Tag: God is faithful

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Never Forget!

I can relive that day and I’m sure most of you can too. We were living in North Idaho. Dave had just left for work when I turned on the television. The first tower had just been hit. As I was watching and getting ready to call Dave, a call came from our oldest daughter. Our son-in-law, a career Navy man, was being deployed to the waters off America’s west coast.

Our son, who is a fire fighter in California, had many friends who served the NYFD. Some lost their lives that day and others were injured.

Our family was tangibly involved in the events of that day, as were so many others.

The days that followed our nation displayed a unity that had been lacking. Most of us had only read of the attack at Pearl Harbor but this day, September 11, 2001, was our day that will live in infamy!

Our citizens were kinder, prayers were being said publicly and privately and we had a heightened sense of patriotism. We were one nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all!

There was a fire in our hearts and prayers on our lips. Flags were “sold out”. Much different than the trivial toilet paper shortage we experienced only months ago. Flags were flying everywhere – people were spontaneously singing “God Bless America” on the streets and in places of business.

Parents were explaining to their children the events of that day! Patriotism reigned. We weren’t Democrat or Republican, we weren’t racially divided, not liberal or conservative; we were Americans!

Our nation was called to prayer and no one was offended! We needed God’s guidance and comfort, we still do.

“I love you, Lord;
    you are my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
    my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
    and my place of safety.
3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
    and he saved me from my enemies.

4 The ropes of death entangled me;
    floods of destruction swept over me.
5 The grave[a] wrapped its ropes around me;
    death laid a trap in my path.
6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
    yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
    my cry to him reached his ears.” Psalm 18:1-6 NLT

May we never forget the events of that day. May we never forget that we found hope in God!

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Light Afflictions

A couple of days ago I had my annual physical. My doctor gave me a good report and didn’t even say anything about the few pounds I had gained since last year. (Thanks, Doc) One thing that was part of my exam was an injection, a pneumonia vaccine.

Ouch!

He told me it would hurt for the next 24 hours and if it was too bad I could take an over-the-counter pain reliever. I thought how bad could it be. After all just a few weeks ago I had been stung by a bee while out refilling my humming bird feeders, in the same arm no less. Monday evening my arm was sore but yesterday when I woke up, it hurt! I was trying not to be a baby about the whole thing but every time I raised my arm or reached for something with my left hand I audibly complained.

That brings me to this morning. Here I am, Sitting in my chair, reaching over for my Bible, raising my arm above my head and the pain is gone. A light momentary affliction.

So much in life can fall into that category. Missing out on a promotion or a raise, loosing a job, ending a relationship, physical adversity, social distancing – there are so many disappointments in life, set backs and even life-threatening circumstances. However, one thing will never change. In all of these, our light afflictions, our heavenly Father will not abandon us or leave us to struggle through them on our own.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self[a] is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” II Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV

The struggles I listed above really aren’t life and death situations. The Apostle Paul faced those kinds of persecution. He knew what it was like to put his life on the line every where he went. He was stoned and left for dead on several occasions, imprisoned continually, beaten with rods, ship wrecked and floating in the sea, snake bit. This is what he said:

“Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV

I don’t know what situations are facing you. I don’t know what you’ve been going through and still have ahead but our Father does. He knows each step and He promises us His strength for the journey.

“But the Lord is faithful. He will give you strength and protect you from the Evil One.” II Thessalonians 3:3 ESV

Each of us have a promise, an unbreakable promise, that when we trust Him He will give us strength for our weakness.

No affliction, light or heavy, is too great for the ability of our God.

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Feeling Overwhelmed?

About eighteen months ago we repurposed our dining room. Out with the dining table (everyone likes to eat on the patio when they come) and in with the roll-top desk, bookcase, filing cabinet, side table and two wonderful wooden rockers that Dave refinished.

The side table holds a lamp and a charging station. On the bottom shelf we have our books; several translations of the Bible, daily devotionals and our “what I want to read next” stack of books. This is my quiet place; my sit-and-pray, read-n-pray, pray-n-write solace. I have learned that every morning life needs to start here or I, all too quickly, become overwhelmed with life’s daily routine and whatever new crisis that crops up in the world overnight.

Here, before the day really starts, I spend time with my Father. He encourages me, corrects me, strengthens and instructs me. It’s here I pray for family, friends, neighbors, our nation and the world.

Life can be overwhelming, Jesus understands that. He knows we need help and He is here to provide what we need. These are some of Jesus final words to His disciples. He would be arrested in just a matter of hours.

“Jesus answered them, ‘Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.’” John 16:31-33 MSG

The disciples were facing an overwhelming time – the death of their leader and their own persecution. Jesus’ words were trust me, be at peace, cheer up, I’m here and I have conquered the world. The same truth is for us as well. Jesus wanted their focus to change from being overwhelmed by their circumstances to overcoming them.

I make lists when I come to my quiet place – a list with prayer needs and I have a daily to-do list. I pray over both of them. I ask the Lord to provide for those I know who need specific things and I ask for direction on which of my to-do’s need my attention that day. It keeps me focused and on track. I hand the Lord those I love dearly and the situations that could overwhelm and I receive His peace, joy and reassurance.

There’s one place in Psalms that I go to when I am feeling overwhelmed and it always brings me peace.

“O God, listen to my cry!  Hear my prayer! 2 From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help
 when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, 3for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. 4 Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!” Psalm 61:1-4 NLT

When life is overwhelming, run to the One who overcame all its adversity. Find safety and peace with the Rock of Ages.

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