Family Of God - Heroes In The Making
"I know ya thinking... you're the only one. I see you hiding out 'cause of what you've done. All your shame got you on the run. I been there, too, and it just ain't fun. This is a message to the saints. The table has been set, so take your place. There is no more condemnation. There is only grace. We are family here. Colors and stains disappear. There is no doubt you belong. This is the family of God" (Family of God, by the Christian group, Newsboys.)
As I was contemplating what to write - I knew where I wanted to go, just not how to get there - I heard this song and everything fell into place, sort of. I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me and reminding me of a very special day I sat at our kitchen table with my grandchildren and I was picking their brains, allowing them free rein in the creative process for my next, daunting, project. I spread out a large sheet of blank news print and pointed to various spots; laying out the thread of the plot before them.
As I was contemplating what to write - I knew where I wanted to go, just not how to get there - I heard this song and everything fell into place, sort of. I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me and reminding me of a very special day I sat at our kitchen table with my grandchildren and I was picking their brains, allowing them free rein in the creative process for my next, daunting, project. I spread out a large sheet of blank news print and pointed to various spots; laying out the thread of the plot before them.
Thumbnail version: Picture a medieval land which is literally dying as a result of the evil one and his horde of demonic beings - imagine Chronicles of Narnia. Battles rage all over the land leaving dead in their wake. But in one small valley lives a family, the only good left in that valley. This family, unbeknownst to the young heroes, are direct heirs to the king. The enemy, however, lets call him Reficul, (hint reverse the letters) also knows of this relationship and sets out to capture the two cousins who are of age to marry, 14 and 15, and through them bear his own heirs to the kingdom. This would be catastrophic!
Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that good ole' Reficul at one time lived in the kingdom. In fact he was a pretty important dude, that is until he got kicked out with a bunch of his henchmen. Our young girls are forced on a journey to flee the evil one and reach the kingdom before the great war. But along the way they rescue other children, survivors of the devastation, becoming very young warriors and heroes...and so the story goes on.
I couldn't help but marvel as my grandchildren began getting into the creative process. They each have a character built around themselves, and each character has his or her own strengths, as well as spiritual gifts. It was during this time that I took advantage of the story line to tell them that they are in-fact actual heirs to the King. The King! We are actual, honest to goodness royalty, I told them. As you can imagine eyes widened. Cammie marveled, Tay was thoughtful, Mason thought it was cool! It really is.
Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that good ole' Reficul at one time lived in the kingdom. In fact he was a pretty important dude, that is until he got kicked out with a bunch of his henchmen. Our young girls are forced on a journey to flee the evil one and reach the kingdom before the great war. But along the way they rescue other children, survivors of the devastation, becoming very young warriors and heroes...and so the story goes on.
I couldn't help but marvel as my grandchildren began getting into the creative process. They each have a character built around themselves, and each character has his or her own strengths, as well as spiritual gifts. It was during this time that I took advantage of the story line to tell them that they are in-fact actual heirs to the King. The King! We are actual, honest to goodness royalty, I told them. As you can imagine eyes widened. Cammie marveled, Tay was thoughtful, Mason thought it was cool! It really is.
"No matter who you were when you walked through the door, Here you're no orphan anymore. Brothers and sisters by blood, This is the Family of God. Oh, we are Sons and daughters of the King. We are...We are the royal family."
The amazingly wonderful thing about the story we are creating is that the heroes aren't hulking soldiers wearing massive armor and bearing horrible weapons. They aren't die-hard men and loyal towns-people banding together with weapons at hand to form an army. No, these are young people and children uniting in an impossible mission against the very armies of Hell. They are family by blood, the King's blood, which as they will discover runs through each and every one of them, just as it runs through each and every one of us.
I knew that I needed to write an article encouraging and empowering our young people and our children. I felt with every fiber of my being that the Holy Spirit was guiding me down this path...but I was lost as to how. I'm no longer lost. So here goes.
Each and everyone one of us, regardless of age, is royalty. Through Jesus Christ you are all saved and that makes each of you Daughters and Sons of God. You have been adopted into His family, and no one...let me say that again...no one, can steal your inheritance from you. When we come to church we often say that we are a church family, and that's true. But my young brothers and sisters, (yes, through Jesus we are all brothers and sisters, even we old folk) the family goes so much deeper. We are family of God! God, Himself, calls you daughter and son, Jesus calls you brother and sister...how incredible is that!
The amazingly wonderful thing about the story we are creating is that the heroes aren't hulking soldiers wearing massive armor and bearing horrible weapons. They aren't die-hard men and loyal towns-people banding together with weapons at hand to form an army. No, these are young people and children uniting in an impossible mission against the very armies of Hell. They are family by blood, the King's blood, which as they will discover runs through each and every one of them, just as it runs through each and every one of us.
I knew that I needed to write an article encouraging and empowering our young people and our children. I felt with every fiber of my being that the Holy Spirit was guiding me down this path...but I was lost as to how. I'm no longer lost. So here goes.
Each and everyone one of us, regardless of age, is royalty. Through Jesus Christ you are all saved and that makes each of you Daughters and Sons of God. You have been adopted into His family, and no one...let me say that again...no one, can steal your inheritance from you. When we come to church we often say that we are a church family, and that's true. But my young brothers and sisters, (yes, through Jesus we are all brothers and sisters, even we old folk) the family goes so much deeper. We are family of God! God, Himself, calls you daughter and son, Jesus calls you brother and sister...how incredible is that!
"Hey drifter, you can come on home, You're no stranger, yeah, you are known. Heavy burdens, leave 'em at the door, 'Cause this is our Father's world, For this is our Father's world. This is a message to the saints, The table has been set, so take your place. There is no more condemnation, There is only grace."
There are times when we all feel like we're drifting. We're not certain where we belong, or who we belong to. There may be times you feel invisible, or, times you wish you were invisible. Times you follow the crowd even though you don't like where they're going, just so you feel you belong. I get it. I was young too, believe it or not.
I also understand that you may feel all these things when you're at church. Where do you fit in? You're not a little child anymore, but you're not an adult yet. You may feel as if you've slipped through a very large crack and that you're forgotten, not important. Well, I want to say you are not forgotten and you are so very important! Here's a little secret, even some of us grownups experience these feelings.
There are times when we all feel like we're drifting. We're not certain where we belong, or who we belong to. There may be times you feel invisible, or, times you wish you were invisible. Times you follow the crowd even though you don't like where they're going, just so you feel you belong. I get it. I was young too, believe it or not.
I also understand that you may feel all these things when you're at church. Where do you fit in? You're not a little child anymore, but you're not an adult yet. You may feel as if you've slipped through a very large crack and that you're forgotten, not important. Well, I want to say you are not forgotten and you are so very important! Here's a little secret, even some of us grownups experience these feelings.
Our young heroes in the story were thrown headlong into a perilous world with little or no training. They had no choice but to learn to be warriors on the run, literally. The mission thrust upon them meant life or death for family, friends, and so many lost children; for the entire land. The course was set, they must reach the King before a great and mighty war could break out. They must rescue the lost children along the way, saving them from the evil one's snare. Theirs was a frightening and daunting task; one which left no room for failure. And our young heroes vowed victory would be theirs.
The world in which you live seems like a battle zone at times, and to be honest it is. You, the amazing young people of the Family of God, also have heroes living inside of you, just waiting to be called to action. This call, my young friends, can be heard every single day. When someone is being bullied and needs a friend. When someone is struggling from self-esteem issues and feels worthless. When violence happens and someone needs support, love, help of any kind. When a friend says they don't think they believe in God anymore because something bad happened to them. The list goes on and on.
You, however, have an advantage over our young heroes. Your church family. All the things you learn in Sunday School, Youth Group, Vertical Kids, and Church, are teaching you and preparing you to go out into your world as disciples, (who were amazing warriors for Christ - warriors whose banner was love.) and warriors of the King. The Bible says that we need to put on the Armor of God...but what is that armor? Check out: Ephesians 6:10-18. So my young friends, plant your feet and stand strong, because you are not only Royalty, you are part of God's army. You are budding heroes.
"So, child of God, Your adoption, it is done, This family is forever And we've just begun."
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a moment to enjoy the music video below: Family of God, by Newsboys
The world in which you live seems like a battle zone at times, and to be honest it is. You, the amazing young people of the Family of God, also have heroes living inside of you, just waiting to be called to action. This call, my young friends, can be heard every single day. When someone is being bullied and needs a friend. When someone is struggling from self-esteem issues and feels worthless. When violence happens and someone needs support, love, help of any kind. When a friend says they don't think they believe in God anymore because something bad happened to them. The list goes on and on.
You, however, have an advantage over our young heroes. Your church family. All the things you learn in Sunday School, Youth Group, Vertical Kids, and Church, are teaching you and preparing you to go out into your world as disciples, (who were amazing warriors for Christ - warriors whose banner was love.) and warriors of the King. The Bible says that we need to put on the Armor of God...but what is that armor? Check out: Ephesians 6:10-18. So my young friends, plant your feet and stand strong, because you are not only Royalty, you are part of God's army. You are budding heroes.
"So, child of God, Your adoption, it is done, This family is forever And we've just begun."
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a moment to enjoy the music video below: Family of God, by Newsboys
Heed The Signs
Prophecy. One word. So, what does that one word mean to you? Most of us as believers recognize certain Words of Prophecy; we read them during Christmas and Easter. Isaiah's Prophecy of the birth of Jesus is very familiar. Prophecies of Christ's death on the cross and resurrection may also be familiar. But what about the prophecies related to us now, to Christ's return? Revelation? Daniel? Maybe not so much?
Here's a little known fact concerning the mega-confusing book of Revelation. It's the one book in the Bible that holds a blessing for all who read, hear and heed its Words. Rev. 1:3 "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near."
Here's a little known fact concerning the mega-confusing book of Revelation. It's the one book in the Bible that holds a blessing for all who read, hear and heed its Words. Rev. 1:3 "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near."
When Jesus came into the world the first time nearly every aspect of His birth, life, death, and resurrection, had been foretold in prophecy. The prophets had been studied by all Jews. Yet, when Jesus went to the Synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath and stood up to read the words of Isaiah about Himself, saying that He was in fact this person, His words were not met with joy and awe, but rather with anger and scorn. He, Jesus the Christ, the living embodiment of Prophecy, stood before them and they were clueless. He was nothing more than the carpenter's son.
They completely missed the mark. God, Himself, walked among them, ate with them, worshiped with them, befriended them, healed them...and yet they did not recognize Him. Not only did they not recognize Jesus for who He truly was, some plotted His death. Lies were told. Deception ensued. They would be rid of this trouble maker once and for all. Jesus was brutalized, died a horrific death on the cross, was buried and rose from the dead, all foretold in prophecy...and yet they remained ignorant.
Hind-sight, being what it is, allows us a far clearer perspective. We recognize the prophecies for what they are. Truth. And we acknowledge that Christ was and is, the living, breathing, embodiment of that Truth. It's all too easy for us to shake our heads in wonder. How could they not get it? Were they blind? Deaf? How could they cut their teeth on the Words of the Prophets and miss recognizing them when they came to life right under their noses?
They completely missed the mark. God, Himself, walked among them, ate with them, worshiped with them, befriended them, healed them...and yet they did not recognize Him. Not only did they not recognize Jesus for who He truly was, some plotted His death. Lies were told. Deception ensued. They would be rid of this trouble maker once and for all. Jesus was brutalized, died a horrific death on the cross, was buried and rose from the dead, all foretold in prophecy...and yet they remained ignorant.
Hind-sight, being what it is, allows us a far clearer perspective. We recognize the prophecies for what they are. Truth. And we acknowledge that Christ was and is, the living, breathing, embodiment of that Truth. It's all too easy for us to shake our heads in wonder. How could they not get it? Were they blind? Deaf? How could they cut their teeth on the Words of the Prophets and miss recognizing them when they came to life right under their noses?
