IN THE SECRET PLACE part 1

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Wendy Kleker

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IN THE SECRET PLACE

Part 1

Facing the Lion

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and fortress, my God. In Him will I trust.” Psalms 91:1IMG_3295

I was but a young girl of, maybe 12 and my greatest dream was to ride in the parade on my gorgeous paint gelding, Chico, with my best friend ever. So that summer Sheri and I planned to ride in the parade in Newport Washington. The day of the parade, we two girls were up at dawn, catching our horses, unbraiding manes and tails we had braided the day before and brushing them until they shone. We saddled her buckskin mare and my palomino paint with borrowed saddles (we usually rode bareback) and stood back to admire our handiwork. The horses glistened, Chico’s white mane waved down his bronze neck and his silky tail almost touched the ground. We were ready for the great parade. The only hitch was, finding a ride for us and two horses to Newport fourteen miles away.   We were planned up, prepared up and prayed up, but no ride had presented itself as of yet.

You see our young tender hearts believed that if we wanted it bad enough and if we prayed hard enough God would indeed send chariots of fire or legions of angels, or even a stray soul with a horse trailer to transport us and our horses to the parade. As dawn turned into midmorning and midmorning into noon, and the parade start time was fast approaching, our hearts fell. Still we prayed and still we believed it was possible. Our ears strained for the sound of a truck engine coming up the road. Our eyes scanned the sky.

The time for the parade came and went and still our horses stood tied at the fence. Downhearted we unsaddled, jumped on and went for a ride along the county road where maybe a neighbor or two would see our shining horses.

So we learned a lesson: just because we want it and just because we ask fervently and take steps of faith, doesn’t mean our Heavenly Father will give us what we want, when we want it.

However, the year I was 13 was different. This was to be our last year in Washington since we were selling our small ranch and moving to Alaska. This year Dad had promised to take our horses to the parade. IF they would load in the moving van, he had bought for our move.

So Sheri and I spent the day before the parade washing, brushing and braiding our horses to perfection. The saddles were polished to a shine and we prayed fervently that the horses would load. We were confident this time our prayers would be answered.

My cousin Gary was there, a few years older than me, tall, long of limb, a bit spindly in built, but strong. He led our old horse Pepper, who Sheri’s sister would ride, into the truck and tied him to the rope Dad had strung tightly across the front of the van. I followed with a very nervous Chico and Gary stood beside me as I tied him to the rope.

Sheri tried to lead her mare in, but Lady balked. Of course, Lady would balk, she balked at everything. Dad slapped her on the rear. Her head went up, her eyes were wide, her front legs stiff. Sheri coaxed with gentle words.

“No!” I silently prayed, “Don’t let a stubborn Lady stop us from getting to the parade! Please God!”

Dad had enough with gentle coaxing, so taking his hat off, he waved it in the air as he yelled and slapped it hard on Ladie’s rear.

Anything moving in the air spooked Chico, not to mention yelling, a loud slap and Ladie’s hooves pounding on the truck floor as she rapidly entered the van. Chico’s eyes went wide. He reared then leapt forward stretching the rope.

All I saw was a copper chest coming at me, as I stood with Gary against the van wall. I squeezed my eyes shut and knew I was dead, crushed under the weight of a 1200 pound, fear driven horses.

No crushing weight landed on me and I heard loud thumping of hooves on wood. Opening my eyes, I looked up and was amazed to see Gary holding Chico back with one hand on his halter.

Chico’s hind quarters were bunched, his eyes still wild, his front feet were coming off the boards as he hopped up and down, but the powerful, panicked horse was not able to push against the arm of my young cousin.

Talking soothingly to Chico we soon got him calmed down, tightened all the ropes, carefully squeezed between the horses, and exited the van. Later I asked Gary how he managed to hold Chico back.

He shook his head, “I didn’t. No way could I have held that horse. It absolutely wasn’t me.”

I can just imagine a large white, shinning angel standing behind us, holding his hand against that mass of muscle, bone and adrenaline.

 

“If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord who is my refuge then no harm will befall you. No disaster will come near your tent.

For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra you will trample the great lion and the serpent.” Psalm 91:9-13

Okay that time with the horse an angel, no doubt, saved me and my cousin. And there have been other times when I was delivered from great peril. The time in the river with Jim, my late husband, it was definitely the hand of God, or by the help of an angel that I was able to get out. Fighting the hardest fight of my life I nearly succumbed to the lure of rest in the dark depths of the freezing river, but I believe an angel nudged me awake and pulled me to shore.

I made it out alive, but my husband, who had dove into the river without a thought to save me, did not. When I grabbed rocks on the edge of the mighty Clark Fork river, I looked back expecting to see Jim right behind me, but he was in the middle of the river, a hundred yards away.

My eyes connected with his, and even though I didn’t have my glasses on and I am blind without them, I clearly saw his smile. That was the last time I saw him on earth. Some day I will see that smile when I enter the Glorious Kingdom on High.

For me it would have been better to have not made it out of the river, to have gone with my husband to Glory. However, God saw fit to send angels to deliver me out of the river and to carry my husband Home to His side.

So what do you mean, Lord, no harm will befall me or disaster come near my tent? Surely losing my young husband and the father of my ten year old son was harm and disaster.

Let’s face it, we all know there is much evil out there. Many times, even God’s own children face terrible things, hardships and much disaster.   What do you mean, Lord, that disaster will not come near our dwelling places?

The answer is branded on my heart. Oh yes, I know the answer well. He revealed His amazing love to me. His love for me is always sufficient, it is all I need. He let me fall, yes, but when I hit bottom I was standing on the Rock. When I could not stand, He held me up in His arms.

Because everything that I knew to be solid ground was yanked out from under me, and I had nothing to stand on, I learned to run to the only shelter I saw. The shelter of the Almighty God.   Oh yes, I ran and I hid under the wings of the Most High.

Because my security, my safety, my bulwark was taken from me, I learned to abide in the secret place of the Most High God. The place near His side. The place where His presence always is and no evil abides. The place of His will, where I am in His love, held up by His strength, protected by His power.

