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I don’t like to think about the seriousness of sin for any length of time. Yet sin separates us from Holy God who wants us to be with Him. Because of God’s great love, He gave Jesus, the Deliverer from sin. Jesus took our place and paid in full the penalty of sin. He willingly died on a cross for our sins. By turning from our sins and placing our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord our sins are forgiven and we’re united with God. I’m so thankful Jesus didn’t run away from the crucifying cross. Instead, He stayed for me and you.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

A long time ago Carl had a stroke. We’ve prayed and prayed that his right hand and fingers would once again move, but that hasn’t happened. In this world suffering is a reality. I’ve heard that God is not a refuge FROM suffering and death, but a refuge IN suffering and death. We believe that God has heard our prayer for Carl’s hand and fingers to be restored. We’d like for that to happen today, but if not, we have the hope of heaven where there is ultimate healing through Jesus Christ. Have you too experienced emotional and physical suffering? If so be assured that God is your refuge IN the suffering. You are not alone. God is with you every step of the way. His extending hand is your help and comfort IN the suffering.

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

Here’s a picture of our new puppy! Hope we haven’t lost our mind! I would have shown you a picture of me with Gracie but my hair needed combing and my teeth needed brushing. She’s a lot of work! I’ve never been so focused on peeing and pooping in my life. It’s a happy time when Gracie does her business outside instead of inside. Gracie is sweet and smart and also entertaining. We’ve had dogs most of our married life. We can’t get over how easy it is for dogs to show unconditional love and a willingness to quickly forgive. We decided to name this puppy Gracie to remind us each day of God’s unmerited favor called grace.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 2 Thess. 3:18

This picture makes me think about the power and safety of a boundary. Some boundaries are meant to secure protection for an area, like fences, guardrails and even speed limits. There are also moral boundaries that mark a limit to our personal behavior. God knows that we need boundaries. His sacred truths are bound in the pages of the Bible. His Word is like a guardrail meant to keep us on the right path. The Bible instructs us to put a boundary around God’s truths so we’ll know what is right and trustworthy.

Guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Prov. 7:2-3

Have you been praying for somebody for a long time and still no evidence that God has answered your prayer? I have. What has helped me fight discouragement is by remembering that I can’t always go by what I see. God works from the inside out. Be encouraged because God is able to do all things on His own, yet He chooses to work through the prayers of His people. Be persistent and don’t stop praying for your special somebody.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16-18

These birds look like they both have something to say. This reminds me of how easy it is to be thinking about what you want to say while the other person is talking, instead of listening to what that person is saying. I have found that listening requires self-discipline. It’s a challenge to slow myself down and stop what I’m doing and listen when I feel like I have lots to do. It’s a comfort to know that God doesn’t get in a hurry. He always has time for us. God is willing and quick to listen.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

Here’s Carl sitting in his new chair bought just for church. Because of the stroke it’s difficult for him to move from a sitting position to a standing position. Our friends that go to the same church saw his struggle and offered to take us shopping to buy a higher stool-type chair to make it easier for him to stand. These friends came and picked us up, took us shopping, put the chair in their car, took the chair to church and placed it in the sanctuary. Now, when the worship leader invites all to stand and praise God, Carl just gets right up out of that new chair with a big smile! We can see the evidence of God’s provision in many ways, but most of all through Jesus. God provided the answer to our sin problem by providing the perfect and total provision, Jesus Christ.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19

When I saw this picture of the paperclip I thought of how it holds things together. Then I thought of those times in my life when I felt like I was falling apart and needed to be held together. Like during a difficult pregnancy, the stress of my job, death of a loved one and my husband’s stroke. Looking back I can see how God held me together during those tough times. Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt like you were falling apart? Or maybe that time is now. If so, be encouraged. Nothing is too big for God. He is able to hold you together. He will help you and hold you securely in His mighty love.

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

God’s Word proclaims that we don’t have to be afraid of our future because Jesus is bigger than our fears, our pain, the enemy and even death. Placing our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord is believing Him and trusting Him, even when we don’t understand it all. Will you take that leap of faith and follow Jesus? You won’t regret it.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Psalm 24:1

All authority has been given to You, O God. You are above all. No person or thing has ever been above You or ever will be. You are seated in a position of authority on Your holy throne. You are King and Your reign is forever. Your kingdom come, Your will be done. Help us to turn and focus on Jesus, our First Love. May we never forget that our nation, world, and each one of us, is under the Lord Almighty’s authority.