopping at a red light and glancing left, I noticed a small opening in the gloomy sky. Light broke though the area, revealing blue-gray yonder. Gazing around the heavens, I saw more bright spots throughout space. And God said to me, “Hope!”

Driving on, I considered the God-given notion of hope. When I stand in a turbulent existence, where is my focus? Do I stare at the ominous threat or gaze at the ray of hope? At times life situations certainly threatened to unravel me. The hopeless darkness overshadows the will to move forward. Disheartening circumstances put at risk my ability to focus on the God of promise who says, “Hope!” 

What can we do when facing unfavorable situations? How can we seize the day that signals negative news? Is it possible to remain secure when life’s difficult conditions toss us about like a storm?

God provides answers in His holy Word. Like an anchor in the storm, He stands ready to steady us, if only we’ll grab hold and focus our thoughts on His promises. 

God says through Paul in Romans 5:2-5:

……rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God? Okay, God, I can do that. But rejoice in my sufferings? Really, God? That’s the path to hope? Yes, His words reveal the path may begin in suffering, but by holding onto hope, we can persevere. Walking in perseverance brings forth character and integrity. From such moral strength we decide to hang onto hope. We hope in God who has poured His love into our hearts. 

One of the many stories of hope in the Bible lies in the book of Job. It’s about a godly man named Job who suffered tremendous pain, losing everything but his life and wife. He did not sin in his sorrow but worshiped God instead. 

He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”  Job 1:21

Even though Job persevered, his wife did not support his strength. She said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.”  Job 2:9

But Job said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” And the Word goes on to tell us in all this Job did not sin with his lips.  Job 2:10

Later three of Job’s friends showed up to help him flesh out his pain. And he said, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.”  Job 13:15 

At some point as he determined to persevere, Job experienced a weak moment. All humans do. He said, “Where now is my hope? And who regards my hope.”  Job 17:15 

 Was he losing hope? Maybe for a moment. Yet throughout his own doubt and despair, he continued to place his hope in God. He declared, “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”  Job 42:2 

After years of clinging to hope, God blessed him with twice the blessings he had lost. Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations. And Job died, an old man and full of days.  Job 42:16-17 

Did Job grapple with his hope in God? Of course he did. Everyone contends with weakness. But as he traveled the path of suffering, God poured out His love into Job’s receptive heart. His pathway led to perseverance, growing his character, and out of that character came hope. And God did not disappoint him, but graced him with His presence and many blessings.

Have you lost hope in the middle of your situation? Let the word of God through King David and the apostles Paul and Peter infuse strength within your heart. Then resolve to hope in God.

“And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.  Psalm 39:7 (NASB)

For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.  Psalm 71:5 (NASB)

...rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer...  Romans 12:12 (NASB)

We wait in hope for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
    for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord,
    even as we put our hope in you.  Psalm 33:20-22 (NIV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  1 Peter 1:3 (NASB)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13 (NASB)




My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less Worship Video....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n5w_2IXvuA

 MercyMe - Even If.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

Quiet Confidence


The result of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness
will be quiet confidence forever.  Isaiah 32:17 (HCSB)



The quiet of my backyard deafened me. Even though nocturnal animals roamed, at 4:45 in the morning, most humans either slept or initially roused themselves out of bed. I stood outside watching my dogs as they emptied themselves, the quiet surrounding me. The eerie silence unnerved me until I took my thoughts captive and turned them over to Jesus. 

Straightaway the uncanny sound of soundlessness transformed into peaceful calm. My heart reveled in God’s serenity. I felt Him speak to my soul. 

“Quiet confidence,” He said.

“What is quiet confidence?” I asked.

“Read my words, listen with your heart, and I’ll explain,” I sensed Him say. 

I walked back inside my house and opened my box of God’s promises. The words fixed themselves in my heart and mind. God, through His everlasting Word, said to me…..



The work of righteousness will be peace,
And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.  Isaiah 32:17 (NKJV)

I opened my Bible and reread God’s holy Word in a different translation. 

And the work of righteousness will be peace,
And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.  Isaiah 32:17 (NASB)

Wow, God, you are the transformer, the One of righteous peace. When we believe and turn our thoughts toward you, you exchange our sinful nature with your righteous assurance. You died a horrible death on a cross to make that exchange with us. You are worthy of our praise. Keep my thoughts on you, Lord Jesus. 

And He did. I visualized my righteous, confident Savior before human judges and the governor, Pontius Pilate. Jesus, the Perfect One, had been arrested and stood before sinful men, awaiting His sentence.  

Now Jesus stood before the governor. “Are You the King of the Jews?” the governor asked Him.

Jesus answered, “You have said it.” And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He didn’t answer.

Then Pilate said to Him, “Don’t You hear how much they are testifying against You?” But He didn’t answer him on even one charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.  Matthew 27:11-14 (HCSB)

Our Savior fulfilled Old Testament prophecy as He quietly faced His accusers.

He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet He did not open His mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
He did not open His mouth.  Isaiah 53:7 (HCSB)

I felt His assurance as I read the Word of God. Jesus knew His destiny. He chose to fulfill it for me and you. When Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection, He offered to believers the authority given to Him by His Heavenly Father. This authority exudes quiet confidence with assurance of its origin. 

