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Our Hope In Troubled Times

A righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers them from them all. Psalm 34:19

Our Lord is faithful in all things. He is not blind to our condition, nor is He ignorant of our situation or troubles

His feet tread next to ours, and His eyes are continually upon us

Jesus will always uphold us, and keep us safe, though we may feel otherwise

Be strong, don’t flee in panic, or retreat from your position. Stand upon His steadfast promises and rely upon His wisdom when things appear unclear

Avoid making earthly judgements on present conditions, even though everything seems to be falling down around you

For God’s eyes see through to the truth of the matter. They see past the smoke and the flames, and reserve safe harbors, just on the other side

Trials and troubles are sure to come into the life of every believer, and we are  made stronger in our faith as we endure them. Don’t fall back upon your old ways when the pressure comes, but be steadfast and obedient to Christ, who saves us unto eternal life

Know that these times are making you more complete in Him; so that your life will shine forth His life more brilliantly

Our Lord is faithful and true to all His promises

Continue on. Be thankful in the face of every trial and agony. Never cease praising Him, who has given you every spiritual blessing; who has made a provision for us that will never run out

Persevere each day by offering prayers to Him, so that He may always remain near to bless and strengthen you

Feed upon God’s words of truth. Study them, so you will have ready answers in tumultuous times

Rely on your patience, instead of your emotions. Wait upon the Lord. For He will act to work things out in their perfect time, and in a manner that will be best for all who believe in Him

Be patient. Do not fret and worry when there is nothing you can do anyway. Proceed upon God’s will, but wait, when He must do the heavy lifting

Release your tensions as you praise and worship Him. Find ways to spend time with fellow believers. Share your burdens with them, for Christ will work through each of you and create solutions far beyond what you hoped possible

Every saint must carry the weight of their own cross. Trials and troubles will certainly beset us. But, if we remain steadfast in our way, refusing to turn back, we will be made stronger in faith, and be filled with His love and Spirit

We can overcome all obstacles through Christ. For our God is always faithful and steadfast in His love for His children.   1/31/2006

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Manzanita Lanterns

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

Late each winter, I enjoy seeing the appearance of the manzanita bloom in nearby gardens and on local hillsides. Few plants blossom at this time of year, but this sturdy shrub braves the cold and rain and sends forth a profusion of tiny flowers. Shaped like a tiny creme pink Japanese  lantern, each is a miniature work of fine art and craftsmanship . On a calm sunny morning, their spicy honey fragrance fills the air, attracting Bumble Bees and other pollinators. Many of these insects time their emergence to when the Manzanita begins to flower. These blooms are one of the first signs of Spring, reminding me that warmer and more pleasant days will soon arrive.

Manzanita Blossoms

In all gardens throughout the world, there are those messenger plants, that signal a change of season or the coming of more pleasant days. Some brave snow and ice, wind and rains, even heat and drought. Yet they spring forth in spite of these hardships and bring us great joy and hope. I think of the Crocus that push up through winter snows with a flash of their brilliant golden blooms. They are like little splashes of sunshine set on earth to melt winter’s snow. In other places there are the Forsythia, Daffodil, Daphne, Magnolias, and the Bleeding Heart. What plant is a messenger in your part of the world? I thank God for these wonderful plants that bring hope, and joy to our lives.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a messenger of hope? A light that shines in the darkness, bringing good news and the beauty of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ? When we receive His gift of salvation, we are changed and made new. His Spirit fills our life and we begin to shine God’s light out to world around us. Every believer, has the light of Christ shining from within them. This is not an ordinary light. It is the kind of light that draws attention like a flower blooming right through a patch of snow and ice. It is concentrated and brilliant like an attractive blossom which draws life towards it and nourishes those who draw from its nectar. It is life giving and life sustaining.

Don’t hide His light or save it to shine another day, because it will likely lose its brilliance. Jesus once said, “Don’t hide your light under a bowl, but put it on a stand for all to see. Let your light shine before all people, that they might see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”. Matthew 5:15-16

Take note of those early flowers that brighten those grey days of late winter. Let them remind you of how Christ wishes us to shine His light to all the world.

