Category Archives: HOPE

Hope And Help Among Us!!! Bible Ballistics: BBs #717

26 Friday Mar 2021

Posted by in Eyes that SEE HIM, Faithful, Good News, Grace, HOPE

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #717  Hope And Help Among Us!!!

 

I just want to share a brief word of encouragement that I pray will help you today and brighten your way.

“Two are better than one;

because they have a good reward

for their labour.

10 For if they fall,

the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falleth;

for he hath not another to help him up.

11 Again, if two lie together,

then they have heat:

but how can one be warm

alone?

12 And if one prevail against him,

two shall withstand him;

and a threefold cord

is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I’m not talking about “safety in numbers”, but rather the benefit of encouraging words that show caring for one another!  Our kind words can be a help, a blessing and often a spark of hope that someone may need more than we can see!

“Iron sharpeneth

iron;

so a man sharpeneth

the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

I got just a such a note this morning and I don’t think we can understand the power of our words when we use them to lift up one another.  I pray that this simple post will encourage each of us to be an encourager each day! 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.

Please Don’t Quit??? We Win! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 25

09 Wednesday Sep 2020

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Amazing Grace, Confidence, Consider Your ways, HOPE

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 25 Please Don’t Quit???  We Win!

 

“Though he slay me,

yet will I trust in him:

but I will maintain

mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15

This is for YOU my friend, for I know you are aching.  God knows, and I care!  I want you to know that you are loved by the creator of the universe—the ONE who died for YOU—no matter how many of Satan’s lies you have allowed to put you down—GOD LOVES YOU RIGHT NOW!  And so do I!

I know the pain of walking alone, of the disappointments of those around you who are supposed to love you.  I know the frustrations of being disappointed with yourself.  I know the pain of loss of the dearest things to your heart.  But my dear one, please know that you have those around you and those in heaven above who have led the way, who have left the example for us of faithfulness, and Job is just one, one of the most amazing ones, but there are so many, and the greatest of all is our Lord Jesus, who is standing right there, right now just waiting for you to run into HIS arms and find the healing, restoration, comfort and peace that will dispel the work of the enemy of your life and soul!  JESUS cares!

“What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son,

but delivered him up for us all,

how shall he not with him also freely

give us all things?”  Romans 8:32

But sometimes he is working, testing and pruning in our lives to do amazing things that we can’t understand!  Don’t give up!  Don’t give in to the one who hates YOU and wants to destroy you and the the amazing things that God has in store.  He wants to destroy the work that you have poured out laboriously for so long.  Don’t give up—but look UP!  Look to The ONE who paid the price, who did all that HE did for you and me.  And don’t forget that I love you—that HE loves you—that there is one standing by you that LOVES you and is suffering to the core for, with and because of your pain.  Don’t give up—but look up.

“For this is thankworthy,

if a man for conscience toward God

endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

20 For what glory is it, if,

when ye be buffeted for your faults,

ye shall take it patiently?

but if, when ye do well,

and suffer for it,

ye take it patiently,

this is acceptable with God.

21 For even hereunto were ye called:

because Christ also suffered for us,

leaving us an example,

that ye should follow his steps:

22 Who did no sin,

neither was guile found in his mouth:

23 Who, when he was reviled,

reviled not again;

when he suffered,

he threatened not;

but committed himself

to him that judgeth righteously:

24 Who his own self bare our sins

in his own body

on the tree,

that we,

being dead to sins,

should live unto righteousness:

by whose stripes ye were healed.

25 For ye were as sheep going astray;

but are now returned

unto the Shepherd

and Bishop

of your souls.”   1 Peter 2:19-25

Please hear the cry of my heart, the tears that are flowing even right now—the tears of love, care and concern for you.  The tears that have cried over my own loss to the enemy of one so dear to me (just as you are), who lost the battle and was taken from me too soon.  My heart can’t bear the thought of watching you walk down a path of wrong choices as she did.  Even as I did, so many years ago; and still suffer from the scars, the sorrows and the consequences of those lies that I believed.  But praise God Almighty, HE rescued me before it was too late.  Please, my dear one, don’t give in to the enemy!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 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: 9-11

And this good shepherd, my friend, is calling to you in that mountain of lostness that you are in right now!  Please stop what you’re doing and listen to that voice that is calling so gently to YOU!

