Merry Christmas to All!

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”  Luke 2:1-20 

Yes, Linus, this is what Christmas is all about.  Praise God for His indescribable gift of His precious Son Jesus Christ Who came to make the way for folks like you and me to live eternally with Him.  I am so grateful that He came.  May we each seek Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Merry Christmas to you and yours.  Celebrate the Child!

Awesome God

What an amazing week it has been!  I’ve been shopping for our Christmas and trying to keep up with the regular household responsibilities.  I’ve been truly awed by how the Lord has made it all possible.  I had wondered how the Lord would make it possible for me to do all that I knew needed to be done but also knew that He can do the impossible.  Well, once again He has provided all that I need to be able to do what is needed.  He has given peace, grace, strength, stamina, provision, pain relief and so much more as I have followed His lead in my activities.  Something only HE could have done.  He is surely an awesome God and I thank Him for all He has given me and will continue to give me as the Christmas season continues.  I could not have imagined all that He has provided, but then He provides exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask for or imagine.  How like Him...  He is so good to me.  I am humbled by it all.  

“Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?  Exodus 15:11

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas

I just love the Christmas season.  It’s a wonderful time of the year to me.  I love the cooler weather, the music, the increased generosity, the opportunity to celebrate with our families, baking special Christmas treats, eating those treats, and so much more.  Already I’ve listened to excerpts of Handel’s Messiah sung by the Moody Choir.  Such beautiful, God-given  music, especially the Hallelujah Chorus.  My heart wells up with joy as I hear about my Omnipotent God Who reigns forever.  He is truly an awesome God.  I love Him so much. 

Our Christmas tree is up with gifts underneath it.  I gaze at it and see so many reminders of my Savior and Lord.  I am once again amazed and humbled to think about Jesus leaving the glory of Heaven and coming to Earth as a tiny Babe Who died for me.  Trying to imagine God as a baby in a lowly manger is sometimes more than I can wrap my mind around.  However, that is just what He did and became the Light of the world for all.  He willingly came to show us the Father and to die upon an old rugged cross for our sins.  It humbles me every time I think about the sacrifice He made for me.  He truly is the best gift I could ever receive.  He is all I truly need.  Thank You, Lord, for Your precious gift to the world.

I pray that you would have a blessed Christmas season.  Enjoy your time with family and friends, eat the delicious food, give gifts of the heart, but most of all celebrate Jesus Christ, the glorious Savior of the world.  He IS the reason for the season.  Merry Christmas!  

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14 

Thank You, Lord!

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Such was our Thanksgiving Day.  We had planned to have Thanksgiving lunch with our neighbors, but the Lord obviously had other plans for us.  We ended up spending the morning in the emergency room and the rest of the day at home.  Praise God that He provides all that is best for us.  Every tiny detail of our day was planned by Him before the foundation of the earth.  It just surprised us when it happened.  Certainly was not expecting it.  Yes, I am healing now, but it was scary there for a little while.  Don’t you think God laughs when we tell him OUR plans?  I am so thankful that HE is the One Who is in control, not me.  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow, even when those blessings come in disguise as a trip to the emergency room...

Jesus Loves Me and You

Do you ever need for the Father to remind you just how much He loves you?  Well, obviously I needed a reminder this week as I struggled through some health issues (again...), so the Lord did just that for me.  He showed me His great love for me again and I didn’t even know that I needed to be reminded.  I love how He knows just what I need even before I know it myself.  Of course I shouldn’t be surprised about that.  After all He knows EVERYTHING about me (Psalm 139).  What a peace I have in knowing that (well, most of the time... unless I’ve really blown it in His sight)!  

Many years ago the famous theologian Karl Barth was asked to tell what he believed was the most profound thought he knew of.  “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so” was his answer.  After all of his study of the Scriptures Karl Barth quoted a children’s song as the most profound thought he knew of, a song that was included in a children’s book written by two sisters in 1859.  I love the simplicity of God’s love.  His love is always there and it is always unconditional.  Oh that we humans could grasp God’s love so completely.  

The Lord took me to His Word and reminded me there just how much He loves me... and you... as I read the well-known passage in John 3:16- “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Is that not the most amazing news you’ve ever heard?  He loves everyone so much that He sacrificed His only Son on the cross at Calvary so that they could come to Him through Christ and have life with Him forevermore.  Who but God would do that for us?  Then He took me to Romans 5:8- “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  We didn’t even have to “clean up” first before His dying for us.  Incredible....

