"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold... He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support." Psalm 18:2,17-18
I missed it yesterday.
I was so focused on the actual barb-wired fence, that i completely missed a Truth God was showing.
Look at the shadow of the fence. It reveals a cross. Truly a magnificent reminder God is ever present and in the midst of all things with us.
There is no pain, no hurt, no tears God is not aware of with His children. He feels, sees, hears and knows everything that touches us.
Thank You, God, we are never alone in the good, the bad or the ugly.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
And this is what the LORD says to you...
"Administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other." Zechariah 7:9-10
Today's message is difficult and ugly. It has been churning in my heart for 14 days. I am compelled to share it because ugliness is real and a part in all our lives. Truth needs to be spoken so God's light can shine forth to bring healing and hope to the hurting.
Sandwiched among days of spectacular beauty during my Spring Break, i found myself in a place known for it's sheer horror and pure evil... Dachau Concentration Camp. It isn't a destination for all visiting Germany because of all the sadness it holds. But i felt a strong need to go... to see... to hear... to touch... to feel man's inhumanity to man. To see the many photos of beautiful, innocent men, women and children who were stripped of identity, all belongings, rights and decency... to stare at the hollow, vacant eyes... the skin-to-bone skeletons... to hear the tales of endless torture... i was dazed and speechless, wondering how such a tragedy existed? Arrogance and ignorance were key factors... a racist
belief all should conform to one state of normality. My life and heart have been changed forever, as i recognize and openly admit oppression is not over.
As horrific as the killing of 6 million innocent people during the Holocaust was, it is not over. Some have failed to learn from the hideous crime. Barb-wired fences still exist keeping out the unwanted; some are within the reach of our fingertips.
Man's injustice to man is still prevalent. Discrimination, arrogance, ignorance march up and down our streets daily. Whether it's race, sex, age, sexual orientation, nationality, religious belief, physical features, disability, employment, language, social class -- there is judging, shunning, berating, belittling -- emotional barb-wired fences still surround innocent people. Blood, tears and brokenness spill out on the sidewalks of our cities, filling the cracks in our world with fear, pain and rejection.
Six million and counting... when will the numbers stop? when will the judging disappear? when will we be bold enough to say no more and rip down the fences of injustice and replace them with love and acceptance?
In the midst of beauty in the past 2 weeks, i have also seen ugly. It is real, and it is here. But like my trip, i don't think it will be the last vision or word we see. Sometimes a smack of ugly is necessary to put us on the right path, so we can be the vessel God desires and needs. And when we are, transformation evolves and Peace enters. Rest assured, He will bring about a glorious and beautiful ending.
"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers/sisters, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessings, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3: 8-9
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"...Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." Luke 6:12
The past week my soul has demanded time for silence, rest and reflection. This is where i need to be... in prayer with God. Would you like to join us? There is room enough for all.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." Acts 20:28
Father, in Your vast world of wonders, at this precise time, You have set us where we are for a specific reason. As Your children, we are called to help, love and pray for those around us -- our mission field as designated by You. May we lead and guide with the wisdom and patience of Your church created in Love by Love for Love.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
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 you can overcome it?
Focus on Jesus
Then, watch your faith rise over and go beyond any mountain before you.
With God, all things are possible.
Ain't no mountain high enough,
Ain't no valley low enough,
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep Him from you...
Thank You, Father!
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
Jesus said...
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
No matter where we are, who we are, how we feel, what we say or do, or when we pray --
When we believe, ALL our prayers are heard and answered by God, is His perfect way and time.
He is as close as our next breath.
Believing is receiving.
Thank You, Father!
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will NOT be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10
Shaken, rattled, rolling... God is still tightly holding you.
His love for you is unending and soars beyond the heavens.
friend, we are loved and chosen by God,
veneal
