devotional – Page 19 – Light In The Clouds

Mass Murder In Congo: There Are Tears Today

Post Views: 599

Reading Time: 8 minutes

But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:28-31)

I have had a spiritual struggle, a battle of sorts in recent days. After hearing what has happened in the DRC recently, and the children who were murdered in cold blood and burned to death, I was filled with tears. Just thinking about it. I had 50% of my body burned. I know a bit what it might have felt like. Like many, I have struggled to find in God’s Word anything about just how He intends to make things right after something like that.

People have challenged me by asking:

“well where was your God when all those kids were butchered?”

When I am confronted with something like this, my auto-default is the cross. God was in the very same place He was when His own Son died on the cross. God was in the same place He was when I sustained burns to 50% of my body. God was in the same place he was when my late wife died in my arms. God was. God is. God will be:

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)

Scripture tells us about others who have asked similar hard-hitting questions about “where was God?”

Repent or Perish

There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5, ESV)

No. Jesus was not threatening people, saying “you must repent or I’ll kill you.” Jesus was simply warning them Jesus is simply warning us today. He wants us to know the results we will bring upon ourselves if we do not know Him as Savior and Lord. It is eternal life to know God and Whom He has sent.(John 17:3) God has also said:

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. (Jer 31:3, NIV)

As evidenced by the cross; Jesus has shown us this “everlasting love”, through His “everlasting gospel.” (Rev 14:6-7)

God reaches toward his people with kindness motivated by deep and everlasting love. He is eager to do the best for them if they will only let him. After many words of warning about sin, this reminder of God’s magnificent love is a breath of fresh air. Rather than thinking of God with dread, look carefully and see him lovingly drawing us toward himself.

Whether a person is killed in a tragic accident or miraculously survives is not a measure of righteousness, or lack thereof. Everyone has to die once. (Heb 9:27) Jesus did not explain why some live and some die tragically; instead he pointed to everyone’s need for repentance, before their time comes. (Mat 4:17) We have some terrible forest fires in my area at the time of this writing. A young lady just 19 years old has just died while helping to fight the fires. Its such a sad thing.

No matter how or when it occurs, death is not the end. Jesus promises that those who believe in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Wonderful Words of Life

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:16,21, NIV)

I don’t have all the answers, yet something did occur to me that I find helpful. Something with HOPE in it. I don’t really know what to say to people about this, my heart is breaking just thinking about the magnitude of the suffering in the Congo. The families that are left. I can sum up what I am thinking by just saying that if we know our identity in Christ, then at least these tough questions have an answer that makes some sense through the din of grief and pain. It gives me hope of something better.

As I thought of those children being burned alive; I recalled my own burns to 50% of my body. Why don’t I hate God after all that has happened to me? Through it all, Jesus has been there. Jesus has been real. Jesus is relevant. Jesus has been, is, and will be powerful. I know I am His adopted child, and He is my Heavenly Father. “I am the one Jesus loves.” And this gives me hope. Something to hang onto. A future hope. No more death, no more crying, no more tears.

Who really am I when all seems so dark and scary, and there is seemingly no hope?

“I am the one that Jesus loves.”

Its about the cross. The cross is the only thing that levels the playing field in a crises for us all. The cross is exactly how Jesus makes all things right.

“that He might be JUST and the JUSTIFIER of all who believe in Jesus” (Rom 3:26) PTL. This is what will apply also to all who wonder “where was/is God?” The cross closes up the distance. “all who are afar off are made near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)

A nurse who looked after me years ago when I was burned kept saying “God just loves everyone so much.” And I had the evidence by her ministry to me in the sick bed. On what we all thought was my death bed. For us today, as then, the cross is the evidence.

Christ declares

“I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)

If the cross does not find an influence in its favor, it creates an influence. Through generation succeeding generation, the truth for this time is revealed as present truth. Christ on the cross was the medium whereby mercy and truth met together, and righteousness and peace kissed each other. This is the means that is to move the world! {6BC 1113.5}

This is why the header photo for this web site is there. You see it at the top of each page here. I scratched that message in the sand this past summer during a dark period I was going through.

“I am the one Jesus loves.”

This is our identity in Christ. We are the one/s that Jesus loves. The cross is our proof. The cross is our doctrine. The cross is our warning. The cross is my hope in every situation. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13)

I asked a passing tourist to take the header picture for this web site after I scratched the message in the sand at Jasper National Park. He did not look at the message until after he took the picture. His mouth literally dropped open in surprise. Now he and his group of friends have gone back to India but I am sure they will tall many others about this. About the old hippy in dirty drywall clothes that actually thought

“I am the one who Jesus loves.”

