a Mighty Word ~ rescue

“Because he loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name." Psalm 91:14

We are loved, we are cherished, we are rescued, we are protected...
Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

fragile days

"The Lord heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds... Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." Psalm 147:3,5

It's been a year since Daddy went "home".  At times it feels like it happened yesterday and then at other times, it feels like it's been forever.  If you have loss a loved one, you know exactly what i mean.  What i have learned and am thankful for are memories... they help heal the hurting heart.

One of my favorite memories of Daddy is when he asked me to take him Christmas shopping. During our outing, he secretly picked out a mug for me. He had a knack for making me and others feel special. Unexpectedly, my precious gift cracked.  Like the permanent crack in my mug, i now have the permanent pain of losing Daddy, but it does not overshadow the wonderful memories we shared. Through flaws and losses with God by our side, we learn to keep going and find meaning in the present life.

Thank You, Father, for holding me together when all i want to do is fall apart.  
I am reminded, no matter how strong our faith, there are times when the hardy-faithful's heart shatters due to pain like a fragile-novice's heart.  Our frail humanity is never more exposed than when we are grieving.  You scoop us up and continue to bind up our wounds... Your understanding has no limit... You question not our recovery time or process. You understand.  You cover, repair and strengthen all the ugly cracks that show up in our life.  You, Father, can restore beauty even out of the worse of times.  I am thankful memories, but i am most thankful for You.

p.s.  Please give my Daddy a hug for me.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

listen to this...

"Let each of you look not only to his/her own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 (RSV)

Deep in thought with personal  concerns, i almost missed a blessing God wanted to share with me. Faintly, the sound of my name finally landed in my ears.  I turned around to see Timmy lugging his overstuffed bookbag trying to catch up with me.  I stopped and waited.  

"Mrs. Williams, guess what? I am almost finished with the book i got yesterday, and it is sooo good! Thanks for helping me find it."  Then he turned and skipped away.  I had almost missed it... a smile and a moment of pure joy from a student.

Father, help me not be so self-absorbed with my surrounding issues that the blessings you want to show me bounce off my guarded, preoccupied heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ courage

“... they saw Him walking on the lake and thought He was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw Him and were terrified.  Immediately He spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ Then He climbed in the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed.”  Mark 6:49-51  

Are you in the middle of a storm and not seeing things clearly? Don't be afraid; Jesus sees our needs and is in the boat with us too... His Anchor of Strength will see us through.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it, 

veneal

disappointments do not rule

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

What was he thinking?  It was a terrible and hasty decision, but his previous decision was just as irrational.  Quitting a project and jumping into a new adventure didn't make sense.  And now, another change?  

When we mess up, it takes courage to admit a wrong decision and seek God's guidance for the next step.  

When higher grounds are sought, hope and anticipation rule.  For God has promised to work all things to the good for those who love Him.  And all things includes... mistakes, crazy doings, bad decisions and disappointments.  Through the difficult days, with God, we grow stronger and wiser.

Have you been through a disappointment lately?  Thanks to God the err will not be the ruling factor in our life. God will use it towards a better plan.  Believe, and keep pressing onward.  He has our best at heart.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ help

"There is no one like the GOD of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in His majesty." Deuteronomy 33:26

Can you see this?? Just close your eyes now and envision our God riding on the clouds to our rescue. Not walking, not strolling, but riding to us at the speed of light.

A God who will move heaven and earth to get to us and provide for our needs, bandage our hurts and love us unconditionally... that is the God we are blessed to call, Father.

When we are incapable, our God is able.
When we are ready to give up, our God is going strong.

He cares, He can, He will.  BElieve Him.


friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

the morning after...

"Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

It's the day after Easter, and it's still a good day!  Don't let those doubts and fears seep back into your victorious soul.

Father, i am reminded you are among the living, not the dead.  May our lives reflect we believe that. You are reason enough for every day to be called Good.  Thank You for saving me.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

SPECTACULAR SUNDAY!

"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

It's Easter Sunday

The earth shook, the cloth was folded, His work finished.

And the glory of the LORD shone all around.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it.

veneal

Silent Saturday - not.a.sound

"'Take a guard,' Pilate answered (the Pharisees). 'Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.'" Matthew 27:65

It's Saturday

All is quiet.  The rush and excitement of the past week is on hold.  You can call it the silence before the storm.  Come Monday the chains will be broken and our freedom guaranteed.  How eerie and dark is the silence.  But not for long!

All silence is not golden, some is torturous.There is silence at the tomb.  Jesus, the Son of God, the King of kings, is dead. His body now guarded in a tomb with a massive stone covering the opening. No one can possibly enter.  But, they forgot to consider the possibility of Someone coming out. Oh, ye, of little faith. There will be an awakening! What a glorious day to come!  Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Friday's forgiveness - the choice

"... 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... 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 Friday

Jesus, weak and nearly unrecognizable from the lashings, could not drag His cross up the rocky path. Help came from a stranger, not His followers nor His disciples. The women followed in tears, the men scattered in fear.
  