The conviction of Jesus comes from power, the unimaginable power of God. Jesus endured mocking and beatings from His enemies. He withstood pain as He walked to the cross. He persevered with assurance because of His heavenly focus. And He didn’t utter a word.

The same confident power is available to us—Jesus died to save us and fill us with this quiet, authoritative power. Do we tap into it or allow worldly noise to drown it out? Too often we tend to engage heavily in the things of this world. Instead of reading God’s Word, we allow others’ thoughts and opinions to shape our own ideas. Worldly noise keeps us distracted. The result—increased pain within our circumstances. 

Is it possible to stand in painful situations with an authoritative certainty? Can we acquire the same assurance that Jesus lived out? How do we go about following His example? 

Be still before Him (Psalm 46:10). Take anxious thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Embrace silence. Allow Christ Jesus’ power to invade your mind with quiet confidence. His power is the greatest power in the universe. Lay hold of it and persevere with Jesus by your side. 


Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus,

who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be used for His own advantage.
Instead He emptied Himself
by assuming the form of a slave,
taking on the likeness of men.
And when He had come as a man
in His external form,
He humbled Himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
of those who are in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:5-11 (HCSB)

Now I, Paul, make a personal appeal to you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ—I who am humble among you in person but bold toward you when absent. I beg you that when I am present I will not need to be bold with the confidence by which I plan to challenge certain people who think we are behaving in an unspiritual way. For though we live in the body, we do not wage war in an unspiritual way, since the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ. 
 2 Corinthians 10:1-5 (HCSB)

But you, man of God, run from these things,
and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight for the faith;
take hold of eternal life
that you were called to
and have made a good confession about
in the presence of many witnesses.

In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you to keep the command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God will bring this about in His own time. He is

the blessed and only Sovereign,
the King of kings,
and the Lord of lords,
the only One who has immortality,
dwelling in unapproachable light;
no one has seen or can see Him,
to Him be honor and eternal might.
Amen. 1 Timothy 6 (HCSB)

May You be praised, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all.  
1 Chronicles 29:10b-11 (HCSB)



In the trials you face, in the obstacles you come up against, in the discouragement that hounds you relentlessly, will you cast your confidence toward the power of God or the hard facts of “reality”?  ~Chris Tiegreen


"Same Power" - Jeremy Camp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InsifiZxVXU

The Gospel of Power


For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.  Romans 1:16 (NASB)

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.  Philippians 3:7-11 (NASB)

I pray that you will begin to understand how incredibly great his power is to help those who believe him. It is that same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in heaven, far, far above any other king or ruler or dictator or leader. Yes, his honor is far more glorious than that of anyone else either in this world or in the world to come.  Ephesians 1:19-23 (TLB)


Oh the precious words God’s spoken to me, 
Full of comfort, peace, and a way to be free.
He’s offered His promises, without hesitation,
I am washed clean through His justification. 

Salvation comes through belief in this God,
A personal God with me who will trod, 
Down a pathway of joy or a road filled with woe,
He stands ready to help as together we go. 

There’s only one Name in which to believe,
He gave His life, you need simply receive.
The God of the universe and Lord of all,
Jesus Christ saves—accept His call. 

He’ll walk alongside, through thick or thin,
Though suffering loss, with Him you win.
The Victor of all, He overcame death,
Before and beyond, He’s near at last breath. 


But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
3 “For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
4 “Since you are precious in My sight,
Since you are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.
5 “Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
And gather you from the west.
6 “I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring My sons from afar
And My daughters from the ends of the earth,
7 Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”  Isaiah 43:1-7 (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)

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)


How Firm a Foundation.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwGW8qRqz4I

Mother's Day

If you are fortunate enough to have the benefit of a mother living here on earth with you, celebrate her life. Offer love and devotion to her. Give thanks to God for the blessings she's given you. And tell her "thank you" for all she has done for you.  

 If you have experienced the death of your mom, extend thanks to God for blessing you with a mother. Cherish the memories and remember her with gratitude in your heart. 

 My Mom died last October and my heart aches to hug her and kiss her cheek. I miss her terribly. I am overwhelmed with grief. But I thank God for her and the loving legacy she left behind. 

 If you are encountering similar feelings, know that God loves you and desires to fill your broken heart with peace. Whatever the condition of your relationship with your Mom, God loves you and understands your situation. He collects your tears. He offers you peace. 

 8 You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book?
9 Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call;This I know, that God is for me.  Psalm 56:8-9 (NASB)




And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  
Philippians 4:7 (NASB)

Are You Willing?

You people who live in Jerusalem will not weep any more. The Lord is compassionate, and when you cry to him for help, he will answer you.  Isaiah 30:19 (GNT)


Never cry again? Sounds peaceful. Imagine having no more worries, afflictions, rebellion, disease, or death. With these life issues gone, sadness with turn to joy. The only tears to flow will be happy ones. One day eternal glory will exist for all who long for the Lord.

