Category Archives: Grief

A Different Mother’s Day??? Repost of Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 10

10 Wednesday May 2023

Posted by in Broken Hearts, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Grief, Growing in Jesus!, Loss, Mothers

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 10 A Different Mother’s Day???                                            A Repost from May of 2020

I want to share just a brief thought or two today; as most of you know my only daughter was murdered last December, causing this to be a unique Mother’s Day this year.  I simply want to share a few things that have gotten me through this time, and hopefully to encourage other mothers (or anyone) who have unique issues they are dealing with.  The main thing I want to say is the same thing I have said since tragedy struck our lives, ‘God is still God! God is still good! And I still trust HIM!’  I say this only because it is true, and like Paul I can say it because I have confidence in my Lord—the One who saves and keeps me every day!  Without fear, shame or doubt I know I can rely upon HIM!

“Be not thou therefore ashamed

of the testimony of our Lord,

nor of me his prisoner:

but be thou partaker

of the afflictions of the gospel

according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us,

and called us

with an holy calling,

not according to our works,

but according to his own purpose

and grace,

which was given us in Christ Jesus

before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest

by the appearing of our Saviour

Jesus Christ,

who hath abolished death,

and hath brought life

and immortality to light

through the gospel:

11 Whereunto I am appointed

a preacher,

and an apostle,

and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For the which cause I also suffer these things:

nevertheless I am not ashamed:

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 Timothy 1:8-12

It is true because “I know whom I have believed”—and HE is my everything!  And while your issues may be different than mine, God knows where you are, and HE will meet you where you are –for HE knows what you feel!

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest,

that is passed into the heavens,

Jesus the Son of God,

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace

to help

in time of need.”   Hebrews 4:14-16

One of the things that has helped me, is to remember that while I feel sorrow, grief and pain in my loss, God is working His will, His purposes, and His glory all around me.  And after all HE has done, is doing and will do for me, how can I do less than trust myself to HIS care.  He has never failed me!  Never!  And one of the passages that is my “go to” for encouragement I’ll share with you, because often times we experience the evil of the world, and we must trust to our God to take care of things that are out of our control.  I forgive, not because I necessarily want to, but because I am forgiven, and I can trust to God’s love, care and justice to accomplish righteousness and justice in HIS own time.

“Fret not thyself

because of evildoers,

neither be thou envious

against the workers of iniquity.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,

and wither as the green herb.

3 Trust in the LORD,

and do good;

so shalt thou dwell in the land,

and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD;

and he shall give thee

the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness

as the light,

and thy judgment

as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for him:

fret not thyself

because of him

who prospereth in his way,

because of the man

who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

8 Cease from anger,

and forsake wrath:

fret not thyself

in any wise

to do evil.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off:

but those that wait upon the LORD,

they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:1-9

I know that God has walked with me on the good days, and on the difficult days.  He has heard my cries, seen my tears, and comforted my uneasy frustrations—and HE WILL meet you where you are, if you will but turn to HIM.  If you will walk through this Psalm and practice the instructions in it!

Trust—Delight—Commit—Rest—Fret Not—Cease from Anger!

While these are simple sounding instructions, they are not easy, especially when we are hurting.  But when we practice them day by day and watch our faithful God act faithfully, we learn to rely on His character—His love—His perfect ways—and know that HE will meet our every need.

And besides all this Jesus is our faithful intercessor!  I have a close circle of friends whom I know I can depend on for earnest, diligent prayer; and while I take great comfort and confidence in these dear ones and their care for me, there is One greater than them or me who is ever praying for me!

“But this man,

because he continueth ever,

hath an unchangeable priesthood.

25 Wherefore he is able also

to save them to the uttermost

that come unto God by him,

seeing he ever liveth

to make intercession for them.”  Hebrews 7:24-25

Oh, you have no way to know the comfort, strength and assurance that I take from this truth!  You can trust HIM!  And I’ll have to say that my love and appreciation for Him has increased above measure, not diminished, through these recent months.  You see, we all make choices!  We can choose to allow the enemy to distract, depress and discourage us to the point of dejection—or we can stand fast in the truth that we have a Savior who not only prays for us now, but HE also gave HIS life’s blood for me!  And I can only tell you that going through my daughter’s blood soaked clothing (when we got them back from the police) not only brought the reality of her death ‘up close and personal’ but even more importantly planted a truth in my heart that I pray I will never forget;  Her life was stolen from her by evil, but Jesus Christ my Lord shed HIS blood for me—willingly, lovingly, purposely—for without it you and I would have no hope of salvation and eternal life with God!!!  That truth is ever cemented in my heart and mind and without being gory, I praise God that I see John 3:16 in a new light!  May I never forget!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”   John 3:16

