The answers for these questions boil down to another question – Where do you worship?

If you are a person worshipping in Spirit and in Truth, your answers are likely to be different to those` who worship in “church”. Worshipping in Spirit and Truth requires of a person to be in a relationship with the Lord, walking and talking with Him daily. We were crucified with Our Lord and Saviour, and we should have a spiritual relationship with Him; and this on its own makes it difficult to “do” church and walk away. Ask yourself the question my friend; where do you worship? When is it “game over” for this game of religion?

If anyone wants to crucify me for some harsh words, think about what Hillsong sing in the song “Believe”, the lyrics follows purposely:

Artist: Hillsong United lyrics
Title: Believe

I say on Sunday how much I want revival
But then on Monday, I can’t even find my Bible
Where’s the power
The power of the cross in my life

I’m sick of playing the game of religion
I’m tired of losing my reason for living
Where’s the power
The power of the cross in my life

I’m not content just to walk through my life, giving in
To the lies, Walking in compromises now
We cry out as a generation that was lost
But now is found in the power of the cross

Chorus:
We believe in You
We believe in the power of Your Word that is true
We believe in You
So we lay down our cause
That our cross might be found in You

I’m not satisfied doing it my own way
I’m not satisfied to do church and walk away
I’m not satisfied there’s no love in my life but You
I’m not satisfied living in yesterday’s hour
I’m not satisfied to have the form but not the power
I’m not satisfied, Lord I am crucified in You

So we lay down our cause
That our cross might be found in You

With all these questions and answers (that you will answer to yourself), can we afford to play this game of religion? Can we afford to “do” church and walk away? In my life, I will strive to worship my Lord, God Jesus Christ all the day, every in my life! What you decide will be between you and Almighty God.

Have a great day! God Bless

To lighten things up a bit I am reminded of a tee-shirt i saw a man wearing that said on it                       ‘ Try Jesus’, If you don’t like Him, the devil will always take you back.  Sarcastic but true.  If you come to Jesus , You really won’t want to go back to the way things were. Read the Word  of God for yourself and ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

Today’s   scripture    Matthew  8:2-3

And behold, there came a leper and worshiped Him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. and Jesus put forth his hand , and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

The Lord wants you healed and whole. Read the scripture out loud and believe the lord wants you healed. It’s yours for the taking . Take it , receive it , it’s yours. Trust in Him (Jesus) He took the punishment of death upon Himself for you so that you could be healed and made whole. The price has been paid ,and all you need to do is believe and receive.

Father bless all your people , especially those who have read this message and want to believe. meet their needs in Jesus Name I pray.  Amen.

More tomorrow       Luis

TEXT MESSAGE COMMENTARY: A commentary on part of the Bible reading for morning prayer in 640 characters (four text messages).

Many Christians feel guilty when they think of reading the Bible. Though they want to love reading Scripture, they rarely have time for more than a few verses on the run. But the Bible is not meant to be a burden. It is the story of God’s passionate love for His children. It is also not a book of mystical incantations. It is a best friend offering counsel and companionship. And it is not a distant relic, but something very near. Near enough, in fact, to be every reader’s story.

So how do Christians delight in this story rather than see it as a source of failure? The founder of the immensely popular Daily Audio Bible, Brian Hardin shows readers how reading through the Bible in a year will change their life and the lives of others.

Passages by Brian Hardin shows readers how to read the Bible and offers practical ideas for immersing themselves in God’s life-giving words. Here readers will discover that reading the Bible can be a breathtaking adventure.

Bio:  Brian Hardin is a speaker, photographer, record producer and an ordained minister.

In 2006, he created the Daily Audio Bible, an online podcast that now delivers 1.5 million downloads a month. He has produced over 150 albums and works with artists and the arts extensively. He is married to Christian musician Jill Parr.

Visit www.dailyaudiblebible.com for more information.

Endorsement: 

Practical, enjoyable, inspirational – this new book by Brian Hardin is a gift to anyone battling spiritual boredom. The founder of the Daily Audio Bible is an engaging storyteller, and he relates his own escape from cynicism and isolation with charming candor. He also gives the reader a clear explanation of ‘Lectio Divina,” the well-worn path of reading and reflection that, since the earliest days of the church, has invigorated the faith of countless Christ-followers. This is a book to read and share. – Nate Larkin Founder of the Samson Society and author of Samson and the Pirate Monks: Calling Men to Authentic Brotherhood.

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13507671/brianhardin

My Review:

After struggling to read the Bible regularly himself, Brian Hardin, in his book, Passages, is given an insight from the Lord to start the Daily Audio Bible.  This was not his desire at the beginning.  In fact, he determined not to be involved with ministry from early on as a preacher’s kid.  He, instead, immersed himself in the record industry for ten years.

After extreme exhaustion from long hard days of work and little time for his family, God got his attention and whispered in his ear about podcasting the Bible on the internet, starting January 1, 2006.  Little did he know the blessings and peace that would come from his obedience and the ministry that would open up to the world.

Brian’s book is packed with testimonies, wisdom and insight into the blessings of reading and obeying the Word.  He’s quick to let anyone know it’s not hocus pocus magic, but a real relationship with God.  With all honesty, he can say that everything in your life will change in ways you never imagined if you read the Word daily.  He doesn’t suggest that life will magically be perfect, but you will have peace and hope in your life.

A verse that sticks out in my mind that he includes about all Scripture is that it’s:

• for gaining wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young. Proverbs 1:2-4  Also see 2 Timothy 3:16.

Brian lists the four steps of Lectio Divina: Divine Reading, which is a tried and true method of hearing from the Lord:

1. Lectio:  Read
2. Meditatio:  Meditate
3. Oratio:  Speak or Pray
4. Contemplatio:  Contemplate or Rest

Brian also talks about the power of the spoken Word.  After reading about the spoken word as enumerated in the Scriptures, it’s taken on a whole new meaning for me.  (Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  Roman 10:17)  We have gotten used to the printed word, which the lay people didn’t have for thousands of years, and tend to read it quietly by ourselves.  I agree that there is power in the spoken Word as demonstrated by the Lord throughout the Bible, though reading it alone isn’t wrong.  But there is much to gain from community reading and studying.

Brian also gives practical wisdom in taking the time to read, study and obey the word, with an emphasis on community for accountability.   He gives you guidelines in getting started in the epilogue section.  They are practical and vital for spiritual growth.

Included in the back are three different Bible reading plans:

1. The Daily Audio bible Reading plan that includes Old and New testament reading.
2. The Chronological Bible in a Year where you follow the timeline of how events occurred.
3. The Historical Bible in a Year, reading the books in the order that they were inspired.

This is one dynamite book to open your eyes to the wealth of blessings when you read the Bible regularly.   There are more practical and spiritual insights in this book that cannot be enumerated in my review, but have touched my heart.  This is a book you will not want to pass up!

As his book states:  “Welcome to the adventure.  365 days in a row through the Bible in community.  No apologies.  No turning back.”  Check out his site here for more information and to get involved.

This book was provided by Amy Lathrop of Litfuse Publicity in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was exchanged.

Professor Dan Blakely has it all . . . until a false accusation leaves him in financial ruin with nothing to fall back on and little hope.

In a moment of desperation, he decides to do the unthinkable. But when he loses control of his SUV and careens down the side of a mountain, his plans take another turn.

Trapped beneath the frame of his mangled vehicle, Dan is visited by a mysterious stranger who offers him three choices. Filled with regret, Dan makes a decision . . . but little does he know that his troubles have only just begun.

The clock is ticking. What will you do with the time you have left?

Read the first chapter.

Buy a copy now:

Barnes & Noble; Amazon.com

Currently $1.99

Bio:

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike Dellosso now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. In addition to his novels of supernatural suspense he writes a bi-weekly column for his local newspaper and is an adjunct professor of writing at Lancaster Bible College. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master’s Graduate School of Divinity.

My Review:

Dan Blakely is at the peak of his world.  He’s a professor at Boone College Campus teaching English Literature.  He’s ready to receive an additional PhD and a promotion, which includes a higher salary.  In fact, in anticipation, he’s already bought a new car and house.

The higher status and salary evaporate when he is accused of sexual assault and subsequently fired from his job.  He’s desperate and makes a poor choice in how to handle the financial mess he’s in.  Ultimately, he finds himself under the mangled mess of his car on the side of the mountain.  The choice Dan made may seem ‘reasonable’ considering the fact that he is far away from the Lord, yet not so because of his professionalism and the fact that his family relationships were close and were of great importance, though he had some regrets there.

While trapped, a mysterious stranger, Thomas Constant, offers him three choices.  Frantically, Dan makes his choice, but it’s a choice that will cost him dearly.

This was such a haunting ride of a book.  Mike has you guessing whether he’s dreaming, hallucinating, or is actually going through the experiences he is going through.  It didn’t matter how I looked at the book at the end, Mike still had we wondering how much was real and how much was too mysterious to comprehend.

