Amazing Grace Alone

Matthew 5:17-18 - Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

You hear me say this often: it’s not about a religion but a relationship. This relationship is with Jesus Christ. A church doesn’t save us. Our works don’t save us. Rituals don’t save us. Being what we think is good doesn’t save us. There is only one way we can be saved and that is through Jesus Christ. Not just knowing who He is. But having experienced a change within. An I know that I know that I know I have been touched by God experience. Being saved is one of God’s miracles. Anyone who has known this just plain knows. I still do as if it was yesterday and it’s been 20 years. 

He did all the work on the cross. He is the One who said it was finished. Our role in all this is believing what He did was sufficient and putting our trust in His accomplished work. 

I read or heard this the other day and it has stuck with me, though I’ve known this for some time: when children are small they trust their father (or parents) explicitly. It’s the same for us with God. He tells us we are to come to Him as little children. That means with total trust in our Heavenly Father. No questions asked. It is the same principle, which example I believe is God-inspired! He sure can use everyday life to reveal His nature. Praise Him!

You can look at a lot of the things in this world and see God’s hand on them. The seasons and how things are born, grow, age, die and return. The cycle of nature’s life. It mimics ours to some degree. In our life we die, but do not return to earth. But...in the cycle of life in Christ, we can live on after death. But only when we have put our trust in Jesus Christ alone for the remission of our sins.

This means allowing His grace (unmerited favor) of God toward mankind and mercy into our lives, not what man thinks we need to do to attain God’s love and acceptance. We all know the song: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see. We have to be able to say we are a wretch! And we have to be able to admit we are lost and blind, but through Christ we are made to see the truth...of His Word, of what He has done, of our wretchedness and dark hearts...those things only He can change. 

It can be a difficult thing to understand and yet it is so simple. It’s the simplicity of Christ alone. No certain prayer or ritual prayers repeated. Those things we might do in hopes they will please God are like the Old Testament sacrifices being made constantly to atone for sin. When Christ came, and while those laws help us to understand rights and wrongs, He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. His work on the cross did it. If we are in Christ, hidden in Christ, God sees only His Son standing before Him. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:3-4)

If anyone trusts that their rituals, church, goodness, or works will be pleasing to God, this is wrong. Give your life to Jesus and you will know the truth...and that is what will set you free. Honest.

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

We Can Have Hope

Jeremiah‬ ‭17:7‬ ‭- Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.

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We can have hope. First, however, one has to believe there is a God. Not just any god, but the God. The God who created the heavens and the earth.

• Then one must believe in His Word, the Bible.
• Then one has to believe that God is in control of all things, no matter what anyone else will say.
• Then one needs not fear!

Do you believe in God? Not in a god but the God? There is only one Who can promise eternal life.

Do you believe that He created all things...the earth, heavens, mankind, flora and fauna...you? You were knit by Him in your mother’s womb. The earth in six days.

Do you believe God knows all things? Like the beginning to the end. He knows everything about you too!

Do you believe God is in control of all things? He places the stars in the sky and they move by His hand. Same with the sun, the moon, the planets and constellations. He knows all that is necessary about the weather, our number of days, the seasons. He places people in power and He removes them. All these are to bring about His will.

Do you believe in the Bible? It is God speaking to us, teaching us, showing us past, present...and the future. We would be wise to want to know what He has to say about today's headlines and our future. It's all spelled out in His Word.

Then do you believe all that is written in the Bible? It is not just a book of fables. It is His truth.

Do you believe God cannot lie? He is God and cannot lie because He is holy.

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Do you believe He loves all mankind? And that He might be willing to allow distress in our lives to hopefully steer people toward looking to Him for help? And life.

Do you believe God holds the keys to life and death? He does. Would be wise to consider this too.

Do you believe in heaven and hell? It’s mentioned in the Bible as real places. (Luke 16:29-31)

If you can say yes to these, you know Who is our hope and what our end will be. You know His promises to those who love Him. If you can't, you can still call out to God and ask that He guide you to His truth. He might guide you to someone who can show you how to know God and especially His Son Jesus, who is the only way, truth and life; the only way to our Father in heaven. His thoughts are what count!

Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

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Abraham and Isaac

Genesis 22:2 - Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."

There's a short and intense story in the Book of Genesis. It's about Abraham and his son Isaac. God has promised Abraham much...a covenant between He and Abraham, to make him the father of many nations, to bless him and his family (including all descendants) and Abraham had so much faith it was counted to him as righteousness.

God tested Abraham several times. Abraham didn't always past the test but he still held favor with God. He will do that with us too.

The biggest test was when God wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son. Let's look at the similarity between what God asked Abraham to do and what God did and what He asked Jesus to do. Sacrifice is big in God's eyes. It's not about us but about Him. It's sacrificing our ways for His. It's pressing on in faith and letting go of the past, which can be a sacrifice if we want to cling to what we are holding on to. 

Back to Abraham and Isaac. God had promised Abraham that through his son Isaac he would become the father of many nations. So why is it he is asked to sacrifice him? Had he done something wrong? Had God reneged on His promise? He was told to take Isaac into the mountains. He, Isaac and a couple servants, took wood for the sacrifice and proceeded on their trek. Isaac had no clue. Here's where it gets eerily familiar. On the third day they saw the spot God had pointed out. Abraham told his servants to wait while they went up the mountain to build an altar and worship. He told them, "We will come back to you." This takes a lot of faith to believe...we will come back.

Abraham put the wood on Isaac's back and they walked to the place where they were to make their sacrifice. Normally a lamb would be used for the offering. There was none to be seen and Isaac questioned his father about it. Abraham told him God would provide. By faith he was making this statement. Maybe he knew the words "nothing is impossible with God." What happens when God asks us to do something so seemingly impossible? Do we  have that kind of faith?

When they had reached their spot, Abraham built the altar. He bound his son and put him upon the wood. He took out a knife and raised it to make the offering of his only son for God. Before I finish, note that Isaac did not say a word, did not cry out, did not object. What could have been going through his mind? What could he have been thinking about what his father was doing? He never said a word. He might also have realized the statement "nothing is impossible with God," and that there was a very good reason for all this even if he didn't know what that could be and if it meant his death, so be it. 

Does any of this sound familiar? What about Jesus? Didn't God sacrifice His only Son? Didn't Jesus silently carry the wooden cross up to the place of His crucifixion and placed upon that cross? Did Jesus trust His Father, not knowing what would transpire after His death, that it might be for a very good reason? You know, it was for a very good reason...it was for you and for me, that we might be reconciled to the Father through His Son, Jesus, and that we would put our trust and faith in Him. Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. 

As Abraham's hand was lifted, the Angel of the Lord called out to him: "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Genesis 22:12) With that a ram appeared, caught in a bush, which was then used to present the necessary sacrifice.

I'm seeing similarities I've not noticed before. They are meanings to some numbers. I see "third day" and think of the three years Jesus ministered before His death. And on the third day He arose from the dead. It was a three days' journey to the place of sacrifice and also the third day when the sacrifice of Abraham's son was aborted...and Jesus (as we are) was born, died and resurrected to a new life. The number three can also be seen in numerous other instances, like the Trinity or Peter denying Jesus three times. 

We are asked to sacrifice ourselves when we follow the Lord. We are to die daily that we might do the will of God. We are asked to take up our cross daily. We are told that if we lose our life (sacrifice) we will be saved. 

Abraham and Isaac, God and Jesus...they all were willing to sacrifice. But the greatest sacrifice was the true Sacrifice. He carried His cross and was placed upon it for all of us. It makes sense that we would want to sacrifice for the love of our God, who provided a Way for us to live. That's where God desires followers to be in their walk. Have I achieved this? I know I'm not there. We don't ever achieve perfection. Perfection is when we see Jesus face to face in heaven because we have run the race and never lost our faith in the Son. 

Nothing in this world is nearly as important as Jesus. No job, no spouse, no hobby, no home. If Jesus is in our hearts and He plays an important role in our lives, that's what's important. That's the first step toward sacrifice. Climbing to the altar to offer up your self, your life, in the name of Jesus.

2Corinthians 5:15 - and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. ‭

On the Surface

Mark 10:32 - Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him...

