seeing like God

 "You are ALL children of God through faith in Christ Jesus... there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26,28

"So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality..." Acts 10:24

"And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth..." Acts 17:26

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

It appears to me, God's view of us has nothing to do with our outward appearance... nor our power, titles, monetary worth.

What matters to God is our heart.  Period.
If you find anything different, let me know.

Meanwhile, may we celebrate and be thankful for our acceptance, unity and love as members of His family. And value each other as God   does.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

Hw protects... period

 "God reached down from on high and took hold of  ____; He drew ______ out of deep waters. He rescued ________ from  his/her powerful enemy, from his/her foes, who were too strong for _______.  They confronted ______ in the day of his/her disaster, but the Lord was his/her support.

He brought ______ out into a spacious place;   He rescued ______ because He delighted in ______."   Psalm 18:16-19  

 

Do you know of a name(s) that needs to be in the above blank?  Someone who needs to be pulled out of deep waters, despair or trouble?

When physical, emotional or mental sickness is present... there is suffering. Situations can develop due to decisions we make, decisions others make, or they might just happen. In light of the past few months, i am reminded how little control we have over many circumstances. 

Thankfully, we can TRUST the strength and support for those in need, as well as, the peace of those who love them, are in the Mighty Hands of our Father, the Great Physician.

Where we are incapable, our God IS capable.  
When we are ready to give up, our God IS going strong.

He cares, He can, He will... rest in Him.

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

forecast or fact?

 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Hebrews 12:8

June 20th was the first day of Summer, but no one bothered to remind Ms. Summer of the official date.  She arrived in full blazing glory way before her premiere date pounding numerous days with relentless sweltering heat.  How long will the heat wave continue?  Since it arrived so early, can we expect it to leave early?  The professional and trained weather forecasters are called forecasters for a reason.  They watch trends and patterns, but even with all their sophisticated, hi-tech instruments, it's still an educated guess.  Is there anything can we rely on 100% of the time for accuracy?  

Thanks be to God, YES!  

On God we can. His love, grace, mercy, goodness and forgiveness start immediately when we become believers and is unending.  He is our one firm foundation, in an otherwise shaken and fallen world.  With God in our life, we can survive all trials, disappointments and heartaches. His Peace and Love soothe and heal hurting souls.  With God in our life, we can celebrate abundantly sweet surprises, accomplishments and joys.  His Peace and Love multiplies our blessings.

With God in our life, we are 100% taken care of at all times forever... that is not a forecast but a fact.  Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

who's taking care of business?

 "Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105:4

  

Sometimes we just have to put matters in God's Hands...
                                               people
                                                situations
                                                frustrations
                                                fears
                                                doubts

                                                relationships
                                                mistakes
                                                disappointments
                                                decisions

Actually, that's not true.  We need to put everything in God's Hands... and then allow Him to work through our words and actions.  Why do we want to invite greater hardships or chaos, when we know only He can provide and sustain peace, even in the unimaginable moments?  I'm sure many of you know exactly what i mean.

Thank You, Father, for your unending love and strength!  I want to give it and leave it ALL with You. Be my Guide and my Foundation. Shake loose my fears and grow my trust.

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

His signs don't end

 No matter the difficulty, never give up.  As our journey continues, so do His signs....

U TURN     "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." 

                  Psa. 34:14

MERGE      "...encourage one another and build each other up..." 

                  1 Thess. 5:11

NARROW   "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life.."

BRIDGE        Matt. 7:14 

RIGHT TURN  "The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in

ONLY                  them..."  Hosea 14:9

CONSTRUCTION "... He who began a good work in you will carry it on to

AHEAD                     completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6

WATCH FOR          "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is

CHILDREN                old he will not turn from it."  Prov. 22:6

No journey is too long or difficult with God.  Rest in Him.  He who is faithful will lead us home safely with His mighty signs of love.

have a peace-filled day!

veneal

watch for His signs

 As you travel this summer far or near, take note of the road signs.  They offer true guidance and direction...for the road and for our life.