I was intrigued by the analogies that mirrored Dan Blakely’s life.  Here are just a few:

• Lead glass windows distorted the view of campus–like the upcoming meeting
• Dark sky hung dark and foreboding–like his life after his firing
• Breaking car tumbling down the mountain–like his life tossed in a tumbler
• Minutes and hours ticking away–like his life fading as an ebb tide

Dan’s life, like all of our lives, is made up of choices.  Some lead to great rewards, others lead to regrets.  Dan had regrets.  How about your own life?  Who or what is more important?  This is something that you will be contemplating throughout Rearview.  A lifetime won’t make up for time squandered, leaving you with regrets. Make your life count, but make sure it also counts with the Lord.

In Rearview, I found a side of Mike I was familiar with.  He’s a great storyteller that just never quits!  This book is no different.  Like his previous books, this one will also have you on the edge of your seat!  Buckle up for a superb ride!

This PDF copy was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was exchanged.

In the meantime, check out the . . .

Video Book Trailer

7 Hours Landing Page

******************************

In each installment of 7 Hours, a character is visited by the enigmatic Thomas Constant, who makes a heart-stopping statement:

“You are about to die.”

“But you may choose from one of three options:  Live seven more hours, travel back in time and relive seven hours, or accept the inevitable and die now.”

**********************

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a Lamb without blemish or defect.  He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.  Through Him you believe in God, Who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:18-21). 

On Easter, let us reflect on our Lord’s Almighty, Abundant Love poured out to us so richly in JESUS, the Lamb of God.  Think about JESUS’ Everlasting Glory as the Creator God before He became our Emmanuel.  As Spurgeon writes above, from what fathomless heights of glory, JESUS descended to become the Man of sorrows.  JESUS stooped down so low to become our Suffering, Saving Messiah.  Reflecting on His agonizing suffering through the Roman scourge, the crown of thorns, the public mockeries, the countless beatings, and the Calvary’s Cross brings tears and an overflowing indebtedness to Him.  It cost JESUS everything to bring us such a mighty salvation!  It goes beyond my understanding of love–that the King of all Kings would so humbly bear the wrath of God and lay down His Life as the Lamb of God to wash away our sins with His Precious Blood.

And JESUS rose again as the Conqueror of sin & death on the 3^rd day!  What Magnificent Love for our Risen Savior to graciously share His Eternal Life & Victory with us who have put our trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins!  All praise & glory be to JESUS—the Way, the Truth & the Life!  How priceless is His Unfailing Love!! 

Dear Heavenly Father,     

O Lord, Your Love reaches up to the heavens, Your Faithfulness to the skies!!  How precious is Your Amazing Love!  Your Love is better than life itself!  We are so unworthy to be your servants.  We are blown away every time we think of how You sent Your One & Only Son, JESUS, to pour out His Precious Blood at Calvary’s Cross to save us from our sins.  O Lord, You deserve our every breath, every heart beat, every spoken word, every thought, every ounce of strength for Your Glory!  We surrender our hearts and lives to You.  O Lord, we ask that You would exalt JESUS in our lives and our families by Your Holy Spirit’s power as we commit our hearts to You.  Exalt JESUS, O Lord, and draw those around us to Him as the only Way, Truth and Life.  Those around us need JESUS just as much as we do, so help them, Father.  Use us to extend Your Son’s Kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit.  We praise You, Lord, for Your Matchless Grace in JESUS!  Be exalted as we worship You in remembrance of JESUS’ death and resurrection this weekend.  It’s in the Name above every name that we pray–in the Name of our Risen Savior, JESUS, we pray.  Amen.

In His Love,

John 

JESUS is 1^st!   To Him be All Glory!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior” (Psalms 42:5). 

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.  He alone is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalms 62:1-2).

“I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven & earth” (Psalms 121:1-2).

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).  

My pilot friends, who used to fly jets for the Navy, provided some excellent advice the other day.  They said that over the course of their years of flying, they often found themselves flying within storms.  They provided the following advice that applies well for us as Christians as we go through the storms of our lives:

1)    Trust Your Instrument Panel: Flying within the darkness & turbulence of a storm, your senses will very often betray you.  For example, you’ll feel like you’re turning upside down, when in reality, the opposite is true.  The instrument panel tells you as a pilot what reality is.  It shows you the true horizon & what is actually going on with the plane.  During flight training, it is drilled into the pilots’ minds not to trust their feelings, but to trust only in their instrument panel.   

2)     Always Have a Co-Pilot: Even though technically only one pilot is required to fly the plane, it is military policy to always have 2 pilots aboard these jets.  Because of their boldness & extraordinary flying abilities, one of the most common faults of pilots is to rely on themselves & their own senses in a storm instead of their instruments.  This pride can be catastrophic.  The extra pilot continually reminds the pilot who is flying to keep looking at & trusting the instrument panel.  

I am grateful that the Lord has graciously given us “the instrument panel”—His Word & co-pilots—friends in JESUS who keep pointing us to the Lord & His Word.  The Word of God is the Lord’s Love Letter to us, which is based on His Love, Truth & Reality.  In the midst of the storm, our senses very often betray us.  We need to continually remind ourselves & we need our friends to remind us of His Promises & the Reality of His Faithfulness.  

Reflecting on one rollercoaster week in the past, which started with some very positive news & ended with some very negative news.  I remember being “funked out” in terms of my perspective.  I felt like I was upside down.  My feelings were taking me down the wrong path and I struggled to hold onto the Lord & to see Him in the midst of the storm.  That night, I praised God & focused on obeying Him by doing the next right thing.  The next morning as the negative feelings began to hit me like the tide, I realized how much I needed the Lord & His Perspective.  I reached out to the Lord for His Help.  I studied His Word, praised Him for His Grace, & thanked Him for His many blessings.  Then I turned to Habakkuk 3:17-18 & I memorized the 18th verse: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”  That day as the negative feelings hit, I kept repeating & meditating on that verse.  In my heart, I said, “I will rejoice in the Lord . . . I will live by faith not by sight!”  By God’s Grace, I was choosing to focus on the Lord & His “instrument panel” instead of my own feelings.  The pilot’s analogy has helped me a ton & I hope it helps you too.   

Dear Heavenly Father,

We trust You & Your Heart, O Lord.  Help us to keep our eyes on You within the storms of our lives.  You are our Blessed Reality & Redeemer!  We praise You for Your exceeding Faithfulness, Grace & Provision!  You know us so much better than we know ourselves & You knew we needed an instrument panel.  We praise You, O JESUS, our Living Word!  You are the Way, the Truth & the Life!  Bless each of my brothers & sisters with the co-pilots they need to encourage them to live by faith instead of by sight.  We love You, O Lord!  Thank You for Your Amazing Grace!  It’s in the Name above all Names—JESUS, we pray.  Amen.

In His Love,

John

JESUS is 1st!  To Him be All Glory!

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” -Romans 10:9

In a previous entry (see my entry concerning Romans 1:12, “On The Correlation Between Faith and Love”), I had discussed some of the like attributes between both love and faith. Yet, when we consider our faith in the Lord, we find love to be a necessary condition for our faith in Jesus Christ. Without this love, our relationship with the Lord cannot develop and will eventually be negated by the doubt that we as believers are sometimes confronted and assaulted with, for our faith cannot be steadfast without loves inclusion in the relationship. We can obviously see this when it comes to loving our brethren, how much more should it be applicable to our relationship with the Lord, who is love? The Bible makes it perfectly clear how love and faith are the prerequisites to developing a deeper friendship with the Lord (see my entry concerning John 15:15, “On Having a Friendship With The Lord”). 1 John 4:19 states (see my entry, “On Love’s First Cause”):

“We love because He first loved us.” -1 John 4:19

Throughout my life, many times have I heard the phrase, “God is love.” From this verse in 1 John, it is more than apparent that this is truth, for it links our love with His. Though God has many attributes, including discipline, these all have their basis in love. Even concerning His wrath, He takes no pleasure in the punishment of the ungodly, but God cannot co-inhabit with evil. As Psalms 5:4 tells us, “With you the wicked cannot dwell.” In the same way two forms of matter cannot occupy the space, so too, the wicked cannot dwell with perfect holiness. This, is in fact, a contradiction, and thereby we need the justification that was manifest and offered upon Calvary. What God does take pleasure in, however, is the justification of the wicked by His Son! This is not only backed up in Scripture, but if it wasn’t true, Christ would not have came and died upon such a cruel instrument of death in the first place. Yet, the cross became His glory! If this did not appease God’s justice and have the ability to, not only change a sinners being, but also clothe the depraved with a garment of righteousness, then the Trinity would have never been separated. Yet, since it has alleviated God’s justice, we are granted the opportunity to come to the Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, in faith. By this very thing, which should be evident in our hearts, and through which springs all godly obedience, we are saved. Thereby, we next find ourselves in The Book of John, at one of the most famous verses in all of Scripture, Chapter 3, Verses 16 and 17:

