redemption

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

- Romans 3:23-24

Yes, we are all sinners whether we want to admit it or not.

Yes, we are given redemption through Jesus.

But don’t forget, that you don’t get that redemption just by breathing, you need to admit your sin and ask for forgiveness.

Fortunately we have a forgiving God, in fact, because of Jesus we are flawless.

Song reference!!

There's got to be more

Than going back and forth

From doing right to doing wrong

'Cause we were taught that's who we are

Come on get in line right behind me

You along with everybody

Thinking there's worth in what you do

Then like a hero who takes the stage when

We're on the edge of our seats saying it's too late

Well let me introduce you to amazing grace

No matter the bumps

No matter the bruises

No matter the scars

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

No matter the hurt

Or how deep the wound is

No matter the pain

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

Could it possibly be

That we simply can't believe

That this unconditional

Kind of love would be enough

To take a filthy wretch like this

And wrap him up in righteousness

But that's exactly what He did

No matter the bumps

No matter the bruises

No matter the scars

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

No matter the hurt

Or how deep the wound is

No matter the pain

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

Take a breath smile and say

Right here right now I'm ok

Because the cross was enough

And like a hero who takes the stage when

We're on the edge of our seats saying it's too late

Well let me introduce you to grace grace

God's grace

No matter the bumps

No matter the bruises

No matter the scars

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

No matter the hurt

Or how deep the wound is

No matter the pain

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

No matter what they say

Or what you think you are

The day you called His name

He made you flawless

He made you flawless

No matter the bumps

No matter the bruises

No matter the scars

Still the truth is

The cross has made

The cross has made you flawless

Yes, we have sinned, but because of Him, we are indeed flawless

shelter

Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until His wrath has passed by. See, the Lord is coming out of His dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed on it; the earth will conceal its slain no longer.

- Isaiah 26:20-21

This verse almost sounds like what is going on in the world right now, doesn’t it?

We are being told to self-quarantine and social distance in an attempt to eradicate a virus.

Does it feel like the wrath of God?

Perhaps to some people it does, I have seen memes about God taking away movies, sports, restaurants, schools and work.

But friends, I am here to tell you that this is not God’s doing.

Right now the US passed several other nations in confirmed cases – because people do not listen – not God’s wrath.

Maybe we should take heed of this verse, and hide in His word (and our homes) for a little while.

And I really think we need to pray.

love

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

- John 15:12

We are several weeks out from Valentine’s day, but that does not mean that we shouldn’t still love each other!

Jesus said that we need to love each other as He has loved us.

This means that we take care of each other, we help each other, we lean on each other and we lead each other.

We are not meant to do life alone, God gave us people (and cats!) to help along the way, but most importantly, we have Him.

So show Him some love by loving each other, ok?

If you are reading this, I love you!!

sacrifice

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

- Proverbs 21:3

Do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

My kids pretty much had that drilled into their heads from grade school on.

It isn’t just a school thing or a kid thing or a church thing – it’s a people thing.

Doing the right thing may be as simple as holding a door open for someone, or as extensive as a home cooked meal shared with someone in need.

We don’t have to sacrifice lambs anymore, but we still need to do what is right.

possessions

When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work -- this is a gift of God.

- Ecclesiastes 5:19

This is a little challenging for me today.

Possessions, I have always felt, are kind of overrated, yet through the years I have gathered plenty.

I think this is hard for me today because of the last few weeks with people hoarding to get through this whole virus thing.

I feel bad for the people that struggle from check to check and were not able to buy even the basic necessities when they finally had the chance to go buy things.

So let me ask you this, do you have something extra that you can share?

Reach out to your neighbors and friends, make sure they are ok right now, and share if you can.

my soul

My soul yearns for You in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for You. When Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

- Isaiah 26:9

Does your soul long for God?

We need to long for Him, heart soul and spirit.

Song reference!

Oh, my soul
Oh, how you worry
Oh, how you're weary, from fearing you lost control
This was the one thing, you didn't see coming
And no one would blame you, though
If you cried in private
If you tried to hide it away, so no one knows
No one will see, if you stop believing

Oh, my soul
You are not alone
There's a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
'Cause you're not alone

Here and now
You can be honest
I won't try to promise that someday it all works out
'Cause this is the valley
And even now, He is breathing on your dry bones
And there will be dancing
There will be beauty where beauty was ash and stone
This much I know

Oh, my soul
You are not alone
There's a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down

I'm not strong enough, I can't take anymore
(You can lay it down, you can lay it down)
And my shipwrecked faith will never get me to shore
(You can lay it down, you can lay it down)
Can He find me here
Can He keep me from going under

Oh, my soul
You're not alone
There's a place where fear has to face the God you know
One more day, He will make a way
Let Him show you how, you can lay this down
'Cause you're not alone
Oh, my soul, you're not alone

See, when we long for Him, we are not alone, and right now, we need Him

hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

- Romans 15:13

Hope, joy and peace.

Today, these things may seem to be distant, there is much craziness in the world.

For real my friends, all you need to do is trust Him.

That might give us hope for today, hope for tomorrow, hope for the future.

We all need hope right now, and I know where I am turning.

I pray that you also turn to Him.

thousands

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

- Deuteronomy 7:9

Some events are remembered for many years, and some are forgotten almost immediately. 

God has loved us and kept his promise for over a thousand generations – do you have any idea how long that is? 

Song reference: 

We've come to join the song

Sung long before our lives

To raise our voice along

Heaven and earth alike

We've seen Your faithful hand

Your mercy without end

A King who bled and died

A God who sacrificed

Be enthroned upon the praises

Of a thousand generations

You are worthy. Lord of all

Unto You, the slain and risen King

We lift our voice with heaven singing

Worthy, Lord of all

All through this life we lead

And on to eternity

Our endless praise will cry

Jesus be glorified

All through this life we lead

And on to eternity

Our endless praise will cry

Jesus be glorified

Jesus be glorified

Be enthroned upon the praises

Of a thousand generations

You are worthy. Lord of all

Unto You, the slain and risen King

We lift our voice with heaven singing

Worthy, Lord of all

Be enthroned upon the praises

Of a thousand generations

You are worthy. Lord of all

Unto You, the slain and risen King

We lift our voice with heaven singing

Worthy, Lord of all

Highest praises, Lord of all

Highest praises, Lord of all

Highest praises, Lord of all

Highest praises, Lord of all

Be enthroned upon the praises

Of a thousand generations

You are worthy. Lord of all

Unto You, the slain and risen King

We lift our voice with heaven singing

Worthy, Lord of all

How fortunate are we that our Father never forgets us, and loves us no matter what? 

I am so glad He’s my King!  

who are you

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

- 1 John 3:1

Take a moment and answer this question: who are you?

Most people have already responded that they are a wife/husband, a mother/father, or answered with their profession, teacher, doctor, truck driver. 

Did you forget who you are first and foremost?  

My friends!  We are children of GOD!  

Song reference! 

Before He spoke creation

The God of Heaven knew our names

Formed in His reflection

We are His glory on display

And His heart is good

He is always kind

With a cross He proved

He is on my side

We are the sons we are the daughters of God

No matter where we go

We're close to the Father's heart

And though we stumble He will not let us fall

We are the Lord's and He will never forsake His own

We are the sons we are the daughters of God

His love He lavished on us

And called us children of the King

And in His loving kindness

He chose the lowly and the weak

And His heart is good

He is always kind

With a cross He proved

He is on our side

We are the sons we are the daughters of God

No matter where we go

We're close to the Father's heart

And though we stumble He will not let us fall

We are the Lord's and He will never forsake His own

We are the sons we are the daughters of God

When the lies speak louder than the truth

Remind me I belong to You

When I can't see past the dark of night

Remind me You're always by my side

When the lies speak louder than the truth

Remind me I belong to You

When I can't see past the dark of night

Remind me You're always by my side

When the lies speak louder than the truth

Remind me I belong to You

When I can't see past the dark of night

Remind me You're always by my side

You're by my side

We are the sons we are the daughters of God

No matter where we go

We're close to the Father's heart

And though we stumble He will not let us fall

We are the Lord's and He will never forsake His own

We are the sons we are the daughters of God

We are the sons we are the daughters of God

No matter where we go

We're close to the Father's heart

And though we stumble He will not let us fall

We are the Lord's and He will never forsake His own

We are the sons we are the daughters of God

He will never let us down – ever. 

almost home

Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.

- 1 Peter 2:11-12 (MSG) 

I’ve been frustrated over a situation in my life recently. 

I’ve been angry, I have cried, I have hated. 

And where did it get me? 

Nowhere. 

And here comes the song reference: 

Are you disappointed?

Are you desperate for help?

You know what it's like to be tired

And only a shell of yourself

Well you start to believe

You don't have what it takes

'Cause it's all you can do

Just to move, much less finish the race

But don't forget what lies ahead

Almost home

Brother, it won't be long

Soon all your burdens will be gone

With all your strength

Sister, run wild, run free

Hold up your head

Keep pressing on

We are almost home

Well this road will be hard

But we win in the end

Simply because of Jesus in us

It's not if, but when

So take joy in the journey

Even when it feels long

Oh find strength in each step

Knowing heaven is cheering you on

We are almost home

Brother, it won't be long

Soon all your burdens will be gone

With all your strength

Sister, run wild, run free

Hold up your head

Keep pressing on

We are almost home

Almost home

Almost home

I know that the cross has brought heaven to us

But make no mistake, there's still more to come

When our flesh and our bone are no longer between

Where we are right now and where we're meant to be

When all that's been lost is made whole again

When these tears and this pain no longer exist

No more walking, we're running as fast as we can

Consider this our second wind

Almost home

Brother, it won't be long

Soon all your burdens will be gone

With all your strength

Sister, run wild, run free

Hold up your head

Keep pressing on

We are almost home

Almost home

Almost home

We are almost home

Almost home

Almost home

We are almost home 

I really have been a shell of myself, doubting everything that I knew about me, feeling like a failure. 

But you know what? 

It’s not over. 

I will continue to be who I am, the daughter of the King, and no one can bring me down. 

I hope that the ones who hurt me see that the flame the placed on me did not burn me, but only made me stronger and more determined to survive, and I hope they know that it was God that saved me from them. 

trust

 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

- Proverbs 3:5-6

I feel like we need this today more than ever. 

There is so much crazy in the world right now, spinning us in so many different directions. 

Where do we turn? 

Who can we trust to lead us? 

Proverbs 3:5-6 has the answer – Trust Him, acknowledge Him.

Add to that love Him and listen to Him. 

God has this, don’t run blindly, lean on Him. 

compassion

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

- Colossians 3:12

I think the whole world has possibly lost their mind. 

Many corporations are enforcing a work from home policy. 

Schools all over the nation are closing/doing online classes for the foreseeable future.

And don’t even think about going to a store for groceries and supplies, nearly every shelf is empty. 

I heard that people are hoarding supplies like we are going into a zombie apocalypse, and after going to several stores over three days to get just what we needed, I can see the panic has hit home. 

Please, brothers and sisters, remember who you are. 

Take care of your neighbors, especially those who can’t get out into the frenzy to pick up basic supplies.  

If you need something, reach out to me, I will do everything in my power to help.

safe

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

- 2 Timothy 1:9 

We are called to be holy, because we are saved, and we are saved by His grace, and for His purpose.

God has a plan for us, He wants us to fulfill those plans, and He gives us everything we need to do just that.

He knows we are going to make mistakes, sometimes HUGE mistakes, and that is where grace comes in – His grace is sufficient – He will keep us on the right path, as long as we listen to Him,

I like the idea that I am safe because of His grace, and if the cost of His grace is that I lead a holy life, I am going to try my level best to meet His expectations.

(it is good to know that when I fall, He is there to pick me up)

no one is better

What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one ..."

—Romans 3:9-10 

There is no difference between me and my neighbor when it comes to sin.

One of my dearest friends comes from a Jewish background, and wears her Star of David with pride.

She is an amazing and beautiful woman with a heart bigger than the sky, she would give you her last dollar if you need it.

We are alike in God’s eyes, He loves her every bit as much as He loves me.

He made her just like he made me.

She knows how amazing God is, and she has prayed for me, and I her.

This verse is talking about how people have turned away from God, how these people believe that they are better than God, better than us.

No one is better, no one is righteous, not even one.  

Lean on the One who made us all, don’t be fooled by imposters and imitations.

over all

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.

– 1 Chronicles 29:11

It has been a pretty bad couple of weeks for me.

I wonder sometimes, after what I went through physically last year, how anything can top that.

Then boom - how ‘bout this?

I know the way out.

I know who is in control.

I know who I need to lean on.

But my earthly mind wants to dwell on the evil that is trying to break in.

Song reference!

Though times it seems
Like I'm coming undone
This walk can often feel lonely
No matter what until this race is won
I will stand my ground where hope can be found
I will stand my ground where hope can be found

Oh, O'Lord O'Lord I know You hear my cry
Your love is lifting me above all the lies
No matter what I face this I know in time
You'll take all that is wrong and make it right
You'll take all that is wrong and make it right

Your strength is found
At the end of my road
Your grace it reaches to the hurting
Still through the tears and the questioning why
I will stand my ground where hope can be found
I will stand my ground where hope can be found

Oh, O'Lord O'Lord I know You hear my cry
Your love is lifting me above all the lies
No matter what I face This I know in time
You'll take all that is wrong and make it right
You'll take all that is wrong and make it right
(Right, so right)
Make it right
(Right, so right)
Make it right, right

I will stand my ground
I will stand my ground

I will stand my ground where hope can be found
I will stand my ground where hope can be found

Oh! O'Lord O'Lord I know You hear my cry
Your love is lifting me above all the lies
No matter what I face this I know in time
You'll take all that is wrong and make it right (take all what is wrong)
You'll take all that is wrong and make it right
(Right, so right)
Make it right
(Right, so right)
Make it right, right

Yeah, about that evilness that is trying to get in – my God is greater, and I will exhalt Him over all.