Im sure they will never forget the moment. And I pray that God will bring justice to the Congo and shower the people there with Hope and Love that passes all human understanding or possibility. May they too know in their darkest hour:

“I am the one Jesus loves”

Light In The Clouds

Rain Bow Shows Righteousness of Christ, Mercy, and Justice

In the rainbow above the throne is an everlasting testimony that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish. . . .” Whenever the law is presented before the people, let the teacher of truth point to the throne arched with the rainbow of promise, the righteousness of Christ. The glory of the law is Christ; He came to magnify the law, and to make it honorable. Make it appear distinct that mercy and peace have met together in Christ, and righteousness and truth have embraced each other.{5BC 1133.5}

As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; people could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation complete. It is the blending of the two that leads us, as we view the world’s Redeemer, and the law of Jehovah, to exclaim,

“Thy gentleness hath made me great” (2 Sam 32:6, Psalms 18:35) {5BC 1133.6}

If you desire to be one of God’s adopted children today you may take heart in this promise from Heaven:

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12, KJV)

All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out—rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. (2 Cor 5:17). Being born makes us physically alive and places us in our parents’ family (John 1:13). Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s family (John 1:12). Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ. Just ask Jesus in your own words:

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. {CSA 26.3}

The phrase believe in His name occurs three times in the Gospel of John (John 1:12; John 2:23; John 3:18). Name does not refer to the term by which He is called, but to what His name stands for—the Lord is salvation (Exodus 3:14-15). In this context, the phrase means to believe that Jesus is the Word, the life, and the Light—that is, He is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:31).

To them He gave the right refers to the legitimate entitlement to the position of children of God. None of us was naturally a child of God. We were by nature children of wrath and condemned apart from Christ. Imagine being poverty-stricken and then being given the right to inherit the riches of a king and the position of royalty. By believing, undeserving sinners can become full members of God’s family.

While he was in jail, Paul was treated in a very rough manner. But this is what he said:

Then Paul called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:29-31)

Remember that at one time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:12,13, NIV)

At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer. (The Desire of Ages,669,670).

YOU are the one that Jesus loves.

Its OK To Not Be OK

Post Views: 687

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Cor 1:3-4, NIV)

I remember the day like it was just yesterday. My late wife was riddled with cancer, hair all messed up, in her pajamas, couldn’t eat because she was so sick. I put my arms around her carefully, and gave her a kiss.

I told her I loved her and asked for her hand in marriage.

She was so shocked, and she looked at me with a tear or two and said “why would you want to marry someone like me?”

She even told me that I could leave the relationship if I wanted to so that I would not have to look after her when she really got sick.

I said something like

“well I know you are not OK, but I still can see who you are, and thats who I love.”

“And THAT is OK.”

“The sicker you get, the more I will love you.”

And the rest of our time together was filled with true love, and a closeness that I know I will experience again in God’s time. Now I know, it’s OK to not be OK. I am me. I am who I am. I am not all the terrible things that have happened to me. And neither was my wife.

Today, I rejoice that our experience, our story, our not being OK, is now something that can encourage and comfort others across the country. I actively support cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers because of the terrible things my wife and I had to go through.

It is my experience that

“just as I am is all God has ever wanted.”

When we are weak, He is strong. (2 Cor 12:9)

Jesus. He will carry you too. (Isa 46:4). And you don’t have to be OK. Not one of your tears is ever wasted. (Psalms 56:8).

And now I look for stories of others who are not OK. The power of story telling is energized with light and love. This is what I will bring to my next love. To my next story.

“Just as you are is all I want.”

Here below is an amazing story of someone who has a wonderful way of telling people “Its OK” when its not OK. I have no idea what this lady’s beliefs are, but she has a powerful statement to make to those of us today who are not really OK.

This young lady sings an amazing story, the story of her life, and of dealing with cancer. This is what she said about whats happening to her:

“Its important that everyone knows I am so much more than the bad things that happen to me”
– by Night Bird

It is my prayer that this post will encourage and inspire cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. There is power in story telling. Please share your story below in the comments section at the bottom of this page. We would love to hear it. And would be honored to share it with others on this web site.

From Glory To Glory! Thats My New Name!

Post Views: 701

Reading Time: 8 minutes

The Lord Is There.

