Precious Lord, You are what I seek… keep my eyes on You… in You I seek refuge from the storm… keep me for Your purpose. Fulfill in me all You’ve called me to be… help me bless others as You’ve blessed me. Clean my heart from its filth and replace it with fire and passion for You. Take what I’ve done and remove the guilt… give me a new purpose for You alone. Restore to me years I’ve Run… and give me years to share Your glory. Give menYour eyes to see others as You see them… you are making me new. Keep making me new for You. In Your name I pray. Amen
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
2020, my year of prayer… almost funny as I reflect the choice to make prayer my focus this year…. as if God we’re preparing me for something …
No amount of social distancing can remove my relationship with God the Father. This time is so precious to me, each morning, as I give Him all praise and honor, knowing that He has things in complete control.
I certainly couldn’t have predicted the virus that has so quickly spread across our globe, gathering such hysteria around it that people are crumbling. There’s something oddly calming, though, when the Peace that passes understanding fills your soul…. a calm in the midst of the storm!
Matthew 14:22-33 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Peter sank because he doubted Jesus could help him walk on the water. I believe that if Peter has kept his focus on Jesus instead of what was happening around him, he would have been able to walk all the way to Jesus in the water.
Folks, there’s a lot of noise around us… from politicians to media to … you name it, there is a lot vying for our attention. Keep your attention focused on the One True God. Trust Him to provide for your needs, including peace of mind.
We could get so worked up about what this doctor is saying or that one, or this “fact” that someone wants you to know, or this “lie” that someone wants to expose… it absolutely breaks my heart to see so many people I know become so terribly upset about this virus and all of the other collateral damage it has caused. I don’t know what “normal” will be when this is all over… if this is ever over… but I do I know this. I am a child of the one true King and I know He is in control. I’ve lived a lifetime of lessons learned in preparation to build a strong faith that will now see me through until my Savior returns.
Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
In the Jesus Movement of the late 60’s and early 70’s, Larry Norman rocked the Christian Music world with a song called, “why should the devil get all the good music”.
“I wanted to push aside the traditional gospel quartet music, break down the church doors and let the hippies and the prostitutes and other unwashed rabble into the sanctuary, … I wanted to talk about feeding the poor, going into the world…. I wanted the church to get active and go out and do what Jesus told us to do. I felt that while the hymns had great theology soaked into their lyrics, that most of the modern music was anemic and needed a transfusion”
In 2008, Christian rock historian John J. Thompson wrote, “It is certainly no overstatement to say that Larry Norman is to Christian music what John Lennon is to rock & roll or Bob Dylan is to folk music.”[130]
Norman disapproved of Christian musicians who were unwilling to play in secular venues or to “preach” between songs.[129] He also criticized what he saw as the “commercialization of Christian music in America”,[128] including the role of copyrights and licensing.[38]
If you want to read more about him, here’s a link to his Wiki
As a little girl in the 70’s, my parents were very involved in the youth group of our church. They brought my teenage cousins, who were nearly 10 years older than me, to church and youth group every week. I “hung out” with them and remember singing Jesus camp songs with them on our way to youth retreats and meetings. It was time, in America, where many people were turning toward Jesus because they thought the “end times” were imminent. I remember watching films that depicted life during the end times, when buying and selling were restricted. As a small child, I didn’t really think about the implications… it was all I knew at the time.
One of the songs we used to sing with my cousins on our way to church was a song that’s been covered many times by many bands, but was originally written by Larry Norman. I tried to link to a video I recorded of my daughter and me singing this song, but it wouldn’t upload… at any rate, the song is about the Rapture – an event that some Christians believe Christ will return to remove His people from the Earth before the Tribulation. I don’t want to start a debate among those who love Jesus about their pre-trib, post-trib belief’s – I just believe it’s super important to know where you stand with Jesus. Regardless of eternal timelines, there will be a point in your own life where you will not have the ability to change your mind… If you have never accepted Him as Savior, my prayer is that you take some time today to pray about it.
Jesus is our Savior, Sancitifier, Healer and Coming King. I will forever serve Him, no matter what happens here on earth. My prayer is that you will, too.