GOD gave HIS SON for me!  For you!  Won’t you trust in the blood that Jesus shed for your salvation, deliverance, and redemption—that you might have “everlasting life”!  And if you already know Him, and are facing difficult circumstances, sorrow, grief, pain, confusion, turmoil or any other problem, won’t you “fix your eyes” on Jesus right now.  Rehearse Psalm 37, and these other verses and let God apply the soothing “Balm of Gilead” to your heart and soul!  Resist the devil and REST in the ONE who cares for YOU!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you

in due time:

7 Casting all your care

upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober,

be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast

in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.”  1 Peter 5:6-9

In closing I pray that you will find comfort, hope and encouragement in God’s Word tonight.

“The thief cometh not,

but for to steal,

and to kill,

and to destroy:

I am come that they might have life,

and that they might have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd:

the good shepherd giveth his life

for the sheep.”   John 10:10-11

He gave HIS BLOOD for me!  For YOU!  Amen and Amen!!!

P.S. I needed this reminder again as much as anyone.  Blessings on your Mother’s Day!

HE Remains Faithful In ALL??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 14

05 Monday Sep 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Comfort, Grace, Grief, Sorrow

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 14   HE Remains Faithful In ALL???

“God is faithful,

by whom ye were called

unto the fellowship of his Son

Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:9

 I have a brief word to share with you this morning as I think of Jeremiah; for Jeremiah is often called ‘The Weeping Prophet’, and I think someone besides me may need some help and encouragement that you are not the only one who is “still” grieving….   I’ve helped enough friends and loved ones through the years to deal with the idiosyncrasies of grief; it is an unpredictable emotion, and it reveals itself in strange and unique ways to each of us.  So often people feel guilty or ashamed of the ways or timing of their grief, sometimes to the point of not even trying to share it—yet we all need a safe place to share our grief.  Some people even shame or judge others for the ways or timings of their grief, but scripture is replete with the expressions of the emotion of grief in God’s own people, and grief is never criticized or condemned!  (See John 11:35)

This is one of the reasons that I mentioned Jeremiah, for he was a man of God who was called to the hard task of prophesying and calling God’s own to repent or be judged by captivity of the Babylonians.  Well, for the most part Jeremiah was ignored, ridiculed, and even tortured for his faithful service to God, and his preaching of God’s truth to a people who didn’t care to listen.  He did this hard task for some 40 years, and when Israel fell to the Babylonians, he was totally broken hearted and grieved to his soul.  You can read the short book of Lamentations, which was just that, a record of his lamenting—grieving—for his people; and it is a comfort to see how God helped him to see the hope that is found in the faithful Lord God Almighty.

“And I said,

My strength and my hope

is perished from the LORD:

19 Remembering mine affliction

and my misery,

the wormwood

and the gall.

20 My soul hath them still in remembrance,

and is humbled in me.

21 This I recall to my mind,

therefore have I hope.

22 It is of the LORD’S mercies

that we are not consumed,

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion,

saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good

unto them that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good

that a man should both hope

and quietly wait

for the salvation

of the LORD.”  Lamentations 3:18-26

We serve the living Lord, and as Paul said, we can grieve but praise God, not without hope!  For our hope is not in the grave, but in the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal “LIFE” that He gives to those who come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!  As Paul says, grieving not as those “which have no hope”, for our life, hope and future is grounded in the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord! (And sleep mentioned here in Thessalonians is a reference to death.)

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,

concerning them which are asleep,

that ye sorrow not,

even as others

which have no hope.

14 For if we believe

that Jesus died and rose again,

even so them also which sleep in Jesus

will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you

by the word of the Lord,

that we which are alive and remain

unto the coming of the Lord

shall not prevent them

which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend

from heaven

with a shout,

with the voice of the archangel,

and with the trump of God:

and the dead in Christ

shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain

shall be caught up together

with them

in the clouds,

to meet the Lord in the air:

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another

with these words.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

And a reminder from Jesus, as He reminded His own disciples, that our hope is in HIM, our soon coming king, and our eternal home!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house

are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.”  John 14:1-4\

Because of our KING, we have hope that sustains us in those moments (albeit sometimes looonnnnnggg moments) which are a great hope for the soul; we must simply keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

So, let us remember Paul’s words of encouragement and challenge, knowing we can make it by HIS mercies which “are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness”!  His faithfulness is ever with us, even in our grief!!!  Remember, God watched HIS own SON die for you and me!

