First love…lost?

 First love…lost?

 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Rev.2.4-5

Yesterday I was talking to a friend who ministers in Asia…and they work in two different Asian countries…and  have for several years…they have seen tremendous growth in reaching people for Christ…

But, he spoke of the decline of Christianity as well…those areas where they have seen those entrusted with the precious Word move toward more humanitarian emphasis and away from the Truth…not balanced anymore…where at one time, even the government wanted the Word taught and now regulates against it…

Sound familiar?

It is hard to comprehend how fast there is a rise and fall of God’s Word…but you don’t have to look too far to see it elsewhere…

Prayer requests are filled with parents praying for their families…

Gideon…one generation, pride, greed…from the heights of fame to loss…to name one…

 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. 

They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the Lord their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 

They also failed to show any loyalty to the family of Jerub-Baal (that is, Gideon) in spite of all the good things he had done for them.

Judg.8.33-35

Paul to Timothy…entrusted…instructed…

 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.Grace be with you all.

1Tim.6.20-21

 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

2Tim.1.14

David…restore…

 Restore to me the joy of your salvation any grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Ps.51.12

Moses…a reminder…

 Remember the days of old;consider the generations long past.Ask your father and he will tell you,your elders, and they will explain to you.

Deut.32.7

Jesus ….the sower and the seeds…

 The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

Mark.4.14-20

Oh, that we would be like the god soil, continuing to grow…and the generations to come…

Thank YOU…

Light a fire…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrJGMmQfap8

 Restore in me …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPtVAyQJb_Y

Verses of comfort…3…

 

Verses of comfort …3…

This is my third week of the three week cycles…cherishing each day…thank YOU

I have more energy, walk faster, no leaden legs and get better sleep this week of each cycle…and feel more like myself…yay…thank YOU…

So I try to do as much as I can to catch up…various appointments, chores, etc…

Again cherishing the time…thank YOU…

I think of the song, “rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice…rejoice , rejoice again I say rejoice “…but I realize that I need to sing that song on the other two weeks as well, but a little harder…thank YOU…

These verses are just a few on my long list of verses of comfort, no particular order, just ones that pop into each of my days…

Thank YOU….

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).

 The Lord your God is with you,the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you,but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zeph.3.17NIV

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John‬ 3:16 NIV‬). 

 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Rom.5.1-5

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

John.15.2

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18 NIV).

“Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast” (Psalm 119:90 ESV).

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 ESV).

Praise you in the storm…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fo0A7jpLsk

 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘁 ( 𝗗𝗮𝘂𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗮 )

“ Did you know that the arrangement of leaves around the stem of the Daucus Carota plant follows a pattern known as the Fibonacci sequence or golden ratio spirals?  This pattern is a mathematical sequence in which each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, starting from 0 and 1 (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on).  (This is an example of “sacred geometry”)

In plants, this pattern can be seen in the arrangement of leaves, petals, and branches, among other structures. 

The Daucus carota plant, commonly known as wild carrot, has been studied for its spiral pattern, which is thought to be an efficient way to distribute leaves along the stem and optimize the amount of sunlight each leaf receives. The spirals are not always perfect or precise, but they generally follow the Fibonacci sequence, or a related pattern.

Nature is designed geometrically following efficient proportions and ratios that pops up in all scales of the universe — The Fibonacci Sequence and Golden Ratio are just two examples of a multitude of mathematical constants that operate all over the cosmos!

If that's not fascinating I don't know what is! “ 

“ Daucus carota, whose common names include wild carrot, European wild carrot, bird's nest, bishop's lace, and Queen Anne's lace (North America), is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae. It is native to temperate regions of the Old World and was naturalized in the New World. “ ~ wiki 

Wild carrot photo

Read More : https://diaryamazing.com/



Incited…

 

Incited….

There is rarely a day that when perusing the news of the country or world, there isn’t news of some uproar over an issue…incitement over something major or minor…rule by mob, rather than justice…it isn’t anything new, it has been going on for centuries…but, now we get instant replay or watch in real time…

“incite

: to move to action : stir up : spur on : urge on” Merriam Webster….

Biblical references…

 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.

1Kgs.21.25

 Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 

And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” 

Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.”

