God so loves

There was a time in my life when God was not the focus, instead, it was about a checklist. I felt I was a good person, not one to cause conflict, and did the Christmas and Easter church thing.

However, I felt an empty space in my heart. I had a solid career as a mentor emergency trauma nurse and trained paramedics. My husband and I joined the land of mortgages, a solid career I loved, our first dog, with an expectation of a baby.

Screech went the brakes for this standard list of western expectations. Infertility without a cause and I had no control of my barren body which drove me to seek Jesus.

I had my final infertility treatment and took a memorable trip out of state. After a near-death experience on a Colorado rafting trip, I saw life from a different vantage point. I wore a crash helmet and tightly zipped life vest as the guides gave instructions on body position should a tourist end up in the frigid, springtime, mountain river. I was thrown from the raft at a point in the river called Cardiac Corner ( Class 4 – 5 rapids).

As my body and head were crashing into boulders and trees skirting the river and I was stuck in the swells and sucking water, I cried out to the Lord. I felt as if I would drown, but almost as soon as I called out Jesus, help me! I felt a warmth surround my body, even though my hands especially my fingers were bluish and numb, I felt no pain. I felt the river was a metaphor for life. Would I trust God with the details and take a ride in the rapids or crash and die?

I chose to trust God, rest in what felt like the huge, warm hand of God, and lived. My husband and I relocated to Colorado within six months. My first Colorado friend took me to my first Bible Study. The book of Romans 5 showed me a new beginning and I learned after dedicating my life to Jesus that I will let Him drive my future plans.

One of my favorite scripture Romans 5: 1- 8 was an epiphany.

Romans 5:1-11 NLT
[1] Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. [2] Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

[3] We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. [4] And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. [5] And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. [6] When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. [7] Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. [8] But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

I no longer saw my infertility as a failure instead I saw the need to trust God with everything. After infertility procedures, giving myself shots, waiting on God while caring for children at work in illness and trauma, relocating, and subsequently, the unknown of adoption. I realized I wanted to be a mom and trust the Lord to orchestrate the details.

After a decade of marriage, our first child came to her forever home through adoption six weeks after I accepted Jesus. All three of our children are amazing gifts from God who know more about Jesus as children than I did.

“God so loves”, a song by We the Kingdom brings a vision of joy, and diversity of many beautiful children created in the Image of God. I hope you enjoy it as I did when I saw the band play it live.

I hope you are inspired to realize God so loves. That is the first step of faith in an unknown God. I had to flip out of a white water raft to come to this amazing realization. What will it take for you?

Are you weary? He will strengthen you. You may feel unworthy of His love, He knows but loves you anyway. Bring all your failures. He will direct your life journey. God so loves.

Completely

Our faith has a chance to grow when we get opportunities to have trials. It reminds us we can’t do this life alone. It reminds us we need Jesus. It reminds us that he’s the holder of our heads. He’s been the One from the beginning. He will be the One that will see us through whatever the trial may be. His Holy Spirit wants to bring life, and new hope and when we connect to the Holy Spirit we’re in awe.

John15: 1- 9  1. “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Our faith gets a chance to be strengthened when it is strengthened by the One who has all power and wisdom, our Father! He is the Gardener and we are the growing vine that needs His pruning. Pruning may feel harsh, discipline can feel like judgment, but when received in an honest. open way, the pruning can take off the deadly sin, and our impulsive choices, and provide recovery and growth. Initially, the pruning feels painful but the growth is a new life.

When we sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit, but He wants to help grow a harvest of good. Our impulsive fleshy choices block our minds from hearing the gentle whisper of God.

It’s not about breaking the rules so much is breaking the heart of our Savior who loves us and wants us to let Him guide our lives.

Jen Ledger, a solo musician and also bandmember, singer, and drummer for Skillet shared in her solo song, Completely, the faith and love of God. He loves us completely and I love to sing loudly this anthem.

Completely by Ledger

I would be surprised if you didn’t feel the love of God with this awesome song. He takes our chaos and creates a symphony. We are His and He loves us. Anticipate growing in the Father and becoming a beautiful harvest for Him. Rest in that, my friends.

Wind

The wind has been blowing at hurricane forces with red flag warnings covering my state for over a week. Wind escalades consuming fires; causes dust storms, and blows the tumbling weed you may have seen in Wild West movies. Those weeds can grow into the size of house doors. I have a friend who shared seeing an entire front of a house covered by them, with a senior citizen needing help.