“…From now on, the name of the city will be THE LORD IS THERE.” (Ezekiel 48:35, ERV)

Here is where Ezekiel tells us that the Divine Presence should be in the city of which he speaks; and should be there so fully and so powerfully, that it should give rise to this special name for the city itself; and that the very name, “Jehovah shammah,” should remind all of us even today of the beautiful glorious Being who had condescended to make this city his habitation. Jesus came down that we might go up! Jesus was treated as we deserve that we might be treated as he deserves. All things are eventually made right by the cross:

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be Just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Rom 3:26)

The book of Ezekiel begins by describing the holiness of God that Israel had despised and ignored. As a result, God’s presence departed from the Temple, the city, and the people. The book ends with a detailed vision of the new Temple, the new city, and the new people—all demonstrating God’s holiness. The pressures of everyday life may cause us to panic, to focus on the here and now and thus forget God.

That is why prayer, study of God’s Word, and worship is so important; it takes our eyes off our current worries, gives us a glimpse of God’s holiness, and allows us to look toward his future Kingdom. God’s presence makes everything glorious, and worship brings us into his presence. God’s presence is all we really need.

In the last verse of Ezekiel, the prophet has in view an ideal city; whether in any material form it is to be realized, we must wait to see. But this will be its prominent characteristic, that God will be there. A great voice will be heard out of Heaven, saying,

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with humanity, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people; and God Himself shall be with them and be their God.”

There is comfort in this for the sorrowful; because where God is, there cannot be sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. God shall wipe away all tears from off all faces. No cypress-trees line the streets of that city; no dirge intrudes upon the glad singing of praise; no sob or groan will be possible.

There is comfort for the doubting and perplexed. Truly devoted souls sometimes walk in darkness and have no light, learning to walk by faith. But there “where God is” all mysteries will be unraveled, all problems solved, every question answered; there will be no night, no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God shall lighten it, and the Lamb shall be the lamp thereof.

Here, “where God is” Ezekiel foresees the return of God in all His glory to His people! Praise The Lord!

Those who do what is right will praise your name; those who are honest will live in your presence. (Psalms 130:13, ERV)

If we could see ahead into the future, perhaps like this Christian writer this is what we might see:

Soon I heard the voice of God, which shook the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down on every side. I then heard a triumphant shout of victory, loud, musical, and clear. I looked upon the company, who, a short time before, were in such distress and bondage. Their captivity was turned. A glorious light shone upon them. How beautiful they then looked! All marks of care and weariness were gone, and health and beauty were seen in every countenance.

Their enemies, the heathen around them, fell like dead ones; they could not endure the light that shone upon the delivered, holy ones. This light and glory remained upon them, until Jesus was seen in the clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company were changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory. And the graves were opened, and the saints came forth, clothed with immortality, crying, “Victory over death and the grave”; and together with the living saints they were caught up to meet their Lord in the air, while rich, musical shouts of glory and victory were upon every immortal tongue. {EW 272.3}

GOD is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble. But cozy islands of escape He wipes right off the map. No one gets away from God. (Nah 1:7-8, Message)

To people who refuse to believe, God’s presence, His second coming, seems as a punishment, like an angry fire. To those who love him, God’s mercy is a refuge, “a very present help in trouble,” supplying all their needs without diminishing our supply. But to God’s enemies he is an overwhelming flood that will sweep them away.

The relationship we have with God is up to us. What kind of relationship will you choose?

The words of Christ to the Pharisees come home with power to every living soul to whom the light of the Sun of Righteousness has been revealed. To those who have caught a glimpse of celestial truth, to whom have come some rays of enlightenment, is the warning given. For your souls’ sake do not turn away and be disobedient to the heavenly vision.

You may have seen something in regard to the righteousness of Christ, but there is truth yet to be seen clearly, and that should be estimated by you as precious as rare jewels. You will see the law of God and interpret it to the people in an entirely different light from what you have done in the past, for the law of God will be seen by you as revealing a God of mercy and righteousness.

The atonement, made by the stupendous sacrifice of Jesus Christ, will be seen by you in an altogether different light. You will see sin in its heinous character. But this the Jews did not desire to see. Jesus said to them things like:

“Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life.”

“For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest their deeds should be reproved.”

“Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness of the truth. But I receive not testimony from man; but these things I say, that ye might be saved.”

Jesus appeals to them to recall the deep conviction that was upon them under the messages of John. Jesus said:

“[John The Baptist], He was a burning and a shining light; and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. But I have a greater witness than that of John; for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you; for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.”

The witness of the Father had been given. THIS witness is our doctrine, our warning. Our comfort. Our hope.

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him; and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” {ST, November 13, 1893 par. 2}

This is what God told us:

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life, but whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. (1 John 5:11-12, ERV)

ANYONE who believes in God’s Son as BOTH Savior and Lord has eternal life now. This is the promise. God’s promise is for YOU.