1Chr.21.1,1Chr.21.7,1Chr.21.8,1Chr.21.13

 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.

Acts.13.50

John 18, 19…the betrayal, crucifixion of Christ…

World and country references abound through the centuries….and currently….

I am so glad that God is in control and nothing surprises Him, even when world feels on fire and out of control…there’s an ultimate plan…everyday and every moment is still is God’s hand…

Thank YOU….

 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

Ps.107.43

 Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind,and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. 

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,and whoever captures souls is wise.

Prov.11.29,Prov.11.30

 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;

whoever is discerning, let him know them;for the ways of the Lord are right,and the upright walk in them,but transgressors stumble in them.

Hos.14.9

God is in control…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6Eiv1r5UnE

Our magnificent design….

 Our magnificent design….

 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 

Your eyes saw my unformed body;all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 

How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

How vast is the sum of them!

Ps.139.13-17

With this cancer regimen, there are definitely some down days…I marvel at the of medicine and their interactions…what each is supposed to do, how they work together…each has a purpose…each to help eliminate the enemy, cancer…

Then, I marvel at how my body reacts…we are made so intricately…studying biology lots of years ago, we studied how many ways we eliminate toxins from our body…am sure now there is much more knowledge on that matter…there are big ways to get rid of toxins, but each big way is backed by a multitude of microscopic workings that God perfected in each one of us…what a Designer!!!

Thank YOU….

Creation song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjtzPZ6sMSw

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/immune-system-fight-infection

Leaden legs….

 

Leaden legs…

One of the side effects of the chemotherapy that I am taking is leaden legs….the feeling and reality that your legs weigh very heavy….it’s like taking steps in thigh high mud…each step is a like pulling your leg out of the mud and the placing it forward…it hit big time this past week…not sure if it will continue, grow worse, recede, stay the same…we’ll see….

Talking to one of my cancer “team”, they encouraged continued walking, not giving up, many shorter walks…and after years of walking and after a year of gaining strength after hip replacement…I still want to maintain some level of walking…sooooo very thankful that the hip replacement surgery was done before finding the cancer…

But, “walking “ isn’t just about the physical act of walking….it is so much more….it is the way we think, what we do, what our lives reflect…and as important as the physical walking , spiritual walking has eternal value…to ourselves and to those around us…

And as much I as want to maintain my physical walking for bodily health and well-being, I want my walk with God to be foremost…..worthy of His calling….

Thank YOU….

 You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.

Deut.5.33

 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

Deut.10.12

 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,for I have put my trust in you.Show me the way I should go,for to you I entrust my life.

Ps.143.8

 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isa.30.21

 but they who wait for 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.

Isa.40.31

 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Col.1.9-10

Walk with me, Lord….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmaZLhaPMgQ

“ not my first rodeo”….

 “ not my first rodeo”…..

Two of my children participated in rodeos when they were younger…barrel racing, mutton busting….one still uses the phrase, “ not my first rodeo” to allude to the fact that she has “ been there, done that “ or “ I do have experience in ——“….

When this devotion came up today on the daily site for cancer patients, “Cancer Companions” I just needed to share it….God, too, has a history…He has infinite experience….

Thank YOU…..

“You Are Not God’s First Rodeo! 

Written by Dan Held

“Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast” (Psalm 119:90 ESV).

I recall with some amusement once hearing America’s TV psychologist, Dr. Phil McGraw, tell a guest on his show who was somewhat doubtful of his advice, “Don’t worry, you’re not my first rodeo.” 

Whenever we need help with any problem or project in life, it’s nice to know that our adviser has been around awhile. Been in business awhile. Successfully resolved a good many such problems before taking on ours. Performed many similar surgeries before. 

This may be especially true when facing cancer. It is an encouragement to any patient to know their doctor has been around long enough to have successfully treated a case like theirs. It is comforting to face cancer with an oncologist who is quite at ease, owing to past experience, even in the face of our particular diagnosis. 

Whatever we may face in this life, we can rest assured that God, too, has treated many patients with our same set of risks and circumstances. Millions of them. Successfully. Let’s face it, God has been in the Great Physician business for quite a while. He’s taken care of plenty of others just like us. And he’s performed more miracles than we’ll ever know about.

“Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast” (Psalm 119:90 ESV).

Think of all the times God has led you through a struggle. You may have known at the time that He was guiding you, or perhaps you only realized this in hindsight. Now think about your parents. What struggles did they face? How did God show up for them? Now think about your grandparents or your children. Can you see how God has been faithful to all generations? You can trust that your cancer struggle is not the first time He has carried someone through a cancer struggle. Don’t worry, you are not God’s first rodeo! 

Generation after generation, from the beginning of human history God has shown up. What you see for the first time, God sees every day. Can you imagine how many people God has led through the journey of cancer? You may be new to your journey but remember—God has been over this road countless times and knows His way around every bump in the road. You could never be in better hands!

Pray: Experienced and faithful God, I bring to You today that which is new for me, but not for You. My problems may be new to me—but never to You. You’ve led others through cancer many times before. With You, today, I know I am in good hands! Amen.    

Your Turn: While facing yourself in the mirror today, repeat these words three times: “I am not God’s first rodeo!”



Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver

Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.com.”

Cancer Companion has a daily devotional, plus many, many helps for those dealing with cancer…

Cancercompanion.org

Lord of Eternity….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLJc9NrPB9c

Cancer cycles…

 

 Cancer cycles….

My cancer treatments are on three week cycles…

Week one is blood tests, a day of infusions, doctor visits, followed by a day to get an injection…

Week two, side effects from week one….

Week three, a bit lighter, more energy….

Repeat….

Week one is time consuming, week two is no fun, week three trying to catch up even though tired….before repeat…

This time the side effects are manifesting themselves in my whole digestive system, my back and legs…all weak areas for me…legs feel like they are lead, walking through a field of mud…

I continue to walk each day, this time shorter walks, but still finishing my steps by night fall…just takes longer…with rests along the way…

In 2020, I was walking so much as the gym was closed…and saw gardens along my path each day…this year just walking up and down my short driveway….the goal this year is to “ just do it and heal”…maintain a level of activity….

This verse came up this morning as the verse of the day…it has been a favorite of mine for years… 

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2Cor.1.3-4

I so appreciate God’s comfort…he knows my heart, my state, my stature, my health…and He walks along side me, slow or fast, painful or not…He encourages, sympathizes, lifts up, cheers me on, holds my hand in the night watches…gives me rest…

Not just for ourselves, but to those all around….

Thank YOU….

God help me ….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_pgGgHVxPg

Pastures….

 Pastures…

Having been raised in both the Central Valley and the north coast of California, spring  came with green pastures of flowers and lush green fields feeding  the new crops of lambs, calves and other livestock…fresh new growth to help the new babies and their mothers grow well after a winter’s rest…

Then moving the Nevada for much of our married life, the green pastures were just as important, though not nearly as lush, they also supplied the new nutrients for the spring babies….

As we read in John 10, it harkened back Psalm 23…green pastures…nourishment for the soul, rest for the soul, provision for the soul…new life….

The Word is all of that…It feeds me like new grass everyday…it gives rest and abundance all in one…if we will but feed on it…

When we are going through trials, the Word gives us a resting place, a green pasture to rest in, to feed upon…

Thank YOU…

He makes me lie down in green pastures…..

Ps.23.2a

 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture…

John.10.9

“In the Bible, green pastures are mentioned in Psalm 23, symbolizing God's provision and care for His people:

• Lead: Green pastures signify abundance, nourishment, rest, and safety.

• They represent a place of peace and tranquility, where one can find refreshment for the soul.

• Green pastures reflect the idea of God as a caring shepherd, guiding and protecting His flock.

• In the context of Psalm 23, green pastures reveal God's abundant blessings and provision for His followers.

The concept of green pastures in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's love, care, and sustenance for His people, emphasizing His role as a loving and attentive shepherd.”

