Imagine in God’s Image and KNOW God Face to Face

My friend just showed me a photo of her new young cousin. As well as showed me a 40-year-old photo of her sister as a baby. Amazing striking resemblance. Her sister is passed on now – like 30 years – a tough cancer that had taken her too young. Yet this new baby cousin brings my friend the sweet memories of her sister all while being the unique person she is.

Likewise I am spitting image of my grandmother. People tell me I even sneeze like her, LOUD. Plus my daughter looks like me so much that I call her my mini-me. The hair and the face – there are characteristics that one can recognize even if we are very unique in ourselves.

I wonder how God envisioned this for us – that we have strong enough DNA to express face characteristics and body types – and yet the mixing and matching of chromosome rearrangements during meiosis over the generations give us uniqueness – and add on top of that our personalities – yeah that is an independent expression in us – including that LOUD sneeze of mine – a LOUD yawn too – of that feels so good.

God made us in HIS IMAGE – He probably likes looking at us and smiling at the resemblance and yet it is not looking in the mirror at Himself but looking at how He expressed His creation into being – I believe that we carry His Spirit because He told us that He instills that into us but also because I feel it – He is in us and we are in Him. Solomon would right that God placed eternity into each of our hearts – and that is where I find my mind wander even if I know my steps are to be one day at a time. And worry? Well, if we are to be most God like – we need to stop worrying about the things we can’t change because God can change things – at least He can bring things to fruition over eternity if He doesn’t choose to change something today. We just have to wait it out – we just do.

In eternity, I am hopeful to meet my grandmother once again – as well as my great grandparents and whomever gave me my DNA – and my sneeze – and my yawns. And I long to see God face to face – to see Jesus and feel Him holding me – to once again see a renewed spirit in myself and to see how God re-reconstructs us for an afterlife family reunion. Oh the Love – and wow God’s Sprit which is LOVE will prevail in being expressed in our spirits and we will understand God’s waiting and His LOVE – Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Imagine in God’s Image how He sees us – He sees us HOME – He sees us HIS – He sees us as more than just a warm fuzzy of faces – God wants to see His Eternity in our hearts. God waits and endures all things – and God watches us as His come HOME.

Amen

—

Ecclesiastes 3 NKJV

Everything Has Its Time

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.

The God-Given Task
What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.

I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.
That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been;
And God requires an account of what is past.

Injustice Seems to Prevail
Moreover I saw under the sun:

In the place of judgment, Wickedness was there;
And in the place of righteousness, Iniquity was there.

I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked,
For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.”

I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” For what happens to the sons of men also happens to animals; one thing befalls them: as one dies, so dies the other. Surely, they all have one breath; man has no advantage over animals, for all is vanity. All go to one place: all are from the dust, and all return to dust. Who knows the spirit of the sons of men, which goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, which goes down to the earth? So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?

—

1 Corinthians 13 NKJV

The Greatest Gift
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Got to Begin (Again), Billy Joel, Lamentations and New Beginnings

There’s the biblical “start again” – and then there’s the BIlly Joel “Got to Begin (again)” – and I can hear and see from the newish Billy Joel documentary and accompanying album “And So It Goes”, over 150 songs, it’s clear that Billy Joel stated again and again! (The documentary is on HBO)

Not just reinventing ourselves because that is a God-worth task, but at least knowing the newness in each day. Of course, God knows about us IN HIM – about us in the Lord: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

If we hold onto the new day and the new us and the newness of the Lord in His mercies each morning – remembering EACH morning to begin again – it will give us a new start and also a new outlook. Like the snow pack that melts a little each day and the longer hours for the sunshine, we approach seeing old days in new light.

And when the going is tough – well – not just the tough get going but the devoted get LOOKING at the Lord.

Prophet Jeremiah was lamenting the situation with the Babylonians and he wrote in Lamentations 3:55-57 of how the Lord helped him: I called on Your name, O Lord, From the lowest pit. You have heard my voice: “Do not hide Your ear From my sighing, from my cry for help.” You drew near on the day I called on You, And said, “Do not fear!”

Jeremiah who knows that the Lord wil deliver us – deliver him – said “GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS!!!

Lamentations 3:22-31: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear The yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone and keep silent, Because God has laid it on him; Let him put his mouth in the dust – There may yet be hope. Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him, And be full of reproach. For the Lord will not cast off forever. And so it goes – let us remember to look to the Lord for His Mercies fresh every morning – and moment by moment known that He is building us up – strengthening us – and showing us how endurance is needed – life is a marathon not a sprint – keep keeping on!

AMEN

Whole album – search releases on you tube

OR https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4GKbOKCQRU15FNZJ5iqIEaAFxs1bKUqf&si=TXb25cgGuTTtvEmr

Got to Begin Again

“That I’ve got to begin again. Though I don’t know how to start. Yes, I’ve got to begin again, and it’s hard” Billy Joel

—

JAMES 1 NKJV

Greeting to the Twelve Tribes
James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

Profiting from Trials
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The Perspective of Rich and Poor
Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Loving God Under Trials
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Qualities Needed in Trials
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Doers—Not Hearers Only
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

God’s Cloud is not a Wisp of Whimsy

Praying this morning for everyone to know God – to trust in Jesus – to hope in hope. Let us tap into His Hope while we comfort and cover ourselves in warmth.

Let us be thinking of this immense covering we have from the Lord – more than just the covering of fluffy covers that keep us warm like a comforter – MORE than just a shell of windproof material or more than the clearest plexiglass or glass to shield while still seeing – MORE than heat-resistant Teflon bounce-off material or more than skin that can function as a filter. God is MORE protective – MORE strong – MORE transparent – MORE accessible – MORE MORE MORE

God cares enough to cradle us IN HIM – that He covers up in His Love AND fill us with it. We can see all of eternity in our hearts – God protects us with that knowledge of Him. His Grace, His Mercy. God does not cover us in a whimsy wisp of favor on occasion – we are to know deeply that our God is ever present and covering us with His WHOLENESS and HOPE.

Even when we are wayward and think we have run out of cloud – run out of coverage, we must remember that Jesus died for ALL – to cover ALL SIN – to remove that sting of sin and death for ALL PEOPLE. Our Jesus Lord and Savior covers us in His Blood – that is not a whimsy of His Walk – Jesus knew EXACTLY that He was walking into – God knew and knows the Plan – Jesus fully God brought the plan to the earth for fruition and we best ask to bear His Fruit of continuation and giving. Let us share the HOPE today – and be a witness that His Strength in us is what keeps us “afloat”.

Clouds are the water moisture that you can see – but when the clouds dissipate – God doesn’t. God’s Cloud is not a Wisp of Whimsy. God’s Comfort is in that God is ever present and will be forever.

Have faith in faith.

Amen

—

Genesis 9:13-17 NKJV
“I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

The Warmth of the Lord.

I was sitting early this morning awaiting an appointment, and it was so good to have the Lord’s company in His Word… These readings today were so good: the Jesus Calling devotion and Jesus Always devotion…

I didn’t get a chance to come back to my blog until now, the end of the day, and I’m glad that my day was sandwiched in between times to read these passages and these scriptures.

Because my appointment was so early this morning, I truly felt the need for a nap and I took a power nap, not too long but enough. What was hard was thinking I had to get out of my nice warm covers. I was sandwiched in between the warmth of the top and the comfort below. But I did have to get up, and I realized I had still a jacket on, and so I wasn’t cold.

This is what reminded me that when we are sandwiched in between the love layers of the Lord we enjoy that warmth. We are also to take that warmth with us. Don’t go anywhere without it. And remember, just like that jacket was tight against me, the Lord will NEVER leave us.

PLEASE READ THE DEVOTIONS AND PLEASE FEEL THE WARMTH OF THE LORD NOW AND ALWAYS.

AMEN

Jesus Calling: February 25 Sarah Young

Rest in My Presence, allowing Me to take charge of this day. Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released. Instead, walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time. Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings Joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily. Your prayers and petitions are winged into heaven’s throne room when they are permeated with thanksgiving. In everything give thanks, for this is My will for you.

Matthew 11:28 NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Colossians 4:2 ESV

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

—

Jesus Always: February 25 Sarah Young

The LIGHT OF MY GLORY is shining on you, beloved. Look up to Me with worship in your heart. Let the radiance of My Love fall upon you and soak into the depths of your being. Savor these moments alone with Me. I am using them to make you more like Me. The more you keep your gaze on Me – in quiet times and busy times – the better you can reflect My Glory to other people.

Staying conscious of Me when you’re busy can be quite a challenge. But I have created you with an amazing mind that can function on more than one “track”. Practicing My Presence involves dedicating one track to your relationship with Me. This practice has many benefits: When you are aware that I am present with you, you’re less likely to do or say something that’s displeasing to me. When you’re struggling with difficult circumstances, or painful feelings, awareness of my presence offers courage and comfort. I can use everything in your life for good – transforming you into My likeness, with ever-increasing Glory.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:18

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the spirit.