These past couple years I have felt God leading me on a journey for His Truth. This journey has led me into prophecy. I was thrown headfirst into the confusion that is Revelation, and Daniel. The more I learned the more I sought. Such as, when Jesus said when He comes again, it will be as in the Days of Noah. People were going about their daily lives until the day Noah entered the Ark. But I needed to know more. Exactly what was happening in the days of Noah that caused God to flood the entire earth. So I dug deeper. The more I learned the more I needed to learn. (Wow! Worse than could ever be imagined.) Why? Because it is about us! I believe we are living smack in the middle of prophecy.
As I was praying about writing this article, I felt the Spirit reminding me of Hurricane Katrina and the catastrophic devastation. I know, seems odd, right? But as I listened to the Spirit I began to see the connection.
As I was praying about writing this article, I felt the Spirit reminding me of Hurricane Katrina and the catastrophic devastation. I know, seems odd, right? But as I listened to the Spirit I began to see the connection.
Hurricane Katrina - one of the deadliest hurricanes to ever hit the US - estimated 1,833 people died in the hurricane and flooding that followed in late August 2005. Millions left homeless. Katrina formed 200 miles SE of Bahamas as tropical depression on Aug. 23 according to the NOAA. Storm clouds wrapped around the North side of storm's circulation center - Aug. 24 - winds of 40 mph - now named Tropical Storm Katrina. Hit South Florida - Aug. 25 - moderate category 1 hurricane - 2 people killed - some flooding. "Appeared to be just another hurricane. Weakened after passing over Florida. Reclassified as tropical storm."
Once over water again, Katrina stalled beneath a large upper level anticyclone that swallowed the Gulf of Mexico - rapidly gaining strength - re-intensified to category 5 storm - Aug. 28. Weakened to category 3 storm before making landfall - morning of Aug. 29 - sustained winds of 120 mph. Strongest winds slammed Gulfport and Biloxi Mississippi - devastating both cities. Storm surge from 10 - 28 ft. The surge exposed engineering mistakes in Levees and flood-walls. 80% of New Orleans and surrounding communities flooded - waters didn't recede for weeks. Mandatory evac. ordered previous day. Est. 1.2 million left ahead of storm - tens of thousands could not or would not leave.
That's Katrina in the nutshell. But what does this have to do with Prophecy and Jesus coming again? Because of the confusing path the storm was taking, and because hurricanes were common in that neck of the woods, warnings weren't heeded. The signs were there, but they were deceiving, trivialized, nonthreatening - even to the meteorologists and other experts. The people knew the drill. They'd be fine. They'd survived storms in the past, this would be no different. They, however, didn't know the underlying danger. Shoddy engineering, leading to failure of the levees and flood-walls the people placed their confidence.
Once over water again, Katrina stalled beneath a large upper level anticyclone that swallowed the Gulf of Mexico - rapidly gaining strength - re-intensified to category 5 storm - Aug. 28. Weakened to category 3 storm before making landfall - morning of Aug. 29 - sustained winds of 120 mph. Strongest winds slammed Gulfport and Biloxi Mississippi - devastating both cities. Storm surge from 10 - 28 ft. The surge exposed engineering mistakes in Levees and flood-walls. 80% of New Orleans and surrounding communities flooded - waters didn't recede for weeks. Mandatory evac. ordered previous day. Est. 1.2 million left ahead of storm - tens of thousands could not or would not leave.
That's Katrina in the nutshell. But what does this have to do with Prophecy and Jesus coming again? Because of the confusing path the storm was taking, and because hurricanes were common in that neck of the woods, warnings weren't heeded. The signs were there, but they were deceiving, trivialized, nonthreatening - even to the meteorologists and other experts. The people knew the drill. They'd be fine. They'd survived storms in the past, this would be no different. They, however, didn't know the underlying danger. Shoddy engineering, leading to failure of the levees and flood-walls the people placed their confidence.
Christians have been looking for Christ's return for over 2000 years. How many times over the centuries - with each war and new devastation - have people thought "This is it!" Only it wasn't. How many false prophets have declared unequivocally the exact day and time the world would end? Only it didn't. We've had wars and rumors of wars; earthquakes and hurricanes; pestilence and plagues, forever. We've survived all these years, we'll be fine. So, what's different now? The Truth in Prophecy we can only discern through studying prophecy.
The signs are all around...just look at the Middle East and Jerusalem. (We have to realize that everything in prophecy surrounds Israel. To understand prophecy we must understand the Hebrew culture, calendar and festivals. President Trump's support of Jerusalem exactly 70 years after Israel becoming a nation...Big!)
Look at our own country, and the world; the abominations that have become not only acceptable but something to be fought for. Increasingly horrific floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, hurricanes. More and more countries going to war. Violence. Riots. Increased perversion. Idol worship. One world government plans. (Globalism) One world religion plans. (Yes, it's happening.) Christians being persecuted and martyred, ISIS. Countries, which will, and are, coming against Israel and Jerusalem...All foretold in Prophecy. Also our technology, which for the first time in history allows certain prophecies to come about - the entire world seeing things at once - satellites - government chips to insert under the skin as ID and a way to pay for needed items.
The signs are all around...just look at the Middle East and Jerusalem. (We have to realize that everything in prophecy surrounds Israel. To understand prophecy we must understand the Hebrew culture, calendar and festivals. President Trump's support of Jerusalem exactly 70 years after Israel becoming a nation...Big!)
Look at our own country, and the world; the abominations that have become not only acceptable but something to be fought for. Increasingly horrific floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, hurricanes. More and more countries going to war. Violence. Riots. Increased perversion. Idol worship. One world government plans. (Globalism) One world religion plans. (Yes, it's happening.) Christians being persecuted and martyred, ISIS. Countries, which will, and are, coming against Israel and Jerusalem...All foretold in Prophecy. Also our technology, which for the first time in history allows certain prophecies to come about - the entire world seeing things at once - satellites - government chips to insert under the skin as ID and a way to pay for needed items.
What can we as His church do? Come together and study His Truth through Prophecy. Learn! Dig deeper! Watch! Heed the signs! Pray! And may our pastors lead the way, so our "levees" and "flood-walls" stand strong. Luke 21:36 - Rev. 22:20-21
Eyes wide open,
Sandy Wells
Please take a moment to enjoy the music video below.
Eyes wide open,
Sandy Wells
Please take a moment to enjoy the music video below.
The Royal Wedding Of The Ages
May 19, 2018 - the date of the Royal wedding; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became man and wife. Preparations for this wedding were immense, it was after-all a fairy-tale wedding. Meghan's prince had truly come, and from all the Face-Book posts most of the world, at least the women, were glued to their televisions. It was a moment not to be missed.
Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and all the other Disney Princesses would have turned green with envy, so grand was the event. Those not of royal blood, most of the world, lived vicariously through the incredible romance, only to return to their lack-luster lives as mere peasants awaiting the next great romance. Would our prince, or King, ever come? Could we ever hope to be swept away in the awe and romance of a grand, Royal Wedding? Actually, yes.
Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and all the other Disney Princesses would have turned green with envy, so grand was the event. Those not of royal blood, most of the world, lived vicariously through the incredible romance, only to return to their lack-luster lives as mere peasants awaiting the next great romance. Would our prince, or King, ever come? Could we ever hope to be swept away in the awe and romance of a grand, Royal Wedding? Actually, yes.
Jesus referred to His church as His Bride. He said that He goes to prepare a place for us, His Bride, (The Church) and will return for us soon - the rapture or catching away. To truly understand what His words mean we need to step away from anything and everything to do modern westernized weddings, even royal weddings, and into traditional Jewish culture and wedding practices.
As was the custom, the groom leaves his father's house and goes to the home of his prospective bride. The Mishnah Kiddushin (the section of the Talmud dealing with “dedication” or betrothal) says that the groom acquires the bride in very specific ways. The groom leaves his father's house and travels to the bride's home to purchase her for a price. The groom gives a token or dowry, the value of which must be known to the bride. The bride can only be acquired with her consent. The marriage covenant, or Ketubah, is established and the bride is sanctified exclusively for her groom. It is custom for the bride and groom to drink from the same wine cup over which a betrothal benediction is said. (Taken from: Are there parallels between Jewish weddings and our relationship to Christ)
As was the custom, the groom leaves his father's house and goes to the home of his prospective bride. The Mishnah Kiddushin (the section of the Talmud dealing with “dedication” or betrothal) says that the groom acquires the bride in very specific ways. The groom leaves his father's house and travels to the bride's home to purchase her for a price. The groom gives a token or dowry, the value of which must be known to the bride. The bride can only be acquired with her consent. The marriage covenant, or Ketubah, is established and the bride is sanctified exclusively for her groom. It is custom for the bride and groom to drink from the same wine cup over which a betrothal benediction is said. (Taken from: Are there parallels between Jewish weddings and our relationship to Christ)
After the marriage covenant has been established the groom then leaves the bride's home and returns to his father's house to prepare a place for her. This would usually take about a year. This is the time of separation. The Jewish bride is separated from her groom while he prepares a home for them. It is only when his father sees that the job is complete that he tells his son to go and gather his bride
So, what does his bride do during that time? She uses the time to prepare for married life. Even though she has a general idea when her groom will return, she doesn't know the exact day or hour so she must be ever prepared. The old song, "Give Me Oil In My Lamp," while sung by children, is exactly what the Jewish bride needed to do. Since the bridegroom could make his appearance at any time of the day or night, even midnight, the bride needed to keep her lamps trimmed and filled with oil so she would be ready.
So, what does his bride do during that time? She uses the time to prepare for married life. Even though she has a general idea when her groom will return, she doesn't know the exact day or hour so she must be ever prepared. The old song, "Give Me Oil In My Lamp," while sung by children, is exactly what the Jewish bride needed to do. Since the bridegroom could make his appearance at any time of the day or night, even midnight, the bride needed to keep her lamps trimmed and filled with oil so she would be ready.
The groom would leave his father's house with male escorts and parade to the bride's father's house with torches lit. As bystanders witnessed what was happening they would gather together and shout, "Behold the bridegroom comes!" This shout would continue along the way until it arrived at the bride's home. The purpose of the shout was to alert the bride that her groom was on his way so she could prepare herself. This was the night! Her groom was coming to take her with him! The time of separation had ended!
When the Jewish groom came for his bride he did not go into her father's house, but waited outside. His bride and her attendants (bride's maids) would come out and meet him. The bride and groom, as well as an extended wedding party, would return to the groom's house where a special room called a hoopa had been prepared. The groom and his bride would spend 7 days alone in the hoopa, unseen by all. At the end of the 7 days the groom would come out of the hoopa with his bride at his side, for all to see. Does any of this sound familiar?
When the Jewish groom came for his bride he did not go into her father's house, but waited outside. His bride and her attendants (bride's maids) would come out and meet him. The bride and groom, as well as an extended wedding party, would return to the groom's house where a special room called a hoopa had been prepared. The groom and his bride would spend 7 days alone in the hoopa, unseen by all. At the end of the 7 days the groom would come out of the hoopa with his bride at his side, for all to see. Does any of this sound familiar?
Jesus, our Bride Groom, did all of this. He left His Father's House (Heaven) and came to the home (Earth) of His prospective Bride (the Church). Every single moment of His life was preparing to establish the Marriage Covenant between Himself and His Bride. His Covenant was established at a table surrounded by His twelve closest, one being His betrayer, as they shared the wine cup, and He told them to Remember Him.