STOP        "Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10               

YIELD       "...stand firm.  Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves

                     fully to the work of the Lord..." 1 Cor. 15:58

CAUTION  "Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls

                     around like a roaring lion..."  1 Peter 5:8

GO           "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." Matt. 28:19

ONE WAY  "Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always."

                 1 Chr. 16:11

The journey is long and the signs are plentiful.  Watch for His signs on your life's journey to ensure a safe, fulfilled and comfortable trip. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

successful year?

  "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

It's the end of the school year.  As teachers, how do you measure the success of your year...  by scores, grades, test results?

No matter what your numbers, i pray you see the success of your year through God's eyes.  May the success of your year be counted by the hugs, smiles and thankful hearts of those called yours this year.  The love and understanding from you has produced the sweetest results of all.

you are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

what's next?

 "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

It's graduation time; and no matter the graduation level, ways to celebrate ceremonies and events have expanded.  Besides the actual ceremony and after party there are now live feeds, zoom gatherings, yard signs, billboards, banners, streaming events and more.

While there is much to celebrate, hiccups developed and some were  blindsided by unexpected changes,.  Trusting and knowing God is still in control helps us accept our current situation and adjust.  His Word also brings sweet assurance that His plans for us will not be thwarted.  We can trust His purpose for our life will be fulfilled  because of His unending love for us. With that promise alone, we have every reason to celebrate each moment and milestone in our life with confidence and joy.  

Father, thank You for loving us.  You know us by name and have a place and plan for each of us. You have engraved us on the palms of Your Hands.  Because we are Your treasured possessions and precious in Your sight, we can sing praises, dance and celebrate on special occasions even if our audience is reduced to just One... because You are enough.

Keep looking forward, our future is bright... because He says so.  Believe Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

this little hand of mine...

  ...you have helped it grow.

"The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service..." 1 Corinthians 3:8-9

It's the end of the year, and as a teacher you wonder about the impact you've made on your students. What will they take with them next year?  What did they see? What did they hear? What did they understand?

You, my friend, made a difference for a day, a year, a lifetime. You prepared them well for their next chapter. You loved, you gave, you cared, you sacrificed... and they grew.  

Smile -- you prepared them well.

And isn't it comforting to know God is preparing great wonders for our next chapter too.

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

blooming beautiful

 "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 and will equip you with what's needed.  May His Light shine warmly through you helping others to grow and know His love.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

no mountain too high

 Jesus said...

"...  I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."  Matthew 17:20-21

Are you standing on the edge of a mountain-size obstacle, hardship or problem, wondering how to overcome it? Does the solution appear unobtainable?  

Focus on Jesus

May your faith rise over and go beyond any mountain before you.
With God, all things are possible.  He who made a way in the past is still mightily at work... He is Present.

Ain't no mountain high enough,
Ain't no valley low enough,
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep God from you...

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal 

to-do list

 “… What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

May we tend to God's to-do list, more than our to-do list.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do 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, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

HOLY WEEK... 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

HOLY WEEK... silent Saturday

   "'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, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

HOLY WEEK... Friday's forgiveness

    "... 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 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.  Do we just believe in Him or do we BELIEVE Him? 

Jesus 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. Jesus knows life on earth is not fair, challenging and violent; He lived it too. Yet, it didn't stop Him from fulfilling His mission.

To be with Jesus in paradise, is that not the ultimate desire of our hearts?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

HOLY WEEK... tearful Thursday

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

Early in the day, Jesus washed the disciple's feet. He continues to model to His disciples genuine leadership starts in humbleness and in serving others.

Later they head to the Garden of Gethsemane. In pray with 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.

Look to the heavens tonight. May you see the moon in a different light, as 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, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

HOLY WEEK... willful Wednesday

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?

Judas sold out the whereabouts of Jesus for the mere price of a slave. Realizing Jesus' kingdom was purely a spiritual nature and not of earthly 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.

We read and shake our heads at Judas, his lack of faith, his weakness, his frustrations, his personal desires/gains ... yet, truth be told, there is some Judas in all of us.

