Tag: Bible

The Word of God, inerrant

Lessons From the Fig Tree

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Last week, Mark chapter 11 was my Thursday  devotional reading. It begins with Jesus triumphantly entering Jerusalem.  We realize that a couple of days later, the same people honoring Him would turn their cries from “Hosanna!” To “Crucify him!” In verse 12, the next day, Jesus was hungry.

The Fig Tree Withered

12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”
And His disciples heard it.

POTTED LILLIES

This impacted me. I have four large pots full of canna and calla lilies, which my husband helped me pot last year and stored for me last winter. This spring, I dug out all the rhisomes, separated them, and then replanted them.

The first summer, each one of the Lilly plants had multiple blossoms. This year started well, with one plant producing several blossoms. The other plants, even the others in this pot, grew beautiful leaves, but I haven’t seen any more flowers.

CLEANSING THE TEMPLE

In the next verses, Jesus cleanses the temple and declares that His Father’s house is called a house of prayer, not a marketplace. The leaders immediately seek a way to get rid of Jesus. What happened when Jesus and his disciples left the temple and encountered that tree again.

PRAY BELIEVING

The Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree

20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”

This is the lesson Jesus gave them from this experience:

22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

“…whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”  We must pray according to the will of God, then act as though we already have what we ask for. We must trust that He hears and responds to us or we will receive nothing.

MY TAKEAWAY

Well, I perceived another object lesson when comparing the fig tree with my Lilly plants. The leaves were beautiful, and they got as big as my mom’s diefenbacia plant used to, but the lack of flowers was disheartening.

As believers, our job is to be connected to the Vine and to bear fruit. Every branch that does not bear fruit is cut off. Every branch that bears fruit is pruned. Well, my plants bloomed well their first year, I  pruned the roots and divided them, but their performance was all show and no fruit (or a very minor percent).

PERSONAL APPLICATION

This makes me stop to look at my life from God’s perspective. Are my days just filled with a flurry of ambitious activity, like the flurry of leaves my lillies are displaying? Are my efforts producing fruit for the kingdom of God? Am I working and earning money just to buy more things to build this earthly kingdom? Or am I investing in ministries, storing up treasure in heaven?

Joy!

CONCLUSION

Colossians 3

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Are you displaying the peace of God? Is the joy of the Lord evident in your countenance, spreading to others? Is your heart singing songs of praise and joy brought on by the Holy Spirit within you?

These are signs that you are bearing fruit as you live and move and breathe in Christ. He sustains you and works within, bringing growth and maturity.

Shalom my dear readers.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing to others. And don’t forget to vote! Here’s a video from Randy Kay I recommend you watch before you vote… it’s not exactly what you’re thinking!

God’s SURPRISING PICK FOR AMERICA’S TOP JOB https://youtu.be/1nvqlK_dJCc?si=O9yZCZgI1fzP2VS5

This plant has had blossoms all season!

Psalm 5 and What’s going on?

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A visual for the battle… spiritual and natural

Welcome to this week’s musings. A battle is raging on earth and in heaven.  Many are asking where God is in all of the turmoil. You probably guessed that Psalm 5 was my Wednesday chapter in my devotions this week.  Let’s take a look at what David had to say… to… and… about God in this Psalm.

A Prayer for Guidance
To the Chief Musician.                                With flutes.                                                           A Psalm of David.  

5 Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
2. Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.

In the first two verses, David implores the Lord to hear and consider what he’s saying, thinking, and agonizing over. He reaffirms the Lord as his King, his God.  He knows from experience that no one else can help him.


3. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; In the morning I will direct it to You,
and I will look up.                                         David knows where to direct his voice.  He knows the morning is an apt time to seek the Lord. Notice that he directs his voice to look up to Him.

4. For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.

David has a track record with God. He knows God is not pleased with wickedness, and evil can not abide with Him. Next, David shares what God thinks of the boastful and those who work iniquity:
5. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.

David continues to enumerate the things God abhors:
6. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

In light of his knowledge of the Lord, David now turns to Him with his response to the situation.