I have been meditating on the wind, the Hebrew word for wind is Ruach. Strongs Concordance definition: Ruach means breath, wind, spirit with its’ phonetic spelling is (roo’-akh). Johnathan Cahn, a Messianic Jewish author shares his interpretation in his “Book of Mysteries”. The Holy Spirit, the breath of life along the wind are synonymous with the power of the Lord. Have you ever thought of this concept?

The Bible supports this premise, as I did research I found the wind described in Genesis through Revelations. It was an amazing read I will share some scriptures.

Genesis, the first book of the Bible, describes God’s action to blow across the earth and dry land after the flood.

Genesis 8:1    But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and livestock with him in the boat. He sent a wind to blow across the earth, and the floodwaters began to recede.

The Lord used the wind to bring a holy fear to enemies in war just by its sound in Leviticus, wind cleared locusts and brought quail to the hungry Israelites in Numbers 11.

2 Samuel 22 describes how the Lord heard the cries of David and David saw Him in the storm clouds. What a visual? I choose to believe the same is true today. We may have other noises or busy lists drowning out this revelation.

2 Samuel 22:11
Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew,
  soaring on the wings of the wind.

Elijah described being worn out and feeling alone as He continued to serve the Lord even though many peers thought he was crazy and stupid. In 1 Kings 19, we are reminded that despite the noise around us the Lord speaks in whispers. Are we spending time with our Lord? It is hard to hear His whispers when we aren’t listening for them. I am guilty as charged at times.

1 Kings 19: 11-12   11 “Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper.

At one point, Job was rebuked by the Lord for his rantings. The Lord reminded Job where all things began, with Him. Job 38:24 Where is the path to the source of light? Where is the home of the east wind?

In Psalm 28, the Lord is increasingly frustrated as His children are not walking with Him, the Lord says in verse 26: He released the east wind in the heavens, and guided the south wind by his mighty power.

My time hearing the winds, seeing the trees sway, watching the tumbleweeds, not being able to walk a straight line outside, eating dust, and sneezing from the wind, made me consider the Lord made the wind and it holds the majesty of His power.

Matthew 8:26-27 is one of my favorite stories of Jesus calming the storm at sea while his buddies freaked out. Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” The winds were out of control and Jesus rebuked the winds. It was a defining moment because they were in awe that even the winds obeyed Jesus. Sadly, I can be like the disciples! But I don’t have to stay in that place.

Psalm 104 describes the majesty of the Lord and his creation of sky, heavens, clouds, and wind.

Psalm 104: 1- 4   
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed 
with honor and majesty. 
2 You are dressed in a robe of light. You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens; 
3  you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds. You make the clouds your 
chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind. 
4  The winds are your messengers; flames of fire are your servants.

Ah, another windy day, red flag warning in case of fires, the earth is so dry, just a spark of flame will light up the pastures. Isn’t that a metaphor for life, my friends?

Action steps: Meditate on these: Am I walking with the wind, in a sense my Holy Spirit, my Lord? Or am I walking against His instructions with worry, defiance, pride, grumbling, basically, in sin? If I choose the fleshy sin ways, I am dried up, worn out, depressed, anxious and lonely. If I walk with the Lord I allow Him to carry me or at the very least, I let my burdens be directed by His wisdom and the negative mindset to be blown away as I trust Him.

James 1: 5-7       5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

I want to be in control, do you? However, with each passing year, I am learning my need to control is not helpful. I can’t control the future and world events any more than I can control the wind. I am choosing loyalty and a walk with Him.

Walk with the wind not against it! Hold onto your hat, life will be more interesting and less parched.

Walking through Fires

What a time to be alive? So much going on in the lives of Christian friends and those who haven’t found Jesus yet. We can face anything with Jesus.

He tells us to trust Him. In my own human mind, it seems like weakness to need anyone, let alone Jesus, who I can’t see. Yet, faith comes without seeing, it is believing in Jesus even when we do not know the future. Current times make us feel fear yet Jesus calls us to faith in Him.

Faith comes when we choose to trust Jesus over fear. Thomas was the disciple who expressed doubt to Jesus; when Jesus appeared to his disciples after he died on the cross. Jesus reminded Thomas that he knew Jesus before and after His resurrection. Jesus understood Thomas’ doubt as natural for a human. Amazing, He understands our doubt too!!!

I do not know what fires are erupting in your life personally. Globally, we can see increased hopelessness and depravity along with more mental health issues. It breaks my heart to hear of the depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts at epidemic levels in young adults and teens.

John 20: 26-31 is a beautiful reminder of the heart of Jesus. Jesus understood the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of his friends; the disciples. He didn’t judge, He loved them and spoke peace to them.

John 20: 26 - 31
26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas
was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them,
and said, “Peace to you.”
27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my
hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”
28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”
29 Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even
better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
30-31 Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down
in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the
Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal
life in the way he personally revealed it.

