Life can be hard with its twists and turns. Yet even in our struggles and brokenness, God is near.
Those focused, piercing eyes are chilling and somewhat scary. That mean look got me thinking about the things of this world that are mean, chilling and scary. If that should happen to you too, let’s turn our thoughts toward Jesus who loves us, fights for us, prays for us and is our Shelter.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Every time I look at this picture I have to laugh. When my day gets stressful and I don’t feel like laughing, this picture of Carl and me guarantees a laugh. I believe God created in all of us the ability to laugh because it’s good for us. Laughter relieves tension, helps put things in perspective and cheers us up. God’s Word says…“A cheerful heart is good medicine…” Prov. 17:22. Let’s ask God to prescribe for us every day a cheerful heart with a double dose of laughter.
When I was going through some tough times in my twenties I reached out to a well-grounded Christian for counsel. I was told to “climb higher.” I was encouraged to go to the highest floor of a very tall building and look out the window. I thought to myself, this is silly, but I went anyway. On that day the sun was shining brightly and the sky was a deep blue and the cars and people were sooo tiny. Seeing all this helped me put my troubles in perspective. My troubles didn’t seem so big. I was reminded that my troubles were in the hands of Most High God. Over the years when times get tough I don’t go to a high building. Instead, my climbing higher involves spending more time with Jesus, persisting in prayer and studying God’s Word. Let’s climb higher together and soar like eagles!
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31
Writing 3 books has been a rewarding adventure. I’ve never thought of myself as an author. Spelling is not my strength and the use of a computer makes my hands sweat. But when God calls you to do something way beyond your capabilities He provides you with everything you need for answering His call.
The first book is about daily enjoying a time of prayer with prayer prompts for the entire year. The second book is about the power of praising God in the midst of hardship and loss. The third book is about the peace that grows from knowing the truth from God’s perspective. I want God to get the glory, but I need to let people know where these books are available. I’d like to invite you to take a close look at these 3 books on my website at judyelmer.com or you can check them out on amazon.
“This is my command…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Are you wondering how on earth can you be strong and courageous when you feel tired and afraid? When I’m up against a difficult and scary situation I’m learning that I cannot muster up the strength and courage needed. It just doesn’t work if I alone try to muster up a feeling of energy and fearlessness. But when I go to God and His Word, I find myself resting in His truth. Gracious God promises that no matter what we’re going through and wherever we go, He is with us step by step…no matter what. That promise empowers tired, scared hearts to bold, courageous hearts!
Carl and I wish you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas. In the coming new year may we all rest in the joy of knowing that God has given us everything we need in Jesus.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil. 4:4
(words and music by: Julia H. Johnston/Daniel B. Towner)
Shaping a lump of clay can be pretty messy. The spinning of the wheel, water, wet clay, and trimming can get messy. As I’ve watched Carl open the clay up and work within… big changes happen. The clay is not messy anymore. Now the lump of clay is being shaped into a useful vessel. Watching all the changes that take place in the clay makes me think about God’s grace. Nothing in our life is too messy for God’s grace to pardon and cleanse within.
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. Romans 5:20
I can’t get over the many times in the Bible that Jesus said, “I tell you the truth.” Jesus even said that He came to testify to the truth. God longs for us to know the truth so we can recognize a lie and not be deceived. And God’s Word can cut through any lie. I’ve heard it said that the sound the enemy hates the most is the sound of the pages being turned in the Bible. I’m so thankful that before Jesus was arrested and sentenced to be crucified He prayed…Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 I bet you’re glad, like I am, that Jesus prayed that prayer for us. Let’s be an answer to God’s prayer and seek the truth found in the gift of God’s Word.
This is my husband Carl. Twelve years ago he had a stroke. I’ve seen in his life the evidence of God’s presence in suffering and God’s healing power. To get to where he is today has required: pushing through rehab, no pity parties and not quitting, in other words…perseverance. I’ve heard it said that the most important way to impact the world for Jesus is to persevere through suffering. That’s not easy, but we want to encourage you. We’ve seen evidence that the empowering, miracle working, Good God, will be with you all the way.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
This is our granddaughter Samantha. She was baptized on Sunday. She publicly declared to accept God’s gift of grace through Jesus Christ.
God’s invitation to be with Him in heaven and live NOW a life with Jesus is for everyone. But the invitation requires us to RSVP by trusting in Jesus and accepting God’s gift of grace. God is waiting for us to respond with a child-like faith: believing Jesus died for our sins; asking for forgiveness with a willingness to turn away from sin; and believing Jesus is alive now and choosing to follow Him.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16