The Jewish Groom had to purchase his bride at a price, his dowry. Jesus also purchased His Bride at a great price. His dowry, however, was not cattle or goats or quantities of gold. No, our Groom paid the price with one perfect lamb. He paid the ultimate price for His Bride with His very life. His was a Blood covenant, establishing the Marriage Covenant with His Bride. Because He loves us so much He became the sacrificial lamb, He gave His blood...for us. No earthly prince or King has ever paid this price for his bride. Only our Groom!
The Jewish Groom had to purchase his bride at a price, his dowry. Jesus also purchased His Bride at a great price. His dowry, however, was not cattle or goats or quantities of gold. No, our Groom paid the price with one perfect lamb. He paid the ultimate price for His Bride with His very life. His was a Blood covenant, establishing the Marriage Covenant with His Bride. Because He loves us so much He became the sacrificial lamb, He gave His blood...for us. No earthly prince or King has ever paid this price for his bride. Only our Groom!
We are currently living in the time of separation, and sadly many of His Church have forgotten. It's been over 2000 years after all. But if I know one thing about Jesus it's that He's a man, a God, of His word. He will come for His Bride very, very soon! Our time of separation will come to an end. Not one single thing has to happen before He comes for His Bride - before His second coming, yes.
Our Groom will leave Heaven when His Father gives the word, and with a loud shout and a trumpet blast will come for His Bride, His Church - The Rapture. He will not come all the way to earth, but will catch us up with Him in the air. He will come with an escort, 1st Thessalonians 4, refers to an Arch angel. We will then be taken to His Father's House that He has been preparing for us. We will remain in Heaven with Jesus, unseen by the world, for 7 years. This is when, to my understanding, the Marriage Feast of the Lamb will occur, and we will be at the table with Him.
I can hardly wait!
Our Groom will leave Heaven when His Father gives the word, and with a loud shout and a trumpet blast will come for His Bride, His Church - The Rapture. He will not come all the way to earth, but will catch us up with Him in the air. He will come with an escort, 1st Thessalonians 4, refers to an Arch angel. We will then be taken to His Father's House that He has been preparing for us. We will remain in Heaven with Jesus, unseen by the world, for 7 years. This is when, to my understanding, the Marriage Feast of the Lamb will occur, and we will be at the table with Him.
I can hardly wait!
This will truly be the Royal Wedding of the ages! None other can compare. We are not merely peasants straining to see the royal event, we are the Bride purchased by our amazing King at great cost. Let us keep our lamps filled and truly be Christ's Church, His Betrothed, while we wait. (Down here one earth it will be the time of the 7 year Tribulation / Great Tribulation, and all hell will literally break out - an event I don't plan on attending.)
When this 7 year period ends Jesus will come again, and this time He will come all the way to earth, and He will bring His Bride, The Church, with Him - right out in the open, for all to see who His Church truly is.
Please take a minute to watch the beautiful video below.
God Bless, Sandy
When this 7 year period ends Jesus will come again, and this time He will come all the way to earth, and He will bring His Bride, The Church, with Him - right out in the open, for all to see who His Church truly is.
Please take a minute to watch the beautiful video below.
God Bless, Sandy
He Carried My Cross
( I need to explain a couple things about this article. As you will notice it was written during the season of Lent. Oops. I sent the wrong file for our newsletter to our church secretary. This was actually from 2017. Sorry. Second, for any of you who receive our newsletter and have read this article, may notice changes here. I did some editing and rewriting. Again Sorry. If you want to get a jump on the article for June's newsletter scroll down to the next article.)
“As long as I remember, I've been walking through the wilderness, Praying to the father and waiting for my time. I've come here with a mission. And soon I'll give my life for this world. I'm praying in the garden. And I'm looking for a miracle. I find the journey hard but It's the reason I was born. And can this cup be passed on? Lord, I pray Your will be done In this world.” (Lyrics from song: “Carry My Cross” by Christian Group, Third Day)
As I sit to write this article we as believers are observing the forty days of Lent. It seems like just a few days ago that we had entered the Advent Season: preparing with joyous hearts and fractured wallets the birth of our Lord. We now prepare to remember His death and Resurrection. We may or may not take time on Good Friday to pause and allow the magnitude of what happened over two thousand years ago to settle into our hearts. We may or may not stop in prayer.
Jesus, however, had no such options. His time had come. A time He had been preparing for since before His birth. Can you imagine what that had to be like for Him? Every single day of His short life: every single step He took; every single miracle; Word spoken; person touched, was leading Him to THE Day. Can we take a moment to fully grasp this gut-wrenching truth.
Jesus was and is the Son of God—fully deity. Jesus was the son of man—fully human. He came to this world on a mission; His purpose was clear to Him. He had come to die so that we may live. Artists have created, to the best of their abilities, images depicting this time: Jesus on His knees in the garden, peacefully praying; Jesus standing before Pilot, hands clasped, head bowed; Jesus hanging on the cross with barely a mark on Him; Jesus having risen from the dead on Easter morn. The artists created images of peace and acceptance. Images that stir little emotion within the hearts of the viewers. Images that do not cause us to cringe or sob as we should when faced with the agonizing reality of His sacrifice.
“As long as I remember, I've been walking through the wilderness, Praying to the father and waiting for my time. I've come here with a mission. And soon I'll give my life for this world. I'm praying in the garden. And I'm looking for a miracle. I find the journey hard but It's the reason I was born. And can this cup be passed on? Lord, I pray Your will be done In this world.” (Lyrics from song: “Carry My Cross” by Christian Group, Third Day)
As I sit to write this article we as believers are observing the forty days of Lent. It seems like just a few days ago that we had entered the Advent Season: preparing with joyous hearts and fractured wallets the birth of our Lord. We now prepare to remember His death and Resurrection. We may or may not take time on Good Friday to pause and allow the magnitude of what happened over two thousand years ago to settle into our hearts. We may or may not stop in prayer.
Jesus, however, had no such options. His time had come. A time He had been preparing for since before His birth. Can you imagine what that had to be like for Him? Every single day of His short life: every single step He took; every single miracle; Word spoken; person touched, was leading Him to THE Day. Can we take a moment to fully grasp this gut-wrenching truth.
Jesus was and is the Son of God—fully deity. Jesus was the son of man—fully human. He came to this world on a mission; His purpose was clear to Him. He had come to die so that we may live. Artists have created, to the best of their abilities, images depicting this time: Jesus on His knees in the garden, peacefully praying; Jesus standing before Pilot, hands clasped, head bowed; Jesus hanging on the cross with barely a mark on Him; Jesus having risen from the dead on Easter morn. The artists created images of peace and acceptance. Images that stir little emotion within the hearts of the viewers. Images that do not cause us to cringe or sob as we should when faced with the agonizing reality of His sacrifice.
“So I'll carry my cross. And I'll carry the shame. To the end of the road, Through the struggle and pain. And I'll do it for love. No, it won't be in vain. Yes, I'll carry my cross And I'll carry the shame.”
Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, came to this earth and was betrayed, beaten, denied, flogged to within an inch of his life, mocked, spat upon, cursed. He was forced to carry a cross—our cross—on shoulders that were lashed raw, and upon trembling legs, weakened from hours of torture. Nails were hammered into His flesh—our nails, our hammer—and He was hung on a cross to die a brutally agonizing death. Why?
One word. Love. “For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Jesus carried the cross. He carried the shame. His shame? No, never. Jesus carried within His perfectly pure body and heart all the sins and shame of every single person in the world. That includes us; you and me. It was our crown that pierced his head, our punishment he bore within the bloody stripes, our death He suffered. Our Savior and King did all of this “while we were yet sinners.” Grasp it. Embrace it. Allow it to cause great sobs of thanksgiving to erupt from your souls. Allow yourselves to free-fall into the depths of His amazing grace and mercy.
Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, came to this earth and was betrayed, beaten, denied, flogged to within an inch of his life, mocked, spat upon, cursed. He was forced to carry a cross—our cross—on shoulders that were lashed raw, and upon trembling legs, weakened from hours of torture. Nails were hammered into His flesh—our nails, our hammer—and He was hung on a cross to die a brutally agonizing death. Why?
One word. Love. “For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Jesus carried the cross. He carried the shame. His shame? No, never. Jesus carried within His perfectly pure body and heart all the sins and shame of every single person in the world. That includes us; you and me. It was our crown that pierced his head, our punishment he bore within the bloody stripes, our death He suffered. Our Savior and King did all of this “while we were yet sinners.” Grasp it. Embrace it. Allow it to cause great sobs of thanksgiving to erupt from your souls. Allow yourselves to free-fall into the depths of His amazing grace and mercy.
“I feel like I'm alone here and I'm treated like a criminal. The time has come for me now. Even though I've done no wrong. Father, please forgive them. They know not what they've done in this world. So I'll carry my cross. And I'll carry the shame. To the end of the road. Through the struggle and pain. And I'll do it for love. No, it won't be in vain. Yes, I'll carry my cross. And I'll carry the shame.”
On Sunday Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey with palm branches laid upon the road, and Hallelujah's being shouted. The King had come. Long live the King.
Four days later He was betrayed with a kiss, and arrested in the middle of the night. The shouts became “Crucify him, Crucify him.” Friday morning He was hung on a cross as a common criminal. All his disciples except for John had fled in fear. Only John, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene, (Some scriptures say Jesus' Aunt was also there) were with him to the ghastly end. Jesus must have felt utterly alone. Forgotten. Betrayed. Yet, He cried out, “Father forgive them…”
He also cried out: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Can you imagine the depths of despair Jesus and the Father endured? For the first time in eternity God and Jesus were separated. Through His undying love for His children Jesus had taken the excruciating pain of sin into His body; God cannot look upon sin. When we are sick, hurt or frightened we naturally yearn for our parent’s love. When Jesus was a child his mother, Mary, would scoop Him up in Her arms when he was hurt. All through His life Jesus would take time to be with His Father, drawing strength from the time. But, now, Jesus had become what God hated—sin. How the Father and Son must have grieved.
On Sunday Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey with palm branches laid upon the road, and Hallelujah's being shouted. The King had come. Long live the King.
Four days later He was betrayed with a kiss, and arrested in the middle of the night. The shouts became “Crucify him, Crucify him.” Friday morning He was hung on a cross as a common criminal. All his disciples except for John had fled in fear. Only John, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene, (Some scriptures say Jesus' Aunt was also there) were with him to the ghastly end. Jesus must have felt utterly alone. Forgotten. Betrayed. Yet, He cried out, “Father forgive them…”
He also cried out: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Can you imagine the depths of despair Jesus and the Father endured? For the first time in eternity God and Jesus were separated. Through His undying love for His children Jesus had taken the excruciating pain of sin into His body; God cannot look upon sin. When we are sick, hurt or frightened we naturally yearn for our parent’s love. When Jesus was a child his mother, Mary, would scoop Him up in Her arms when he was hurt. All through His life Jesus would take time to be with His Father, drawing strength from the time. But, now, Jesus had become what God hated—sin. How the Father and Son must have grieved.
This, however, is not the end of the story. The sun went dark. The earth quaked. The temple veil was torn. It was finished. The devil had lost. The chasm between God and ourselves had been bridged. Prophecy was playing out, Jesus’ promise would be fulfilled. “Three more days and I'll be coming back again. Three more days and I'll be coming back again.”
Those who walked with Jesus grieved His death. He had told them this would happen, but…it actually had! He was dead. He had been placed in a tomb with a massive rock rolled in front of the entrance. Guards were posted and the governor’s seal placed on it to prevent anyone stealing the body. All was lost, right? No!
Three days passed. Sunday came. Jesus' promise became Truth! The tomb was empty! Praise God in Heaven! Jesus Arose! Our Lord and our Savior suffered, and died the death of a criminal...a sinner. A death, that had it not for Undying Love, would have been, should have been, our death. Jesus Christ suffered, died, and arose as King! He did it all for one reason. Love.