Jesus' last walk on earth shook the ground with raw emotions, not with cheers but jeers... the people expected more. But, hold on!  The Last Act is yet to come. It will not only bring down the house, but will rip the temple's curtain in two from top to bottom!

Even at the very last minute on the cross, one criminal chose to acknowledge and accept Christ. One went to paradise, the other didn't. It's all about forgiveness. It's what Jesus was born to do. It's God's greatest gift and sacrifice to man.

We, like the criminals, are either on the right or left side of Jesus. With our speech and/or actions we are denying or accepting Him.  He humbly gave His all, so we may live. God is willing, waiting, and wanting to receive all into His Kingdom.  May we remember and honor His love for us by loving Him and others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Tearful Thursday - by the light of the moon

Jesus prayed -
"My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You." John 17:20

It's THURSDAY
Sweat rolling down His back and legs and tears spilling from His eyes, the dirt on His knees change to mud. The fury of the week left the disciples too exhausted to stay awake in the Garden. Three times Jesus wakes them... and later, three times Peter denies Him. Under the full moon, Jesus is alone on the path to the Cross.

The brilliance and beauty of a full moon is mesmerizing. So full and bright, it is breathtaking. How can anything so beautiful, hold so much sorrow too?

It was under that same moon, over 2,000 year ago, Jesus prepared to be betrayed and disowned by His own, and unjustly accused by others. In the Garden after the Last Supper, He committed His final act before captured -- He prayed.

 He prayed for Himself and the ability to be obedient...Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. He prayed for His disciples and their strengthening. And He prayed for you and me. His final prayer -- for us to be one in Him.

May you see the moon in a different light tonight... His eternal Light for all. The sorrow of this night will fade as His path fills with believers. Victory over darkness is guaranteed. Thank You, Father!
   
we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Willful Wednesday - just take Him

And Judas said...
"'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins." Matthew 26:15

SOLD OUT

It's Wednesday
Jesus relentlessly pushes onward His final days -- performing miracles, praying, reaching people for God's Kingdom. The sweet perfume oil from Mary's fingers, drips from His head and puddles in the dirt. His disciples grumble over the waste. Is Jesus making a difference, just what is His real mission, is His time almost over for good?

The evening performances for our school play this Spring, sold out in just a few days. The money paid for necessities -- costumes, props and other items. Not all sellouts are as honorable.

Judas sold out the whereabouts of Jesus for the mere price of a slave. Realizing Jesus' kingdom was of a spiritual nature and not of power or money, he sold Jesus' life for the immediate short-term security of a few coins... coins offering temporary pleasure in place of eternal joy.
  

Are you still holding on to Jesus' Hand? Tomorrow the path we travel down is dark, difficult and necessary. And one He chose, so we could have eternal life.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Turbulent Tuesday - cleaning up

Jesus said --
"... Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matthew 25:34

It's Tuesday
He's rattled the temple, He's called the Chief Priests out, He's comforted the prostitutes. It's fair to say Jesus kicked up dust on the path to the cross. Are you still holding on to His Hand? It's total turmoil, but with God, peace will fill our soul.

With the number of this year's school days dwindling, we are engulfed with required duties and deadlines. Each day's tasks must be completed in order to wrap up our job on time.

Jesus found Himself with significant life-changing deadlines, His last week on earth. Knowing His days were numbered, He unleashed many lessons --

To His followers He encouraged them to choose rightly and righteously.
To His critics, the religious leaders, He scolded them for misguiding His sheep. 
To the unbelievers, He gave warnings. 
To the believers, He reminded them about being ready and watchful, as He instilled in them the hope of things to come. 

Jesus holds nothing back for He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain... another believer, joining His family for eternity. He did and will do whatever it takes to reach even one more. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

Monday madness - on a mission

As we leave behind the glorious entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem on Sunday, the palm branches and cloaks scattered on His path are also gone.  The bare dirt and pebbles along the path now squeeze between His toes.

Monday
Jesus' first stop in Jerusalem, the Temple...
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there.  He overturned the table of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves... He said, "My house will be call a house of prayer, but you are making it a den for robbers." Matt. 21:12-13

Later that day, He tells His disciples...

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt,... you can say to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Matt. 21:21-22

Jesus' last week on earth was not a walk in the park; it was filled with difficult and trying work.  The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life.  

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

the beginning of the Greatest Week of our life...

"They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, 'Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!'" John 12:13

THE countdown is on...

Nothing supersedes the magnitude of the countdown of Jesus' final week on earth.  The countdown that sealed forever my future and yours. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, purchasing for ALL who believe in Him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.

I wonder how Jesus felt His last week on earth?  After His triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, life took a dramatic turn.  Did He understand what would happen? Yes.  Did His disciples? No. On Sunday, the palm branches are swaying with shouts of "Hosanna", in anticipation of Jewish independence, and by the end of the week shouts of "crucify Him!" by the same lips.