Oh it seemed terrible, it was a disaster in my life, but my God says, “Child because you love me, because you acknowledge me as your God, I rescued you. I will always protect you.”

You see harm to me does not always mean harm to Him. The death of His child is not a bad thing in His sight. Oh yes it was bad for me, it did not seem good for my son, but God meant it for good. The state or condition of our soul is far more important to God than our comforts and happiness on earth.

Hebrews 12:7   says, ” Endure hardship as discipline, God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?”

Discipline as in training, teaching, correction, buffeting our bodies so they are in shape. Think of hardship and disaster as a spiritual work out, training us for the battles ahead. So that I may bend a bow of bronze. That I may scale a wall and advance against a troop of troubles. (from Ps. 18)

So sometimes when I face the lion He sends His angels to shut its mouth, but sometimes He lets the lion take a hunk out of me. Sometimes I get a glimpse of the terror of night and the arrows that fly by day. Sometimes loved ones and friends fall at my side, but nothing comes near me that He does not sift through His fingers. This I believe with all my being.

He says “I may not take you out of trouble or keep you from trouble, but I will be with you IN trouble. I will sustain you. I will satisfy you and I will keep you safe in the palm of My mighty hand. I will deliver you and I will hold you up with my righteous right hand.

I will be a ring of fire around you, I will protect you. I will be the Glory, the Light shining in your midst.  Trust me.”  (from Ps. 91 Zech. 2:5)

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Posted in Angels to guard you, Disaster and harm, Give Him your burdens, Glory shining in your midst, God is in control, God is in my midst, He is my Rock, He shuts the lion's mouth, Hiding place, Most High God, Ring of Fire, The Secret Place, Under His wings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Easter!

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Wendy Kleker
Master of the sun

He is Risen!

Isaiah 26:19 “Your Dead shall live! Together with my dead body they shall arise!

Awake and sing you who dwell in dust. For your dew is like the dew of herbs and the earth shall cast out the dead.”

 

 ARISE AND SING

            Arise and sing! For our Savior lives!

We serve a risen Lord! He is not dead. He is not in the dust. He reins on high. He is coming!

I know I will live forever! In paradise with my Lord and Savior I will rejoice, forever and ever!

When my body goes to the dust, when my life on this earth is over, I will arise.

I will awake into a new life. I will sing and dance on glory clouds.

Why can I do this? Why can I, who am such a sinner, lay claim to a forever life?           One morning a long time ago, when the dew was on the grass, just as the sun rose above the horizon, the earth shook and a large rock rolled from the entrance to a tomb. It was my Savior’s tomb. Friday He died. Friday He bore my sins, your sins, and the sins of the whole earth on His innocent shoulders.

You see Justice demands blood. God is a just God and justice demands a death paid for sin. God can not tolerate sin. He can not be close to sin. When we have sin, which we all are born with for all men have sinned and fall short of God, with that sin God can not come near us. Justice demands there be a blood sacrifice to pay the price of our sins.

Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, God’s only Son, paid that price with His life. His blood that ran free at the cross didn’t cover our sins as the blood of sacrificial lambs of old did. NO His blood carries our sins far away.

So when the dew was on the herbs and the grasses, the earth shook, the stone rolled away and the sacrificial Lamb of God walked forth from the tomb. Life flowed through His body and He raised His fists in victory.

Victory over death! Victory over sin! Victory for all mankind!

He is the Way the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by Him. When I accepted Him as my Savior, when I asked Him to carry my sins far, far from me, I received everlasting life from Him. That’s how I can claim a life in His presence, as His friend and in Glory for ever and ever.

How about you? I ask you now, because I care about you.

Have you accepted God’s perfect Gift?

This gift of sins forgiven and lives made clean and fresh?

This precious gift of justice satisfied, of your debt paid once and for all?

The wondrous offer of a relationship with your Creator, the King of kings?

The adoption into His family and becoming His child.

Have you accepted God’s Son as your Savior?

Do you know Him today?

Have you asked Jesus to wash away your sins?

To come into your life and be your Lord?

If you have not, do it now. Right now. For eternity may start in a minute for you. In a flash, in a twinkle of an eye you may find yourself standing before the Judge of all man kind. And if your name is not written in the Book of Life, you will be cast forever from His presence and will spend eternity in torment.

I am not trying to scare you, I’m just telling you the way it is. Why take that chance?

Jesus paid the price. He satisfied the demands of justice. He gave His life in atonement for our sins. The Light of the world overcame death and sin when He stepped from the darkness of the tomb into the light of eternity. He holds the keys to Heaven out to any and all who will accept His gift. He is the Light. Accept Him now into your life and live forever!

Jesus says, “Behold I stand at the door of your heart and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with Me. And we will have sweet fellowship.” (from Rev. 3:20)

Jesus arose! He lives indeed! Those who accept Him as their Savior will live!

Arise and Sing! Hallelujah!

“He said to me, “It is done, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes (accepts the Savior) will inherit all this and I will be his God and he will be My son.

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars (who have not accepted Christ as their Savior) their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (separation from God forever)” Rev. 21:6-8

 

“Now the dwelling of God is with men and He will live with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (the new earth and Heaven) Rev. 21:4

 

 

Posted in Encouragement, Gift, Jesus as Lord, Light, LIve, Risen, Second death, Son of God, torment, Wash your sins away | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

His Love

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Wendy Kleker

 

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His Love Never Fails

Listen to this verse in Lamentations:

“He has hedged me in so that I cannot get out. He has made my chain heavy. Even when I cry and shout, He shuts out my prayer. He has blocked my ways with hewn stone. He has made my paths crooked.”

Life seems like that sometimes, right? Like we’re stuck, we can’t get out. Like God is far away and doesn’t hear out prayers. As if He’s blocked every way we’ve tried to go, and every path we walk is difficult and crooked.IMG_3105

Well how about this one?

“He has been to me a bear lying in wait, like a lion in ambush. He has turned aside my ways and torn me in pieces. He has made me desolate. He has bent His bow and set me up as a target for the arrow.” Lam. 3:7-12

Does that ring a bell? Do you ever feel like you’re a target for God’s arrows? Like He’s a lion waiting in ambush? That He has torn you in pieces and made you desolate?