There will come a day when we will stand in His presence. Whether through physical death, or on the Great Day when Jesus comes for His church, we will be with Him. This is His promise. We will be resurrected to live with Him for eternity. But until then, may we celebrate His resurrection. May we live humbly. May we fall to our knees and thank Him. Praise Him. Worship Him. Glorify Him. Love Him. May we take His love to those in need: share Jesus; become His hands and feet; give Him all the glory, from now through eternity.
“Three more days and I'll be coming back again. Three more days and I'll be coming back again.”
Thank you my Lord Jesus for carrying my cross.
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute to watch the music video below, "He Carried my Cross" By Third Day.
Those who walked with Jesus grieved His death. He had told them this would happen, but…it actually had! He was dead. He had been placed in a tomb with a massive rock rolled in front of the entrance. Guards were posted and the governor’s seal placed on it to prevent anyone stealing the body. All was lost, right? No!
Three days passed. Sunday came. Jesus' promise became Truth! The tomb was empty! Praise God in Heaven! Jesus Arose! Our Lord and our Savior suffered, and died the death of a criminal...a sinner. A death, that had it not for Undying Love, would have been, should have been, our death. Jesus Christ suffered, died, and arose as King! He did it all for one reason. Love.
There will come a day when we will stand in His presence. Whether through physical death, or on the Great Day when Jesus comes for His church, we will be with Him. This is His promise. We will be resurrected to live with Him for eternity. But until then, may we celebrate His resurrection. May we live humbly. May we fall to our knees and thank Him. Praise Him. Worship Him. Glorify Him. Love Him. May we take His love to those in need: share Jesus; become His hands and feet; give Him all the glory, from now through eternity.
“Three more days and I'll be coming back again. Three more days and I'll be coming back again.”
Thank you my Lord Jesus for carrying my cross.
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute to watch the music video below, "He Carried my Cross" By Third Day.
Click to set custom HTML
Are We The Church Of Christ?
"I see the smoke on the horizon. I feel my heart pounding in my chest. I hear the war raging all around me. And somehow I feel like I was born for this. I can taste the fear, but I choose courage as I raise my shield and lift my sword." (lyrics of song: "Warrior" by Steven Curtis Chapman)
If I, or anyone, were to ask you what church you belong to what would you say? The answer seems simple. The Oakfield United Methodist Church, of course. We might proudly announce the number of years we've been members. We may even expound on what our church offers. Great music. Sunday School. Fundraisers. Missions. A nice service, a little contemporary, mostly traditional. Friendly people.
Now imagine the person asking the question being Jesus Christ. How might He react? What might He say? Would His eyes gleam with joy for His Church, or would they mist with despair? Would He see His church, or our denomination? Would He see His Spirit's Fire burning in our midst, or misguided contentment?
Would He see Warriors of Christ standing courageous against the trappings of Satan with shields and swords raised? Wait...Warriors? Why do we have to be warriors? I mean, this is just church, right? Wrong!
"And I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior. I am a warrior on my knees. I call on the Name of the One Who is Conqueror. I'm more than a conqueror when I believe. The enemy trembles every time. 'Cause he knows the battle is no longer mine, when I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior."
You don't have to be a math wiz to recognize that our numbers are rapidly dwindling, and unfortunately who we are losing are our young people. Our Children. Our future. I'm not going to mince words, or use polite terms so as not to offend. Satan is on a rampage, and he is coming for our young people, big time! He's coming for our churches! He's coming for us! His mission - to kill, steal and destroy.
If you don't believe me, just open your eyes. There is a war raging all around us. A very real spiritual war. And it's time we as the Church of Christ Stand up! Wake up! Fall on our knees! Come together as Warriors of Christ to save the lost and searching! It's time we call on the name of Jesus and stand in His power. It's time we make the enemy tremble!
You don't have to be a math wiz to recognize that our numbers are rapidly dwindling, and unfortunately who we are losing are our young people. Our Children. Our future. I'm not going to mince words, or use polite terms so as not to offend. Satan is on a rampage, and he is coming for our young people, big time! He's coming for our churches! He's coming for us! His mission - to kill, steal and destroy.
If you don't believe me, just open your eyes. There is a war raging all around us. A very real spiritual war. And it's time we as the Church of Christ Stand up! Wake up! Fall on our knees! Come together as Warriors of Christ to save the lost and searching! It's time we call on the name of Jesus and stand in His power. It's time we make the enemy tremble!
"Daughters and sons, we can hear your calling. Broken and weak, we can hear your cry. And even though our enemy roars like a lion, the Lion of Judah is on our side. And He will go before us and behind us. Fighting on the left and on the right."
Unfortunately, the main reason for wanting more people to join our congregation comes down to money. More people more money. We, after all, do have bills to pay, a church building to maintain. It all takes money, right? If we don't get more money coming in we can't meet our financial obligations, right? Here's the thing - the Church of Christ is not our building - it's US. With or without our building we are Christ's Church. We must first strive to be a blessing to others before we can expect to be blessed, not the other way around. And when we do Jesus promised blessings pressed down, shaken together and spilling over. Think about it.
While we, His Church, are here we have to open our hearts to Jesus and call on His name. We have to be His Warriors and fight for our young people. Satan only has a few weapons at his disposal, but he uses them well. There is a saying: "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." Our young people are falling, and it's time we as Christ's Church fall on our knees and fight like warriors for them.
Unfortunately, the main reason for wanting more people to join our congregation comes down to money. More people more money. We, after all, do have bills to pay, a church building to maintain. It all takes money, right? If we don't get more money coming in we can't meet our financial obligations, right? Here's the thing - the Church of Christ is not our building - it's US. With or without our building we are Christ's Church. We must first strive to be a blessing to others before we can expect to be blessed, not the other way around. And when we do Jesus promised blessings pressed down, shaken together and spilling over. Think about it.
While we, His Church, are here we have to open our hearts to Jesus and call on His name. We have to be His Warriors and fight for our young people. Satan only has a few weapons at his disposal, but he uses them well. There is a saying: "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." Our young people are falling, and it's time we as Christ's Church fall on our knees and fight like warriors for them.
"Our weapons are trust, our weapons are hope. In the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He says, "I am with you so don't be afraid, 'Cause I've already won this war." So fall on your knees and fight with me. We are the Warriors when we are on our knees
The enemy trembles..."
Contemporary. Traditional. That has been a point of contention within our congregation for years, causing dissension. I admit, I'm a lover of contemporary, as are our young people, you may not be. The problem is we are fighting among ourselves, rather than fighting for Christ. When we become the battle, then we are taking Jesus out of the picture.
Why do I love contemporary? Because I feel His Spirit move through the music. Because it touches my heart and soul. Because it touches our young people. It is alive. Active. Invigorating. As is Jesus! Because when I experience Spirit filled worship I feel Jesus! I feel His power! Remember, Jesus is not a traditionalist. Far from it. He caused a huge ruckus do to this fact.
We are living in volatile times: wars, political unrest, bullying, school shootings. Our young people are being assaulted on all sides especially through the social media. Peer pressure has become combustible. Self-esteem precarious. They have more questions than answers and unfortunately are going to unseemly sources for the answers. They are searching, but have no idea for what. This is where His church comes in.
Are we ready to be Christ's Church, or are we content being traditional United Methodists? Are we ready to fall on our knees and fight like warriors for our youth, for all the lost? Are we ready to bring Jesus to the forefront and the book of discipline behind. Are we ready to lift our church up to Christ and declare, "Thy will be done!"? Are we ready to be His warriors? Are we ready to worship actively rather than passively, freeing the Holy Spirit's Fire to fall down on us, and roar through us? I truly hope so.
The enemy trembles..."
Contemporary. Traditional. That has been a point of contention within our congregation for years, causing dissension. I admit, I'm a lover of contemporary, as are our young people, you may not be. The problem is we are fighting among ourselves, rather than fighting for Christ. When we become the battle, then we are taking Jesus out of the picture.
Why do I love contemporary? Because I feel His Spirit move through the music. Because it touches my heart and soul. Because it touches our young people. It is alive. Active. Invigorating. As is Jesus! Because when I experience Spirit filled worship I feel Jesus! I feel His power! Remember, Jesus is not a traditionalist. Far from it. He caused a huge ruckus do to this fact.
We are living in volatile times: wars, political unrest, bullying, school shootings. Our young people are being assaulted on all sides especially through the social media. Peer pressure has become combustible. Self-esteem precarious. They have more questions than answers and unfortunately are going to unseemly sources for the answers. They are searching, but have no idea for what. This is where His church comes in.
Are we ready to be Christ's Church, or are we content being traditional United Methodists? Are we ready to fall on our knees and fight like warriors for our youth, for all the lost? Are we ready to bring Jesus to the forefront and the book of discipline behind. Are we ready to lift our church up to Christ and declare, "Thy will be done!"? Are we ready to be His warriors? Are we ready to worship actively rather than passively, freeing the Holy Spirit's Fire to fall down on us, and roar through us? I truly hope so.
"So I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior. I am a warrior on my knees. I call on the Name of the One Who is Conqueror. I'm more than a conqueror when I believe. The enemy trembles every time. 'Cause he knows the battle is no longer mine, when I fall on my knees and I fight like a warrior."
As I said, we don't have to be geniuses to recognize that we are losing families. Perhaps it's time we ask ourselves why? Why are other churches growing while we're shrinking? Why are our young families drawn to other churches? What do they have that we don't? This may be a time to take a good hard look at our church and honestly ask Jesus what we need to do to become His Church. One thing is certain. It will involve stepping out of our traditional, Methodist, comfort zone. When Jesus told his apostles to follow him they stepped out of their comfort zones and into the unknown with the Master. Can we as the Church of Christ do no less? I pray that when our time comes to be with Jesus, He looks at us with gleaming eyes and says, "Well done my good and faithful servants."
We need to be spiritually strong, and we need to help our children and young people be spiritually strong as well, because I honestly do see the smoke on the horizon.
(While I wrote this article for our church newsletter, may I add that this battle is not limited to our personal church. Church doors are closing all across the nation. Young people are searching. A very real spiritual battle is raging. It is time for the Church of Christ to fall on our collective knees and fight like warriors.)
Standing in Christ
Sandy Wells
Please check out the video below to enjoy the song: Warrior, by Steven Curtis Chapman
As I said, we don't have to be geniuses to recognize that we are losing families. Perhaps it's time we ask ourselves why? Why are other churches growing while we're shrinking? Why are our young families drawn to other churches? What do they have that we don't? This may be a time to take a good hard look at our church and honestly ask Jesus what we need to do to become His Church. One thing is certain. It will involve stepping out of our traditional, Methodist, comfort zone. When Jesus told his apostles to follow him they stepped out of their comfort zones and into the unknown with the Master. Can we as the Church of Christ do no less? I pray that when our time comes to be with Jesus, He looks at us with gleaming eyes and says, "Well done my good and faithful servants."
We need to be spiritually strong, and we need to help our children and young people be spiritually strong as well, because I honestly do see the smoke on the horizon.
(While I wrote this article for our church newsletter, may I add that this battle is not limited to our personal church. Church doors are closing all across the nation. Young people are searching. A very real spiritual battle is raging. It is time for the Church of Christ to fall on our collective knees and fight like warriors.)
Standing in Christ
Sandy Wells
Please check out the video below to enjoy the song: Warrior, by Steven Curtis Chapman
It Is Good
I have a question. If you could turn back time and have the chance to undo one mistake, what would it be? I’m sure, if you’re anything like me, at least one event comes to mind. A career opportunity not taken? A Cruel word spoken in haste? An unwise youthful decision? If we could turn back time…
Now take a moment to reflect on Adam and Eve. I just completed reading a book by Author, June Strong, called: Song of Eve. The author unfolds a gripping story taking us from a time after the fall with Adam and Eve through to Noah and his family upon the ark. I found my heart aching for the first Adam and his beloved Eve. They had walked with God. They were friends of God. They knew God and He knew them intimately. All was good: until that fatal moment.
Now take a moment to reflect on Adam and Eve. I just completed reading a book by Author, June Strong, called: Song of Eve. The author unfolds a gripping story taking us from a time after the fall with Adam and Eve through to Noah and his family upon the ark. I found my heart aching for the first Adam and his beloved Eve. They had walked with God. They were friends of God. They knew God and He knew them intimately. All was good: until that fatal moment.
“If I could, I’d rewrite history I’d choose differently; if I could, I would. I’d leave out the part where I broke Your heart In the garden’s shade, fix the mess I made. If I could, I would. If I could, close my eyes and then Dance around again; if I could, I would be who You adored. Why did I need more? When beauty was not trained to hide behind my shame. If I could, I would.” (Lyrics from the song: Good (Adam & Eve) Sung by Matthew West and Leigh Nash.
Can you imagine? Knowing that God created you with His very hands and that He, the Creator of all, adored you with all His heart. Can you imagine? Dancing for sheer joy with God. Can you imagine? The absolute perfection of beauty surrounding you, a beauty in which you live, intimately bound to God, your best friend. There is no shame. No guilt. No sin. Only beauty: Until that one moment.
Can you imagine? Knowing that God created you with His very hands and that He, the Creator of all, adored you with all His heart. Can you imagine? Dancing for sheer joy with God. Can you imagine? The absolute perfection of beauty surrounding you, a beauty in which you live, intimately bound to God, your best friend. There is no shame. No guilt. No sin. Only beauty: Until that one moment.
“Can You hear us cry? Wishing we could turn back time. To feel Your breath when branches move. Take one more sunset walk with You. Must each tomorrow hold such brokenness untold? Can’t imagine how You could See all of me and say it’s good”
We’ve all had those moments when we give in to impulse. We listen to the tempter: his voice, so appealing. “It’ll be good,” he lies. We may argue for a spell, but then we give in, and it is not good. That one reckless decision could change the course of not only our lives, but others as well, for a lifetime. Relationships may be shattered beyond repair; lives lost; marriages destroyed; children’s lives traumatized, all because of one moment.
Can you imagine? “To feel Your breath when branches move.” Can you imagine? Taking sunset walks with God. Can you imagine? The agony they felt knowing the fatal mistake they made. Not only had they broken God’s heart and separated them from His presence, but had ushered sin and death into the world. They would feel this anguish first hand when Cain murdered Abel: one son slaying the other.
We’ve all had those moments when we give in to impulse. We listen to the tempter: his voice, so appealing. “It’ll be good,” he lies. We may argue for a spell, but then we give in, and it is not good. That one reckless decision could change the course of not only our lives, but others as well, for a lifetime. Relationships may be shattered beyond repair; lives lost; marriages destroyed; children’s lives traumatized, all because of one moment.
Can you imagine? “To feel Your breath when branches move.” Can you imagine? Taking sunset walks with God. Can you imagine? The agony they felt knowing the fatal mistake they made. Not only had they broken God’s heart and separated them from His presence, but had ushered sin and death into the world. They would feel this anguish first hand when Cain murdered Abel: one son slaying the other.
“If I could hold one memory it would surely be how You walked with us. I’d go back in time, untell my first lie and let love’s injury heal in spite of me. Can You hear us cry? Wishing we could turn back time to feel Your breath when branches move. Take one more sunset walk with You. Must each tomorrow hold such brokenness untold? Can’t imagine how You could See all of me and say it’s good. Say it’s good”
The line above grabbed my attention and my heart, perhaps, more than all the others. Adam and Eve’s fall didn’t take God by surprise. God is not limited, as are we humans, to time and space. The Kingdom of God is eternal; it has no beginning and no end. He intimately knew His creations before the beginning of time, and He said, “It is good.” When God lovingly created the first Adam from dust and his wife from Adam’s rib, He knew…and yet he said “it is good.”
Each one of us is a creation of the One True God; we are his children. Not one of us is a mistake, an unwelcome oops. He carried each of us in His heart for eternity before He knit us in our mother’s wombs. He saw all of me…all of me…and still said that I am good. I’m no different than Adam and Eve, I’m a sinner, and yet, He loves me and said, “It is good.” I don’t know about you, but that causes tears to well up within me.
The line above grabbed my attention and my heart, perhaps, more than all the others. Adam and Eve’s fall didn’t take God by surprise. God is not limited, as are we humans, to time and space. The Kingdom of God is eternal; it has no beginning and no end. He intimately knew His creations before the beginning of time, and He said, “It is good.” When God lovingly created the first Adam from dust and his wife from Adam’s rib, He knew…and yet he said “it is good.”
Each one of us is a creation of the One True God; we are his children. Not one of us is a mistake, an unwelcome oops. He carried each of us in His heart for eternity before He knit us in our mother’s wombs. He saw all of me…all of me…and still said that I am good. I’m no different than Adam and Eve, I’m a sinner, and yet, He loves me and said, “It is good.” I don’t know about you, but that causes tears to well up within me.
(God didn’t evict Adam and Eve from the garden because he hated them, but rather so they didn’t eat of the Tree of Life and live forever as They (The Trinity) with the knowledge of good and evil. Gen. 3:22-24) God continued to love them, and He continues to love us even when we fall.
I can’t begin to imagine what it was like for Adam and Eve after the fall. Being forced to live in a world now cursed after living in absolute perfection; seeing first hand the ravages of sin and death; Watching helplessly as evil, violence, idol worship and corruption consumed the world…and knowing why it happened.
Adam and Eve, though they had sinned and had been banished from the garden, held strong to their faith in the One True God. We only have to take a look at their lineage to attest to this fact: Enoch (great-great-great-great grandson to Adam and Eve. Enoch walked with God and did not see death because God took him.) Methuselah, Lamech, father of Noah, Noah: all Godly men, all bearing the faith of Adam and Eve within them. In the days of Noah, evil and sin had consumed men’s hearts, and yet Noah and his family remained faithful to God while living in a world cursed by evil.
I can’t begin to imagine what it was like for Adam and Eve after the fall. Being forced to live in a world now cursed after living in absolute perfection; seeing first hand the ravages of sin and death; Watching helplessly as evil, violence, idol worship and corruption consumed the world…and knowing why it happened.
Adam and Eve, though they had sinned and had been banished from the garden, held strong to their faith in the One True God. We only have to take a look at their lineage to attest to this fact: Enoch (great-great-great-great grandson to Adam and Eve. Enoch walked with God and did not see death because God took him.) Methuselah, Lamech, father of Noah, Noah: all Godly men, all bearing the faith of Adam and Eve within them. In the days of Noah, evil and sin had consumed men’s hearts, and yet Noah and his family remained faithful to God while living in a world cursed by evil.
It was in a garden that evil, in the guise of a serpent, entered the world through the first Adam. It was in a garden that the second Adam crushed the head of the serpent. It was in a garden that the first Adam said, “my will be done, not yours.” It was in a garden that the second Adam said, “not my will but Yours be done.” It was on the cross that the second Adam ransomed us from the grasp of the evil one brought on by the first Adam’s fall. It is through the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are promised eternal life in His presence and it is through His promise that we know He will come again.
“It is good. It is good. You still love us more than we believed You could. Could there be something more? Will it ever be the way it was before?”
We now live in a world cursed. The ravages of the curse of evil and sin have devastated not only mankind but our earth as well. But, for those of us who believe, who hold tight to our faith in our Father, our Creator, our Savior and King, who hang on to His promises: it is good. We are loved more than we could ever imagine.
“Could there be something more? Will it ever be the way it was before?”
“It is good. It is good. You still love us more than we believed You could. Could there be something more? Will it ever be the way it was before?”
We now live in a world cursed. The ravages of the curse of evil and sin have devastated not only mankind but our earth as well. But, for those of us who believe, who hold tight to our faith in our Father, our Creator, our Savior and King, who hang on to His promises: it is good. We are loved more than we could ever imagine.
“Could there be something more? Will it ever be the way it was before?”
Yes! There is something more: Jesus Christ. In one fatal moment all of mankind was taken hostage by the evil one. Our fates were sealed. Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, the second Adam, the ransom was paid, the serpent’s head crushed. And, just as He promised, one day Jesus will return, and yes, it will be as it was before—a new heaven and new earth where we have no need of the sun or the moon for our light. We will live in The Light of the One True God…Jesus Christ. It will be perfect.
God Bless
Sandy
Please take a minute to watch the music video below: Good (Adam and Eve) Sung by Matthew West and Leigh Nash.
God Bless
Sandy
Please take a minute to watch the music video below: Good (Adam and Eve) Sung by Matthew West and Leigh Nash.
Awesome God
“When He rolls up His sleeve He ain't just putting on the ritz. There's thunder in His footsteps and lightning in His fists. The Lord wasn't joking when He kicked 'em out of Eden. It wasn't for no reason that He shed His blood. His return is very close and so you better be believing that Our God is an awesome God.” (“Awesome God” by Christian artist, the late Rich Mullins)
Most of us know this song. Our children sing the chorus using sign, and it’s beautiful in its simplicity. We, however, don’t hear the song in its entirety very often. Anyone who knows me well is aware that music feeds my soul. Whether happy or sad; anxious or angry; content or confused, music is my go to. I crank up the volume and rock my house with His music finding: comfort, answers, encouragement, courage, peace and joy within the lyrics.
Most of us know this song. Our children sing the chorus using sign, and it’s beautiful in its simplicity. We, however, don’t hear the song in its entirety very often. Anyone who knows me well is aware that music feeds my soul. Whether happy or sad; anxious or angry; content or confused, music is my go to. I crank up the volume and rock my house with His music finding: comfort, answers, encouragement, courage, peace and joy within the lyrics.
We truly do serve an amazingly Awesome God. Awesome. We hear and or say this word daily. “Awesome hair.” “Totally awesome shoes.” And one of my favorites: “Awesome sauce.” But what was the original meaning for this greatly used word? “Causing awe or terror; inspiring wonder or excitement.” The oldest version of Awesome (according to Google) is: “something which inspires awe.” Does this not describe our God?
Take a moment to read the words above again with the definition in mind. “There’s thunder in His footsteps and lightening in His fists.” Does this not cause our hearts to swell in awe and, yes, even terror? The magnitude of God’s power is beyond our comprehension. To see and hear His thunder and His lightening would cause us to drop face first to the ground. Only one word: Awesome!
Take a moment to read the words above again with the definition in mind. “There’s thunder in His footsteps and lightening in His fists.” Does this not cause our hearts to swell in awe and, yes, even terror? The magnitude of God’s power is beyond our comprehension. To see and hear His thunder and His lightening would cause us to drop face first to the ground. Only one word: Awesome!
“The Lord wasn’t joking when He kicked `em out of Eden. It wasn’t for no reason that He shed His blood. His return is very close and so you better be believing that our God is an awesome God.”
In Biblical days many people worshiped man made gods. These gods were cumbersome and had to be packed and lugged from one place to another. Images were cast in metals, stone, wood, you name it: they were made to resemble how mankind imagined their god of choice to look. The gods were prayed to; sacrificed to; and worshiped. They, however, could not answer prayers, since they were fake; they did not look upon the people with love, since they were fake; and they never created a single thing; not a rock or a tree or a human being. (The one thing these fake gods did create was a separation between mankind and the One True God.) Pretty much they were useless junk.