Life was filled with guns and war
And everyone got trampled on the floor
I wish wed all been ready
The children died, the days grew cold A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold I wish wed all been ready
There’s no time to change your mind The son has come and you’ve been left behind
A man and wife asleep in bed She hears a noise and turns her head he’s gone I wish wed all been ready
Two men walking up a hill One disappears and ones left standing still I wish we’d all been ready
The father spoke, the demons dined How could you have been so blind?
There’s no time to change your mind The son has come and you’ve been left behind
There’s no time to change your mind The son has come and you’ve been left behind
I hope well all be ready You’ve been left behind
2 Peter 3:9, ESV: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” … He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
Today, I digress slightly from the typical tone of my blog to voice some of my own concerns about the Covid 19 pandemic. In no way am I trying to offend anyone, however, I am certain not everyone will share my views.
I’m sure that the virus is awful, and I don’t wish for anyone to get it, certainly not my 83 year old mother, or friends I have undergoing cancer treatment or other immunocompromised disease. Not even myself or my healthy children. I’m not doubting it’s virility nor its ability to take a life.
I believe, however, that there are more frightening things happening around us than the virus itself.
In just a few short weeks, our entire world changed before our eyes. The news media has created a world-wide fear pandemic equally disturbing as the virus. I am watching friends literally coming unglued, with their Facebook posts documenting their downward spiral. Fear has literally gripped the town I live in, my state, my country, and yes, even the world.
In the US, people have literally hoarded toilet paper…. toilet paper, for crying outloud.
I work for a medical device manufacturer and am working from home as much as possible. Many of those who work there are literally building ventilators and patient monitors and have to be there. I honestly feel guilty working at home while my team of manufacturing engineers and the production workers show up for work every day, but I am following the company guidelines.
My daily meeting schedule…
In the evening, I teach piano lessons, no longer from my studio in neighboring town, but from my home piano, using FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom. I’m grateful for the parents who have embraced the technology in this trying time.
I am personally just as busy as ever (if not busier), and I’ll admit, a little jealous of all the people who are working on home projects right now because they have the time, and a lot annoyed with the people who complain about being bored.
My home houses all three of my children, two finishing college courses and one doing high school on line. For the first few weeks, we had additional roommates as their college roommates needed a temporary place to stay until they could make arrangements to get home It has been an adjustment for us, as it has been for the rest of the nation. We are making it work.
We don’t go out unnecessarily, but have gone out for groceries and food and such. We are observing caution when we do go out, practicing appropriate distance from people, and good hygiene, which, quite frankly, we did anyway!
I see post after post of people complaint about people going out… why aren’t they taking it seriously, blah blah blah. Maybe it’s because I’m busy doing my thing and/or observing the guidelines when I do go out, that I am frankly surprised by the number of people complaining. When I’ve gone out, which admittedly is not often, I have not observed hoards of people crowing one another. I’ve seen parking lots with cars tailgating from appropriate distances, joggers jogging (which is still “allowed”), and the like. In grocery stores, I’ve seen people keep their distance as appropriate, except for the bread isle at Walmart.
One of my Facebook friends quit her job as a nurse for fear of bringing the virus home to her immunocompromised husband. Hard decision. I get it. She was on her soapbox about people staying home for nearly a week… and then… in the midst of the chaos… she posted that she was “risking her life” to venture out to Oakmont bakery to get the Oakmonter cake for her husbands birthday! Really??? Because THAT was essential? I have no problem with her deciding to get the cake… no problem with her going out in public without a face mask (as evidenced by her post picture) to celebrate dear Hubs birthday… what I have a problem with is the hypocrisy.
Yesterday, in our suburban town Facebook page, someone posted that they went to our local trail and observed young boys not practicing social distancing. One person commented that they hoped the police would cite them. Another, with more sense, posted, “I hope not!”
People, can you sit back and watch as the world turns against itself?? We have resorted to social media tattling on our neighbors, shaming people into doing what we think they ought. The funny thing is, many of the people who are doing that are also going out to get groceries… or supplies for their home projects. Really? We’re going to turn one another in???
The implications of living in this type of society are, for me, far greater than the fear of getting sick…. even, I dare say, if I should die.
I understand the concern… and honestly believe most people are trying to live with respect to the concern. However, I am deeply concerned about the societal changes that are in store for us when this virus is over… they are much more far lasting. It’s possible our society is forever changed…and this is the unfolding of what has been foretold in the Bible.