Jordan St. Cyr, sings a meaningful song about ” Fires”, Jesus wants to walk us through fires and be renewed to His grace, mercy, and love. There is no other place to go, no idol, no addiction no other person can provide. This video reminds me that our instruction to our family, children, even our friends shares timeless wisdom to endure. He wants to walk with you.

Squirrel?

What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Squirrel”? Is it a cute, red-furred animal that frustrates your dog by taunting from a tree? Does the word, squirrel, bring up visions of Doug, the awkward, friendly dog from the Disney movie, “UP”?

Perhaps, it’s my recent trip to Disney World? I feel like Doug the distracted dog with multiple voices calling in my head. The voices say, “conflict in relationships, it’s your fault… you are unreasonable, just a judgemental Christian. is that true Lord? If so, I repent. Family is joy and trial but must I be quiet, keep the peace? My thoughts detour to wars waged across the world, sadness, and despair for the family of God in harm’s way. Frustrations for decisions by those you love may cause health issues or even death, do I speak up as a nurse?”

These are just a few thoughts swirling in my mind. Distractions of news, social media, and just plain life make me feel poked to limit time with God, or drop a quick prayer and walk along my way. Do my prayers matter or are they useless? However, prayers do matter.

James 5: 16
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Prayer is a way to battle in the heavenly spaces. It matters when I take time to praise the Lord, putting the praise music loud in my home and singing along are action steps of faith even when I feel spent and weary. Can you relate?

Psalm 103 : 1- 5
1 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
2 Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things he does for me.
3 He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.
4 He redeems me from death
    and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
5 He fills my life with good things.
    My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

Squirrel!!! There it goes again, the voice in my head, I feel the distraction coming again. Hey, wait a minute, God created that amazing animal, he is shy, yet motivated, he is free to run, and climb trees and fences. He may taunt my pets but He brings joy as he chatters loudly.

God listens to me as I chatter, ah there now I feel better, the same God that made me has made the squirrel. He has a purpose as do I. Let me sing a new song to the Creator God, and let me spend time climbing (in my mind) onto the lap of my Father. Let me imagine the joy of time spent with Him as He renews my strength as a youth.

Breathing deep, I feel calmer and I hope you do too. Blessed when I seek more connection with the Lord. Peace is coming even if temporary.

So the next time you feel the call of the Squirrel, pause, and chatter with the Creator. Find the joy again even in the midst of a chaotic time.

Galatians 6:9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Broken?

Are you hurting? Are you broken by the trials of life? I know who can change your life, transform your mind, and love you beyond all human understanding. He calls you by name. His name is Jesus.

Psalm 139:1 - 6
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.

Let your heart believe again or for the first time, He wants to pour out His Love. He is your Savior, He knew you before you were born. He sees the whole painting of your life, not just the broken pieces. He can be the gold thread that ties all things together. Trust Him, Believe He is who He says He is.

I am broken, we are all broken and need a Savior, Jesus. This song by Stars Go Dim is so amazing, “Yes He does”. He can turn all things for good. Let Him heal all the broken places.

Ephesians 2: 8 - 10  
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Yes, He loves you. Yes, He has plans. Yes, He wants to change the hard places into amazing purposes. He uses everything. Let Him!!

Happiest place on earth

I am in a drought. It may sound crazy but my family just returned from Disney World. Originally, two years ago before Covid, we were supposed to travel to Florida then Covid hit and everything was shut down.

We finally went as a family of four last week. My son watched our house and all of our animals. You would think that I would come back feeling refreshed but, instead, honestly, I felt depleted because it was such a world of materialism and really I missed my Jesus time.

Being still with Jesus is what refreshes me. I realize I’m probably more an introvert but can be an extrovert, especially on thrill rides. Filling up my internal reservoir actually comes from the Word of God and my time spent with my Savior Jesus.

Yes, I went on a bunch of rides and screamed with hysteria. Yes, I was one of many in the crowds, yet I am set apart as a daughter of the King. Yes, Disney World is touted as the happiest place on earth.

When I saw sweet families having a blast and sharing memories, it brought back past memories when our kids were young. I had a great time sharing rides and funny moments with our family of four, however, something was lacking.

I saw stressed-out parents, kids asking for more souvenirs, and mega meltdowns. I pondered if perhaps the parents were using their last dime to provide “a happy experience” for the kids and yet looked stressed because of the bills when they get back home.

