A Time To Remember

The bands were marching and flags were flying. Sitting with relatives we watched the ceremony. Then we went to the graveside of those they had known and loved. I was too young to remember them, but the importance of remembering was a seed placed inside me – an image imprinted within the pages of my mind.

Years later I again found myself taking my children to a ceremony. We didn’t live close enough to family to place flowers on a grave, but flags were flying, and speeches being given. Instinctively I wanted them to remember. On purpose I wanted them to KNOW that freedom is never free.

What freedom’s we have been given have been dearly paid for. We must not forget. When we fail to remember their price, we often fail to remember their importance. When we fail to remember their importance, we begin to take them for granted. If we are not careful to guard them, to stand up for them, to fight for them in OUR day . . . we will lose them.

Freedom is a gift. A gift from God. He gave it to us when He created us with the will to choose. Choosing to follow the incredible wisdom within His Holy Word will grant us a path to freedom like no other. Rejecting this Truth doesn’t diminish it, but sets us on a road that results in unwanted bondage.

As a nation, our very reason for existence came from a group of people searching for religious freedom. They weren’t searching to get AWAY from Biblical truth, but for the freedom to practice it. Our hope as a nation is the same as it has always been. Her shining light of freedom and reason for prosperity has been founded in the words engraved within her coins, and stamped upon her dollars . . . “In God We Trust.”

We have faced grave enemies without – and won. Now, we are facing grave enemies within. Enemies with tactics we must be wise to recognize. Sly, chipping away at the foundation of our faith – and the faith of our children. We must win! We cannot give in! We must stand up and know – freedom was for then – freedom IS FOR NOW!

Remember today – and rise up! Rise up to restore! Restore the TRUTH, the Hope, the Faith, the Trust this nation was founded on. We must not let the lives of those behind be given in vain. It is our turn. Oh, yes, the prize is worth the price.

Take it with You

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

A Quiet Heart

Give me a quiet heart, I pray

 

A trusting spirit – serene

 

No matter what comes – no matter what goes

 

Give me the faith to believe

 

Give me a quiet heart, I pray

 

When all around me is noise

 

Take me within – to the secret place

 

Where with me You share Your joy’s.

 

 

Give me a quiet heart, I pray

 

When questions perplex my mind

 

Give me the mind of Christ, so I

 

Your peace will always find.

 

 

A quiet, trusting heart, O, Lord

 

In earnest, Lord I come --

 

For nothing is impossible – with You

 

It shall be done. 

 

By: Janene A. Dubbeld

For God’s Glory

 

Full of His Goodness

There it was – another flower – beautifully blooming in a garden I was so enjoying – but didn’t plant! The hard work and loving care of the lady who lived in the house before me was living on . . . even after she was gone.

It’s a beautiful flower garden she planted – right to the side of the house where we live. All kinds of perennials – most of which I don’t even know the name. They keep coming up . . . year after year. No matter what is going on in “our world” they faithfully push through the darkness of earth to the light of the day – bringing with them the joy of their beautiful buds and flowers.

One spring, things were so busy at our house we didn’t even have time to get out and work in the garden at ALL! But the plants and flowers still faithfully came up . . . and kept giving off their sweet scent.

No matter what is going on around us, we can have the steadfast heart and confirmed knowledge that God IS good – and God IS with us! His Word tells us that He will be the One to keep us in perfect peace when we FIX our minds on Him and determine to TRUST Him.

Spiritual warfare is a part of any Christian’s life who is making a difference for Christ. The fallen world we live in is constantly throwing “weeds” in our “flower gardens!” Yet, living in constant communion with our Heavenly Rose of Sharon enables us to “keep springing up,” and continuing to give off the fragrance of Christ.

Sometimes the fragrance is best given off with an, “I’m sorry, I was wrong.” Other times it’s a simple, “I love you” or “I’m praying for you.” Sometimes it’s a card, or a song . . .

Not long ago, someone sent us a very nice thank you card. What had been done hadn’t been done for a “thanks,” but, out of the blue came this unexpected, heartfelt thanks! My heart smiled -- and the beautiful fragrance of a grateful heart filled the moment.

It is the faithful, trusting heart that sings within the shadow, and continually sheds the earth of this world to give off the fragrant love of Christ – which gives us a hint of the Heavenly realm.

Take it with You

“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.” Psalm 112:4

Not as it Seems

 Routines have a way of finding themselves into the daily grind of our lives. Things like – driving the same route to school – absolutely every mile of it – for the school year. Oh, sure, you find some “short cuts” or “deviations to make it interesting” at times, but for the most part, it’s the same routine each day.

