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"The Heroes of My Faith"

6/24/2020

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Good morning ladies! I hope you're all doing well. We arrived back home on Monday evening after a wonderful time in Michigan with our family. The weather was great, we were able to see our son and his girlfriend for a quick visit as we drove through Chicago, and we enjoyed doing a few special things while we were there as well. It was all very relaxing. Michigan seemed to be "opening up" businesses and restaurants at about the same pace that we are here in Minnesota, so we were able to eat out one day, and also able to go to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids one of the days. It was beautiful, but we'll have to go back some day, because there was still a lot more to see!

I thought that I better give you a quick update about what is happening in our lives. God has been working! When we arrived in Michigan, we had five ministry opportunities "in the works," not being very clear on how God would narrow it down. Obviously, we can only go to one of them! We arrived at my parent's house on a Friday evening and my sisters and their husbands were all there to greet us. When they asked about what was happening next for us, we sort of vented out all that we had been going through. We talked it through as a group, which was so good for us. We continued to pray as we were there, and by Wednesday, God brought an offer to us! Out of the five, this was the one church that needed an Interim Pastor, because their pastor of 20 years was retiring. An excellent decision on their part before they begin to look for their new pastor. We are very excited to start this new position on July 1st! God is good, all the time! It's in a small town about 2 1/2 hours south of where we live now. Just a bit too far to commute, so we are putting our house on the market this week. We have committed to serving for at least six months, and then taking it on a month-by-month basis after that, until God leads them to their next pastor, and/or He leads us to our next ministry, hopefully a permanent one. We are always confident that He is working on our behalf behind the scenes, preparing the next church for us, and us for them. We would appreciate your prayers as we continue on this journey. Thank you! 

Devotion

What an encouraging devotion today, reminding us of some special people that God used in some incredible ways. Have a WINNING WEDNESDAY ladies!  

"The Heroes of My Faith"
CBN Ministries, Kathy Cheek

I didn’t grow up in church. I didn’t learn the stories of David and Goliath or Joseph and his coat of many colors, or his brothers who plotted to kill him. I didn’t know about Abraham and Isaac, or Daniel and the lion’s den. I didn’t know about Baby Jesus in a manger or Paul meeting Jesus on the Road to Damascus when he was still named Saul. I didn’t know about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea or about Noah and the ark or Jonah in the whale. 

But I learned these stories after I was saved and reading my Bible. I also heard them in the context of messages in church and Sunday school classes and other Bible studies. They are not mere stories. They are true accounts of men and women God chose to place in the Holy infallible scriptures for our benefit. We are to learn from them. 

I have my favorites. I call them the heroes of my faith. Their stories and struggles, their victories and faith have taught me the most. We all need heroes. here are a few of mine:

When I need courage to face a giant, I remember David.

And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Samuel 17:38 NASB

When I need to forgive when others hurt me, I think of Joseph and the injustices he endured.

But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." Genesis 50:19-20 NASB

When I can’t see the next step of my journey, I remember Abraham.

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 NASB

When I struggle with contentment and joy, I think of Paul.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:11-13 ASV

When I don’t understand anything in the face of hardship, I think of Job.

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped.He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. Job 1:20-22 NASB

The greatest Hero of my faith is Jesus Christ, because He is my Savior.

​For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB

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"The Father's Care"

6/17/2020

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Good morning ladies! Another beautiful morning here in Michigan. God has been blessing us with the BEST weather! Thank You, LORD!! We had a fun day yesterday because both of my sisters came out to visit and have lunch with us. We ordered from a Greek restaurant called Olga's, which is one of my favorites. I always want to go there when we come back to Michigan because they don't have them in Minnesota. In fact, I think they might only have locations here. But, they have the best food! Yum!  Of course, with all the girls here, we chatted for hours and caught up on everything! And, with my persistence (and insistence), everyone went outside to get some pictures done. Yay! Of course, with the beautiful green trees as our backdrop, they turned out great! My parents have a lovely yard with a nature area behind them. It's so beautiful. In the afternoon, the three girls went to Hobby Lobby together. I mean, is that a perfect day, or what??!!  