Matthew 10:21-23 (ERV)
21 “Brothers will turn against their own brothers and hand them over to be killed. Fathers will hand over their own children to be killed. Children will fight against their own parents and will have them killed.22 Everyone will hate you because you follow me. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved. 23 When you are treated badly in one city, go to another city. I promise you that you will not finish going to all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes again.
My hope is in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I live my life for Him, and, although I, too, am a sinner, I’ve been saved by His grace. I know that when I leave this earth, whether it be this year or decades from now, I will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. My mother has the same assurance, as do many of my family members.
I believe we are seeing the book of Revelation unfold before our eyes. I am keenly aware that there is far more going on here than meets the eye. I am prepared to spend eternity with my savior in Heaven, and trusting Him to care for me on earth.
I will do my part to coexist in society, being careful not to act carelessly, but I refuse to succumb to the fear that is causing people to turn against people. I will remain faithful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, come what may. My hope is in Him and my prayer is to share His good news with all who will listen.
Be watchful, my friends. Spend your time observing the bigger things that are happening, and don’t focus so much on the people who aren’t “following the rules”. History is unfolding before our eyes. Put your trust in God!
Be blessed today, my friends.
SB
Note: I intended to publish this yesterday, but didn’t get around to finishing it…
John 16 12“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”
Within the Bible, Jesus never did finish telling his disciples what he alluded to in this passage… only that the Spirit of Truth would come. The Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide… and dwells inside all of those who’ve accepted Jesus in their life.
Do you ever wonder what else Jesus would have told them if they had been ready for it? Are we ready for it? Am I? Are you?
In the early rising sun, Lord, I praise your name, as the dew reflects your glory.
In the heat of day, Lord, I praise your name, for You alone are worthy.
In the times of trouble, Lord, I praise your name, for you have delivered Your people. Your faithfulness to us stands unwavering.
May we be found with the same steadfastness, and declare Your name above all others, even in the face of trial.
Help us to remember those You’ve saved before us, the miracles you’ve worked, the blessings You’ve provided
Let us not divide but to unify for Your purpose. Heal our land, Lord, forgive us of the sins we’ve done against You, both as individuals and corporately. Restore our hearts, let us come humble before You and beg Your mercy. With all humility we ask you to heal us. Through that healing, may we turn to You for salvation. May we fully surrender everything we have. Mold us and shape us into who You’ve intended is to be all along.
Let us serve You with abandon, losing all our inhibitions for Your glory alone. Let Your light shine so bright in us, Lord, that others would see and follow. Give us words when we have none. Fill us with Your love and compassion. Lead us to You
Let us hear Your voice above all others, Lord, amidst the chaos and the news of devastation, death and deceit.
We lift our leaders, local, state and federal, and leaders of companies, both large and small, teachers and administrators an d all those making decisions about the present and the future. Grant them wisdom and peace. Let Your will be done.
Remember those who have loved You faithfully, and draw those who have wanted to but been afraid of others’ reactions to release their inhibitions and follow You wholeheartedly. Let those who love You be a beacon of light for those searching for Truth, that Your kingdom would multiply. Instill in us Your passion for humanity that we would be found faithful to Your calling
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 3:19 | ESV
I started my study of the book of Revelation last night. It’s a hard book to understand, and for that reason, many steer clear of it. I’m drawn to the imagery and to the prophetic language, in anticipation of coming days. I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I know I’ve placed my faith in my Lord and Savior, who has transformed me from the filthy sinner I am into what He needs me to be. I lay myself at the foot of the cross daily, and ask Him to forgive my sins, to continue to refine me for whatever He’s called me to do and to give me the courage to obey. I listen quietly and intently for His voice, which is sometimes hard to hear over all of the clamoring noise in my life. In my quiet prayer time, I ask Him for guidance and favor, protection and healing, for me and for those I love.
This scripture is an invitation for anyone who hears His knock to follow, and He will dine with them. What He offered to me, he offers to you. today is the day to obey, my friends.
Over the past eighteen months, events in my personal life have been filled with more drama than a Hallmark move. Just as I declared my 2018 word of the year WAIT, God blesses me incredibly with some answers to prayers that were 12 years old, and some that were nearly 30 years old!
Part way through the year, I heard the inaudible but unmistakable voice of God ask me, “will you still trust Me when it gets really bad?”
