Did you know that Jesus — Who is the Word, the One who was/is Life and the Light of Men — celebrated Hanukkah, also called, The Feast of Dedication? This shouldn’t be surprising because he was/is Jewish.
“After this the Feast of Dedication [of the reconsecration of the temple] was taking place at Jerusalem. It was winter, And Jesus was walking in Solomon’s Porch in the temple area.” John 10:22-23 AMPC
I enjoyed reading and learning from this very insightful article about The Feast of Dedication at this link:How Jesus fulfills the Hopes of Hanukkah by Thomas Boehm.
Here are a couple of excerpts from it:
“Although Hanukkah has no direct Torah command, its origins are rooted in the lived experience of the Jewish people as they struggled to survive culturally, spiritually, and physically under the pressures of foreign empires.”
Nearly two centuries later the empire threatening the Jews had changed, but their struggle was the same, and…
“Into this world stepped the Light of the World, who celebrated the Feast of Dedication not merely as a historical memory, but as one who fulfills its deepest meaning. Hanukkah becomes a window into the heart of Jesus’s mission: to cleanse, to restore, to rededicate, and to reveal God’s kingdom in the midst of darkness, on earth as it already is in his presence.”
As we approach the celebration of his birth, I have been meditating on Jesus, how He was Light and Life from the beginning. The star that led the wisemen to him and the bright glory of the angel’s message to the shepherds could not help but reflect that.
I want to share these scriptures to encourage you:
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.” John 1:1, 3-4 NLT
“In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].” John 1:4-5 AMPC
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”” John 8:12 NLT
“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world so that all who trust in me will no longer wander in darkness.” John 12:46 TPT
Dear one, Jesus gave his life for you. He wants you to receive his life, his salvation, and his light that leads to life. Will you open your heart and ask him to be your Lord today?
This week I got behind in my normal practice to read and pray with GiveHim15 by Dutch Sheets. Wow, I am catching up tonight and it’s so good I want to share The Invitation with you! I hope you will find it as inciteful and encouraging as I did.
To get things started, here is a paragraph from the article, which by the way you can watch on YouTube as well.
The Invitation
God loves being with us. Consider the following invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). The Almighty, the Creator, the Everlasting God of heaven and earth wants some time with us.
Go to the link above to read the rest!
Also, read this wonderful Psalm and give Him praise — He is a good God!
“God! Arise with awesome power, and every one of your enemies will scatter in fear! Chase them away—all these God-haters. Blow them away as a puff of smoke. Melt them away like wax in the fire. One good look at you and the wicked vanish. But let all the righteous be glad! Yes, let them all rejoice in your presence and be carried away with gladness. Let them laugh and be radiant with joy! Let them sing their celebration-songs for the coming of the cloud rider whose name is Yah! To the fatherless he is a father. To the widow he is a champion friend. The lonely he makes part of a family. The prisoners he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy. This is our Holy God in his Holy Place! But for the rebels there is heartache and despair. O Lord, it was you who marched in front of your people, leading them through the wasteland. Pause in his presence The earth shook beneath your feet; the heavens filled with clouds before the presence of the God of Sinai. The sacred mountain shook at the sight of the face of Israel’s God. You, O God, sent the reviving rain upon your weary inheritance, showers of blessing to refresh it. So there your people settled. And in your kindness you provided the poor with abundance.” Psalms 68:1-10 TPT
Hineni (הִנֵּנִי) is a Hebrew word that most simply means: Here I am, Here am I, or Behold, I.
With the murder of Charlie Kirk, who became a martyr for Christ on September 10, this word has taken on new significance for many people who are now saying, Here I Am, just as Charlie did.
Many have become hungry for God — seeking to know Jesus, to know that God loves them and has a plan for their lives. Churches are growing. Some people are coming back after being gone for long, others coming for the first time, Bibles are being bought and read. Many lives are being changed as they come to Jesus.
For many Christ followers it is a call to remember whose we are, who we are in Christ and that He has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. That we cannot be silent, the good news is ours to share.
As His, I am reminded that my aim is to live Hineni — Here I Am. To keep my heart tuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit. To be available to act whenever, however and wherever, as He directs. To be mindful that I get to choose to let His love flow through me, and that I may be the only Jesus someone sees.
As a result of this it is my joy and honor to share this truth with you:
“Now, if anyone is enfolded into Christ, he has become an entirely new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. Behold, everything is fresh and new. And God has made all things new, and reconciled us to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God.
