storm brewing

"But now, this is what the Lord says—
'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and
when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God..." Isaiah 43:1-3 

It was just a matter of time before the storms hit.  With raincoat in hand, i left home early to beat the rain.  Yet truth be known, i could not out run the storm all day. It would find me.  My best line of defense was to acknowledge and prepare for the impending storm with the right tools... proper outwear, review of guidelines for tornadoes, and an attentive ear for weather alerts.

The storms inside us are not too different from the ones in our neighborhood. No matter how "good" we are, outside forces at times will sever our comfort zone... broken relationships, job loss, death, sickness.  Sometimes our decisions cause hardships and others times, it just happens.  No matter the circumstance, our pain of the storm can be eased with the right aid:

*Being clothed in love as God's child
*Reading His Word for guidance, strength and comfort
*Praying, listening and responding to God

Storms, disappointments, failures, hurts... God doesn't say if it happens, but when it happens; and when it happens, He is there. 

I want to ride out the storms with God. Because He who can still the wind, can still our heart too.  Thank You, Father!

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ call

"The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.  He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them."  Psalm 145:18-19

Your cries are heard and our God does respond... perfectly.  Trust Him.

have a trust-filled day!
veneal

You asked what??

"Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of His special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love".  Micah 7:18

"Do you have any books?"

In some places this might be a reasonable question, but not in a library.  I couldn't help but chuckle when the student asked.  After all, it is the books that makes us a library.

 
Preposterous questions... we all asked them at one time or another.  
Is there anything to eat in the kitchen?
Is the sun coming up?
Where can i put the trash?

And then, the most outrageous question of all...
DOES GOD STILL LOVE ME?

God does not love us because we are good, or kind, or responsible.  He loves us for one reason, and one reason alone -- WE ARE HIS.  Despite our imperfect, careless, stingy ways, He loves us unconditionally. 

After all, it is Love that makes God Who He is.  His grace, mercy and Son seal our fate with Him for eternity.  Thank You, Father!

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

not the job for me!

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6


I could not move by the accident fast enough; the stench of the vomit was putrid. Feeling queasy, i was exceedingly thankful to keep walking.  It was not my job to clean it up, but someone else's.



Oh, how i give thanks to the many who do jobs i dislike!!  I am grateful to have the opportunity to concentrate on what i enjoy.  I didn't stop to help Mr. P. with his stinky job, but i did slow down and say, "thank you!" His ease and contentment in doing his job made me glad to know him... a true brother-in-Christ.

Make someone's day, and tell them how much you appreciate what they do.  It takes all of God's children to get His work done.  And each job is important, possibly impacting the eternity of another.  In Christ we who are many form one body.

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ bloom

"Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him." 1 Corinthians 7:20

Bloom where you are planted.  God has you there for a purpose.  May His Light shine through you on others.

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

this song's for you!

Jesus said...
"Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

"Son"shine -- God gave Jesus to us unconditionally to make us free,

No one, no thing, no circumstance can rip Him away from you or me.

Forever yours, forever mine....

Our God is with us until the end of time.

Sing a song of thanks and praise,

Our God's Love is Mighty all night and day.

have a song-filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ GO

Jesus said...

"... GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."  Matthew 28:18-20


It's no secret; the best way to teach is by example.  Let's GO and show the mighty love of our Father to all we meet.


have a sharing-filled life!
veneal

do you like your gift?

"HE HAS RISEN!" Mark 16:6

"But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three - sin, guilt, death - are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ.  Thank God!"  1 Corinthians 15:57 (The Message)


Gifts at Christmas or for birthdays are anticipated and usually eagerly accepted.  But what about an unexpected gift?  It can trigger a whole realm of different emotions.  One might feel embarrassed, undeserving or unworthy by such a gift, which is hardly ever the giver's intent.

That wondrous gift of salvation, how do you feel about it?  Some refuse to believe it or accept it.  Some question it and accept it reluctantly, hiding it from others. Others believe it and openly accept it joyously. 

Consider the Giver, His motives are pure, sincere and strictly love-driven.  If you aren't accepting your salvation with 100% joy, then maybe you need to ask yourself the following question.  Where do you get your worth from... the world or the Father?  Your answer will determine if and how well you accept His free gift of salvation.  Yes, it cost Jesus His life, but to Him you are so worth it.

Have a glory-filled day!
veneal

what a week!

"'Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"'  John 12:13

 "... tell him,' The Teacher says:... I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples...'"  Matthew 26:18

 

"Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled." Matthew 26:56

 

"Do you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?  They shouted back, 'No, not him!  Give us Barabbas!'"  John 18:39-40

 

"'I don't know the Man'... Then Peter remembered... and he went outside and wept bitterly." Matthew 26:72, 74

 

"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"  Luke 23:32

  

Easter week, it is hard to take in and understand all that happens.  What a wide range of emotions... praise, celebration, fear, rejection, sorry, forgiveness.  Has much changed? 

There are times i feel like i experience Easter week 52 times a year.  I sing praises to God along with HIS radio.  I celebrate His supper at church.   I ignore the chance to love a lonely, hurt one.   I speak harshly and out of turn to an innocent person.  I am embarrassed by not standing strong in what i know to be right.  And through it all, God forgives and loves me.  My emotions and actions can be erratic, thankfully God's are stable and constant.  Remember His love, and celebrate Easter!

have a praise-filled Easter Weekend!

veneal

which side are you on?

