National Day of Prayer

Posted on May 3, 2012 by admin

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” Psalm 33:12.

The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of America’s heritage.Since the first call of prayer in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call of prayer has continued throughout our history. In 1952 a joint resolution of Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual National Day of Prayer.

On May 1st, President Obama signed this year’s Presidential Proclamation officially recognizing Thursday, May 3rd, 2012, as the 61st Annual National Day of Prayer.  In his proclamation, he calls upon individuals – “ to pray for guidance, grace, and protection for our great Nation as we address the challenges of our time.”

As we join together and ask with humility, may God Almighty, in His great and abundant mercy, grant this request.

 

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Pathway to Praise: Renewed Hope

Posted on April 12, 2012 by admin

“We had hoped he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”
The early believers of Jesus Christ walked along the road, downcast and defeated. Hope was lost.

Then unexpectedly, a divine encounter changed everything. The crucified, risen Lord walked beside them. At first they didn’t know it. Eventually their eyes were opened.

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They returned at once to Jerusalem.
“It is true! The Lord has risen!” (see Luke 24:13-35)

Dejection turned to delight; defeat became victory and doubt changed to faith.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I love this post-Resurrection story, maybe because I can see myself in it. Many times I’ve been downcast and felt defeat. I muddle through circumstances dwelling on the problems. But when I refocus to seek God in the midst of the situation my perspective and attitude improves.

The power of the risen Lord brings resurrected hope once again.

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Pathway to Praise: Look at His Last Week

Posted on April 5, 2012 by admin

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” (Luke 19:38-39)

These were not proclamations by angels, but shouts of praise from ordinary people as Jesus rode through the crowd.

The sounds had barely faded as Jesus approached Jerusalem with solemnity. He wept (Luke 19:41). He knew what lay before Him: the path of redemption.

In the days that followed, His authority was questioned. He taught with urgency. He broke bread at the last Passover meal and spoke of new redemption. The disciples didn’t comprehend what was going on.

Swift events clicked off, setting redemption’s plan in motion.

Urgent prayer in Gethsemane brought agonizing sweat as He appealed to His Father. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Obedience, born out of love, followed.

The devious betrayal led to the arrest. A friend’s heartbreaking denial. Jesus’ identity interrogated.  “It is as you say.”

The unfair trial headed to rapid conviction for crucifixion.

Beaten, weary, and scorned, he took the cross to Golgotha with the burden of our sin.

“Father forgive them,” he prayed with each strike of the hammer.

“Into your hands I commit my spirit.”  Total surrender to redemption’s plan. His last breath exhaled.

The adversary of our souls claimed victory while Heaven was silent.

What wondrous love was this?

On the third day grace shook the world. The empty tomb proclaimed “He is not here! He is risen!” Death no longer had the last word. Redemption and forgiveness are complete!

Look at Jesus again to be amazed by His love.  It is a love that reaches to us when there is no hope and all seems lost.

Remember the pathway of Jesus’ last week that began with praise from the crowd and ended with triumph over sin and death for you.

Be amazed by His grace once more: the tomb is empty!

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God’s Life Changing Grace | Just Between Us Magazine

Posted on March 31, 2012 by admin

God’s Life Changing Grace | Just Between Us Magazine.

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The Lord Delights in YOU!

Posted on March 15, 2012 by admin

“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Here’s great news for today–the Lord delights in YOU!
With all your imperfections and flaws, you bring a smile to the Lord of the universe.
This verse in Zephaniah gives us a snapshot of God’s nature and depth of his love for us.

It show us His presence–God is with us. He does not abandon us, but claims us as his own.

It shows us His power–He is mighty to save. He redeemed us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, demonstrating His great love for us.

It shows us His action of love through delighting in us. Like a dad watching his child performing in a little league game, he cheers us on. He delights in us with pride when we hit the ball far or make a great play. But when the team loses, this loving Father is the one who still takes us for ice cream. Why? Because he loves us anyway. He not only cheers for us when we win, but believes in us when we lose. He shows us his grace even when we are disappointed with ourselves.

