You are never alone...

Good Evening Friends

I pray your Sunday has gone well

Today was a good day ... a hot day, but a good day.

Yes – I will still call it a 'good day',

          even in the midst of everything that is occurring right now

These are unprecedented times...

Pandemic illness, earthquakes, economic instability... 

All of creation is groaning and there are sadly many more questions than there are answers.

Yet, there is always something to be thankful for –

And – one thing is certain

We're not alone … you are never alone

But to all who have ever asked, ‘LORD, Where are You?’ this post is for you …

Truthfully, this post is for me as well.

It is natural to question where God is,

especially when we encounter troubling and uncertain situations.

But even in those moments, we must not forget that we have a Savior who loves us,

                Who gave His all for us and is seated on high, interceding for us still

‘He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before its shearers, He opened not His mouth.’ Isaiah 53:5-7

To His accusers and attackers, He uttered not a word …

But He did talk to the LORD …

‘And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is to say, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Matthew 27:46

Make no mistake – Jesus knows how we feel.

He knows what it is like to need God so desperately.

He knows the we experience situations where it feels like God is distant.

He understands when we have moments when we ask God,

‘Where are You and why have You forsaken me?’

Therefore –

‘Since we have a great high priest, Jesus the Son of God, who has gone into heaven, let us hold on to the faith we have. For our High Priest is able to understand our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, but He did not sin. Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.' Hebrews 4:14-16

‘…For He hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”’ Hebrews 13:5

‘We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.’ II Corinthians 4:8-10

So …

‘Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.’

Hebrews 10:23 

And He said, '"... lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.' Matthew 28:20

You are never alone … never doubt it … no matter what it looks like.

I am praying for you – that the LORD will bless you and keep you safe & encouraged.

Have a Blessed Evening & Stay Safe

be blessed...

My prayer for all this morning...

‘The LORD bless you and keep you;
     the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
     the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.’
                                                                          Numbers 6:24-26
He is still in control,
     He is still on the throne
You are not alone!

Have a Blessed Day!

it's personal ...

Good Morning Friends

Happy Sunday!

Week two of no gathered services for church –

However, how many of you know we are the church;

                And church is wherever we are

I fully appreciate these intimate personal times with the LORD

It’s personal … it is a personal preference for each individual

Even so – I still miss gathering together as a corporate body of believers

But this too shall pass …

I heard an interesting news notification yesterday –

The actual instance occurred a couple of days ago;

In light of the numerous restrictions imposed by COVID-19, the Pope issued this statement:

‘If you don’t find a priest to go to confession, speak to God. He’s your Father. Tell Him the truth. ‘Lord. I did this and this and this. Pardon me.’ Ask His forgiveness with all your hear, with an act of contrition, and promise Him, ‘Afterward I will go to confession.’ You will return to God’s grace immediately.’

Now – for the record, let me state that I am not Catholic

Therefore – I do not have a personal understanding of some of the traditions and practices

The best that I can ascertain is that the practice of going to a priest would be an attempt to replicate Old Testament practices [where a priest had to represent the people] or an action to honor the New Testament directive to, ‘confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed’ (James 5:16)

HOWEVER – Let us make no mistake

It is essential for us to understand that Jesus is our High Priest

CHRIST is our priest forever – without beginning or end [Hebrews 5:5-6]

We may approach our LORD and GOD, our FATHER and FRIEND directly

Because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus,

We are able to go directly to God – at any time

                It’s personal ….

It is about a personal relationship – something He desires to have with each of us

At the death of Jesus, the veil was torn –

It was torn, indicating the introduction of personal relationship with the LORD

When that veil was torn it removed the separation which existed between God and man

The tearing of that veil from top to bottom –

It was indicative of a work which could only be performed … by the LORD Himself

TO BE CLEAR –

These are unprecedented times …

In our nation and around the world, this health crisis is removing standard protocols

Churches are having to resort to online services

Individuals are coming face-to-face with the realities of their faith

A  few days ago, I wrote about my grandmother, my Nana

                And I acknowledged the tremendous impact that she had on my faith

She had an impact on my faith – but she was not and is not the source of my faith

You see, relationship with the LORD … it’s personal

It must be received – and then cultivated and developed through personal interaction

                Through personal times of prayer, study, reflections, worship and transparency

In these challenging times, go to the LORD

At all times, go the LORD God Almighty – seek His heart

It’s personal … it’s personal to Him

                He desires a personal relationship at all times

And I believe, just as the verse notes above, many who have died [in our case spiritually],

They are being raised to life.

Have a Blessed Day & Stay Safe

prayer still works ...