Today, no big plans. Just relaxing and enjoying reading and some quiet time. Of course, I brought my crochet project and some other things to do.

Devotion

What a comforting devotion today! We all know that we can rest in God's arms and He will take complete care of us, but it's so easy to fret and worry about the things that are going on around us. Be encouraged by these words today. Have a WORTHWHILE WEDNESDAY ladies! 

"The Father's Care"
CBN Ministries, Andy Hollifield

"Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?" (Luke 12:24 KJV)

I will never have the actual privilege of being a grandfather to grandchildren of my own. But I hold the same belief pertaining to grandfathers as I do stepfathers; whoever is doing the job earns the title regardless of blood relation. That is why when I refer to my grandsons, they aren't by kinship but they are in my heart. I met their moms through my ministry to unwed mothers, when they were about to become new parents.  Each had a wonderful little son who immediately captured my heart on sight. I was there when both were born and was the first man other than doctors that got to hold them. I don't believe it would be possible to love kids any more than I do these boys.

My wife and I had the privilege one Friday night to have the oldest one, Sam, who was then 18-months-old, spend the night with us, and most of the day Saturday. We laid out a foam mattress and blankets on the living room floor for him and a sleeping bag and blanket beside it for me, and we camped out, I guess you could say. As I lay there in the darkness, it was broken only by an occasional flash of lightning casting quick shadows in the dark room. I began to think about how Sam wasn't concerned in the least with the weather outside. I also thought of how he hadn't given a thought to whether he would be warm and comfortable or even fed or safe. When he finally closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, I am sure none of those thoughts were even in his little mind.

I was lying there thinking about how our heavenly Father desires for us to be that dependent on him. He would love for us to trust him completely, as Sam did me, to the point where our care and provision never even cross our minds. He would have us to be so sure of his care that the storm around us didn't even phase us, no matter how dark and scary the shadows might be. For us to just lay back next to him and close our eyes in total peace knowing we are safe from all harm would be a great compliment to his care for us. For him to have our total trust and dependence would bring the same satisfaction to his heart as Sam's complete and unquestioning faith did to mine.

Dear Lord, I ask that you would help us all to be totally submissive to your care regardless of what the storm may bring. Help us to remember that you didn't bring us this far to see us fall. Help us also to realize that the storm is never permanent but as your word says repeatedly; "It came to pass." Please grant us the grace we need to go through the storm knowing you will never let us go under, even when our faith becomes weak. I ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen!

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"The Value of Work"

6/15/2020

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Good morning ladies, from my parent's house in Michigan! We arrived here in the late evening on Friday, after briefly stopping to have a quick lunch with our son in Chicago. I attended a bridal shower on Saturday for our nephew and soon to be niece on my husband's side. It was such a lovely day! Their wedding is in a month, so we will be making this trip back again soon! Kevin is performing the ceremony, along with their pastor. Our youngest son is the Best Man, and out little grandson is going to be the Ring Bearer. We also have a wedding the following month for our nephew and soon to be niece on my side of the family. That is also here in Michigan. So, yes, we are having a fairly busy summer of traveling. Lots of fun!

How are you doing? What does this week hold for you? And where is June going ladies? Middle of the month already!

Devotion

Today's devotion is such an encouragement and reminder to us that God places value on the attitude of our hearts when we are working, not on the specific "kind" of work that we are doing. Are we doing everything for Him? Have a MEANINGFUL MONDAY ladies! 

"The Value of Work"
CBN Ministries, Ken Barnes

When Nehemiah was building the wall around Jerusalem, a short statement is recorded, which should speak volumes to us about the value of work.

Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord. (Nehemiah 3:5 NKJV)

I once led a discipleship training school for a missionary training organization. On one occasion, we accepted a student from a foreign country who had been a spiritual leader in the church there. In his culture, he did not serve others, they served him. 

We built a two-hour work duty into our daily schedule. When there was a prayer meeting or
teaching session, our foreign student was one of the first to arrive.  When it came to work duties, he was difficult to find. One Saturday, we had a work day where I labored with the students on a very dirty job. Coming back from the work detail, this student looked into my dusty face and said, “very practical Christianity.” When he said this, I thought to myself, he is finally starting to get it. I had been teaching in the school about having a servant’s heart, with very little response from him. It’s not so much what we say that counts, but what we do. Christianity is more readily caught than taught.


God rebukes the Tekoite nobles. The commentator Matthew Henry says that “they would not come under the discipline of being obliged to perform this service. They thought that the dignity and liberty of their rank exempted them from getting their hands dirty and serving God.”

The action of the Tekoites makes it evident they believed specific tasks had more value than others. Our work has value because God has called us to do it, and we are a person of value doing it. Yes, satisfaction comes from completing a task and doing it well, but that is a separate issue from value. God places no more importance on the CEO of a company than a maintenance worker, if they are both doing their jobs for him. We should not seek to get value from our work but to bring value to it.

In my discipleship training school, changing roles from a leader to one who did manual labor did not change my value. I took on a different role but my value was constant. We are valuable because we are made in the image of God and bought with a price. On that work day, I brought value to that job. I didn’t derive my value or the lack thereof from it.

The Tekoites were operating in the ways of the world, which says you have worth according to what you do. God does not see big or little people; he sees people. He majors on why we do what we do, not what we do. Whatever task God has called you to do, it has great value if you are doing it for him. Such will free us from the bondage of the Tekoite nobles, who look to people rather than God for their acceptance.

​It never devalues you to do what God has called you to do.

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"In Everything, Give Thanks"

6/10/2020

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Good morning ladies. How are you? After a couple extremely HOT days, it feels like Fall this morning! Talk about variety! I guess this is why we leave a few 'warm' clothes in the closet, just in case. It's nice to open the windows again (a little), after having the A/C on. So, what's going on in your life? Yesterday we went out and did a little shopping for some gifts for events we have coming up. I hadn't been out of the house since we got home from South Dakota, so it was good for me. The Mall of America and other things, like restaurants, gyms, and pools are opening today. I doubt we'll see anyone swimming today! And the rest of the day I will spend getting ready for our trip.

Devotion

Today's devotion is about being thankful in ALL things. Have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY ladies! 

"In Everything, Give Thanks"
CBN Ministries, Candy Arrington

Some time ago, I traveled to New Mexico to teach at a Christian writers' conference. As is often the case, I met some interesting people along the way. Some were chatty; others weren't. On one leg of my flight, I talked to my seatmate, sharing a little of the challenges our family faced last year and my thankfulness despite circumstances. She swiveled toward me and said, "Wait a minute. Both your mother and mother-in-law died, and your son had a severe injury and two major surgeries. How can you be thankful for any of that?"

Many times gratitude doesn't make sense to those unfamiliar with the habit of cultivating a thankful heart. Based on the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17, we can assume probably only a tenth of us make an effort to express gratitude, since just one of the ten returned to thank Jesus for his healing. So, is it reasonable to be thankful even when things are difficult? On the surface, no, but I believe we can train ourselves to be grateful even when waves of adversity and challenge crash over us.

Although last year is one I gladly consigned to history at year end, now that I am beyond the immediacy of crises, I more readily understand the reasons to praise God even in challenging times. The Bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, not just when things are going well. Here are some reasons we can do that:

God is our hope – Job experienced heartache, adversity, acute physical pain and mental anguish, but despite all he endured he could still say,

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15 NIV).

Trusting God to work out the details of what we're going through is probably one of the biggest challenges of our Christian walk. We fool ourselves into believing we have control over our lives with all our planning, but difficulties are less stressful when we relinquish our efforts and acknowledge that God is in control.