Oh yes I have. Exactly that. I felt the arrows piece my heart. My life seemed desolate and my way was definitely crooked. Yet I must say, like the author of Lamentations, “Through the Lord’s mercies I was not consumed”.

I survived and I will survive again. Why?

“Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. “IMG_1910

His love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me. Every single sunrise His love for me is new. Like the dawning of the ages when the earth was fresh and clean, perfect beyond imagination, and God came to earth to walk and talk with the first man. The best of His creation. The one made in His likeness, made for the very purpose of having a close relationship with the Creator.IMG_2759

So how can this be? You ask. That He loves us so, yet He pounces and tears and leaves us alone, dying? He pierces us with arrows of sorrow and grief, yet He loves us that much?

“Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that woe and well-being proceed?” (Lam. 3:38)

Who am I to question the High King of Heaven? Why should I complain? I who am living because of His will. And I who deserves grave punishment for sins, yet whose black heart has been washed white as snow by my Savior’s blood. Who am I to say the Ruler of All can not do such a thing?

Yet I have hope! For the Lord does not cast off forever! Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion, according to the multitude of His great undeserved love.

For He does not afflict nor grieve the children of men willingly. (from Lam. 3:31-33)

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He may shoot arrows of sorrow or lay in wait with an ambush of trouble, or make our ways very difficult indeed, but He always has a purpose. And His purposes are for our good. Always. They may not appear so. We may walk in the valley of the shadow of death. We may climb the mountain of terrible trouble. We may stand on the slippery slope of pain. We may be in the dark pit of despair. We may be crushed with burdens too heavy to bear. Yet, Great is His faithfulness!IMG_3107

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lam. 3:24IMG_2799

He is enough. To trust and lean on Him is what I need to do.

“It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke of his youth. Let him sit alone and keep silent because God has laid it on him.” Lam. 3:26-27

My Deliver comes! He is working. His way is good even when it seem so bad.

His love never ends, it never gives up, never runs out on me! New, fresh, clean, every dawn, is His never ending love for me! I can say whatever He allows or puts into my life is good.IMG_1918

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him.” Lam. 3:25

Therefore I trust in Him, no matter what.

Posted in Comfort in Grief, Encouragement, God is Always good, God is faithful, God is God of the Earth, God is good, God is in control, God is my Deliverer, He makes a way, His Love is new every morning, His love never fails, Trusting God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

IN HIM ALONE

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Wendy Kleker

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IN HIM ALONE

“Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear for your God will come and He will save you.” from Isaiah 35:3-4

I hear on the TV, “Is your future secure?” Or read in a magazine, “Do you have a retirement plan?” We are urged on every side to “Save up. Invest. Put your money where your mouth is.”

Yet for years, John and I scraped by from pay check to pay check. The years on the ranch in Trego Montana were the skinniest. John worked several jobs so he could build our herd and reseed the fields. In the summer, I did trail rides so we could eat and buy gas. Going on vacations was out of the question. A day trip to Glacier was planned and saved for. To buy a new pair of jeans or long underwear was carefully considered. Saving was out of the question. A retirement plan was a joke. Health insurance was unattainable and a secure future was the pot at the end of the rainbow. Even a cushion for emergencies was as elusive as a hawk on the wings of the wind.

Yet we never went hungry, in fact, we grew fat, our needs were provided for, even our desires were showered upon us. We were taken care of. We were provided for. We were led to a fatter land.

Now, after being in North Dakota and John working in the “patch” for five years, we do have a considerable savings. Health insurance is provided, we do have a retirement plan and a cushion sits in the checking account. But is that security?

There is much unrest in the world around us. In our quiet, sparsely populated country side we don’t see the violence or hear the bombs or experience hunger or poverty, but we feel the fear. Oh yes the fear siphons through the TV, the social media and the newspapers. We see glimpses, we hear rumors, we wonder what is coming.

Like a giant cloud of locusts we sense doom and gloom swarming closer to our quiet, comfortable lives. Are we any better off?

The savings could become unattainable, the retirement plan could collapse, the cushion melt away.

Where is my security?

“I am with you always,” He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you forever and ever.” (from Joshua 1:5)

What a better cushion can I have?

The High King of Heaven, the Risen One, the Living Lord is with me. He holds me with His right hand. He UPholds me with His righteous right hand.

He guides me with His counsel and afterwards, when my life is finished on this earth, when He calls me Home, He will receive me in Glory. (from Ps. 73:23-24)

What better retirement plan could there be?

That’s not to say the curse of this world won’t touch me. That I won’t have problems and sorrows, or sickness won’t come upon me, but I have an investment in Jesus Christ. This is what my God says:

“Sing O daughter of the King! Shout O My Child! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Mine!

For the Savior has taken away our punishment. Jesus has cast the enemy away from you, so the evil one no longer has power over you.”

Is there a better way to put my treasure where my mouth is than to sing and rejoice?

For He goes on:

“The King of Heaven, the Lord, is in your midst!

You will fear disaster no more. For I am with you!

I say to you, ‘Do NOT fear, Child, let not your hands be weak from fear.

For I, the Lord your God, am in your midst!

You have no reason to fear for I, the Mighty One, will save you.

I rejoice over you, My child, with gladness.

I quiet and comfort you with My never-ending love.

I rejoice over you, My loved one, with singing!” (from Zephaniah 3:14-17)

Wow! My God is in my midst. He saves me, He carries me, He rejoices over me with singing! Do I need more security than that?

 

“Whom have I in Heaven but You, O my God?

There is none on earth I desire more than You. Nothing is more delightful than You.

My flesh and my heart fail, all the time, Lord, for I am weak and I am afraid. I am down trodden without You.

But You, my Jesus, are my strength, You are my Rock that never moves, You are my Portion forever.

You are all I need. Now, today and forever and ever.” (from Psalms 73:25-26)

Where is my security?

In Him alone. Christ is my Portion. I need no other.