In the meantime, our existence is confined to a world filled with angst and anxiety. Do we succumb with sorrow to the tragedies we daily face or can we stand with strength from the Lord in the middle of them? Do we truly understand the compassionate nature of a God who hears our cries and longs to be gracious to us?

The thirtieth chapter of Isaiah speaks of a rebellious people who reject God, the Holy One of Israel. The arrogance of their daily living will end up in ruin. They will suffer the consequences of their decisions. 

For thus the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said,

“In repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength.”
But you were not willing,  Isaiah 30:15 (NASB)

What a sad, sad statement made by the Lord about His people Israel—but you were not willing. Is He also describing today’s world? Is He speaking to you and me? 

Take a look around. Troubles seem to encircle us. When facing trials, do we cry out to God or go it alone? He offers repentance and rest, strength through quietness and trust. Are we willing to live life with Him or reject His plan? From our decisions, we will reap the consequences, good or bad. 

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)

Are we willing to accept His gracious offer of compassion? Or do we prefer to walk the road of rebellion? It’s our choice. But we are told in His Word that He will show favor and answer our cries, if we look to Him. 

Turn away from all the angst that encompasses you. Turn toward God and cry out for help. He longs to be gracious to you. When He hears you, He will answer you. He will wipe your tears away and provide a peace that passes all understanding. Imagine the joy you’ll receive here on earth when you trust Him with your life choices. Imagine the glory you’ll live in for eternity.


Jeremy Camp - "There will be a day"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M5oDAj_FlM

Cloudy Outlook or Son Shine?



Rain pelted down, soaking the ground as the ominous forecast began to materialize. The threat of gray skies, lightning, thunder, tornadoes, heavy winds, and hail dominated the day. Fear of possible outcomes prompted changes in regular routines. Many folks hunkered down waiting for the approaching storm. 

Whether it’s a physical, mental, or emotional tempest, an impending eruption of any kind appears threatening and foreboding, gloomy and disheartening. Only hovering clouds of misery visualized. Hope, quite possibly, eludes the optimist as clouds conceal the sunshine.

Does your life’s situation resemble a dark, overcast outlook? Maybe you recently walked out of a doctor’s office with a forecasted disease in your body, facing numerous treatments with a slight chance of healing. Or possibly a short time ago you and your siblings gathered around a hospital bed where your mother lay, imminent death on the horizon. Perhaps your child chose the path of a prodigal, walking away from your safe zone. Or you recently received devastating news of a disastrous car wreck involving both of your sons. Looking beyond the clouds when a veil of grief blankets our lives seems impossible. We doubt the sun will ever shine again on our existence. And we wonder if the Son of God even cares what happens to us.

At times a dark and cloudy circumstance obscures every indicator of hope. Yet reality tells us the sun shines every day and Scripture contains words of promise from a faithful God. Reading some facts about both the sun and the Son can increase our confidence in the truth. It then becomes our choice whether or not to believe and live by faith.


The Sun
The sun does not go anywhere. No matter whether day or night, the sun hangs suspended at the center of the solar system where it has always been, and will be for the next few billion years. The sun seemingly disappears at night as the Earth rotates. Even though it continuously shines on the Earth, the sun cannot provide sunlight to all parts of the world at the same time.

The part of the world facing the sun experiences daylight. The rest of the world experiences night. As the Earth continues to rotate, the “day” side turns away from the Sun giving the impression that the Sun is going down. This is known as sunset. The exact opposite happens when the “night” side gets nearer the sun’s direction. This is known as sunrise.
 http://planetfacts.org/where-does-the-sun-go-at-night/


The Son
The Son (of God) does not go anywhere, no matter whether day or night. He lives, Jesus lives eternally, to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). He came to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He came to comfort the brokenhearted and all who mourn. He came to announce freedom to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind (Isaiah 61:1-3). Jesus died and rose again to give us new life in His name that we might obtain victory through our faith in Him, the Son of God. 
The Bible


Whenever your part of the world faces the sun, you experience daylight. If clouds conceal the light and darkness moves in, the sun remains in place. The sun is always there.

When your own personal world functions in a seemingly perfect way, you experience delight. If and when clouds hang over your circumstances, bringing gloom and doom, KNOW the Son is interceding to Heavenly Father on your behalf. He is present in your troubles. The Son is always there. 

Facts about the sun prove its permanent state in the center of the solar system. Factual evidence for the Son of God proves His presence in the center of our lives. May you be encouraged as you reflect on reality. May the following Bible verses strengthen your faith, increasing your reason to trust Jesus Christ, the Son of God.



Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.  Hebrews 7:25 (NASB)

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  Luke 19:10 NASB (NASB)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?  1 John 5:4-5 (NASB)

O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.  Isaiah 25:1 (NASB)

…and if I ask a question, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.”  Luke 22:68-70 (NASB)

I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”  John 1:33-35 (NASB)

…and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.”  John 11:26-27 (NASB)

Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.  John 20:30-31 (NASB)

But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”  Acts 7:55-57 (NASB)

But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.  2 Corinthians 1:18-20 (NASB)

By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  1 John 4:9 (NASB)


Look To The Son - Hillsong Worship....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gBTK1Ra3G8&index=3&list=PLTnuUe-aRkQ617ql-TvLh0xiI0QBdbVCY

God's Abiding Truth



I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness; I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.  ~Anne Frank


A young Jewish girl named Anne Frank witnessed much destruction before she died in the midst of extreme hatred. Yet in the middle of her holocaust, she held onto hope for something better. What about us? Do we cling to hope when everything around us screams devastation? 