...the things that would lead to His death. The things that He would bring about because of His death. The life He would give to others.

In a reading one day (Oswald Chambers Daily Devotional Bible, which I occasionally read from) I was touched to the core by a statement. It is the essence of true Christianity. Belief. Total trust. Faith...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

The disciples had been living in closest intimacy with Jesus, but now they begin to see that there is it dread side to His life. He has an attitude to things which is not easy to understand, and it fills them with fear. There are different kinds of fear. We know what fear is in the physical domain, and in the moral domain; but in the spiritual domain a man’s fear is not for his own skin at all, but, as it were, fear that his hero won’t get through. This was the disciples’ fear; it seemed as if all they had expected Jesus to do would end in nothing. Not one of them knew what Jesus was after, but still they followed and they were afraid. Many of us are supernaturally solemn about our religion because it is not real. As soon as a religion becomes real, it is possible to have humor in connection with that. There are occasions, nevertheless, when there is not only no humor, but when humor is unfit; there is a dread sense of detachment from our ordinary attitude to things which fill us with awe. We are all apt to interpret Jesus from our own standpoint; we get too familiar with Him, and immoral surgery of events is necessary before we can understand His standpoint. (Oswald Chambers)

My takeaway from this, I felt, was in the statement: fear that his hero won’t get through.

This is the faith alluded to in scripture. Faith of a mustard seed. So small. How much are we willing to trust Him? In what circumstances? Are we willing to allow Him to take us through a situation and not fear the outcome? Only when that time comes will we really know. Will we continue to follow Him like the disciples, not knowing what the end of our circumstance might be, the end He has for it?  Not one of them knew what Jesus was after, but still they followed, and they were afraid.

They feared His power, what He could do. We can know better than this. If we are fearful we don’t know Him.

Some say they are believers yet they fear death. They fear they are not good enough; fear whether heaven will be a real thing for them. This should not be if one truly knows the Lord, has repented of their sins and become a true Christian, not just by believing because one is not Buddhist or Jewish or whatever, they are Christian. Just because one goes to a church doesn't make them a true Christian. A true Christian knows they have undergone a change of heart and received Christ.

This change of heart is the relationship Jesus wants with us. It's not about a religion, as I've stated before. There isn't one denomination that is better than another. It's not even about that. It's knowing Jesus, not knowing about Him. Going to church doesn't make one secure in their Christianity. For some it's a ritual. I go to church because I experience God's Spirit and presence there. How many others can really say that?

The disciples followed not knowing the outcome. They didn't follow a religion or denomination. They followed a Man. Their fear and the outcome of Jesus' death and resurrection teach that He can be trusted, without our having to know how something will end because we follow Him. This hero will get through.

As with most of these blogs, I urge people to seek God/Jesus. He's the only way, truth and life. He casts out all fear. He is perfect love.

1John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Psalm 37, Day 10

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.)

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord. Which side are you on?

Psalm 37:35-40 - I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a native green tree. Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; indeed I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace. 
But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future
of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.

Amen!

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Psalm 37, Day 9

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.)

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the LorD.

Have you received the gift of God and His inheritance of eternal life?

Psalm 37:29-34 - The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever. 
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. 
The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. 
The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to slay him. 
The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. 
Wait on the LORD, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

Psalm 37, Day 8

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.)

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord.

I have been young (and foolish) and now I am “old” and hopefully wiser. God IS merciful. Departing from evil is always a good thing.

Psalm 37:25-28 - I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lends; and his descendants are blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell forevermore. For the LORD loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. 

Psalm 37, Day 7

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.)

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord.

Psalm 37:21-24 - The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives. For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, but those cursed by Him shall be cut off. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand. 

Psalm 37, Day 6

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.)

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord.

Psalm 37:16-20 - A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. The LORD knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the LORD, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away.

Psalm 37, Day 5

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.)

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord.

We all will reap what we have sown.

Psalm 37:12-15 - The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth. 
**The Lord laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.**
The wicked have drawn the sword and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

Psalm 37, Day 4

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.)

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord.

Psalm 37:10-11 - For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more. But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 

Psalm 37, Day 3

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.)

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord.

Psalm 37:8-9 - Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 

Psalm 37, Day 2

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.) 

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord. 

I will post a little of the psalm each day so as not to overwhelm! The psalmist not only writes truth but suggests: 

Psalm 37:5-7 - Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 

Psalm 37, Day 1

Psalm 37 tells us just what we all can do if/when the cares of the world get the better of us. We know we live in disturbing times. (Some will view this disturbance one way, others another, depending on where their allegiance is: with God or the world.) 

Do you trust in HIM alone? I know that God is in control, that He knows the beginning from the end, He absolutely knows the hearts of man. He has stated that by nature, apart from Him, man’s heart is geared to do evil. He will return to bring His wrath on evil man and the righteous will be saved. By knowing God’s views and submitting to Him now we can be counted among the righteous. We have been both warned and promised! Our only hope is in the Lord. 

So, I will post a little of the psalm each day so as not to overwhelm! The psalmist not only writes truth but suggests: 

Psalm 37:1-4 - Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.

For A Little While

1Peter‬ ‭1:6-9‬ ‭- In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 

How is your faith? Do you have faith? Who or what is that faith in? If it is not in Jesus, the hard truth is you have put your faith in something that cannot come through. Man or things cannot trusted. There is only One we can trust. 

So, we go through trials in our lives. We all do. This we cannot deny. So if we have faith in Jesus alone, He will help us get through. Faith is knowing and trusting in that truth.

Perseverance and patience are also good traits to have. Persevere until He returns or our lives end. And be patient for both! We know we will all die but we can also know He will return. I’d like to still be alive when He does. It will be difficult because there is another, not so wonderful promise...that no matter what we see in this work right now, how society has changed and things are getting out of hand, it will only get worse. Sorry! But if we can persevere...and it better start now.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James‬ ‭1:12-13‬)

Until He returns we are asked to establish our hearts. I see that as strengthening our faith...again, not in earthly things or man, but in our Lord Jesus. We must be patient for His return. He will, you know. Will He find you looking to Him? Can you honestly say your faith is in Him? 

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ... (1Peter‬ ‭1:13‬)  

I can’t say it enough. We have to know Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. That revelation knowledge. He must be the center of our lives, not through man’s rituals but through faith in Him. Establish your heart today.

James‬ ‭5:7-8‬ - Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Storms of Life

Psalm 91:14-16 - "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”

Everyone is aware of the disaster of Hurricane Harvey and the devastation in Texas. It's heartbreaking.  I did not have a title for this until I typed something later. Funny how that works. 

As I read this scripture this morning I thought of the people of Texas and prayed for the many who have lost their homes, possessions and even family. They have nothing. They will rely on others for a time for food and shelter. 

Food and shelter are physical needs. What about emotional? Others can offer words of support but they might not take away the pain of very raw emotions. But there is One who can. His name is Jesus. If we call upon the name of the Lord, He will supply all our needs, including those emotional ones. He can bring the peace and comfort to anyone's life, if they know Him and call on Him for their spiritual salvation and needs they have in this life on earth.

Amid these people I have prayed that many would know our God and His power in their lives. I have prayed that through this tragedy the love of God would be seen in those believers who do know Him and because of their testimonies, unbelievers would look to God for the source of their strength and salvation.

When we get to a point in our lives when nothing else gives comfort, because of illness, death or great losses like Texas, may we find the hope and strength that only Jesus brings.

Many times it's through tragedy that we come to Christ. We have to be broken. Tragedy can bring us to our knees with the realization we are vulnerable and that we cannot always save ourselves, nor can money, family or friends. But God... Listen to what He can do, if one is willing to receive Him...

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus...For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:4-6,8-9) 

God is great in mercy. He offers a great gift, not one that we can work for, but one we can receive. This gift is Jesus. I realize that in times of tragedy not all will turn to God. Anger over what they have gone through, questioning how a God who is supposed to be so good could allow this, will be their choice. I pray this is not the case in Texas.

In this life we have never been promised all goodness. We live in a world of sin which brings about disappointment, illness, death. But God...who is rich in mercy...made a way that we could endure all things. There's the key word, endure. Who hasn't endured something in the natural knowing there was relief on the other side of a situation? Take just a common cold, sinus infection or inconvenient, minor (or major) surgery. Once this is over things will be better, we might say. A doctor can get us through, our body's healing process and our determination and patience can get us through.

But...I'm talking about a more important thing, the hope and goodness that will come after an even bigger tragedy in life. Again, examples: A report of cancer, loss of a limb that changes a person's life altogether, death of a child, loss of home or business. Where do we draw our strength now when doctors can only do so much or when insurance (if one has it) can only do so much? That way is Jesus Christ. He is our Great Physician and Provider. He is the Door, the Light, our strong Foundation, our Rock, the Living Water, the Bread of Life, our hope, peace, salvation. He takes care of His own. But you have to become part of His own first.

That's why it is good to know and trust in God now, before any trial. You will know immediately who to go to. And, as His Word tells us, He will bring the comfort, strength and peace in the midst of our illness, loss or trial. 

God will provide through others for Texans. They will receive from believers and unbelievers. They will benefit and survive and move on. But my prayer will still be that many people will come into a saving relationship with Christ as a result of this...when they see (hopefully) how believers respond to the tragedy and hear testimonies of their survival, how they called on Him in their worst time of need and He brought help, how, despite all loss, they still praise the name of their God.

Who will you cry out to for help in a trial, when the storms of life hit hard? He is there. For all people, all ages.

Psalm 56:3-4 - Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?

And There Was Great Calm

Mark‬ ‭4:36-39‬ ‭- Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. ... And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

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I was out for an early morning walk today. Breezy, warm, damp. Like spring. Fall colors, leaves gently falling, pink sunrise, blue skies, wispy clouds, Canadian geese honks. Glorious.

I began to worship God as I walked. For some reason the thought of praising God in the storm came to mind. It had nothing to do with Hurricane Matthew either! That thought came later in my deeper thoughts! 

Storms, literal and internal. I remembered Jesus and His disciples in the boat on the Sea of Galilee. Then there's Mary, Martha ... Lazarus. And the disciples who faced times in prison for their Lord. And the men and women of the Bible who underwent hardship in their lives and knew not why. 

This is us! We all will go through something(s) in our lives. We can have storms as real and big and life threatening as Hurricane Matthew or we can just be going through internal , or closer to home distress. So often we hear someone say, I can't imagine not having Christ in my life during these times. 

Jesus is the only one who will be our shelter in the storms of life. It's sad that people sometimes only call out to Him during these times instead of calling out to Him every day. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. (Psalm ‭44:8‬)

We are told to praise Him in the storm and we are to try to avoid shaking our fist at God and asking, Why am I going through this, why me? We are to look to Him and say, Lord, thank You for this storm and for what You are doing in me. Storms come to strengthen us in our faith. Those who recognize God in the storm will realize God has brought them through. Without trust in Him we will not have His peace. 

Lord, let us maintain our peace in storms of life. Keep us focused on You who calmed the sea for Your disciples. You are an amazing God. Thank You for who You are and for how You care. You want our faith to grow. 

Mark‬ ‭4:40-41‬ - But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

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A Refuge and Fortress

Psalm 91:1-6,10-11 - He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” 

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. 

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 

You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 

No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.

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That's a lot of promises just in a few verses. Oh, how many more there are all throughout God's Word. What comfort for those who trust in the Lord. Trials and illness still come, but our hope is still secure in Him. There should be no fear...for our future, for our provision, for even our death. He is our refuge, our fortress, rock, strong tower, shield, strength.

But...this all hinges on being in Him. It means believing all Jesus has claimed He is, what He has done, what He has told us throughout the Word. As I've posted before, probably more than a couple times, and no doubt will again because it is a very moving word about Jesus:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John‬ ‭1:1-5‬) And to add to this: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. ‭‭(Revelation‬ ‭22:13‬)

These truths become so real when we have been sought by God and we respond. It's a wonderful thing to respond. One cannot just determine to believe. It happens when one has been touched by God Himself. That way we know that we have not done a thing to come to Him but that we have been spiritually touched. 

My purpose in writing these blogs is to hope that someone will so desire to know this Jesus, this God, this Almighty Father, like I do. It's about Him and the truth of His Word. Knowing we can trust Him. Knowing He alone is our hope. Knowing Him is like nothing else. And perhaps if someone so desires this they might call on the Lord...and call some more...till He touches your spirit, heart. Sometimes we can try to run away from Him when we hear of Him. I did that. But one day I couldn't anymore. That was the best day of my life. Praise God!

Ephesians‬ ‭1:13-14‬ ‭- In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

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Loving our Enemies

Matthew 24:12-14 - And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Ugh. As I read this scripture I contemplated the thought that has been repeatedly going through my head these days, Lord, I know we are to love as You do, but I can't do this without Your help. We are called to love our enemies but when they wreak havoc on innocent people, how do I do that? How do I speak Your word in love like You do? You used words of offense at times. You spoke directly, without sugar-coating Your words. You pointed out sin. And You spoke the truth. Everything You have said is truth. 

The part that bothered me in the verse above was the love of many will grow cold. I wondered if that applied to believers as well as unbelievers. I can see unbelievers growing angrier with enemies or governments or people who some would call idiots. We can so easily spout angry words.

Quickly, though, the thought came...what if this refers to believers? (It does not.) But, might it not be possible? If we do not maintain our focus on Him, couldn't this happen? It's why it's important to keep our minds planted in His Word. And then, aren't we also to love what God loves and hate what He hates? That's to be done with righteous judgment. How many of us truly have righteous ways of judging? Do I?? 

I spent the day with a friend this week and at lunch we talked about how we believe we are in some critical days. God is wanting to prepare His bride, His church, those who believe His return is imminent and possibly soon. He says He wants a bride without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5). He prunes us to remove unwanted, unnecessary faults or sins, that we might become spot and wrinkle-free, laundered, as it were, by His blood. If we reject the pruning, we basically reject Him. If we are not being pruned, well, maybe we aren't right with Him. 

So, this love thing has been cropping up a lot in my thoughts, along with criticism and judgment. They go hand in hand in hand! And yet, like I said before, Jesus spoke words that were difficult to hear. He spoke the truth in love. How did He do that? Was it His demeanor or a gentle voice? I can't help but think all a person had to do was look at Him to recognize a difference about Him. I think about if He were to enter my house how I would react. I think I could not stand but fall face down before Him.

This wasn't where I had planned to go with all this but it is linked...loving our enemies (and neighbors) and terrorism. Terrorism is defined as the use of violent acts to frighten people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal, or as a means of coercion. (Webster) There is no place in this world free from terror. We can be angry with the senseless loss of lives if that happens, but we must also realize that these people, our enemies, are as lost as we were at one time, without Christ. They need Him too.

The good thing about knowing Christ is we do not need to be fearful. We will be disgusted, but we will also be constantly reminded that what we see happening in this world is to be expected; it has been prophesied.  The Word has shown us what we need to know and understand. He has and will reveal what is true to those who want to know. He will reveal His promises to those who believe, trust and have faith in Him. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17)...and faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

And we who endure in these beliefs till the end will be saved...from not only the terror in the world but saved from our own destructive sin. There is a greater terror coming. It's one that happens when we are not secure in our belief about Jesus. I hate to imagine what that would be like. It's why knowing Jesus is so important. It's why I continue these blogs. In case someone "hears." The Word says there will be scoffers (2Peter 3:3). I don't mind. I know where my hope and peace comes from. I do what Jesus calls us to do.

There is a very real presence of evil in this world. We are all born into it, live it and sometimes die in it. If we know Jesus Christ, we can be secure in Him. Evil will always be around. So will Jesus! He is always available to someone who wants to know Him and trust Him.

John 14:1,27 - Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Psalm 19:7-11 - The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. 

I was reviewing a blog from six years ago. I came across this paragraph:

All I know, and it's something that is generally understood by those in relationship with Christ, is we have to know where and who we are, what or Who we stand for and what we as believers in Christ are called to do. We need to be ready with the words to speak when others just don't get what's going on. We need to be strong and secure in our relationship with the Lord first and then help others to see where our strength lies. We have to be willing to share what we know...be a light in the darkness of the world. Jesus was the Light that helped me to see and part of our responsibility is to shine that same light to others. 

This was six years ago. It seems to be a good starting point today! We are seeing uncomfortable and disturbing things occurring in this world. There are uprisings and a so-called need for tolerance for just about everything under the sun. We have a nightmare of a presidential election looming before us. Neither candidate, nor party, at this point, has what this country really needs. 

So...my hope is in God. He raises up and brings down kings. Jesus is the King of kings. Life without that understanding will appear to be so out of control. God…is not the author of confusion. God…brings to light the things hidden in darkness. God…is our salvation. No man or government will settle all that’s going on in this world, in our nation, without first relying on God. Sorry, it’s true! So it ain't gonna happen unless the world completely changes their thinking and I don't think that will happen either.

I stand on the Word of God. I have some understanding of what it says. I know that we are all sinners. I know that government cannot save us, money cannot save us, giving in to and tolerating everyone’s whims will not save us. There is a vast amount of bad in this world, some of which is believed to be good. It appears there is no structure anymore. 

• Life is about self, my wants and needs. 
• If it feels good, do it. 
• Cheat when you have to or if you feel like it. 
• Anything goes. 
• The majority is always right.

Boy, what a far cry from what God says. 

• Life is about dying to self, selfish needs, to follow God (Ephesians 4:22, Luke 9:23)
• You will reap what you sow, a way that seems right, but...(Proverbs 16:25)
• Lies, cheating will be exposed (Proverbs 12:19)
• If we adhere to God’s instructions goodness and life abound. (Psalm 19:7-14)
• It is foolishness to think we are smarter than God. (Proverbs 19:3, 1Corinthians 3:19)

I see all that’s happening in the world through what God's Word has shown us. Every time we hear of another terrorist attack I think of  Matthew 24:3 where Jesus’ disciples ask when the sign of His coming will be. His answer is it all starts with wars and rumors of wars…nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom and a beginning of sorrows. 

Aren’t we seeing people rising against people? Sorrows in the form of anger and rebellion? What for? Religious rights, power, and sorry to say, for the right of anyone to do what they desire, be who they desire or say what they desire. Truth sayers are looked down upon while the others are elevated. It’s just a matter of time when truth will come forth. And it’s all part of the very plan of God. 

I sound angry and disgusted. Partly true, but partly I'm sad that many don't know or recognize or even want to know what God's Word says. I stand firm. Some day I believe some people’s eyes will be opened. They will wonder why this is all happening. Hopefully they will know where to turn for real answers. Those answers won’t always be what they want to hear, but maybe some will come around. 

The Bible has clearly shown us what will come. It’s why it was written. If we follow this Book, know this Book and believe it, none of what’s happening should be either frightening or a surprise. Those in Christ just keep plugging along hoping changes of heart and mind will occur.

The world is very dark. But there is a very real Light, one who exposes all darkness, who is real, tells the truth, strengthens, comforts, protects. His name is Jesus Christ. It’s where I put my trust. I see the world growing darker and more corrupt in so many ways. Jesus is the only Person left I cling to for hope, truth and the realization that someday, in Him, through Him, there is a better life for me and anyone else who proclaims His name. 

Some people consider the things of this world of much higher significance than the things of God. As the Bible says, Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8)  I await the Lord.  I am content with the things I have but I know that much better awaits ahead. 

I’ve learned this through a relationship with Christ, through His Word, through His testimony, His commandments, statutes and laws. I know that without Him I would be nothing. I know that I am not where I should be. I also know that I trust Him. I trust Him with my life. I trust Him with my future. I trust that at the moment I need Him most, He will be there. I know that I could not fathom a life of trial without knowing Him. That day will come. His grace will be sufficient for each moment. 

Ask me and I will tell you what I know. Ask me how I found my hope. Ask me if I mean what I say. Ask me what the disciples asked Jesus about when He will return. My prayer is that the Lord would give me a voice other than a blog. I pray for the opportunities to share. 

May our hearts be much affected with the excellence of the word of God; and much affected with the evil of sin, and the danger we are in of it, and the danger we are in by it. - Matthew Henry

Psalm 18:30 - As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.