Romans 8:18

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Well, Keep Going! Go with God! Jeremiah 29:11

Well, yesterday, while I nestled in the snow day, I caught up on cataloging my writing and it turns out that yesterday’s blog, it was number 2800, wow… 11 years of what is now daily writing, or pre-writing if I go traveling. And traveling is in my plans this upcoming month of March. Whoda thunk that my concern of not having enough time for networking traveling and working traveling and leisure traveling would be handled by God too, and so, Lord willing, I will keep going and go with God because God has plans for me, for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I held this bookmark in my hand, with Jeremiah 29:11 on it, one month ago yesterday, when I drove out of an unexpected development at work… My “position eliminated”, my work restructuring was company wide and I, plus many more, were on the outside looking in. So many years, wow, it was a good run, and yes I knew the turbulence in our markets, but not on my radar that day to be “let go”… But as the Lord says, put your hands on the plow and eyes on Me Your Lord, and move forward to where I am taking you… Yes Lord. GO WITH GOD… and don’t stop holding His Hand.

And this past month has been MORE BUSY than imaginable for time to think, to network, to co-process “Participatory Processing” I call it, and to count blessings. I sat in disbelief at my lay off, still am somewhat, but recovering is in recognizing the regrouping and restoration and replanting and replanning… there’s a storage box lid in my sight that says: “Bloom where you are planted”… yes…

So one month out from accepting the pivot for my place, my plans continue in praise, prayers yes but first praise to the Lord, for He has plans for me, for us, for the future and therefore keep the hope, keep the faith, and keep moving forward.

This is blog writing 2801, one more ability to rely upon the Lord, day by day, one day at a time… (and a few days from now, Lord willing, traveling will once again fill my days… yay!!! Be an opportunist. )

From Godspell: “day by day, to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly… day by day…”

Thank You Lord for Leading the Way.

Go with God and keep going!

AMEN

PS the emailed scripture of the day was also Jeremiah 29:11

Nestled In, Psalms 46 and 37

50 years ago I was “nestled in” – in the snow cave just outside the kitchen door at my family farm house where we spent snow days and summer days – being kids… While my mom and dad worked, we were dropped off early to grandma and grandpa’s, with my 2 aunts too, and we played – we learned – we enjoyed – and yeah we got a little bored too at times… But snow days? Loved them – so blessed in memories – especially because my grandpa would install the snow fence – unheard of these days but it allowed these snow drifts to accumulate all winter – making the area cave-worthy – AND it kept the house more buffered from the wind – that would be a good thing to install these days once again. Surely these drifts sometimes could be 6 feet tall.

In the cave, after the hard work of digging (with my cousins and brother) – I remember simply “being” – taking a break and just resting – in my thoughts and in my place – contemplating life – always a good place to pause. And after the fort was built one could go back and enter it again with no work – just play. and just time to “be”.

Today I am nestled in – a wonderful winter wonderland out there – 18 inches it seems – the wind has not whipped it to much (yet) and my bent-over front bushes do make the spring gardener in me want to run out there and trim the tops down – yeah – because they are bent and I could reach them – but I will nestle here instead – nestle here on the couch of the room I just re-reshaped yesterday – moving old christmas gifts that stayed for 2 months – now sitting and reshaping my outlook on life.

NESTLED IN – yeah – nice…

What about being nestled in with the Lord – yeah – now that is an incredible space to be in – and we should nestle and renestle and find and re-find that place where we realize that the Lord has us in the palm of His Hand always – and if we only take that moment to rest in the cave of closeness not cavernous of unawareness. Actually once we realize this cave of protection and care exists – we might find it easier to climb back in – because the work to find it was already done – and the work to build it? well the Lord put in the work to find us a place IN Him – so all we have to do is “be” – as in “be still” – and be…

—

I just now returned from 2 hours outside – I had been nestling in but then my youngest said “Let’s go shovel!” – “I’m waiting for you” – yeah! and that was great – a partnership of shoveling but being together – and then taking to neighbors and watching the plow go by – which was necessary but also blocked us back in – 3 feet snow bolus’s in the plow’s wake – sigh… Oh well after lunch and this nestling I can go back out – honestly isn’t that also a great response to the Lord – be ready to jump when it is time to jump and be accepting to pause when it is time to pause. Be still and be still working – all the time…

So – back to nestling now – and even a nap perhaps – a time to reflect and just let the Lord handle things today – a snow day only comes once in a while – but the Lord? He is ALWAYS present – and holding us in the palm of His Hand. Thank You Lord always for You.

Amen

—

Psalm 46 NKJV

God the Refuge of His People and Conqueror of the Nations
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

—

Psalm 37 NKJV
The Heritage of the Righteous and the Calamity of the Wicked
A Psalm of David.

Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.

Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.

For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

The wicked plots against the just,
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees that his day is coming.
The wicked have drawn the sword
And have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and needy,
To slay those who are of upright conduct.
Their sword shall enter their own heart,
And their bows shall be broken.

A little that a righteous man has
Is better than the riches of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
But the Lord upholds the righteous.

The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away.

The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.
For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth,
But those cursed by Him shall be cut off.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.

Depart from evil, and do good;
And dwell forevermore.
For the Lord loves justice,
And does not forsake His saints;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
The righteous shall inherit the land,
And dwell in it forever.

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;
None of his steps shall slide.

The wicked watches the righteous,
And seeks to slay him.
The Lord will not leave him in his hand,
Nor condemn him when he is judged.

Wait on the Lord,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.

Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;
For the future of that man is peace.
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;
The future of the wicked shall be cut off.

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him.

Life is a Blur but LOVE Never Changes, 1st John 4

I constantly feel like LIFE IS A BLUR with the number of activities and years whizzing by – the speed of how things change – and yet don’t – because we often DO step out into familiarity all the time. Like the train I took last night – I knew where to look to find the track number – the track changes (often) but it is a sure thing to find a train in the nick of time. Certainty in uncertainty. Life is like that, so keep moving.

Yes, I love to experience life – and not conquer it but to SEE it – and life IS fast, as it was a blur of life this weekend – from Girl Scout events Friday night, lots of construction work at my house Saturday (simple stuff like a string on a light that broke to complicated reattachment of gutters to the house after trimming the tree that dragged them down), to grocery store runs and other prepping for a blizzard coming it seems later today, and then also yesterday stopping to buy girl scout cookies that I didn’t need but saw the EXCITED enthusiasm of the girls selling, one gave me a note that said how appreciated I was – so cute – I was just the random person of the moment who was not acting randomly and she pre-wrote the note – not randomly but with enthusiasm… Yeah – adorable… And then train and the concert last night. There was a man in the train station who asked for a coffee at the kiosk where I was grabbing a needed nosh – unlike my girl scout interactions this was not adorable because it seems to me that he probably did this often – stood in the walkway and asked if someone could buy a coffee for him then had the bravado to ask for a donut too when in line – well whatever – I obliged him (haha I even had a coupon for a free donut) but then just kept moving – just kept moving forward… And was there anything grand in the plan there? I don’t know but it is sometimes best to just help and then move on…

One Spirit that we DO know is grand in the plan is the Spirit of the Lord – and doing things out of LOVE – which never changes – and we are to test those spirits. How? Well, we are to ask God that too – ask Him how to go about checking ourselves – checking our motives – checking our activities – checking our mental state – check “what would Jesus do?” in that moment… So, in the “Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error” – it is not that we look to the world for our answer – it is that we look to the Lord of HOW to answer each situation and step forward. There is plenty of evil in the world – but LOVE always wins. “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” – these are great words of wisdom from John, who knew his time was needed to teach – and we share his teachings of the wisdom of the Lord – and all in all – over the millennia that God’s word is taught – His LOVE never changes. And His Love in the World will keep going until He determines the time we are finished.

“… we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.”

One of the pausing moments last night, in the blur of my weekend, was listening to Broadway music at a concert, put on by a famous composer and his friends – I loved listening to classic favorites of mine and new-to-me songs. (Thus the train rides which were so good after an exhausting day of working outside and inside) – Yes, I felt like I landed where I wanted to be – after a busy day – to sit in a great theater and absorb “the pause” was the experience I longed for. That pause was perfectly placed in my path, I needed it and I took full advantage. The music was magical, the moment was priceless. The love of the people for the craft of Broadway music and for the love of performance was evident. The crowd appreciated every note. The favorites that I listened to were from Godspell “Day by Day” – and from Wicked the Musical “Changed for the better – Changed for Good”, and also new to me favorites like from Pocahontas, “The Color of the Wind”…

And that is the lyrical life gift – to be like Pocahontas the native of the land where she could appreciate what was around her – and that is to be us too – where we are to appreciate that life is a blur and every note is not perfectly in tune – but the LOVE of God in this world to this world is the constant baseline – even where the melody can change. You can NOT change LOVE because LOVE is God and God is LOVE – that rock of the Lord which we build on – and rest at the end of the exhausting day – and wake up to in new mercies of the morning.

Today is going to be a busy day – let us LOVE all the way through.

AMEN

1 John 4:1-19 NKJV
Love for God and One Another
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Knowing God Through Love
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Seeing God Through Love
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

The Consummation of Love
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.

Lost and Found

There are many things that I’ve lost over the years, but I really wanted to find this little piece of cloth, an embroidered saying I made probably 30 or 35 years ago… and I found it after cleaning and cleaning and cleaning… “Of All the Things I’ve Lost, I Miss My Mind the Most”… yeah…

Yeah, because I agree in that laughing at myself in a frame of mind, and just realizing that we are pulled in so many directions and it often feels like we’ve lost our mind… I laugh but I keep going…

And our laugh at the saying, because of everything that we’ve lost in material goods was just temporary…

I do know and cry with the concern of what we’ve lost in our loved ones… prayerfully we will see them again… and recently sorting out my family farmhouse, I have found more and more spiritual and religious items, which makes me joyful that I hope someday I will meet the great grandparents whom I never met…

But if everything I’ve ever lost, even if I won’t recover them, let me remember that HOWEVER let us always remember that the Lord will NOT lose us. Jesus cannot lose us!!!