“That pasture denotes the good and truth which restore and sustain the soul or spirit of man, is clear from the Lord's words in John:--

I am the door; by Me if anyone enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture (John 10:9);

where pasture denotes the goods and truths which those have who acknowledge the Lord, and seek life from Him alone.”’

https://www.biblemeanings.info/Words/Geographical/Pasture.htm

Shepherd of my soul…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4S8ne-xU0E

Impossible situations…

 

Impossible situations…

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/how-the-fiery-furnace-of-daniel-inspires-us-to-have-faith-in-impossible-situations.html??aps=d491a43856e21b587867b447453a930de9780b237aec2d5b87b5802fcc4d8c3d&utm_content=1129175_20240521_84&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=lst_bst_todays_bible_breakout&utm_source=newsletter&bt_ee=52UyftSal7bd1I+YJA7z1/7kJkZ3kNW5SXQqWs0cvKZhH0nmL/2Ri2c5d5i/iDJf&bt_ts=1716283517647

Even if ….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

Hope has a name…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkCP9ms0o_I

 Sovereignty and Sanctification….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWOTDyHzBBc

Hope has a name….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkCP9ms0o_I

When the rubber hits the road….

 When the rubber hits the road…

I love to go to seminars, retreats, learning new things, deeper truths, fresh fellowships….but coming home can be tough…because there awaits reality…we are “high” from the teachings, the fun, the events…and the dirty laundry awaits, real life events happen and we feel sometimes sucked back into life without all the frills, joy and laughter…

But, home is where we put the principles we learned to the test…what was God trying to teach us during those few hours of the seminar or retreat? What did He prepare just for us? What words of wisdom did He have for us to face the road ahead when we arrived home? 

It may be a single verse we can cling to, it may be a new friendship, or a song that fills our heart…it may be the peace that He gives  when we trust him to help us seek His face in trials that will come to test our convictions…and trials will come…

He doesn’t leave us or forsake us after a retreat, seminar…He uses those truths to teach and give us encouragement and perseverance…after all He knew what was going to be presented….He knew what our hearts needed, He knows the road ahead and has prepared a place for us….it may seem bumpy and not what we wanted, but He is there for us and with us…

Thank YOU…

 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Rom.15.5-6,Rom.15.13

 You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.

Ps.23.5

 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,a stronghold in times of trouble. 

And those who know your name put their trust in you,for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Ps.9.9-10

Through it all…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=through+it+all

A bit of history…

 A bit of history…

I grew up in the church…attending since I can remember…basically the only real time I didn’t attend diligently was in college as I had no way to get there, or so I thought…but, God still kept me…

After we got married, my husband and I were back in church, searching for the right fit…finding that in a small church in the small town where we lived…the church had its roots in the American Missionary fellowship…whose roots go way back to founding children and adult Sunday Schools in the 1700’s with itinerate Pastors…

My first Women’s Bible study was lead by a woman whose life, with her Pastor husband, was teaching in various small towns in rural Nevada…we finally hired a permanent pastor and that fellowship is still going 50 years later…

One of the first books, I studied was James…and then on through the whole Bible with many pastors, many women’s groups and many on my own, plus a stint with online Seminary…

I liked and still like the book of James…it is simple, forthright like the Book of Proverbs…speaking clearly to all, just as the whole Word does….

So looking for Wisdom? James and Solomon tell us…

Who is wise and understanding among you? 

Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 

Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Jas.3.13-18

 My son, if you receive my wordsand treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdomand inclining your heart to understanding; 

yes, if you call out for insightand raise your voice for understanding, 

if you seek it like silverand search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. 

Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 

for wisdom will come into your heart,

and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 

discretion will watch over you,understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil,

from men of perverted speech, 

who forsake the paths of uprightnessto walk in the ways of darkness, 

who rejoice in doing eviland delight in the perverseness of evil, men whose paths are crooked,

and who are devious in their ways.

Prov.2.1-15

Thank YOU…

The perfect wisdom of God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PII0ThvFk5Y

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InFaith

Tears…

 Tears….

Several years ago, a longtime friend gave me a small hand blown glass jar to represent the tears that this verse alludes to…she had one too, representing the death of her husband …she has passed away now as well leaving behind her family…

You have kept count of my tossings;put my tears in your bottle.Are they not in your book?

Ps.56.8

The shortest verse in the Bible is John 14:35, “Jesus wept.”…in the story of the death of his friend, Lazarus….people asked why he didn’t save his friend from this death…but, he had a different strategy….calling him forth from the tomb where Lazarus was already laid…freeing him from the bondage of the burial cloths…

The scene coming shortly after Jesus has said, 

  Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 

So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 

She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” 

When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 

Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 

Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 

Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” 

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 

Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” 

Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 

Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 

So they took away the stone. 

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 

When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. 

Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,

John.11.17-45

It made me think of this verse…when Christ was praying alone, knowing what was soon to come, his death on the cross…waiting acknowledging his pain…but willingly facing it for the sins of the world…

 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Luke.22.44

….were his sweat drops saved in a bottle like our tears….by His Father…they were in the plan…for Him, for us…

Thank YOU….

For those tears…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtqCh6-gwgA

A few quotes…

 A few Quotes….

Everyday quotes flip by from various sources…some stand out while others do not…

Throw kindness around like confetti..Molly Kansas ….Dove Chocolates..

 Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.

Prov.21.21

 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

Zech.7.9-10

 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Rom.2.4

 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Col.3.12-17

With so many things coming back in style, I can’t wait until morals, respect and intelligence become a trend again….Denzel Washington….

 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Rom.13.7

 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true;

2Cor.6.7-8

 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

1Cor.15.33

 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Titus.2.7-8

 Your loving kindness….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV-fNmt6ZAo

I AM….a few…

 I Am….a few…

A few “ I am “ verses out of many…as I was reading in the book of John, I found them, of course, but looked back to a few in the Old Testament…what did God say about himself…a shield, reward, a mover of people, a giver of promises…

Jesus called himself “I Am “ as well, both in description and God…

The Word is whole and true, threads running throughout from the beginning to end…

Thank YOU…

 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” 

And he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”

Gen.15.1,7

 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,

Gen.17.1

 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham's sake.”

Gen.26.24

  And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body.

Gen.35.11

 Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.

Gen.46.3

 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

Exod.3.14

 God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord. 

Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.

Exod.6.2,6

  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matt.11.29

 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.

 Luke.22.27

 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.

John.4.25-26

 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. 

Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 

I am the bread of life. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. 

Whoever eats this bread will live forever. 

This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

John.6.35,John.6.48,John.6.51,John.6.68,69

 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. 

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” 

But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 

While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John.8.12,John.8.18,John.8.23,John.8.58,John.9.5

 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 

what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? 

Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s John.10.7,John.10.11,John.10.14,John.10.36

 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John.11.25,John.11.26

 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.

John.12.32,John.13.19

 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. 

From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 

Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. “

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John.14.6-7John.14.11,John.14.20,John.15.1,John.15.5

Light of the World…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06ZpCUjQljU

Verses of comfort…2…

 

Verses of comfort…2

I had my second infusion yesterday, injection today…

1/3 of the way done…yay…this week is the hardest each time in the  cycle of three weeks…

Everyday, it seems, I get a new comfort verse, whether from other people, Bible reading, a song, or the Holy Spirit…I am not forsaken through these times or anytime…

Thank YOU….

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV).

 The Lord your God is with you,the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you;

in his love he will no longer rebuke you,but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zeph.3.17NIV

 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

John.15.2

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me” (Psalm 31:2-3 NIV).

“Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10 NIV).

My eyes are awake through the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word” (Psalm 119:148 NKJV).

“We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26 NIV).

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” (Psalm 121:7-8 NIV).

“I have made you and I will carry you; 

I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4b NIV). 

 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;the Lord bestows favor and honor;no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Ps.84.11

 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2Cor.4.17

In the secret…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9qreZA--ks

Verses of comforting….

 Verses of comforting…

I have read the book of Psalms over and over in various seasons of my life…they are convicting, comforting…they are filled with real life agonies, real life triumphs, real life failings, real life groanings….real life…how the psalmists met God through various trials…how God was glorified through real life…

I read them to my husband as his cancer took more and more of him…crying aloud to God as the psalmist did…knowing that He heard…

Now, I do the same for others and myself as we meet our “foes” , those enemies who confront us…whether health, hardships which come in real life…I need to remember God ‘s faithfulness in times past…

So I have been collecting verses of comfort, again…

Thank YOU…..

I cry aloud to God,aloud to God, and he will hear me. 

In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;

in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;

my soul refuses to be comforted. 

When I remember God, I moan;

when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah 

I said, “Let me remember my song in the night;

let me meditate in my heart.”