I realize my eternal joy cannot be filled at Disney World. My peace and the feeling of the presence of the Holy Spirit cannot be completed at Disney World. But the peace and the love of God can be found when I spend time with my Jesus. And that’s what I missed. Oh yes, I did my devotions in the morning and I didn’t check it off the list. Even if it was two in the morning when I couldn’t sleep, I felt the peace of God.

I feel I was given a window into observing people and at times saw frustration and people cutting off people and an unsettledness in that particular place. I felt drawn to act the same way. It is supposed to be the happiest on earth, is it?

I’m not sure if I’m ranting‘s are making any sense. My point, the happiest place on earth is when we spend time with our Jesus who is not superficial but eternal. That’s where joy and a peace that passes all understanding are found.

Ephesians 3:19 NLT
[19] May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Psalm 34:8 NLT
[8] Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!

Psalm 16:9-11 NLT
[9] No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. [10] For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. [11] You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

No matter where you travel, seeking the peace of Jesus is just a step away. Seeking Jesus and focused time with His Word is the happiest place to be. As my teen texted, ” Mom, the happiest place is not a place or earth, it’s with God”, from the mouth of Babes.

Claim it

Iveth Luna sings a powerful song, “In You”, about throwing away fear and meditating hope and strength in Him alone. I feel so strongly about this transforming action. I blog about the importance of Faith in Jesus, trusting in Him, believing He is who He says He is, repenting of our stupidity and sin, and claiming a new life with Jesus.

As I heard this song for the first time, my mind gathered its message and I felt for just a little while the peace that only the Lord can give. Peace and Awe at the free gift of Jesus!

Regardless of the world or personal chaos, the enemy has no unsettled claims against us after we give our life to Jesus. However, we must make time for daily reading of scripture, being still with God, turning from our fleshy mindsets and actions. We must actively seek to change the sinful patterns of our life. It is a daily submission to His authority not in restriction but in a relationship with Jesus. We must take every thought captive for Jesus and the Lord will be our fortress.

2 Corinthians 10: 3- 5      We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 [a]We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.

Iveth Luna – In You

Submitting to the authority of Jesus may seem an impossible step. But when we accept and believe He died for our sins and agree to let His Holy Spirit guide our lives we are HIM powered ( not human empowered) by His strength, to break patterns of the past and live in freedom.

John 14: 14 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.[a] If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?[b] 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

Even Jesus’ disciples ( his closest friends) did not fully understand the concept of the Holy Spirit. I am so grateful that scripture tells us about their questions. Further along in John 14, Jesus explains that they will not be left as orphans. The Holy Spirit will guide their lives.

John 14 : 10 - 21 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.

12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, obey[d] my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,[e] who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.[f] 18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. 19 Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

We can have this same amazing source of wisdom, the Holy Spirit. I am a sinner saved by the free gift of grace from Jesus, I have never regretted the day I bent my knee and have been in awe as He instructs through His Word, His people ever since. He awaits your voice and bended knee. May today be your day of transformation as His Child.

If you have made the decision to follow Jesus, send me a message, I will rejoice with you.

The Battle for Peace

We pray for our brothers and sisters across the world especially those in harm’s way. The Shepherd knows His sheep. It is heart-wrenching to see people on their knees, praying for their country as the bombs were coming. What inspiration to see people return to fight and mothers praying on media proclaiming their faith in Jesus. Or to see Russians protesting the war and praying for a cease-fire, we are all sheep of His pasture.

Genesis, the first book of the Bible talks about Adam and Eve and their first offspring. Ever since the first family, Cain and Abel there have been clashing sin relationships. Ishmael the first son of Abraham was born by Hagar, his maidservant who was told by God, Ishmael would be a man in conflict. However, God also said he would bless Ishmael, as the sins of Abram and Sarah were not his fault. Ishmael reaped the consequence of Abraham and Sarah’s impatience to go ahead of God’s plan for a child. Hagar was a servant and slept with Abram with the result, Ishmael.

What happens when we forge ahead of the Lord’s plan? When we must have our way, we choose disobedience instead of being still and awaiting better plans. We are seeing the battle of pride, getting its own way regardless of the human lives destroyed, lost, and changed forever. It is a selfish, deadly, evil position. When we consider human life as meaningless. When we choose to bomb as refugees are attempting to flee, we are evil.

The Lord sees all of this, however, we wonder if He hears the cries of His people. We pray for continued endurance and safety as the people continue to seek Jesus. Lord strengthen Your people.

We do sense many are considering the end of the world now. The time seems to be shortening, where do you stand? Is it with the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord God Almighty, or with the enemy of your soul, the evil one? The time is now, choose whom you will serve.

Joshua 24:15,17 NLT
[15] But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." [17] For the LORD our God is the one who rescued us and our ancestors ... He performed mighty miracles before our very eyes. As we traveled through the wilderness among our enemies, he preserved us.

Meditating on what we see in the world and how it aligns with battles written in scripture is eye-opening. It has made me ponder my own walk of faith over fear and considering from where the battles come. Who can predict tomorrow? Only the Lord knows the number of our days. Fear is addressed in many places in the Bible and meditating on the truth, He is with us in the battles can strengthen our faith.

Isaiah 43:5-13 NLT
[5] "Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from east and west. [6] I will say to the north and south, 'Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. [7] Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.'" [8] Bring out the people who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. [9] Gather the nations together! Assemble the peoples of the world! Which of their idols has ever foretold such things? Which can predict what will happen tomorrow? Where are the witnesses of such predictions? Who can verify that they spoke the truth? [10] "But you are my witnesses, O Israel!" says the LORD. "You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God- there never has been, and there never will be. [11] I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. [12] First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God," says the LORD. [13] "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done."

When I watch the Ukrainian people and their willingness to bear arms, women, and men willing to die for their country. Russian people are willing to protest, go to jail, and maybe be persecuted for their stance for a cease-fire and no war, we see fearlessness and strength. We can click on a newsreel or personal accounts at the moment our fellow humans; brothers and sisters, trying to survive the chaos and feel deep in our souls the heart of mothers as they comfort children, care for their parents, or see fathers leaving their family at transportation stations. We see strangers join the fight for humanity.

Those in the war zone are like Daniel and the guys in the fiery furnace. They are warriors for peace, amid potential death. They are strengthened by the Lord how else can the war of David against Goliath continue unless the Lord and His angels are engaged in this battle.

Daniel 3:17-18 NLT
[17] If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. [18] But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."

People from multiple countries are choosing to serve the people in crisis, neighboring countries are being the hands and feet of Jesus. Serving others is serving His people.

Psalm 46:1-11 NLT
[1] God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [2] So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. [3] Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude [4] A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. [5] God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. [6] The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! [7] The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude [8] Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. [9] He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. [10] "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." [11] The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Who can know the mind of God? No one! His ways are above our ways. These times have brought me, and I am sure many, to their knees. I heard a podcast from Pastor Tony Evans, his insight has stayed with me. “Faith is the key. God has enough for each of us. It isn’t material it is eternal. “

We only see or hear what the media wants to represent. What is true or what is not? God is enough for us. We see evil on all sides, yet we also see the strength of people who proclaim their faith in Jesus. Warriors for their families and nation. Both sides are children of God. Both sides need prayer.

Our Creator God sees and hears, He waits for all His children to repent and come to the Father, how it must grieve Him to see the destruction. Human understanding is not the wisdom of God.

2 Peter 3:8-10   But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

He waits for all His sheep to return to the fold. Will they return? Will justice be done on earth as it is in heaven? Even the disciples asked Jesus during his time on earth, how they should pray? Jesus responded in Matthew 6: 7 – 13.

Matthew 6:7-13 NLT
[7] "When you pray, don't babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. [8] Don't be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!

[9] Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. [10] May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. [11] Give us today the food we need, [12] and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. [13] And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.

Action step: Who are we to give an opinion? We are called to pray for our family, the brothers and sisters in Christ to stand firm and not give up. They are not alone, the Heavenly armies fight for them. We are called to a deeper prayer of the supernatural calling the angel of heavens armies to come to save His people, in the Name of Jesus?

The battle is not flesh and blood but against the evil ones, the Battle is the Lord's. What can we do as His people, we can battle by prayer for all people in crisis, may His will be done on earth as it is in heaven, in the Name of Jesus!

How He Loves

No matter who we are, or what our life circumstances are, we need oxygen, we need food and drink but more than anything we need love. We need the love of others but more importantly, we need the love of our Savior Jesus.

We need to know that our God will always love us! we don’t need religion we need a relationship with Jesus. We are human and we will make mistakes. We can go to our Jesus and have our minds blown, our hearts filled with the One who loves us most.

We can call on Him, we need only accept His love, believe He is our Savior Jesus, seek His forgiveness for our stupidity and He is faithful to give grace and mercy, even when we feel we don’t deserve it.

Grace and mercy are used interchangeably. It is the unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification. We are blessed when we turn from our sin and reach to Him. Reach to Him, He awaits your hand.

Enjoy this beautiful song, “How You Love Me” by Patrick Mayberry. I was so moved by its lyrics. What amazing love! Throw off the obstacles of the past instead accept his love and grace. It is worth the steps to His peace and, as times get shorter, steps to a new life.

John 3:16   “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.