In the life of the disciple John true sanctification is exemplified. During the years of his close association with Christ, he was often warned and cautioned by the Savior; and these reproofs he accepted. As the character of the Divine One was manifested to him, John saw his own deficiencies, and was humbled by the revelation. Day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. Day by day his heart was drawn out to Christ, until he lost sight of self in love for his Master. The power and tenderness, the majesty and meekness, the strength and patience, that he saw in the daily life of the Son of God, filled his soul with admiration. He yielded his resentful, ambitious temper to the molding power of Christ, and divine love wrought in him a transformation of character. {AA 557.1}

In striking contrast to the sanctification worked out in the life of John is the experience of his fellow disciple, Judas.

Like his associate, Judas professed to be a disciple of Christ, but he possessed only a form of godliness. He was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ; and often, as he listened to the Saviour’s words, conviction came to him, but he would not humble his heart or confess his sins. By resisting the divine influence he dishonored the Master whom he professed to love.

John warred earnestly against his faults; but Judas violated his conscience and yielded to temptation, fastening upon himself more securely his habits of evil. The practice of the truths that Christ taught was at variance with his desires and purposes, and he could not bring himself to yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from heaven. Instead of walking in the light, he chose to walk in darkness. Evil desires, covetousness, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts, were cherished until Satan gained full control of him. {AA 557.2}

John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be Christ’s followers. Both these disciples had the same opportunities to study and follow the divine Pattern. Both were closely associated with Jesus and were privileged to listen to His teaching. Each possessed serious defects of character; and each had access to the divine grace that transforms character. But while one in humility was learning of Jesus, the other revealed that he was not a doer of the word, but a hearer only. One, daily dying to self and overcoming sin, was sanctified through the truth; the other, resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan. {AA 558.1}

Such transformation of character as is seen in the life of John is ever the result of communion with Christ. There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when such a one becomes a true disciple of Christ, the power of divine grace transforms and sanctifies them. Look to Christ, behold the attractive loveliness of His character, and by beholding you will become changed into His likeness. The mist that intervenes between Christ and the soul will be rolled back as we by faith look past the hellish shadow of Satan and see God’s glory in His law, and the righteousness of Christ. {6BC 1097.3}

Enoch kept the Lord ever before him, and the Inspired Word says that he “walked with God.” He made Christ his constant companion. He was in the world, and performed his duties to the world; but he was ever under the influence of Jesus. He reflected Christ’s character, exhibiting the same qualities of goodness, mercy, tender compassion, sympathy, forbearance, meekness, humility, and love. His association with Christ day by day transformed him into the image of Him with whom he was so intimately connected. Day by day he was growing away from his own way into Christ’s way, the heavenly, the divine, in his thoughts and feelings. He was constantly inquiring, Is this the way of the Lord? His was a constant growth, and he had fellowship with the Father and the Son. This is genuine sanctification {6BC 1097.7}

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor 10:3-5)

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, humanity will trust that he truly knows how to help those who are being tempted. (Heb 2:18, Remedy New Testament)

Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, we are changed from glory to glory, until we are is like Him whom he adores. (2 Cor 3:18)

“From Glory To Glory.” That’s my new name! (Exodus 28:29, Rev 2:17, Rev 3:12)

Today, may we all choose to live now in that city called

“The Lord Is There!”

This is my prayer, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

THE LORD IS THERE

Post Views: 726

Reading Time: < 1 minute

“…And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.” (Ezekiel 48:35, NIV)

The manner of expressing a spiritual meaning by giving a name to a city, a people, or the like, has good reason behind it:

“Jehovah is there”, because Yahweh will never again withdraw from it, as He once withdrew, but will hold it as His everlasting possession.”

The visible presence of God’s glory, once represented in the tabernacle and in the temple, had departed, and should not return in quite the same form.

Yet Ezekiel in “visions of God” sees a temple reconstructed to receive the glory of the divine presence, a prophetic vision fulfilled in Emmanuel (“God with us”), who tabernacled among all of humanity.John 1:14. Compare Rom 9:25; Rev 21:2-3.

Begin Again Vol 1

Post Views: 645

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come (Song 2:12)

No matter what kind of clouds and storms might be in your life, it may be spring-time within. If your hearts have been frost-bound and barren, may they now begin to thaw at the approach of Jesus! Many of us have asked for his company, and believe that he will be here; and when he comes, he will make our souls rejoice. They shall be as watered gardens when the spring returns again.

According to the flowers, it is never too late to begin again.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

For me, flowers are the definition of success

If you have seen the power of the storm
and have had the quiet moment with God
You will hear each sparkling moment telling
of the flower’s life saying under the clouds

Begin again with Jesus

if you have broken dreams. lost hopes
did you fall short for everyone you love
recall flowers in the unexpected storm
folding and closing, even got crushed
But it is already planning to begin again.