In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. We are ambassadors of the Anointed One who carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips.
So we tenderly plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.” For God made the only one who did not know sin to become sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God through our union with him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 TPT
There is nothing you can do to make him love you less, or more. Ask Jesus to come into your heart, receive the forgiveness for your sins that he offers, be reconciled to the one true God, He loves you perfectly and completely.
“Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation. The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed. [Ps. 34:22; Isa. 28:16; 49:23; Jer. 17:7.]” Romans 10:9-11 AMPC
Psalm 103:2-5 has been a key scripture in my life for some time. Holy Spirit leads me to remember and speak it often. Faith in this Word from God and that He is good has been an anchor to my soul in the journey of my husband’s health. Surely I have seen God do some marvelous things, and I am grateful that He isn’t finished yet!
Below are some translations of these verses I like to reflect/meditate on. I also highly recommend the devotion titled, From Tradition to Truth by Gloria Copeland.
Psalm 103:2-5
The Amplified Version (AMPC): “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits– Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]! [Isa. 40:31.]”
The Passion Translation (TPT): “Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness you’ve done for me? You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done. You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease. You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life. You’ve crowned me with love and mercy. You satisfy my every desire with good things. You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again like a flying eagle in the sky!”
The New Living Translation (NLT): “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”
Also as confirmed in Isaiah 53:5 and here:
“He personally bore our sins in His [own] body on the tree [as on an altar and offered Himself on it], that we might die (cease to exist) to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 AMPC
“Yet, Christ paid the full price to set us free from the curse of the law. He absorbed the curse completely as he became a curse in our place. For it is written: “Everyone who is hung upon a tree is cursed.” Jesus Christ dissolved the curse from our lives, so that in him all the blessings of Abraham can be poured out upon gentiles. And now through faith we receive the promised Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Galatians 3:13-14 TPT
I am grateful for The Word of God that tells me who He is, what His will is, and what He does. Oh how He loves you and me!
I was in Texas for 10 days recently, blessed to attend the Southwest Believer’s Convention (click here to watch on demand) and to be immersed in the Word of God and Worship from Sunday-Sunday. This was my 28th year and as always, God was faithful to fill me to overflowing, literally. From start to end would equal approximately 6 months of regular Sunday services. It was awesome, amazing and I am grateful for all I learned. As I work my way through notes taken, studying and relistening, I expect to share more here.
Today, I did a study of Proverbs 3:5-6 and below are the Amplified Version, the King James Version, and finally in a version that I wrote based on my study of the Hebrew words. It helped me see it fresh new perspective, and I hope that it will encourage you.
King James Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Amplified Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
My version Be confident and secure, and boldly lean on and trust in the Lord with all your heart — with the very center and core of your being (mind, will and emotions) and don’t rely on what you think you know — your own insight, knowledge, wisdom or understanding. Throughout the course of your life’s journey talk with God, know, be aware of, consider, recognize, respect and regard and acknowledge Him. He will direct, make right, pleasant, prosperous and straight and clear your road (path) and race.
Another thing I learned about while in Texas, from a dear friend, Michelle, is this daily devotion available on YouTube. I am really enjoying it and thought you might as well. Here is the link to Jesus First
I am forever grateful, and mindful that OH, how HE loves you and me! Blessings dear ones!
Sometimes we need a quiet place to retreat and listen to Him as He speaks to us through His Word, to be reminded of His love and care for us. To take time to talk, and to hear His heart.
These precious words come from God through the Apostle Paul to us. They are as needed and effective today as when they were written.
“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow! Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing.Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God withoverflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind.And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.” Philippians 4:4, 6-8 TPT
I retired a week ago, and while I have some short-term plans and longer term dreams, I am also seeking the Lord for what His plans are next for me. Well today, I was going through a journal of things I have felt He spoke to me, and this one seemed good to share with you. Whatever place you may be in your life, I hope it will speak to your heart, as it did mine.
Today is a day of trust and rest, listening and learning, of obedience and test, a time to believe. There is a tomorrow coming, and you have a place in me both now and then. For now, don’t get caught up wondering what is next. Get caught up with me, I am where you are, with you – NOW.
I Am the One who gives you a future and hope. I Am everlasting. I was, I am, and I will always be. All that is good and satisfying is connected to knowing me. Shalom, which is true peace, nothing missing, lacking or broken, it’s only possible with, in and through me. It cannot be attained, or maintained apart from me. When you find me, you find that too.