“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. ¹⁷For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

Regarding God’s discipline, it is also based in love. Hebrews 12:7-13 likens God to a loving worldly father (indeed when looking at family proper, or rather, a proper family, we find much in the family structure symbolizes God’s nature):

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! ¹⁰They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in His holiness. ¹¹No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. ¹²Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³‘Make level paths for your feet,’ so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

Notice that Verse 8 clearly expresses John 3:16, for if everyone, by love, undergoes discipline, then it follows, “that God so loved the world,” is indeed true. God’s love is absolutely perfect and in complete accordance with His nature. Before our existence in the world came to pass, He already loved us and had our justification planned out in Christ. We can come to the Lord in the first place, as sinners, due to this preexisting love. If it exists prior, on a temporal plain where we didn’t even exist yet, how much more important is this mutual love when we do exist and come to the Lord by faith? Our faith, among other things, is a recognition of that love, and by it we love God reciprocally as the Book of Deuteronomy commands:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” -Deuteronomy 6:5-6

It is this same faith and love in His Son, by which we are granted the Holy Spirit. To those who have eyes, let them understand, for due to the corruption of this world, the following may be hard to contemplate, or uncomfortable to focus on. However, it is important. As man and women become one flesh in love, likewise do we become one with the Lord by His love and sacrifice. He dwells within us, as the Spirit of Holiness, and if we are in the Spirit as well, love is perfectly manifest and we, by the Spirit, cannot do anything apart from love. If our actions are ones that don’t speak to the love of God in either word or example, it is of the self. As 1 Corinthians says:

“Therefore I tell you that no one is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” -1 Corinthians 12:3

Though this love was manifest in perfection by the Son, in both His death and resurrection, it existed prior to Christ’s first coming and was in the Law, which according to the Gospels can be summed up with just two commandments:

“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? ³⁷Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. ³⁸This is the first commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” -Matthew 22:36-40

The Law, revealed by God unto Moses, shows explicitly the attributes and nature of God. Hence, we can only conclude the Law is good, just as our Lord is good. In the same way, because God is love, the Law, by necessity, follows suit. Therefore, since we know love to be such an intrinsic part of God, our faith too should resonate with love for our Lord. In addition, the love of God is boundless and this being the case, our love can always become manifest greater in our lives. Though we can love too little, we cannot love enough. This week, let us pray that the Lord may extend the boundaries of love we have set by the desires of the self and our own comfort, that we may better serve both the Lord and man. Let us pray that we may glorify Him even further than we have, through not just words, but rather by example. Amen.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. ⁶After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, ⁸and last of all He appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” -1 Corinthians 15:3-8

This passage written by Paul, is a brief overview of the events contained in the gospels. He briefly recounts Christ’s death by crucifixion, for what cause, His eventual resurrection, and His appearances to the apostles, His brother, crowds, the early church, and finally, Christ appearing to Paul himself. This can be said to be more of a historical summary, for it quite simply contains events without any references to the teachings of Christ, or the preexisting Scriptures, in the form of the Old Testament. Paul obviously brings the Old Testament and New together, illuminating them within His other writings, indicating and revealing to us, that the Scripture does not exist in two parts, rather it is one large narrative, Christ being revealed, both implicitly and explicitly, since the beginning. Indeed, because of the Gospels, Paul, and independent sources such as Pliny the Elder, or Josephus, The vast majority of historians believe Christ to have been a real person, but the events surrounding the crucifixion, resurrection and who Christ was, are the topics that are truly questioned by the students of history.

Though Paul obviously believes Christ to be fact, that He was both man and God, and that He died and rose again, there are some details missing from Paul’s “historical” synopsis. One of these concerns the appearance of Christ to Mary Magdalene and other women who visited the tomb on the third day. Why was it not included if it is indeed fact like the gospels tell us? It is this question, among others, I am going to endeavor to explore.

"Christ Appears to The Holy Women," by James Tissot. watercolor, c. 1886-1894

The first thing we need to understand, is that as Christ and Paul revealed the complete unity in both the New and Old Testaments, and we find that even in the case of the Gospels, they are not supposed to stand on their own, though they most certainly can. Rather, they mesh or interlace perfectly to form a concise narrative of the events that took place. Though perfect as a whole, it helps to recognize that each gospel was written to address a different purpose or group of people. This may account for that which was included or omitted in the particular gospels.

• Matthew Levi wrote the Book of Matthew. Matthew prior to his discipleship was a tax collector and therefore, not exactly a revered individual in the eyes of the world. His gospel was directed at the Hebrews and contains many quotes from the Old Testament.
• John Mark wrote the Book of Mark. This books scope of focus was directed at the Romans. It is believed that Peter had a large influence on the authorship of this Book, and indeed it is believed to contain more words of Peter than any of the other gospels.
• Luke wrote the Book of Luke and was a close confidant of Paul. His book is said to take more of a “scientific” approach, and Luke, a physician and not being one of the original Twelve, acted as a historian, gathering the accounts about our Lord and Savior. This is the longest book of the New Testament and was directed at the Greeks.
• John was responsible for the writing of the Gospel of John. This gospel is the most broad in terms of focus and audience. In addition, the book contains more words of Christ than any other.

Another thing to consider is that if something is omitted, this in no way, like some suppose, represents an inevitable contradiction. In fact, using more than one gospel can give us a much clearer understanding of the events which surrounded Jesus Christ, and what He went through for us, that we may be saved by faith upon Him. For example, let us look at the question concerning Mary Magdalene’s visit from the Lord and how it’s omission by Paul doesn’t necessarily lead to contradiction, or even suggest that it didn’t happen. By using the accounts from Scripture, we can begin to piece together what happened at the time of the resurrection without any contradiction being evident.

In Matthew, Chapter 28, several things happen which can be considered the first, or beginning of the resurrection narrative. After a violent earthquake an angel of the Lord descended, rolling back the stone and sitting upon it. In fact, it’s reasonable to say that the angel may have been the instrument of God, which brought about the quake. At any rate, there were several guards at the tomb who all suddenly became greatly frightened by the manifestation they were privy to. These guards were placed there by Pilate in Chapter 27, after the chief priests and Pharisees recounted to Pilate what the Lord had said about being raised after three days. They were afraid the disciples would come and try to steal the body, initiating a great deception. Pilate told them they could go make the tomb as secure as they wanted, until the third day. These guards were terrified by the earthquake and angel of the Lord. They were later bribed by the Jews, to say that His body was indeed stolen. Matthew, Chapter 28, Verse 15, tells us that this story was circulated among the Jews, “to this very day.” It certainly has, for it has surpassed the Jews and has become a frequently cited explanation for the resurrection of Christ.

"Roman Guards Watch Over Tomb," by James Tissot. watercolor, c. 1884-1896

In addition to the guards being witness to the event, so too, according to the Gospels, was Mary the Mother of James. Other Books even include more companions. The Book of John mentions Mary Magdalene alone, while the other books of the gospels include others in her party. According to the Book of Luke, 24:10, her companions were Salome, again, Mary the mother of James (which is held to be the Sister of Mary, mother of Jesus), and Joanna. Though some commentary considering the reconciliation of these accounts in Scripture believe Mary to be alone at some point, before running to tell Peter and John, I don’t think this is the case. I believe the Scriptures themselves refute this. The exact time this happens is similar in all the accounts, the day after the sabbath at day break. Furthermore, their purpose was not to just visit the tomb, but for anointing His body with spices and perfumes. I believe this purpose suggests a group rather than just a couple individuals. Lastly, the words of Mary Magdalene herself indicate it, when in the Book of John (the same Book that only mentions Mary Magdalene as a witness), Chapter 20, Verse 2, she says to Simon Peter and John, “They have taken the Lord out of the Tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him?” In her statement, she says, “we,” this obvious plurality indicating that it was not just her who witnessed the empty tomb, or even the first angel.

"Penitent Mary Magdalene," by Titian. oil on canvas, c. 1565

Why does the Scripture indicate only one person when more may be involved? Simply because it may not be relevant, or because Mary, and later Peter, are the real focus of attention, for it was their experiences which are recounted, though others may have been present. At this point we have Mary Magdalene and her companions walking up to the tomb of the Lord, again to anoint His body. As far as I can tell there are two possibilities when considering how the stone was placed before the tomb. First, we look to Matthew. In Chapter 27, Verse 60, Joseph of Arimathea rolls a large stone into place. Now, it doesn’t mention other people, but that doesnt mean there weren’t more involved in this process. Yet, if we assume he was alone, we find at this time the rock wasn’t as big as often depicted. But wait, before you start writing a e-mail, there is more. In Verse 66, the guards are said to make the tomb secure by posting a guard, which in this context would be made up of several guards. In addition, they put “a seal” on the stone. Most feel this refers to a “stamp” of sorts which would discourage anyone from breaking into the tomb, for with the breaking of that stamp, one would incur the wrath of the Roman Empire. However, some other translations offer another perspective. These refer to the guards as “sealing” the stone. The Romans at this time are believed to have concrete, also known as “Opus Caementicium.” In fact, by the mid-first century, underwater construction of edifices containing this concrete were underway, so the seal could have been an actual “sealant,” of the tomb.