Begin again with Jesus,

You are the flowers of God

Broken Hearts Just Need Love

Post Views: 1,314

Reading Time: 7 minutes

The LORD is near to the heartbroken And He saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18)

Imagine looking into the mirror every day and not liking who you see. Not knowing where to belong and what to do with your heart of stone.

It has been my lot to be chastened by affliction, which has eventually had a softening and subduing influence, removing enmity from my heart, and filling it with compassion and love.

My life of bereavement, pain, and suffering has not been without precious revealings of the presence of our Savior. My eyes have been attracted to the light in the clouds that shine in their beauty above us; and when all has seemed dark, there has been a rift in the clouds, and sunbeams from the throne have dispersed the gloom. Truly, “there is light in every cloud.” As Christians, we expect it.

God doesn’t really want any of us to remain pressed down by sorrow, with sore and breaking hearts. He would have us look up to catch the rainbow of promise, and reflect THAT light from our clouds, from one heart to another heart.

“The measure of Love is to Love without measure”

I have seen how great anxiety and deep depression are followed by long and happy times of fullness and joy.

Violence and destruction, hopelessness, not being good enough, which, like vandals, carve out and burn us, are replaced by salvation and praise deep in our hearts. The Lord becomes the everlasting light in the thick clouds (Exodus 19:9) of this life, and the days of mourning are ended.

We have no further need to fret or to defend ourselves or to answer false accusations. Let us refrain our lips, hold our peace, as Jesus did, and go on doing whatever it is we do know is right and good. God will see to it that our needs are supplied, and that our soul is redeemed.

Do not think that such an experience is too good to last, or so beautiful that it must be impermanent. When once the dawn of perfect surrender and acceptance breaks, there is no sundown, no shadowed sky, no more sorrow or crying, no more heartbreak or hopelessness. The inheritance is forever! The branch is ever green! Truly, Heaven begins on earth.

I often wish I could escape my many troubles, the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, and failure, or even the small daily frustrations that constantly wear me down. But God promises to be “close to the brokenhearted” and to be our source of power, courage, and wisdom, helping us through our problems.

All who recognized and accepted him—all who valued and accepted the character, methods and principles he revealed—he made them children of God, transforming them into like character, practicing God’s methods and principles.(John 1:12, Remedy New Testament)

All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out—rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents’ family (John 1:13). Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s family (John 1:12). Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ.

Piece by piece Jesus will put us together differently. (2 Cor 5:17)

But all who have received Him, to them–that is, to those who trust in His name–He has given the privilege of becoming children of God; (John 1:12, Weymouth)

I am sure now that I had to break completely so that love could make me new. I heard the Voice of Love speak surely to me. “I will make you new” My love will make you whole, People won’t recognize you anymore. You will rise again. Stronger than ever before.”

For anyone who has joined their heart in unity with Christ receives regeneration of character and is created anew to be like Christ. The old selfish character is replaced with the new Christlike character. (2 Cor 5:17, Remedy New Testament)

I have asked Jesus to make me be a brand new person inside my heart. The Holy Spirit has given me new life, a new heart. I am not reformed. I am not rehabilitated. I am not re-educated. But I am re-created. (2 Cor 5:17) A new creation. I live in vital union with Jesus:

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5, KJV)

Sometimes our Lord chooses to be close to us through another person’s hands.

Another person’s heart.

God’s promise is for you:

“I will give thee people for thy life…” (Isa 43:4).

Its wonderful how God wants to be my friend, leading me
as a Father. (John 1:12)

Thank you, for the time you take to give me joy
every day

Thank you for taking me patiently into your space
to say

Just as I am is how you want me in your world, I
am grateful

I have your arms around me when I am feeling
down or sad

I am happy to be your adopted child, held in your arms
as my Father

I thank you for taking my dark and for making me
feel special

Now I look for a tomorrow in the realms of peace
and trust

In faith and love I wait for our next time together
to say again

Thank you my dear friend for the rainbow you leave in
my heart

to be with you and in your arms of love eternal
for me

Like Paul, I am just a weak human, but now I know I don’t need to use human plans and methods to win my life battles. God’s mighty weapons are available to me as I fight against the devil’s “strongholds.”

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (2 Cor 10:4)

The Christian must choose whose methods to use—God’s or the world’s. Paul assures us that God’s mighty weapons—prayer, faith, hope, love, God’s Word, the Holy Spirit—are powerful and effective.