We have the assurance of God's love and salvation -- Romans 8:39 reminds us that no matter what we go through, nothing can separate us from God's love. If we've trusted Christ as Savior, our salvation and eternity is secure. This promise is balm for the soul when doubts and fears overwhelm.

Hardship lasts only for a season – When we're going through something really hard, at the time, it's difficult to imagine things will ever improve. And Satan considers these seasons an opportune time to whisper lies like "a loving God wouldn't allow this in your life" or "God doesn't care about you because he's not coming to your rescue." Don't believe Satan's falsehoods. God cares. He sees. He knows. And this season in your life will end.

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMPC).

​Being a Christian doesn't exempt us from challenge. In fact, Jesus told us we'd have trouble in this world. Yet we're often angry and surprised when we encounter hardships. Just remember, we have the ultimate victory because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. For this reason, we can give thanks despite struggles.

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"Finding a Positive Attitude in Quarantine"

6/8/2020

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Well, good morning ladies! How was your weekend? I hope that you've been able to get outside and even possibly begin doing a few things again. Things are slowly starting to open up, and even a few churches are open again.  Our son's church is doing two services, one that is for people who want to be very cautious still and everyone wears a mask, and the second service (after being cleaned and sanitized) is for those who aren't as worried about the virus and it doesn't require masks, but are still social distancing. These things require so much extra work and preparation, but they were all very happy to be back together again yesterday.  They are still doing the service online (the second one) and will probably keep doing that for the people who aren't quite ready to leave their house yet. So, there are options! Have you been able to return to your church family yet? My husband and I are SO ready to begin a new adventure and ministry, and we are praying that we will soon find out God's leading for us and our future.

On Saturday, we had a nice surprise visit from our friends from our previous church and chatted with them for about an hour. It was wonderful! They invited us to join them with a small group of friends at their home the next evening, so we went for a few hours yesterday. We sat outside, ate a meal together, and caught up on each others' lives. It was so good for us. We truly needed that.

On Thursday this week, we are leaving to visit with my family (YAY!) and to attend a bridal shower of our nephew and his 'soon-to-be' bride on my husband's side. He will also meet with them to make some arrangements for the wedding because he will be performing their ceremony in July. I am so excited for this trip and happy to see my family. We would appreciate your prayers as we travel. Thank you! I will let you know about the devotions as I go. I'll be taking my laptop, but I just wanted you to know our plans in case I miss a day. 

Devotion

Today's devotion is a good reminder to fill our minds with the right things, even more so during this difficult time we are in. The author mentions a show called, "The Chosen." I HIGHLY recommend it! It gave me hope and a secure perspective on Jesus and His kindness and love for us. Have a MARVELOUS MONDAY ladies! 

"Finding a Positive Attitude in Quarantine"
CBN Ministries, Deirdre Reilly 

As the Coronavirus quarantine drags on here in Massachusetts, where I live, I recently found myself dealing with some new, unwelcome emotions. Where just a few weeks prior I felt happily resolved to stay indoors, emotionally equipped to handle the restrictions of quarantine, my resolve was wavering, and I found myself experiencing episodes of moodiness and anxiety.

When are things going back to normal? And why am I feeling this way? Certainly, previous generations have had to deal with serious pressures without falling apart—wars, hunger, economic depressions, and death. How can I have a hard time just staying in?

My first step was to analyze what I was putting into my mind on a daily basis. While I have been keeping up with my prayers and daily Bible reading, more time indoors has brought more time in front of the television, too. I have a plethora of options for viewing: a Netflix subscription and more cable channels than I can count. I had gotten in the habit of watching both cable news and darker content like true crime murder mysteries, which helped set the stage for my dreary outlook. (The devil will ease through any door in our hearts or minds we leave just a tiny bit open!)