Then my spirit made a diligent search: 

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 

I will ponder all your work,and meditate on your mighty deeds. 

You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.

Ps.77.1-3, Ps.77.6,Ps.77.11-12, Ps.77.14

 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. 

They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness. 

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;therefore I will wait for him.” 

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,to the one who seeks him; 

it is good to wait quietlyfor the salvation of the Lord.

Lam.3.21-26 NIV

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.
Hebrews 6:19

Hebrews 13:15   NIV.....Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. 

“We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9b BSB).

Give me faith…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwmZCPRyTps

Moms…

 

Moms…

I was thinking this morning about the genealogy of Jesus…

We  all have genealogies…where did we come from, what were they like, were they perfect citizens, were there any unsavory personalities/lives we would like to ignore, were there any funny or tragic stories…etc…

I have some items passed down through generations that I wish I knew more about…a trunk that crossed the ocean in 1860’s with one ancestor…

My parents did some family history stuff at one time, finding relatives in Germany, Denmark…going back the the revolutionary war with England…and some very interesting mothers….

I loved my mom who came with faults and faith, as have I…as have millions down through history…But, God has a plan and He loves us …He redeems us…He uses us…

Jesus’ genealogy found in Matthew includes some women, mothers who made a world of difference…women who showed faith…redemption…fortitude…

Happy Mother’s Day…

Thank YOU….

  An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels. 

She opens her mouth with wisdom,and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 

She looks well to the ways of her householdand does not eat the bread of idleness. 

Her children rise up and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: 

“Many women have done excellently,but you surpass them all.” The heart of her husband trusts in her,and he will have no lack of gain. 

She does him good, and not harm,all the days of her life.

Prov.31.10,Prov.31.26-29Prov.31.11-12

 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, 

and Hezron the father of Ram, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, 

and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 

and Jesse the father of David the king.And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 

and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.

Matt.1.3,Matt.1.5,Matt.1.6,Matt.1.16

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/who-is-tamar-in-the-bible.html

“Tamar’s story is just one thread woven into the dramatic story of humanity. It reveals the redemptive and compassionate heart of God holding. Tamar, like Ruth, was not one of God’s chosen people. Yet, she is one out of four women mentioned in Jesus’ genealogy. She was not only a Gentile but a woman. Though we are made in His image, God does not play favorites, and Jesus came to save us all.”

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/the-scarlet-cord-rahabs-bible-story-and-our-story.html

 and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.

Josh.2.9

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/story-of-ruth-in-the-bible.html

 For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

Ruth.1.16b

https://www.gotquestions.org/Bathsheba-in-the-Bible.html

“Bathsheba’s story reminds us that God has a plan, and He can work even through difficult situations with imperfect people to bring about something good. Queen Bathsheba, despite the unsavory events surrounding her coming to the palace, became the mother of the wisest and most successful king ever to grace the throne.”

https://womeninthebible.net/women-bible-old-new-testaments/mary-jesus-mother/

 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”…..

Luke.1.38a

How firm a foundation….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prb4C_PEwWM

Dancing lights…

 Dancing lights…

Last night we went out away from town, away from the lights of town, to watch what we could of the Northern lights…they were supposed to be visible to as far south as Alabama…they weren’t as spectacular as you see in North apparently, but, hey, they were amazing….dancing in the skies…

Another part of creation that points to the Father of lights, the Creator of light…the Light of the World, Jesus…His Glory…

Thank YOU….

 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.

Gen.1.3,Gen.1.4

 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.

Gen.1.14,Gen.1.18

  Yours is the day, yours also the night;you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.

Ps.74.16

 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,for his steadfast love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the God of gods,for his steadfast love endures forever. 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who alone does great wonders,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who by understanding made the heavens,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who spread out the earth above the waters,for his steadfast love endures forever; 

to him who made the great lights,for his steadfast love endures forever;

Ps.136.1-7

 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

Luke.17.24

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Jas.1.17

 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John.8.12

Light of the World…

https://www.yahoo.com/news/northern-lights-may-visible-across-153829311.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06ZpCUjQljU

Sowing and reaping…

 Sowing and reaping….