Our world looks no different than the days of World War Two. Perhaps it’s worse because crowds of people use tolerance to deflect wrongs. They turn blind eyes to truth, choosing to believe lies. Rather than tear down walls of deception, people all over the world hide behind fortresses of lies. Satan, the father of lies, appears to be winning the battle of good and evil.

The collapse of truth began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. Satan deceived God’s new creation, causing sin to enter the world. God planned a path of salvation for His people and fulfilled it through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. Even though victory is gained through Christ Jesus, battles continue to be waged in this world.

Our modern-day world resembles the time of the Old Testament judges when a generation arose that did not know the Lord or the work He had done for the Israelites. They were plunged into darkness as they continually did what was right in their own eyes, resembling the world around them rather than living as children of God. Instead of obeying God’s truth, they acted in accordance to their own truth. They spiraled out of control into a cycle of sin. When bad things happened, they cried out to God for help. He sent a judge to lead them and for a time all was well. Then the sin cycle would begin again until another judge prevailed. This occurred for over 300 years until God granted the Israelites a king. 

For more than 300 years, the morality of the Israelites deteriorated as everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Wickedness increased as they relied on individual truths instead of the certain truth of God and His Word. Sound familiar? Is the modern era spiraling out of control into sin’s darkness like the Israelites in the time of the judges? 

Yes I believe so because truth appears relative instead of absolute. The footing of age-old foundations is crumbling as people refuse to stand firm on God’s holy Word. His Word has remained consistent for millennia. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Yet some believers of Jesus look no different than non-believers. Many church-goers allow the changing culture to shift their belief system to popular opinion. Truths continue to change with the times as everyone does what is right in their own eyes. Is there no stability? Where is God’s truth in society?

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.  James 1:17 (NASB)

God’s holy Word answers our instability. The Father of lights, Jesus Christ, doesn’t vary or shift with the wind. His truth doesn’t fluctuate with changing ideas. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His Word stands the test of time. 

Yet society disregards His morals and changes the long-standing rule of law. We are literally spinning out of control from the dizziness of different “truths” that constantly change. What can we do?

We can follow Jesus’ teachings, His Truth. In one of His parables, Jesus described what happens whenever one builds either on shifting sand or solid rock. He said,

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.  Matthew 7:24-29 (NASB)

When we walk away from God’s solid Truth and choose to live in contradiction to His Word, we’ll eventually find ourselves on shaky ground, conforming to anything that feels right. Biblical history confirms the lack of a godly firm foundation during the time of the judges. The history of World War Two demonstrates how the neglect of God’s absolute Truth created the unstable ideas of a murderous madman and his followers. Our modern era is spinning out of control in a cycle of sin because everyone is doing what is right in their own eyes. In times like these, people lose hope. Only by adhering to God’s Truth can we stand firm on Christ, the solid rock.

Whose truth do you follow—the majority, your own, or God’s? Jesus is the only way, the only truth, the only life. His Word stands forever—it never changes. Find hope in Jesus and follow Him for a better way. 

The grass withers, the flower fades,
When the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.  Isaiah 40:7-8 (NASB)


Heavenly Father, draw us closer to you and your will for our lives. Let us plant your Word in our hearts in order to stand firm on your perfect principles. Keep our feet from slipping and may we faithfully follow you forever. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Reba McEntire - Back To God....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9q-08aTNh8


 Prayer does not change God, but it changes the one who prays.  ~Soren Kierkegaard 

Resurrection



When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large. Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.’”  Mark 16:1-7 (NASB)


He is risen.

Jesus, crucified, dead, and buried, is alive. He has risen from the dead. Don’t stand there in amazement. He is not here. See the empty tomb where they laid Him. Believe the miracle of His resurrection. And go tell others that they may know of this Savior Jesus Christ. 

Jesus Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. 


Hallelujah! Praise His holy Name!







"Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" & "Thine Be the Glory" - Duke Chapel, Easter 2012.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js8h3NC3b3Q

Cleansed by a Holy God

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:14-16 (NIV)

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.  Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.  Romans 1:28-32 (NIV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 NIV


Sin. Oh no, not me, Lord. I try to do good all the time everyday. I’m not like those other people.

How arrogant I can be sometimes. Have you ever spoken these words or even felt this way? Don’t be fooled. We are all sinners in big and small ways.

Believe it or not, King David of Israel, a man after God's own heart, sinned greatly. A quick look at his life's experiences offers insight into who he was. He watched over herds of sheep, proving his worth as a good shepherd, killed a giant with a rock and a slingshot, fought many battles and won, wrote psalms and spiritual songs, and committed adultery and murder. Yes, adultery and murder—evil in the sight of the Lord. David sinned with another man’s wife and then had the man killed. Yet God called him a man after His own heart. How could David love the Lord wholeheartedly and commit grievous sins against Him?