His action of love quiets us when we are troubled like a mom holding her distraught child in a comforting embrace. The child quiets  quiets down, able to rest in the arms of love. This is a beautiful picture of how God’s love can quiet us.

The last action of love described in this verse is that God rejoices over us with singing. Sometimes he rejoices over us with a quiet lullaby, and sometimes with a celebration of a joyful symphony and fireworks. He rejoices over us when we share His love and grace with others. When we worship Him wholeheartedly, God smiles.

Why is it so hard to believe the truth that God delights in you, quiets you with His love, and rejoices over you with singing? Do you think you aren’t “good enough” for God to be pleased with you?

Don’t believe that lie.

Release your fears and surrender to the loving heavenly Father. Let His love soak deep into your heart.

 

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Secure in His Attentive Care

Posted on March 1, 2012 by admin

Psalm 121 is one of the pilgrimage psalms sung by ancient sojourners (Israelites) travelling to the hills of Jerusalem. They looked forward to arriving at the their destination with hope, believing in God’s watchful care. This particular psalm offers us steadfast hope in the One who watches over us with love. Let’s look at the promises in Psalm 121.

‘I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.’ (verses 1-2)

As you go through your day, where do you look? This statement—my help comes from the Lord-- is one of faith and trust. It’s a good reminder of where to point our eyes. Instead of looking at problems around you, look to the Lord for His presence, comfort and strength.

‘He will not let my foot slip–He who watches over you will not slumber; Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.’ (vs.3-4)

As the Israelites travelled they knew the journey was dangerous and needed protection. The promise here is for safety and security.

The term meaning ‘to keep watch’ or ‘persevere’ is stated six times in this passage. God watches us as our keeper. While the thought of God’s watchfulness may seem intimidating, it is also comforting to know that no matter what you are going through, the Lord knows about it. God is not watching as a harsh sentinel or critical judge. Neither is He a sleeping guard. The Lord is the attentive, loving creator. Even when it seems that He is quiet, He is there, working His purposes in His time.

Recently I went to my son’s to help them with their newborn. I arrived late in the evening, when the baby was already asleep. Quietly I opened the door to his room to peek at him. Standing by the bassinet I smiled with love as I watched him gently breathe in sweet sleep. It wasn’t a hasty glance, but a loving look. This is a hint of how God watches us, tenderly with compassion.

‘The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
The sun will not harm you be day, not the moon by night.’ (vs. 5-6)

Even in the heat of trials, or the loneliness of night, the Lord is there, watching over you with tender love. He is Emmanuel, the ‘God who is with us.’  The Creator watches over the creation because of His love for us.

‘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.’ (vs. 7-8)

This strong promise of protection for daily living brings peace of mind. He knows where our steps will lead us.

All these promises begin when we look to the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. We are secure in His attentive care.

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Ready to Soar?

Posted on February 24, 2012 by admin

Bald eagles migrate to our area for the winter months because of the many lakes and trees. The other day we headed to a lake for some eagle watching. With our binoculars in hand, we scanned the water and shoreline trees hoping to spot the majestic birds.

We were not disappointed! Several bald eagles perched on the dormant trees in the lake, some soared in spirals above us, some swooped down to the water to fish. It was amazing to see their grace and power to lift off into the air and soar.

Let’s take a lesson from the eagles.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Hope means to wait with eager anticipation. It is also translated ‘wait.’ Usually we worry or become anxious while we wait. Strength is renewed as we wait, or rest, in the Lord.

The lift off of the eagle is powerful. First it must endeavor—stretch out the expanse of its wings to capture the wind so it can soar. The strength of its wings carries it upward. The verse also promises energy: “they will run and not be weary.” The Lord will provide the energy for the endeavors. And lastly, the verse speaks of endurance: “they will walk and not faint.” The endeavor will be carried out through God’s energy, for endurance accomplish the task.

This year will bring new endeavors, new energy, and stronger endurance. Wait and hope in Him when the waiting grows long. The result of hope is renewed strength to carry out your endeavors.