OK, maybe you don’t need reminding how much God loves you at this particular time, but you will need to be reminded at some point (or points) in your life.  The love of our Heavenly Father is so much greater than we can ever imagine and He is more than willing to remind you of this whenever you need to be.  He certainly lifted my spirits and my heart to Him as He showed me once again how great His love is for me.  I am so grateful for His unfathomable love for us.  Thank You, Lord, for Your unending, unconditional and precious love.  

“... And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”  Ephesians 3:17-19

Faith

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”  Hebrews 11:1

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”  Colossians 3:2

The challenge of keeping your faith rears its ugly head when our circumstances are greater than we can imagine.  There are no easy answers and all things seem overwhelming.  Circumstances are complex and not understandable.   We just don’t know if things will ever get better or we have no idea how long it will take for the problems to resolve.  So where do we turn when we face challenges to our faith in the Lord.  Do we trust Him to work in the situations or do we turn from Him and to our own resources?  Where are we putting our faith in troubled times?  

Lately I’ve become extremely aware of the many circumstances in my life and the lives of those I love and care about that seem impossible.  I’ve had to decide where I will put my faith.  In man or in the Lord?  This decision should be a “no brainer” for a Christian, but even Christians struggle with the things that God causes or allows in their lives.  Because God’s ways and thoughts are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8), we find ourselves wondering what He is doing with the dire circumstances that we find ourselves in.  How many times have we cried out “Lord, I don’t understand!!!  How can THIS give You the greatest glory?”  Thus we have to decide where we will put our trust and faith.  This is what I’ve come up with (again) because of the hard circumstances around me and those I love and care about.  

First, God has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11).  He knows what is best and I can trust Him to do whatever is necessary to resolve each circumstance in the very best way for all involved.  He knows everything and has created all things, knowing them intimately.  Whatever He causes or allows in our lives and the lives of those we love and care about is for good (Romans 8:28) and for His greatest glory.  God knows what needs to take place and His plan is always perfect, whether or not we understand what it is or why He is doing things in this certain way.  Yes, God has  a perfect plan and I can trust Him because of Who He is to work it all together for our good and His greatest glory.  

Second, God’s timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  While we would love to have things resolved quickly and neatly, God’s ways and healings are usually progressive.  The process draws us closer to Him because of our severe circumstances and needs.  Though we want Him to “get ‘er done”, He knows that we could not stand the intensity of an immediate resolution and we would see Him as a “Santa Claus” for all our needs.   I have certainly seen that as I struggle with the frustrating situations around me.  I am learning to trust His perfect timing because everything comes together in the most amazing and the best of ways when I wait on Him.  I need His grace to wait and pray for it frequently.  It is not easy to wait on Him but it is always the best thing to do.  

Last, God truly is in control (Psalm 11:4).  Nothing gets past God.  He knows what is going on and is tempering it all so that we can tolerate hard times without being crushed by them.  Yes, we all have times when we think He has gone too far, but, by His grace, we make it through as we step out in faith and entrust everything to Him.  We can rest in Him and have His peace in the most difficult of circumstances because He is always with His children and will guide and direct us if we will listen to and obey Him.  

I have surrendered all my faith challenges to the Lord and declared my trust in Him to work all out in His perfect ways and timing.  That means I must seek Him moment by moment and rely on Him and His grace.  I will come forth as gold through the process of all the circumstances that baffle me.  So, by His grace, I continue to wait on Him and stay in His Word.  There He speaks His encouragement, wisdom, and guidance to me so that I can make it through each moment of every day.  Praise Him! 

“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)

Merciful, Merciful God

The Lord has given the doctors the answer to my physical problems.  I am very humbled and grateful for His answers.  In His mercy I do not have the major abdominal problems that I felt like I had.  Although this particular condition is chronic and ongoing still, the Lord has provided medications for much of my relief.  He has also provided a change in pain medication for me for another health issue I deal with all the time.  Although I’m still in the beginning stages of taking these new meds, I feel as though the Lord is using them to enable me to become a functioning person again.  All praise, honor, and glory to Jehovah Rapha, our Healer.  Yes, I will still deal daily with these and other health issues, but the Lord has graciously intervened so that I can do all He has for me to do.  Praise Him!  Hallelujah!!!  He is so good to me.  To tell you the truth, I am awestruck and speechless to express all my gratitude and thanksgiving to Him for what He has done.  Believe me, my symptoms indicated much more serious disease possibilities.  