“It is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works.” Ps. 73:28

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Posted in Don't trust my plans, Encouragement, God is in my midst, Security | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WALK IN THE LIGHT part four

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Wendy Kleker
Walk not in the darkness

Out of the darkness

Into the Light

Into the Light

WALK IN THE LIGHT

part four

Jesus Calls

 “My soul trusts in You, O God, and in the shadow of your wings I will make my refuge until these calamities have passed by.” Psalms 57:1

When Jesus wept, some of the friends with Mary marveled at how much He loved His friend Lazarus. But some of the people said critically, “Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind have kept His friend from dying?”

Oh such familiar words! “Could not a powerful God have kept such a terrible thing from happening?”

You can just hear what they did not say, “If he cares so much, why didn’t he just get over here quicker and heal Lazarus?”

Yet, how many times have I said pretty much the same things. “Why, God, didn’t You move a little faster?”

Interesting that they believed Jesus could heal, but not bring someone back from the dead. Yet don’t I tend to limit God’s power to what I know and have seen?

Jesus walked to the tomb of Lazarus with Mary and Martha and He kept sighing and was deeply troubled. Jesus had compassion for His friend’s grief, He hated to see them hurt, but I think He is deeply troubled because of the unbelief He sees.

Jesus is troubled because of my unbelief; because I waiver; because I don’t trust Him when He tarries and things go all wrong; when it seems everything is out of control and I have great troubles; when I don’t believe the Most High can turn even this thing into good; when I grumble and complain about the small irritations in my life.

The tomb was a cave in the rock with a big stone in front of it and Jesus tells them to move the stone away.

“No!” cries Martha, “Lord, he has been in there four days, he’s really going to stink!”

Jesus looks at her, His eyes capturing her gaze and boring deep into her soul, “Martha, dear-realistic-sensible Martha,” sadly He shakes His head, “did I not promise you if you truly believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God?” (from John 11:40 amp)

Jesus didn’t say she would see her desires met or all her prayers answered the way she wants, no, He said, you will see the glory of God, the will of the Father, the hand of God working for your good and His Glory.

Martha stumbles back, “But-but—” as Jesus turns away I can just hear her mumble, “we’re for sure going to smell something and it’s stench will not be glorious! I can tell you that!”

I imagine Mary elbowing her outspoken sister as she whispers, “Martha!”

Several young burly men put their shoulders to the large stone and with a loud grating sound, they move it from the opening. There is much murmuring amongst the many friends, neighbors and acquaintances that are gathered near by.

Jesus steps up to the gapping back hole of the tomb. He lifts His eyes to Heaven. He is still. The crowd grows quiet. The birds stop their singing.

“Father,” Jesus says in a soft voice that reaches the very edges of the crowd, “Thank You that You have heard me.”

In the face of unbelief, Jesus gives thanks before there is an answer.

“I know, Father, that You always hear me. There is no reason for Me to even speak, but because of these ones standing near by, because they don’t believe, I say this out loud, so they will know it is God Almighty who has sent Me, and who gives me power. It is not Me but only You, Father God.”

With a loud voice, He shouts, “Lazarus come out!”

No one moves. No one takes a breath. Not a sound is heard.

From inside the cave, there is a rustling. A movement is seen inside the dark shadows of the tomb. An intake of breath, a gasp from the crowd.

A white form appears in the entrance of the cave. The linen grave clothes are wrapped tightly about the limbs. Stiffly the form steps through the opening and comes into the light. A cloth covers his face. Blinded and confused, he stands still.

Can you imagine the gasps? The cries? Martha taking in a quick breath and saying, “Oh my!”

Mary crying, “Thank you Jesus!” And falling to her knees with tears of joy running down her cheeks.

Jesus called his name and Lazarus stepped forth, from the darkness into the Light.

“Unbind him, ” Jesus says, “free him so he may see. And so you may believe.”

He who was dead is now alive.

He who was bound by chains of this world is now loosed.

He who was hidden in darkness now walks in the Light.

Those who are bowed down by heavy burdens can now throw their load at the feet of Jesus.

It wasn’t for Lazarus’ sake that Jesus brought him back to life. Lazarus had to come back from paradise. Can you imagine the stories he had to tell?

It wasn’t really for Mary and Martha’s sake, since they both believed and Jesus would have taken care of them.

No, it was for the ones who troubled Jesus deeply. The power of God was revealed for those who don’t believe. And for those of us who stumble and forget to lean on our Deliverer. Who take our eyes off His face and become anxious about our circumstances. For those of us who fret because He delays and become angry because He didn’t answer our prayers the way we wanted. For those of us who forget He, God Almighty who controls the universe, holds our lives in the palm of His mighty hand. Who lose sight of His mercy, and who no longer feel His unending love, it is for us, He reveals His glory.

“You who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again. And shall bring me up again from the depths of the earth and comfort me on every side.” Ps. 71:20-21

I have seen trouble, great and severe, I have felt massive pain, but it was the darkness that taught me to seek His face. In the storm I learned to hide under His wings and dwell in His secret place. It was during the climb that I learned to hang on for dear life to His hand. When I was lost and confused, I learned to walk in the Light, close to His side.

Sometimes He stills His hand from working. Sometimes He tarries, and I thank Him that He does.

“Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings, I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You, Your right hand upholds me.” Ps. 63:7-8

Are you lost and confused?

Are you captured by troubles?

Are you dead in sin?

Are you bound by chains of darkness?

Are you bowed down by burdens too heavy to bear?

Do you feel alone in your sorrow?

Are you wearing the ball and chain of pain?

Are you afraid of tomorrow?

Jesus calls your name.

He says, “Come! Rise out of the darkness. I will break your chains, I will loose your bindings, I will lighten your load, I will control your tomorrows, I will heal your sorrow. I will never leave you or forsake you. Trust Me. Walk in the Light.”

“I am the Light of the world, He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of the life.” John 8:12

From John 11

“Your goodness so great I can’t understand

But dear Lord, I know that all this was planned.

I know You’re here now and always will be

Your love loosed my chains and in You I’m free.

But Jesus why me?

And Jesus said, “Come,

to the waters.