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

 forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:13-14

Jesus understands your grief—His arms are open wide for you—day or night!!!  Run to Jesus!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

 And in closing, a verse you may have missed:

“Thou tellest my wanderings:

put thou my tears

into thy bottle:

are they not in thy book?”  Psalm 56:8

Amen and Amen!!!

Incomprehensible Love??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11

15 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God of all comfort!, Grief, Incomprehensible LOVE, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves, Jesus' Sacrifice

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11   Incomprehensible Love???

I want to share more of my personal observations than usual, which I just feel led to do today, as I had some amazing thoughts about my Jesus this week, and I’d like to share them with you.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

that my joy might remain in you,

and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.”  John 15:11-13

God cares for the “world”, and while His love is unconditional, his forgiveness is based on a personal acceptance of Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice in repentance and faith!  God cares for mankind, so much so that HE “gave his only begotten son” to die that we might have eternal life!  And when we come to Jesus, we are called to emulate HIS loving, sacrificial heart!

“But love ye your enemies,

and do good,

and lend,

hoping for nothing again;

and your reward shall be great,

and ye shall be the children of the Highest:

for he is kind unto the unthankful

and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful,

as your Father also is merciful.”  Luke 6:35-36

We are called to a ‘higher’ calling than the world demands, for as Jesus said again in Matthew’s Gospel:

“But I say unto you,

Love your enemies,

bless them that curse you,

do good to them

that hate you,

and pray for them

which despitefully use you,

and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children

of your Father which is in heaven:

for he maketh his sun

to rise on the evil

and on the good,

and sendeth rain

on the just

and on the unjust.”  Matthew 5:44-45

As we consider all these thoughts from God’s Word, I want to share some insights that I had this week.  As I was thinking about what Jesus did for me and you, I was influenced by my own grief, and the grief of close friends who have dealt with great loss in recent days.  Most of us have dealt with more grief in the last two-plus years with Covid than we could have imagined; and as I have been face-to-face with the emotions of grief myself, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus.  Jesus went to Calvary for you and me, and I want us to consider what HE felt as He walked up that hill—not just what He went through in the physical abuse that He suffered at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, or the Roman guards, or even the soldiers at the cross as He was crucified for your sin and mine—but the thoughts that must have filled His heart and mind as He was driven up that hill to Calvary.

You and I have all experienced sorrow and grief, and we all have family, friends, and loved ones who have left this world and left a hole in our heart; but think a minute with me, if you would, Jesus not only had friends and family whom He loved, but HE created the world—including you and me!!!  Jesus didn’t just have a few folks on HIS heart and mind as HE walked up that hill, He had you and me on His heart and mind, even “before the foundation of the world” (See Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20)!  I can’t imagine the grief and sorrow that HE must have felt over the loss that sin brought into HIS world!  The enemy who deceived Adam and Eve, has continued to work his deceit in God’s world to this day!  BUT, praise God his end is in sight, and our Lord will return to claim HIS own; but until then, we need to consider the grief that our Savior endured not only for us, but for all!  I can’t help but think of the sadness that Jesus must have felt for the creation that HE loves—for the “the just and on the unjust”! He was going to die even for those who would reject HIM!  Oh, the love—the love that God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—has for us!  I can’t even comprehend the grief and sorrow that HIS Spirit bore that day!

We grieve over the loss of maybe a hundred loved-ones and acquaintances, yet Jesus was creator of every human on earth!  HE loves them enough to have come to this earth, took on flesh and blood, lived a sinless life, and was headed to Calvary to ‘buy back’ the creation who had sold themselves into bondage to sin, for it would take HIS life to redeem our souls—ON PURPOSE!

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

I’d simply like to close with two passages, one from the author of Hebrews to help us understand God’s work in sending Jesus to be the payment for our sin, and our deliverer!  All because HE loves us—and all who will come to HIM will find eternal life, and peace, hope and joy!  The other look, at the ultimate passage on thinking as Jesus thought (one of my all-time favorite passages in all of scripture!); I hope they will both be a blessing to you!

“But we see Jesus,

who was made a little lower than the angels

for the suffering of death,

crowned with glory and honour;

that he by the grace of God

should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him,

for whom

are all things,

and by whom

are all things,

in bringing many sons unto glory,

to make the captain of their salvation

perfect through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifieth

and they who are sanctified

are all of one:

for which cause

he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying,

I will declare thy name

unto my brethren,

in the midst of the church

will I sing praise unto thee.

13 And again,

 I will put my trust in him.

And again,

Behold I and the children

which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children

are partakers of flesh and blood,

he also himself likewise

took part of the same;

that through death

he might destroy him

that had the power of death,

that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death

were all their lifetime

subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels;

but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him

to be made like unto his brethren,

that he might be a merciful

and faithful

high priest in things pertaining to God,

to make reconciliation

for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself

hath suffered being tempted,

he is able to succour them

that are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:9-18

 Paul’s great passage on the “mind of Christ”!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

 and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:5-13

So, my friends, wherever you may be, whatever sorrow or grief you may be living with—take heart!  Jesus knows your pain and sorrow, the burden you bear!  Won’t you come and rest in HIS ‘Incomprehensible LOVE’ that is there for you today!  Don’t miss that unseen hand of mercy, grace, love and strength that is outstretched to you today!

Amen and Amen!!!

THE GOD Of All Comfort??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #785

25 Friday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Grief, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Sorrow

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #785    THE GOD Of All Comfort???

 

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort

them which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ

abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I am so grateful for the “God of all comfort” who walks with us—we who belong to Him by the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”; and not only cleanseth us but walks with us, as HE promised HE would!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

We don’t have to be afraid of our grief, our sorrow, our trials, tribulations, or even persecution!  How?  Why?  Because our God is faithful to HIS Word!  And I willingly, lovingly and truthfully bear witness to the faithfulness of God!  Through all the sorrow of my heart these last few years (27 months to be more specific—and yes, I believe it’s ok to count the days of our longings and grief!) God has ever been my comfort, joy, and peace that truly “passeth all understanding”!  Yes, there are seasons of tears, regrets, sorrow, and intense longing for the one who is gone!  But the thing that sustains and comforts me most is that God knows that pain! In fact, HE didn’t lose HIS SON to an accident or unexpected disease, but HE sent HIM willingly, lovingly, and intentionally for you and me!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

“Ye men of Israel,

hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

It’s your choice to believe in Jesus or not, but I’m here to tell you that there is no other way to God—to peace, joy, and blessing beyond measure!  God is so faithful; I don’t have the words to share how the Spirit of Jesus/God fills my heart and soul with that “peace that passeth all understanding”, but Jesus is still calling to Himself those who will believe.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father in his throne.”  Revelation 3:20-21

You can open the door and let Jesus in, or you can go your own way and wallow in your grief and sorrow!  It’s your choice but there is a test coming!  Yet, I praise God that HIS comfort is available to all who will come.

“That their hearts might be comforted,

being knit together

in love,

and unto all riches

of the full assurance of understanding,

to the acknowledgement

of the mystery of God,

and of the Father,

and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid

all the treasures

of wisdom

and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:2-3

May you hear and respond to the greatest comforter of all—JESUS!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

The God Who Knows My Pain??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 14

27 Sunday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, God of all comfort!, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's love, God's provision, God's ways are not our ways, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Grief

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 14   The God Who Knows My Pain???

 

It’s been an unusual season for me lately, for having lost my only daughter just over two years ago, it seems like an inordinate number of my friends have lost children of late; and while they have been grown children, that really doesn’t lessen the pain.  So, I’d like to take today’s time and share some of the things that I have learned about the faithfulness of God and the need in the human heart for the touch of that faithful God for healing, comfort, and restoration.

I had some other things that I wanted to share this evening, but I feel compelled to simply repost an article that I wrote just over 2 years ago, in deep pain and sorrow.  And I’ll tell you that I told God I couldn’t do it.  In fact, as those of you who follow this blog know, I usually write on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and my daughter died on Thursday 6 days before Charismas in 2019, and I told my husband on our way home from the events of that awful day, that I just couldn’t write the next morning, and he told me to just do what I was up to.  Well, God had different plans, as I slept that night, God would wake me up, give me a scripture which I’d note on my phone.  Go back to sleep and He would wake me again with another scripture.  Well, this went on most of the night and when I got up on that Friday morning, I said, “God I can’t do this!  My heart is breaking!”  And God spoke so clearly to my heart, “Yes, you can!  YOU have hope—others do not!”  I got up and wrote the following “Word” from God.  I thank HIM for HIS faithfulness and for the privilege of sharing the HOPE of Jesus with those who might hear from this broken heart.  May it touch those of you who are aching with this same sorrow today.  God loves you, He loves me, and HE will strengthen those who will lean on HIM.  Praying for each of you.