Good Morning Friends

I pray you all are staying safe amidst all of these challenges with COVID-19

This will have to be a quick post as I am on my way to work

I have been up for a couple of hours at this point

And, in getting ready for work, I heard one of the saddest incidents;

A family in NJ severely impacted by this virus –

                They have lost four family members with another three hospitalized

This virus and the effects are real

The recommendations for social distancing and ‘sheltering in place’ are wise

I am going to work because I HAVE TO … while awaiting the opportunity to work from home

Let us all use wisdom in these trying times

Devastating outcomes can occur from seemingly harmless activities

Therefore, let us walk in faith, live with hope, exercise wisdom and – pray without ceasing

I am praying for that family in New Jersey –

Praying that the LORD would help them with the pain;

Pain they have already experienced from losing so many loved ones;

Pain from worry over all the family members which remain in harm’s way

I am praying for my family –

Praying that the LORD would bless and protect them

I keep my sons and my love covered in prayer daily

Praying that He would watch over my Mom, my Dad and Step-Mom,

Praying that He would protect my three siblings, my step-sister and all their children

                That the great-grandchildren would be shielded

Praying for my ex-husband, his beautiful wife and their son;

Praying for all my extended family and their loved ones

I am praying for my spiritual family –

Praying that they would all be kept safe from harm

Thanking the LORD for my pastors who continue to lead in exemplary fashion

Praying that we would remember that we are the ‘light of the world’, ‘the salt of the earth’

Praying that we would all storm heaven’s gates –

for our president, for our leaders, for our neighbors, for the nation, for the world

I am praying for my co-workers and neighbors –

Praying that all – wherever they are working, whatever they are doing – would be kept safe

Praying for provision for those who have lost finances and security

Praying that every need is supplied

May the LORD God Almighty protect and keep us all …

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” II Chronicles 7:14

‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”’

Psalm 91:1-2 

Have a Blessed Day & Stay Safe

a legacy of faith

Good Morning Friends

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Many will be celebrating this day a bit different today … in the midst of COVID-19

However, I have always celebrated it a bit different

Today is my Nana’s birthday!

I still reflect with fondness the days that I spent with her – helping in the kitchen

I was always right up under my grandparents when we went to visit

My Nana was born in 1906 and went home to heaven when I was ten years old

And, while it doesn’t seem I had a great deal of time with her,

She is a very big part of the reason I have a firm foundation of faith

She taught me what it was to fear the LORD –

Not to be afraid of Him, but to have a holy reverence for Him

A couple of days ago, I wrote about us trusting the LORD, making note:

HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE – HE IS STILL IN CONTROL

Yesterday was a challenge for me – for reasons I will not go into right now

However, I think back to my Nana who taught me to trust the LORD no matter what

He is Holy and fully trustworthy!

THEREFORE –  I rejoice as Habakkuk the prophet did

 ‘Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights!’ Habakkuk 3:17-19

AND I KNOW –

·         Jesus has prayed for me that my faith would not fail [Luke 22:32]

·         There is a whole heavenly host of witnesses cheering me on and encouraging me to keep running this race [Hebrews 12:1]

I like to believe that my Nana is front-and-center … blessing me from afar

May you also be blessed – today and always

 Happy St. Patrick’s Day

& Happy Birthday Nana!

still in control, still on the throne

Good Morning Friends

Happy Saturday …

Yes – it is still a happy Saturday … even in the midst of COVID-19

Empty shelves, empty stadiums, empty venues, empty schools

                And still there is fullness

Some of that fullness is good and some not so good

People are full of anxiety, uncertainty and questions

And while I do not have all the answers, or even most, this I do know:

HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE – HE IS STILL IN CONTROL

I do not minimize the issues confronting us all – not just as a nation, but globally

It is one matter when you are struggling with where to find financial resources to get what is needed;

It is a completely different matter when you have the financial resources – but there is nothing to buy

Both are devastating in their own way – both have the potential to evoke feelings of fear

HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE – HE IS STILL IN CONTROL

This pandemic situation –

It became more tangible when two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed here in VA Beach

It became much more tangible when an alert showed up on my phone at work:

Potential COVID-19 Exposure Being Investigated in the Building

When I got home that evening, a call came from mom's nursing home;

They were taking a proactive step and canceling all visitation – indefinitely

And while I am thankful for the measure taken to protect the residents,

                It will be hard not being able to see my mom.

I am praying for my mom [and all the other residents]

HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE – HE IS STILL IN CONTROL

Faced with some of these situations this week,

I had to come face-to-face with the fact that … ‘I cannot control everything’

And I am either going to place my trust in Him or I am not

HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE – HE IS STILL IN CONTROL

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me’ John 14:1

Now – the ‘me’ in that verse is clearly not me … or any other ordinary person

No – the ‘Me’ in John 14:1 is someone extraordinary; the ‘Me’ in John 14:1 is JESUS

Jesus was comforting His disciples in the midst of trials.

How many of us could use that comfort now?

Contextually, Jesus was speaking of the place He had prepared for them

Well, He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore

And the place He has prepared – heavenly and earthly – is one of provision and protection

The All–Sufficient One is attentive to every one of your concerns

                He is well-able to supply every need

HE IS STILL ON THE THRONE – HE IS STILL IN CONTROL

Therefore, I speak to your heart this morning: ‘Peace, peace …’

‘The LORD will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life;

‘The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.’