Stand by my side.

I know you are thirsty

You won’t be denied.

I felt every tear drop

When in darkness you cried

And I strove to remind you

That for those tears

I died.”

For Those Tears I Died, by Marsh Stevens

Walk in the Light

Walk in the Light

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Jesus is the light of the world

Jesus is the light of the world

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Break free of the darkness, Encouragement, Faith, Jesus calls you out of darkness, Jesus is the Light, Lazarus, Lazarus risen from the dead, life from death, Martha and Mary, Out of darkness into light, Trusting God, Walk in the Light | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WALK IN THE LIGHT part three

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Wendy Kleker

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WALK IN THE LIGHT

part three

Jesus Weeps

 “You number my wonderings, You put my tears into Your bottle. Are they not written in Your book?” Psalms 56:8

So Martha went back to Mary and she quietly whispered to her.

“The Teacher has come and is waiting for you outside the village.”

The ever practical Martha strove to give Mary some privacy with their friend, whom she knew could help her grieving sister. Privacy away from the well-meaning group of friends who had come from Jerusalem to help them in their grief for their brother who had died four days earlier. Martha also knew many of these Jews were critical of Jesus and might even assist in His arrest. So she whispered quietly.

However, Mary, who allowed her emotions to reign, who was impetuous and spontaneous, sprang to her feet and rushed out so quickly that everyone knew she was up to something, and they followed her like a cloud of smoke.

Mary, soft hearted-emotional Mary ran to Jesus. She didn’t sit and wait for Him to come to the house; she didn’t walk out to meet Him. Instead, with tears running down her face, she ran to Him.

Unlike Martha, she did not rail and stomp at Him, or demand an answer, no Mary threw herself at the feet of Jesus.

Oh, this woman, who is so unlike me, touches my heart. How I long to be more like Mary.

Months earlier, she poured expensive perfume all over Jesus’ head. I can just hear practical Martha, “Mary!” she blurts out when Mary breaks the vial, “What are you doing? That was for our burials!”

And the disciples say, “That is expensive stuff! What is wrong with that woman!”

But Mary, sweet-devoted-mushmellon Mary, poured out the costly oil that was possibly their life savings, without a thought.

To show honor, she anointed the head of Jesus. She let it run through his hair, and maybe messaged His weary shoulders with the expensive oil. Possibly because she knew He was tired, maybe He’d had a long stressful day, but most assuredly because she loved Him.

She loved her Teacher, her Lord so much, she poured out their nest egg on His precious head.

And Jesus said, “Why do you trouble this woman, she has done this thing for Me.” (from Math 26:6-13)

I love this story. Then at some point, when Jesus was visiting their house, Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while her sister slaved away to feed the family and many visitors, for after all Jesus never traveled alone. While her older sister stomped, grumbled, and threw things around in the kitchen, sensitive-sentimental Mary sat with ardent eyes clinging to the Savior’s face and ears drinking in every word He had to say. Oh what a picture!

I can just hear Martha demand in a strident voice and with a stomp or two, “Lord, don’t you care that she sits while I work myself to death?”

Jesus said, “Leave her alone, for Mary has chosen the good thing.” (from Luke 10:38-42)

Oh to be more like Mary.

Then after the story I am telling now, when Jesus again visited Lazarus, Mary poured more of the precious oil, this time, on the feet of Jesus, which was a display of great devotion. Then she wiped His feet with her long hair. I am sure all who were present gasped loudly and Judas complained that the oil of nard was worth 300 denarii. Which was close to a years wages. Imagine taking a year of your wages and pouring it out on the feet of Jesus!

Yet Jesus said, “leave her alone, she has kept this for Me.” (from John 12:1-7)

Now, fervent-spontaneous Mary runs to her Jesus and falls at His feet. Oh if I could only be more like Mary!

She cries out her grief to Him, “Lord, if only You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Same words as Martha, but instead of a tone of anger, Mary lies at her Lord’s feet, weeping and pouring out her heart. Jesus doesn’t ask Mary if she believes. He knows she believes.   Jesus doesn’t need a confession of faith from Mary, she has already shown it. Jesus does not need Mary to reaffirm her love for him, He has seen and felt her devotion.

She sat at His feet, washed his feet and fell at His feet in her love for her Savior. Oh to be more like Mary!

“When Jesus saw her sobbing and the Jews that were with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled.” John 11:33

Jesus was moved by their tears. He felt their pain. Jesus wept.

Not because He grieved for Lazarus, for He knew what would happen. He had compassion because of Mary’s tears. And even for the tears of those who did not as yet believe in Him.

He sees our tears, He keeps them in a bottle, He writes them in a book. He knows their cost, He feels the pain of our heart. Jesus is deeply moved by our sorrows.

I can imagine He gently reached down and lifted Mary. As tears rolled down His cheeks , He lovingly drew her to His side and wrapped His arms around her. I’m sure he firmly supported her with His arm as they walked towards the tomb.

Jesus comforts the broken hearted.

He says, “He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted.” Luke 4:18

He weeps, He cares, He comforts and He heals.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3

He sees our tears, He feels our sorrow. He heals our shattered hearts.

This I know.

When grief for my son was so great all I could do was fall to my knees, and the tears poured from my eyes, I felt His comfort. When I thought I could not go on because of despair, He bound my wounds. When the uphill climb was so very hard and I thought I would never laugh again, I experienced His healing. I feel His joy, I know His peace, I dwell in His love.

Come my friend, fall at His feet, cry out your grief to Him, pour out your heart. He will hold you in His arms.

from John 11

Jesus I give you my heart and my soul.

I know without You I would never be whole.

Savior, You opened all the right doors

I thank You. And I praise you

From Earths humble shores.

Take me I’m Yours.

And Jesus said, Come to the waters

Stand by my side.

I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied.

I felt every tear drop,

When in darkness you cried,

And I strove to remind you

That for those tears I died.