7. But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You, I will worship toward Your holy temple.

David realizes that he can’t overcome his enemies on his own. He asks God to lead him and make his way straight because he knows God’s right-ness. As you read on, think about what we are dealing with these days.                 8. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
make Your way straight before my face.

9. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.

Are you watching the debates or the news commentators?  Maybe you have a battle above and beyond the election fracas? Read  the next verses with this in mind.
10. Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.

Thank God for the grace sinners have because of Jesus Christ.  Are you rejoicing in the midst of what’s swirling around you? Read on as David shares a godly way to respond to these people.                                                                  11. But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.                                       12. For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor. You will surround him as with a shield.

A God who blesses us with such glory in the clouds should make us pause and meditate on things. What an awesome God we serve! He loves us so much. He can handle our cries and complaints, but temper them with magnifying His Name. He truly is worthy!

I leave you with  Luke 23:34.

23:34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.

Love them anyway…  the paraphrase on a sticker on the back of my phone case. Even our worst enemy doesn’t deserve the dark, evil, torturous, eternal fires of hell. Rescue the perishing and speak life where death is trying to overcome. Let the light of Jesus Christ break through the darkness that encroaches.

Until next time, Shalom to you all.             Don’t forget to pray and vote!

Did you know?

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Did you know… came to mind this morning.  Did you know that there’s a lot going on in the spiritual realm? Like a game of chess, the devil is on the move, but so is God!

Jesus conquered sin and death on the cross. Are you living in light of the power and authority He bought for you and for me?

The following Scripture passage occurs when the disciples return, jubilant with triumph, after being sent out with a small measure of the power and authority Jesus shared with them.

Luke 10:18 And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

They were amazed, but what did Jesus direct them to? Look at the next sentence Jesus spoke:

Luke10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Did you know that at this time we are living in, the veil between Earth and Heaven is quite thin?  That things can change quickly if we ask Jesus to bring Heaven down? Jesus said:

John 16:23 … Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Make sure you stand in faith when you ask, rejoicing that God heard you and is answering that prayer. Even if it takes half a lifetime to come to pass, believe that it will be accomplished in His perfect timing. Let’s look into 1 John chapter 5.

1 John 5:4 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

1 John 5:3 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Are you born anew through Jesus? He was born of God, and now we are also.

5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

If you believe He hears us, that you are born again, and that Jesus is the Son of God, you are made to overcome! Are you abounding in faith? Are you trusting Him? Are you triumphant over evil? Let’s look at the wisdom from Psalm 4. No matter what is going on around you, verses 4&5 are an appropriate reaction to anger:

Psalm 4:4 Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah. 5. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.


Do you have a gladness in your heart? If not, ask the Lord to put it there as He did for David.
7. You have put gladness in my heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

Are you asking God some version of the next verse? Notice the entreaty on the back end of the verse. 6. There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.

In the midst of these times, do you lie down in peace and sleep? If not, trust the Lord:
8. I will both lie down in peace and sleep;
for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Are you trusting God to act on our behalf?  Do not give up just before your prayers are answered, or your answer may never come. Never doubt our prayer- hearing, prayer-answering LORD!

I leave you with a link to Donna Rigney’s video I just watched. God’s word is true, and great things are ahead for us! Watch to the end if you want to soak up the Father’s glory she releases!

Communism won’t take over our nation! God is coming to rescue us! Donna Rigney https://youtu.be/DUflPbp8KZg?si=NtmObMovxdCd7CZC

Note: Could we be in this mess because only 33% of professing Christians exercise their right to vote? I do not trust in man, so I’m not telling you who to vote for. I urge you to find out where the candidates stand on issues pertaining to life and sane living. Make sure you talk with the Lord [pray!] and then vote.

* Originally shared on Facebook

Psalm 3 & A Hymn

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Welcome to another Musing, this time on God’s faithfulness and awesomeness. The Psalm was my reading for the day. The first stanza of this hymn is one that lodged in my thoughts today.

My view from our vehicle on the way home a couple of weeks ago. Yes, I enhanced it to capture God’s amazing glory in the atmosphere.

Psalm 3 is titled:

The LORD Helps His Troubled People

A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.