"Christ with Joseph of Arimathea," by Giovanni Girolamo Savoldo. oil on wood, c. 1525

Despite my pondering, the simplest explanation might be the best, for on their way to the tomb, they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb?” It is possible that they didn’t know the actions of the Romans in securing the tomb, for this could have occurred on the sabbath, which they all observed. In spite of the fact I said Joseph may have moved the rock on his own, it doesn’t line up with Scripture, for Mark 16:4 tells us, indeed, that the stone was very large and Mary Magdalene was there to witness Joseph move the stone into place. So I do believe the latter to be the case, and feel it is easily explained by the fact that when people are in a state of grief or emotional anguish, they don’t always react or behave in a rational fashion.

Next we have a curious account of the appearance of angels and this is where many find contradiction in the Bible. Before tackling this issue, however, I think we should focus somewhat on the particular attributes of these heavenly beings, as is represented in Scripture. An angel is not only a messenger from the Lord, but can also be used to complete His commands. We even know from Revelation, Chapter 16, that they can also be used by God to pour out His wrath. Furthermore, an angel is not bound to physicality and can appear or speak to whom it wishes in accordance with God’s command.

"Angels With Jesus Inside The Tomb," by William Blake. c. 1805

The spiritual eyes of one needs to be first opened before one can perceive of an angel. For instance, contained in Numbers 22:21-40 is the account of Balaam and his donkey. In this case the donkey can perceive of the angel, but Balaam himself can’t. Thus, if one is granted to gift of seeing such beings, the angel that is perceived might not be the only angel in attendance. Also, if you are in company with another individual, it remains a possibility, that if you are privy to such a manifestation, the other party may not be able to perceive of it. This is exactly what happens in 2 Kings 6:15-17:

“When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh, my Lord, what shall we do?’ the servant asked. ¹⁶‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ ¹⁷And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.’ then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

This provides ample evidence that there may have been actually two angels in the tomb and the account of one, could have been given to Luke from a source who didn’t have eyes to see both of the heavenly beings. In fact, there could have been a multitude for we know. Yet, the Lord knows. There is even speculation that this “lone” man was actually Christ. However, I do not believe this to be the case, for not only is there scriptural evidence that shows angels can appear as man, but also, and more importantly, when Mary is weeping by herself two angels appear to her while she is in the presence of Christ. More on that later.

"The Morning of The Resurrection," by Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones. oil on canvas. c. 1882

According to Matthew 28, we find that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary travel to go view the tomb of our Lord. As mentioned before, they had already discussed how they were going to move the rock in front. An angel, given the assignment of perhaps causing a large earthquake had come down from heaven, rolled away the stone and sat upon it. This left both Mary’s and their other companions, free to enter the tomb as they will without any hindrance at the hands of the guards, for all the guards cowered before the heavenly being upon the stone. The angel in Matthew 28:5-6 calms the women, saying to them to not be afraid, as angels frequently do. In addition, the angel tells them that Christ has risen, just as He said He would, and invites the women into the tomb to see where He had lain. The angel then instructs the women to run to the disciples once they leave.

I feel it is at this point the women enter the tomb, at the invitation of the angel outside. It was not only this angel’s duty to remove the stone, or cause an earthquake, but also protect the women from the guards, who were there from orders directly from Pilate. By entering the tomb they essentially broke Roman law, and the Romans were not known for their kind, humane punishments.

At the angels urging, the women, both Mary’s with Salome and Joanna, entered the tomb, where a “young man,” according to Mark 16:5, in white sat at their right side. Why is this angel the only one mentioned in Mark, when the Book of Luke says there are two? Concerning the nature of angels it could be that this is the only one that appeared to all, while the other may have been unseen by some of the group. It’s also important that we remember what, “angel” means. Angel, literally translated, means: “Messenger.” Perhaps there were two beings, but only one is mentioned in Mark due to the fact he may have been the lone communicator among the two. So though one isn’t mentioned in Luke, I don’t find any inevitable contradiction in the accounts, for it never says there is ONLY one. The angel restates what the angel outside said, and it makes sense. For the uniformity of their words, suggests obedience to God’s commandment concerning what they were allowed, or not allowed, to say. Although an angel of the Lord was posted outside to protect the tomb, the evidence was inside the tomb, which the woman were invited to see and report to the disciples.

Although the angel told the women that Christ had risen, Mark 16:8 gives us some insight into their state of mind. What they were just told is the phenomenal truth of Christ our Lord who had risen from the dead. It’s a little hard, knowing what we know, to conceptualize that these women couldn’t grasp the truth right away, but that’s only because we are quite distant from the actual occurrence of walking into Christ’s tomb, seeing our beloved missing, and a stranger telling us He has rose. The women were understandably confused and frightened by the encounter, not because they didn’t love Jesus, quite the contrary, but rather because it was so outside the realm of normal everyday occurrence. Such things produce fright and though they were afraid, Matthew tells us, at the same time they were filled with joy.

What I regard as the next account is what happened on the women’s way to tell the disciples of there encounter. This is recounted in Matthew 28:8-10:

“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell the disciples. (9)Suddenly, Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ He said. They came to Him, clasped His feet and worshipped Him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

As the women were on their way to tell the disciples and had their encounter with Jesus, the chief priests and elders bribed the guards to say that His body was stolen as they slept. In addition, the elders promised that no harm would come to them if they did so. They were bribed to lie and keep quiet about the amazing events they had indeed saw.

There are some who believe that Mary Magdalene was alone, when she ran and told the disciples, or that all the women were there, but in more than one group. However, I feel the Scriptures tell us different. Luke 24:10 says explicitly:

“It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.”

Another name, Salome, is mentioned in the Gospels, but Luke indicates that there was a group of women who experienced the risen Christ. If Christ indeed appeared to this women, which nobody at first believed, citing it as “nonsense,” Why did Mary Magdalene say that she didn’t know what happened to the body? John 20:9 tells us that they yet didn’t know that Jesus had to rise from the dead, so there was obviously some confusion about what was taking place. If we interject ourselves in the resurrection account, is it really that hard to believe that such confusion was evident? Mary and her companions didn’t see the body of Christ, but saw Him on their way to inform the disciples. It’s possible that Mary considered Christ as some kind of apparition, like the disciples themselves did, and He may have looked somewhat different. We know at a later time that Mary Magdalene is unable to recognize Christ, and Mary isn’t alone in this. Christ veils His identity from a number of the disciples after His resurrection. Mary Magdalene being witness to the crucifixion, which are quite obviously grisly and brutal forms of execution, may have not realized as of yet, the nature of His new body. Thus, though she disclosed to the disciples of their encounter, what happened to the body that was missing from the tomb still could have been a mystery to Her.

The Book of John tells us that Peter and John started running for the tomb once the women told of their encounters. This was dangerous undertaking especially after the charges that the elders and guards were making against them, and indeed their very lives could have been in danger. John reached the tomb first, but did not go in, while Simon Peter on the other hand did. Peter saw the strips of linen and burial shroud neatly folded up. I find it probable that at least Mary followed the two men. Then John went inside observing the same thing as Peter and believed, though John 20:9 suggests they didn’t have a full understanding of what had occurred. Also Luke 24:12 says that after Peter left the tomb, he wondered what had happened. One of the gospel accounts only tells the account of Peter running to the tomb and peering in, but this could have been a simplification, for adding John doesn’t necessarily add anything but an extra witness. There is no consequence for John being there and He may have been ommited due to it’s irreverence.

"Peter and John Running to the Tomb," by Eugene Burnand. oil on canvas, c. 1898

Continuing in the book of John, we find Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene. The disciples returned home as John 20:10 tells us, but she stood there outside the tomb weeping. Why? Hadn’t she seen the Lord? She indeed had, but the disciples’ time to have their eyes opened hadn’t yet come to pass. I am certain she wept, at least in part, due to frustration, for the collaborating evidence she wished would be there was not. There were no men or angels while Peter and John were there, but as she leaned into the tomb after they had gone, she saw two angels of white, seated where Christ’s body had been. One at the head and one at the foot which could be symbolic. They asked her why she was crying, to which she responded, “they have taken my Lord away.” Now she turned and saw Jesus, but  here she too had her eyes blinded, until Christ spoke her name. She then recognized Him, and after being stopped from embracing Him, she returned to the disciples telling that she had seen the Lord.