For Those Tears I died, by Marsha Stevens

 

 

 

Posted in Anointing the head of Jesus, Comfort, Comfort in Grief, Encouragement, Fall at the feet of Jesus, Give Him your burdens, Jesus has compassion, Jesus said come, Jesus weeps, Lazarus, Mary washes his feet with oil, our tears in a bottle | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

WALK IN THE LIGHT part two

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Wendy Kleker

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Jesus Asks

 You said You would come and share all my sorrows.

You said You’d be there for all my tomorrows.

I came so close to sending You away,

But just like you promised,

You came here to stay.

I just had to pray.*

  “Why did He not come?” Martha mumbles under her breath as she putters away in the kitchen. “He could have healed him, I know He could have, but He didn’t come. Why?”

One of the ladies who had come to help, nudged Martha with her elbow and said, “Now we’ll take care of this, Dear, you just go in there with your sister.” The well-meaning friend pointed to the other room where Mary and more friends sat on pillows on the floor.

“What am I supposed to do, just sit and cry my eyes out and let my mind think all kinds of things?” Martha snapped, her eyes flashing. “There’s work that needs to be done here, I need to be seeing to the guests.”

“Well, yes,” the friend said, “now is the time for you and Mary to grieve. There will soon be time for working. You go sit now,” the older lady nudged, pushed, and took the knife from Martha’s hand, “Go, go!”

Martha, seeing nothing else to do, sank down on one of the large cushions on the front room floor. She glanced at her sister who was curled on her side, finally sleeping.

She would not disturb her, since sensitive-emotional Mary had been weeping almost non- stop since their brother had breathed his last.

Four days Lazarus had been dead, and nearly twice that since they had sent the runner to their friend. There had been no word, no miracle, no Jesus. She knew, from experience, Jesus could have said the words from where ever He was and healed Lazarus. She had seen it happen. Or had heard of it. She was sure He could have done this. But nothing had happened while Lazarus lay sick, becoming weaker and weaker until he could not draw another breath into his lungs. Now he was gone, now it was too late.

Lazarus, their older brother, was their last family member, her and Mary’s last provider. Now what would they do? How would they make a living?

Oh, there were some funds they could live on for awhile. They could have sold the precious oil they were saving for burials and lived on that for several years if only Mary, her impetuous-impractical sister hadn’t poured it all out on the head of Jesus.

Oh my, what a sight that was! Quite scandalous. Luckily, there were only a few of His followers in the house. They would never have lived that down! And Jesus hadn’t rebuked her like Martha expected Him too. No, instead Jesus encouraged her. Oh my, what was she going to do with her sister? What were they going to do period?

A young boy walks quickly in the door and going straight to Martha, whispers in her ear. “He comes.”

Martha nonchalantly gets to her feet and stretches, then slips quietly from the house. Once out of sight of the women, she picks up her robe and rushes down the road. Just outside the village she sees Jesus coming with His ever-present group of men surrounding Him. Martha slows her walk, drops her robe, straightens her back and with head in the air, marches right up to Him.

“If You had been here, Lord,” she snaps, and I can imagine her tone being a bit strident, condemning, and angry even, since that is exactly the way I would have been.

“If you would have been here, Lord,” Martha spat with clipped sharp words, “IF You had only been here, my brother would not have died!” Possibly she even stomps her foot.

But then she remembers the last time she had railed at Jesus about her sister sitting, while Martha worked, and how He had admonished her. So she backed up a bit, softened her words, lowered her eyes and quietly said,

“But even now, though my brother is gone, I know that whatever you ask your Father, He will give You.”

Did she really believe Jesus could bring Lazarus back? No I don’t think so, I mean who would? I think she meant Jesus could help them, those who were left, maybe even help provide for her and Mary. Maybe practical-down-to-earth-realistic Martha thought Jesus could ask His heavenly Father to give them husbands. I don’t believe she thought in her wildest dreams that Jesus could or would bring Lazarus back from the grave.

Jesus answered her, saying, “Your brother will rise again.”

“Oh yes, I know he will be raised up again in the last days,” Martha said indignantly, “I know he is in Heaven. I know he’s better off, really, but we who are left, what about us?”

Oh Martha is so like me forgetting my Savior’s promises to sustain me, to hold me, to supply all my needs. Doubting that He would come and that He will be in my tomorrows.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me shall live even though he dies in the body. And whoever believes in Me and lives in Me, shall never die, but have eternal life.” (from John 11:25-26)

Then He asks the question He asks each one of us at some point in our lives.

“Do you believe?”

“Yes, Lord, she tells Him, “I do believe You are the Christ, the Son of God who has come into the world.”

She got it! For even though Martha was the strong one, stalwart and practical, she believed in her unemotional heart that Jesus was the long-anticipated Messiah, God with us, the Son sent from the Father above.

She did not quite understand what it was He was there to do, but she had seen the miracles and she knew His heart. Lazarus was Jesus’ friend, possibly His confident. Jesus stayed in their home, was able to relax there, felt safe and comfortable. I can imagine Jesus talking late into the night with Lazarus, just the two of them. Possibly Jesus sent the disciples away, and maybe He bared His heart to Lazarus.

“I know the time is coming near, Lazarus,” He might have whispered, ” this is the year for the Son of man to be the sacrificial Lamb for all mankind. I know and the human side of me cringes. I am afraid, my friend, for I know the pain and the horror that I will endure.”

Martha would have heard this, maybe quietly cleaning in the kitchen, maybe sitting silently in the shadows. Martha along with Mary would have listened to His every word.

“Lazarus,” Jesus might have said, “pray for Me, that I may have the strength to do this great thing that I know I must do. I have to do it for you and for all who will believe. Please My friend, pray.”

Perhaps Lazarus reached over and squeezed his young friend’s hand, “I will pray for You, but Son, never fear, Your Father will not leave You, even if it feels He has done so. He will be there and He will strengthen You. Even now He is preparing you.”

So Martha had seen His heart, she knew He was God, who had sacrificed a great thing to walk on this earth as a mere man. She understood His compassion. She felt His love go deep in her soul. She didn’t know His plan. She didn’t really understand His purpose. She had no idea why all this was happening.

