Blog

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” Rev.3:20

This is Ginger. She’s the sweetest dog. She looks so content standing in the open door looking at us with no toys and no treats. In today’s world being content can be a real challenge. This world offers temporary satisfactions like money, entertainment or material possessions. But Jesus offers eternal life with lasting satisfaction. Jesus patiently and persistently is knocking on the door of hearts with the invitation to accept His gift of grace and His life changing presence and power.

Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy. Psalm 96:12b

Our son hasn’t outgrown his love for climbing trees. My tree-climbing days are over, but like our son, I still enjoy trees. I love their uniqueness, beauty and strength. I think God likes trees too. Fig trees, palm trees, fruit trees and olive trees are mentioned in God’s Word. In the Garden of Eden and in the book of Revelation trees are mentioned there too. Even the cross is sometime represented by a tree on which Jesus was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins and the hope of eternal life. And one day, all of God’s creation will be renewed and the trees will be even MORE beautiful and fun to climb. Wow!

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12

Song of Songs 8:6-7 (NLT)

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, its jealousy as enduring as the grave. Love flashes like fire, the brightest kind of flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.

God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Without excuse this picture of an early morning sunrise makes me think about how God is ever-present and reveals Himself in creation. Do you see the sun rising with rays making a cross and the moon in the sky too? I’m reminded that God, Our Emmanuel is not distant or uninvolved. Instead, He is with us and we’ll never face trouble alone. He’s ready to daily provide the help and strength we need to stand firm in troubled times. I want to become even more aware of the evidence of God’s ever-present nearness in my life with a fearless trust in Him. I bet you do too.

I taught elementary children for many years and I remember starting each school day with the pledge of allegiance. The children placed their right hand over their heart promising to be loyal to our nation “under God.” Those 2 words “under God” is a humble acknowledgement of God’s rightful position of authority. I pray that all those children that are adults now, will place their right hand over their heart and humbly pray for America to be one nation under God.

Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Prov. 14:34

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.” Job 42:2

This picture made me think of a time in my life when I felt the dark clouds of suffering and those heavy clouds of unanswered questions. My husband had an unexpected brain bleed and a massive stroke. Our lives changed in a heartbeat. I want to encourage those who are suffering and wondering why… to not forget that God’s love doesn’t stop and start. God’s love for you is forever and He has not turned away. He is with you. God’s purpose is supreme and you have a significant purpose in God’s plan. When open to Him and willing to follow… No dark times of suffering or heavy clouds of unanswered questions can stop God’s loving purpose for you.

God’s right hand represents his reigning power and sovereign authority. His right hand also symbolizes action that brings divine protection and deliverance. Our Father God’s right hand is an expression of strength with a readiness to give comfort, help and endurance. The very thought that my right hand, and yours too, fits perfectly in God’s right hand leaves me awestruck and a loss for words. But God’s Word says it best…Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings, My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-8

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Have you ever felt dropped and broken? The list is long that describes brokenness: loss of a job, loss of health, loss of a loved one, divorce, loneliness etc. etc. In today’s world we often throw away things that are broken. But God doesn’t throw us away. I’m so thankful He is willing to give “do-overs” and give new beginnings. He can take the broken pieces of our lives and make something good come from brokenness. God is stretching me as He shapes and molds me to a new level of trusting Him. His reshaping, stretching and molding in our lives takes time. We’re like the clay and God’s not finished transforming lives.

I’m finishing up a Bible study about the book of Psalms. It’s impressive that no matter how awful things were the psalmist turned to hope and praise. Praising God definitely gives us a fresh perspective. In Psalm 148 the psalmist calls ALL people and ALL of heaven and earth to praise God. This picture and the words my friend expressed is a good example of praising God from a fresh perspective.

Praise the LORD from the earth…you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars. Psalm 148: 7a, 9

“I was watering the vegetable garden…looked up and was struck how the trees were perfectly still in the rays of the morning sun…as in awe and reverence before God. Made me stop also to give Him Glory and Praise due Him!!” by Suzette White

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4

When things start to shake us, our Supernatural Stabilizer can keep us from falling apart. The LORD is our firm foundation, the Rock who revives and refreshes us with His living water. His love is steadfast and constant. His power is strong and mighty. His peace is powerful and calming. His faithfulness is secure and steady. We can trust the Rock Eternal forever!