“The LORD will be [our] everlasting light, and [our] days of sadness will be over”…”At the right time…the LORD, will make it happen quickly.” (Isa 60:20-21, GW)

In every horrible scar from my past, I see the place where His light tries to get in. There is truly light in every cloud. In the Christian life we battle against rulers and authorities (the powerful evil forces of fallen angels headed by the devil, who is a vicious fighter, (see 1 Pet 5:8). To withstand their attacks, we must depend on God’s strength and use every piece of his armor. Paul is not only giving this counsel to the church, the body of Christ, but to all individuals within the church. The whole body needs to be armed.

That is why you need to get God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil, you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. So stand strong with the belt of truth tied around your waist, and on your chest wear the protection of right living. On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong. And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows that come from the Evil One.
Accept God’s salvation as your helmet. And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all of God’s people. (Eph 6:13-18, ERV)

Finally, stay strong in your connection and devotion to the Lord and his mighty power. (Eph 6:10, Remedy NT)

Prophecy is speaking, Coming alive. Night, dark and portentous, is enclosing the Christian world. (Rev 3:10) Apostasy from God’s commandments is the terrible evidence of this night. Deep, dark, and apparently impenetrable to our human senses. World Systems that make the truth of God of none effect are cherished by so many, even in the churches of our land. People are aggressively teaching for doctrine the commandments of human masters of FEAR. False Evidence Appearing Real. Their assertions are taken as truth.

Many people have received human-made theories. So the gospel is perverted, and the Scripture misapplied. As in the days of Christ, the light of truth is pushed into the back-ground. Human theories and suppositions are honored before the word of the Lord God of hosts. The truth is counteracted by error. The word of God is wrested, divided, and distorted by higher criticism. Jesus is acknowledged, only to be betrayed by a kiss. Apostasy exists, and will enclose the world till the last. Its hideous character and darkening influence will be seen in the maddening draughts dealt out from Babylon and it’s “wine” that many find so tasty. (Jer 51:7, Rev 14:8)

My friends, the cross has spoken. You are forgiven. You are loved. We NOW live in the morning that sealed the promise of redemption. The peace that passes understanding. Our Lord is risen (Mat 1:21) and Jesus wants you to declare your adoption as The Father’s sons and daughters. Sons and daughters of God! You will rise again. Jesus. Our living Hope. The living Hope that has a name. Immanual. Jesus Christ our living hope. He is there. Wherever you sit in darkness. Jesus the light of the world, will be your light.

In order to realize how great a gift salvation is, we need to remember our former natural, unclean condition. Have you ever felt separate, excluded, hopeless? This message is for you. No one is alienated from Christ’s love or from the body of believers. Or atleast they shouldnt be!

But don’t take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that [we] outsiders to God’s ways had no idea of any of this, we didn’t know the first thing about the way God works, hadn’t the faintest idea of Christ. We knew nothing of that rich history of God’s covenants and promises in Israel, hadn’t a clue about what God was doing in the world at large. Now because of Christ—dying that death, shedding that blood—you who were once out of it altogether are in on everything. (Eph 2:11-13, Message)

My friends, your unexpected storm has not caught Jesus by surprise. Jesus will carry you. (Isa 46:4) He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5) Jesus is watching over you. Jesus will bring you through. The Garden. The jail. The hammer. The nail. The long night. And then the morning. Jesus is not here. He is risen. And you will rise again too as His adopted child. (2 Pet 3:18. John 1:12) Jesus, as your Friend, will take care of you. No matter how horrible you think you are, Jesus will take your case.

Jesus knows that your broken heart just needs love.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13, NIV)

Understand The Vision

Post Views: 714

Reading Time: 2 minutes

This poem is based on Daniel 8 & 9

I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. (Dan 9:4-5)

By the River of Ulai, the prophet “looked up”
As he was seeking
And when he “lifted up his eyes,” Daniel heard
King Jesus speaking
And down the corridors of time to the beast of
This our troubled day
We see the “Little Horn” is speaking peace as he
Forces church his way.

In the “latter times” of his kingdom when
Transgressions marked are “full.”
The time “appointed for the vision” on the
Mind of each will pull
“Dark sentences” embraced the King, when
transgressors all “stood up”
For they only “stand” to destroy; to deceive
We dare not, ever, drink the cup

Daniel fainted at this little bit that he could
See while rapt in vision
Saying how “no one understood” it; as they held
Truth in derision
But the prophet understood the vision as the
Angel swiftly flew
For Daniel prayed and “made confession;” nothing
Less could ever do

In this vision of the end Gabriel spoke to Daniel
Past his praying and his tears
For Jeremiah, wrote before him of the long and
“Desolate years”
And gave Daniel understanding from “the books;” all
The “numbers of the days”
And we can have the understanding too; as we walk
These times in God’s sweet ways.