3 LORD, how they have increased that trouble me. Many are they who rise up against me.   2. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah

Selah… think about this. Are you troubled by the people around you? Maybe by the bad news and dire predictions swirrling around? Does anyone say that God can’t help you/us? Imagine being King David. Your son has arisen to usurp your throne. He’s gathered his cronies to be coronated before Dad can stop him. How does David handle this?

3. But You, O LORD,  are a shield for me. My glory and the One who lifts up my head.         4. I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah

Selah… think about this. Are you assured that God hears you? That He can bring glory out of even this trial? David has a track record with the LORD, his God, who has been a shield of protection. He knows God hears his cry for help.

5. I lay down and slept, I awoke for the LORD sustained me.                                                       6. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Do you have ten thousand people,  or more, set against you? Are you surrounded? Can you sleep? Can you trust the LORD to sustain you as you sleep, then wake you in the morning?

7. Arise, O LORD; save me, Oh my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheek bone; You have broken the teeth of the  ungodly.                                                                 8. Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah

Selah.  Do you trust the LORD  to be your avenger?  Do you believe that His blessing is upon you? Upon those things/people you care about?

Now, let us turn to the Hymn that rested in my thoughts earlier today. I could only remember the first stanza, so I looked it up on YouTube.

Luke Powell  introduced this hymn by telling that the queen of England requested it for her 60th anniversary of her coronation. For the author, Walter C. Smith, this was the only hymn he wrote that became popular. Immortal, invisible… fhas a focus on the Light of God, as evidenced in the above photo. I’ll share the link to Luke’s video at the end.

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise.              in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,      most blessed, most glorious,                            the Ancient of Days,                                 almighty,  victorious,                                         thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,    no wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might; thy justice like mountains high soaring above thy clouds, which are fountains.                       of goodness and love.

3.  To all life thou givest, to both great and small;                                                                      in all life thou livest, the true life of all;        we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish,                                     but naught changest thee.

4. Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight; all praise we would render, O help us to see, ’tis only the spendor of light hide the thee.

Words From hymnary.org

HYMN HISTORY/LYRICS ANALYSIS                 by Luke Powell

This hymn reminds me of the evening I took this photo from our deck across the yard.

Selah, I think it’s a loaded word. It’s kind of like a “pregnant pause” people talk about. In these days of wonder, waiting for God’s move, it behooves us to pause at the awe of the LORD.

Declare His will over this land, over your family, over your area. Look up, for our salvation is near. God shall defend the faithful. He is not slow as man considers it, but patient and long suffering. Awaiting the perfect timing for all to fall into place, all for His children’s good, His glory shall be revealed!

Shalom to you all, until next time.

Tying up loose ends…

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I honor my brother, Karl, today. He passed away May 24th, 2024, and today, August 23rd, would be his 68th birthday. I share this poem he wrote about his sisters:

Sisters

Friends, playmates, rivals.

Happy together, sometimes mean.

Teaching each other in time spent together.

Each her own person, together a team.

Value each other and enjoy your lives.

1/26/1999 Karl E. Stahl

Call To Action

One of Karl’s desires was that he could publish a book. This poem is from a booklet of poems Karl’s friend from high school printed for him. It’s title is: Just Focus Poems by Karl Stahl Copyright 1999 by Karl Stahl. Poems include: A Hint of Infinity, An Epic Journey, Drunk, A News Photo, At the Department Of Social Services, Panic Attack, and Sisters. If you would like a copy of this booklet of poems, please let me know and we can have more printed.

Psalm 2

One of the chapters of my devotions this past week was Psalm 2. I think it’s an appropriate study for this time in our world.

The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom

2 Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”

Isn’t this what’s going on around the world today? The nations rage and plot. They want to throw off the restraints of the Lord. It seems easier to make your own rules and make your own gods.

God’s Derision/Wrath

4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
6 “Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”

First, the Lord laughs; holds them in derision. He speaks to them in holy wrath… I have set My King on MY holy hill of Zion. King Jesus!

Son-ship/ Inheritance

7 “I will declare the decree:
The Lord has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9 You shall break them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”

Yes, Jesus is the Son. Through Him, we are also sons & daughters. We shall ask Him for the nations and the ends of the earth for our possession, in the Name and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing can stand against Him, or against us who are called by His name!