Interestingly enough, we are not the only ones with this routine! Consequently, some days we find ourselves waving and honking at friends . . . and that brightens any day!

Recently, a good friend of mine THOUGHT she saw our van. However, there was one problem. She was sure she saw our daughter (who is only 14) in the driver’s seat, with her brother on the passenger side. Inside their vehicle the questioning began. Was my daughter old enough to drive? Could she possibly have her permit? They wondered all the way to school – and then discovered, it wasn’t us after all.

We shared a good laugh over that one.

This world tends to give the appearance that good is hiding its face – but things are not always as they appear! The real revelation of all things will happen when the One who is REALLY in control makes His appearance again! Keeping our faith and confidence in HIM is where the real test comes in.

Sometimes it doesn’t LOOK like He’s winning! We hear of all the horrible things happening around the world. We hear of all the wickedness – the sin. If we let it, our vision becomes clouded to the point we can’t see the TRUTH! Things are not always as they appear! Jesus still is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE! He still remains the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS! He is still reigning – and He will reign forever and ever. He is ALL WORTHY! Our REDEEMER, our MASTER, our SAVIOR!

Remember – He “came back” once . . . and He will do it again! Don’t let the enemy convince you that Christ is “down for the count.” Satan is a liar – and the father of lies! He thought he had won once before when Christ died on Calvary. He thought Christ was “down for the count.” WATCH OUT! In RESURRCTION POWER and VICTORY Christ arose from the grave. HE WON!

He’s coming again! Remember . . . in Luke 21 He tells us – when we begin to see these many things coming to pass to LIFT UP OUR HEADS – for our redemption is drawing near. Be encouraged today – things are not always as they first appear. God IS in control. He IS moving. He IS still GOD!

Take it with You

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”     I Peter 5:4

Just Flex Your Muscles

The greatness of our God is expressly difficult for our human minds to grasp. He is infinite – we are finite. We are creatures of time – He always has been and always will be. We are created – He is the Creator! As we gain “true wisdom” it seems we are constantly losing ourselves within HIS greatness – marveling over and over again at the incredible ways in which He fulfills HIS purposes! Soooo far above ours.

Being the mother of four boys definitely provided some conversations along the way about “muscles.” One day my heart was greatly burdened in prayer over some friends who were making decisions that, unless altered, would affect their eternal destiny – and most likely that of others their lives would influence. My husband and I were sharing around the table, and one of our younger boys was in the room.

During this time, I mentioned that I just wanted God to “flex His muscles!” I certainly meant NO disrespect, but was thinking about how POWERFUL God is – and all He needed to do in this situation, was just show Himself to be who He already is!

My young son didn’t understand what we were discussing, but he understood, “flex your muscles.” So, he and dad promptly went into this time together – flexing their muscles, laughing – and doing it again. “Whoa!” my son declared, as his daddy made a much bigger “bulge” on his upper arm. “Look at that.”

We laughed at his complete amazement – but in my heart the prayer remained. “O, God, just flex your muscles!”

Our God is ALL powerful. He IS able to do “exceedingly, abundantly above ALL that we ask or think.” We must not grow weary when we don’t SEE results as quickly as we desire – but keep our focus steady, our faith sure, and keep diligently seeking. He IS a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him!

When our strength is gone – His hasn’t wavered. Letting go of our own, and resting in HIS enables us to go forward in HIS strength – in His empowerment. Let the world refuse, rage, resist, retaliate – HOLD STEADY! At the end of the day He still IS! He isn’t losing power, or becoming weak with age. He remains –our all powerful God. Hallelujah!

Take it with You

“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 111:2-3

The Love of a Parent

He held it out expectantly – an index card with blue marker writing all over it. Mom took the card and read, “I love you, mom. Do you love me? Circle yes or no.” Her response was immediate and sure. “You don’t ever have to even ask mommy that . . . I always love you.”

She didn’t need to circle an answer – all she needed to do was reassure Him – and give him a big hug in the circle of her arms. Of course she loved him!

What made him wonder? Whatever it was, she wanted him to know he NEVER had to question – she always loved him.

God is love. (I John 4:8) The perfect love of God stands forever. It is this awesome love that caused God the Father to send His only Son to rescue us from our disobedient, rebellious, sinful self. He has made the message clear – “I love you.” We have to be willing to turn to Him – away from our sin – and accept His love.