Yet, after Jesus let her down by tarrying, before seeing the great miracle, while He comforted her with words only, as her brother lay dead in the tomb, when her future loomed dark and hopeless, she believed. And it was enough.

How about you, friend?

Do you believe?

And Jesus said Come to the waters, stand by my side.

I know you are thirsty, you won’t be denied.

I felt every tear drop when in darkness you cried,

And I strove to remind you that for those tears I died.

*For Those Tears I Died, by Marsha Stevens

And Jesus said come to the waters

And Jesus said come to the waters

Stand by My side

Stand by My side

Posted in Beleive in the Son of God, Encouragement, Faith, He is sufficient, Jesus said come, Lamb of the world, Lazarus, Martha and Mary, Walk in the Light | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment
Jesus is the Light

Jesus is the Light

Jesus Delays

“Are there not twelve hours in a day? If anyone walks in the day he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night he stumbles because the light is not in him.” John 11:9-10

In a small village near Jerusalem called Bethany lived a man and his two sisters. This man fell gravely ill and his two sisters sent for their dear friend whom they knew could heal their brother, with a touch. This friend loved their brother greatly, so Mary and Martha knew He would surely come.

Somewhere beyond the Jordon, soon after nearly being stoned in Jerusalem, Jesus was preaching to many of John the Baptist’s followers. A runner rushed up to him one day and gave him the message that his dear friend Lazarus was sick and possibly dying.

Did Jesus rush to begin the journey to Bethany? Did he say a prayer for his friend? Did he even say the words that would heal Lazarus from afar? No. He tarried on purpose. Did He not love His friends?

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” After all Mary was the woman who had poured expensive oil on the head of Jesus and sat at his feet to listen instead of helping her sister. How could he not love that?

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So–” big word SO. So what?

“So, when He heard Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.” Jn. 11:5-6

He stayed two more days SO Lazarus could stay sick. SO his friend whom He loved could die. SO the two beloved sisters would be thrown into great grief.

Two days He delays. Then it took four more days to travel to Bethany, that’s six days the sisters grieved. Six days they were in despair and pain. Six days when Jesus knew His friends, who He loved, would be hurting, yet He tarried. Why?

Jesus says, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Jesus knew it was for the best, for their best so they could grow stronger. Of course He knew what would happen and He knew it was for God’s glory and Jesus would be lifted up as the Son of God. He knew it was God’s plan, and although there would be pain, in the end there would be victory.

Sometimes, for us, my friends, He tarries.

When Jesus knew Lazarus had died He told the disciples that they would go to Judea, near Jerusalem.

“But Teacher, you were nearly stoned there and you want to go back?” the disciples cried urgently.

Now they hadn’t questioned His delay even when His friend was deathly ill, but they strongly disagreed with His decision to go back to where they had trouble. How much they doubted, how strong their fear, how great was their unbelief.

Jesus said to them, “Are there not twelve hours in a day? Anyone who walks in the day will not stumble for he sees the light of the world.”

The Light of the world is Jesus. (John 9:5) “Twelve hours of daylight, twelve of you My friends. If you will only stay with Me, each one of you, and walk in the Light, you will be okay.”  Isn’t that what He’s saying?

If we stay with Jesus, if we walk in the Light of day, if we stay near Him, we will not stumble. But if we walk in the darkness, where the Light is not, away from Jesus, then we trip and falter.

No matter what happens, even if we see hard times, have much grief, experience tough trials, if we are walking in the Light and following Jesus we will not fall. He is always there. He is the Light of the world. We will not stumble. He will hold us up. It is all in God’s plan.

Jesus then said to the disciples, “I am glad for your sakes that Lazarus is dead, that I was not there.”

Seems a terrible thing to say. I’m so glad my friend died, that I wasn’t there to save him. Why did Jesus say this?

The disciples were weak, their faith needed bolstering. They needed strengthened. Big time. In a hurry. They did not have time to train or months to exercise, and years to build their muscles of faith. Time was running out. They needed to know who they followed. They needed to understand this Jesus was not just a charming fellow or an enigmatic leader or a dynamic speaker.

They needed to experience His glory and see His power. They needed to understand that He was, indeed, the Son of the Living God, to feel His love and to know His path was in the light.

Oh how great their unbelief! Thomas even mumbles, “Okay, okay we might as well go with Him so we can just die with Him.”

In retrospect, this seems silly. After all they followed the Light of the world, the Bright Morning Star, the Good Shepherd, the Great I Am. They walked for nearly three years in the footsteps of the Messiah, God Himself in human form.

They were with Him when he fed five thousand plus folks with five loaves and five fishes. They were there when the winds obeyed His voice. With their own eyes, they saw this God-man walk on water, heal the sick, cure many diseases, raise the dead, escape a stoning or two, open the eyes of the blind, make the cripple leap for joy. And they doubted He could walk into Jerusalem and stay alive?!

Yet, how much do I doubt Him? How great is my unbelief? How many times have I experienced His mighty touch in my life, yet when faced with a difficult time, I cry, “I can’t go there! I’ll die!”

How many times do I rail against a harsh circumstance? How many times do I stomp and storm because things get a bit tough? Like frigid temps for days on end?

How many times does Jesus lovingly drag me out of the mud and the mire, gently wipe the grim from my face and softly say,

“Child of mine, if you would only walk in the Light, you would not fall.”?

How many times do I plead and pull and even try to manipulate Almighty God when He tarries for a spell before working out my problems?

How many times do I shake my fist at God when it seems I was abandoned, when I see not His hand working a resolution, when He does not heal, when He allows death, when He stands by and watches suffering, when there is pain and grief, how many times when I am in despair?

And Jesus in His infinite wisdom says, “I am glad, for your sake, I was not there. ”

So you will believe.

So you will grow strong.

So you will know Me more.

So you will walk always in the Light.”

From John 11:1-16

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Posted on January 15, 2015 by Wendy Kleker | 5 Comments

HE IS GOD

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Wendy Kleker

IMG_1030                                                          God of the Moon

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Keeper of the Stars

IMG_1851 Keeper of the Stars

Master of the sun

Master of the sun

BE STILL AND KNOW I AM GOD

God promises to hear our prayers, but He does not promise to answer the way we think He should.