Be Wise/ Be Blessed

10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Speak to the kings and judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with Fear, Rejoice, Tremble, kiss the Son in honor before His righteous anger destroys those who plot evil.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO PUT THEIR TRUST IN Him! Do not be afraid of what is coming. Pray, declare the Lord’s will, and stand firm. Your salvation is near! Hope in God alone.

ELECTIONS

May I remind you, only about 33% of professing Christians exercise their right to vote. Oh, but “I don’t support any of the candidates; I don’t know who to vote for, so I never vote”. Well, seek the Lord while He may be found. He will lead you to the right choice. No candidate is perfect; look at the people God used throughout the Bible. What would happen if Christians stood up and grasped their God-given right to vote? Maybe God’s chosen candidates winning by a landslide???

In Conclusion: I declare an open heaven. By faith, take down what you need. Shalom, my readers.

Vengeance?!

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Romans 12:19 NKJV
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

This was a motor home one of our neighbors brought to their piece of property down the hill from us. Notice that the front and the side window sill can still be read : VENGEANCE. Sorry, I took the photo with the trees in the way; this vehicle went all the way back to where it looks like it was!

When we left for an early morning testing run, this abode was in pristine condition.  On our way home from the run, we wondered why the garage doors on the firehouse were open. Then we drove past this motor home. Apparently, one of the rear supports sparked, and flames quickly spread from back to front. By the time we saw it, there was no fire, just a burned out shell..

I’m not sure why my neighbors chose this phrase for their temporary home, but apparently, the devil took full advantage of a flaw in the construction. Kind of reminds me of the insurance ads with “Mayhem” in them, reminding you to buy their insurance to protect your car from mayhem.

Apparently, the neighbors had insurance. There’s now a much smaller motor home parked on their property. Needless to say, it does not say VENGEANCE! Now it’s MALLARD and a bit shorter from front to back. Can anyone say, “Humbled!”?

What about your life? Are you usurping God’s authority and seeking vengeance of your own? Is there anyone you are holding a grudge against, despising, bitter against, or unforgiving? Maybe a government official, abuser, or accuser?

Hebrews 10:30-31 NKJV
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” [31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Those who belong to Jesus Christ are to live a crucified life. His kingdom is generally at odds with what we’ve been humanly taught. This includes forgiving those who wrong us, doing good to those who hurt us, and praying for those who persecute us. I am subscribed to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly magazine. It includes testimonies from Believers in difficult circumstances who are rejoicing in the Lord, loving and forgiving those who persecute them or take away their loved ones. It brings me back to the reality that we must forgive, or we hurt ourselves and we hurt others with our attitude.

Photo by Valeria Ushakova on Pexels.com

We have a multitude of chances to take vengeance ourselves in these days. The world encourages it. My husband is watching a series of Cold Case murders right now. All these families, for decades, are seeking peace by finding the perpetrator. Finally solving the murder and watching the perp arraigned, the family has settled their vengeance, but can never bring their loved one back by the years spent fighting.

Psalm 94:1 O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!

My Lord God, bring us to a place where we can love like You do and forgive like Jesus has forgiven us. We will stand our ground in You, Lord, and look for Your justice to shine in this darkness that so many of us are living in. Keep us humble, at Your feet, and lead us on paths of righteousness, for Your sake. Amen.

I leave you with encouragement from Donna Rigney Ministries:

So Much Hapening!

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On the road again, on Father God’s path!

Sorry to take so long getting back to this post, but it’s the”lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer,” as that old song by Nat King Cole goes. Well, maybe not so lazy for us here! I’ll explain why.

ACTIVE LIFE, OR BUSY LIFE?

Planning for my brother Karl’s memorial service at the Presbyterian church in Lowville at the same time as a double graduation party at our house and lots of visiting family to coordinate, on top of my weekly cleaning job, our traveling job, and work cleaning at the motel. On top of tending the garden, replacing our septic tank, helping at the historical society, and so much more daily stuff.

Flowers for Karl and the church women feeding & serving us well after his memorial service and burial.