Children are such good “teaching examples” for us in many ways. Disciplining them never makes them “feel” loved while they are being disciplined. Yet, it is because of our love for them that we discipline and correct when they head for an exit off the road of obedience.

As a child of God, we too have to receive discipline. We don’t “feel” the intense love He has for us during these times, but it is just as present then as ever. Father knows what we need to keep us right where He wants us – or to push us out of a “comfort zone” into the deep where we can learn to trust Him more. (Hebrews 12:5-7)

During these times we may feel like holding up an index card – with some kind of writing all over it saying, “Father, do you still love me? Circle yes or no.”

His steady hand doesn’t need our puny pen to answer. It flung into space the existence of earth – and carved out the mountains, the valleys, the oceans. As steady as His hand is His perfect love. Forever – and for always.

Take it with You

“There is no fear in love” (I John 4:18)

Groundhogs and Carrots

It was “confession time” in the van. Oh, not the serious kind of confession – but the involuntary “sister brought it up,” laughter, “hope mom and dad laugh” kind of confession. One of our boys had gone, “ground hog” hunting . . . unbeknown to us.

He didn’t carry a gun – and it wasn’t “premeditated hunting.” Walking with a friend from one location to another, they saw a ground hog poking his head out of a hole. So . . . boys being boys, they found a stick and waited for it to pop its head out just one more time. Out came the head, boom went the stick, whimper went the ground hog . . . and off went the boys.

Off course mom got after him . . . wouldn’t you? That poor ground hog. Never mind all the holes they make in the yard. I felt so sorry for him sticking his head out to enjoy some sunshine and getting bopped soundly on the head.

Ever felt like that? Maybe life has brought you many “bumps on the head,” and just when you were ready to face it again – here came another one.

Well, if there is anything I’ve discovered in my “short 42” years of living . . . it’s that life isn’t without its bumps and bruises! Gracious! Sometimes it seems like the proverbial “carrot before the cart.” You go to reach for it . . . and someone moves it ahead again . . . just a little farther.

However, no matter how many “bumps on the head” or seemingly “unattainable carrots” life has a way of continuing on . . .

In my “short 42” years of living, I have made another discovery. A most wonderful one in fact . . . more than just a discovery . . . I have found a relationship. A relationship with One who is touched by what we feel . . . has experienced life on this earth, and has promised to never leave us – to never forsake us. Jesus Christ. What a wonderful Friend – what a marvelous Savior.

So, on the days when my head gets bumped as soon as I stick it up to “smell the roses” – or when the carrot gets moved yet again . . . He’s where I go.

Marvelously His love gathers me up and holds me close – His grace enables me to keep walking – and His healing and strength become mine! Guess what? He’s there for you too! Just ask.

Take it with You

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Resolution for a Life-time

The morning had come – early morning to be sure, but in those waking moments He was speaking. Speaking through the words of a song we had sung in our church the Sunday before . . . “deigns to call be His beloved, let’s me rest beneath His wing . . . all for Jesus, all for Jesus . . .” the comfort of those words penetrated my troubled mind. He calls me HIS BELOVED! HE let’s me REST beneath His wing.

Because “deigns” is not a word we readily use in our culture, I looked it up to be sure I knew what it meant. I found meanings like, “condescend, consent, to give or grant.” The God of Heaven “consents” or “grants” us the privilege of being so dear to Him He calls us His beloved. He makes a place for us to rest from the harshness of our world. A place of peace and comfort. A place of love and forgiveness. A place of deepest soul needs met.

The warmth of His Presence, along with those words, draws me up close to bask in the glory of His love, to rest in the confidence that I am His, to learn once again – He is the One with my answer.

“All for Jesus,” was written clear back in 1871. It’s words were penned by a lady by the name of Mary D. James. She must have had an amazing relationship with the Lord to write such lyrics. There’s a verse that isn’t in our hymnals today – probably because it’s “Old English” wouldn’t be readily understood --- but the meaning is awesome.

“Worldlings prize their gems of beauty

Cling to gilded toys of dust

Boast of wealth and fame and pleasure

Only Jesus will I trust.”

Then . . .

“Oh, what wonder how amazing,

Jesus, glorious King of Kings

Deigns to call me His beloved

Let’s me rest beneath His wings.”

All for Jesus, all for Jesus

All my days and all my hours

All for Jesus all for Jesus

All my days and all my hours.

Oh yes!

Since my eyes are fixed on Jesus

I’ve lost sight of all beside

So enchained my spirit’s vision

Looking at the Crucified.

The trusting, the resting, the surrender – comes from a vision centered on Christ. O Jesus, give me a renewed vision!