 

 

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Great And Awesome Is Our God

Half Dome at sunset

How could I describe the greatness of God? What words would I use, or form of speech, that might accurately portray Him?

For He is great and awesome!

When I look upon this creation I am left speechless in wonder. For it testifies in ways I can only marvel at, and speaks a language that moves me from deep within.

The great rock masses raised high into mountains, convey to me as a deep reverberation, His greatness and majesty

The winds tear at their flanks, but cannot move them. They rush and roar, yet, they do not even disturb them.

These great heights of creation are but nothing in comparison to God’s glory. They are less than the dust beneath His feet. Even the sum of all earthly mountains, would be measured as next to nothing, if placed beside Him.

He formed this Earth, and crafted each lofty summit. Each one is known by Him. But He, is greater than all He has made.

For there are at least a million summits upon this earth, and a billion, trillion, million planets where countless summits rise. He calls each of them by name. His Spirit has touched each one throughout the course of one of our days.

Oh what an awesome God is ours. Our maker and provider. The One who loves us beyond measure.

How I treasure the thought of our Lord, and thirst for the touch of His presence.

I was made from the dust of the mountains, which has been melting off their slopes for endless eons of time. What a wonder is creation, yet far beyond, are the incredible workings of God.

Glory in His presence. Worship His holy name. Call out to Him wherever you may be, and hear His awesome response.   9/12/2007

 

 

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Chlorophyll

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life”.  John 8:12

There is a substance found within plants that is one of the greatest miracles in all of creation. It is called chlorophyll, one of the key components that sustains life here on Earth. You may know it as the stuff within plants that makes them green. God created chlorophyll to be the pathway for the energy of sunlight to become incorporated into the substance of life. It allows plants to convert sunlight into the basic materials used by all living things. When sunlight shines on a plant, the chlorophyll within its leaves is activated and begins a complex chemical process called photosynthesis that forms sugars and gives off oxygen. How wonderful then is chlorophyll, for in every breath we take and with each bite of food we eat, it has provided us through its life sustaining qualities.

 

The sun is the light source of our planet, but Jesus is the light of life for all mankind. Many times in the Gospels, Jesus refers to Himself as the one who brings light into the world, who casts away darkness, and shines forth the light of God. His light is truth and righteousness, it exposes the hidden things of darkness. The light of Christ gives eternal life to all who dwell within its brightness and glory. Those who follow Him are called ‘children of the light’.

A substance is found within some people called faith. Faith is like the chlorophyll found in plants, because it enables us to soak up the light of God. It makes manifest the life of Jesus Christ within us. Producing for all the world, the products of His light. These are good works, love, righteousness, healing, and all forms of the personality of God. Faith is a miracle in the spiritual world, just as chlorophyll is a miracle in the created world. It is not of our doing, but the reaction of our hearts and minds to the revelation of God through His Word, His Spirit, and His Son. As He shines these upon our lives, many scurry off into the shadows away from this light. But some, walk out into the open, and there, receive the full brilliance of God’s light. When God’s love is mixed with our faith, we are changed and forgiven; healed and made new by God’s power and grace. Praise be to our God and to His Son, Jesus Christ.

Every plant requires light to survive. Most need it in abundance. As children of God, we should be careful not to shade ourselves from His light. Unlike plants, we have legs that can carry us far away from the light of God. We can entangle and cover ourselves with things that deflect His life from shining down upon us. This is harmful, and slows down the process of sharing His love abroad. Therefore, nurture your faith. Remain in His light, as He is in the light; polish your leaves; remove the dark shrouds; take in as much light, knowledge, and power as you are able and your light will become as a beacon for all who come near.

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Turning Your Attention to Prayer

“Hello world, are you listening? Can you hear me today, amidst the deafening roar? I am reaching out to you; holding out my arms; waiting for you patiently. I am your safe passage through the storm”

Our God calls out to us each day. He has a desire to meet with us, so that He can share His life with our life, and bless us with His wisdom and love.

But do we listen?

He speaks in a still and quiet voice. Can we even hear Him?

There is so much noise that surrounds us these days. So much distraction. It deafens us, and prevents us from hearing Him

The God of our world, our closest friend, the one who loves us. He is near to us

God surrounds us with His presence. He touches our lives. But can we feel or understand this?

He reaches out to us every hour, each day. How is it that we don’t sense Him?  When we long to know God, and have a closer relationship with our creator

Please, turn off the noise, get away from the disruptions. Bring yourself into a place where you can reach Him

Switch off the phone, silence all distractions. Don’t watch the news all day, it will not give you peace. Bring yourself into a place where you can hear God

Seek Him, and you will find Him

Reach out to your God in a quiet place, where His Spirit may be felt. Speak to Him with all of your heart in prayer, and you will sense His quiet gentle voice

Shut out the buzz of life around you. even if it is only for a little while each day.  There, you will find His presence; In that place He will lift you. You will gain a greater understanding, and a new vision, that will make your life more whole each day.    12/21/2019

Find a place that is closer to God
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A Prayer for This Day

 

May the Lord, our God, touch your life this day, and make His way known to you. Through His Spirit, and by His Word, may you draw near to Him, for He is near to you.

Today, I pray that He will move in your life; with His love, and by the revelation of His goodness. Of which no person on earth can resist, nor can they deny, once they have come to know Him

May the Lord reveal His love and good intentions, for your life and for all that you may do. So that your joy may be full, and your purpose full of great intention

God is truly ready to work wonders in your life. He is always willing to reveal Himself, as you are able to receive Him, and to lend His hand along the path of His way in your life

May He walk beside you this day, and guide you in His truth. So that He may reveal still greater depths of His life, through the learning of His Word

Pray to Him. Believing

Seek God with all your heart and He will begin to astonish you, by the working of His life, into yours

What a great God, is ours, that He chooses to bless and never curse all who love and seek Him; and to all who conduct their lives with honesty and faith

What a great savior, is our Lord. Who frees us from the dark workings, of sin, and of death, and who shepherds us into safe places, forever more

May the Lord deliver you this very day, and strengthen you to endure

For in these days there is suffering and pain, but the joy of our God’s salvation will always see us through these things

For in His strength and with His love we will be consistently victorious  10/25/2006

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Our Place in God’s Creation

 

The Earth and all that lies within it are God’s. He sustains it, and cares for it; Our maker owns every particle of its being

For by His awesome power, God created the universe, and our World. Through His wisdom, He made them incredible, intricate, beautiful

And because of God’s love, He formed life on this planet

What a wonder is life. The dust from remnants of past stars; the material of the earth and sea, animated, to live and breath

We know of no other place where this has happened, in the entire universe

Life is precious. It is a gift of God. Because, life was made by His choice and given to the living, so that we may share in the benefit of honoring who He is

May all the Earth worship His name

God placed man above everything that He created on Earth. He assigned us stewardship over this precious creation, so that we would fill the earth. But also, so that we could care for His world as He would like, with love, kindness, respect; through justice and obedience unto Him

So that in all that we do, we endeavor that His earth remains good

Lord, you have made us a little less than the angels. You have given us this amazing home. You have blessed us with everything that we need to live and we have thrived upon this earth

When we have done selfish things and forgotten our God, you have offered us forgiveness of our sins, and offered us a way to escape our guilt and condemnation.

Even offering us Your Son, Jesus Christ, so that we might have hope and to live life in all richness and joy. So that we might have everlasting life through His sacrifice. We can live in Your creation, forever

How great are the gifts of our God?

We live here today on this Earth, our home. We look out at the beauty that God has made, and the ugliness we have brought upon the land and on His people, by the destructive ways of our sin

Oh, that we could all see our God this day and know the love in His heart for us. So that we might turn to Him and honor His goodness and power

That we might rightly see the path that lies before us. A way that leads to life, and not to destruction

The presence of God fills the entire universe. He is not far from you now

Seek Him with all your heart and effort and He will reveal Himself to you. He will show you the wonders of His being     1/21/2020

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Freedom’s Best Choice

Lord let not my freedom become as a prison to me. Nor, the free will that you have permitted, lead me to places where I might become trapped

But instead, with all of my life, may I live for You, and express abundant praise to glorify Your Holy name