In Biblical days many people worshiped man made gods. These gods were cumbersome and had to be packed and lugged from one place to another. Images were cast in metals, stone, wood, you name it: they were made to resemble how mankind imagined their god of choice to look. The gods were prayed to; sacrificed to; and worshiped. They, however, could not answer prayers, since they were fake; they did not look upon the people with love, since they were fake; and they never created a single thing; not a rock or a tree or a human being. (The one thing these fake gods did create was a separation between mankind and the One True God.) Pretty much they were useless junk.
“Our God is an awesome God. He reigns from heaven above. With wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God”
Our God is real and alive. He adores us. We are His creation and through Christ, His children. Our God is not a mamby pamby, milk toast, ho-hum, God. Nor is he a cumbersome piece of junk to be carted around. Our God is…the One and Only God; Creator of all, King, Savior, Father, the Alpha and Omega, the Great I Am. He is Awesome.
Our God is real and alive. He adores us. We are His creation and through Christ, His children. Our God is not a mamby pamby, milk toast, ho-hum, God. Nor is he a cumbersome piece of junk to be carted around. Our God is…the One and Only God; Creator of all, King, Savior, Father, the Alpha and Omega, the Great I Am. He is Awesome.
“And when the sky was starless in the void of the night. (God is an awesome God) He spoke into the darkness and created the light. (God is an awesome God) Judgment and wrath He poured out on Sodom. Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross I hope that we have not too quickly forgotten that Our God is an awesome God.”
As the song says: “I hope that we have not too quickly forgotten that our God is an Awesome God.” Over the centuries, in many ways, we have forgotten the enormity of our God. Before there was a single star in the sky and void in the night, when darkness covered all: He spoke. He spoke and through His word created light. He spoke the stars into place. He spoke and created the Heavens and the Earth. He spoke and the waters parted and land was created. He spoke and the waters knew to come this far and no further. He spoke and vegetation sprang up. He spoke and created animals. He created man from dust and breathed life into him. He created woman from man’s rib and breathed life into her.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In the beginning was the Word—Jesus. The Word created all. He spoke. Now that’s power. That’s truly Awesome.
As the song says: “I hope that we have not too quickly forgotten that our God is an Awesome God.” Over the centuries, in many ways, we have forgotten the enormity of our God. Before there was a single star in the sky and void in the night, when darkness covered all: He spoke. He spoke and through His word created light. He spoke the stars into place. He spoke and created the Heavens and the Earth. He spoke and the waters parted and land was created. He spoke and the waters knew to come this far and no further. He spoke and vegetation sprang up. He spoke and created animals. He created man from dust and breathed life into him. He created woman from man’s rib and breathed life into her.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In the beginning was the Word—Jesus. The Word created all. He spoke. Now that’s power. That’s truly Awesome.
These are the acts of a God whose power we cannot grasp. A God who is Love, not merely feels or exhibits love: A God who when necessary has poured out His Judgment and wrath to cut the ties of evil. A God who loved the world (sinful as it was) so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die a brutal death, and be resurrected, to save us from eternal death. “His mercy and Grace He gave us at the cross.” And a God who will one day come again. “His return is very close and so you better be believing that Our God is an awesome God.”
The year is 2017 and much has changed. In the midst of change and chaos, struggles and strife, wars and storms, in the midst of life itself one thing remains the same and will into eternity. Our God. Let us never forget. “Our God is an awesome God. He reigns from heaven above. With wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God”
The year is 2017 and much has changed. In the midst of change and chaos, struggles and strife, wars and storms, in the midst of life itself one thing remains the same and will into eternity. Our God. Let us never forget. “Our God is an awesome God. He reigns from heaven above. With wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God”
We could travel the earth our entire lives seeking and exploring God’s creation in all its wonder, and at the end of our lives we would barely have scratched the surface of His magnitude and beauty. But one day we will see. We will see the One Who hung the stars, the sun and the moon. We will see the One who breathed life into each of us. We will see the One who bore our sin. We will see as we could never before see with our earthly eyes the Light of the world in all His glory. And when we do…the word Awesome will pale within the Magnitude of God’s Kingdom.
Until that day let us continue to sing, “Our God is an awesome God. He reigns from heaven above. With wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God”
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute to enjoy the music video below: Awesome God, By Rich Mullins
Until that day let us continue to sing, “Our God is an awesome God. He reigns from heaven above. With wisdom, power, and love Our God is an awesome God”
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute to enjoy the music video below: Awesome God, By Rich Mullins
Stand Strong
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is
the Kingdom of Heaven.” — “With a soul as bold as lions. And a strength to face the giants. Come and join us in the silence. For the King who saved the world. Hear the voices in the night We sing till sunrise. Stand, stand strong. Keep holding on. We sing blessed are the persecuted Blessed are the weak and wounded This is your song. Stand, stand strong. Stand, stand strong.” (Lyrics from Moriah Peter’s song, “Stand Strong”)
I have to admit up front that this has been a difficult article to write. I’ve felt God’s leading, and pretty much know the direction He’s taking me: I am, however, finding it difficult. I need to back the train up a bit and add that as 2016 was nearing an end, I heard a Christian radio DJ say that every year she asks the Lord to give her a word for her life during the coming year. I believe her word may have been Victory. This intrigued me. So I also asked God to give me a word. The answer wasn’t instantaneous, but I heard it clearly. The word is FEARLESS. I received this word with mixed emotions. A part of me stood straighter and taller with feet planted firmly. But, the other part wondered why I would need to be fearless. What does God know that I don’t? As a result I have felt His leading to be fearless in my writing: to go where He leads me: hence, this article.
the Kingdom of Heaven.” — “With a soul as bold as lions. And a strength to face the giants. Come and join us in the silence. For the King who saved the world. Hear the voices in the night We sing till sunrise. Stand, stand strong. Keep holding on. We sing blessed are the persecuted Blessed are the weak and wounded This is your song. Stand, stand strong. Stand, stand strong.” (Lyrics from Moriah Peter’s song, “Stand Strong”)
I have to admit up front that this has been a difficult article to write. I’ve felt God’s leading, and pretty much know the direction He’s taking me: I am, however, finding it difficult. I need to back the train up a bit and add that as 2016 was nearing an end, I heard a Christian radio DJ say that every year she asks the Lord to give her a word for her life during the coming year. I believe her word may have been Victory. This intrigued me. So I also asked God to give me a word. The answer wasn’t instantaneous, but I heard it clearly. The word is FEARLESS. I received this word with mixed emotions. A part of me stood straighter and taller with feet planted firmly. But, the other part wondered why I would need to be fearless. What does God know that I don’t? As a result I have felt His leading to be fearless in my writing: to go where He leads me: hence, this article.
This past year, 2016, was a tumultuous time for our Nation, fraught with anger and unbridled violence seldom seen before. It was also a difficult year for many of us personally, physically and emotionally. 2016 ended its reign in a tidal wave of fear for many bringing with it anger, confusion and out and out hatred. The hatred unfortunately has spewed into 2017, causing my heart to weigh heavy.
As unsettling as this past year has been, and 2017 also to this point, it is the past eight years that have caused me the greatest sorrow. During my morning devotions I have been studying the book of Daniel and the other Old Testament Prophets concerning Jesus’ return. As I read the prophets words my mind often travels to the state of our world, and in particular our nation. Over the decade’s people of power, atheists and agnostics, have succeeded in their quest to remove God and prayer from our schools. Abortions are now legal up to and including the time of birth. (Unborn babies, even those in the process of being born, “have no constitutional rights” according to the Democratic candidate. It’s all about the mother.) Separation of church and State has been twisted to the point that the purpose of the originators is no longer recognizable. Power wields a heavy arm.
As unsettling as this past year has been, and 2017 also to this point, it is the past eight years that have caused me the greatest sorrow. During my morning devotions I have been studying the book of Daniel and the other Old Testament Prophets concerning Jesus’ return. As I read the prophets words my mind often travels to the state of our world, and in particular our nation. Over the decade’s people of power, atheists and agnostics, have succeeded in their quest to remove God and prayer from our schools. Abortions are now legal up to and including the time of birth. (Unborn babies, even those in the process of being born, “have no constitutional rights” according to the Democratic candidate. It’s all about the mother.) Separation of church and State has been twisted to the point that the purpose of the originators is no longer recognizable. Power wields a heavy arm.
During the past eight years, under the guise of tolerance and not offending, we as Americans and we as Christians have methodically and stealthily been losing our freedoms. Homeowners have been forced to remove the American flag from their yards because it offends certain neighbors. American laborers have been threatened with dismissal if they didn’t remove magnetic flag emblems from their lockers. Again certain people were offended. A young Christian man was told to remove his cross necklace because it offended an Islamic woman wearing a burqa. He refused. Our troops have been instructed not to pray.
Many of these changes in law have been subtle, slithering beneath the radar. Some have gone unaware, or have become acceptable because of the manner in which they were presented. Christians and our faith have come under attack in a way unknown before in our Nation. We are systematically being stripped of the beliefs on which our country was founded. “In God We Trust.” “One Nation under God.” These words, values and beliefs are under threat of being abolished. God, Christ, and our freedoms have been under attack from within our very shores.
Many of these changes in law have been subtle, slithering beneath the radar. Some have gone unaware, or have become acceptable because of the manner in which they were presented. Christians and our faith have come under attack in a way unknown before in our Nation. We are systematically being stripped of the beliefs on which our country was founded. “In God We Trust.” “One Nation under God.” These words, values and beliefs are under threat of being abolished. God, Christ, and our freedoms have been under attack from within our very shores.
“If the gravity pulls you down, down, down. Or you're lost and want to get found.
Lift your eyes and turn around now. Can you see you're not alone? Raise our voices in the night and sing. Stand, stand strong. Keep holding on. We sing blessed are the persecuted. Blessed are the weak and wounded. This is your song. Stand, stand strong
Stand, stand strong.”
The adversary has been working round the clock, through the ‘powers that be,’ to destroy our Nation and obliterate the Christian faith. But, God has other plans. (No more doom and gloom, it’s time to stand strong!) “So do not be afraid. He'll keep you safe. Through fire He makes you brave. So do not be afraid. He'll keep you safe. Through fire He makes you brave.” (Lyrics continued)
God’s plan has been in play since the beginning of time, and no one, not even the ‘powers that be’ can stand in His way. One day very soon, possibly even today, Father God will tell His Son to go and gather His Church, the Bride of Christ, Us. That day will usher in seven years of Tribulation leading up to the Great and Glorious day when Jesus will come again for all to see, riding on a white horse surrounded by a massive army of Saints. This will be the Day of Judgment. The evil one knows this and has turned up the temperature. His plan: to kill, steal and destroy.
Lift your eyes and turn around now. Can you see you're not alone? Raise our voices in the night and sing. Stand, stand strong. Keep holding on. We sing blessed are the persecuted. Blessed are the weak and wounded. This is your song. Stand, stand strong
Stand, stand strong.”
The adversary has been working round the clock, through the ‘powers that be,’ to destroy our Nation and obliterate the Christian faith. But, God has other plans. (No more doom and gloom, it’s time to stand strong!) “So do not be afraid. He'll keep you safe. Through fire He makes you brave. So do not be afraid. He'll keep you safe. Through fire He makes you brave.” (Lyrics continued)
God’s plan has been in play since the beginning of time, and no one, not even the ‘powers that be’ can stand in His way. One day very soon, possibly even today, Father God will tell His Son to go and gather His Church, the Bride of Christ, Us. That day will usher in seven years of Tribulation leading up to the Great and Glorious day when Jesus will come again for all to see, riding on a white horse surrounded by a massive army of Saints. This will be the Day of Judgment. The evil one knows this and has turned up the temperature. His plan: to kill, steal and destroy.
We as believers must stand strong in our faith no matter the consequences; regardless of hate and persecution, which sadly is rapidly spreading within our nation and around the globe. 2017 is a mystery yet to unfold to all but God. His plans are already in place. We may have to walk through the fire, but we will not be alone. Jesus will be with us every step of the way. The evil one’s plans are to destroy us. God’s plan is to destroy the evil one. That day is coming soon.
Revelation 19:11-16 (KJV) “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies, which were in heaven, followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, (The Word) that with it He should smite the nations…And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Stand Strong In Christ
Please take a moment to enjoy Moriah Peters music video: Stand Strong
Revelation 19:11-16 (KJV) “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies, which were in heaven, followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, (The Word) that with it He should smite the nations…And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Stand Strong In Christ
Please take a moment to enjoy Moriah Peters music video: Stand Strong
For God And Country
(I want to apologize for not posting this earlier, as you can see by the calendar we have already celebrated the 4th of July. The article, however, is still relevant.)
We are preparing to celebrate our country’s birthday, Independence Day. This day will likely bring family picnics, watermelon, fireworks, and plenty of red, white and blue. Hopefully along the way we will also stop and give thanks for all the men, and women who gave their lives for our country and the freedoms we take for granted. Through the centuries wars have been fought and lives sacrificed for the freedom that we hold most dear. And through the centuries our flag, even though it has changed in appearance, continues to stand as a symbol of this freedom. It is a symbol of a country united under God, a symbol of our freedom, and a symbol of the sacrifice of so many.
Our flag is a symbol of our country’s freedom, just as our cross is a symbol of our faith in Christ. Both came with a sacrifice. Our men and women died for our freedom. Our Lord and Savior died for our eternal lives, our freedom from sin and death: Our Cross-and our Flag – for God and for Country.
I would like to share the words of a song written by Johnny Cash called “Ragged Old Flag.” It says better than I could hope to what our flag symbolizes and why I honor all that it stands for, and always will.
We are preparing to celebrate our country’s birthday, Independence Day. This day will likely bring family picnics, watermelon, fireworks, and plenty of red, white and blue. Hopefully along the way we will also stop and give thanks for all the men, and women who gave their lives for our country and the freedoms we take for granted. Through the centuries wars have been fought and lives sacrificed for the freedom that we hold most dear. And through the centuries our flag, even though it has changed in appearance, continues to stand as a symbol of this freedom. It is a symbol of a country united under God, a symbol of our freedom, and a symbol of the sacrifice of so many.
Our flag is a symbol of our country’s freedom, just as our cross is a symbol of our faith in Christ. Both came with a sacrifice. Our men and women died for our freedom. Our Lord and Savior died for our eternal lives, our freedom from sin and death: Our Cross-and our Flag – for God and for Country.
I would like to share the words of a song written by Johnny Cash called “Ragged Old Flag.” It says better than I could hope to what our flag symbolizes and why I honor all that it stands for, and always will.
Ragged Old Flag:By Johnny Cash
I walked through a county courthouse square. On a park bench an old man was sitting there. I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down." He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town." I said, "Your old flagpole has leaned a little bit. And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it."
He said, "Have a seat," and I sat down. "Is this the first time you've been to our little town?" I said, "I think it is." He said, "I don't like to brag. But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag.
"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there when Washington took it across the Delaware. And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it writing Say Can You See. And it got a bad rip in New Orleans With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams.
"And it almost fell at the Alamo Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on though. She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville. And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg, And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag.
"On Flanders Field in World War I She got a big hole from a Bertha gun. She turned blood red in World War II. She hung limp and low by the time it was through. She was in Korea and Vietnam. She was sent where she was by her Uncle Sam.
"She waved from our ships upon the briny foam. And now they've about quit waving her back here at home. In her own good land here she's been abused -- She's been burned, dishonored, denied, and refused.
"And the government for which she stands is scandalized throughout the land. And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin, But she's in good shape for the shape she's in. 'Cause she's been through the fire before And I believe she can take a whole lot more.
"So we raise her up every morning, take her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground and we fold Her up right. On second thought, I do like to brag, 'Cause I'm mighty proud of the Ragged Old Flag." (Songwriters: JOHNNY CASH)
I walked through a county courthouse square. On a park bench an old man was sitting there. I said, "Your old courthouse is kinda run down." He said, "Naw, it'll do for our little town." I said, "Your old flagpole has leaned a little bit. And that's a Ragged Old Flag you got hanging on it."
He said, "Have a seat," and I sat down. "Is this the first time you've been to our little town?" I said, "I think it is." He said, "I don't like to brag. But we're kinda proud of that Ragged Old Flag.
"You see, we got a little hole in that flag there when Washington took it across the Delaware. And it got powder-burned the night Francis Scott Key sat watching it writing Say Can You See. And it got a bad rip in New Orleans With Packingham and Jackson tuggin' at its seams.
"And it almost fell at the Alamo Beside the Texas flag, but she waved on though. She got cut with a sword at Chancellorsville. And she got cut again at Shiloh Hill.There was Robert E. Lee, Beauregard, and Bragg, And the south wind blew hard on that Ragged Old Flag.
"On Flanders Field in World War I She got a big hole from a Bertha gun. She turned blood red in World War II. She hung limp and low by the time it was through. She was in Korea and Vietnam. She was sent where she was by her Uncle Sam.
"She waved from our ships upon the briny foam. And now they've about quit waving her back here at home. In her own good land here she's been abused -- She's been burned, dishonored, denied, and refused.
"And the government for which she stands is scandalized throughout the land. And she's getting threadbare and wearing thin, But she's in good shape for the shape she's in. 'Cause she's been through the fire before And I believe she can take a whole lot more.
"So we raise her up every morning, take her down every night. We don't let her touch the ground and we fold Her up right. On second thought, I do like to brag, 'Cause I'm mighty proud of the Ragged Old Flag." (Songwriters: JOHNNY CASH)
We attended our grandson’s second grade patriotic play a couple nights ago, and I was nearly brought to tears. The children, dressed in red, white and blue, not only sang patriotic songs, but had learned sign language as well. Listening to them sing, “This land is your land” and reciting the Pledge to Allegiance, and watching them proudly sign was beyond moving. Those children were filled to overflowing with pride, not merely in all they had learned, but in all that it meant as well. They waved little flags, but they also knew what the stars and stripes meant. My heart swelled with pride as all the Veterans in the audience stood as the children sang the song for each branch of the military. Mason beamed when his Papa, Bob, stood up.
We have heard said in the past few years that our flag no longer belongs in our sanctuaries because we have made it into an idol. We are worshiping it. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Our cross stands in front of our sanctuary: a symbol of our faith. And while I honor the cross and what it means to me, I do not worship it nor have I made it into an idol. To do so would be to go against God’s word. Rather I worship the one who died for me upon the cross so that I may have life. Looking upon the cross touches my heart; it reminds me of the incredible love of our God, our Savior. It reminds me that He still lives, and one day we will be with Him again.
The flag is also a symbol. I look upon it with a humble and a thankful heart for all that it represents. My heart swells with gratitude when we recognize all those who served and, or, died for our freedom. Our soldiers’ bear an emblem of our country’s flag, worn backwards, on their right sleeve. They look to the flag while in the heat of battle as reminder of all they are fighting for: country, home, family, and freedom. Our flag has waved during peace and war; it has also sadly come under attack and been battered and abused by its very own. Our flag is a symbol of our country and all who have sacrificed for our freedoms. Let us honor it for all it means.
The flag is also a symbol. I look upon it with a humble and a thankful heart for all that it represents. My heart swells with gratitude when we recognize all those who served and, or, died for our freedom. Our soldiers’ bear an emblem of our country’s flag, worn backwards, on their right sleeve. They look to the flag while in the heat of battle as reminder of all they are fighting for: country, home, family, and freedom. Our flag has waved during peace and war; it has also sadly come under attack and been battered and abused by its very own. Our flag is a symbol of our country and all who have sacrificed for our freedoms. Let us honor it for all it means.
I would like to share a portion of my morning devotion, taken from the 2007 edition of Guideposts, which inspired this article.
The woman who wrote the article – Libbie Adams - had had the opportunity to speak with a Vietnam veteran who had attended a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. He had attended the funeral of twelve of his comrades who had been killed in battle, May 1968. Thirty-seven years later he was notified that the remains of his fellow Marines had been recovered and brought home. He had been invited to attend the service and reunion. The reunion had been the high point of his life, he said. The following is a direct quote by Libbie Adams: “Overcome with emotion, he later showed me an item that had been given to him by one of his fellow Marines – a small American flag lapel pin. To Dean, that tiny symbol summed up the great weight of events and emotions that he’ll forever be unable to verbalize. The reverence and appreciation vested in that small symbol by a veteran who gave so much for his country has renewed my own awareness and respect for our national emblem…” Prayer by Libbie Adams: “Father, when I cast my gaze upon the flag today, may I see not only the beauty in its rich colors but recognize the depth of its meaning to our country.” May I add: Amen.
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a moment and enjoy the music video below: Ragged Old Flag, by Johnny Cash
The woman who wrote the article – Libbie Adams - had had the opportunity to speak with a Vietnam veteran who had attended a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. He had attended the funeral of twelve of his comrades who had been killed in battle, May 1968. Thirty-seven years later he was notified that the remains of his fellow Marines had been recovered and brought home. He had been invited to attend the service and reunion. The reunion had been the high point of his life, he said. The following is a direct quote by Libbie Adams: “Overcome with emotion, he later showed me an item that had been given to him by one of his fellow Marines – a small American flag lapel pin. To Dean, that tiny symbol summed up the great weight of events and emotions that he’ll forever be unable to verbalize. The reverence and appreciation vested in that small symbol by a veteran who gave so much for his country has renewed my own awareness and respect for our national emblem…” Prayer by Libbie Adams: “Father, when I cast my gaze upon the flag today, may I see not only the beauty in its rich colors but recognize the depth of its meaning to our country.” May I add: Amen.
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a moment and enjoy the music video below: Ragged Old Flag, by Johnny Cash
My Soul Is On Fire
“God, I'm running for Your heart, I'm running for Your heart, Till I am a soul on fire.
Lord, I'm longing for Your ways, I'm waiting for the day, When I am a soul on fire.
Till I am a soul on fire” Lyrics of song “Soul On Fire: ”by Christian Group Third Day
If you have attended the monthly Praise and Worship evenings hosted by Mellisa and Jim, or if you attended the incredible Praise Concert we had on April 30th to benefit WNY Heroes, or if you were in church when our Jr. Choir, Jesus Rocks, performed, then you have heard this song—perhaps numerous times. It’s one of my favorites. When I hear it I can’t help but crank up the volume till the windows shake, sing off key, and lift my hands in praise. It truly makes my soul burn with God’s unquenchable fire. YES!
Lord, I'm longing for Your ways, I'm waiting for the day, When I am a soul on fire.
Till I am a soul on fire” Lyrics of song “Soul On Fire: ”by Christian Group Third Day
If you have attended the monthly Praise and Worship evenings hosted by Mellisa and Jim, or if you attended the incredible Praise Concert we had on April 30th to benefit WNY Heroes, or if you were in church when our Jr. Choir, Jesus Rocks, performed, then you have heard this song—perhaps numerous times. It’s one of my favorites. When I hear it I can’t help but crank up the volume till the windows shake, sing off key, and lift my hands in praise. It truly makes my soul burn with God’s unquenchable fire. YES!
While attending the Praise Concert on the 30th I was asked a question. What is it about that kind of music, Contemporary Praise, that made people feel the need to stand up and raise their hands while singing? My answer was all too quick and a little flippant. I just said with a smile, “To feel closer to God.” While this is in fact true, I feel it goes so much deeper. It goes to the very heart of our souls.