70 Weeks were “determined” for Jerusalem of old so
That everyone could see
How God will send His mighty angel when we need to
Know the prophecy
Daniel knew the secret

of the walk we all must make With Jesus in our day
He truly understood the “numbers of the years”

for Daniel learned to pray

(“Consider The Vision” Daniel 9:23)

Little Flowers In The Rain

Post Views: 616

Reading Time: 5 minutes

I have re-written this article to reflect on some recent thoughts I have had.

Little Flowers In The Rain

“…the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose…” (Isa 35:1)

This is a time of year when I think the most of my late wife, Donna. One of the reasons is that autumn was her favorite time of year. We both made it special, because of all the beautiful colors. And then there was always The harvest Moon. She passed away in my arms on the night of the full moon, i can almost feel her beside me when its a full moon. Her sweet laugh, her sparkling eyes, her kiss, and her arms around me. No, it’s not a sad time for me really. Its a time of reflection, gratitude. And desire to move forward with all the love that we had, all the love that remains in my heart. None of that ‘died.”

My sister from another Province texted me a message a while ago. She has lost a husband and a daughter to cancer, is remarried now. Part of the text message read as follows:

“Think of grief as a journey, highs, lows, beautiful refreshing meadows,,,cold, dark paths sometimes; but remember “through the valley..” (re Psalms 23) and “thou art with me…” and one day you will realize with strength for your future…”

I had to agree with my sister, especially the comment about

“beautiful, refreshing meadows.”

Some who know me well will recognize that I like flowers. Of course, many others have said things like “guys are not supposed to like flowers.”

Yet I have felt drawn to them since I was a little boy, picking Dandelions to make my Mom a Dandelion Necklace. I remember “the smile that melted,” [me] that my Mom would have on her face whenever I presented her with some gift that I had made for her out of flowers that I would find while playing outside. Sometimes, I think, I would just make her something out of those little flowers, just to see that smile one more time.

And then came the day when I discovered Hollyhocks. Beautiful bright colors of every kind. Mom really liked those things I made. I even made her a Tiara once. All I knew was the happy look on her face when I gave her my latest creation from all of the little flowers that came out of the rain.

Now, I am older, and I face these poignant memories of Donna’s death. Its autumn, and the colors are beautiful this year. I used to buy her flowers when she was sick all those years that I was her caregiver. They would never fail to cheer her up.

Over the months, some have commented saying things like “who did I really buy those flowers for?”

Whenever I bought some, I would spend some time photographing them. “I need the practice,” I would say with a sheepish grin. We would have these great discussions on how beautiful they looked. I noticed how those flowers would brighten the room and add some cheer to the day for us both. The autumn colors today reflect al this and much more.

That first year or two after, I am told is always “very hard.” By the sounds of it, I am supposed to go into some kind of grief and remorse, have caniption fits, and generally have a big “poor me” session for this kind of thing. I am told that I have “lost her love;” and people say

“sorry for your loss.”

Well, I may have lost the relationship that we had. But how can one “lose” love? I have never understood that. That love she left me in my heart, will always be there. Like the flowers I love, that love in my heart will continue to flourish and grow. And so I find much gratitude in my heart today.

I have used that love from my wife’s heart to mine, as a resource, almost as a mentor if you will, to continue, rather than “lose” our love. I mean, its in my heart. Does it really have anywhere else to go? Except, perhaps to someone else’s broken heart?

So for this moment of memories, I am planting flowers in my little cabin. Lots of them. I will use them to bring cheer to the people in my life, and to add a dimension of brightness and colors to my own home. When I think of these flowers and how they flourish and grow inspite of the storms of grief and loss, I look forward to seeing them all come to life over the coming winter, and adding growth, and uplifting thoughts to anyone who sees them.

Little Flowers In The rain.

These seem a fitting tribute to the love I have experienced in my life, and to whatever future love that awaits my reception.

I share all of the love that I have had, and add it to what I experience today. I have not “lost” her love. I simply continue with it. I have a photograph on my wall that I took. And the caption I put on it says:

“all of me, loves all of you.”

Its how I lived my life with Donna, and developed new growth, with the people now set in my path. I continue with all those good things from my past, into all of the love I experience now.

Yes, there are things to celebrate today!

And all because of little flowers.

I give all the credit to God. He has made me glad. By His power; I live in love with others today. And I think its certainly, in part, because of many little flowers. By the grace of God, I am living in faith and love today.

Perhaps, I will soon have the most colorful cabin in the mountains this winter? Perhaps someone will be a little happier when they see their growth and beauty? I hope and pray that someone’s day will be a little brighter, as they grow into full bloom.