“And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

 4 What man of you,

having an hundred sheep,

if he lose one of them,

doth not leave the ninety and nine

in the wilderness,

and go after that

which is lost,

 until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it,

he layeth it on his shoulders,

rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home,

he calleth together his friends

and neighbours,

saying unto them,

 Rejoice with me;

for I have found my sheep

which was lost.”   Luke 15:3-6

All this because YOU are HIS!

“Being confident of this very thing,

that he which hath begun a good work

in you

will perform it

until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

Even as Job knew, I know that you know truth—don’t let your pain hide that truth, don’t forget the goodness that God has poured out on you for so long, because of the troubles of recent days (long days, months and even years, yes, but not compared to the glory HE has for you!)!

“Then said his wife unto him,

Dost thou still retain thine integrity?

curse God, and die.

10 But he said unto her,

Thou speakest

as one of the foolish women speaketh.

What?

shall we receive good

at the hand of God,

and shall we not receive evil?

In all this did not Job sin with his lips.”  Job 2:9-10

Job knew—even in his pain, sorrow and confusion—he knew that his God never fails; that even when we can’t see what HE is doing, we can trust that HIS work is always for our good and HIS glory!

“For I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that he shall stand

at the latter day

upon the earth:

26 And though after my skin worms

destroy this body,

yet in my flesh

shall I see God:

27 Whom I shall see for myself,

and mine eyes shall behold,

and not another;

though my reins be consumed

within me.”  Job 19:25-27

Just as Paul recorded for us, he asked for relief, yet God reminded HIM that HE ‘had this’; that HE is trustworthy—HE never fails—He never says “OOPS”!

“And lest I should be exalted

above measure

through the abundance of the revelations,

there was given to me a thorn in the flesh,

the messenger of Satan

to buffet me,

lest I should be exalted

above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice,

that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect

in weakness.

Most gladly therefore

will I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ

may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure

in infirmities,

in reproaches,

in necessities,

in persecutions,

in distresses

for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak,

then am I strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:7-10

You will never know how I long to carry this burden for you, and while I can help carry it with you, only you can decide to “stand fast in the evil day”!  Only you can decide to pursue the restoration of the JOY of HIS salvation—the salvation that HE has given you; not the salvation that we earn, or deserve, or work for, but the salvation that was paid for at Calvary with the precious blood of our Redeemer, King and Savior, Jesus!  And while HIS grace is sufficient, YOU must avail yourself of it, or keep on trying to reason things out in your own way.

Just remember that God knows your name, and so do I—and I keep it before HIS throne.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one that nameth

the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.

20 But in a great house

there are not only vessels of gold

and of silver,

but also of wood

and of earth;

and some to honour,

and some to dishonour.

21 If a man therefore purge himself

from these,

he shall be a vessel unto honour,

sanctified,

and meet

for the master’s use,

and prepared

unto every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts:

but follow righteousness,

faith,

charity,

peace,

with them that call on the Lord

out of a pure heart.”  2 Timothy 2:19-22

Please, my friend, don’t lose heart—but rather take heart in The One who LOVES YOU, and this one who loves you and prays for you even in this wee hour of the morning with tears, love and confidence in The ONE who hears and answers prayer.

“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

And I share just some final things that hold me fast and have held me for these many years.  May you and all to whom this reaches out, find hope, help and deliverance today!  My prayers rest on this message!

“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

And Paul’s amazing declaration of our blessed hope!

“Who is he that condemneth?

It is Christ that died,

yea rather,

that is risen again,

who is even at the right hand of God,

who also maketh intercession

for us.

35 Who shall separate us

from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long;

we are accounted as sheep

for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus

our Lord.”   Romans 8:24-29

With prayers and tears—you are loved.  We win!!!

“Create in me a clean heart,

O God;

and renew a right spirit

within me.