Psalm 131:7

Have a Blessed Day …

for the hurting ...

Good Morning Friends

It is early and I am actually on my way to work

However, I had to stop and write this post

Hard to believe we are just two short weeks from the first day of Spring

In fact, time ‘springs forward’ this weekend

Today is Friday and the first week of March … has marched on

Time stops for no man … or woman

But, there is a saying that ‘time heals all wounds’

                However, that is simply not true

Time cannot erase feelings of loss or missing someone so precious to you

No – in those instances, time just passes.

This thought has repeatedly entered my mind over the past few days 

There is a someone so special to me who is heavy on my heart today –

Truthfully, they have been on my heart all week

And I know time does not heal the hurt

You see, some days are great days of remembrance –

For me, it is the birthdays of my sons, my parents and close friends,

It is holidays like Christmas,Valentine’s Day, Father's Day & Mother's Day

It is March 23^rd – a day which holds special significance for me

However – not every day of remembrance is a great day

No – some days of remembrance can evoke feelings of sorrow and loss

Today is one of those days – but not because I experienced a personal loss

               

One of the shortest verses in the Bible is found in John 11:35

And it simply states, ‘Jesus wept.’

His friend Lazarus had died and He had just arrived in town;

That is when He encountered Lazarus’ sister Mary.

Scripture notes, ‘When Jesus saw her weeping …

He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled’ John 11:33

FOR THE HURTING ... 

Sometimes you are moved for your own situation;

Sometimes you are moved by the situations of others

‘We weep with those who are weeping’ Romans 12:15

Just as the Father cares for that which concerns us

There are those special people in your life where you care about what concerns them –

                truly care …

In those situations, you demonstrate compassion –

And you understand that time does not heal all wounds

To my special one – and to all who may be hurting – know this:

I am praying for you today and always

I pray that something would happen today to brighten your countenance,

to place a smile on your face

I wish more than anything that I could give you a giant hug –

Not that it will fix what hurts. How could it?

But in the absence of a physical hug,

I pray that the LORD’s presence would be tangible to you today –

                So tangible that it would feel like an actual hug.

Scripture says, ‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning’ Ps. 30:5

The truth is – weeping may endure for many nights .. and even years intermittently.

However, I am praying for you continually;

I am praying that there will be a dawn breaking which ushers joy into your spirit

                even in the midst of the sadness,

Today and any day your heart aches

Have a Blessed Day,

I love you much …

stand strong

Good Evening Friends!

I hope you had a fantastic day today –

I have had an interesting day;

One of those days that makes you sit and reflect at the end of the day

Have you ever experienced a situation –

One which should have left you feeling a certain way,

But had the complete opposite affect?

I had one of those moments today –

Two actually

It made me think of a response from three of God’s faithful servants in the Old Testament

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

These three men were faced with persecution and threatened with bodily harm;

And, their enemy, who had heard of their determination to honor the LORD, was furious;

Then, in his rage, the king declared, “Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Daniel 3:15

The three Hebrew men responded, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16

I love the way the Message Version says it:

“Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up”

The kings words were meant to instill fear –

However, those very words, words meant to intimidate them,

Those words had the opposite affect – instead it emboldened them!

People in our modern-day society make reference to people ‘doubling-down’

Well, these three had to be the originators of ‘double-down’

Some might refer to them as ‘strong-willed',

But that is what I like about them and their story.

I have often told the tale of my youngest son and his incredible determination:

From the time he was very young, he has had an extremely strong will;

I would even dare to say that it is a quality he possessed before he was born

The pregnancy with him was nothing like what I experienced carrying his two older brothers

And, he was almost two weeks late! He was determined to do things his way, on his timetable

It was a constant struggle, a war of wills, a tango of temperaments;

My son determined to have his way – and me determined to control the situation

HOWEVER – everything changed one day

I was praying about/against that willfulness in my son;

Then I heard the LORD speak so clearly, that it might as well have been audible:

‘Stop praying against that trait … I gave him that characteristic

It does not need to be rebuked. It needs to be trained and harnessed

Because when he wants what I want – HE WILL BE UNSTOPPABLE!’

You see – there is a strength that comes from confidence in self

                In knowing who you are as a person … this is foolishness, vanity and futility

Then – there is a strength that comes from confidence in the LORD;

                In knowing Whose you are … this is true strength, wisdom & power!

When you know the LORD – you are able to walk and talk, a little differently;

‘The people who know their God shall display strength and do great exploits’ Daniel 11:32

So, my encouragement to you this evening – stand strong in the LORD

AFTER ALL –

‘…if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God,

You cannot overthrow it – lest you even be found to fight against God’ Acts 5:38-39

Have a Blessed Evening!