The answer lies in David’s response to Nathan. God utilized His messenger, Nathan, to confront David after he committed offenses. Nathan narrated a story to David about injustice done by a rich man against a poor man. David grieved and burned with anger over the rich man's actions. Nathan then declared, “You are that man!”

Immediately David recognized his guilt. He realized he sinned not only against human beings, but against a holy God. In humility he asked for forgiveness and Nathan spoke God’s redeeming love over David. (If you desire to discover this impressive story, read 2 Samuel 11-12.) In full repentance of heart, David penned his sacrificial offering of a broken spirit to His Heavenly Father. It’s written in the book of Psalms, #51.

Recently God revealed to me my sins. No, I’ve not murdered anybody, but I’ve murdered relationships with gossip. And God says of gossip, “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,” (Romans 1:29).

What God? You mean I’m as bad as THOSE people. I hear God’s response in His living Word, saying, “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Immediately God humbled me causing me to realize that I'm no better than anyone else. He is holy and I am a sinner. But I desire to serve Him with a heart like David. When I offered repentance for my sins, God supplied grace to me as He did to David. Praise His holy name.

Have you been confronted with your shortcomings, your sins? Ask God to reveal your wrongs to you and repent of them to Him. Then serve Him with a clean, undivided heart. And offer Him praise.

Oh Lord God, Heavenly Father, my Savior Jesus Christ, please forgive me. I’ve sinned against you and your people. Clean me up, Lord, and I will be free of wrongdoing. Turn my heart against evil and toward you. May I serve you with an unblemished and undivided heart. In your holy name, Jesus. Amen.


But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  Psalm 51:10-12 (NIV)


Clean by Natalie Grant....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulf4PXuNV3w

Peace Prevails

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NIV)


I will sing praises to my Father in heaven.
My hands will raise in worship.
In Spirit and Truth, I offer you praise, Lord Jesus.

I trust You, O Lord my God, for You are forever faithful.
I trust You, my Savior, for you have been faithful to me.

Each morning proves a new day as the sun emerges over the horizon.
Even if clouds conceal the sky, the sun exists.
A new day begins, life starts afresh.
Every single day presents a time of restoration.
Even if dismal circumstances overwhelm life, the Son lives,
To offer forgiveness and grace, peace and comfort.
Receive a new beginning.

I trust You, O Lord my God, for You are forever faithful.
I trust You, my Savior, for you have been faithful to me.

Forgive me, Lord, for my failings,
Things I’ve done and left undone. 
As I move forward into this day, 
Guide my path and light the way.
Assist me, Lord, when worldly ways confront me. 
May I focus on You, no matter my surroundings.

Clouds of dismay and discouragement may hover and hang
Where I walk, where I work, where I live.
The gloom of disagreement from the devil himself
May attempt to attack me through family and friends,
Or through my own thoughts, words, and deeds.
Yet I trust You, Lord, to strengthen me in your might
And supply the courage I need to stand firm in Your Word.
Then will I be filled with a peace that passes all understanding.

I trust You, O Lord my God, for You are forever faithful.
I trust You, my Savior, for you have been faithful to me.

May I exhibit Your character of love and humility 
As I interact with those around me.
Give me words sweet as honey for the needy
And a sting to quiet my enemies.

You have spoken through Your holy Word,
I offer obedience as I listen to You,
Because Your words ring out truth and life.

Jesus, You lived in this world and experienced troubles daily,
Like all of humanity. 
But You desired relationship with Heavenly Father,
And through prayer and time alone with Him,
He daily strengthened you.

Lord, I desire a personal relationship with you, 
Help me to confidently trust in your authority.
Give me an undivided heart, focused eyes, and open ears
To hear and obey your words of truth. 

I trust You, O Lord my God, for You are forever faithful.
I trust You, my Savior, for you have been faithful to me.

Through your death and resurrection, 
You overcame the things of this world. 
You triumphed over tribulations.
You destroyed the deadly d’s of distress.
You conquered worldly temptations.

Now Lord God, give me courage as your worshipping warrior
To abide in your mighty Word,
And encourage those who are stressed with worldly woes.

Strengthen me with your compassionate comfort.
Sustain me when I express your gift to others.
Unite us with perseverance in your power, love, and wisdom,
May our praises be offered in your holy name with one accord.

As our worship increases, 
No matter if we perceive clouds hide your presence,
Help us know, without doubting, you are nearby.
Allow your authentic peace to radiate in our hearts. 

I trust You, O Lord my God, for You are forever faithful.
I trust You, my Savior, for you have been faithful to me.

Receive our praises as we receive your peace.
Thank you for the sweet exchange.

In you, Lord God, we overcome the troubles of this world.


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.           2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)


Hillsong's Prince of Peace.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0DKzPdv44

The Deadly D's

“If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.”             ---Corrie ten Boom


Disorder and upheaval prevail all over the world. Television images document unrest across the globe. Seeking a solution to peace in the world gives rise to distress. 

The world’s wretchedness generates angst among people. Disturbances lie within churches, schools, homes, and families. But an honest evaluation within individual hearts produces even more despair. Destruction, disorder, demoralization, discouragement, distress, dejection, depression, desolation, disappointment, despair, disease, death—focus on these deadly conditions and humanity drowns. Where is the solution to peace?

Sin and sorrow reigns everywhere. Gloom and doom dominates present day as it did during Corrie ten Boom’s generation. She suffered under evil Nazi rule during the second world war, but thrived when she looked to God for help. She understood the origin of her strength. She knew where to place her focus. She spoke from conviction. Can we repeat her quote with confidence? 

If I’m honest with myself, sadness overwhelms me when I concentrate on the misery around me, whether nearby or through television images. When I’m focused on troubles, I’m filled with much discouragement. Yet when I turn my eyes to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I find help and hope. And when I offer praise and worship, I find peace and rest.

Are you swimming in a cesspool of sin and sorrow? Do you desire to be rescued? There is a Savior who yearns to save you. 

God Himself offers you salvation through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. Believe on the name of Jesus and He will deliver your soul from the depths of disgrace. 

The Lord Jesus Christ offers His love, forgiveness, and generous grace. And even though you may still be surrounded by worldly woes, He provides peace when you remain focused on Him. Look to Him with praise and find rest. 



Psalm 9 (NIV)

1 I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
    I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you;
    I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

3 My enemies turn back;
    they stumble and perish before you.
4 For you have upheld my right and my cause,
    sitting enthroned as the righteous judge.
5 You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked;
    you have blotted out their name for ever and ever.
6 Endless ruin has overtaken my enemies,
    you have uprooted their cities;
    even the memory of them has perished.

7 The Lord reigns forever;
    he has established his throne for judgment.
8 He rules the world in righteousness
    and judges the peoples with equity.
9 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
    a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

11 Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;
    proclaim among the nations what he has done.
12 For he who avenges blood remembers;
    he does not ignore the cries of the afflicted.

13 Lord, see how my enemies persecute me!
    Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death,
14 that I may declare your praises
    in the gates of Daughter Zion,
    and there rejoice in your salvation.

15 The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;
    their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
16 The Lord is known by his acts of justice;
    the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
17 The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,
    all the nations that forget God.
18 But God will never forget the needy;
    the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

19 Arise, Lord, do not let mortals triumph;
    let the nations be judged in your presence.
20 Strike them with terror, Lord;
    let the nations know they are only mortal. 


Hillsong - "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfr5rOfimnU

Power in Praise




For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB)

Does darkness seem to surround you? Do you feel chained by disappointment, despair, disease, or even death? There is Someone who can rescue you. 

His name is Jesus, Savior of the world (John 3:16). 
   He is available 24/7 (Hebrews 13:5-6). 
      Cry out to Him; He hears you (Psalm 4:3). 
         Praise His worthy name (2 Samuel 22:4). 
            Worship God Almighty, He is near (Psalm 34:18).
               He fears no storm (Mark 4:35-41). 
                  He desires to set you free (Luke 4:18).
                     Rest in His power, He is God (Psalm 46:10). 
                        He is mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17).


He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.  2 Timothy 1:9 NIV

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 (NIV)


RENDER PRAISE AND WORSHIP ON YOUR
  PERSONAL BATTLEFIELD. 
EXPECT GOD TO RELEASE HIS MIGHTY ACTS INTO YOUR WORLD.


O sing unto the Lord, people of the Most High God,
For He is Lord over all the earth.

He comes in glory to rescue His people,
To rescue those who love Him and proclaim His holy name.
His Name prevails above all names, 
Jesus Christ, Lord of all.

And one day, at the mighty name of Jesus, all knees will hit the earth in humility or submission. 
So worship Him, unhindered, in Spirit and Truth. 

He created you, knitting together body, heart, soul, and mind.
Why resist and rebel against Almighty God?
Do you allow other gods to intrigue you?
They are worthless, manmade, of no spiritual value.

He is God, your God, 
Creator and Savior of the world.
There is no other.

And one day, at the mighty name of Jesus, all knees will hit the earth in humility or submission.
So worship Him, unhindered, in Spirit and Truth. 

He willingly became like us, bound in humanity, demonstrating true life.
His body, heart, soul, and mind faced horrible pain and death.
He could have chosen to save Himself, 
But instead He chose to save you and me. 
His mission—to save us from eternal death, 
To set us free from the tensions and strains of this world.

Praise Him, praise His holy name.
He is our Savior, 
Our salvation, strength, and song.

And one day, at the mighty name of Jesus, all knees will hit the earth in humility or submission.
So worship Him, unhindered, in Spirit and Truth.

Offer praise to the One who is worthy,
Bless and praise His holy name,
Bow before Him in reverent worship,
For He fights for you.

Give Him honor and glory
For He is mighty to save.




Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted;
His glory is above earth and heaven.
And He has lifted up a horn for His people,
Praise for all His godly ones;
Even for the sons of Israel, a people near to Him.
Praise the Lord!  Psalm 148:13-14 (NASB)


“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 (NASB)


"What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQWFzMvCfLE

The Victory in Ash Wednesday



It’s Ash Wednesday, a Christian holy day. This day begins Lent, a six week season for the preparation of Easter. It is a time of self reflection and repentance. And even though to some it may represent sadness and gloom, God says VICTORY!

“Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  1 Corinthians 15:55-58

The power of darkness has been dispelled and Christ Jesus is the VICTOR. When fear and worry seems to crouch in upon you, remember the name of Jesus. Praise the One, Jesus Christ, who breaks our chains of sin and darkness and sets us free. No matter what trouble you face today, cry out to JESUS and believe He will deliver you. Let go and let God. 

The darkness of this world will never overcome the Light of the world, which is Jesus Christ. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12 (NIV)

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.  Acts 19:11-12 (NIV)

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.  Acts 19:17-20 (NIV)

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ today and always. 

JESUS by Chris Tomlin.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEbQswNB6Wc



“Nothing that is attempted in opposition to God can ever be successful.”  ~John Calvin

Hope, Affliction, and Prayer

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:11-12 (NIV)

Joy in hope, really God, what does that look like? Patience in affliction, seriously Lord, how does that happen? Faithful in prayer—God, what do I do when my prayers aren’t answered? And Lord, how can I zealously serve You when all seems to be going wrong?

As residents of this world, we encounter plenty of distress, sometimes daily. Misery raises its ugly head in the forms of disease, broken relationships, death, persecution, anger, fear, lack of justice—add your own times of suffering. It’s a fact of life, but so is God. 

And what does God’s Word tell us to do in the midst of living? Be zealous, joyful, patient, and faithful. Sounds like a saint to me. How can any person carry on in such an enthusiastic way while walking a road of suffering?   

Only through belief and trust in our Almighty Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can we be zealous, joyful, patient, and faithful. When we surrender our sinful self-serving souls to a loving and saving God, He enables us to live as He would live within a wayward world. When we let go (of fear, hate, sorrow, revenge, etc.) and let God (enter our hearts with forgiveness, love, trust, and  goodness), we can be full of zeal, joy, patience, and faithfulness. And believe it or not, those qualities produce comfort. 

Consider for a moment a personal time of hardship. How did you feel? What did you do? How did you respond?


I’ve experienced the pain of broken relationships, a prodigal child, hurt, disease, death, bitter words while failing miserably at being zealous, joyful, patient, and faithful. When I focused on my sorrows, torment intensified. But when I sat in silence before God and concentrated on His blessings, His presence comforted me. His holy Word gave me hope.

Right now I’m sitting in my mother’s house in the room where she died. It is eerily quiet. Death is almost palatable but so is peace. As I touch the beautiful blanket given to her by hospice, I smell her scent. Memories of standing with my sisters around our mother’s bed while holding her hand and expressing love flood my mind. We knew we faced death, a future without our mom, but we clung to her. Even so, reality couldn’t be stopped. She passed from death to an eternal mansion while we remained inside an earthly house with reminders of her everywhere.

Clothes, furniture, trinkets, pictures—all her things surround us as we work to empty her house while clinging to treasures. My heart aches with the desire to sit with my Mom, hold her hand once again, and kiss her on the cheek. I don’t want to walk this road, Lord. I want my Mama.

But God moves me forward with His love. I know my mom is free of pain and suffering. I know she lives with Him forever. I recollect our times together. I take away memories of love and happiness. I trust Him to walk with me on this painful path. 


My Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to live for thirty-three years on earth. He experienced life’s many trials. He even walked a road of suffering carrying His own cross for execution. He truly understands my plight. He comprehends my pain. He is able to comfort me. 

Jesus tells me death doesn’t have the final say. He overcame death and gives me the strength to overcome my earthly suffering, whatever it may be. When I trust His presence in my life and allow Him to fill my heart with His peace and love, then I experience His living, loving words. I can be full of joy as I hold out hope, abounding in patience as affliction bombards me, and offering prayers of faith as I zealously serve Him.

We can live out the Lord’s words through Paul in Romans. When hope seems to dissolve, keep hoping because God is working out the details. When afflictions attack, be patient because God is by your side. When it feels as if prayers have fallen on deaf ears, remain faithful because God hears His children’s cries. Serve Him with zeal because He’s devoted to you. 
                                                                    


“The assurance of God’s love, God’s help, and God’s presence is what takes the stress out of living.”  ~Bob Gass  

Comfort Your People, Lord

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.  2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NASB)


With strength and vigor, He calls out to Abba Father as our whimpers rise before Him. Our cries amplify while Jesus intercedes for us at the throne of our Heavenly Father. Thank you, Lord God, for your compassionate attentiveness to our afflictions. 

Isn’t it nice to know someone’s prayers are the catalyst to your comfort? A friend or family member knows your needs and appeals to Father God in your stead. And kneeling before Lord God Almighty is Jesus, who also intercedes for you. He understands your joy and sorrow because He Himself experienced human life. 