AMEN

JOHN 8:31-36

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

John 10:27-28 KJV

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

SET ASIDE

My Dad set aside some coins for me, now vintage like me, like this set of my birth year, in a bag with my name “DEBBIE” on it with big block letters. These coins are not super rare or valuable, but because they were set aside, they are PRECIOUS to me. My Dad set aside for me, for sentimental remembering and for worldly value too, but the most value to me is the sticker where he wrote my name himself, he took the time to set it aside and to direct it to me.

Our Heavenly Father also has and will “set aside” – set aside not necessarily worldly things but “set aside” you and me. Yes He sets us aside from worldliness. Our God, names us as His. We are set aside uniquely and for forever.

Our Lord will also call us with a new given name, revealed to us in Heaven. We are set aside by name.

Our Father Who Art in Heaven will greet us there too. We are set aside by LOVE.

On earth as it is in Heaven, our Lord Jesus has shown us the Way and tells us we are His, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” We are set aside as His.

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish...” We are set aside for forever.

“neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” We are set aside and not forgotten.

We are set aside for PURPOSE.

We are set aside BECAUSE WE ARE CHERISHED.

The Truth Shall Make us Free – WE ARE SET ASIDE BECAUSE OF GOD’S TRUTH IN US.

Let us TRUST in GOD.

AMEN

—

JOHN 8:31-36 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

—

John 10:27-28 KJV

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

—

2 Corinthians 5:12-21 NKJV

Be Reconciled to God
For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

I Knew, I Noticed, I Acknowledged, Jesus on the Journey to the Cross

I felt like I needed some sort of schedule for Ash Wednesday even though I didn’t really – I have already been in a Lenten-focused mood even if I didn’t know where to place ALL my energy – but I knew that going to some type of service where they dispense ashes would bring me a good message about the journey of Jesus and how my journey could be enhanced – and I always like inspiration in my writing so why not to the gospels themselves… And it was a good journey even if short – And I walked in to a catholic church at a “prayer gathering” – just randomly picked one off the google maps being close by at a time convenient to me – which for me is always running late.

I would be the one running late to everything but I did get there – after a dozen little “errands” including an online store pick up order which was being fulfilled while I was at the church service. I realized late that I was wearing silly leggings but thought well hey they don’t know me so Jesus said come as you are… And I got into the parking lot and gasped at the hundreds of cars – wow!!! and snuck in the back – well middle on the side hiding those leggings – and I got the best view of the glorious cucifix of Christ and the painting so detailed of the angels and the Holy Spirit Dove in golden splendor – with Mary and John at his cross – and the soldier who came to believe – and oh the BLUE – oh… I really doubt the sky was blue that day (really it was darkened beyond belief to complete darkness) but wow the BLUE in that painting was so seemingly Divine… I noticed! Surely that is why it is painted that way – to notice. Here was me trying to hide being noticed and instead I was noticing something more colorful.

The altar had the last supper imagery and it was flanked in purple, royal purple color like the robes of the priests. So noticeable. The music sweet and the message so pertaining – that we are not to be giving up anything in fast unless it really is done in a life-changing way – that the focus we get from the Lord is manifested into improving or righting a wrong activity or situation – like go make amends with family members – don’t simply state you are going to have meatless pizza on Friday – do something that means something – pray for strengthening that God can give – and use that for improvement. It is not so much sacrifice as it is repentance for something wrong. He also stated that we do not get ashes on our foreheads to be recognized for doing so – we should get the ashes to remember to repent – to be acknowledging our dust – our finite time in this world – our time was short and so we best repent for our sins and make amends if we can, remembering that Jesus will take us the rest of the way.

Repentance was the theme – that is what was said at the disposition of ashes – to have us repent of our sins – be sorry and be blessed that Jesus WANTS to take our sins away – be willing to give Him that opportunity – today.

I had also come to the catholic church building to see their stations of the cross – those are my childhood flashback of devotion – I could understand then just as now the need to ponder at all these steps of Jesus – and even though I know some are not quite biblically accurate – I knew that their meaning was real and intentional and instructional. I especially loved the wood carvings – but they then were shutting the lights off – half way thru my walk around – so I quickly snapped photos and got out of the sanctuary as they locked the door – actually they locked me in even though they saw me and I had said something – and the one priest must have seen my shadow and told the older man that I was trying to get out that door – there was NO LINGERING after this 45 minute service – so quick – so no one lingered or seemingly wanted to linger more than the 10 minutes – except that one kid behind me who fell asleep at the very beginning – totally completely dog-tired asleep at the railing – his grandma moved him to at least sleep on the pew but oh how I wished I had a photo of that 5 year old – with a hat on – face like an angel – totally asleep in peace – zonked out. He wouldn’t wake for the end – and his grandpa was on crutches and not able to carry him out – so they had to wake him – tough… But I was so grateful to have had that family behind me because Grandma was instructing the older grandson on “this is where we say this” – and “this is where we stand” – and “this is the song book number” – I say THANK GOD for grandparents who raise their kids in faith – and take the time to let them sleep too…

As I had snapped those photos of the stations of the cross – I reviewed them as I sat in my car – noticing first that my online store order was ready – so convenient to swing by to pick it up – and then when I perused the photos of the stations I didn’t get to linger at – well the best little surprise struck me – a tiny little one inch Jesus doll, the resin ones, had been placed on the cross numbering system for half of the stations – so adorable… Such a pick me up since I had been rushed in getting there – rushed out the door – rushed in not connecting hardly with anyone (because honestly people who dash in and out for a catholic service like that tend to be on their way so quickly there is no coffee hour or anything – slightly anonymous in your crazy leggings – and being locked in the door by no one doing a sweep of the room for people – but the figurines in my photos – they made me smile and pause – someone wanted someone else to notice – I did. I Knew, I Noticed, I Acknowledged, Jesus on the Journey to the Cross – and I smiled at the thoughtfulness of a child of God spirit at the figurines.

Perhaps that is a great Lenten acknowledgement – that we need to look more – LOOK MORE – be more aware of people around us and their spiritual state. It was not that I was bent out of shape at being rushed out of the church – it was that GOD found a way to pause me. If a “random” not random bystander in the crowd could be recruited to help Jesus on the time Jesus was dragging worse than dog-tired through the streets with that heavy cross – recruited to help – then Jesus in Spirit can make us notice HIM when we are ready. All I had to do was look. Jesus knowing He wants to catch our attention…

Thank You Jesus for Your Journey,

Amen

Jesus – About His Father’s Business – a Lenten Devotion, Luke 2:41-52

On this Ash Wednesday, we are starting a Lenten journey of discovery with a devotion reminding us of Jesus – being about His Father’s Business – and about our faith too – a journey of learning:

…

Luke 2:41-52 Jesus About His Father’s Business

Jesus was never lost – it was just that His parents lost track of Him when he was just a pre-teen. But Jesus? Jesus was right ON TRACK – learning and growing and looking for His Father to lead. Jesus was in His Heavenly Father’s House – the Temple – talking to the Scholars – AMAZING them with His Understanding. Jesus said to his earthly parents (days later when they found Him), “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (see Luke 2:41-52)Jesus was never lost – it was just that His parents lost track of Him – but Jesus? Jesus was right ON TRACK – Jesus was in His Heavenly Father’s House – the Temple – talking to the Scholars – AMAZING them with His Understanding. Jesus said to his earthly parents (days later when they found Him), “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (see Luke 2:41-52)

Isn’t that us too? When we are realizing that we are lost – and when that find we are searching for the lost direction in us – that Jesus Himself is trying to lead us – that we find Him being right there – we find ourselves growing too when we get “ABOUT OUR FATHER’S BUSINESS”.

This Lenten season – let us reflect – let us keep walking – let us keep learning – let us see where we left off in refinding ourselves hidden IN the Lord. God has already gone there – to where we need to go – Jesus while growing up was learning too – growing to be old enough to KNOW what He was to focus on – so let us take that lead – and this Lent and always follow Him to find ourselves “about our Father’s business”.

Amen

Luke 2:41-52 NIV

The Boy Jesus at the Temple
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” [NKJV: Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”] But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Ponder the Lenten Jesus

Today I ponder that Ash Wednesday snuck up on me – it is already LENT? Well tomorrow… How did that happen when Christmas was less than 2 months ago – or am I counting that wrong? No, truly I still have Christmas candy all over my table – at least the Halloween candy is long gone…

But really – if I think of the Christmas season less than 2 months ago – how can I even fathom that I also forgot about my Christmas mindset too! I was pondering back then – Luke 1-2 of how Jesus came – and how He started His work – and now we have to think of Him walking to the cross? Time flies – and so does the life frenzy…

But we condense time mentally too, it was thirty years before Jesus walked to the cross

2 months ago in a devotion I said something about finding peace in pondering the Lord: “Today I ponder a Christmas Jesus – it seems that the only break from stress comes when I ask the Lord to calm the Christmas commotion in my life – it really happened 2 days ago when I was in a frenzy and just prayed and just calmed down… Returning to the Lord gave me peace back.”