Are you still holding Jesus' Hand? Tomorrow the path we travel down is dark, difficult and necessary. And one He chose, so we could have eternal life. Despite our shortcomings and disappointments in following Him and His ways, Jesus would do it all over again for us. What did we do to deserve such an immense, unconditional love? Nothing......

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

HOLY WEEK... turbulent Tuesday

    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 so many economic and worldly uncertainties and the number of school days dwindling, we are engulfed with required duties and deadlines and the need for unshakable faith. 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. 

What is your plan? Through all the commotion and chaos, will you follow Him? Do you trust Him with all your heart?  No one has ever stood up for me like Him.

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

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

HOLY WEEK... Monday's madness

 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. His plan was not for some quick moments of peace and happiness, but for an everlasting peace with a sustaining power that transcends any and all earthly trials and tribulations. The Army wants a few good men, but God wants ALL to come Home -- to His amazing, saving grace and eternal life. He has a plan. And for you, He will lay down His life.   

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

the beginning of the most troubling week on earth EVER!

 "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, our 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 harsh shouts of "crucify Him!" pierced out of the same lips.

The Jesus they celebrated on Sunday, then condemned a few days later... they were disappointed in Him... He was not who they thought He was nor doing what they expected... they wanted an earthly revolution, not an eternal one. They jumped to conclusions not understanding all the facts.  When we are tempted to be disappointed in Jesus, may we draw closer into His Arms and trust Him for what is best.  

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.  He knows what He is doing, Satan would love for you to doubt Him.

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

Lent day 9

 "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." James 3:2

I confess, i lied to you in the face of God.  I failed to do what i said.

Today is not the ninth day of Lent, that was yesterday.  I stumbled and fell short of my plans to post for Lent everyday.  Thanks be to God for His unending grace and mercy and understanding.  Today i get to strive to do, be and speak better. Thank You, Jesus.  Confession is good for the soul,  and truth is too.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 8

"Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding." Proverbs 17:27

Father, May i remember unless i have walked in the same shoes, gone down the exact path or sat in the identical seat of another, my understanding of their heart or pain is incomplete.  

On such occasions, keep me from judging or exerting more pain or harm in their life with my actions and words.  Understanding and a kind tongue are powerful tools in healing.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 7

"Know this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let every person be 

quick to hear,

slow to speak, 

slow to anger." James 1:19

Have you ever heard one out of three isn't bad?  It might be true for some things, like hitting  a baseball or eating meals, but i don't think it applies to the verse above.  Consider if we only do one of the three....

BE QUICK TO HEAR and then quick to speak and quick to anger.

Be slow to hear, and then SLOW TO SPEAK and quick to anger.

Be slow to hear, and then quick to speak and SLOW TO ANGER.

All the above scenarios are flawed with shortcomings. Some would even say God's Word in James 1:19 is flawed as well.  I've committed all four examples and been criticized for all four.  But if i'm going to err, i pray i aligned myself with the Word of God.  He never lies nor does His Word. He desires the best for us as we stride to glorify Him in all we say and do.

Father, when i am perplexed on how to speak and act in fear of disappointing or hurting others, i pray for the obedience and strength to look to You first. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and speak as if we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 6

 "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit." Proverbs 15:4

When we water the tree of life with Living Water, feed it on the Word of God and speak to it with gentle, loving kindness, ALL benefit.  And God is glorified.

Father, guide us in not breaking the soul and spirit of those You have created.  To do so is grim disobedience to You.

we are loved and chosen by God

may we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal

Lent day 5

"The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse." Proverbs 10:31-32

Father, it's been a testy past 24 hours, i feel lucky to still have my tongue intact.  Today is Sunday, and i'm less than a week into Lent.  I'm confessing my shortcomings with my speech and reaching out to You. Please bring calmness to mind and soul, restore trust in my heart and slap a heaping of salve on my sharp tongue.  I really do believe You are in control of all things... help me to act accordingly.

amen.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love, do and speak as we believe it,

veneal