weep with those who weep

Children tend to grieve in spurts, acting fine in one moment and grieving intensely in the next. It also may take a long time for a child to begin expressing grief, long after the adults in their lives have gotten past the worst of it. They also live in the moment and have a hard time feeling that the future is real. So they sometimes grieve things or situations that seem like no big deal to us. However, kids also crave normalcy and structure that seem to make the world right for them.

However, giving shallow or off the cuff advice or comfort, even from Scripture, can cause a child to feel misunderstood and not comforted.(Proverbs 25:20) Take the time to mourn with a child, even of we think it is not appropriate. As we listen and empathize, we can then much more effectively share Scripture and our thoughts. 

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.(Romans 12:15-16)

Everyone grieves differently, but everyone grieves!

We are confident, yes, well pleased

Death is never expected or predicted, especially for someone so young and full of life, yet God has already planned out our lives from eternity past.

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them! (Psalm 139:13-17)

We must take comfort in knowing that the one who knows Christ as Lord and Savior, is at peace  with Him now. It may not make sense to us, but it does now to the one who has passed and of course to God! It will also be so with each of who know the Lord!

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.(Psalm 23:5-6)

So even in death, even the untimely dearth of a young, healthy and vibrant teen, we are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

Now is the time to be reassured of your faith in Christ. Now is the time to make it real!!! Call upon Him now to forgive your sinful soul and to restore, rebuild, even grant you for the first time a relationship with Jesus Christ through the sacrifice of His Body and His resurrection from the dead! 

(Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Roman 10:9-10, Romans 14:12, 1 John 1:9)

💞Jesus, please SAVE today!

after you have suffered a while.....

A message to the young and not so young in my life through the apostle Peter from the Holy Spirit . . . .how relevant for today

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:5-11)

What a relevant word for today . . .for the young and not-so-young! Satan is definitely roaring around these days, yet we must stay humble before the Lord, obey authorities and seek His face! after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

He is at work!  When it is all over, if we have stayed in Him and His will, He will bring us through better and more perfected than when it all began. We will have a story to tell. Do not forget these times!

What is God doing in your life? Write it down. Keep God close. Give Him freedom to work. What a God we serve!!!!

His hand of protection . . .So you don't need Me, huh?

 If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name,”
Says the Lord of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.(Malachi 2:2)

God has cursed His people many times form their disobedience. He laid it out clear many times: Obey and be blessed . . .Disobey and be cursed! This was the Old Testament God. This was before grace . . . before Christ's sacrifice for us.

Many people are saying today that God has once again cursed this earth for our disobedience with COVID-19. I tend to believe that rather than curse us, God has backed away from us and allowed us to ourselves, thus removing His hand of protection.

We were so focused upon our finances, our careers, our sports, our entertainment and our social gatherings that we lost focus upon God. Sure, we went to church on SONdays and even had some Gospel music playing. We thought it good to pray once in a while too. However, our focus was upon us, not Him!

So God said, "So you don't need Me, huh?" Now we cry out, "Help us!" Help us Mr. President . . .Help us doctor . . .Help us government bail out check! What we should be doing is humbly crying out, "Forgive us Father. Have mercy upon us. We need You. Please spare us from any more harm! We (I) have dinner and beg for Your forgiveness!"

His mercies are new every day. Great is His faithfulness. Yet will you and I repent and refocus . . . and for how long?

move forward

This is NOT a time to shrink back, but to move forward! Forward in faith . . . Forward in trust . . . Forward in knowing God has this!

And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 

Even stolen in social distancing mode, it is not a time to shut down, but to move forward?  We do not retreat! We put our feet firmly in the ground and STAND upon our faith and even move forward, trusting God and knowing He is in control!

Standing firm is not retreating or living in fear. It is taking a stand against fear and courageously moving forward with life. It is living by faith and doing all we can with all we have to share our faith by living boldly, not breaking laws, but moving forward with confidence! Whether we are telecommuting, cyber learning or any other changed lifestyles, we move forward in that and trust in God alone, not the government or the economy!

It was God's decision to step back and allow this pandemic. It is God's decision to step back in and correct this pandemic. He is seeking those who will place their trust in Him like never before. He is calling upon His people to rise up and be ready when He says "Go!". I believe God is up to something.

Will we be ready?

Tired of social-distancing already?

Feeling edgy? Tired of social-distancing already? Paul would understand very well what is like to be locked in....separated, and restricted. After all, he had many government imposed sanctions as he was beaten, imprisoned, stoned and chased out of towns. However he did not lose hope and neither will we!

Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this reason I now my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,  that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height . . .  to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:13-21)

As I speak to my family and students in these challenging days, I can only share what God has given to me . . . faith and trust! I know from experience what God can and will do! Not only have I read it in the bible, but I am living it! In my lifetime I have seen Him work through racism, anthrax threats, sniper shootings, and 911. I have seen Him work in emergency rooms, through cancer scares, and yes, through death.

His love is greater than any circumstance. He will go more than we can imagine, but only if we allow Him total control of our lives and allow His Spirit to work from Within us . . . "the POWER that works within us!" (Ephesians 3:21)

God has been to yesterday. He will be there when this is all over. But if we want to experience Him today...here today, because He has backed away from us due to our pride (willful sins), we must draw near to Him on His terms. He is still a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! (Hebrews 11:6)

Draw near to God, He will draw near to you! (James 4:8) Yes even during social distancing!

When I awake, I am still with You.....God is right here!

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You,When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. (Psalm 139:13-18)

Wake up! Get up! God is right here! He is waiting for us to live this day out loud for Him . . .even if we must practice social distancing with others, we can embrace the Lord and experience His presence!

Despite the current world situation with COVID-19 and our own personal challenges with it all, there is still opportunity to serve . . . God and people. First off, we can pray.

 It is quite a time to get to know the Lord for the first time or to deepen our relationship with Him. Many of you are on social media (me too!). However, is it to simply play Madden or NBA Live? Is it simply for idea chatter and gossip? Some are binge watching . . .are  you bored yet or overburdened with news and talking heads?

Secondly, we can share. Let's use what we have available to draw closer to Christ! Bring others to Him as well. Most churches are Live streaming . . . have you tuned in? Have you invited others who may never set foot in a church? Have you searched YouTube for video commentaries from national pastry and speakers to encourage yourself or others?

I believe God has given us this opportunity to grow . . . to be revived! God has made us for just this time. Praise Him! Allow Him to use us all to bring Him glory.

What if we all took this thing personally?

My Pastor shared from Deuteronomy last evening via live stream. With that and what others I have been listening to on line, like Dr. Tony Evans, Pastor Rick Warren and others, I am convicted to look deep inside of me during these trying times!

Read Deuteronomy chapters 28-29 carefully. God has throughout HIStory allowed and even caused curses (plagues) upon people (even His own) for lack of obedience. However, He also blessed them and us for our repentance and obedience! God is now a God of mercy and grace . . .and discipline!

 Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.  “All of you stand today before the Lord your God: your leaders and your tribes and your elders and your officers, all the men of Israel, your little ones and your wives—also the stranger who is in your camp, from the one who cuts your wood to the one who draws your water . . . .(Deuteronomy 29:9-11)

I have come to this conclusion: What if my sin has caused God to back away and what if my repentance will cause Him to relent and visit us once again?  What if we all took this thing personally? 

Take time to get personal with Daddy....He is awaiting your call!

Trust....Seek....Know....Share .... LIVE!

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.(Proverbs 15:13-15)

These are tough days for many, no doubt. Yet God is speaking . . . "Trust me like never before. Seek me like never before. Know me like never before. Share me like never before!"

We can be of good cheer! We can be merry! If we just place our trust in God!

 Do we really trust God in this pandemic? Are we putting our trust in the stock market, the banks, the politicians, the doctors, the grocery stores, the businesses . . . or God?

Are we seeking answers from everyone and everywhere else but the Source of all wisdom (James 1:5)? After all, He is God!

Do we really know Him? Are we resting in the God who not only created this world but still controls it?

Are we taking this opportunity to share Him with those living in fear, worried with doubts, and hiding or running from reality?

We were born for such a time as this!(Esther 4:14) Live out your faith!!!!

His understanding is unsearchable

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.(Isaiah 40:28-31)

We are facing challenging times. Things will probably get worse before they get better. However, God is STILL God! Like never before, we trust Him. Now is when we realize He IS in control! However, we must know Him and He must know us!

If you have asked Jesus to forgive your sin by His sacrifice and trust Him as Savior AND Lord, then draw close to Him. If you never have, NOW is the time! 

We all have sinned and deserve hell. Only through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His resurrection from the dead are we allowed to have a relationship with Almighty God for eternity! It is why we have peace in times like this. It is what Patrick stated in His prayer above: a blessing in each trial.

Do you know Him? Does He known you?

By Faith

In these challenging times, I thought some might appreciate this perspective-Christians and non-Christians alike: Don't be brash but be ready to help....by Faith.

Martin Luther's pastoral advice during the Black Plague:

"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God." 

—Martin Luther, Works v. 43, p. 132. Letter "Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague" written to Rev. Dr. John Hess.

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:8-18)

Who is your God?

Who is your God?

“But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.

You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions, and said to you, ‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:

Fear not, for I “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend.
You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’(Isaiah 41:8-10)

We may be challenged health wise, but are we not also also being challenged spiritually? God is STILL God!

I know it sounds challenging, but the early church was being persecuted but still met in homes. Believers today are meeting underground!

Maybe I am a radical . . . eccentric . . . or just crazy . . . .

that we may have boldness....not FEAR.....a change of heart

No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.  And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.  Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 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.(1 John 4:12-18)

Human beings generally seek closeness to others, yet also fear becoming too vulnerable! Intimacy and openness brings fear among many, especially men. We really cannot become close to anyone if we fear getting close! So we choose to stay distant and live behind masks. I am a perfect example of this! I can fake it very well!!!

What I  cannot fake is a desire to see everyone know His love however, so I press on. . . .

In a day and age where fear is running rampant due to viruses and diseases, it is now more of a challenge than ever to keep from running in fear and isolating ourselves! Yes, our identity and worth comes from God and His love for us, but that love is not to be protected and locked away, but shared! That love should allow us to trust and love, not live in fear! It should allow us a boldness to love as Christ loved, with purpose and conviction to let the world see Him through us!

I don't know about you, but I am facing a real dilemma lately. In these challenging days, we do not have to hug, kiss, embrace or even shake the hand everyone we meet, but we must boldly and fearlessly allow the love of Christ to show as He leads and guides. More than ever, the world needs His love! As believers, how do we do this if we must be isolated? Pray and ask God how you and I can do just that!

What we need is a change of heart, not lifestyle!

Delays are NOT denials!

And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling.Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.  Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”(Daniel 10:11-14)

I am learning to wait on God! His DELAYS are not His DENIALS! Many times God has us wait on things because He has to do a work in us before He does a work for us! Like Daniel, there could spiritual warfare going on that we can not even see. Waiting for God to work . . . expecting God to work . . . is part of walking out our faith.

I heard a sermon recently where the preacher said to live as if it is already done! Much like a pregnant women preparing for a child . . . . buying little booties, diapers, onesies, even a crib . . . . because the baby is coming!

What are we expecting God to do? Live like it is already done! Walk out in faith! We may not see it yet, but we walk by _______, not by _________! (2 Corinthians 5:7)