11 Cast me not away

from thy presence;

and take not thy holy spirit

from me.

12 Restore unto me

the joy of thy salvation;

and uphold me

with thy free spirit.

13 Then will I teach transgressors

thy ways;

and sinners

shall be converted unto thee.”   Psalm 51:10-13

Amen and Amen!

Show Or Substance??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #670

24 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Amazing Grace, Believe IN Jesus, By His Grace, Choices And Consequences, Commitment Or Convenience, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Father's Way!, God Is In Charge, God of all comfort!, God's Faithfulness, He Died That We Could Live, HOPE, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Saves!, Just Jesus!, Our God Reigns, Resting In Jesus, Salvation, The Blood Of Jesus, TODAY, Trials, Trusting Jesus?, Victorious Living

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #670  Show Or Substance???

 

It’s been a challenging week for a lot of reasons, but mainly just the ups and downs of life, grief and the world around us; so I would like us to consider what we are depending on—where is our hope—who is our security—how do we press on?  The only certain answer to all of those questions is Jesus!  And because He loves us, HE came to give us life—abundant life, and pardon just as The Father promised.

“Let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts:

and let him return unto the LORD,

and he will have mercy upon him;

and to our God,

for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens

are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:7-9

Even as Jesus told Nicodemus, He came to save, even though it would cost Him His life’s blood; He came to die, to save you and me—He willingly came to die that we might live!

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 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.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.”  John 3:14-18

God loves us, He hates the sin that plagues us, so He had already made the plan for our salvation before we needed it!  He knew and HE created us anyway!  (See John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; and 1 Peter 1:20) What amazing love—a love that is here for you, if you will but reach out and take His hand—receiving His substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice for your sin and mine!  The Psalmist said it better than I can.

“Our soul waiteth for the LORD:

he is our help

and our shield.

21 For our heart shall rejoice in him,

because we have trusted

in his holy name.

22 Let thy mercy, O LORD,

be upon us,

according as we hope in thee.”  Psalms 32:22

Jesus IS our hope and confidence, as I’m often heard to say, “My confidence is in Jesus, not the government nor the weatherman!”  And praise God we can rest assured that our God reigns in all and is accomplishing HIS purposes all around us; and when we keep our eyes on HIM and walk in trust and obedience, we will find HE is the “substance” not just a “flash in the pan” show!  He is the only One who can not only give us abundant life but sustain us in it—and it in us!!

“I am the door:

by me if any man enter in,

he shall be saved,

and shall go in and out,

and find pasture.

10 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 10:9-11

Are you HIS sheep?  Or are you putting on a show for the seeming benefit of others?  Remember there is only One way to God, and HIS name is Jesus!  And while you may be able to fool the world, you can’t fool God!  Remember:

“There is a way that seemeth right

unto a man,

but the end thereof

are the ways of death.”  Proverbs 16:25

And Jesus said it best!

“Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will

of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say

to me

in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied

in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”   Matthew 7:21-23

Are you trusting in what “you” say, or what “Jesus has done” for you and me?

On a side note, I’ve been thinking a lot about my daughter this week, and as I was pondering on Psalm 23, God’s Word spoke to my heart in a new way.  As David encouraged us to know that even though we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death”,  it doesn’t necessarily refer to just our own journey through that valley, but the journey that we sometimes have to take through that valley due to the death of someone else.  Yet God is still faithful, and HE is faithful to me now, as I continue to walk through this time of grief, sorrow, and sadness, yet my eyes can bring comfort to my soul as I look heavenward knowing that I need not “fear” any evil because just as David said,

“I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff

they comfort me”!

So, I pray that today you will hear the voice of The One who gave Himself for our salvation and that we might receive HIS “abundant” life; life IN Himself!  And if you don’t know Him, I pray that you will hear His voice today, and open your heart’s door to His call.

“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

Amen and Amen!!!

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

10 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, By Him We Live, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Forgiveness, HOPE, Moms, Mothers, Salvation, Trials, Troubles, Trusting Jesus, Truth

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

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

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

 

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!!!