This life can be difficult. Many of the paths we find ourselves on are hard, even dangerous. Yet, by Your hand, You will deliver me and set my feet upon safe places

I have a lifetime of choices set before me, a million ways by which I may go. But I will choose to follow You, Oh Lord, and seek after Your heart

Blessed are all of Your paths for me. Lead me upon them with joy. How glorious are the plans You have for the faithful

I seek Your heart, my God, and meditate upon Your Word. I catch sight of You wherever I go and glorify Your name above all

Help me with this gift of freedom. Assist me, so that I might become a sweet offering unto You

Lift up my heart and mind, so that I may praise You, rightly; And fill me with the presence of Your Holy Spirit, so that I might become more complete in You

Make me strong, so that I can handle my freedom. Wake me and set me upon my feet. Cast off all laziness, so that I may work and accomplish Your will

You lie at the heart of all of creation, and are the strength behind all that is. Your ways are so far above mine, that I am at loss to understand

But You are also faithful to lead me, Your truth has shown the way. Therefore, I bow and kneel before You and worship You above all things

The gift of Your freedom is immeasurable; it carries with it great weight and peril. But I, Oh Lord, will serve You, and give You full control all of my days         9/13/2007

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The King of the World

 

How glorious is the Lord, Jesus Christ, and majestic, His Holy name

He stands above all creation, beautiful and glorious. His form is like no other and His ways are beyond all measure

He calls out from upon high. He stands and beckons

His strength is stronger than the mighty mountains, and position, more firm than the foundations of earth

He rules over all creation, and guides its every ebb and flow. Nothing can rise up against Him. Nor could anything be done by man, that could move Him even slightly

He stands firm in power, the days of His reign will last forever more. We live beneath His feet

He skips across the tops of the lofty peaks and dances upon mountain heights, where none can reach or aspire to

Yet, He loves us. He pours out endless grace and mercy as a gift upon all that dwells below, and for the blessing of our lives

He is a fountain. A nourishing spring, filled with all goodness and grace

Jesus calls out to us, He shouts out from His holy mountain and calls out to man to the farthest reaches. He extends His hand to all who dwell upon this earth

What a friend we have in Christ Jesus. Our savior, filled with love; He will dwell with us forever and lift us up on that final day

Seek Him, for He can be found. Look unto His glory. For He can be seen from every place we go

Call out to Him and listen, because He has been calling out to you. Give your life as an offering unto Him, for He has bestowed the gift of life to you

When you do, He will surely come, and will fill your life with joy and gladness

For through Him, we have eternal life and friendship, forever

9/13/2007

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My Love Meets God’s Love

I will pray for a forgiving heart and seek God’s will when dealing with others

For I am coarse and hard sometimes. My anger wells up inside of me and I grow cold

But the Lord softens my heart. He speaks to me with words of wisdom and guides me in ways of compassion and understanding. His teachings are a surprise to my attitude. They are a revelation to my nature

Help me, oh Lord, to seek you each day. Remind me to draw close to Your side. For I am easily led astray, my mind wanders on to paths that are not Yours

Help me to learn Your compassion, so that I may bless those I see each day

How great is the wisdom and compassion of God. He sees where I cannot, and pardons when I cry out for biased judgment

The Lord forgives when I would prefer revenge, and He loves, when I can only act out in my selfish ways

Lead me in Your paths. Show me how I should forgive and forget, and not to lash out at those who have wronged me. But, to give them a response from Your will, oh Lord

I know and perceive that You care about all people. That You have a heart for everyone in Your creation. If they are good and seek You, Our Lord rejoices in heaven, and is pleased

But if they have done wrong. You seek them and are quick to forgive them, if they ask. You have great patience for the wicked

Lord, help me to seek the best in others. Let me be quick to forgive them, with a caring heart

May my prayers for others, be continually brought before You. For I know that you care for those around me. For we are all Your children

There are differences between us, but You preferred it that way. There are times when troubles arise between us, but You have shown us how to work through our disputes

Lord, may Your love always shine as the guide for my life      3/26/2001

The Lord brings rain upon the earth for all His children