That was 2 months ago and now I can’t even remember what that particular frenzy was, except that I know it was Christmas frenzy time – enough said!

Now, I feel that tapping into our peace of purpose is paramount in pondering Lent – it is not that we rush Jesus to the cross – but that we need to slow down our stress in these days, just like when He Jesus Himself stopped and prayed…

I wrote 2 months ago at Christmas that: “our knowledge of the Almighty Amazing Forever Hope – Jesus has victory – we best pause in that praise and ponder…”

So yes, we recognize the Christmas Jesus because we know the Easter Jesus – we know why it was and is important for Jesus to be Jesus. We feel the pain of the Lenten Jesus and hopefully know the HOPE of the Easter Jesus.

Let us attach to OUR Easter Jesus – OUR Lenten Jesus – OUR always Jesus, now and forever…

Amen

A Poem of P’s for Peter

A poem of P’s for Peter

Perhaps passionate is a particular for Peter, he is passionate in his personality and purposes.

Peter was Simeon and snagged sea creatures in success but Jesus summoned Simeon to be more, to be Peter, passionate Peter, to pursue people. Peter became the pitcher of plans.

Peter at a Passover party proposed a pushback to the problems Jesus proposed but Jesus saw stuck Simeon saying that, so said “get behind me Satan”. Peter pitied his own self. Peter’s sword picked up a fight painfully. Then on the night of the pursuit of partners of Jesus, Peter positioned himself pushing back, in the polar opposite of his proper place. Peter fell to pieces. But the posted poultry protested presently and Jesus peered painfully at him.

Peter paused and Jesus pitied.

Peter pained.

Peter powerless.

Peter was Peter.

Peter glimpsed then the Plan.

Peter pushed past people who peered into the empty earth pocket. Where perhaps was Jesus?

Peter was particularly pursued in Presence and purpose for Risen Jesus’s Passionate Pledges: “Yes, Lord, I love You.”

Peter had to learn place, piety, and where to place his purpose.

Peter’s passionate pleas pursued a plethora of Jews and Gentiles on the planet, people of the Plan, pieces of the puzzle.

There’s proof in the pudding, Peter’s powerful pleadings were the passion not passive power that pursued. Peter said we have become a priesthood not for pride but for prayers and praise.

Pleadings Pledges Place.

Prayers and Praises.

Thank you Peter.

Praises from Pilgrims, Preciously Purified, Prophetic for Peace.

Amen

1 Peter 1 NKJV

Greeting to the Elect Pilgrims

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

A Heavenly Inheritance

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

Living Before God Our Father

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

The Enduring Word

Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because

“All flesh is as grass,

And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.

The grass withers,

And its flower falls away,

But the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

DESERVE, RESERVE, PRESERVE, SERVE

Many people may say “You DESERVE” this or that,

Maybe they sound right, being matter of fact.

Might be that they RESERVE the right to say that.

Mostly they (and we) WANT to believe that.

However, let us PRESERVE (and persevere) in NOT believing that.

However, let us not RESERVE our desire to SERVE.

Do we truly deserve ANYTHING?

Or should we count as a blessing EVERYTHING?

If we so DESERVE, let it be in teaching and knowing that we live because God gave in Jesus’s SERVE.

And knowledge let us RESERVE,

That our Lord did ask us to PRESERVE (and persevere) our faith.

AND WE SHOULD SERVE – THAT IS THE LEAST THAT GOD DOES DESERVE, OUR SERVE.

AMEN

2 Thessalonians 3:1-13 NIV
Request for Prayer
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

Processing Places Praises Prayers and People

Perhaps you have noticed, that particular people process a situation for themselves and often will process YOUR situation (or situations whether they be family or work or events or whatevers) – in THEIR particular personal mindset. Perhaps you don’t even have to mention your feelings and they feel for you – or lose sleep for you – or try to fix things for you – or don’t bring up the “thing” because they don’t want to open a can of worms – but even a can of worms is doing it’s own “thing” by trying to process the path up and out – somewhere other than stuck in the can.

People will process for you – even if they process in their mentality not yours – well – that is true and we all do it!!! Even the “magic eye” puzzles (pictured is one of roses that are supposed to make a magic heart but none of us could see it!) are tough in someone else’s eyes – you really have to see it yourself – and someone can explain it – but like life’s circumstances, you just have to go through it yourself…

How about prayer? We have the immense power of prayer – we have the immense requirement of praise – we have the blessed opportunity to let the Lord help us in HIS Way. We process with prayer – as in “Lord help me”. We process in certain places – like pondering at bedtime or morning – ponder while sitting in special chairs or library corners or train rides – maybe we need a change of scenery (thus special trips or Sunday drives help) – maybe we just need to slow down and “just be” in our own situation – and quiet our can of worms or put them in the fridge for later.

God can see through our problems and He can see the solution even before we can. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

If we take the time to walk slower and let the Lord lead us the easier route – or at least the more sure one… We must adapt and process that He can find the Way ahead of us – and not divert in being distracted (which we usually are). And yet He can bring us back – He not only processes for us – He plans for us and He will gets us where He needs us to be.

Mostly, He wants us to know that we are not alone – that He is with us – ALWAYS….

This is the greatest praise – to love Him and know Him – and depend upon Him. May we always process that!

Amen

Jesus can see the storm – even the wind and the waves obey Him – Luke 8:22-25 One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Do You Believe in Miracles?

It was not just a hockey game – it was REALLY a moment in time – I was serving and helping at a pancake breakfast for the service club that my dad and mom helped with – and these were the days of the radio – the amplification was not just the volume but the excitement from the people in the kitchen – I was but 10 years old – I had no idea what the significance was until someone explained it to me – this was a Hockey game at the Olympics – I’m sure (now that I checked the schedule of when it happened) that this was the gold medal match of the USA vs Finland – and well – just days ahead of that was the USA vs Soviet Union hockey match up – the “Miracle on Ice” game at Lake Placid NY – the underdog scrappy club of USA kids vs the professional powerhouse players of the USSR – and the ever so important phrase: “Do you believe in miracles?” uttered by commentator Al Michaels.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? I DO – that game must have been watched/coached/played in higher and higher in anticipatory tension – and before I ever saw the recording of the game I saw the stadium itself – another service club event – the state convention in the same village and I actually went to that Lake Placid arena – as I have now seen the movies – including the new Netflix special: “The Boys of ’80” which I highly recommend…

“Play Your Game – Play Your Game” – was some of the minimal advice couch Herb Brooks would say – wow the movies and this new documentary do protray him as a tough guy for sure to play for, the players said he was hated in his ways, but he knew how to prep this team – he knew they had to be tough – and they knew it was going to take a miracle – one that the coach didn’t believe would happen and prepped mentally for maybe a bronze metal chance – but they never dreamed that a gold metal could actually happen – but they “played their game”… and they played to win… THEY WON !!!

What about us? Are we in this game to win it? It is not a game and we are IN this life yes, and we are IN God’s care yes, and we do see God’s miracles all around us! One such miracle IS the miracle of faith – and we participate in this miracle right now – with returning to our trust and our faith. And we don’t think that God is out to save the underdog hockey team every day – even if this particular game was the impetace for a great re-revolution of SPIRIT in American hopefulness after a tumulteous time in economic downturns of the 70’s and the war efforts that stung, and even the 1976 bicentennial… This game and the subsequent one of the gold medal game and me standing in the kitchen of that pancake breakfast reminded and reminds me that life is not about waiting on miracles but on working hard to make them happen.

I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES – and the hard work too – and have that Ben Franklkin expression that he never said: “God helps those who help themselves” – well, God helps EVERYONE including and especially those who can’t help what they can help… Our God is an ultimate God of energy – hope – underdog saving – and even supplies our faith when our faith fails.

The strength of us is in the strength of paying attention to God working in our midsts.

I believe in miracles – and I believe in God – and I believe God wants us to show others that we believe in Him, Lord God, to give them hope too.

I believe in blessings – and I believe that we have already won if we have realized that God won for us. This is no game – this is LOVE. God IS Love.

Amen

Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” God speaking to Jeremiah 32:26-27

I highly recommend reliving the memory of that game and those olympics especially the new netflix show:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_on_Ice

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/5-things-you-didn-t-know-about-the-miracle-on-ice/ar-AA1zzRDs

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Moses spelled out “The Essence of the Law” in Deuteronomy 10:12-22

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it. The Lord delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day. Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt with seventy persons, and now the Lord your God has made you as the stars of heaven in multitude.”

In God We Trust RIGHT NOW

Well – “IN GOD WE TRUST” – well should be always – but on paper money it showed up in 1955 as a motto – delicately and firmly printed – hopefully people take note on the notes. Hopefully I do too!!!

