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In our small home I have lots of night lights so I can see my way around if I need to get up during the dark night. God has given us Jesus as the Light of the World to help us see our way through the darkness of this world. Darkness has a way of hiding the truth. Jesus is the truth that sets us free from the darkness of sins, lies and fears. He willingly shines His grace and guidance in our lives. In the Light of the World we have victory! Let’s run in the freedom, and follow the Light!

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Here are a few of my favorite things. Sounds like I’m singing that song in the Sound of Music movie. But some of my favorite summertime things are: family visits in Florida, a sunset over the ocean, fireworks and the 4th of July, golf car rides, anniversary, birthdays, cook outs and lightning bugs, just to name a few. June 20th through September 22nd seems to fly by. It’s hard to say goodbye to summer, but…There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Eccl. 3:1

I cherish the description of Jesus as the Lion of Judah. He came into the world as the humble Lamb of God to pay the price for our sins. But He will return as the triumphant Lion of Judah to rescue us. Fear melts when I think of Jesus as the victorious, all-powerful Lion of Judah fighting for us. “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” Rev. 5:5 The battle is His and He’s the Winner; and believers are on His winning team! Thank goodness you don’t have to be good enough to be on His winning team. You don’t even have to have good teamwork skills. But you do have to be covered by God’s grace and make a deliberate choice to be on His team. He invites you to believe He died for your sins, turn from sin, believe He’s alive, and follow Him and Him alone. God lovingly offers eternal life through faith in Jesus, the Lion of Judah.

Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5

I was surprised to know we have a skunk in our neighborhood! If skunks get scared they can spray an oily liquid that stinks something awful. That oily spray is designed to irritate your eyes and nose and can make you sick on your stomach too. I read if you’re ever “skunked” you need to take fast action and take a quick shower with a deodorant soap. The quicker you act the better chance you have of eliminating that stinking odor. As I was reading about how important it is to quickly wash away the stink of the skunk I couldn’t help but think how important it is to come to Jesus and allow Him to wash away the stink of sin. When it comes to sin we’re all skunked. We all need Jesus who willingly went to the cross to wash away our stink of sin. The words to that old song “Nothing But the Blood” by Robert Lowry says it best.

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. O precious is the flow that makes me bright as snow; no other fount I know; nothing but the blood of Jesus. (Robert Lowry 1876)

Some time ago Carl had a brain bleed that caused a massive stroke that affected the right side of his body. His life changed in a matter of minutes. He used to be right handed but now he does everything using only his left hand, including “abstract acrylic pouring paintings.” He places a scripture verse on the back of each painting as a reminder of God’s love; and how Jesus can take the broken pieces of your life and make something good.

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. Psalm 9:1

When the clock radio alarm went off this morning the first words I heard in a song were “everything’s going to be okay.” I don’t know about you but I needed to hear those words, especially after hearing what’s going on around the world. The words “everything’s going to be okay” immediately caused me to remember God’s promise that He is with me. That promise made me think of how safe I am with Him. “No weapon forged against you will prevail…” (Isaiah 54:17) God will pull you through, fight for you, and give you hope. I pray the Holy Spirit of Christ, the Greatest Encourager, lovingly whispers into your soul… everything’s going to be okay.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

A Prayer for All Families

Creator God, You created the family…father, mother, children, grandparents and more! You designed the family to reflect Your love. Empower families to communicate Your love. Encourage and sustain grandparents. The enemy likes to separate or dishonor the way You created families. But the enemy is no match for YOU! Place Your hand of protection upon families. Guard the minds and hearts of children. Keep watch over what they see and hear. Make them mentally and emotionally stable. May families grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. We ask in His name…hold families together.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Col.1:17

I love God’s Word. It’s absolutely remarkable!

Archaeological findings, prophecies, eyewitnesses and changed lives all confirms the authenticity and truth of the Bible. God has a honest record of His faithfulness. We can trust Him. We have hope even in our brokenness because God keeps His promises. God says in His Word that through His Son, Jesus Christ, the One True God…

• You are loved with an everlasting love. (Jer. 31:3)
• You are forgiven. (Eph. 1:7)
• You are delivered from the power of darkness. (Col. 1:13)
• You are a child of God. (John 1:12)
• You are victorious. (1 Cor. 15:57)
• You have everlasting life. (John 6:47)

Have you ever been hurt by what I call a “knock down?” Knock downs can happen at your work, with your health, loss of a loved one or unexpected expenses…just to name a few. We know knock downs hurt, but getting back up is vital. A suggestion was given to me that helped me get through the pain of a knock down. I was told to set a timer for 10 minutes and during those 10 minutes…cry and talk to Jesus. I tried it. When the 10 minutes were up I did feel better. With God’s help I was able to get back up. If you’re experiencing a knock down, remember Jesus totally understands. He feels your tears and He is listening. HE will enable you to get back up!

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

On July 26th 1969, at high noon I married my love forever. I remember the evening before our wedding day saying to Carl, “Promise me we won’t get in a rut.” I’m here to say he has kept his promise! We’ve had many ups and some downs in our many years, but our life together has never been dull or boring. It’s been an adventure for sure. I believe I married the man God picked for me.

The LORD will guide you always. Isaiah 58:11