For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5
Proverbs 17:6 says: Children’s children are a crown to the aged… that sure is true. Here’s some pictures of our grandchildren taken long ago with pictures taken fairly recently. I love their smiles and look how they’ve grown! Pops and I will ALWAYS love them. That’s a lot of love, but when compared to God’s love it’s like a grain of sand. No matter how young or old, rich or poor, happy or sad, without pain or with pain: God’s love reigns!
This is Ginger, my son’s family dog. She’s pretty old, sleeps a lot and loves apples. When I first saw Ginger in this position I felt sorry for her. But after hearing that this was her position of power, my feelings changed. On these steps, peering through the banister polls gives her a direct view of the front door. While holding this position she is guarding the family from any unwanted disturbances. Seeing Ginger’s position made me ask myself the question…Am I taking my stand in Jesus Christ to guard against stealing and deception from the enemy? Be encouraged by God’s Word in Eph. 6:14-18 that tells us to put on His armor and take your stand in Jesus Christ.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Eph. 6:10-11
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18
DIRTY SNOWCLEAN SNOW
In the first picture, after shoveling the snow into a pile, I noticed the grime, rocks and mud made the snow dirty. The next morning I looked out the window and the dirty snow wasn’t dirty anymore. The additional snow we got overnight covered the dirty snow. Now the snow looked so clean. These two piles of snow reminded me of God’s forgiveness. God provided a solution to our problem of sin by giving us Jesus. He willingly died on the cross for my sins and yours too. By turning from our sins and believing in Jesus as Savior and Lord of our life…our sins are forgiven. We’re covered AS WHITE AS SNOW!
When I was a little girl I loved to play kickball. I was no star kickball player, but I loved the game. I try to forget the times I missed making contact with the ball. Even with my leg in the air and my foot in position to kick… I would completely miss the ball! I remember my teammates, along with me, yelling to the top of our lungs “DO OVER!” It felt so good to get another “do over.” I’m so encouraged that the Bible is filled with people who were given do overs. My hope is that you too will be encouraged knowing that you can move forward in this new year knowing that God’s mercy is new everyday. His faithful love willingly gives you anew beginning.
The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
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
created by Jan Pierce
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.’ “
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