God promises to walk with us always, but He doesn’t promise to make the road a highway.

He promises to give us strength to climb the steep slope, but He doesn’t always move the mountain.

God promises to hold us in His righteous right hand through the toughest trials, but He doesn’t promise to keep us from hard times.

He promises shelter under His wings through the tempest, but he doesn’t always calm the storm.

God promises a refuge to run to, a high tower to hide in, a Friend to talk to;

A fortress when under siege, sustenance when hungry, a shield against Satan’s flaming arrows;

A rock to dwell on, a well that does not run dry, a spacious space on which to stand.

He bears our burdens, lights our path, holds us in His righteous right hand, and comes as our Deliverer.

He washes us white as snow, He redeems us with the Son’s blood, He seals us as His for eternity.

However, He does not promise roses without thorns, a free will without consequences, a world without pain.

He does not promise day without night, joy without sorrow, or love without loss.

But God says the dawn will always come, all things will pass, He comforts those who are broken in heart and in spirit.

Our Redeemer says we can pour our hearts out to Him, but He does not always give the answers.

He invites us to lean on Him, to rest in Him and to seek His face, but He desires us to believe in the things we can not see.

To trust that His mighty hand is working.

To believe He only does what is best for His children.

To have faith that His ways are high above what we can comprehend.

To know completely that those ways are for our good always.

To know He is God, King of the Universe. Almighty Creator, Councilor, Redeemer, Judge, Great Shepherd, King of Glory, Lover of my soul, Keeper of the stars, High King of Heaven, The First and the Last, The Way the Truth and the Life, Ruler of Earth and all that is in it, The God of God’s.

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, He is God, King of Kings, Promises, Trusting God | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

WHO AM I?

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Wendy Kleker
ominous storm

ominous storm

Laughing in the face of the wind

Laughing in the face of the wind

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The eye of the storm

The eye of the storm

WHO AM I?

Last summer, when the kids were here, we did what was probably a foolish thing. We sat outside and watched a storm cloud move in from the west. It was big and black and fierce looking. The huge cloud roiled and lightening flashed like beacons in the midst of the dark mass moving slowly across the sky.

John, Maci, Jacob and I laughed in the face of the wind. We reveled in the danger of the storm. We thrilled at the fact that a funnel could shoot down at any moment and toss us about like rubble. We were either very brave or incredibly stupid.

Actually we sat 6 feet from the door to the house, we felt sure we could run to the shelter of the basement. We were secure in the fact that safety and refuge were right there beside us.

It wasn’t until the dark front of the ominous cloud had passed over us and I looked up to see the swirling whirlwind right above our heads, that I realized how dangerous it was. We were in the eye of the storm. A funnel could drop before we could even say the word, RUN!

Little did we know, until it was past, that there WAS a tornado warning with this storm. There had been in fact, a funnel spotted from the cloud, west of us.     Incredibly stupid is what I would call it, yet undeniably protected!

Today as I sit here I watch a different kind of storm; snow and wind, a blasting blizzard. Snow plastered on buildings and fence posts and driven through any crack the wind can find. Wind-whipped snow biting my face and cold knifing into my bones. Wind, whirling wind and blinding snow.

“The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and the storm. The clouds are the dust of His feet”

Who am I to question God’s way? He commands the winds. He stands in the midst of the mighty storm.

“He rebukes the sea and makes it dry and He dries up the rivers.”

Who am I to demand my way? He controls the waters on the whole earth.

“The mountains quake before Him and the hills melt like wax.”

Who am I to tell the Almighty what He should do? He reigns over the majestic mountains and rules the hills.

“The whole earth and all who dwell in it heave at His presence.”

Who am I to stand in anger before the Almighty God? The earth is His. He has dominion over all the earth and He is master of all who are in it.

I am nothing but dust. A grain of sand on a sea shore created by the Creator. A sinner. Like the inhabitants of Nineveh, I have a black heart. I rail and stomp against my God, yet expect to have blessings heaped upon my head. I am nothing, a weakling unable to take care of my own life.

God is the God of the whirlwind. By spoken word, He controls the wind. God holds the storms in His hands. He lets them loose upon the earth as He sees fit.

When a storm comes into my life and the winds scatter all that I know, who am I to shake my fist at Him who stands in the blast? He is the God of the wind.

If I lose all I have on this earth, who am I to expect more? He gives and He takes away. He is the God of the waters.

When my world quakes, when the ones I counted on leave or are taken away, when everything I know is in upheaval, who am I to be angry at the God of the whole Earth? He can make the mighty mountains shake. The hills run into puddles like melting wax at His word. The earth heaves at His presence. At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

I am nothing. He is everything!

He calms the wind and stills the storm. He waters the ground and makes the flowers bloom and He brings about food on the earth. He holds the mountains in place and solidifies the hills. He keeps the planet together. For now.

However, if He does not, if He allows my life to fall apart then I can do nothing but trust Him. When it is the hardest to trust Him, I need to trust Him the most.

Even if the storms come and the whirlwind scatters my life to the four corners of the earth; Even if the waters dry up on all the earth and I have no sustenance; Even if the mountains shake and fall into the sea; Even if the hills melt and all I know is gone; Even then–

“The Lord is good. He is a stronghold, a refuge, in the day of trouble.

He knows who trusts in Him.” (from Nahum 1:3-7)

Even though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines:

Even though the labor of the olive may fail and the fields yield no crop:

Even though the flock is cut off from the fold and destroyed and there are no        herds in the stalls:

Even then, I will rejoice in the Lord of the whole earth.

I will have joy in my God because he saves my soul.

Because He gives me Grace, I will praise His name. His grace is sufficient, it is     all I need.

“The Lord is my strength, I need no other, He will make my feet like the feet of deer and He will enable me to walk on my high hills.” (from Habakkuk 3:17-19)

I am nothing. He is everything.

Winter storm

Winter storm

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Posted in God is God of the Earth, He commands the wind, He gives and He takes away, He is in the Storm, He is sufficient, I will rejoice, Joy in the storm | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments