Life can be hard with its twists and turns. Yet even in our struggles and brokenness, God is near.
“For God so loves the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
We’re thanking God for His Gift of Jesus and blessing our life with each one of you.
Merry Christmas!
During this season of advent, as I prepare to celebrate Christmas I can’t help but think about candles. You’re probably wondering…candles? I guess because when growing up when we lit a candle it was to celebrate someone, like on birthdays. My all-time favorite time for lighting a candle and celebrating Someone is at a Christmas Eve service. Each person is given a candle, and at the end of the service the lights are dimmed to make it dark. At that time each person lights their candle. When all the candles are lit the darkness isn’t dark anymore. Instead the glow of all the candles held by each person creates an atmosphere of peace, love and hope as we celebrate Jesus, the Greatest Gift of all.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
My friend created this picture by cutting up pieces of wallpaper and positioning the paper together like puzzle pieces to make this amazing picture. It looks like this Knight is preparing for battle. With the cross on his chest I bet his head is bowed in reverence to King Jesus. It looks like he’s humbly praying while tightly holding his sword. Sure makes me think of where our help comes from. My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 His sword reminds me of the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph.6:17 Have you ever felt like you’re in a battle? I have. But I’m learning to bow in humble prayer, cling to King Jesus and tightly hold onto God’s Word. Then stand up, move on, because God’s got it.
“This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ “
WHEN: On Saturday, November 30th from 10:00-2:00 at their neighborhood Clubhouse at 3200 Graystone Manor Pkwy. Louisville, 40241
WHY: Carl’s beautiful abstract paintings and Judy’s newest book can be special gifts anytime, even for Christmas, birthdays or for yourself.
My oldest son has lived in Florida for many years. He feels the darkness of nighttime is the worst time for a hurricane to make landfall. With darkness outside and no power inside, the sound of the roaring wind and the pounding rain is a sound not easily forgotten. I’ve never been in the dark from a hurricane, but I feel like I’ve been in the dark when things happen and I don’t understand why. I’ve discovered the best thing to do in those dark times is to trust God and go to the light of His Word. God’s Word reassures you and me, that even in the darkness, God’s loving care, power, and inescapable supervision is there.
Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:10,12
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