 

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Psalm for a New Year

Posted on January 3, 2012 by admin

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High with rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

The rough landscape thorny bushes was repetitive. For hours we jostled and bounced in the four wheel drive jeep through the African bush. Now were returning home.

“Look!” our African friend pointed ahead. He spotted a rare antelope.

“Let’s get out to get a picture,” said our missionary friend.

The three men –the missionary, the African and my husband– got out of the vehicle to adventure. Cautiously and quietly they walked toward the scraggly trees and low thorny bushes to find the elusive animal, anticipating getting a National Geographic quality photo.

I climbed out of the vehicle to watch, praying they would be safe. Stepping into the vastness of the African bush was incredible. Dusty, sandy soil blew across the ruts of the dirt road. The sounds of the evening  creatures floated on the wind. As the sun set, the light blue sky turned a darker shade, with streaks of pink radiating across it. Although I stood in a desert, not far ahead was a mountain.The shadow of the mountain stretched across the scrub bushes.

The men cautiously moved around to catch a glimpse of the elusive animal. Soon they returned, disappointed for not having seen it.  Dusk made it harder to see. Other animals– the larger ones– would be prowling soon.

Climbing back into the jeep, we gladly sought refuge from the wilderness. It felt safe to be together again, buckled in the refuge of the vehicle. There was a calmness in the mountain’s shadow,  as it brought relief to the desert land.  The great shadow of the mountain claimed the landscape as we drove off.

Often in the Bible, the wilderness is a place of transition and testing, of searching for God.      The people had to learn deeper trust in God’s promises. They had to learn to rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

With the start of a new year, I hope you will read Psalm 91 to find a refuge for your soul. Offer thanks for God’s sheltering care and ask Him to increase your trust in the days and months ahead.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

 

 

 

 

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A Change of Heart

Posted on December 24, 2011 by admin

Many of the classic Christmas movies end with the main character gaining new hope. In ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ George Bailey realizes his life is worthwhile. In ‘A Christmas Carol’ Scrooge is given a second chance to change his self centered attitude. Charlie Brown’s scraggly Christmas tree becomes transformed with a little love. Even the Grinch’s heart grows three times bigger in ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’

“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” underwent some changes before it became what we know it today. The text was written by Charles Wesley in the early 18th century when Christmas carols as we know them were abolished by the English Puritan parliament for being part of a “worldly festival.” The original melody was slow and somber. A hundred years later master composer Felix Mendelssohn created the current melody, joined it to Wesley’s text, transforming it into the joyful song we know today.

A line in “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” says,
“Light and life to all He brings, ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.”

The song ends with a prayer for the transforming power of Christ in our lives. Hope restored.That’s one of the gifts the manger brings to us.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

May you be blessed with the hope of Christmas!

 

 

 

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Come and Join In!

Posted on December 24, 2011 by admin

Recently a group from our church went caroling at a rehabilitation center. Two residents made an impression on me.

One, a cheerful lady of 90, came out of her room to join in singing every song. We learned she had been a church musician. She even stood in front of us and moved her arm in rhythm to direct us! Wilma was happy to see us and talkative.

As our group moved down the hall, another resident, a middle-aged man, rolled his wheel chair in the midst of us. I thought he would head down the hall to his room, but he stopped and turned around to listen. His face was stern, his eyes sad.

We asked if would join in the singing, but he shook his head.

He didn’t move away, but remained in the hall with us.

Soon his lips formed the words of a familiar carol.

“I thought you weren’t going to sing,” my husband asked.

“It was too hard to not do it.”

As much as he tried, he couldn’t resist it. His eyes grew a little brighter. The power of Christmas drew him in.

Many carols use the word of invitation “come.”

  • ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ is a prayer asking the Lord to cometo earth.
  • ‘O Come all Ye Faithful’ calls believers to come adore Christ the Lord.
  • ‘Joy to the World’ tells of the Lord’s coming and for hearts to receive Him.

Are you going to join in the spirit of Christmas like Wilma, or are you resisting like the man in the hallway?

The gift of Christmas comes for everyone. All you have to do is come to Him.

“O come, let Us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”

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