The story is told that Mary James wrote this hymn at New Years – as a resolution for the year ahead. Looking back on her year just lived she wrote, “I have written more, talked more, prayed more, and thought more of Jesus than in any previous year, and have had more peace of mind, resulting from a stronger and more simple faith in Him.”

Keeping our vision on Him – giving all for Him – it’s a resolution not for a year, but for life-time. And . . . we don’t have to wait for January – we can allow Him to renew our vision TODAY!

Take It with You

“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 63:7)

A Purpose Designed

Things in my life were changing. Changing unexpctedtly. The puzzel piece was being turned this way and that -- endeavoring to discover just where it would fit. The cloud of anxiety waited with bated breath -- threatening to squeeze out the life breath of joy in my soul.

It was then I found it. There it was -- right in my Bible reading for the day. A verse I had read many times before . . . but this time, the Holy Spirit took it to the very corner of my heart where it was needed. "For we are GOD'S workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works, which GOD prepared IN ADVANCE for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

What a thrilling and exciting thought! God had a designed purpose within His great big plan that He desired for me to fulfill. He had prepared it in advance -- before I was even born! All I had to do was fulfill His purpose. It wasn't up to me to design it.

I already loved Him. He had forgiven me, filled me with His Spirit, and I had surrendered all. Serving Him was what I loved to do, but now, it was time for a deepening trust.

When the day brings something different than we thought it would -- we can rest in Him. He knows right where we are, and is the Master at working things to enable us who love Him  in carrying out the designed purpose He has for us within His plan.

What a privilege to be a part of something so much bigger than us! The plan of Christ -- to save the world!Designed with a purpose -- and our Heavenly Fathr is the Master Designer!

Take it With You

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

The Care of the Shepherd

Not being raised in a third world country has certainly had its advantages, but in some ways I think it has held some disadvantages too. Don’t get me wrong. I am certainly thankful for EVERY blessing and privilege I’ve been given. However, one thing I would certainly love to see, I have never had the privilege of actually seeing. That is a “real live eastern shepherd” in action.

I have had the exciting privilege of feeding baby lambs from a bottle on a ranch in Montana – and loved it. There have been sheep on hillsides that have initiated an “ooo” and “ahh” response just by being sheep. But, as far as really seeing a ‘true blue” shepherd, in the truest sense of the word, my mind has had to be content with pictures, books, and imagination.

A simple call, and the sheep would come. Another could call, and they would not follow – why? Because they knew the true voice of their shepherd. How? They had lived obediently and consistently under his care. He knew where the greenest grass was – they could trust him for the coolest water. He knew his flock – and they knew him. What a beautiful picture.

However, sheep too at times possess a wandering streak. Whey they do it I have no idea. For some reason some other grass looks greener. Some other path will surely lead to clearer streams. Before they know it, they have found their way far from the flock – and away from the care of the shepherd.

The example of this in God’s Word gives us the response of the heart of a shepherd. Even though he has returned home for the night before he realizes one is missing, there is no doubt about what he will do. Securing the others he spends a sleepless night, calling, searching, until he finds the one who is lost.

Even then, the sheep knows the Shepherds voice. He can hear him calling, calling – longing for him to find his way back into the Shepherds arms. There isn’t a night too dark, a pathway to steep for the shepherd. He will find his lamb.

Christ is calling to each of us. He is the Great Shepherd – and all we like sheep have gone astray. But He, our Shepherd, seeks us. If you have wandered away like a restless sheep, even now His voice is calling – “come home, come home.”

Those of you in need of rest our Shepherd, Jesus, still holds out his promise, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Just as the shepherd knows each of his sheep, and cares for their needs, our Shepherd knows ours. He’s big enough to meet every need, cares enough to do it, and loves us more than we could ever imagine. Rest in Him today.

Take It with You

“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”        I Peter 2:24-25

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

Listening

It was a beautiful Florida morning. After dropping my three oldest children off at school, I was driving home to complete the duties of the day. I turned out of the school and reached the first stop sign. I kept feeling impressed that I needed to turn around and go back to the school. “Lord, do I need to go back?”

The impression persisted, and although I couldn’t figure out why, I began turning my vehicle around and heading back to the school. As I turned, my eyes discovered the reason I was feeling so impressed. There sat their lunches – still in the van!

As I dropped off the lunches, I was sharing my story with a lady, when her words penetrated the consciousness of my soul. “You must be a really good listener,” she said. A really good listener. Wow! What a thought. That is certainly what I desire to be! A sensitive listener to the Holy Spirit, and ready to obey immediately whatever He is saying.