I am learning [slowly] to say, “I’m active,” instead of “I’m busy!” It’s a blessing and a privilege to have all these opportunities from the Lord to minister to others. Even though it can get tiring, I thank Him for the strength for each task He puts before me.

This is a great message from Facebook!

BOOK REVIEW

If you are connected with me on Goodreads, you’ll notice that I’m on a reading streak in the midst of all this life going on! One of the books I read is Valery Comer’s new book, A Sunny Sweetheart For A Cowboy. I enjoyed getting back to the Sweet River Ranch with the Sullivan crew to see a  prickly cowboy softened by a  sunny cowgirl. She’s got ADHD that she’s covering with a positive attitude, trying to crack this tough nut of a cowboy. She’s broken when a call from her sister flings her back into her troubled family. Will she and the surly cowboy overcome the past and trust that God truly is good?

Check it out at: https://valeriecomer.com/books/a-sunny-sweetheart-for-the-cowboy/

Valerie has a gift for creating characters that hit home. If you’re willing, her books give excellent relationship tools for your own life. I’m glad the quality of Christian fiction has improved these days, and Valerie Comer is one of the best series I’ve read!

GRADUATION

Faith’s graduation cap

So, last Saturday was an excellent day with family, friends, and an abundance of good food  for the graduation party. (Two grandsons spent the rest of the week with us, helping eat leftovers). We had rain most of the day, but a good time between our garage and house. We celebrated our granddaughter Faith and nephew Ethan’s accomplishments well. Thanks to all who were able to come.

Faith showed me her award/achievement cords and sashes, accompanied by brother Caleb & furry friend

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Monday, July 1st, was the memorial service for my brother Karl. Pastor Greg Jenkins did a good job organizing the service at Lowville Presbyterian church, and Iseneker Funeral Home did an excellent job helping plan and execute the day, including the service, transport to the cemetery and back, and an extra container of homemade cookies for us to take home.

The memory book set I chose,
Karl and our Mom’s favorite bird.

It was a blessing to have all three of my sons attend with their families and to have my sisters, Gretchen and Trina, there. With them were Gretchen’s husband Jim and Trina’s son Ethan with his girlfriend Penny. I’m glad our cousin Victor, from Utica, was able to attend also. Small crowd, but I’m glad some of our closest friends were there. Our old friend, Scout Master Scott Gray, honored Karl’s achievement of attaining Eagle Scout, and our friend Jim Deavers shared the amazing dedication and time Karl contributed to Lewis County Search and Rescue [LCSR].

It was a beautiful day to pause and celebrate a life well-lived and the hope and assurance of heaven. Trina and I sang Morning Has Broken together, a tribute to Karl’s love of nature. We all sang Holy, Holy, Holy , Great Is Thy Faithfulness, and Precious Lord, Take My Hand to continue to thank God for the morning and His faithfulness. We concluded with Amazing Grace, since it was one of the last hymns Karl sang, late in his nursing home stay.

This photo includes Jim, myself, Trina, and Gretchen. We are presenting Jim, representing LCSR, a memorial thanks with a hand-made glass cross Trina’s friend made in honor of Karl’s life and his service to the ambulance. You may make memorial donations in Karl’s name to Lewis County Search & Rescue, Lowville Free Library, or the American Heart Association.

Here is a link to his obituary.

https://www.isenekerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Karl-StahlFuneralService

WHAT ELSE?

Exodus 31:12 Then the Lord said to Moses, 13 “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy.

Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Photos by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Within less than a month, both Pastor Jenkins and Pastor Josh Gmitter spoke about taking a sabbath each week. It’s not just Old Testament Law, but a blessing from Father God. Turns out, taking 1 day out of 7 to rest, not doing your usual work, and honoring God can extend your life… and more! Pastor Gmitter calls it “corrective rest”.