"The Appearance of Christ to Mary Magdalene," by Alexander Ivanov. oil on canvas, c. 1834-1836

I offer this viewpoint of the reconciliation of the resurrection accounts, not as Gospel, but as just one possibility of what could have happened. Indeed, it comes from my own study of these accounts, thus it may be full of error. I don’t encourage anyone to follow this explanation or consider it as infallible as the Bible, please don’t, my main goal was to point out that these resurrection accounts can have many different interpretations, and don’t necessarily reach a contradiction. Some say there are at least 18 contradictions in the resurrection accounts, but I don’t find any evidence for this, for I believe the differences can be explained, and that most the citied contradictions are just examples of biblical omission.

Often times, we Christians are asked questions that do not appear within the Gospels or even the rest of Scripture. To those non-believers, and even, at times, believers, for the Bible to be true, it needs to satisfy all our curiosity concerning events. I recall once being asked how Christ’s father, Joseph, died? There is no biblical answer, other than the Bible speaking to Joseph’s character, but how He died is not stated in the Bible. Why? Simply, I believe the Bible tells us what we need to know, and there are certain details that have no consequence concerning our relationship with the Lord.

Omission in the word of God is suggested by the Gospels themselves. The last verse in the Gospel of John, 21:25 states:

“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

It should be evident by this verse that indeed certain events are not recorded in the Scriptures. Perhaps God, in his infinite wisdom, knew that the short attention span of man wouldn’t lend itself to a Bible that would dwarf the size of the full Encyclopedia Britannica. Thus, the Scriptures only reveal to us what we need to know, and the spreading of the word and of Christianity throughout the world testifies to its perfection. Yet, as I have brought up here and in a previous entry (see my note concerning 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, “On The Chaos of Reason, The Firstfruit, and The Transfiguration”), let us be wary not to see omission as contradiction.

In addition, we need to be aware that the Bible may contradict, not by the word itself, but because of the beliefs we hold on to, which may be perpetuated by the traditions of the Church, Catholicism or any number of other schools of theology. I recall hearing at one time that the first person Christ appeared to was His mother Mary. This tradition, as far as I am aware, began in the Catholic Church. Yet, it isn’t mentioned in scripture. However, because we know things are omitted as confirmed by the word, it doesn’t mean He didn’t, just that we can’t say for sure in a biblical context. In reality, this belief is based on what man thinks Christ had ought to have done, which is extremely prideful. If this or such tradition is juxtaposed with the word, contradiction can easily arise from it, and perhaps cause confusion among the Body.

In the 14th-century, a Franciscan friar, Father William of Ockham’s namesake was applied to a popular philosophical theory, known as, “Ockham’s Razor,” or now more commonly spelled, “Occam’s Razor.” This theory suggests that from any competeing hypotheses, the one with the least amount of assumptions, or the hypothesis containing the simplest answer, is usually the correct one. Though I have reservations about this particular philosophical theory, when it comes to finding contradiction in the Bible it applies, though not absolutely. There are times when we think too much behind scriptural passages, when the true reconciliation is apt to be something much more simple.

A great example of this is the supposed contradiction between Christ’s first meeting of Simon Peter and Andrew. The two, “contradictions,” are found in Matthew 4:18-20 and John 1:35-42. The account in John describes their first meeting with Jesus. Andrew went to see where Christ was staying, and called on his brother Simon Peter exclaiming they had found the Messiah. In Matthew however, Christ calls to Andrew and Simon Peter as they were casting a net into the Sea of Galilee. He tells the men to follow Him and that He will make them fishers of men. Many make the assumption that both of these are representational of Simon Peter and Andrew’s first meeting of Christ, but this is false. Rather, the Book of John describes how they met, while Matthew describes how they were called into discipleship. “Occam’s Razor,” turns out to be appropriate in this case, for if one lets go of assumptions and looks at the verses in a more simplistic manner, the contradiction is negated, and these two accounts come together in complete unity.

"The Calling of Peter and Andrew," by Duccio di Buoninsegna. tempra on wood, c. 1308-1311

Within this entry I have attempted to identify some of the means by which people are tripped up by contradiction. I believe that most of it is based on assumption, tradition, and omission. Indeed, these are some of the very things that have led me astray in the past. We need to be aware of the stumbling blocks such things pose and that it is the Scriptures that should change our point of view, rather than our view distort the Scriptures. I pray that all those attempting to find answers would rely on the revelation and teaching of God and not that of man, who due in part to his faulty nature, can promote the use of assumption within the Word of God. May the Lord protect His word and keep us free from falsehood. Amen.

I would like to once again acknowledge Terie for her input concerning this entry. Her propensity for grammar is an amazing gift, that I tend to lack. Thank you Terie!

“In accordance with my earnest expectation and hope, that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:20-21).

After Peter healed a crippled man in the Name of JESUS, he & John were arrested for preaching in JESUS’ Name.  The guards brought Peter & John before the high priest, rulers, elders & teachers.  Peter & John gave a bold testimony for JESUS saying, “‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.’  When they saw the courage of Peter & John & realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished & they took note that these men had been with JESUS” (Acts 4:12-13).

“Having been commanded not to preach in JESUS’ Name, Peter & John were released from prison & they met back up with their fellow believers to report all that had happened.  Then they prayed.  After suffering jail & persecution, they closed out their prayer, “Now, Lord, consider their threats & enable Your servants to speak Your Word with great boldness.  Stretch out Your Hand to heal & perform miraculous signs & wonders through the Name of Your Holy Servant JESUS” (Acts 4:29-30).

It blows me away that Peter & John returned from experiencing persecution & jail time to lead a prayer for God to enable them & the other believers to speak His Word with great boldness.  Wow!  I’ve got a lot to learn from their example!  Instead of praying for their safety & protection, the disciples were praying for greater boldness.  O Lord, bless me with greater faith to have such a powerful perspective!  

How do we get this boldness that we see in Peter, John, Paul & the great men & women of faith—that honors & glorifies our LORD JESUS?

1) Surrender your heart to JESUS & make him your Supreme Audience.

2) Ask for the Lord to bless you with His zeal & boldness by the power of the Holy Spirit.    

3)Pray at the beginning of each day for the Lord to provide you with opportunities to speak highly for JESUS.*

*I encourage you to pray each morning for the next week for the Lord to provide opportunities to speak highly for JESUS.  Let me know what God does.  He loves to answer these prayers to lift up His Son! 

Sovereign Lord,

You are Awesome in Wonder & Power!  All Glory, Power, & Honor are Yours!  What an incredible privilege it is to come into Your Presence to worship You, O King of Kings!  Search my heart, convict me of unrighteousness & forgive me of my sins.  Forgive me for the many times that I’ve been a coward.  Empower me & my brothers & sisters with great boldness by the Holy Spirit to point the people around us to You as the only Savior.   Bless each of us with special opportunities to speak highly about JESUS.  Give us the right words with the right timing.  Draw people to surrender their lives to JESUS for the Glory of Your Name.  O Lord, help us for Your Name’s Sake.  Bless Your Holy Name!  It’s in JESUS’ Mighty & Most Holy Name that I pray.  Amen.

In His Love,

John 

JESUS is 1st!  To Him be All Glory!

I trust the Lord to encourage you in your faith walk with Him.  May the Lord bless you with greater faith & availability to serve Him as He leads you. 

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted and the train of His robe filled the temple.  Above Him were seraphs, each with six wings; With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.  And they were calling to one another:

‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with His glory.’

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

‘Woe to me!’  I cried.  ‘I am ruined!  For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’

Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.  With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’ 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?’

And I said, ‘Here am I.  Send me!’”  (Isaiah 6:1-8).

What a magnificent description of our Almighty God. . . His Majesty, Holiness, Glory, & Grace are beyond measure & comprehension!  As you read the passage, you can’t help but realize your smallness & nothingness compared to the God of the Universe, the King of all Kings, the Alpha & Omega.  Likewise, Isaiah is overwhelmed by God’s Awesome Presence & Holiness.  As he beholds the Majesty of God, Isaiah hears the angels’ worship of the Lord saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is filled with His glory.”  The door posts & thresholds are shaking. . . & so is Isaiah’s heart.  Isaiah is gripped by the conviction & guilt of his sin before his Holy God.  He confesses his sin as he cries out, “Woe to me!  I am ruined!  For I am a man of unclean lips & I live among a people of unclean lips, & my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”  In this confession, Isaiah acknowledges that he doesn’t deserve to live after having seen the Perfect, Most Holy God.  The Lord then demonstrates His Mercy & Grace by sending the angel to touch Isaiah’s lips with a live coal from the altar to forgive his sin & to reconcile Isaiah to Himself. 