Awareness of His Presence always seems to prevail when I’ve taken time to be with Him. He is an ever present help. His Spirit is come to be our helper, our comfort, our guide. Hearing Him is the key. He can’t warn us of a pitfall if we aren’t taking time to listen. We can only revel in the embrace of His, “I love You” when we know He’s saying it to us.

The tentacles of busyness consistently threaten to wrap around us, squeezing out the sensitivity of our inner listening ears. Before we know it other sounds clamor for significance, and grab our attention – moving us away from the sensitive listening moments with our Lord.

He IS speaking! Yes, in our time, in our day – He is speaking – we just have to take the time to hear Him – to love the listening – to embrace obedience.

To hear your gentle whisper is the longing of my soul

To feel your love embrace, and fill my need to make me whole

“I dare not ask to choose my path” – You know the reason why

I only choose to hear Your voice, and take Your way – not mine.

Take It with You

“Then he was told, "Go, stand on the mountain at attention before GOD. GOD will pass by.” A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before GOD, but GOD wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but GOD wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but GOD wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.” I Kings 19:11&12 (The Message)

Fullness or Fizz?

Once again I found myself pulling through the “drive-through” of an eating place with the “dollar menu.” As the window person handed me a drink, it wasn’t nearly full! They must have pulled it out from under the dispenser while the fizz was still foaming. It was low enough to ask them kindly to “fill it up please” which they had no problem doing. Their idea of “full” and my idea of “full” were definitely two different things!

Full. What does the word say to you? A full glass, a full tank of fuel, a full stomach . . . these are some of our earthly connotations of the word. But there is another “full” or “fullness” that is much more important in God’s economy. It’s when the workings of a season are complete, the coming together of a part of God’s designed plan, the day of expectancy turned into fulfillment – in the fullness of time.

Luke 1:57 tells us, “Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.” It was time for John. The centuries had passed, the seasons had come and gone and all was finally ready for John to come and prepare the way of the Lord. It was time in that she had expectantly carried Him within her womb for nine months – the day of birth had arrived.

In Mark 1:15, Jesus says, “. . . The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Messiah had come. He was come – in the flesh, here, on earth. The Kingdom of God had come at last to ALL who would receive Him.

Sometimes, as we are expectantly waiting for God to answer a prayer, meet a need, fulfill a promise it seems like He is taking sooooo long. Our souls are tried and tested as we develop patience and learn to endure. We think we want Him to hurry – just a little – but we really don’t. See, the Father alone knows the times and the seasons. (Acts 1:7) He knows when that particular “cup of time” is really full and things are really ready. We might see a drink “full including fizz” but it isn’t completely full – completely ready – until the Father says, “It’s time.”

Waiting on God is sometimes the “hardest work,” but waiting on Him is always worth it. So today – trust Him. He KNOWS the times and seasons. Knows when all is ready for fulfillment. Knows for us personally, as well as for the world events. Nothing surprises Him. He is well able to handle it. All will be fulfilled – in the fullness of time.

Take It with You

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time I Peter 5:6

Make it a Masterpiece

Good days, bad days, all the in between days – days that seem so short we barely see them – days that seem so long we count the hours, the minutes, the seconds just to get through them – all of these days have one thing in common – they will come to an end.

Time is a valued commodity we are given while here on earth. How valuable our use of the time given to us depends on where we place our priorities. The Psalmist sends up a prayer in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

The brevity of life seems to make more of an impact the older we get. Do you ever find yourself thinking – “It seems like yesterday . . . “ only to look around and the growth of your children, or changing of some other circumstance reminds you it has actually been several years? Time doesn’t possess the quality of waiting. It steadily moves on, while we move within its framework, leaving behind us only marks in the measures which significantly reveal how we treasured the moments.

A few years ago, my husband and I took a day to spend with our children at the beach. It was wonderful! We didn’t even look at the watch – but watched them instead, thrilling in the beauty around us and the enjoyment of our children. We didn’t have a lot of money – and we only had ONE DAY! But you couldn’t buy the memories – and the rest did incredible things to refresh us.

The moments with the Master – those can’t be bought either. The early hours of hearing His, “I love you,” and letting Him know how much you love Him too! The time in His Word –listening for what He has to say, letting Him speak His truth into your soul, allowing His sweet, Holy Spirit to fill, to permeate, to saturate . . . definitely moments of value.