You can find Pastor Greg Jenkin’s book on Amazon: Get Their Recipe Now: Discover the Legacy of Your Loved Ones [Paperback – November 10, 2018] it’s a unique book to start conversations to get family history down before it’s too late! (He and I swapped books; mine for his)

You can hear Pastor Josh’s sermon here: https://www.airportchristianfellowship.org/sermons/sunday-july-7-2024-corrective-rest/

AND how about that Biblical-magnitude torrential rain that’s shut things down in Lewis County, NY as I write? Here’s a link to a news story that tells more.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/2024/07/lewis-county-gets-more-rain-than-anywhere-in-ny-roads-and-homes-flooded-cars-submerged.html

The prophets have been warning that God is shaking everything that can be shaken. It’s a time to get closer in your walk with Jesus and trust that the Father truly is faithful to His people. I refer you to my previous post: “Trials Shall Come…” It is a great time to record and share testimonies of His goodness that will encourage others and lead sinners to Jesus. Don’t waste a single day that He gives you, but use your time to bless others as you have been blessed, or as you would want others to bless you!

I leave you with one more set of photos. That’s Grandpa with Owen & Logan on their successful fishing charter, the second bouquet of flowers for Karl [I told Jennifer Isenecker lots of colors for the flowers], Faith receiving her diploma, a good portion of our crew on the playground as part of our evening walk in the park, and Faith’s brothers Caleb & Steven at her graduation.

Trials Shall Come…

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John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Yes, Jesus assured us that trials (tribulation) not only may, but truly will, come into our lives. What do we do when they come? I believe trials can break you down, wear you out, cause you to lose hope. Can anyone say … depression?

Don’t Waste Your Sorrows!

But… when you lean into Father God, trials bring you deeper into your relationship with the Lord. They strengthen your faith as He proves His goodness through it all. To comfort others in their trials, we need to experience our own.

Comfort Others, Gain Experience

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Trials develop our compassion. Experience is gained so we can raise our levels of understanding.  We learn more about this life compared with heaven, and we understand more how God works in human lives. The accounts in the Bible make more sense.

Compassion gained from experience in action

Find the Hidden Gems

Trials develop patience. They are fertile soil to grow, making us more like Jesus. We experience goodness in those who walk the rough road with us or help us out at just the right time. When we begin to see the light, joy resurfaces.

I’m currently working through these devotions.

Trust God

We serve a God who knows the end from the beginning,  who has been from beginning to the end of all our lives. We can trust him that our sorrows will be turned to joy for His glory and our good.

I leave you to meditate on the following verses in Romans. I pray that the Holy Spirit will bless your understanding, and you will see the jewels in your darkness.

Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”

36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

When morning guilds the skies… my heart awakening cries… may Jesus Christ be praised!

Due to the early times we need to leave for our new job, this is actually a sunrise photo instead of my usual sunset!

It’s May!

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Celebrate! It’s May, and God is on the move! I want to honor my youngest grandchild, Ashlynn Hope. Today is her 8th birthday 🎂. Friday the 10th is my youngest son Alex’s birthday. On May 14th, I will be 61. Then, on May 18th, grandson Jackson will be 12. Not to mention, my niece Kristen’s birthday is on the 17th, and don’t forget Mother’s Day on the 12th! What a busy month of blessings from Father God!

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Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The nation of Israel’s anniversary is May 14th. Let all those who love Israel rejoice and be glad, for the LORD’S promises are truly Yes and truly Amen!

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Joel 2:21 Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.

We have been experiencing a lot of rain these past few months. A few days ago, the above scripture came to mind. In the natural, I sense that the Lord is sending both the early and the latter rains at the same time! In the Spirit, I believe this corresponds with the reapers overtaking the sowers of the Gospel.

John 4:35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

Souls are so ripe for the harvest that many are eagerly accepting salvation with very little prompting. Check out testimonies from Iran Alive http://www.IranAlive.org and Voice of the Martyrs http://www.vom.org Ministries for some examples. Also, Crossroads Prison Ministry is looking for Spanish-speaking mentors because they have an increasing backlog of Spanish student lessons waiting for them. Most of these students have questions about their identity and salvation. They cannot wait! http://www.cmcarcelario.org

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Sorry, I realize I have a book review page, but I’m going to share some reviews on this post. I recently connected with author Noel Williamson. His first book I read is, Love is Like a Bag of Popcorn. In this book, Noel shares from personal experience from his first attempts to ask a girl out, leading you through popcorn, sports, movie, TV shows, and pertinent Scripture references, all the way into his newlywed days. I recommend this book for everyone from teens to adults who are looking for tips on godly relationships, whether you are married already or not.