IN GOD (I must) trust – that is a given but not always taken – and recently while typing out a list of historical things that happened on certain dates in certain years – preparing a novel board game for my mom’s upcoming birthday (shhh, it’s a surprise… she loves games so why not make her a board game of her! sunny and cloudy – events – seasons – love – and time marching on…), it was a great phrase to see in the moment – “IN GOD WE TRUST”…

SO – in the making of this game, I was starting to have my mind wander while doing PowerPoint pushing of figures around – and then I started to drift into some concern for myself – wasteful time worrying for my situation – for my future – for my present – and WOW – my eyes turned back to the timeline website EXACTLY where the Lord likely wanted me to look at that time – not just the words but in Him – it was the entry for “IN GOD WE TRUST” printed on money in 1955 and hopefully implanted in my heart and my mind and my soul and in my psyche – IN GOD WE TRUST!!! YES, oh Lord, may I do so more and more…

So – YES – God is sending us this great message – not just on our money and in or on our money – but in engraving in our hearts – IN GOD WE TRUST – RIGHT NOW !!! Let us believe it. Stop worrying and keep looking to God to remind us that we only need Him and He’s got this! God’s Plan is to help us live this life and all that and then some…

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

IN God We Trust

In GOD We Trust

In God WE Trust

In God We TRUST !!!

AMEN

Work Families, God Families, Forever Families

I had the nice opportunity to see some of my recent work family and it reminded me of the MANY MANY work families that I have been in and then out of – for 40 years – wow – that we are not just one person with one “crowd” but that we rotate constantly in time and place with MANY MANY different people who can be the most tight-knit people at that time and then unravel to other maybe other tight-knit groups later. We have small groups – big groups – all temporary but all important “in the moment” – at least this is my experience and I appreciate all that I have learned – the good the bad the scary – in my MANY work groups – and in my many “life groups” too.

Come to think of it – I think I have had at least 20 or 30 or ??? different times and places in my life where I could call my co-workers as more than just co-workers. Imagine if we then add in the thought of the other groups – all the way from playdates as children to current groups – church and school and clubs and neighbors – maybe even the morning bus or coffee crew – our circles are spheres can be stretched like silly putty and for a moment capturing the reflection of the group and then stretched again to a new locale. Life changes and so do we.

I came across two old photos – maybe 1997 – nearly 30 years ago – the fading color of the photos does reflect fading memories – but at the same time just a heartbeat step back… These were 2 situations – related but different and distinct – where I can see by the same outfit that I took these photos on the same day. One was a lab home and a second lab home for a special project. Both groups shared the deepest of life’s issues and hopes. Neither time did I think this was the “forever group” – we all moved in and out and surely I was already at a dozen different group situations by then that were “work” related. And in these groups, I feel that both I was a part of them and that I moved on from them too – even if at the time I had no idea what was next… Well, I can’t believe that I have lived so many different experiences – stepping from one group to another – always learning – expecially learning how others fit or don’t “in the mix” – and I remember my Dad saying . I am blessed to have had the experiences and friends that became family.

Then yesterday saw some co-workers whom are not longer my co-workers but still my friends – and that is the change from co-working to “checking in” and was the opportunity to see how they were – and their blood families – people whom you heard about daily then not at all. Again – such temporary connections we have even in life-long friends. Work Families are Families that Work.

But what about co-workers for the Lord? Yes – for as many changes as we get in scenery – work situations – even different seasons of the year or in our lifes – we are to be co-laborers – with each other and especially with Christ – and the scriptures remind us that it is GOD Who gives the increase of the flock – Paul told the Corinthians (1st letter 3:7-9), “neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.”

This takes the performance anxiety out of the situation – really – simply we are to witness – we are to KNOW – we are to TRUST – we are to tell of our Love of the Lord – and FAITH and STRENGTH from the Lord – that is the building upon the Rock – and our faith will withstand time and the fire of day to day life.

Paul continued v10-15: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

MOST CRUCIAL PART OF OUR FAITH IS THAT WE ARE IN GOD AND GOD IN US, v16-17: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

And Paul reminds us to LOOK TO GOD – and avoid worldly wisdom, v18-23:
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

I appreciate knowing that God will build His Family – and we get to be a part of that – and we get to help others know Him better – know of His Strength in us and His Mission – to bring His Family Home – will always be HIS Focus… God’s Forever Family – let us work connections for the Family to build the Family. Let’s take care of our temple and His people.

Amen

Us and Our Kids – Live Love and Help – “for Such a Time as This”

“Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

My friend Linda used to pine for living in olden times – like 150 years ago – if she were to be born rich – and she likes the perception that it was so posh – but I am sure it was tough back then – yeah – so not me – I am appreciative of indoor plumbing, grocery stores, potable water, and heat and A/C. I like cars and surely airplane travel, and cushy sneakers and take out food, TV and radio, modern computers and swiffers to clean (if I do). I like sitting here to pursue over the scriptures and re-rethink what should I be doing with my writing – well at the bare minimum I need to get back to printing out the 2 months backlog that I have not yet put in chapters – because even though I like electronic media – I know that paper has and will stand up the test of time – beyond saving tape drives, 5 inch floppies, 3 inch floppies, zip drives, DVDs, thumb drives, and lost google accounts. Paper – someone is going to have to move it – it might make it into a collection somewhere tucked away.

Thus the special little paper that I found while cleaning this week – these pieces of paper are special messages that we lock in our hearts and in our treasure boxes – the treasure that we store best is God’s advice!!!! So, God found me time to clean a backlog of 15 year old kids stuff that I think they might find precious someday and I organized it for myself – was precious to sift through memories. This special little paper was crumbled and folded but priceless in advice – a piece called: “Don’t Feel Sorry for or Fear for Your Kids; Raise Them up to Walk in Faith” – yes the advice here is that God has your kids (just like He has us) specifically placed in this time and place for His Work – for His missions for them – for He knows the plan… One of the best lines in here is “Don’t let your fear steal the greatness God placed in them.” TRUE !!! “Raise Daniels, Davids, Esthers, and Peters!”

In Esther chapters 4 to 6, scripture is telling a story about someone behind the scenes plotting against other people for their own gain, and that the postition that Esther is in gives her the inside scoop and also the ears of the right people, and the hearts of the people who can make a difference – and Esther is able to mobilize a prayer movement – move in God’s protection – and speak the right words at the right time – having to WAIT until it is the right time but don’t be afraid – and she has an encourager – her uncle Mordecai told Esther that she too was in danger and if she remained silent then she too would suffer the same fate as her whole fathers house and be disappeared from history – but God choose her – and God will get His work done (by you or another) – but what if THIS was the opportunity now – “who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” AND THAT IS US TOO – AND OUR KIDS – TEACH THEM TO LISTEN TO GOD AND WHEN TO ACT AND WHAT TO DO…

I am encouraged – and reminded to remind us to keep working – and to share the LOVE of the Lord – in help and in encouragement and in life… PLUS, Giving our children a foundation of faith will help them and the people they interact with. Reminding ourselves that we too were made for a time like this – that will help us ask the Lord to give us the Holy Spirit – not as a hitchhiker but as a travel companion – pick up the Holy Spirit first.

Amen and please read the little paper – which I also found online – by Alex Craven, youth pastor, father of 2.

Don’t Feel Sorry for or Fear for Your Kids; Raise Them up to Walk in Faith (2021 Alex Craven)

Don’t feel sorry for or fear for your kids because the world they are going to grow up in is not what it used to be.
God created them and called them for the exact moment in time that they’re in. Their life wasn’t a coincidence or an accident.
Raise them up to know the power they walk in as children of God.
Train them up in the authority of His Word.
Teach them to walk in faith knowing that God is in control.
Empower them to know they can change the world.

Don’t teach them to be fearful and disheartened by the state of the world but hopeful that they can do something about it.
Every person in all of history has been placed in the time that they were in because of God’s sovereign plan.

He knew Daniel could handle the lions’ den.
He knew David could handle Goliath.
He knew Esther could handle Haman.
He knew Peter could handle persecution.
He knows that your child can handle whatever challenge they face in their life. He created them specifically for it!

Don’t be scared for your children, but be honored that God chose you to parent the generation that is facing the biggest challenges of our lifetime. Rise up to the challenge. Raise Daniels, Davids, Esthers, and Peters!

God isn’t scratching His head wondering what He’s going to do with this mess of a world. He has an army He’s raising up to drive back the darkness and make Him known all over the earth.

Don’t let your fear steal the greatness God placed in them. I know it’s hard to imagine them as anything besides our sweet little babies, and we just want to protect them from anything that could ever be hard on them, but they were born for such a time as this.

AI ALMIGHTY INFLUENCE

A friend posted a caricature of her family as Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks fans, is it AI generated? Or just ALGORITHMS developed by humans? We might be giving AI a bit too much credit these days, but surely Artificial Intelligence is and will influence our culture. People seemed to have stop complaining about CGI, computer graphics imagery in movies, and robotics does help us, so perhaps we need the adage of AI won’t take over your job, but people who know how to use it might…

However there is one AI, a different acronym that has been in place since before you were born, before time, AI of ALMIGHTY INFLUENCE, yes, ALMIGHTY God!!!

ALMIGHTY INFLUENCE of the Lord is already planned, active, needed, and forever. Jesus, Alpha and Omega, has come, is here Holy Spirit style, and will come again. Jesus will come against all evil influences and win. Jesus has already won over sin and death. Jesus as Lord and Savior is an Almighty Influence to tell us to “look above”, “not sweat the small stuff”, and just live. Nothing artificial about that…

As for the Super Bowl, I asked my youngest why the commercials were so under par in comparison to previous years, meaning I hardly laughed, so I’m not sure if it was a different target audience, or just “phoned in” an old school reference to doing minimum, or why??? Was it AI in graphics? But who generated the jokes? Could they instead hire some comedian writers? Apparently not but WHO KNOWS!