The Lord then asks the question, “Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?”  Isaiah answers, “Here am I.  Send me!”  “Here am I” is a statement of location.  In a nutshell, Isaiah is humbly & rightly saying, “I’m available . . . if you can use me; I want to be a part of what You’re doing.”  If Isaiah would have said, “Here I am,” he would have been saying something entirely different.  “Here I am” is a statement of being.  It is like proudly saying, “Here I am with all my gifts & abilities. . . I’m an asset for Your Kingdom.”  “Here I am” is something a Pharisee would say.  This statement reflects a proud, self-absorbed heart that fails to maintain a righteous fear of the Lord.  Moreover, the statement represents a heart that does not acknowledge & give glory to the Lord Who makes all the difference.   

Let’s follow Isaiah’s great example.  Let us recognize the Incredible Gift of God’s Grace it is to abide in the Awesome Presence of the Lord Almighty as we worship Him & enjoy relationship with Him.  JESUS paid the Precious Price of His Blood at Calvary’s Cross to forgive our sin & make us right with God.  Let us respond to our Majestic Lord like Isaiah with the fear of the Lord, humility, gratitude, & indebtedness, “Here am I.  Send me!”

Gracious Heavenly Father,

I praise You for Your Majesty & Holiness!  You are the Almighty God, King of Kings, the Great I AM, the Alpha & Omega, the Creator of all things—seen & unseen.  Forgive me of my specific sins.  I’m humbled by Your Amazing Grace & Mercy to forgive us in JESUS!  I’m so indebted to You, O Lord.  Quicken me in Your Way by the Holy Spirit.  Here am I.  Send me!  Show me where You are at work around me & enable me to join you in Your work.  You are my All & All!  Help yourself to my life to glorify JESUS & fulfill Your purpose!  I ask it in all in JESUS’ Powerful Name.  Amen. 

In His Love,

John

JESUS is 1st!  To Him be All Glory!

Brothers & Sisters,

I pray this finds you blessed in every way as you lean into & trust the Lord with all your heart!  

“Sometimes God calms the storm.  Sometimes He lets the storm rage . . . and He calms His child.” Anonymous 

“These (trials) have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine & may result in praise, glory & honor when JESUS CHRIST is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7).

“This is what the High and Lofty One says—He Who lives forever, Whose Name is Holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite’” (Isaiah 57:15). 

Why does the Lord often let the storms rage?  Why does God, in His Sovereignty, allow the trials to hit us like waves crashing on the beach?  Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:7 that our faith needs to be tested through trials in order to be made real & strong.  And it is for JESUS’ glory that our faith is strengthened & proved genuine in these trials.  Moreover, trials encourage us to lean hard into our Heavenly Father.  Through trying circumstances, we find that our true strength lies in the Lord.  Most importantly, during these times in the valley, we get to know the Lord intimately as our Almighty Rock, Refuge & Best Friend. 

A close friend of mine often says, “God is going to break us all down like an old shotgun.”  As the Lord states in Isaiah 57, He makes His home with the broken.  As I’ve shared before, the Lord has lovingly broken me down through numerous circumstances & trials over the last 5-6 years.  The Lord has had to get me to a place of brokenness where I can listen.  It is there that God’s truth sinks deeper into my heart & I thank God, acknowledging that every gift I have is from His Hand.  I’ve found that when I invite JESUS into my brokenness, He meets me & ministers to me in very special ways.  It is in brokenness that I cherish JESUS the most & exalt Him the highest.  Moreover, the Lord blesses me as I trust & obey Him.  I find the most precious fruit is a deeper trust & intimacy with my Almighty Lord & Savior. 

O Gracious Heavenly Father,

          I praise You for being the Lover of my soul!  Praise You for how you never stop pursuing me!  Thank You for allowing the trials to test & strengthen my faith in You for JESUS’ glory!   O Lord, I praise You for lovingly breaking me down, so I can trust You in a deeper way & experience a greater oneness with You.  O Lord, it is in brokenness that I cherish You the most & exalt You the highest!  Help me to carry this brokenness with me always so I might always hold onto You ever so tightly as the One Who alone makes me whole.   O God, thanks for reminding me through trials that You alone are my Strength & my Song!  Bless me with deeper roots in You for Your glory!  It’s in the Almighty Name of JESUS, I pray.  Amen.

In His Love,

John 

JESUS is 1st!  To Him be All Glory!

              I pray you have a most blessed Christmas season celebrating JESUS, our Blessed Savior & King of Kings!  I pray the Lord blesses you & your families with a special time of worship & thanksgiving for All He is!  Today I wanted to share how faith celebrates God’s Sovereign Power in our lives as we simply come to JESUS.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. . .And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:1,6).

“No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.  A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.  But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.  We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help & our shield.  In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His Holy Name.  May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You” (Ps. 33:17-22).

“God is our refuge & strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar & foam & the mountains quake with their surging” (Ps. 46:1-3).

Without faith, it’s impossible to please God.  Without faith, we’re not plugged into JESUS, the Source of Strength & Purpose.  I personally acknowledge that there’s many times I live life “unplugged” & miss out on His blessings of strength, wisdom, love, peace, & joy.  As we read His Word, we see that many times over God exhorts us to turn from fear to faith in Him.  Reflecting on that, fear views the circumstances as things are spinning out of control.  Whereas, faith in JESUS celebrates God’s Sovereign Power & Purpose in engineering all things—joy & suffering, life & death, seen & unseen, past, present & future for the glory of JESUS.  Furthermore, when we personally trust in the Lord, we celebrate the Lord & His unfailing Love to provide for our greatest good by leveraging everything in our life by His Sovereignty for JESUS’ glory!    

Are you living by faith or are you unplugged?   Earlier this Christmas season, I found myself unplugged.  I felt oppressed by the circumstances & I recognized that joy & peace were absent.  I turned to JESUS & literally said, “I’m coming!”  As I prayed, I found joy, peace & strength in His embrace.  JESUS said in His Word, “Come to Me, all you who are weary & burdened, & I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).  Come to JESUS & find His refreshment.  Place fresh faith in our Lord & Savior so He can refresh you with His confidence, strength, joy & peace.  Have a blessed Christmas celebrating JESUS, our Greatest Gift of all!!

Dear Heavenly Father,

We praise You, O Sovereign Lord!  Praise You for Your incredible grace to send JESUS to be our Emmanuel, Savior, & King!   Bless us with undivided hearts that celebrate Your Sovereignty with fresh faith.  When our circumstances don’t make sense, help us to trust Your Heart.   Bless us with greater faith, so we may plug into You, Your Presence & Power.  Help us by Your Holy Spirit to reflect Your Heart & glorify Your Name.  We trust You with our cares, concerns & fears.  Bless our focus this Christmas season to truly worship & exalt You, O JESUS!  It’s in the Precious & Most Powerful Name of JESUS, Our Savior, I pray.  Amen.    

In His Love,

John

JESUS is 1st!  To Him be All Glory!

Brothers & Sisters,

I pray this finds you richly blessed as you cherish JESUS, our Most Precious Treasure!  

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation.  He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God” (Psalm 62:5-7).

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart & my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

My great friend & mentor recently shared a couple illustrative Biblical equations:

JESUS + Nothing = Everything

As we focus on JESUS alone for our salvation & security, we celebrate JESUS as the Lord & Savior of our life.  When we recklessly abandon & trust the Lord to fill in the blanks in our life with what He wants for us, we experience His best.  Most importantly, the Lord satisfies our soul through His abundant, intimate relationship that JESUS died & rose again to give us.  Moreover, God blesses us with an adventurous life of faith where He reveals Himself & faithfully shows Himself strong in our weakness.  If our life is a pie, JESUS is clearly the Center.  He is our Ruling Passion Who drives every aspect of our life.

 JESUS + Something = A Temporary Fix

When we focus on JESUS plus other things, we live a shallower life that is more about us than Him.  We are filling in the blanks of our own life instead of truly surrendering to God.  Our life is characterized by pursuing our own agenda.  If our life is a pie, JESUS is merely a piece and far from being the Central Source.  We’re not cherishing & worshipping the Lord as the Source of our life’s significance & meaning.  Instead, we’re seeking significance in the stuff (i.e. success, power, wealth, status, popularity) of this world, which can at best provide only a temporary fix.     

O Gracious Father,

I praise You for being the Strength of my life & my Portion forever!  You are my Most Precious Treasure!  I celebrate You as the One Who defined me with Your Unconditional Love poured out so at Calvary through Your Son.  Forgive me, Father, for how I have allowed myself to be distracted by the idols of this world!  Find rest, O my soul, in God alone!  Only You can satisfy my soul!  Bless me with greater faith that recklessly abandons to You!  Take all of me, bless me with oneness with You, & make this life fully count for JESUS’ Glory!  It’s in the Precious & Most Powerful Name of JESUS, I pray.  Amen.

In His Love,

John 

JESUS is 1st!  To Him be All Glory!