While maybe there is technically nothing wrong with watching these programs, I was doing nothing to advance God’s kingdom in my own life. We are only human—what we feed our minds will often decide to settle there, influencing our moods and habits in countless ways. The Bible reminds,

“Don’t copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2 NLT)


I was definitely copying the behaviors of this world, so I decided to change my perspective. Imagine if you suddenly found yourself deserted on an island with a beloved friend whom you longed to get to know better. Would you immediately busy yourself locating a power source and hooking up a television to watch news or mysteries? No! You would revel in the time spent with this treasured friend, seeking to strengthen your bond.

That’s our chance today, with God! If we change our perspective, we can reach deeper levels to our faith during quarantine. We can pray more deeply and honestly, listening intently, heart and mind open, for God’s replies. We can read our Bibles thoughtfully, and pray to the Holy Spirit for illumination of those precious Words. Holy scripture infallibly points the way:

“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT)


I’m not suggesting canceling television viewing in our homes, but I am suggesting being discriminating in our choices. My husband and I, along with our 21-year-old son quarantining with us, decided to watch The Chosen, a wonderful Christian production by VidAngel. This free series presents viewers with a supremely compelling Jesus—one who laughed and loved, felt sorrow, appreciated friendships, and brought God’s kingdom to earth in the way only he could. The disciples in The Chosen are mere men, full of faults and questions, chosen by Christ for the most important work imaginable. This series sparked conversations between the three of us and left us feeling safe and protected, no matter what the future brings. Our Lord is truly in control.

Now, I actively choose wholesome movies and shows to watch and strictly limit my news intake. And no murder mysteries for me. And let me tell you, my mood has significantly improved! I am going to activate my will to use this precious time to become closer to our Lord. He loves us so much; let’s return that greatest of loves.

I hope you join me!

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Worship "Come Thou Fount" by Shane & Shane

6/5/2020

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Good morning ladies. How are you on this beautiful Friday morning? We had some storms again last night, but not quite as severe as those on Tuesday evening. It actually started with a brilliant lightning show. The kind of lightning that is more full in the sky and without the crack of thunder. I say, thank you to that for Molly's sake! Anyway, after a bit, since we had the fan running in the window on my side of the bed, I began to feel a few drops of rain blowing in on me. I woke my husband up (I know....) and asked him to check the windows in the whole house to make sure we weren't getting wet everywhere. He agreed and left the room. It seemed that he took quite awhile, but I figured he might have gone down to the lower level to check those windows too. He came back and we both fell asleep. When I asked him this morning what he thought of the storm, he looked at me with a blank look. He never knew there was a storm and he certainly didn't remember getting up to close the windows! Whaaaat?? Now I kinda wonder what he was doing out there? Hahaha! Anyway, we are all fine this morning and it's going to be a beautiful day.

Any prayer requests today? Thanks for praying for my hubby. The swelling in his foot is gradually going down, and he could even put on his shoe yesterday. Yay!

Worship

Soak in the words to this beautiful hymn arrangement today.
Have a blessed weekend and a FANTASTIC FRIDAY! 

"Come Thou Fount" by Shane & Shane

https://youtu.be/dDw8t6nv0f4

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"You Just Gotta Know!"

6/3/2020

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Good morning ladies! After an evening of intense thunderstorms yesterday, we woke up to the birds singing, and a beautiful blue sky! And much cooler temperatures than yesterday, at least for now. It's going to be a fairly hot week overall. Both of our boys were in extreme heat yesterday too. Our younger son said it hit the 100 degree mark in Chicago, and our oldest said that they got to 102 degrees in South Dakota. Crazy! We told him it sounded like Phoenix. Sure enough, we checked the temperature in Phoenix yesterday...105! Oh my, well, it is almost summer. Yesterday was also the first day that we had to turn on the A/C. So thankful to have one! Another thing about yesterday, since it was so hot, I decided to do the closet/clothing switch from winter to summer. For living in Minnesota, I was surprised to see that I have way more summer clothes than I do winter clothes. Hmm........

