Category Archives: Grief

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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!!!

 

Grieved For Closed Eyes??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 18

22 Sunday Aug 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Consider Your ways, Ears that hear not, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Grief, Growing in Jesus!, Guard Your Heart, Turn to God's Word

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 18  Grieved For Closed Eyes???

 

Perhaps I am alone, but I must say my heart is grieved for the state of our nation, our culture and maybe even more for the church in America!  We seem to have become a people who regard our own ways more than the ways of The One we claim to love and serve.  How is it that our standards seem to be so far afield of The Word of God?  The prophet Jeremiah dealt with a people who claimed to be God’s own but walked in their own way, refusing to receive a Word from God, or heed what His prophets had to say!

“Declare this in the house of Jacob,

and publish it in Judah, saying,

21 Hear now this,

O foolish people,

and without understanding;

which have eyes,

and see not;

which have ears,

and hear not:

22 Fear ye not me?

saith the LORD:

will ye not tremble

at my presence,

which have placed the sand

for the bound of the sea

by a perpetual decree,

that it cannot pass it:

and though the waves thereof

toss themselves,

yet can they not prevail;

though they roar,

yet can they not pass over it?

23 But this people hath a revolting

and a rebellious heart;

they are revolted and gone.”  Jeremiah 5:20-23

God also sent Isaiah to speak to a people who would not hear or heed, and He made it clear that HE knows the true hearts and motives of all men, women, boys, and girls, and He will keep account.

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

neither his ear heavy,

that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated

between you and your God,

and your sins

have hid his face from you,

that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood,

and your fingers with iniquity;

your lips have spoken lies,

your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice,

nor any pleadeth for truth:

they trust in vanity,

and speak lies;

they conceive mischief,

and bring forth iniquity.”  Isaiah 59:1-4

What are we choosing today?  As we look into the New Testament, the author of Hebrews makes it very clear that God’s Word IS the standard not ours; and HIS Word is the standard to which all will be held, and we need to discern wisely.  Yes, we have the freedom to choose, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

My whole confidence is centered in The Lord and HIS Word, and I pray that we will all run to HIM to not only seek HIS face but to know Him more and more through the power of His Word and His Spirit’s work in teaching us the truths it contains.  (See 2 Timothy 2:15 and 3:16-17)

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”   John 14:25-26

Notice The Spirit’s work is to bring things to our “remembrance”—that means I have to ‘member’ it first, HE won’t plant it for us.  I pray that this short post today will stir our hearts to prayer, Bible study, and faithful, holy living, that others will be drawn to the cross.  Here are a few more passages to direct our steps toward our Lord and HIS ways!  Remember God can and will often close the eyes and ears of those who choose to reject HIM.  Every person has been given the freedom to choose.  Joshua understood this as he called Israel to choose whom to serve.

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side

of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

While the people responded in obedience before Joshua, Israel nor we today who claim Jesus/God, have always been faithful to HIM!  May we heed the warnings that God has for us today, as well as those in the past!  Even as Jesus gave John the message in The Revelation:

“Blessed is he

that readeth,

and they that hear

the words of this prophecy,

and keep those things

which are written therein:

for the time is at hand.”  Revelation 1:3

“They have not known

nor understood:

for he hath shut their eyes,

that they cannot see;

and their hearts,

that they cannot understand.”  Isaiah 44:18

“The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man,

thou dwellest in the midst

of a rebellious house,

which have eyes to see,

and see not;

they have ears to hear,

and hear not:

for they are a rebellious house.”   Ezekiel 12:1-2

Jesus also reminds us:

“Therefore speak I to them in parables:

because they seeing

see not;

and hearing

they hear not,

neither do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias,

which saith,

By hearing

ye shall hear,

and shall not understand;

and seeing

ye shall see,

and shall not perceive:

15 For this people’s heart

is waxed gross,

and their ears

are dull of hearing,

and their eyes

they have closed;

lest at any time

they should see

with their eyes,

and hear

with their ears,

and should understand

with their heart,

and should be converted,

and I should heal them.

16 But blessed are your eyes,

for they see:

and your ears,

for they hear.”   Matthew 13:13-16

And a couple of last truths to consider.

“Saying, Go unto this people, and say,

Hearing ye shall hear,

and shall not understand;

and seeing ye shall see,

and not perceive:

27 For the heart of this people

is waxed gross,

and their ears

are dull of hearing,

and their eyes

have they closed;

lest they should see

with their eyes,

and hear

with their ears,

and understand with their heart,

and should be converted,

and I should heal them.”    Acts 28:26-27

May your joy be full, and delight in the assurance that the Apostle John had in his Lord!

“That which was from the beginning,

which we have heard,

which we have seen with our eyes,

which we have looked upon,

and our hands have handled,

of the Word of life;

2 (For the life was manifested,

and we have seen it,

and bear witness,

and shew unto you that eternal life,

which was with the Father,

and was manifested unto us😉

3 That which we have seen

and heard

declare we unto you,

that ye also may have fellowship

with us:

and truly our fellowship

is with the Father,

and with his Son

Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you,

that your joy may be full.”  1 John 1:1-4

Amen and Amen!!!

Because HE Left The Manger??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #697

20 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Christmas, Christmas IS?, Grief, Holy Spirit, HOPE, What's In Your Heart?, Worship Him!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #697  Because HE Left The Manger???