Jesus left the glory of heaven to be wrapped in humanity, to live with us and die for us. After His death and resurrection, He returned to heaven to live and intercede for us forever before Abba Father (Daddy God). When Jesus left earth, He sent a Helper called Holy Spirit to assist believers of His name in daily living. This Helper reminds God’s people of the promises of Jesus, the living Word. From these promises of old, we find comfort anew. 

The picture above represents the front of a card sent to me by a very special friend. She understood my pain and cried with me. She knew the permanent separation of mother and child. God comforted her when she lost her mother in death and now she offered me that same comfort. We both realized the comfort of Jesus through the hands and feet of His believers.

Like my friend who recognizes my pain, so the God of all comfort acknowledges my pain. He sympathizes with my breaking heart. He knows the crushing weight of the sting of death. He understands the separation of mother and child. He hears me as I cry before Him. 

Abba Father, my Daddy God, I want my Mom. I wanna talk to my Mama, the one person who easily forgives me when I fail. The one who simply loves me for me because I’m her child. I just want to pick up the phone and hear her voice. 

Sitting in silence with tears wetting the Bible on my lap, I dry my eyes and glance through God’s Word. I read His words penned by prophets and apostles while also recalling promises I’ve kept in my heart. I’m reminded of His answers to my cries. 

Dear child of mine, I love you and understand your pain. I know you by name, you are mine. I sacrificed my life for you that you might experience forgiveness of sin and failure. My love for you is unconditional. Call to me anytime and I will come to you. Listen for my voice because I am near. 

Oh happy day! God simply loves me for me because I’m His child! And this God—Abba Father, Daddy God—He gets me, He understands me, after all, He created me. He KNOWS me and knows my pain. 

I am comforted because His Son Jesus Christ cries with me, intercedes for me, and is near to me. And I am comforted because a friend who listened to His voice became His hands and feet of comfort to me. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so. 

Are you experiencing heartbreak right now? Do you long for release from life’s afflictions? God is near and He hears your cries. Receive the comfort He offers. 



Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”  Galatians 4:6 (NASB)

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;  Romans 8:26 (NASB)

…who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.  Romans 8:34 (NASB)

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have relieved me in my distress;
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.  Psalm 4:4 (NASB)

Remember the word to Your servant,
In which You have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
That Your word has revived me.  Psalm 119:49-50 (NASB)

I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness,
Because You have seen my affliction;
You have known the troubles of my soul,  Psalm 31:7(NASB)

Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications
When I cried to You.  Psalm 31:22b (NASB

 "Comforter" by CeCe Winans....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVtykHIlSKo

Comfort Me, Lord

Afflictions within, without,
Magnify in my sight.
No matter my focus, 
Disease and distress exist. 
Why, Lord, why does this happen?

All around the world evil intensifies
As sin increases and death destroys.
Why? Why, Lord, why? 
Because Satan rules,
He rules the world.
Because we dare to entertain the thought,
The question he asked.
Did God really say that?

Oh Lord, forgive us for foolish notions,
Forgive and cleanse our hearts. 
Allow remembrance
Of our loving Creator, 
The Maker of heaven and earth.

This place, the world I live in, is not really home. 
Home is where the heart dwells,
And my heart belongs to God, my Heavenly Father,
Who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take away the world's sin.
A righteous God grants forgiveness to sinners, 
To those who repent and believe on His Name.
I offer repentance in His Name and He forgives me.
Because of His grace, I am a child of this King of the universe. 
He guides my body, mind, heart, and soul,
And He calls me Beloved.

My eyes turn to Him in times of trouble, 
As well as times of peace.
He comforts me with His Word, 
His promises of old. 

The hope of glory floods my soul,
Filling me with joy.
He heals me.
He saves me.
He is my strength and praise.

Afflictions dissipate
In Your sight, Jesus Christ,
The Living Word.

Be magnified, O Lord,
My God and Savior.
Keep me focused on You.

Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me;
For I am afflicted and needy.
Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man;
O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You.
Be gracious to me, O Lord,
For to You I cry all day long.  Psalm 86:1-3 (NASB)

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?”  Genesis 3:1 (NLT)

My heart is troubled and restless. Waves of affliction have come upon me.  Job 30:27 (TLB)

Though he give you the bread of adversity and water of affliction, yet he will be with you to teach you—with your own eyes you will see your Teacher.  Isaiah 30:20 (TLB)

He said, “They are my very own; surely they will not be false again.” And he became their Savior. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and he personally saved them. In his love and pity he redeemed them and lifted them up and carried them through all the years.  Isaiah 63:8-9 (TLB)

Show me a sign for good,
That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed,
Because You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me. Psalm 86:17 (NASB)

Oh, send out your light and your truth—let them lead me. Let them lead me to your Temple on your holy mountain, Zion. There I will go to the altar of God, my exceeding joy, and praise him with my harp. O God—my God!  Psalm 43:3-4 (TLB)

Lord, you alone can heal me, you alone can save, and my praises are for you alone.  Jeremiah 17:14 (TLB)

My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever! Psalm 73:26 (TLB)

I will praise the name of God with song And magnify Him with thanksgiving.  Psalm 69:30 (NASB)

O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.  Psalm 34:3 (NASB)