I answered instantly, “yes, of course, Lord,” and instantly knew I was in for some rough water. I had no idea what would unfold, but in that moment, I knew God was preparing me for something big, and I knew that He was asking if my faith was strong enough to sustain me when things got “really bad”.
It’s taken a lifetime to grow my faith. Truth be told, in my young life, my faith really wasn’t very strong at all.. I was angry with God for taking my daddy when I was young, and it took me years to trust that God had a plan. The process of developing spiritual grit happens over time, by going through trials and learning to trust God to provide and deliver. As I reflect on my spiritual growth, in hindsight, I can see that I grew the most when I went through the fire, when all I had left was to rely on God. There were plenty of times throughout the process where I couldn’t feel Gods presence, and didn’t seek His Word for comfort, and relied on my own strength and abilities to get me through the tough times.
The battle I found myself in late last summer was a doozy… and included physical battle for my dear friend’s health as well as spiritual battle from other Christians (yes, even Christians can be ugly to one another) and my own doubts and fears. There were moments during this battle when I confessed to God that I didn’t know if my strength could last, and I found myself in unknown territory where I literally could do nothing but pray. For once in my life, I was completely powerless to change the circumstances of my tiny microcosm, and found the absolute only thing I could do was pray. I knew with my head that I trusted God, but quite honestly, I had to be reminded of God’s faithfulness to His people more than once.
During my battle, I turned to scripture, and studied how God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and literally parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could cross on dry land when their enemies were in hot pursuit. He literally provided a way when it seemed they were out of options.
Miraculously, God intervened and provided grace and healing to my friend, and brought healing to other areas of my life which seemed impossible.
As we entered 2020, I declared my word of the year PRAY, as I learned so much about true prayer when I could do nothing but pray. To be clear, God wants us to pray.. He wants us to converse with Him, and He wants to reveal Himself to us through prayer.
In the past two weeks, I have been haunted by the question, “will you trust Me when it gets really bad?” I couldn’t help but think He was preparing me then, and now, to trust Him completely. I have a calm peace about all that is happening across our globe right now, that can only be explained by the presence of God. I know that God will deliver His people. He always has… and He always will.
I don’t know the extent of “really bad”… either for me personally, or for us as a society. All I know is that I will trust Him…. and I will pray. When I am completely powerless to change my circumstances, I will trust God for everything.
New International Version Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
The peace I feel right now comes from knowing that the God of the universe is my Savior. He has forgiven my sins, and cleansed me. He is my ultimate healer and my coming King. I know that someday I will spend eternity with Him in The Heavens He’s created.
New Living Translation Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
Oh Lord, my God, I will trust You to deliver us prepare our hearts for what You’ve called us to be. Bring healing to our land and our world, turn our eyes toward You. I pray that You will give people an opportunity to ask forgiveness for their sins and put their trust in You alone. If I can be part of that process, equip me with the right words to say to show others what You’ve done for me.
Guide me in all decisions, refine my heart to love You above all else. Prepare me and help me prepare others for Your coming.
Precious Lord, You alone are worthy of our praise… You alone are our Hope, an ever present help in time of trouble.
In You, I find my purpose. You’ve given new life, breathed breath into dead lungs, brought light to the darkness, created ways where there were none, restored broken hearts, restored minds, given second and third and fourth chances to us, even when we can’t fully understand Your sacrifice. You have been merciful to the most undeserving, those who have trampled Your name under their selfish feet.
You’ve allowed me to grow in Your ways, and refined me by Your fire, allowing my trials to strengthen my faith in You.
I trust Your sovereign will, Lord, and trust that You will bring all things together for good to those who love You.
Use me, Lord, the story of my redemption and transformation, which You alone have allowed. Let that story be shared with others who will hear and come to know You.
Help me to hold loosely that which You’ve given, knowing that You will always provide all I need. help me to align my desires with Your plans.
Lord, I bring to you my loved ones who don’t know You personally… I pray that You would give them a desire to know You, that You would prepare their hearts to learn about You. Open opportunities to share Your goodness with others, helping me to always be ready to obey you. Forgive me when I sin against You. Help me to be real with others. I pray that they would see You through me. Help me to honor You with all I think and do. Continue to refine me to become the person You’ve intended, and help me to love those whom You love.
Heal our land, heal our hearts and minds. Bring healing to others where healing is needed, restore that which needs restored, and refine which needs refined. In Your Holy and precious name I pray, amen
Journey-For-Life 