I have always loved to walk. I don’t know why; but it has been that way since I was very young. The silence and the rhythm of my movement seems to keep me calm and clear my head. In this new healthy lifestyle I have been on, I had forgotten, for a while, how much I loved to walk. When I was in college I once walked from my dad’s house in south Tempe and hours later found myself in North Phoenix. I was so far from where I started I had to call my dad and tell him what the street signs said because I was so utterly lost. I was amazed I traveled so far and so quickly. If we are focused on God’s will, we will be astounded how far we will have come and the time will seem so quick. Our lives are lived at such a frenetic pace today. We have our children in so many programs, we are involved in so many areas that we often forget to just enjoy time with the Lord. I used to be such a busy body and I often had trouble just slowing down for a few moments.  One day, I realized, life isn’t about the attainment of goals, achievements, money and materialism.  Having nice things are…..nice; but you can’t take them with you when you die. Do you know what you can? ………..your relationship with the Lord. Here is a simple fact. We were created in God’s image(Genesis 1:27). So, we are His creations. As His creations we are to bring glory to Him(John 17:1-5). If Jesus, our greatest example of how to live our lives, found it important to glorify the Father, then guess what, we are to do that as well. Nothing is more sweet that a personal relationship with Jesus. I have tried everything to fill that void in my life; and after many years of falling down, finally I now enjoy the peace of talking with a Living Savior who loved me first.  If you feel frazzled and hope seems to be a fleeting memory, consider slowing down and spending a lot more time with the Lord in prayer.  You will be rewarded with the peace of knowing a God that can’t wait to talk with you about your day. I have never heard anyone say to me “I sure wish I wouldn’t have spent all that time with the Lord” . You know why? Peace is addicting. People have been trying to get it for thousands of years; but there is only one kind that satisfies: God’s perfect peace. And, that only comes from spending time alone with Him.  Make it a point this week to slow down and journey with the Lord awhile.  Here is a verse I love to meditate on while I am walking and talking with Jesus: Psalm 143:8 “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.” 

Enjoy the poem about being thankful for God’s creation and spending time with Him in the cool of the morning.

God bless you all and please strive to spend more time with your Savior,

The Great Plains Poet, a creation of the Holy God

A  Journey With The Lord

By Chris T.

Fresh sprinkle of morning rain

Early I rise to explore

Smell of water,vapor in the air

The feel of God’s blessing on my skin

My feet beat the path

All in rhythm, all in time

Passing houses, trees and plants

I let my Lord choose my course

A still, soothing silence grips my town

As it still sleeps and it still slumbers

Carrying my body just one more block

Gentle winds sway the maple’s branch to and fro

My mind is clear, my heart is content

Walking my route, talking with my God

And I am not one to miss the gift

Of creations splendor and the one who made it

Puffs of breath escape my lungs

each one having completed it’s job

To gather in the portion I need

Relying on faith in someone greater than myself

I round the corner towards my favorite park

So many children’s cries  still echo from yesterday’s play

I am thankful for God’s continuation of life

And the changes each parent faces

Hydrangea, tulip and pine scents the air

Wondering if my prayers have the same fragrance in heaven

Smile gets wider knowing they are heard and received

Legs still churn, and progress is still made

Home stretch is now seen and now cars start to amass

Are there other people sharing their morning with the  Lord

If only they could have traveled this small journey with me

They would have seen beauty, creation and hope

And known the peace that comes from a journey with the Lord

]]> http://soothingprose.com/2011/03/27/stained-glass-windows/ Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:07:34 +0000 alaskaexpress http://soothingprose.com/2011/03/27/stained-glass-windows/ You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.  (Psalm 139:1)

Every child has a favorite place, and mine was a farm my dad used to take me to visit and play regularly. But the best part about it was the little shack at the end of a dock over the creek that was built strictly for children.  Of course I loved the pony-rides too, and petting the small animals in the barn, but there were times when all I really wanted to do was go in my little one-roomed house by myself. My father could hardly stand up in it, so he let me go in there alone and waited for me on land. 

It was built as a tiny steeple, with a pointed roof and two rows of short rough wood pews inside.  The five windows were yellow tinted and there was a shelf on the front window that held a big book.  I used to thumb thru it and try to pronounce the big words in it and read between the little numbers but it was beyond my understanding at such a young age.

My favorite thing to do in there was to sit on the benches and just enjoy the quiet.  The sun shown bright thru the windows on me, keeping me warm and I felt safe because I never felt alone in there. Though I never saw anyone else ever go in there, I felt like someone was there with me anyway, like an invisible friend.  I talked to him and just enjoyed his company, though I never named him.  He just always made me feel happy and calm, and was there every time, waiting.

When I grew up and that farm sold and closed up, and my dad had died too, I never forgot that special little church on the docks.  One year I was especially stressed and decided to take a trip to the shore for a day and wrote about that tiny church and that special warm quiet hush that welcomed me, and how that memory never fails to make me feel better. Shortly after, I went on a spontaneous trip to Niagara Falls for a weekend, a place I had always wanted to see.   And I needed adventure so I stayed on the Canadian side of the Falls.  While driving to Niagara on the Lake, the little town outside the tourist area, I came upon a very small steeple.  It was no bigger than a small garage and had familiar yellow tinted windows.  The sign by the street called it The Wayside Chapel.  I pulled into the parking space and with my camera, ran to the door.  Didn’t I just write this memory a few weeks ago?  And here it is – although a bigger size, it was almost exactly like the tiny steeple my dad used to take me regularly as a kid!

Wayside Chapel, almost exact same chapel as in my childhood memories

Inside the same quiet warm hush greeted me, a longtime friend waiting for my return, even though in a different place.  The sun shown just as bright thru the windows and the inside was almost the same as that tiny place from my childhood. After the initial tears of disbelief, I perused the bible up front, read some Psalms, then sat on the rough benches in the sunlight and prayed.  No doubt this trip was divinely planned!  How blessed I felt to have such a wonderful memory revived again for me to enjoy!

I came to understand that it was the Lord who had been with me in that tiny steeple as a child, and I only had to think of Him and He was there with me no matter where I went.  And I now appreciate that He especially knows our every special wish and memory and He loves to bless us with them all the time. 

Years have passed since that trip, but everywhere I go, I still come across a chapel of some sort, always empty and open and waiting for me quietly.  Even when I travel far away, the Lord Father meets me there, waiting to listen and visit. He continually lets me know He always has a hand on my shoulder and directs my paths.  I couldn’t ask for a better Friend or Savior.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. (Psalm 139:2)



But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  (Luke 18:16)

I couldn’t have guessed that the setting sun would grab my attention this intensely on this last day of 2010.  It isn’t the most beautiful or lingering one tonight.  The sun ducks behind approaching rain clouds quickly, forgetting to show off the colors and awes I love to see.  I have to stand by the cold front door and remember warmer nights with brightly painted skies by the sea. 

But it is only fitting that this is short and steely cold long before the daylight is gone.  The year’s last evening didn’t deserve the prettiest sunset.  It had been a bleak year and though many wrinkles were worked out over time, it still ended with a lot of uncertainty for the future.  It’s been like this for 8 months, with a few varying steep peaks that had to be climbed, leaving me stranded for periods on deserted mesas, and I couldn’t get off and move forward. I was stuck.

In a spiritual sense I know my future is firmly protected and safe within my faith in the Lord but in a physical sense it is a very flat and brown and dry landscape that seems to go on past the horizon line, with only rough and deep seas beyond that. 

Yes, the sun will still shine behind the clouds tomorrow, and I know I may have another 365 days to make life worth living somehow.  I plan to start it right with visits to family and then a job interview on Monday, with hope of that being the last interview for a long time due to fortunate employment. 

As I sip warm wine tonight and watch the crowded Time’s Square ritual on my TV, I ponder why we think that just because a calendar year had ended that we should be acting wild and crazy to celebrate it.  Why not celebrate each day like this?  A time may come when we wish we could.

Time is seamless to the clock, so shouldn’t my joy and hope be as well?  This is definitely something I should work on – my daily reflection of my daily attitudes instead of my annual ones.  Time is seamless and eternal from where the Lord sits, so I should spend much more time thinking of what’s ahead and how to be part of that GREAT BIG PLAN HE HAS instead of my measly one that doesn’t go past the horizon line every night at sunset.

Indeed the sun set down on a lousy, short-minded way to view life. I vow to see the sunset in the days ahead as merely rest time from all the neat things I’ll get to do in the future while here and living, and so much more than that when I’m gone.

Now as I look out to the west one last time to see that the sky suddenly lit up with vivid streaks of fuchsia and salmon colors. 

Sun sets on a new outlook.

In changing my own outlook and mood, I am immediately and unexpectedly rewarded with a colorful landscape to end this day after all, and more hopeful 365 + tomorrows.