Yes, your tomorrow is coming, and I will reveal my plan. I’ll make it clear, and I’ll equip you to complete it.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (AMP). For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
John 14:17 AMP). Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
If you don’t already know my Jesus, listen, he is knocking on the door of your heart. Invite him in, ask him to reveal himself to you. He is love and he loves you. He wants you to experience the unlimited love and forgiveness that He died to give you, to reconcile you to the Father. He always has and always will.
In continuing to research the word, Hineni, I read and have been thinking the story of the Prophet Samuel, and his impact on the nation of Israel.
I remember Samuel from the Bible story in Samuel 3:1-21 that I often heard as a child. It talks about Samuel being dedicated to God as a small child, and that one night (at about 12 years old) he was awakened by a voice calling several times and how he got up to answer it. He thought Eli the Priest was calling him, so he went to Eli and said, Here am I (Hineni). Eli recognized after a few times that it must be God calling and told Samuel that when he heard it again, to say, “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening.”
I think that’s where the Bible story ended back then, with the lesson being, if we were willing to say, Here I am, and to serve God, he would lead us. That’s a good lesson for a child, or for anyone to learn. But the story is so much richer if you take some time to look a bit deeper.
I read about Samuel’s mother, Hannah, in Samuel 1 & 2, and based on that I began to think about her impact on Samuel’s life. She only had him with her for 2-3 years, and after that she gave him to the Lord. Reading of her story and her faith, I can imagine her holding Samuel close during those years. Singing to him, praying over him and telling him of the God that had great plans for him. I can also imagine the love she poured into the garment she made and gave to him each year as he grew up in the service of God, and her joy in seeing him each year.
Think about it, God used Hannah to lay the ground work for Samuel’s faith and his willingness to listen to and serve the Lord. I believe God also hears our prayers, our heart’s cries, and He will use us if we will listen and say with a willing heart, Hineni Here am I.
Below is a condensed version of Hannah’s story, but I highly recommend reading it for yourself.
Hannah (whose name means, favored) was very was loved by her husband, but she was barren, distained and embarassed by her husband’s other wife, and desparately wanting to have a child.
During a yearly visit to sacrifice at the temple she made her appeal to God. Crying inconsolably she prayed and vowed: “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid and remember, and not forget your handmaid but will be me a son, I will give him to the Lord all of his life; no razor shall touch his head.”
Eli the Priest saw her praying and thought she was drunk, but when she explained she was praying, he said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” Hannah believed it! She took that as her prayer answered, now that’s faith!
Hannah was soon pregnant, and she named her son Samuel (Heard of God). When she had weaned him (estimated at 2-3 years old), she took both him and an offering to the Lord’s house at Shiloh, and brought him to Eli, saying: “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted my petition… therefore I am given him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is given to the Lord,” and they worshipped the Lord there. Before leaving Samuel to minister to the Lord before Eli the priest, Hannah prayed this wonderful faith-filled prayer:
My heart exults and triumphs in the Lord; my horn (my strength) is lifted up in the Lord. My mouth is no longer silent, for it is opened wide over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.There is none holy like the Lord, there is none besides You; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let not arrogance go forth from your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children languishes and is forlorn. The Lord slays and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and He lifts up. He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts up the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with nobles and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His godly ones, but the wicked shall be silenced and perish in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them will He thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge [all peoples] to the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His king (King) and exalt the power of His anointed.
Not only did Samuel hear the voice of God as a child, he went on to be a mighty Prophet of God and Judge of Israel. And, it was also Samuel that God used to anoint Saul (the 1st King of Israel) and King David. Here are some verses that speak about him:
Samuel 3:19-21 Samuel grew; the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. And the Lord continued to appear in Shiloh, for the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh through the word of the Lord.
Samuel 7:8-15. And the Israelites said to Samuel, Do not cease to cry to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines. So Samuel took a sucking lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord; and Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the Lord thundered with a great voice that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were defeated before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and smote them as far as below Beth-car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and he called the name of it Ebenezer [stone of help], saying, Heretofore the Lord has helped us. So the Philistines were subdued and came no more into Israelite territory. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The cities the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath, and Israel rescued [the cities’] territory from the Philistines. There was peace also between Israel and the Amorites. And Samuel judged Israel all his days.
My prayer is that I will hear whenever He calls, and that He will hear me say, Hineni. Here am I. Whatever He may ask, I know that He is good, He is faithful, He is kind, He IS LOVE. Oh how HE loves YOU and ME!
I am back! I’ve been really busy for the last few months, getting ready to retire, writing work instructions for a job I did for 12+ years, and then training my replacement. I officially retired a few days ago, so now I can get back to writing. I am grateful.
I was a preteen when I learned about Holy Spirit through “The Jesus People” movement in California. Knowing Jesus and His precious Holy Spirit forever changed my life, and I am so grateful.
This week, I read a GiveHim15 post by Dutch Sheets and watched this Video. Seeing so many young people worshipping Him, brought it back in a fresh way, and I was drawn to pray with and for them. I encourage you to watch it all the way to the end, it is precious and powerful.
I am reminded of the goodness of God in reaching me and so many other youth back then, and I rejoice at seeing Him do it again in this season. I believe their lives are being changed forever too. That prodigals are coming home and back to the Lord. And that what these young people experienced will spread far and wide.
Believe, pray, live in expectation and abide in Him. Ask Him to reveal himself to you and your loved ones, and to people everywhere who need to know Him.
Know that He hears your prayers, that He loves them, and He loves us. He wants us to know Him more, and knowing Him will change our world.
“I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].” John 15:9 AMPC
“And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.” 1 John 2:28 AMPC
As I have been studying the word Hineni, I noted that its first mention is in Genesis 22:1. God calls Abraham by name, and Abraham’s immediate reply is Hineni – Here I am.
I felt compelled to go back and read Genesis 12-22, to look at the relationship between Abraham and God. It helped me understand why Abraham answered, Hineni (indicating his willingness to do whatever God asked) when God called him that day. They had a relationship of friendship, of covenant, promises given, promises fulfilled. Abraham knew that what God said, He would do.
As I read Genesis 22:1-18, Abraham had no fear as he faced the test. He fully expected God to provide, and to return with his son. So much so that just as he raises the knife to sacrifice Isaac, he hears God calling and says once again, Here I am.
Abraham, the Father of our faith, believed God, he had faith in what he said, he trusted God. By doing that he had received his promised son, even though it was physically impossible. And God had promised that his generations would come through Isaac.
“By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test [while the testing of his faith was still in progress], had already brought Isaac for an offering; he who had gladly received and welcomed [God’s] promises was ready to sacrifice his only son, [Gen. 22:1-10.] Of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be reckoned. [Gen. 21:12.] For he reasoned that God was able to raise [him] up even from among the dead. Indeed in the sense that Isaac was figuratively dead [potentially sacrificed], he did [actually] receive him back from the dead.” Hebrews 11:17-19 AMPC
Because of Jesus this faith, this relationship with God is available to each one of us. He wants us to know Him, to learn that He is faithful. We do this by reading the Word, listening to Holy Spirit, praying (talking to and listening for God to speak to us).
He loves each one of us, He delights in revealing who He is and his good plans for us.
“[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, In Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 AMPC
“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC
“Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].” Hebrews 4:16 AMPC
Think about it: Do you know that He delights in you? What promises have you seen fulfilled? What are you expecting? What blessings have you received? What can you do to get to know Him more?
I haven’t written in a while, but writing has been on my mind as I have recovered from a total knee replacement surgery. It’s been a journey of healing and during this time I have quite often thought about the word, Hineni.
Hineni (הִנֵּנִי) is a Hebrew word that most simply means: Here I am, Here am I, or Behold, I.
Biblically it is significant, so there’s a lot we can learn. To start things off, I will share this song that inspires me.
One of my favorite Christmas memories is when our kids & grandkids would go “Christmas Tree Shopping & Chopping.”
I recently shared the message below in a couple of Facebook groups that I participate in, and it seemed good share it with you today.
I suspect that for many of you, like us, the holidays are difficult. This is our 5th Christmas since my husband was diagnosed with a rare disease and due to the need to keep his immune response low, we live a very sheltered and sometimes lonely life.
I want to encourage you, as I am encouraging myself today: be grateful for every victory no matter how small, every good day and good thing you can think of — maybe even write a list of your blessings too. that you will remember with joy your good holiday memories. Pray for others who are in similar or maybe even worse circumstances.
My prayer for you is that you will tangibly feel and know that you are loved, you are seen. That you hearts will find grace, help, peace, comfort and even joy in your journey. That you and your loved ones will experience healing in your bodies, your mind and in your emotions.
Oh how He loves you and me!
“Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” Romans 15:13 TPT
I woke up earlier this week with this lovely hymn on my mind. I haven’t sung it for years and years, and yet I remember the words so well. That’s true of many of the precious hymns I sang as a child.
I felt compelled to hear it and learn about its history, and while searching I found this wonderful blog by a fellow believer. I haven’t been able to contact him, but I am sure he won’t mind me sharing this link to Barry’s Hymns, which he has been writing for many years. There are so many, and he shares his thoughts and the stories of each one. Here is what I found:
(1) O what a wonderful, wonderful day-Day I will never forget; After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met. O what a tender, compassionate friend-He met the need of my heart; shadows dispelling, With joy I am telling, He made all the darkness depart!
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away, And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
(2) Born of the Spirit with life from above into God’s family divine, Justified fully through Calvary’s love, O what a standing is mine! And the transaction so quickly was made When as a sinner I came, Took of the offer Of grace He did proffer-He saved me, O praise His dear name!
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
(3) Now I’ve a hope that will surely endure after the passing of time; I have a future in heaven for sure.There in those mansions sublime. And it’s because of that wonderful day When at the cross I believed; Riches eternal And blessings supernal From His precious hand I received.
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul, When at the cross the Savior made me whole; My sins were washed away And my night was turned to day-Heaven came down and glory filled my soul!
This song also reminds me of the angel’s declaration, when He and Heaven came down:
“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah. You will recognize him by this miraculous sign: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in the feeding trough!” Then all at once in the night sky, a vast number of glorious angels appeared, the very armies of heaven! And they all praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest realms of heaven! For there is peace and a good hope given to the sons of men.”” Luke 2:9-14 TPT
As I reflect on celebrating the birth of Jesus next week, I am keenly aware of His great love for all of us. My prayer for all of us is that He will reveal more of who He is and how very much each one of us are deeply loved by Him. That in knowing His love, it will be revealed through us and our world will be impacted.
He is God, He is faithful, and He is unfailing. He is good and His mercies endure forever. That’s why I/we can and must believe, wait, hope and expect the Lord.
Last weekend I attended a women’s event at Crossfire Church. My dear friend, Pastor Judy Hemmila and her daughter, Tammy Trent spoke.
God knew I needed it, and he met me there. I am being very transparent in writing this, in hopes that someone else will read this and be encouraged.
I had recently received news about my husband’s health, and honestly I was struggling to continue to stand in faith. It will be 5 years in November since he became ill. Through prayer and faith he gained back much of what had been lost, but this news from the doctor made my heart ache. I was shook up thinking of what things were like 5 years ago and not wanting to go through it again.
So, back to the meeting, and what helped me to regain hope.
The message: Wave Walkers
“Peter shouted out, “Lord, if it’s really you, then have me join you on the water!” “Come and join me,” Jesus replied. So Peter stepped out onto the water and began to walk toward Jesus. But when he realized how high the waves were, he became frightened and started to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he cried out. Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and lifted him up and said, “What little faith you have! Why would you let doubt win?” And the very moment they both stepped into the boat, the raging wind ceased.” Matthew 14:28-32 TPT
“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with my strength and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly with my victorious right hand.’ I am Yahweh, your mighty God! I grip your right hand and won’t let you go! I whisper to you: ‘Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you!’” Isaiah 41:10, 13 TPT
Tammy shared:
God was there…and is now.
Never mistake your numbness for his absence.
Stay anchored. Keep going back to the Word, what he as promised, what he has done.
He is the way out.
His intentions are good.
We need his blueprint and his vision. His Direction – Deut 2:3.; He is doing something new – Isa. 43:18-19; His promises are Yes and Amen – 2 Cor 1:20
Judy shared:
What are you rooted in that will help you weather the storm?
Where are we right now in the waters of life – head above? Or below? He keeps us from drowning.
Stay focused on Jesus! With Him all things are possible.
Don’t let your reasoning block you from experiencing the will of God.
Doubt is a friend to unbelief.
Let’s stop looking at what is pulling us down. And look at what is pulling us us up — the Word. (My add – the Living Word, He is Jesus, who loves me unconditionally, who NEVER leaves or forsakes me.)
I know they said much more, but these are the words that reached in and pulled me up, back into the place where I could once again breathe the air of faith.
Their words of faith, and both Judy’s and Linda’s prayers helped me to regain hope, faith, and trust in who He is always – a faithful God.
If you are struggling today, I speak the name of Jesus over you. Close your eyes and whisper His name. As you do I pray that you will sense His presence, reach out to Him and let Him fill you with the peace that only He can give. Know that He loves you, sees you, and cares deeply for you.
A Grateful Grace-full Life 