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Next, I read Job Loss AppleSauce Trusting God after Job Layoffs and Finding Comfort in Applesauce. You’ll need to read to the end of the book to find why he capitalized the S in AppleSauce! The way Noel handled things will help others navigate the job market and other life changes. As with the popcorn references in the first book, Noel was clever with his apple references continuing in every chapter! I read each book in an afternoon [of course it was raining] they are short, interesting books. In the same Amazon order, I acquired Willamson’s third book, A Salad Bowl of Wisdom Life Advice from a Diverse Group of Adults. He begins with interviews from a couple people in their 90s, then a friend in her 60s and another in his mid-50s. His original plan was to interview people in their 80s, 90s, and above, but realized his younger-older friends have a lot of wisdom also! I have not had time to get far in this book yet [we were blessed with a dry day], but his easy, personable style is refreshing. I recommend you check out Noel Williamson on Amazon!

By the way, if you have read my book or listened to my audiobook, Musings Along Life’s Journey, please leave a review on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, or anywhere you post reviews. I thank you in advance!

If I wish you Jesus and Shalom, I wish you everything! May you be blessed and be a blessing, finding joy in all you give and receive from the loving hand of Father God. Until next time, Shalom!

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 in Revelation

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Welcome to the last Chapter 8 in the New Testament. This passage shares the beginning of God’s judgment on earth and the importance of the prayers of the saints.

Seventh Seal: Prelude to the Seven Trumpets
8 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

Silence! Would you expect silence as the seal was opened? We shall see that it was necessary.

2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.

These seven angels must hold a high status in the kingdom to stand before God. Can you imagine how loud the trumpets will sound after the silence? But hold tight! Before the Trumpet blasts, the angel with a golden censer comes to the altar with the prayers of the saints.

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3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.

Our prayers are mixed with holy incense. Just as the incense the priests used in the temple, just a foreshadowing of what goes on in heaven, our prayers are a sweet smell that rises before our God. What happens when our prayers and the incense come into contact with fire from the altar?

5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

This is where people come up with the term, “Acts of God”, awesome destruction and noise from the heavens. NOW the seven angels can blow the trumpets.

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. First Trumpet: Vegetation Struck
7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

Vegetation Struck.  Hail and fire mixed with blood thrown down from heaven, 1/3 of the trees, and all of the grass burn up. In an account from a woman who encountered Jesus in heaven, green is Jesus’ favorite color. Can you imagine Jesus mourning the need to destroy all that green because of the world’s evil, sinful ways?

Second Trumpet: The Seas Struck
8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

After one-third of the trees and all of the grass on the land were destroyed, something like a burning mountain hit the sea. One-third of the sea became blood: think of the plagues in Egypt when the waters turned to blood. Also, one-third of the living creatures and ships in and on the sea were obliterated.

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I will not continue with the rest of the seven trumpets here, but let’s focus on the prayers of the saints that started all of this. We have been crying out for God to fix all that is wrong in this life and avenge the evil on earth for many generations. Those cries for help are piling up in heaven.

Worthy Is the Lamb
Revelation 5:8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Golden bowls are full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. We who belong to Jesus are the set- apart, sanctified ones. We are the saints this verse refers to. Our prayers rise up to heaven; at least those prayed according to the will of God do.

Make sure you do not give up on praying the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.  We tend to grow weary and disillusioned.  This can stop us from continuing to pray, often just before breakthrough comes.

My dear readers, be encouraged.  We serve a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God who is faithful to all generations.  Trust him to work on your behalf and keep bringing your concerns before the throne of grace. Evil will not prevail against God’s people. He will keep us through the days of peril and storm as He has done throughout all generations. Remember, Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to [God’s] wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. It is not for us to beg the Lord to act, but for us to pray according to His will and speak out declarations and decrees in the name and power of Jesus. We can’t go wrong using Scripture as the Spirit leads. If we do not take up and use what Christ has bought for us, it will not be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

I remind you; my first major book event is only two weeks away! If you cannot attend, please pray for me to be led by the Holy Spirit.