 

As we approach Christmas this week, I just want to share a post from last year about this time.  In fact, I’d like to share with you the post that I wrote one year ago today—the morning after the murder of my daughter.  It’s been a long year, but thanks to Jesus, who didn’t stay in the manger, but grew to be a man who redeemed my soul, my daughter’s soul, and HE has and will continue to redeem all who will come to HIM in repentance and faith.

“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

And as the Apostle John recorded in his Gospel, HE came to save us, and HE will save all who will believe and receive HIM!

“He was in the world,

and the world was made by him,

and the world knew him not.

11 He came unto his own,

and his own received him not.

12 But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:10-13

As much as I knew and received of HIS strength to go on a year ago, I know HE is the ONE who is carrying me today; and HE will carry YOU, whatever your need, pain or sorrow may be.  Yes, there have been difficult days!  Yes, there have been times of pain that I have no words to describe!  Yes, I am weary, tired and often so lonely for the sound of my dear Donna’s voice, laughter and to see her room-brightening smile that I ache!  But God The Father, Jesus The Son, and The Holy Spirit have lifted me, calmed my fears, anger, frustration and eased the painful grief in my heart; even as Paul reminded us that grief is normal, but we have a Savior who has given us a life-giving, heart-lifting HOPE in our grief.

“And that ye study to be quiet,

and to do your own business,

and to work with your own hands,

as we commanded you;

12 That ye may walk honestly

toward them that are without,

and that ye may have lack of nothing.

13 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.”                                           1 Thessalonians 4:11-14 Amen!

I pray that God will use this post to heal, comfort, and lift the down-hearted during this time of rejoicing in the birth of our Savior; for it often brings much sadness to many because of our loss and grief.  But Jesus IS our hope and comfort!

Following is the post that wrote a year ago today, with a heart broken by loss, may it be used again today as it was a year ago!  God’s still God!  God’s still good!  And I still trust HIM!

“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 have to 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. 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!”

May you have a blessed and joyous Christmas, and I’ll be back next week, as I’m taking this week off for some rest and refreshing myself!  God bless each of you!!

“The LORD bless thee,

and keep thee:

25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee,

and be gracious unto thee:

26 The LORD lift up his countenance

upon thee,

and give thee peace.”   Numbers 6:24-26

Amen and Amen!!!  Merry Christmas.

A Word Of Encouragement For All!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #625

14 Friday Feb 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Believe IN Jesus, Born Again, Choose You This Day!, Encouragement, God's Secret Place, Grief, The Secret Place

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #625. A Word Of Encouragement For All!!!

A Repost from the past that touched my heart and I hope it will touch yours!

“Bible Ballistics: BBs  #369    God’s Secret Place !!!

“He that dwelleth in the secret place

of the most High

shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD,

He is my refuge

and my fortress:

my God;”   Psalm 91:1

I’d just like to share a word of encouragement with you today. As children we all loved “secret” things: secret codes, secret places, just plain secrets–although secrets are seldom kept! But God keeps His secrets until the proper time comes to reveal them. Here the Psalmist mentions the one who “dwelleth in the secret place of the most High”, and tells us that he/she will abide under the “shadow of the Almighty”; a reference to the fact that those who belong to God, are cared for. Just as a sweeping Oak Tree will shade everything under it’s ‘shadow’, God cares for those who are His own. And you can be assured that God knows His own children—we who are His through faith in Jesus Christ The Lord—and we can confidently proclaim with the Psalmist that:

“He is my refuge

and my fortress:

my God;

in him will I trust”

How do we get into that “secret place”? Through faith in Jesus, and His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,                                                                                          the truth,                                                                                                and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,                                                                         but by me.” John 14:6

Jesus is the ONLY way to be in that “secret place” of God! And when we come there, God is truly our refuge, and fortress, the One in whom we can always “trust”! Mary, the sister of Lazarus, had to choose what she would believe.

“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 11:25-27

Mary believed what Jesus said, and she made the decision to trust in HIM. In her specific incident, she believed that Jesus, The Messiah, could take care of her grief in the loss of her brother, and in that belief she saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. And praise God we can all be raised to life with Him, now, as well as after our death, or at His return. And until then we can live victorious lives through His indwelling Holy Spirit.

“Whereof I am made a minister,

according to the dispensation of God

which is given to me

for you,

to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery

which hath been hid from ages

and from generations,

but now is made manifest

to his saints:

27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery

among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:25-27

This wonderful “secret”, this “mystery”, is “Christ in you, the hope of glory”! The promise of the New Covenant is Jesus dwelling within us through His Holy Spirit—He is the evidence that we belong to Jesus. He is the power that keeps us! He is the assurance of the glory to come!!! And we ought to depend on this amazing gift of God to guide, teach and direct our steps. He is the “secret” place where we are safe and secure, but even more importantly; He empowers us to serve our God powerfully in that place—through His indwelling presence, “Christ in you”! Are you in Him? Is He in you? If not won’t you come to Him today? If you are His already, won’t you welcome and embrace His will for you? He longs to have you “abide” in Him, in loving gratitude, devotion and dependence!

“Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns

and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:16-17

Amen and Amen!!!”

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

20 Friday Dec 2019

Posted by in 'Tis The Season?, Believe IN Jesus, By Him We Live, By His Grace, Changed Lives, Confidence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus, Grief

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 have to 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!!!