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.”  1 Chronicles 16:34

“... for I am the Lord Who heals you.”  Exodus 15:26

Still Waiting...

Some progress made since I last wrote.  Now we have eliminated some possibilities for my physical problems and for that I’m grateful.  At this point we are waiting for the test results on the second test.  Had so hoped to get those results yesterday but didn’t.  So waiting is the plan now.... waiting for the test results to see if the Lord reveals the cause of all my pain through that test or if more tests are required.  God has perfect timing, but, as I’ve said before, I’m still learning the virtue of waiting on Him.  

Years ago I stopped praying for patience but instead now pray for the grace to wait on the Lord.  That “re-arranged” prayer has radically changed my ability to wait.  I now have HIS power and strength to wait for His perfect answers to my prayers and my cries for help.  It has made all the difference in my ability to wait for His answers and to be able to see His hand at work throughout the process of bringing about His perfect will in the situations I am praying about.  A HUGE difference!  I used to say that “wait” is a four-letter word.  Although wait still has only four letters in it, I’m learning to see that waiting is only tolerable through the power, strength, and grace of the Lord.  A powerful lesson to learn and one for which I am so truly grateful.  Thank You, Lord!  And yes, I keep learning that lesson over and over again...

When will the answers come?  I don’t know, but I do know they will come.  “... for I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” (2 Tim. 1:12b)  I know He is faithful and has answers for my health problems as well as the many other issues that face me and my family.  He may physically heal my body and bring His deliverance to the other things going on around us or He may graciously shed His mercy, grace, peace, and strength to continue to meet them head on, but He WILL take care of it all.  Of that I am absolutely certain.  In the meantime I sit in His lap and soak in His love, mercy, grace, peace, goodness and strength.  He is SO good to me.  Blessings and honor to His Name!  

I'm Reminded...

As I walk this journey of the unknown diagnosis, I find that the Lord keeps reminding of things.  He loves me with an everlasting love... He never leaves me nor forsakes me... He provides my every need according to His riches in glory in Christ... He is my Strength... He wounds and He heals... I am complete in Him... I am to submit to Him and seek His grace to be content in all circumstances... I can trust Him... and so much more. This journey is hard and seems to be getting harder as I continue to get worse.  However, I know He has a good and perfect plan in the midst of it all.  He has not taken Jeremiah 29:11 out of the Bible, so I believe He has greater plans for my “light and momentary afflictions” in His eternal plan... one that I cannot imagine.  I pray for His grace to wait upon Him for His revelation of what this stuff is that is going on in my body.  He has promised me in His Word that He will show us what’s happening.  Whether it is big or small, I pray that I may receive His grace to receive this gift with praise and thanksgiving and that He will be most highly glorified in it all.  That truly is the cry of my heart to Him.  But this is hard and I am eager for His answers.   All will come in his infinitely perfect way and timing.  Forgive me, Lord, for being so impatient.  I know Your ways and thoughts are so much higher than mine.  For now may I rest in Your arms of mercy, grace, and love and receive Your peace in the midst of the storm.  All praise, honor, and glory be unto You. 

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.”  (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Wow....

Despite my feeling absolutely horrible, my sweet husband and I drove to Arkansas to spend some time with my 95 year old Daddy this week.  While on this trip, I saw God work in the most amazing ways.  By His grace I was enabled to do the things that I had to do, however at the other times I was so very sick and unable to function.  I was able to help my Daddy when needed and we ended up having a good visit with him.  I was greatly humbled and awed by His power, mercy, grace, and peace during the entire time, even during the two day trip there and the two day trip back home.  It felt as though He was actually lifting me about my horrible health.  “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)  This is exactly what the Lord did for me on this trip.  Now that I’m home again, it’s back to my doctor here to schedule more tests to see what’s going on with my health.  He will be faithful through all of that too.  He is so good to me. 

One of the most amazing things that struck me while in Arkansas was the Lord’s provision of a primary care doctor for me to see because my health worsened while we were there.  As we plan our move back to Arkansas, one of my greatest concerns was finding new doctors, especially a primary care doctor, there.  As we arrived at the doctor’s office around 8:40am, the Lord opened up at 9:30am appt. JUST FOR ME!!!  Now I (and my husband likes this doctor as well) have a primary care doctor in Arkansas.

Something only God could have done for me (us).  

Daddy’s cataract surgery went smoothly and he is doing well now.  Another blessing from the Lord!  

During the entire trip, the Lord’s hand was all but visible in every aspect of it.  His mercy, grace, faithfulness, and goodness shone through it all.  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!  