Just then, for the Halftime show, the Bad Bunny Puerto Rico experience, I spied the background were live people in the trees like more than carrying props, they were inside, then the whole show was live people seemingly on display from the display of customs and the music, well, it was more of a rhythm beat and my youngest said we should do some salsa dancing, made me get off the couch… Well, I danced for sure and used a Lentilky candy box (like M&Ms but European) container as a maraca-like shaker… Both my kids laughed so hard at my unexpected energy and moves… there was no artificial in that AI, Almighty Influence, just joy in the moment. A child of God making my own children laugh.

So perhaps that’s the take home message, don’t worry about the future as God will always be with us as we look towards Him, live in the moment, be part of the mix, from the music to the trees, be both scenery and salsa dancer, music and musician, parent and child, player on the field and planter and planner of fields ahead… be where God needs us, be taken over by Almighty Influence! And pray to know the Lord more and more – and let His influence reign.

The Prayer of Faith – James 5:13-16 NIV
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Amen and THANK YOU LORD!

(Thank you Lord also for the 4th Quarter nap, I guess I’ll watch that game portion on replay today, LOL…)

Amen!

Here are those trees – they were people!

Sermon – The Body of Christ’s Gifts – Romans 12

Feb 8 | The Body as Christ’s Presence | Romans 12:3–8

Humble Service in the Body of Christ 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

SERMON:

Many times I have asked myself in this life – “why am I here, Lord?” – how did I get here – what is my purpose in this particular situation – let alone life – and there must be a point for my situation or even times we have thorns in our sides for pain or praise or ??? And surely we all wonder this on occasion. My favorite go-to scripture is James 1 – perseverance – and yes – PRAISE…

We have to remember that God loves us – God saves us – God has a job for us – God is not just making children out of rocks, which He could, but He made us for a purpose – to be loved – to love Him – to serve Him by serving others – and LOVE as we are LOVED… God loves us and God is LOVE so how can He do or be anything else.

The Psalmist of psalm 56 was in despair when He was looking for God to save Him from terrible enemies – “For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?” WELL – if God can save people (including us from tragedy over and over again) – and make real miracles all around us – then surely how much MORE He is able to give us gifts in the first place – to make us into His people – and to equip us with skills to serve – remember that great phrase: God does not call the equipped – He equips the called. YEAH! He will give us what He wants from us – just as He has given us life now and forever – by looking to Him for these gifts.

So today I am talking about what we can give of ourselves – but not because we are being stolen from – or over-achieving – but simply give in HUMBLE SERVICE – like we have these skills/life-direction because God gave us these things – like a potluck of life but much much more divine and much much more ample… God doesn’t make mistakes – so He gave us each gifts – many gifts!!!

Last week in the sermon (given by —-) – she spoke about Paul telling the Corinthians that: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit – different kinds of service, but the same Lord ^–different kinds of working given from the Manifestation of the Spirit – given for the common good – wisdom, knowledge faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, or the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

And now – we are talking about how Paul did say to the Romans (12:3-8 NIV) – that the Lord has a role for EACH OF US – BECAUSE we are in ONE BODY – of the LORD’S purposes –- about taking stock of your life in faith and realize that we do have the ability to be in Humble Service in the Body of Christ.

REMEMBER THE IN FAITH PART – THAT WE CAN’T JUST SHLUFF OFF THE GIFTS – OR THAT WE ARE NOT WORTHY – BECAUSE IT IS GOD WHO MAKES US WORTHY TO HAVE THESE GIFTS AND USE THEM – AND WE ARE HERE ON EARTH AS PART OF THAT ONE BODY – YES ALL OF US… Remember God uses the term that we are the BRIDE of the Church – being made ready for our Groom.

PAUL WOULD SAY: think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. ^—- in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

And I have slides this morning – props too – but first slides – because I gave a talk previously that pertains so much and wanted to share these imagery prompts again…

Yeah – and I love this image on this first slide – because I loved being in this mix – this is vacation bible school (I think Maker Fun Factory) so many years ago now – maybe almost 10 years ago (life is a blur isn’t it) BUT LIFE IS WITH DISTINCT MOMENTS – AND EACH ONE OF US IN THE BODY OF CHRIST – called together each part to live out a Christian Life. This drone picture is the view from the top – God sees us both together and each individual. And as God knows us inside and out – He has a place for us.

Paul would say in his letter to the first Corinthians: that there is both UNITY and DIVERSITY in the Body verse 12: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”

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YES – in my next slide – remember UNITY AND DIVERSITY –

I love this photo imagery of all these people together – again a view from the top – WE ALL FIT TOGETHER LIKE PUZZLE PIECES – AND JESUS WILL HUNT ALL THE EARTH AND UNDER THE TABLE FOR THE FALLEN PUZZLE PIECES.

(Point to the slide) The one body of the church is made for love and for work – and includes lay people and clergy who support each other; individuals and groups who can impact society; families for Christian nurture and training; people of all kinds!

Paul says “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ and have put on Christ there is neither Jew or Greek, neither slave nor free, no make and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

—

And next slide – remembering why: we are here to fulfill the great commission – and there is no quiz but I wanted to bring in these great Greek words for who we are together as the church:

(point to the slide) Koinonia is community caring and grace filled – where people can find wholeness – Kerygma is how the church proclaims the good news of Jesus – and Diakonia – is how the church shares God’s Grace in acts of love and service – it is a balanced triangle pictured here – community, proclamation, and service.

AND IN MY NEXT SLIDE – WE DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HOW THIS ALL GOES TOGETHER – WE HAVE TO SAY “JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL” – that is how we can do the things we are supposed to do – and are gifted to do – and will love to do

(point to the slide) – as the Body of Christ – we can focus on a need that we see – we should be identifying our gifts –

and we are not in this alone – when you know you have something to share – there is no need to go alone – it is best to see the support of others – and yes – work as a team…

I add the holy spirit dove depiction there because we are NOT doing this on our own steam – we really can and do and want to rely on the Holy Spirit to put us where He wants us to be – where we can be God’s Hands and Feet in the situation – let the Lord place us. One of my favorite songs: “Come Holy Spirit – Fall Afresh on me…”Come Holy Spirit Fall Afresh On Me – Fill Me With Your Power”

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AND WHAT ABOUT THIS BODY OF CHRIST – I USE THIS JOKE OF THE OPERATION GAME WHERE YOU TAKE OUT THE PARTS – BUT LET US THINK IN REVERSE – PUT YOUR GIFTS INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST!

Let us remember our specific scripture this morning – we all have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

AND AS FOR A PROP TODAY – I WANT US TO THINK OF THESE GIFTS – how do we figure out our gifts – there are many spiritual gift “inventories” – read Tozer quote:

PROPHESIZING – do you have this gift? I would think it is only a few – but we do see it in the old testament and new testament – and so it must still exist today – Deborah the Judge – whom I appreciate in the old stories was able to tell folks that “God has got this” – and that is my favorite testimony prophesy – God has got this – all of it…

So what about you? Prophesy or SERVING or TEACHING or ENCOURAGING or GIVING or LEADING? How about SHOWING MERCY – WITH CHEER – that is an unique one – really – we have the ability to maybe let someone cut in front of us in line and then let that roll off our shoulders – and be grateful that we have the extra time to have someone go ahead of us – just a simple example – but it happens – and mercy is a big word in God’s vocabulary – mercy is NOT giving us the punishment we deserve – wow – and thank you Jesus for your ability to impart forgiveness and gain us God’s Mercy over our sin and death…

So let us take these gifts in love and do an activity to close with discussion – I have hearts of these gifts – and heart stickies – for you to write on and keep – let us first fill up the cross with our gifts – I handed out the large ones – could folks please affix them to the cross? Acknowledging that God gives us gifts to share and He went all the way to the cross to take our sins away so that we have no reason not to share His goodness of gifts.

[open for discussion and people sharing with each other in the church]

And with the small sticky note hearts – let us take one – and write down both a gift that we believe we have and perhaps one that you feel God is trying to develop in you – bring it out of you – for many reasons – including sharing and being in service to the whole body of all of us – both to the CHURCH known and the people who don’t know JESUS… so write both of them to keep on the heart – and please if you feel led, share… feel free to speak of why – no pressure but a chance to share… (I will start – with encouragement – that is a gift I realized long ago that God gave me – yes teaching too – but encouragement because I think that people do know what to do just need a little encouragement… and then for God trying to bring something more out of me – well leadership – I know He pushes me into leadership – I have to take it more often than I do… OK, how about you???)

Wrap up prayer – Lord – thank you for the opportunity to take stock and take of your Spirit – and share and know and be – thank You Lord for Your Love and Your gifts – and how we are to manifest them totally as a body of Christ!

Thank You Lord for all these beautiful souls here – and for those who couldn’t make it today – and also for the people in the world whom you are calling but ask us to help with this proclamation – these acts of service – and this community – AMEN

Benediction – Please everyone be safe and be warm and share the warmth of the Lord out there with the body parts that we are trying to keep warm in His Love – thank you Lord for this opportunity – may we all realize your blessings – AMEN and have a great day!