“Bible Ballistics: BBs #612  Because HE Lives—I Can Walk On!!!

Christmas is many things to many people—some are filled with glee and joy, others think deeply on the meaning of the coming of This Newborn King, still others have difficult circumstances or memories that invade their celebration.  But I’m here to let you know that regardless of what is going on around you/me, whether for us or against us, GOD is still GOD, and we can trust HIM.  I’m writing an article that I never expected to write, but it is one that I am compelled to write.  I lost my only daughter under most tragic circumstances yesterday, and my heart is breaking but I must share, for all who also have broken hearts, not just at Christmas time but anytime, that GOD IS ABLE!

As Jesus told a grieving Martha and Mary, HE is still reminding us today that He has the final word—in fact HE IS THE WORD!

“Martha saith unto him, 

I know that he shall rise again 

in the resurrection at the last day. 

25 Jesus said unto her, 

I am 

the resurrection, 

and the life: 

he that believeth in me, 

though he were dead, 

yet shall he live: 

26 And whosoever liveth 

and believeth in me 

shall never die. 

Believest thou this? 

27 She saith unto him, 

Yea, Lord: I believe

that thou art the Christ, 

the Son of God, 

which should come into the world.”   John 11:24-27

It is totally because HE not only lived a perfect, sinless life, died a substitutionary, atoning sacrificial death, but my friends, HE AROSE!  And because HE lives—I can live another day; my daughter who had given her heart to him years ago is in HIS arms today!  While our hearts are breaking, my heart is, at the very same time, full of gratitude for a Redeemer who loves me, and HE loves you—no matter the heartache that you may be experiencing today—whether new or old.  Like David I can rejoice in the truth of God’s incredible sovereignty!

“Then said his servants unto him, 

What thing is this that thou hast done? 

thou didst fast and weep for the child, 

while it was alive; 

but when the child was dead, 

thou didst rise and eat bread. 

22 And he said, 

While the child was yet alive, 

I fasted 

and wept: 

for I said, Who can tell 

whether GOD will 

be gracious to me, 

that the child may live? 

23 But now he is dead, 

wherefore should I fast? 

can I bring him back again? 

I shall go to him, 

but he shall not return to me.”  2 Kings 12:21-23

As the old song says, “We shall behold HIM…” (Written by Dottie Rambo).  My eyes are filled with tears, but my confidence is fully in my Lord Jesus Christ and His promise that He is coming for me (and you who have come to Him in repentance and faith)!

At this precious Christmas time, I rejoice in the truth that God keeps HIS promises!

“For unto us a child is born, 

unto us a son is given: 

and the government 

shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called 

Wonderful, Counsellor, 

The mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, 

The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

Jesus IS the source of the peace that I feel right now, and I pray that you will rest in that peace yourself.  I if you don’t know Him, you can!

“Behold, 

I stand at the door, 

and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, 

and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him, 

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

Jesus came to be our sacrifice and coming to Him gives us not only the “peace of God” but also “peace with God”.

“Therefore being justified by faith, 

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

2 By whom also we have access 

by faith 

into this grace 

wherein we stand, 

and rejoice 

in hope of the glory 

of God.”  Romans 5:1-2

I don’t know why the events of yesterday took my loved one, but I do know that the God who does know, loves my daughter, He loves me, and HE has a plan that I am resting in, even in the pain of my heart, and through the tears in my eyes.  And I’ll simply leave you with some passages of confidence and assurance in this ONE who gave Himself for you and me.

“Therefore we are always confident, 

knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, 

we are absent from the Lord: 

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 

8 We are confident, I say, 

and willing rather 

to be absent from the body, 

and to be present with the Lord.”   2 Corinthians 5:6-8

And as Peter reminds us:

“Humble yourselves therefore 

under the mighty hand of God, 

that he may exalt you 

in due time: 

7 Casting all your care 

upon him; 

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

And Jesus word for each of us:

“Come unto me, 

all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. 

29 Take my yoke upon you, 

and learn of me; 

for I am meek and lowly in heart: 

and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

30 For my yoke is easy, 

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30”

Amen & Amen!!!