 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

John.4.34-38

Several years ago, my husband and I got to go to an Asian country to teach English in a high school setting for 10 days with a group of Americans with various backgrounds…it was an amazing time…we each had a set of 10-20 students we worked with each day…their English pronunciation was from basically the internet…our curriculum was parables…without the use of Bibles…

We did some sightseeing of the local area mainly with the students…although we did  some time with the school headmaster….

We could only speak of faith based issues if students asked…

At the conclusion, one of the group expressed their disappointment that they hadn’t been able to openly proclaim the gospel and lead any students to the Lord…so she felt the time had totally been a failure and wished she hadn’t come and wasted her time…

I look back on that time completely different…for 10 days, we worked , studied, played and traveled with a bunch of high school students…they asked innumerable questions, they saw a dedicated lifestyle, they sought out answers…they watched…listened and thought through the Parables based on the Bible…we may not have been able to stand on city corners proclaiming Jesus, but we lived Him…we sowed…I am not sure who reaped, but I am sure there will be a harvest…

Thank YOU….

 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

2Tim.4.1-2

The Sower’s Song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIiKIR6mQOE 

Hair, our adornment…

 Hair, our adornment…..

This week less than two weeks into Chemotherapy, I started losing my hair…I had cut is short a week before treatments started to prepared myself, but, going totally bald is a whole new dimension…suddenly a “skin head” is hard…and in the big scheme of life is little, but ….the thing is your hair actually hurts to touch…

In the book of Leviticus, baldness is dealt with in the Law, with unclean and clean, depending on whether there is disease…

Elisha must have been bald as he was teased/disrespected about it…

 “He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys. From there he went on to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria.”

2Kgs.2.23-25

Shaved heads was a sign of mourning or even disgrace if done by an enemy…

 I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation;I will bring sackcloth on every waist and baldness on every head;I will make it like the mourning for an only son and the end of it like a bitter day.

Amos.8.10

 Make yourselves bald and cut off your hair,for the children of your delight;make yourselves as bald as the eagle,for they shall go from you into exile.

Mic.1.16

So having gone to gray hair and now to bald has been a switch…

 So even to old age and gray hairs,O God, do not forsake me,until I proclaim your might to another generation,your power to all those to come.

Ps.71.18

  Gray hair is a crown of glory;it is gained in a righteous life.

Prov.16.31

 The glory of young men is their strength,but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

Prov.20.29

And now there is less hair to number…

 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.

Matt.10.30

But, it does come to this…for me…trying not to be vain, but, I liked my hair, it was warm, and hopefully it will return…for now less to care for in this season….

 but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.

1Cor.11.15

I looked up cancer hair loss, and for the most part, they haven’t been able to come up with a solution…for most, it is just one of the many side effects…some they can combat, and others we just take it as part of the package…

So,scarves, hats and wigs are the solution…

Thank YOU…

Jireh….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC-zw0zCCtg

“What God Has Prepared For You, May



Written by By David Gira

“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided’” (Genesis 22:14 NIV).

Where will the money come from to pay for cancer treatment? The strength? The words to tell your kids? How will you find the right oncologist? Know what to do? Will friends and family help? While you may not know how or when, “the Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14).

In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, we find one of Scripture’s most challenging stories. God commands Abraham, a key person in the Old Testament, to sacrifice his one and only child, Isaac. God had promised Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. To take the life of any child was unacceptable. To sacrifice Isaac was truly unfathomable.

Shockingly, Abraham does not resist God. He takes Isaac and heads to the mountain where he is to sacrifice his son. 

Along the way, Isaac sees they have the fire and the wood, but asks his father about a lamb for the sacrifice. Abraham answers, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” (Genesis 22:8 NIV).

The dreadful moment arrives. Abraham takes the knife in his hand. At that moment, the Lord commands Abraham to stop and not harm the boy.

The entire gut-wrenching experience turns out to be a test. Did Abraham stand in awe of God’s power and majesty? Would he worship God alone? Would he love, honor, trust, and obey God—no matter what? Would Abraham give God everything, even his one and only son? In the New Testament, we are given a little window into how Abraham could obey God, even in this. We are told he truly believed that God could raise this promised son from the dead! (See Hebrews 11:17-19.)

At any rate, having passed the terrible test, Abraham looks up and sees a ram caught in a thicket, provided by God to be the sacrifice. God also gives Abraham a special blessing. Abraham names the place, “The Lord Will Provide.” 

You might feel like God gave you cancer to test you. Nothing could be further from the truth. Thankfully, Jesus has passed the test for you. God the Father allowed His one and only Son to be sacrificed for you. You do not have to walk the “perfect” cancer walk. The perfect Lamb of God has washed away your every mistake (see John 1:29). Jesus died so you can live abundantly and eternally. He gives you courage, faith, hope, and healing.

Cancer is not a test, but it does test you. You want to obey God no matter what. You want to hold nothing back. You want to place your total trust in God. With or without cancer, you want to faithfully follow Jesus, but the disease is incredibly difficult. It threatens to take your life, or the life of a loved one, and may have already taken someone special from you. Cancer requires more than you have.

Whatever cancer demands, God will provide. You can trust God’s provision. You too can name this time and place of cancer, “The Lord Will Provide”.  

Pray: Lord, look mercifully upon my life, and see all that I need. I want to faithfully face cancer, but it demands far more than I have. Thank You for being my God who always provides what I need. Help me trust You today and every day of my life. Above all, I thank You for Jesus. Amen.

Your Turn: Listen to this amazing song, “Jireh,” by Elevation Worship and Maverick City. Jehovah-Jireh means “The Lord Will Provide.” Remember the many ways God has provided for you. Give God thanks! Next, ask God to provide for what you need today.  “

Red River valley….

 Red River Valley….

I have two grandchildren expecting their first  babies this year…I didn’t think I was old enough to have great grandchildren…but apparently it is true…where did time go? They were little children not too long ago…a handbreadth away…

My father loved holding bodies as did my husband and then my sons…

My husband would rock our children singing, “Red River Valley”, probably from hearing it as he grew up listening to vinyl recordings by Eddie Arnold,  country western singer…as did I…I can picture him either sitting in our one rocking chair patting one child after another rocking them tosleep or soothing them from one thing or another, humming that tune…or pacing the floor back and forth, again patting their little backs, humming…

What days not so long ago….

And now one of my sons gets the chance to do that for his grandchildren…

As time marches on…another generation to cuddle, pass down to, share with…to train…what a delight…what a responsibility...what a privilege…

 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end-and the number of my days;let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth;the span of my years is as nothing before you.Everyone is but a breath,even those who seem secure.

Ps.39.4,Ps.39.5

 Come, O children, listen to me;I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Ps.34.11

 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Deut.6.5-7

Red River Valley….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXBJqxwG0oE

Doxology….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q5ojehA78c

The Word….

 

The Word….

 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 was not any thing made that was made. 

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 

No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

John.1.1-5,John.1.9-14,John.1.16-18

Word of God speak…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYu8ZyETnKo

Ancient Words…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHpFIN9N2xw

Thy Word…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6LC8cu03Ig

Your Word….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9NEYy71lcU

Living Word…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xZYJ7NCbFE

The Word of God…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpCQFUpgwFw

One wish…

 One wish….

What would you ask for if you had one wish?  We think daily of things we want, need, desire…both material goods, emotional needs…

 I was reading the devotional from Cancer Companions this morning…was reminded of James telling the Jewish Christians what they really needed in their times of persecution…but, first he said to count it all joy through their trials, then ask for wisdom….

Remember a king asked for the same as a ruler of a nation…Solomon wanted wisdom and understanding….how to lead, live….

As we meet everyday situations, we need the same…wisdom…not the world’s…but true wisdom that comes from our Creator…

Thank YOU….

 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 

And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

1Kgs.3.5-14

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5 NIV

“……They were Jewish Christians who had fled persecution, leaving them hesitant even about what to pray for amidst their most trying of circumstances. Had they done the right thing in leaving their homes, fearing persecution and death? Had they come to the right place? Now what? Now where? Decisions. Decisions. Sound familiar?”

Cancer companions Organization…

 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;all those who practice it have a good understanding.His praise endures forever!

Ps.111.10

 For the Lord gives wisdom;from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justiceand watching over the way of his saints. 

Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 

for wisdom will come into your heart,and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 

discretion will watch over you,understanding will guard you,

Prov.2.6-11