If you would, please pray for my husband. He went to the doctor yesterday because his left foot has been swollen and painful. The doctor thought that he might have a possible stress fracture because he's also had calf pain in that leg. His daily walking routine has progressed to about 10 miles a day, so he's really been working himself out. Now he is unable to do his walks, but doesn't have a cast or boot. He just needs to rest and put it up more until the swelling is down. I know that he's feeling discouraged due to being limited in this area. It is frustrating.

Devotion

Great devotion today! Remember, God's LOVE for you is in abundant supply! Have a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY ladies!

"You Just Gotta Know!"
CBN Ministries, Leah Adams


When was the last time you were at a place in your life where you just weren’t sure of anything? Your work? Your ministry? Your calling by God? Your sanity? God’s love? The love of others? Your faith? Oh, yes, we have all been there. In all of our lives, there are times when we are weak, exhausted, under stress, or physically ill and these are times when Satan takes advantage of us and tries to convince us that God’s love cannot be real.

Recently, the Holy Spirit reminded me of verses in Psalm 62 where King David seems to have been in a place not unlike the one I described above. He opens this psalm by saying,

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)

In verse 11, David summarizes the entire Psalm in this way,

"God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to you; unfailing love, O Lord, is yours…” Psalm 62:11-12 (NLT)

Because David was an Israelite, he would have known the Scriptures from the time he was a small child. David had learned that God declared His strength over and over throughout history.  He would have known of the history that the Israelite nation had with God and the mighty miracles He had performed on their behalf. God had shown his strength on behalf of David time and again in battle during his reign as king of Israel. David certainly remembered the first time that God’s strength had come to his aid very publicly and Goliath fell with only a single stone thrown from David’s slingshot. David knew, without question, that God was strong from both reading about and experiencing that strength. 

When God spoke that He was strong, David heard that message, but he also heard that the Lord was loving. I believe that David heard this message with his heart. No matter the state of David’s life, God’s love never departed from him. Yes, David sinned greatly. Yes, David experienced doubt. Yes, David’s family was a complete mess. But God’s love for David never changed. 

We are not so different from David. It matters not where we are – physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually — God’s love never changes. His heart is always full of love for us. Christ didn’t die for us IF we would behave. He died for us in spite of our behavior, in spite of our doubt and our sin. It is amazing to realize that Christ called Judas Iscariot to be one of his chosen 12 disciples, knowing that Judas would betray Him. Yet, Jesus never treated Judas differently than any of the other 11 men He called to be disciples. 

Sometimes we get to a place in our life where we must be reminded that God loves us. There are times when we absolutely must know this above all else! It is the only thing that can bring us through what life hands us OR what we get ourselves into. 

David goes on to remind us in Psalm 63:3-5 that God’s love is all that will satisfy us:

“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.” (NIV)

​This is your reminder, beloved, that God’s love never quits, it never gives up on you, it satisfies completely, and it is available to you in an endless supply. He reveals it in His Word, in His creation, through others who love you, and especially in the salvation that is offered only through Jesus. Drink it in, my friend. There is an abundant supply!

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"God Is With Us in this Pandemic"