Memories of our loved ones don’t have to be an “ending.” It doesn’t need to be a mountain of inconsolable grief. I don’t need to fall apart. Pictured above is Donna and I when we first met, and again, just before she died. We enjoyed all the little flowers as long as she could. And the picture of her sitting in my lap by all those beautiful flowers, was the last time she was able to go outside.

But for today, she is inside.

My heart.

Remember, amidst all the craziness today, to love those placed in your path.. Love them actively, not passively, for we do not know when that last day will come for anyone we love. Love now, not later, when its “more convenient.”

Live in faith and love.

With no regrets.

Let The Redeemed Say It!

Post Views: 712

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, (Luke 1:68)

In the City of God “there shall be no night.” None will need or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel the freshness of the morning and shall ever be far from its close. “And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light.” Revelation 22:5. The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the Holy City with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of perpetual day.—GC 676.

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary, (Psalms 107:2)

YOUR Father Knows What You Need

Post Views: 550

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Mat 6:8, GW)

Many have questioned the meaning of the statement your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. “Then why should we pray?” they ask. Prayer is not man’s attempt to change the will of God. God’s method of changing our will is to bring it into conformity with His will. More than changing things, prayer changes people. Prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance to answer, but laying hold of His willingness to help! Prayer, in the life of the true believer, is an act of total confidence and assurance in the plan and purpose of God.

Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. Here in Mat 6, Jesus did not choose for His audience those only who knew the way of life. It was His work to reach the multitudes who were in ignorance and error. He gave His lessons of truth where they could reach the darkened understanding. He Himself was the Truth, standing with girded loins and hands ever outstretched to bless, and in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come unto Him. {DA 298.1}

JESUS: Befriends the Sinner in Us

Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. He has brought us by faith into this experience of God’s grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory! We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates hope. This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s gift to us. For when we were still helpless, Christ died for the wicked at the time that God chose. (Rom 5:1-6, GNB)

The hope that believers have of their future glory with God will not disappoint them by being unfulfilled. They will not be put to shame or humiliated because of their hope. The reason the believer can be so confident is that the love of God has been poured out.

“Them that are afar off are made near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)

There are no exceptions. The love of God has been poured out. For the gays, for the adulterers, for the liars, for the thieves, the Catholics, the Protestants, and everyone in between, and especially for the self-righteous professors of Christendom who act as though they are better than “all those others.”

The moment a person receives Jesus, trusts in Him, that person receives the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9), who constantly encourages them in their hope in God. (see also John 1:12)

There is no one you could name who needs to miss out on this hope.

While We Were Yet Sinners

Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With His stripes we are healed.” {DA 25.2}

In the year 1874, William Gladstone was competing in the election for prime minister of the United Kingdom. Well known among his contemporaries for being a highly capable man by virtue of his sharp wit, expansive knowledge, and decorated track record, Gladstone was a formidable candidate for the role. Yet it was his opponent, Benjamin Disraeli, who seemed to have the endearing edge. What made Disraeli more attractive to some was his widely known and celebrated ability to help people see their own value. While Gladstone had no problem helping people see how important important he was as an accomplished man, Disraeli helped people see how important they were.

One evening, a woman named Jennie Jerome, famously known as the mother of Sir Winston Churchill, had an opportunity to converse with each of the candidates at a dinner party. When asked by a reporter about the experience and her impression of each of the candidates, she replied, “When I left the dining room after sitting next to Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England. But when I sat next to Disraeli, I left feeling that I was the cleverest woman.” [Sauls, Scott. A Gentle Answer (pp. 3-4). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition].

In His ministry, Jesus often turned his attention to those accustomed to being ignored, mistreated, discarded, and despised by the general public.

If you were sick, poor, sexually damaged, or paralyzed by guilt and shame, for just a few examples, Jesus would move toward you and tell you what nobody else would:

YOU MATTER. YOU ARE LOVED.

One of the most remarkable things about Jesus is his affection for and gentleness toward not the righteous, but towards sinners; not the healthy, but the sick; not those who have their act together, but those who are falling apart; not those who are clean, but those who are damaged and dirty. “This man welcomes sinners,” the scribes and Pharisees charged, “and eats with them” (Luke 15:2 NIV). [Sauls, Scott. A Gentle Answer (p. 5). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition].

I Only Know I’m Loved

’When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes
That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble –
needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God’s name

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved’

by Carol Wimmer 1988

Some Find Disappointment In Jesus

Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God. {DA 299.3}

Christ’s first words to the people on the mount were words of blessing. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing, is it revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit. {DA 299.4}

The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isa 57:15. {DA 300.1}