God’s Strength for our Frailty, Psalm 90

Reading Psalm 90, I am reminded of my frailty and our frailty – and yet our strength – gifted by God. We are amazing bodies – and yet we do run out of steam…

I was surprised (even though I should not have been) at how TOUGH it was to get my trash cans out from the embedded snow and ice – wow – plus they were full of junk that we had tossed in for 2 weeks while not being able to get them to the curb due to the snow and ice and them being stuck – I put it off – but this week made the effort and dug them out – whew!

In doing so, I remembered that I was grateful that my friend, who acknowledged her frailty, moved into single living apartments for seniors last fall – before this classic winter of snow and ice. She and I had discussed her issues with these trashcans – which are taller than some people I know – and that the smaller ones were not yet available – and wow yeah – nearly impossible to deal with if you didn’t have the strength. Even the cans themselves crack and lose wheels in the rough handling of the trucks – it is a price we pay for throwing stuff away – and for accumulating too much of it ahead of time too… That is who we are – we just do – me too…

Frailty in us is such the reminder that God is NOT frail – God is forever – and God is God – from everlasting to everlasting. And time passes so quickly that we should ask the Lord to number our days – and that we are just a short time on this earth like every person: “In the morning they are like grass which grows up: In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers.”

So we pray compassion from our Lord – we pray “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – and we pray for ourselves and for others that “we may rejoice and be glad all our days! Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us…”

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Yes Lord, establish the work of our hands – and bring us strength for the lives we lead (and for the trash cans too).

Amen

—
Psalm 90 NKJV

The Eternity of God, and Man’s Frailty
A Prayer of Moses the man of God.
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.

You turn man to destruction,
And say, “Return, O children of men.”
For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it is past,
And like a watch in the night.
You carry them away like a flood;
They are like a sleep.
In the morning they are like grass which grows up:
In the morning it flourishes and grows up;
In the evening it is cut down and withers.

For we have been consumed by Your anger,
And by Your wrath we are terrified.
You have set our iniquities before You,
Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.
For all our days have passed away in Your wrath;
We finish our years like a sigh.
The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Who knows the power of Your anger?
For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Return, O Lord! How long?
And have compassion on Your servants.
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us,
The years in which we have seen evil.
Let Your work appear to Your servants,
And Your glory to their children.
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Existing in a Forever Mindset, Psalm 115:18

(Looking forward to the scriptures of VBS this summer – today is Psalm 115:18 “But we can praise the Lord both now and forever! Praise the Lord!”.)

Scripture tells us that we will live in awe of God FOREVER – so we should start now.

Psalm 115:18 “But we can praise the Lord both now and forever! Praise the Lord!”

Praise, Bless, and Extol – each of those words come from three of the translations for the verse and line of Psalm 115:18 – but depending upon the translation, and our verbiage, does not change what God is – and if we are existing in a FOREVER mindset, knowing that FOREVER comes closer and closer each day, then we MUST realize that what we say about God does not change Who God is. If we trust in our own understanding then we will lose sight of how ALMIGHTY God is – how big – how AMAZING His Love is for everyone and for forever time… May we praise, bless and extol Him – ALL the time.

In the truth of the bible, we have the book of Revelation as well as Old Testament prophecies and New Testament Gospel speeches by Jesus Himself that tell us of FOREVER – that tell us of the victory already won (even Genesis 3 tells of the victory of Jesus over Satan – “He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”)

And the book of Revelation 7:17 tells us that we will live in that peace: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

And Revelation 22:1-7 tells us where we will live and that it will be so good. And that we can trust what Jesus has told John in this Revelation and we can trust John – for forever: Eden Restored – Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

John and the Angel – The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” – “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.

May we remember our FOREVER with God – forever and for now – may we exist, live, teach and act in a FOREVER mindset – not sweat the small stuff – and keep trusting the Lord even in difficult circumstances!

May we love and praise the Lord – as He has loved us and saved us for FOREVER.

Amen

—

Psalm 115
New King James Version
The Futility of Idols and the Trustworthiness of God
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth.

Why should the Gentiles say, “So where is their God?” But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, The work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat. Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.

O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.

The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord, Both small and great.

May the Lord give you increase more and more, You and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men. The dead do not praise the Lord, Nor any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord From this time forth and forevermore.

Praise the Lord!

Lord of Our Forever, Psalm 136:1

(Looking forward to the scriptures of VBS this summer – today is Psalm 136:1 “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”)

Lord – we know that You are Forever – not that we can wrap our heads around that – but it does sound so much more promising than the world around us now. Well, to be honest, we should admit that the world has always been broken since Adam and Eve and especially Cain and Abel. One was an act of defiance (and falsified ignorance) and one an act of violence (over the anger of having to sacrifice) – and both were not trusting that the Lord was telling us certain things for our own good – and both were not heading to God requests that would require sacrifice. Us too – we must be acknowledging our complete commitment to and dependence upon God.

There is no way that God won’t love us – but that comes with Him teaching and demonstrating love in His way – we barely can understand the mechanisms let alone the motivation of the Lord especially to make an ultimate sacrifice – the sacrifice of Jesus with Jesus accepting this as His Divine Role – but these are all fitting for a sacrifice in LOVE.

We too are called to sacrifice – but with purpose – not just go without – without giving the energies or gifts SOMEWHERE ELSE – not sacrifice as a martyr to OUR particular cause. But God asks us to sacrifice for HIS cause – and causes – to show others LOVE – to demonstrate that we understand what going without means for their benefit – not for later retribution or “gimme backs” – but for the purpose of continuing to show the LOVE of the LORD – because HE will provide all that we need – and that is His Love.

Love can be a one way street but like a traffic circle where the traffic continues going around and around and giving the push from the back and springing you forward – you have to make the leap of faith and join the swirl – the path – the flow – then deciding which is your exit to share Love in a new place… Love is fueled from God – from behind – and during the present now – and for then forever forward – because God’s Love never wasn’t a thing – God’s Love is forever back and forever forward – the beginning and the end which never changes – that is the LOVE (which is mercy) forever – in an unfathomable but palatable blessing.

Mercy and Love are used interchangeably between some of the bible translations – but in this instance of Psalm 136 – trying to understand God’s path for the old testament people, the mercy is LOVE and the LOVE is in God’s Mercy – both are true. and Truth is God too – fully true and fully forever. May we stop our defiance and ignorance and follow You Lord – because You are already in our Forever.

Amen – forever…

Psalm 136
New King James Version *where the word mercy is in place of love which is the word used in the NIV*
Thanksgiving to God for His Enduring Mercy

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy (love) endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever:

To Him who alone does great wonders,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who by wisdom made the heavens,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who laid out the earth above the waters,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who made great lights,
For His mercy endures forever—
The sun to rule by day,
For His mercy endures forever;
The moon and stars to rule by night,
For His mercy endures forever.

To Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn,
For His mercy endures forever;
And brought out Israel from among them,
For His mercy endures forever;
With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who divided the Red Sea in two,
For His mercy endures forever;
And made Israel pass through the midst of it,
For His mercy endures forever;
But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who led His people through the wilderness,
For His mercy endures forever;
To Him who struck down great kings,
For His mercy endures forever;
And slew famous kings,
For His mercy endures forever—
Sihon king of the Amorites,
For His mercy endures forever;
And Og king of Bashan,
For His mercy endures forever—
And gave their land as a heritage,
For His mercy endures forever;
A heritage to Israel His servant,
For His mercy endures forever.

Who remembered us in our lowly state,
For His mercy endures forever;
And rescued us from our enemies,
For His mercy endures forever;
Who gives food to all flesh,
For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 142:5 God is our Safe Place

(Looking forward to the scriptures of the VBS this summer – today is Psalm 142:5 “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, ‘You are my place of refuge.’ “)

The hockey game last night was a treat – and the seats too – high above that you could see everything – a preplanned outing with my old work folks – so good to see them and catch up.

The seats were a single row with a panoramic view – theatre style – and protected by the clearest of clear plexiglass – thick too – safe for us to stand up and not feel like we would fall. (I’m not afraid of heights – but maybe some would be.) And there was a nice lounge behind us too – with food and lots of people not watching the game except a glimpse on a TV monitor. I watched the first period, gabbed with friends all the way through the second period, then sat down and watched the thrilling 3rd period (our local team won! but both team fans, in our mixed crowd, were excited at the exciting game)… In general we were all happy to be there!

That plexiglass gave us a view as opposed to a wall – and it gave us security – even being high enough – and it gave us a place – a seat saved for us – yet stay behind the barrier. What of this reminds us of God and the Psalm 142:5 – that MORE reliable than that plexiglass – and more transparent than the perception of safety – that God our Lord is our SAFE PLACE – “I cried out to You, O Lord:I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.”

The plexiglass was security – and clear – the Lord is clear and we can see out from under His wings that the world out there is a scary place at times and we are in fear of falling – and like David afraid of evil out to get us – and yet the Lord can rescue and He has and will win against evil – and He has a seat secured for us – He has us SAFE and SAVED in His Salvation.

The Lord is whom we can cry out to – like David under persecution, praying in a cave hiding – and cry out to in ordinary days too for direction: “I cry out to the Lord with my voice; With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication. I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.”
And like the attendants and ushers – we also can be people who point the way to the right seat in the house – we can be the encouragers and the teachers – we can comfort and we can listen. We can witness that this statement of David is true: When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You [LORD] knew my path.