"there they crucified Him, along with the criminals ‑ one on His right, the other on His left.  Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' ... One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him... But the other rebuked him... (and) then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.'  Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.'"  Luke 23:33‑43

 

It's a stark picture of the past... and the present.  Jesus, the Righteous One, surrounded by a sinful world as portrayed by the criminals.  Even though we are born into sin, we are called not to stay there.  Our merciful Father has provided and shown us The Way out. Jesus came into the world to divide the believers from the non-believers.  

So, there we are at the cross, we are either on the right or left side of Jesus.   With our speech and actions we are exhibiting either denial or acceptance of Him and His work for us.  God is willing, waiting and wanting to receive us, but it's completely our choice.  May we be found standing right beside Him.

 

have a grace‑filled day!
veneal

caught

"But he (Peter) replied, 'Lord I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.'..." Luke 22:33

and then, just hours later....

"Peter replied, 'Man, I don't know what you're talking about!'  Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoked to him: 'Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.'  And he went outside and wept bitterly."  Luke 22:61‑62

Have you ever done it ...made a promise to a loved one, and then not keep that promise?  How can we so vehemently believe something, and then fall flat on our face.  It's disheartening not to be a person of our word, and it is even more devastating when we get caught.

Who would have ever thought of all the disciples, Peter the Rock, would deny Jesus. Peter had followed so closely and loved Him so passionately.  But in the heat of confusion, fear, terror, hysteria, doubt. and panic, he did.  My heart aches for Peter because i have been down that same path many times.  What kind of God do we serve that knows all our failings and shortcomings, yet is still willing to send His Son to the cross for us? 

Father, thank You for relentlessly pursuing me and loving me unconditionally.  Thank You for Your unending grace and mercy that covers me anew every morning.  May i be caught honoring and doing Your will today.

have a hope‑filled day!
veneal

a Friend... always

"As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one..." Romans 3:10
 

Jesus said ‑

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  John 15:13

 

Friends, who can count on them?  Some of the greatest hurts in my life, and maybe yours, have come from friends.  And the worse part, the closer the friend, the deeper the hurt.  At one time or another, we've all experienced it... the pain of deceit, lies, unfaithfulness, betrayal, or even just pure avoidance because they have outgrown you or their need for you.

Unfortunately, as humans, we err and hurt... sometimes intentionally, sometimes not.  Praise God He foreknew all our shortcomings, and He has provided what and Who we need.  There is One Friend who is always true, faithful, constant, caring, loving, a real tower of strength, and even willing to die for us. 

Thank you, Jesus!

 

have a Son‑filled day!

veneal

We're back... smile!

"...REJOICE that your names are written in heaven."  Luke 10:20

A Monday morning, dreary weather, early waking hours, and a return to lesson plans.  Were you ready for it?  I'm guessing yawns and long faces will provide the answer.  After a week off for Spring break, obnoxious alarms this morning reminded all there is more work to do.  But don't despair, smile!  Because a longer break is coming soon!

Through music, sermons, the Word, and other believers we get glimpses and reminders of heaven here on earth.  Those times are true gifts providing hope, encouragement, and an assurance that God has so much more in store for us.  But for now, we still have work to do.  We are called to be Jesus with skin on.  Share, care and help prepare the way for others to be with our heavenly Father one day too.

have a thank-filled day!

veneal

flip flop time

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

8 + 9 = 17 and 9 + 8 = 17... no matter how you add it up, i'm ready to put Spring break on my to-do list.

Sometimes when we add up the events of our day, the answer is all wrong.

Your break was too short or non-existing...
Lesson plans were scratched...
The student's medication was missed.....

But today, no matter what is added to the equation, the end result is good!

Smile, rest and enJOY the days ahead.  It's time for Spring Break!  I'll meet back with you in a week... but God keeps meeting with you every second of your life.  And He is all we need.

Thank You, Father.

have a wonder-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ peace

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification."  Romans 14:19

It's show time!  Let's show everyone the Face, the Heart and the Way of our Father.

have a peace-filled day!
veneal

forecast: "Son"shine

Jesus said...
"Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

It's been a season of seasons.  We've battled monsoons, snow blizzards, high winds, ice and other troublesome weather. My galoshes, raincoat and windbreakers are worn-out.  Just when i'm ready to scream, we get a break.  Sunny days this week are a welcomed sight.

 

As good as the sun feels, it doesn't compare to the glorious "Son" of God.  Trials and tribulations roll into our lives like dark clouds at any given moment... blindsiding us.  The weather is unpredictable.  But, our God is not.  He is ever present, ever ready, ever able to meet our needs and heal our pains. We might appear poorly dressed on the outside; but as believers, our inner being has all it needs -- God. 

Don't despair in the storms.  God, our Silver Lining, will bring glory out of each situation. If you are facing uncertainties, trust He is working through you. God is working not only for your good, but for the good of those watching Him through you. With God the forecast each day is "Son"shine.  It's a great day for fishing, and it starts with us following Him.

have a Son-filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ doing

"Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10


Don’t discount anything you do.  What might seem like nothing to you, might be monumental  to another.

have a kind-filled day!
veneal