With joy comes tears. With thanks comes humbleness.  Let's walk down the  rocky, dusty path in hand with Jesus this week with grateful hearts, as we remember His sacrifice and unconditional love for us.

Hosanna, to God in the highest! Thanks be to God!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

personal note:  Some say Easter is late this year, but for me it is right on time.  The past few months have been difficult and turbulent. And refocusing on God's incredible love for us is exactly what i need for healing, restoration and strength.  As in the past years, all my devotions this week will center on God's Easter gift of eternal life made possible for me and you through His Son, Jesus.  

Thank You, Father. Because of You i always have reason to celebrate.

is your grass growing yet?

"So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." 1 Corinthians 3:7
  

"Watch Grass Grow"... what a funny book title. Who in their right mind wants to watch grass grow?  Whether in the dead of winter or the blooming season of spring, it would be a painstakingly lo-o-o-n-g task.  Of course, the book was not suggesting how to literally watch grass grow, but learning about the process via visual tell-me facts.

Come to think about it, there really aren't many things you can actually watch grow.  Most growth occurs gradually, at a rate that the naked eye can't detect.  I believe that is also true in the growth of our relationship with our Father.  Yet, there are times, an unexpected or  catastrophic event in our life, might produce a noticeable spurt of growth of faith.  

But like the grass, our faith needs the right nourishment and guidance to mature.  With the practice of community worship, Bible study and prayer a watering and feeding of the soul is possible.  Yet, only God has the power to tender our hearts toward Him and bring forth genuine change and growth in Him.  And even with all the right ingredients, we must be on the alert for snakes in the grass. Satan is slivering around desiring to seek, deceive and destroy our hearts and minds. 

So let's plant the seeds, sprinkle with water and trust the LORD with His "Son"shine and Holy Spirit to grow us and others safely and closer to Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ sweet

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

Even during--

rotten luck
hard times
poor decisions
rough waters
foul smells
touchy issues
lost causes

His sweetness overcomes it all.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

disappointed?

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

He was upset and needed to talk. What i initially thought was just a single incident, turned into a chain event. His emotional vomit covered years of pent up pain, secrets and frustration. In life, we are guaranteed three things: taxes, death and disappointments.  

Taxes and death, we can't control.  But, we do have some control over disappointment from people... or, at least, in how it affects us.  When we depend on others for our happiness, disappointment is a guarantee.  People hurt, surprise, lie, anger, mislead, abandon, ridicule and betray us.  The worldly ways and expectations set us up for disappointment with our self and others. Who can measure up? How can we possibly rise above it?

If we can remember, God knows and uses everything for our good.
If we can remember, God cares for our every need.
If we can remember, God has a greater plan for us, one of hope and a future.
If we can remember, we are the apple of His eye.
If we can remember, who we are to a perfect God, then disappointment with imperfect people will not matter as much, or at all.

In and through all things, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Look and trust Him with every turn in our life, because our hope in Him will not disappoint.  He is our Truth and Way.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ CONTROL

"...for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care." Psalm 95:7

Life driving you crazy? 

Release the wheel to God's full control.  He know the right path to take.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

comma needed?

Jesus said...
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

How was your comma?  Or in other words, how was your Spring Break? According to the dictionary, a comma is a break; a punctuation mark that represents a slight pause.  According to the Word, it is a break in life; a pause in an ever turning and hectic world filled with obligations, schedules and activities; a time of rest.  A moment of rest with Him can provide the fuel needed to keep going, especially during hard times. 

Hopefully, Spring Break provided the comma you needed.  Yet for some, the comma was scratched out, and life kept moving full speed ahead with unexpected sadness, loss, hurt and confusion.  And for you, my friends, i am praying God's protection over you to include an extra layer of comfort and peace as we return to finish out the school year.

Do you need a comma in your life today?  Sometimes God interjects a comma in our life to slow us down and to refocus and rest in Him.  I think you will agree a break is better than a breakdown.  And have you noticed when you use commas in sentences, the sentences extend for a greater length before you reach the end?  Do you think that can be true regarding life too?  Listen, Jesus calls us to Him to get needed REST.  And that Truth ends with a period, not a comma.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

where to now?

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

 What looks like a dead end or disaster to you, is not. 

One day at a time, one trial at a time, one mess at a time  -- God is with us. No matter what our ones are in life, we always have The One. We are never, never alone. And may we remember, God is never caught by surprise. He knows and has prepared perfectly for all our moments.  What we see as the end is actually the beginning of something new with God. In time what we don't see or understand will be revealed to us, then our ah-ha moment will show us what our but-why faith moments did not.

Thank You, Father, for staying, sticking, and surviving with me in each moment. I don't have the answers i want, but i do have You and sometimes that just has to be enough.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal