Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
2 O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
8 And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities.
Early Saturday morning, about 3 a.m., the Texas subtropics coast were about thirty degrees cooler than usual. A very wake you up experience. What do we think of and think about in the middle of the night when freezing cold? The most comforting thoughts are the Strength of God.
Walk with the Lord, look to His Word and find the Comfort building us up.
His Love encouraging and giving strength. Fully live the Confidence of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:15
And in this confidence I was minded to visit you first, that ye might have a double blessing
19 For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” He always does what He says. 20 For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory.
This year has not seen hostility all year long.
It wasn't until May was almost over, and then we saw upheavals history tells us surround pandemic or plague. Before violence, we simply had hope for families to stay well. Quarantine was something we never considered would happen. Anger had not been pervasive. History tells us fear sets off great anger.
The Word of God overcomes hostility.
Hebrews 12
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, (especially as we did quarantine) let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
2 Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy (God says creation is Good and Jesus says Life is Joy.) Joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
God is so good.
He does not want us to be weary or fainthearted. Knowing full well the 12 Disciples were problematic. Going all the way back to the problematic sons of Jacob - all 12. Worrisome and quarrelsome. Fearful and questioning. God wants to save thee. And The Entire World. Father God sees Life as eternal and the flesh is sometimes willing, while the Spirit is fed by seeking God and His Word. Seek and find. Jesus identifies His Father as "The One Who is Good." Luke 18:19
Philippians 2:16
As you hold forth the Word of Life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
God, Himself, knows the Disciples went back to fishing in the Sea of Galilee after Good Friday.
We can count on God's Tender Mercies and His Strength.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
2 Corinthians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.
The Scriptures have enormous discussions regarding fear and anger. God anticipates helping us work through disquiet. God our Father Jesus assures us. Good Father.
Proverbs 3
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked,26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.
I find Proverbs 3 most comforting as: Do not be afraid of sudden fear. Easy to remember and grab hold.
2 Corinthians 7 A Letter to us from Jesus during this time:
14 Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15 Also his affections are increased all the more for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, that you received him with awe and trembling. 16 I rejoice that I can have complete confidence in you.
Remember, Titus - as Shepherd - had a very long life on the Island of Crete, where the dispersion Jews traveled to meet Jesus and ask Him to visit them. Seek and find the treasures of His Living Word. Jesus in His Word displays His reward.
Jesus loves the animal analogies, like we do and Facebook does.
Psalm 91:4
He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge
Matthew 23:37
How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks!
Matthew 10:29
Not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.
Abba, Father God,
I Believe in God and, sometimes, I feel Lost.
I Believe in Love, when sometimes I'm afraid.
I Believe in the Light of Christ, when the world erupts in anger.
I Believe Light overcomes darkness, when life looks bleak.
I Believe in Good Health and Your Healing Word,
when people speak of a new normal.
Remembering God healed Spanish Flu, Bird Flu and Swine Flu.
God has healed so much. And is Still Working.
I Believe Jesus Christ saves the world,
even on the days I pray fiercely for those I Love.
I Believe in answered prayer,
when I doubt, and reach to look at what is good
and noble and pure. I remember Answered Prayer.
I Believe Forest Fires Cease, having lived a Tri-County Fire,
as we pray for Australia and the Northwest USA.
I Believe Jesus Christ.
We ask Jesus to dwell in us and those we Love always,
and helping us find God First.
Jesus, Son of God - Bless, Heal, Sustain, Comfort, Guide
President Donald Trump, and his family,
Vice President Pence and his family,
The White House Staff,
especially those in need of healing today
God Bless Them!
And God Bless President Trump for free Regeneron for
Us ALL.
Safety and wisdom for:
Governor Abbott
and all 50 United States Governors and our Legislatures.
Praying for Elliott, Harby and their family
for complete blessing of healing.
I believe Jesus is healing Elliott.
God Speaking His Word with Strength.
And we pray, Abba,
open His arms to all
of His Good Creation.
In Jesus Christ, His Highest Name, Amen.