The times when His hand comes to strengthen – to rest upon the work you are doing for Him. To witness He sees the seed you are sowing – to know He can take care of the harvest He has sent you to gather . . . valued time – such valued time!

So, whatever this very day may bring, may our hearts remember -- each moment matters – let’s make it a masterpiece.

Take It with You

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12

Out of Bondage

Sometimes the path of life takes very unfamiliar twists and turns. It can remind us at times of a roller coaster ride . . . which, may I add, I have never learned to enjoy. But millions of people do! They laugh at the turns and scream with delight – and it seems like the farther the drop the better they like it.

Sometimes we are earnestly seeking God for something – and when the answer comes in HIS way and HIS time – at first we don’t recognize it. Sort of like the Israelites coming out of Egypt. For 400 years they had faced horrible slavery. Then, when God sends deliverance, they fail to trust Him for continued freedom, but at times wish for “Egypt!” The very place from which they longed for deliverance!

Knowing He is working ALL things for our good when we love Him and are called according to His purpose produces within us a steady trust which steadies us – even in the major ups and downs of life. Why would we fight to stay in bondage when He is holding out freedom to us? He is bringing answers to our prayers – we just have to keep on trusting – even when we cannot see.

There is an old hymn – written in the 1700’s by William Cowper which gives those with lives surrendered to Christ a marvelous “life perspective.” (These are only four of its verses – but so encouraging!)

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform;

He plants his footsteps in the sea,

and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

of never failing skill,

He treasures up his bright designs,

and works his sovereign will.

His purposes will ripen fast,

unfolding every hour;

the bud may have a bitter taste,

but sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

and scan his work in vain;

God is his own interpreter,

and he will make it plain.

Don’t you love it?! GOD is the interpreter of all of this, and we can TRUST HIM to make it plain! In His way – which is so above ours. In His time – which is always best. He WILL make it plain.

Rejoice! He knows you! Rejoice! He sees you! Rejoice! He hears you. Rejoice – wherever you are – He is there too.

Take It with You

"And Moses said to the people; ‘Do not be afraid, Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.'”

Exodus 14:13

Valley Vision

Ezekiels “Valley Vision”


Did you know that sometimes God Himself leads us through the valley? He took Ezekiel to a valley. Oh, my goodness! It wasn’t a valley of beautiful streams and lush green grass either. Ezekiel 37:1 says, “The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones.” Wow! I would certainly be very glad to know that it was the Spirit of the Lord that brought me to view such a place. Bones. A valley of dry bones.

However, in Ezekiel’s “valley vision,” we can learn some important lessons. First of all, God caused Ezekiel to take a very good look at the bones. Whatever the reason, Ezekiel knew that these bones were “very dry.” They didn’t have a spark of life left in them for sure. He also knew that there were a lot of them!(v.2) Then, God asked Ezekiel a question. He asked in verse three, “son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel knew one thing – only God knew the answer to that question. It wasn’t up to him whether these bones lived or not. He couldn’t do anything within himself to cause a miracle like that. So, he answered God, “O Lord God, You know.”

This faith in God’s “all knowing” character took Ezekiel to the next step. The step of obedience. Now, God simply told him what would happen and what to do. Ezekiel didn’t question. He didn’t say, “Well, if you will just show me one set of bones coming together, I’ll believe you for the rest.” God said – Ezekiel did.

Amazingly, following his obedience, Ezekiel began to witness results. First, he heard God bringing the bones together. Such a rattling – can you imagine? He heard from God, he believed God, he obeyed God, and then he began to see - to witness the muscle, flesh, and skin coming up over them – but they were still quiet, for there was no breath in them. Then, at the Word of God, breath came into them, and they LIVED. God performed the miracle and left him with some awesome words, “I will put My Spirit in you and you shall live . . .” v.14

While we know this was a vision for the nation of Israel receiving its life again, we also can take hope! Many times we look at the dead dry bones of our situations and wonder – “can these bones live?” Truly, sometimes only God knows. It is important that we trust Him and allow Him to do His work. If we try putting the bones back together ourselves, they won’t be put together as He desires. It would be like wiring them together with things that will rust and decay – temporal, earthly, fleshly “fixes.” When God puts them back together, it isn’t a temporary “band-aid” it’s a true healing! It is the continued faith walk – the continued trust, continued obedience that finds the wonder of results only God can perform. The breath of God’s Word breathing His life into our lives, situations, and circumstances causes our “dead bones” to live.

It isn’t what we can do, but what He can do within us, through us, and for us. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Zech.4:6b

Written by: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take It With You

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Ezekiel 36:26,27