The Lord Is Good, But I Am Still Sick

Note to self:  When you ask the Lord to deepen your understanding of His goodness, it can involve affliction.  At least it does in my case right now.  Having been sick for over 10 days now, I have had the opportunity to witness the goodness of the Lord in so many ways.  He has truly been showering His grace, mercy, and goodness on me as I have been in such pain.  Slowly but surely, the Lord is healing me, but He is certainly taking the “scenic” route to do it.  He is making me more like Him on the trip.  As hard as this is to go through, I am so glad to be sitting at His feet learning more and more about His mercy, grace, and goodness.  

Although I feel like Job, chapter 2, right now, I know that the Lord is working in my life and changing me more into the image of Himself.  I know this... “But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10) as I trust Him to carry me through this journey of affliction.  He is faithful.  So I say with Him...

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.  And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.” (Job 19:25-26)

Your continued prayers are much appreciated.  I am better but definitely not over this “stuff”.  Showers of His greatest blessings upon each of you.  

Please Pray

So sick... Will get back to working on the post I have in process.  Till then, please pray.  This is not much fun.  Thanks.  God bless you!

Who He Is

For me, discovering Who God is was a pivotal point in my walk with Him.  Years ago I did a Kay Arthur study about the names of God and was strengthened in my faith because of it.  As the years have progressed, I find that I need to be reminded of just Who this God is that I love and have surrendered my life to.  Each time I am reminded of Who He is I fall more and more deeply in love with and committed to Him forever.  Every time I am more in awe of Him and humbled into greater submission to Him and His will.  He is truly more than I can ever think or imagine Him to be.  No wonder humans cannot see His face and live.  We don’t yet have our immortal bodies that are able to witness Him and all of His glory.  We would just melt before Him.  

Just a few reminders of Who He is....

Creator (Gen. 1:1)

He is the maker of EVERYTHING.  Before He spoke it all into existence, there was absolutely nothing.  Who do you know that can do that?  Certainly no human.  Only the One and Only God of all the earth can do that.  The best part, though, comes in Genesis 1:27- “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them.”  You and I were created by God Himself to be just like Him.  Wow... what a Creator we have!!!

Shepherd (Psalm 23)

God is the One Who shows us the way to go (if we will only listen and obey).  He leads us into the places and circumstances that will make us more like Him.  I’m amazed at He lovingly leads me into the valleys, cares for me, guides me and brings me out the other side.  It’s then that I realize how much He has changed me in the process.  I look a little more like my Father afterwards.  He loves us so much that He leads us into the valleys and onto the mountain tops to make us more like Himself.  Such a loving God we serve. 

Healer (Exodus 15:26, Isaiah 61:1-3)

He is the One Who heals all our diseases, our broken hearts, and our wounds. Ever since the fall of man in Genesis 3 humanity has been broken.  Even though we may go to the world’s methods of healing, only God and God alone can do the actual healing.  HE is the Healer and He has purpose for each kind of healing.  Some healings come here on earth, some come when we leave these mortal bodies and go to Heaven, and some healings are in the grace to accept what the Lord has allowed into our lives for His eternal purposes.  The Bible calls these last ones “light and momentary afflictions” (II Corinthians 4:17)  When I realize that, no matter what pain comes into my life, God can heal it all.  Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!!!  

Dwelling Place, Refuge, Shield, Fortress, Strong Tower (Psalm 91)

God is our place of protection and security.  No matter what is going on around us, HE is faithful, true and always there.  He is Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-23), God With Us.  He never leaves us nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5).  He is our Safe Place.  In His arms we can rest, catch our breath, and be comforted by His peace.  Where else can you find perfect peace?  No where...

Perfect Provider (Genesis 22:13-14)

No matter what your need is, God can and will provide it.  Just as He provided the ram in the bush for Abraham, He will provide just what you need when you need it.  My problem (and it may be yours) is that His timing is perfect and mine is not.  Although I’m getting better about that, I have much to learn in this area.  The Truth is that He will meet ALL your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ. (Philippians 4:19).  You can depend on Him for that... ALWAYS!

Lord and King (Psalm 16:2, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16)

He is Almighty God and Lord of all.  This says it all to me...”They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings-- and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.”  No one wins against the Lord of lords and King of kings... no one!  

Abba Father (Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6)

I love this Name.  When I use this Name I feel most intimate with my Lord because this Name means “Daddy”.  Christ cried out to His Abba Father in the Garden of Gethsemane when He was in agony.  I’m so thankful that we don’t have to wait until we are in crisis to use this Name.  As you seek Him earnestly and intimately, this Name will become “normal” for you to use as you call on Him.  When I think of my Abba Father, I visualize myself crawling up into His lap and feeling His comforting arms around me.  True peace.

Savior (John 3:16, Matthew 1:21)

Christians know this Name best of all.  Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son, is the One Who came from the glory of Heaven to a fallen world on Earth to give His life as a sacrifice for our sins.  The most selfless and loving act of all.  Apart from His sacrifice, we have no hope.  Thank You, Lord, for redeeming us through your Son’s sacrifice. 

Yes, these are just a few of the wonderful Names of our God.  There are SO many others... Truth, Way, Life, Bread of Life, Door, Light, the God Who sees, Resurrection, Peace, Alpha and Omega, Warrior, The Lord My Banner, Rock, Judge, God Most High, Master, God Almighty, Friend and the list goes on...

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness.” (II Peter 1:3)

Grace

As I began considering what my next blog would be about, I realized that I myself needed a better, more defined understanding of the meaning of God’s grace.  I’ve used the terms for many years, but somehow never really fully understood what I was talking about.  So now I decided to find a meaning of the word “grace” that I could more fully understand.  This is what I found.  

As I searched through a Bible dictionary and Nave’s Topical Bible (love my Nave’s), I discovered a simple definition for grace that make sense to me.  Grace is God’s undeserved kindness to man.  That I could understand better.  As I read further I came to understand that His grace comes to us in two different ways... first, in our salvation through Jesus Christ and second, in His enabling us to live the Christian life after we have become a new creation in Christ.  Check out these verses that confirm these. 

  “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even

          when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

 

  “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the

          riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” 

          (Ephesians 1:7-8)

  “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I 

          worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 

          (I Corinthians 15:10) 

As I continued to think about God’s grace, it dawned on me that God certainly does not HAVE to extend His grace to us.  God doesn’t HAVE to do anything for His creations.  However, out of His great and magnificent love for us, He does just that.  He extends His hand of kindness, mercy, faithfulness, and love to every one of His creations.  (Oooo, that’s another topic for another day)  Frankly, I’m so thankful that He does.  I’d certainly never be able to get along without Him, His Word, and His moment by moment grace.  Despite the fact that God is our Judge, is holy, and is perfect, God pours out His unconditional love for fallen humanity.  Indeed, what an awesome God He is!  This is just how awesome He is...

 

  “The LORD reigns forever; He has established His throne for judgment.  He will judge the world in

           righteousness; He will govern the peoples with justice.” (Psalm 9:7-8)

  “Our Redeemer — the LORD Almighty is His name — is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 47:4)

  “Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under

          his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who 

          was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)

  “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take 

          refuge in Him.“  (II Samuel 22:31)

Then I couldn’t help but think about how depraved this humanity is that God loves so much.  

  “As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10) 

  “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

In light of His perfection and holiness, His salvation is even more amazing and miraculous to me.  I am humbled to be His child, saved by His grace through belief in the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ for me.  I would not want anyone to face a Christ-less eternity, so I offer this plea to any person who has not yet accepted God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  It’s a simple decision of your heart in which you realize your sinfulness, turn from your rebellious ways against the Lord, and ask the Lord to save you.  This says it so much better than I...

  “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised

          Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified,

          and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10) 

  “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which

          we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12)

  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 

          (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Thank You, Lord, for new life in You.  

Yes, God’s grace is truly amazing.  It not only saves us... it enables us to grow in Him.  Amazing... just amazing.

A Beginning

Except for God Himself, everything has a beginning.  This is my beginning in the world of blogging.  I am eager to see how this beginning will blossom into whatever the Lord wants this to be.  I can’t wait to see what that will be.    

As for God, He has no beginning and no end.  He has always been and will always be.  He IS the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega.  As I try to wrap my mind about that, it is more than I can conceive.  God has always been and no one “created” Him.  He just is.  

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM’.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:11

“‘I tell you the truth, Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”  John 8:58

How humbling that is as I ponder these scriptures.  The God of everything that is will forever be.  At no time has He not existed.  Never... ever.  He is so much bigger and so much more than this mere human can understand or imagine.  How absolutely unimaginable and how unbelievably comforting that is at the same time.  He is God and He IS for all of time and eternity.  Awesome!  Praise be to the Almighty God Who was and is and ever will be!