Amen Amen Amen: “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, ‘You are my place of refuge.’ ” Psalm 142:5

In His Salvation, we will someday see that there will be no more evil in the world and we will all be at His table – and in His Lounge – and In His Garden – and in His House – and in His Courts – and in His NEW city – always and forever.

For now, remember the game won’t last forever – keep watching for Him.

Amen

—

Psalm 142 NKJV
A Plea for Relief from Persecutors
A Contemplation of David. A Prayer when he was in the cave.

I cry out to the Lord with my voice; With my voice to the Lord I make my supplication.
I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me.
Look on my right hand and see, For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.

I cried out to You, O Lord: I said, “You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.
Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me.”

God is All-Knowing, Psalm 139

(Looking forward to the scriptures of the VBS this summer – today is Psalm 139 – praising the Lord as ALL KNOWING)

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.“

I can not express how important it is that we know that God knows us – He knows our ways – He knows where we falter – He knows what makes us smile – He knows how to save us from our sins, even if it takes His death and resurrection to fully cover us with His blood – really God knows the good bad ugly and corrects our ways if we listen – and God will cover us as white as snow removing our transgressions from His sight.

He knows us and created us to know Him, so He also gives us His Word to know Him better. That is piety – that is a praise – that is a prayer – to know Him best we can – and start with knowing that He is Love and He loves us.

Psalm 139 is a psalm that I used to sing in a band – and now it still resonates with me – it resonates more and more for the more and more we learn about God – the personal knowledge of us by Him is something to remember – and to remind others – that the Lord will take care of us – He has and will – even with tough love at times. “But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.”

And as for me, God also knows when I am so distracted and too fluttery in my thinking – He requests that we pay attention to Him and let Him direct like a school crossing guard – don’t trust our eyes but trust our faith – trust HIM.

May we appreciate this knowledge and rely upon Him – not as a sheep without a shephard but a Christian WITH a Christ, a follower with a Faith, a leader with a Lord, a hope WITH a helper. May we know that He knows…

AMEN!

—

Psalm 139
New King James Version
God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.
For they speak against You wickedly;
Your enemies take Your name in vain.
Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
I hate them with perfect hatred;
I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 103 Praise the Lord in Everything

(Looking forward to the scriptures of the VBS this summer – today is Psalm 103:22 – praising the Lord in everything)

Today – the Groundhog saw his shadow – Feb 2nd – this means 6 more weeks of winter – well, spring is never until the weather decides it – and the weather? It listens to the Lord… How we weather the weather? also listening to the Lord. How the groundhog, the people, the creations of nature – all planned of how their creations could come about – and I never pigeon-hole God – meaning try to apply human thinking to His vastness and almighty-ness – God can think up things and ways MUCH higher than we could imagine – so yes, God is the God of the great and the small… (and it works held together in His hand and it will be loosed in His Hand unloosing it)

Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion.

In Girl Scout camping this weekend, we witnessed such BEAUTY of God’s creation – from Eastern Bluebirds to trees that withstand the cold – we knew to wear insulating layers – we wore our boots – and some of us heard the lake ice cracking in drumming noises – so cool – and wow we saw the the snow was as white as anything – and needed sunglasses for the brightness – snow is a covering that was as beautiful as it is interesting in how different it can be and was for certain areas – hard ice on top or soft or pressed down with a jolt for each of our footsteps… And oh we had to caution the girls so much to not get too close to that water – the ice was not solid – it was a cold snap not a long hard cold winter… The girls listened – God also gives us this amazing wisdom and discernment to learn – to figure things out – to accept and still try to change things. The moms were amazing – a great group who learned to relax – to teach by the girls getting to experience life – to learn to appreciate moments to relax. I always say that at winter camping we learn the most precious thing we fail to do often – we learn to relax. And we learn how to appreciate. At camp it is not clean and dirty – it is wet and dry – at camp it is learning tolerance and simplicity – and yet trust me we were glamping with heat and a full kitchen and plenty of plenty – therefore we also learn to praise.

And that is our devotion about the AMAZING the things that God has made for us here on earth – and that we should PRAISE – not just things – but for direction. He has us here on earth for such a short time and we are to see down times as cold snaps and not forever – we are to see beauty even amidst pain – we are to see hope in the distance of time – all while being in the closeness of the Lord’s presence. And we are to respectfully fear His Mighty Ways. (and as we followed the tracks in the snow – may we follow the Path He sets in front of us.)

We got to get outside – knowing that we had a nice warm place to return to – and that is life too – we can venture out and then make sure we have Him to rely upon. So, in our camping, yes, the lights and the warmth of the lodge – the welcoming fireplace – it was so wonderful as an oasis in winter. And think of the shortness of our time compared to the many years people have lived and passed down the information and sills to keep living – imagine the advances of science and just using our common sense to “be OK” – these are all a gift from the Lord too – and even just putting frozen fingers under your armpits to warm them is the miracle of convivence in how God made our bodies – we are frail but we are mighty in how we function – it is a miracle that is so unfathomable… The Lord Himself is not just an oasis – He is the Creator, the Decider, and the Holy One.

Yes – there are issues at times in life – well we are in a more and more realizing we are in a broken and breaking world and we should NOT be surprised that the devil puts in roadblocks and potholes of life – and yet we have the ability to overcome this with praise – praise is our greatest gift – to reach to God and look above – to “forget NOT His benefits” – especially as He forgives our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (And I saw a sweet exchange of our troop leader instructing and teaching and then giving a hug – in consolation – may we also always remember the the Lord teaches and consoles – and rescues and gives guidance. May we always remember the Lord’s LOVE given to us to share with others)…

SO in the beauty and yet harshness of winter – and in life – may we continue to praise that we have direction and hope – and love – and know that we have moments to pause and let the snow cover simplify our lives in giving us rest too – not just the hibernating groundhogs or sleeping trees – may we ourselves simply take time to praise and then raise ourselves to the challenges of life. Remember that we will be renewed like the upcoming spring too – that is when we will soar some more: So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (and trust me that the young had a much easier time falling on ice and snow and jumping right back up – we pray to remember that the Lord gives mercy in flexibility – and we long for those times again for us – we will have them in forever – forever youth…) And like the camper’s science experiment of removing oxidation tarnish from pennies, in salt and vinegar, may we also shine again – IN PRAISE. May we experience and enjoy the vast diversity – the bright colors and the sweetness of life.

May we “Praise the Lord, everything He has created, everything in all His kingdom”

Amen

Psalm 103 NKJV
Praise for the Lord’s Mercies – A Psalm of David.

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Preparing for VBS – Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God

It is never too early to start thinking about Vacation Bible School – and this year (for one of my church families) we get excited about the most recent Group Publishing kit: Rainforest Falls.

Here are the amazing bible lessons and scriptures – amazing bible messages this year: from Group Publishing – I will dive deeper into them this week…

https://www.group.com/childrens-ministry/vbs/rainforest-falls/

Rainforest Falls VBS (2026) focuses on the theme “Wow, God!”

Psalm 103:22: “Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.”

The five-day curriculum highlights God as Creator, All-Knowing, Safe Place, Love, and Forever.

Daily Scriptures:

Day 1 (Creator): Psalm 103:22 – “Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom”.
Day 2 (All-Knowing): Psalm 139:1 – “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me”.
Day 3 (Safe Place): Psalm 142:5 – “Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, ‘You are my place of refuge'”.
Day 4 (Love): Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever”.
Day 5 (Forever): Psalm 115:18 – “But we can praise the Lord both now and forever! Praise the Lord!”.

Key Bible Stories & Themes:

Creation: Genesis 1.
David/God’s Knowledge: Psalm 139.
David/Saul: 1 Samuel 23–24.
Jesus’ Love: Luke 22:39–24:12.
Heaven: Revelation 7:17; 21–22.

Psalm 103 NKJV
Praise for the Lord’s Mercies
A Psalm of David.

The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Debbie Upper

A Child of God Awakening to His Love

Month: February 2026

Imagine in God’s Image and KNOW God Face to Face

Got to Begin (Again), Billy Joel, Lamentations and New Beginnings

God’s Cloud is not a Wisp of Whimsy

The Warmth of the Lord.

Well, Keep Going! Go with God! Jeremiah 29:11

Nestled In, Psalms 46 and 37

Life is a Blur but LOVE Never Changes, 1st John 4

Lost and Found

SET ASIDE

I Knew, I Noticed, I Acknowledged, Jesus on the Journey to the Cross

Jesus – About His Father’s Business – a Lenten Devotion, Luke 2:41-52

Ponder the Lenten Jesus

A Poem of P’s for Peter

DESERVE, RESERVE, PRESERVE, SERVE

Processing Places Praises Prayers and People

Do You Believe in Miracles?

In God We Trust RIGHT NOW

Work Families, God Families, Forever Families

Us and Our Kids – Live Love and Help – “for Such a Time as This”

AI ALMIGHTY INFLUENCE

God’s Strength for our Frailty, Psalm 90

Existing in a Forever Mindset, Psalm 115:18

Lord of Our Forever, Psalm 136:1

Psalm 142:5 God is our Safe Place

God is All-Knowing, Psalm 139

Psalm 103 Praise the Lord in Everything

Preparing for VBS – Rainforest Falls – Exploring the Nature of God

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