Life can be hard with its twists and turns. Yet even in our struggles and brokenness, God is near.
Do you feel broken and unfinished? God will not give up on you. His love will not run out. He will help you grow in grace. God completes what He starts.
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:6
I’m excited to announce that my book called Walk in the Truth with the subtitle Generation to Generation is finished, published, available, and in ebook format too. The pictures, writings and scriptures are all meant to build an awareness of God’s presence in our lives and give encouragement. The book focuses on gratitude, laughter, family and sharing everyday moments of life…all through the lens of God’s attributes and His Word. You’re invited to take a quick look at the book on Amazon.com or in the bookstore at Westbowpress.com.
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD. Psalm 102:18
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:10-11
Come Jesus come. We’ve been waiting so long for the day You return to heal every hurt and right every wrong. We need You right now. Come and turn this around. Deep down I know this world isn’t home. Come Jesus come. Come Jesus come. (Words from song “Come Jesus Come” by Stephen McWhirter)
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5
I think it’s interesting that God picked David’s head to anoint when He could have picked his feet or even his hands. Maybe because David was at a feast with his enemies and worrisome thoughts and fear can steal our joy. Anointing David’s head was indeed a honor. To be anointed in the presence of his enemies was a powerful reminder for David that he was valued, strengthened, and protected by God. Let’s ask our Shepherd-King to anoint our thoughts too with the same powerful reminder…we are valued, strengthened, and protected by God.
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
I was reading in God’s Word about how Jesus is ruling all the nations with an iron scepter. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. Rev. 12:5 This was a good reminder to me that despite the problems around us, King Jesus is still ruling with power and authority. Our Warrior-Messiah-King and His strong wonder working power is moving, transforming and reigning with justice and grace.
“I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job. 42:2
I cannot look at this picture with a straight face. I have to smile every time I look at it. Our son and grandchildren were ready and waiting for the call to begin the annual neighborhood 4th of July parade. They’re ready to celebrate the freedom and love we have for our country. Parades, friends, food and fireworks are fun ways to celebrate our nation’s freedom. All that celebrating reminds me of what could go on in heaven when someone accepts the true freedom God offers through Jesus Christ.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
Years ago when I heard someone say that God spoke to them, I thought, Really? But as I studied the Bible I discovered…Yes, God really does speak! You might be asking like I did, “How in the world do you hear Him?” I found that as you study God’s Word you can sure hear God’s heart in His living and active Word. If you’re in a Bible study you know the blessing of hearing God’s encouragement, guidance, love, and power. If you’re not in a Bible study, you don’t want to miss the blessing of hearing God speak through the pages of the Bible. His Word produces change, saves, gives peace, delivers and makes satan run.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb. 4:12
I need to be reminded often of how powerful God is. One sure way is to watch Carl at the potter’s wheel take a lump of clay and shape it into a beautiful vessel. As I watch, I can’t help but think of God’s grace and transforming power. The gradual transformation as the clay is prepared, centered, pulled up and then fired in the kiln helps me see what it may feel like being in the hands of Our Master Potter. When I think of myself being transformed, it sure would be nice if becoming more like Jesus was spontaneous and without the firings. Although it’s interesting that in the firings the clay is transformed into a stronger vessel. I’m encouraged knowing that becoming more like Jesus in a life-long, gracious, transforming process. Will you climb up on God’s potter wheel with me? Let’s experience together His transforming power of remaking, renewing and rejoicing.
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Phil. 4: 19:20
When we feel we can’t go one more step, He supplies the strength to go on.
When the money runs out, He still takes care of us.
When we’re scared, He give us the courage to face our biggest fear.
When weakness sets in and obstacles are big, His power enables us to overcome.
Thank You Jesus.