6/1/2020

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Good morning sweet ladies! It's JUNE! Wow!  Every time we begin a new month, I have that feeling of, "where did the last month go?" Do you know what I mean? Even with this current situation of the health crisis, which can at times make things seem as if they are dragging, there is also a sense that time is flying. I really don't know how that works, haha!  Anyway, we are in my favorite season of summer now, or close enough, and the sunshine, birds, and beautiful greenery bring me joy. How was your weekend? The biggest highlight for us was hearing about a need through our former church, and seeking to help. There is a middle school in Minneapolis, right in the heart of the protest area, that has families who needed food. During the pandemic, kids are obviously not attending school, which meant that they weren't receiving the government sponsored breakfasts and lunches. Because of this, the schools were sending buses to bring food to these families. That all changed, however, when the rioting and very dangerous conditions started. No buses could go in there, so again, their need for food surfaced. A plea for help was given from the church, and we immediately said that we were going to help. What they needed was very specific: a brown grocery bag containing the following items: one box of cereal, a loaf of bread, a bag of rice, a package of tortillas, a bag of apples, a bag of baby carrots, two cans of soup, and two cans of beans. We felt God telling us to do five bags, so we headed to the store and got the things we needed. On Saturday morning, my husband drove down to the area, leaving a little bit early, and when he arrived, there was already a line of cars about a half mile long! He waited for a bit, and eventually they asked people to carry their bags to a designated spot. Originally, they were planning to just take the bags as people drove by, but it became apparent very quickly that the crowd was much bigger than they had anticipated. It was such a joy to see the community come together in this way!  He took some pictures, which I will share at the end. Another huge encouragement that we saw on some media posts, is the help coming every single morning to clean up the streets from the night before. So many people, once again, that they had to send some home! I mean, it's incredible, and it reminds me that, even with all the "bad" there is still so much "good" out there too. We keep praying, of course, as I'm sure you do too.

Devotion

God is always present, always with us. We NEED to keep these words in the front of our minds and hearts ALWAYS! Have a MAGNIFICENT MONDAY ladies! 

"God Is with Us in this Pandemic"
CBN Ministries, Anne Ferrell Tate


​“All right then, the Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)." Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)

We live in troubling times. We are facing a worldwide health crisis. The novel coronavirus has invaded almost every country in the world, and while scientists and politicians are trying to sound positive, no one knows the outcome. The future appears bleak. What do we do? How do we respond?

Times such as these are a great motivator to look back and remember how God always comes through! The celebrated verse above, from Isaiah, is a steadfast reminder of the love of God for His people everywhere. At the time the prophecy was made, King Ahaz of Judah faced a terrifying situation with another type of invasion. King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel set out to invade Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. The two kings were mad because they wanted King Ahaz to join forces with them to fight the Assyrians.  The Prophet Isaiah counseled King Ahaz to trust God and not align himself with foreign allies.

The Bible says when King Ahaz heard the news of the invasion,

“the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, like trees shaking in a storm." Isaiah 7:2b (NLT)

The Lord instructed Isaiah to tell King Ahaz to stop worrying because he had nothing to fear.

But this is what the Sovereign Lord says: This invasion will never happen; it will never take place…." Isaiah 7:7 (NLT)

And then through Isaiah, the Lord gave the King a sign to confirm His word.

“…Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel which means ‘God is with us.,'" Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)

A child was born. The invasion never occurred.

The Old Testament prophetic sign was given as an immediate assurance of God’s presence, protection and provision. Centuries later, it had a messianic fulfillment. In the Gospel of Matthew, Matthew clearly views Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled in the birth of Jesus by the Virgin Mary.

“All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: ‘Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’" Matthew 1:22-23 (NLT)

When Isaiah announces, “Look!” He is saying something wonderful is about to happen! Something extraordinary! ‘God with us’ is a declaration of His presence.

The declaration is as much for us today as it was for King Ahaz and as it was for the early Christians. While we are prone to worry, let us try not to. When we are tempted to be afraid, let us remember the promise: Jesus is Immanuel: God with us! He is our hope in the midst of adversity. He is our comforter. He is our Shalom. He loves us. He forgives us. He guides us. He is our rock and our shield.

Immanuel, God With Us, is the best gift ever! With His presence, we are never alone.
During this time of fear and uncertainty, let us refuse to worry or be afraid, and instead, ponder the greatest gift ever given and rejoice!  

Digging Deeper:
  1. How has God’s presence helped you to overcome fear and worry? Have you been able to experience the peace of God, the kind which exceeds anything you can understand?
  2. How has your family responded to the current health crisis?
  3. Can you describe your emotions and how your family is coping?
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