“Weeping may endure for a night,

but rejoicing comes in the morning…” Psalm 30:5b

“Blessed are all those who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 2:12c

Even on a cloudy day the sun still shines!

Ask any person how good their year was, and what they hope for this coming new year, and what do they usually say?  “I HOPE THIS ONE IS MUCH BETTER!”

I probably will say the same, especially because I really did have an unusually challenging year.  But those challenges were met with equally awesome rewards when I put my whole energy into it and dealt with each crisis head on.  And I prayed consistently no matter my mood.

Oh, I had my moments of grief and hopelessness.  I had to have a few friends slap me with sharp reminders of what I always tell them – “hang in there!”  You know that saying about making your words sweet because someday you may have to eat them – it’s really true. 

Another good line I never understood fully until now is “be careful what you wish for”.  Sometimes they come true.  It did for me.

Profound changes sums up 2010. 

I wasn’t literally put on a catapult and flung out but it was clear I was no longer needed in my job, along with over 120 other people in this South Jersey area alone, and another 1400 throughout the country by the end of this year.  I left that office for the last time in May, not looking back.  Immediately I went home and flung my keys down, got into shorts and tee shirt and sat on my porch with a cold glass of lemonade.  I looked around my quiet tree-lined neighborhood and thought – FREE AT LAST!  No more daily dread and having to give myself a serious prep talk just to walk into that place every morning without tears.  A little numb, maybe, but definitely relieved.  I can enjoy life again.

I never liked being an Admin., but just fell into it out of necessity.  For two decades I had tried to get back to school or at least change positions but because I’m a single divorced mom, it wasn’t easy to find the time or extra money to go back to college to increase my skills in some things I knew I was good at and enjoyed.  Also, every door of job opportunity I applied for at that same company for over the last two years were respectively shut in my face because I didn’t have a degree and no one wanted to give an Admin a chance to learn something new, even though I had done far more things than my job description warranted for some time.  I felt so stuck and in a brain-draining rut for a long time.  It seems this layoff was the last kick in the butt from them, and it was the one I needed.

Instead of worrying and crying over an ambiguous future, I prepared for this crisis a little too – just in case.  Thankfully, the company told us before Christmas that a reduction in force would surely be implemented in April, so I budgeted a little more carefully to put more rainy day money aside.  Then I blew the dust off the rolodex with some contacts listed for potential networking, revived my creative resume, and enrolled in some classes.  I became excited for change and determined to move forward with my plans even if I didn’t get laid off. 

Even working part-time somewhere seemed very appealing, so I could be home with my daughter more and have dinner ready at a decent hour, and time to walk thru the park in the daylight hours.  To garden, write, organize photo albums, bake, paint, travel, etc.  So much to do in life! The mere threat of being laid off stoked the coals under my feet instead of instilling the typical dread I saw and heard from the other more fearful folks. 

Yes, I may have been given the boot from an office job that was steady in pay and benefits, but at the same time I am being catapulted into new territory, flying high, free and fast into the unknown but I can’t wait to land on my feet already running and to get started.  And I have so much to express and offer the world.  That company didn’t seem to want my skills, but someone else will.  For now, I’ll use the training and talent I accumulated to breathe life back into my own sleepy dreams. 

This wasn’t the first time I have been laid off but it was the first time I felt good about it.  Is it an age and maturity issue, enabling me to handle a crisis better now having been thru it several times before?  Maybe even a pinch of mid-life crisis mixed in, and a big wallop of creative urges that just can’t wait any longer?  Perhaps…but it’s truly ALL good.

Sink or swim

After fervent prayer one early summer morning asking for direction, a total stranger standing in line ahead of me at a store very seriously told me that whatever I was going thru that day, it was all going to be okay.  He added that he had no idea why he was supposed to tell me that.  I was bewildered, and looked behind me to see if he was really talking to me or someone else. When I turned back to thank him for the confirmation, he was gone. 

But what he said was all I needed to hear. We have choices to make in life, and I made a choice to simply move forward. Over the summer I completed three long-coveted classes (Photoshop, Dreamweaver and cake decorating), I wrote and submitted another story to a magazine, inquired about two writing jobs and applied to bakeries in the area. Also, I learned how to write about travel, lost 12 pounds, how to create a rose out of icing, and created a brand new salad out of leftover chicken – the things I never had time for in 20 something years. 

Then I took a short trip to the Adirondack Mountains – alone.  I had always wanted to do that and I threw some clothes and outdoor toys on my aging truck and headed north for 4 soul-refreshing days in clean alpine air.  It was exactly what I needed to prepare for what I didn’t know was just ahead of me.

Changes In the Wind

Then as the summer wore long and I started to see colors in the leaves, things started to get a little interesting.  Though I had a few interviews, no one yet hired me for any kind of job.  My truck was becoming unreliable after returning from the mountainous road trip (and old age).  I had some familiar pains in my back (kidney stones – again!), and the end of the unemployment checks security was looming near with no job prospects.

It felt as if I was left to tread in the deepest part of the ocean with no direction of where to swim or rest.  Where was God? He surely spoke thru that man in line earlier this summer, assuring me that all would be okay, I recalled.  But then it all went from uncertain, to bad, then onto mayhem.  I had a little savings left, the truck now needed a whole new transmission and I couldn’t get a new vehicle without a job, but needed a reliable vehicle to get to a job when I eventually landed one.  Even the extension of unemployment benefits were being debated and were uncertain.  I also ended up in the hospital ER on my birthday followed by getting kidney stones blasted by laser, only to find out there was still a massive one in there that they couldn’t reach but that still needed to be dealt with soon or face possible kidney failure. And I only had so much money for the co-pay for that outpatient lithotripsy procedure, or face open incision surgery. Nooooo!  Plus the Christmas season was fast approaching.

The only thing I had left was a small amount of savings and prayer.  I had read from some wise woman of faith that we can’t stumble any further in life when we’re down on our knees in humble prayer, so down I went.   Believe me when I say it’s possible to cry a river (however small), and God can take on my many arguments.

I had to make a huge decision, and my savings only covered one thing or the other.  Both were important – my health or transportation to get to interviews.  With a dependent teenager in the house, both are necessary. 

But the Lord did intercede. I needed direction and I received it.  The truck just stopped moving one day and it was leaking antifreeze from the heater core.  So there it was – fix it now and almost wipe out all the savings.  At the same time, Congress was fighting the extension on the unemployment and I had 1 check left coming and rent was due. But at least I was moving forward.  One thing was now behind me and dealt with.  Though we had no heat in the vehicle, it was running. Next crisis. 

Then minor appliances started to break in the house, including our old TV, the dryer, and a mixer I needed for my baking business that was struggling to survive.

Suddenly, support from friends and family started to roll in, including a portable heater for the truck. A charity offered to pay for the medical deductible too, so that appointment for lithotripsy was finally set and I could breathe easier knowing I wouldn’t suffer imminent kidney failure.  Everything was still rolling forward.  I had a lot to be thankful for on that Thanksgiving Day. God took control again.  The extension of unemployment benefits was approved for a few more months’ worth of payments, and I even managed to get another interview (though I didn’t get the job).

Thru the weeks I continued to painfully pass the stone fragments, landed yet another interview immediately after this coming New Year, and Christmas was rolling in fast.  Still no job though.  But running into an ex coworker at a Christmas fair boosted my morale about the jobless situation when he commented on how much more relaxed and happier I looked now that I wasn’t working in that company anymore.  Wow.  Did it really show that obviously how miserable I had been while working there?  Somehow that run-in confirmed I was swimming in the right direction, and to not worry about the why’s anymore.  I remembered that stranger in line in earlier summer giving me encouragement too.  Things will indeed be okay.  I could feel it and believe it at last.

It only gets better.  My teenage daughter had been watching all this going on for months and decided to ‘surprise’ me this year for Christmas, and she wanted to buy gifts with her own savings.  I didn’t know where that suddenly came from since she didn’t even have a job yet, but I was touched by her new maturity and independence.  She went way beyond my expectations, since I thought she’d get me a new CD or a sweater.  My angel surprised me with a new flat-screen TV and she picked it out and paid for it by herself.  The kind and thoughtful gift made me feel like the most blessed person in the whole world!  Then a friend gave me her still well running mixer since she received a new one as a gift.  Another need met!  And still 6 days left to go in this old year.  It’s not over yet.

Despite the many uncertain times we faced this year, God did reveal himself to everyone involved or watching in unexpected ways.  It wasn’t the worst period in my life, but a close 3rd place.  I learned a lot about trusting God and just dealing with each new change and crisis as it came along.  As usual – God went above and beyond.  More changes are still coming and only He knows what’s next on the horizon but I know He is right there guiding my path towards it, and it’s a bright new year.

Yep, I can get used to this.   Stay tuned for a spiritual literary journey in 2011 from Alaskaexpress!! (that name is another whole story!)