One particular praise band at the concert caught not only my attention, but also that of almost everyone in attendance. They were from High Point Community Church and it was evident that the hearts and souls of these young people were indeed on fire for the Lord. The moment it was announced for everyone to feel free to stand if they desired, or to raise their hands in praise, these young people did just that. No embarrassment. No hesitation. No looking around to see if anyone would notice. They stood up, raised their hands and worshipped their God with enthusiasm. (As did some of our own) These young people are completely and passionately in love with and on fire for the Lord and nothing could hold them back.
One particular praise band at the concert caught not only my attention, but also that of almost everyone in attendance. They were from High Point Community Church and it was evident that the hearts and souls of these young people were indeed on fire for the Lord. The moment it was announced for everyone to feel free to stand if they desired, or to raise their hands in praise, these young people did just that. No embarrassment. No hesitation. No looking around to see if anyone would notice. They stood up, raised their hands and worshipped their God with enthusiasm. (As did some of our own) These young people are completely and passionately in love with and on fire for the Lord and nothing could hold them back.
I’m going to step off the path for a moment and go in a different direction. Sports. How many of you are sports fans? I’m not, but I know that many of you are. You may have a favorite sport—Football? Baseball? Soccer? Hockey? Basketball? Others? You likely have a favorite team. How many of you have children or loved ones who play sports? I know we do, and I know many of you do as well.
Now let me ask you another question. When you watch the games, whether in front of the TV, or live in a stadium, gymnasium or on a field, what is the atmosphere? Quiet? Subdued? Does everyone sit with hands folded on their laps, clapping at the appropriate times, possibly offering a timid “good job”? Dozing off? As I said I’m not a sports fan, I however have watched my share of games and meets and I can tell you they are not subdued.
Team colors are donned; faces may be painted; cheerleaders lead cheers; people leap to their feet, screaming, shouting and encouraging—raising their hands or foam fingers; passion and zeal explode. No embarrassment. No hesitation. No worries about what others think of them. It just is.
Now let me ask you another question. When you watch the games, whether in front of the TV, or live in a stadium, gymnasium or on a field, what is the atmosphere? Quiet? Subdued? Does everyone sit with hands folded on their laps, clapping at the appropriate times, possibly offering a timid “good job”? Dozing off? As I said I’m not a sports fan, I however have watched my share of games and meets and I can tell you they are not subdued.
Team colors are donned; faces may be painted; cheerleaders lead cheers; people leap to their feet, screaming, shouting and encouraging—raising their hands or foam fingers; passion and zeal explode. No embarrassment. No hesitation. No worries about what others think of them. It just is.
“Lord, restore the joy I had. I have wandered, bring me back, In this darkness, lead me through, Until all I see is You” Life is difficult. We have our ups and downs; times of light and times of darkness; times of celebration and times of grief. The world is changing faster than we could ever imagine and many of the changes are down right frightening. Our shoulders become hunched beneath the pressures of our lives, our hearts ache, and our souls become fatigued. “Lord restore the joy I had!”
Most of you have known me long enough to know that music touches my soul. When I’m weak, tired, sad, confused, angry, hurting…well you get it, I turn to music and I feel regenerated. Scripture is full of references to music and praising God through it.
Psalm 71:23 “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” James 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” Psalm 149:3 “Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!” 2 Samuel 6:5 “And David and all the house of Israel were making merry before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.” Psalm 47:1 “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” Psalm 65:13 “The meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.” AND…Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Isn’t that Awesome!?) This is just the tip of the musical iceberg my friends; we haven’t even touched on the Heavenly Choirs.
Most of you have known me long enough to know that music touches my soul. When I’m weak, tired, sad, confused, angry, hurting…well you get it, I turn to music and I feel regenerated. Scripture is full of references to music and praising God through it.
Psalm 71:23 “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” James 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” Psalm 149:3 “Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!” 2 Samuel 6:5 “And David and all the house of Israel were making merry before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.” Psalm 47:1 “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!” Psalm 65:13 “The meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.” AND…Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Isn’t that Awesome!?) This is just the tip of the musical iceberg my friends; we haven’t even touched on the Heavenly Choirs.
“Lord, let me burn for You again, Let me return to You again. And Lord, let me burn for You again. And let me return to You again” (from Soul on Fire) Lord let me burn for you again. Let me return to you again. Our God is powerful; active; alive—His Spirit burns inside of us. At least it should.
On the evening of April 30th I was asked a question which I have been pondering ever since. Why do we feel the need to stand up and possibly raise our hands when hearing praise music? My answer. How can we not? Music is a creation of our Heavenly Father. The angels sing His praises; an angelic choir announced Jesus’ birth; King David danced and made music before the Lord; God Himself “will exult over you with loud singing.” Our God is not quiet, subdued, or traditional. No. His love is a burning, raging, all consuming Fire. His Spirit came down on the followers of Christ on the Day of Pentecost in tongues of flames—FIRE.
Over the centuries denominations have been constructed: Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, and the list goes on. Each denomination has its own set of man-made laws, by laws and traditions. Most, sadly, are traditional with a capital T. We have lost the spark, the fire, the all consuming, infectious, passionate Zeal for our Lord that knows no bounds or constraint: the fervor, which causes our hearts, our souls and our very bodies to erupt in active praise for our one and only Lord and God—our Savior and King who died for us on the cross and will come again for His church “soon and very soon.”
On the evening of April 30th I was asked a question which I have been pondering ever since. Why do we feel the need to stand up and possibly raise our hands when hearing praise music? My answer. How can we not? Music is a creation of our Heavenly Father. The angels sing His praises; an angelic choir announced Jesus’ birth; King David danced and made music before the Lord; God Himself “will exult over you with loud singing.” Our God is not quiet, subdued, or traditional. No. His love is a burning, raging, all consuming Fire. His Spirit came down on the followers of Christ on the Day of Pentecost in tongues of flames—FIRE.
Over the centuries denominations have been constructed: Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, and the list goes on. Each denomination has its own set of man-made laws, by laws and traditions. Most, sadly, are traditional with a capital T. We have lost the spark, the fire, the all consuming, infectious, passionate Zeal for our Lord that knows no bounds or constraint: the fervor, which causes our hearts, our souls and our very bodies to erupt in active praise for our one and only Lord and God—our Savior and King who died for us on the cross and will come again for His church “soon and very soon.”
Our God is truly an “Awesome God,” as Rich Mullen’s song testifies to. He is alive and active; His love and his power know no bounds; His saving grace is amazing. How can we not erupt with joy and awe when singing His praises? Music touches our souls. It has since the beginning of time and will into eternity. Music has the power to not only ignite a spark within us, but to also fan the flame until it erupts into an all-consuming, soul grabbing Fire! “God, I'm running for Your heart, I'm running for Your heart, Till I am a soul on fire. Lord, I'm longing for Your ways, I'm waiting for the day, When I am a soul on fire. Till I am a soul on fire”
Psalm 104:33“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”
Joyfully
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute to enjoy the Music video below - Soul On Fire by: Third Day.
Psalm 104:33“I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”
Joyfully
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute to enjoy the Music video below - Soul On Fire by: Third Day.
Christmas Heart ~A Tale Of Lost Hearts Found
Snow silently tumbled to the ground, flitting this way and that upon the
breeze as if dancing to a heavenly chorus. Golden light streamed from Stained
glass windows casting a warm glow upon the blanket of white, as men, women
and children filed down the stone steps. The Christmas Eve service
had drawn to and end. Hearts should have been consumed with the joy
and peace of the season. But,sadly, they were not.
breeze as if dancing to a heavenly chorus. Golden light streamed from Stained
glass windows casting a warm glow upon the blanket of white, as men, women
and children filed down the stone steps. The Christmas Eve service
had drawn to and end. Hearts should have been consumed with the joy
and peace of the season. But,sadly, they were not.
A tiny angel stood beside her much larger friend, a look of sadness and confusion upon her round face. This was her first Christmas on earth and it was nothing as she had imagined. “I don’t understand, Christa. Why aren’t they happy? What has happened to their Christmas hearts?”
“Their Christmas hearts, my sweet Noel, have sadly become buried beneath mountains of stress and debt. Even now you can hear the moans and groans.” Noel nodded her head sadly. “Do you see the man over there? The one dressed in a coat finer than all the others.” Noel nodded. “We are here for him tonight, Lil one: and also for them.” Christa motioned with her hand to somewhere beyond the church. The angel smiled at the look of confusion upon Noel’s face. “Listen, Lil one.”
With a soft wave of the angel’s hand a breeze caught the snow and caused it to swirl around the people. Noel tipped her head from one side to the other, and then smiled softly. “I hear singing. Oh, it’s so beautiful.” Christa smiled and placing her hand in front of her lips she blew softly, as if sending a kiss across the air. One by one the children stopped running. One by one all the grown-ups stopped moaning. The man turned his gaze toward the singing, which swelled upon itself with each and every word.
“Their Christmas hearts, my sweet Noel, have sadly become buried beneath mountains of stress and debt. Even now you can hear the moans and groans.” Noel nodded her head sadly. “Do you see the man over there? The one dressed in a coat finer than all the others.” Noel nodded. “We are here for him tonight, Lil one: and also for them.” Christa motioned with her hand to somewhere beyond the church. The angel smiled at the look of confusion upon Noel’s face. “Listen, Lil one.”
With a soft wave of the angel’s hand a breeze caught the snow and caused it to swirl around the people. Noel tipped her head from one side to the other, and then smiled softly. “I hear singing. Oh, it’s so beautiful.” Christa smiled and placing her hand in front of her lips she blew softly, as if sending a kiss across the air. One by one the children stopped running. One by one all the grown-ups stopped moaning. The man turned his gaze toward the singing, which swelled upon itself with each and every word.
A voice as deep as the ocean, yet as soft as down sang, “What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?” Other voices joined in. “This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherd guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.” It had to be a choir, some said, but there was no other church nearby. Where could it be coming from?
The man was the first to move: turning his face toward the angelic voices he traipsed through the snow closely followed by all the others. None could know or begin to imagine that two beautiful angels, one big and one small, were guiding their steps. Around the corner, down the street, and through an alley of shadows they traveled, until finally entering a world unknown to most. There were no houses to be seen, not even one. Merely long ago shattered windows, forgotten warehouses, heaving concrete, piles of debris, and the phantom moans of all those who had come before. A fire’s warm glow could be seen just ahead, at the mouth of a small shed of rusted tin. It had three sagging walls and a roof that sloped forward, however if seen through a heart wide open and eyes of Christmas wonder, one might imagine it to be a stable instead.
The two angels drifted gracefully over the snow as the man and the others followed unaware. Laughter could now be heard from within the shed, as a little girl’s voice asked to sing Rudolf. “Who are they?” Noel asked, her eyes wide. “Why aren’t they at home tonight, Christa?”
Christa held Noel’s hand and led her to the fire’s edge. “This is their home, Noel. Do you see the tall man by the tree, the one holding the little girl in his arms?” Noel nodded, a look of sadness upon her face. “His name is Doc, and the others are his friends.” Christa pointed to each person within the shed naming them as she went. Harry is the man in the wheel chair and Jon is his best friend. Joe and Mike fought in a war many years ago. The little girl is Latisha and her mother is Dottie. It wasn’t safe for them to live at home anymore. Then there’s sweet Martha rocking an infant only her eyes can see, and beside her are Hattie, her brother Ricky, and their friend Micah: they were all being hurt at home, so now they live here with Doc and the others.
“What about Doc?” Noel asked. “Why is he here?”
“Doc’s wife and little girl died because of a car accident. He lost them both, and couldn’t handle life anymore. God saved his life, and now he lives here and saves other people’s lives. He is a very good man. He, Joe, and Mike have also been praying for all their friends this Christmas season. They have prayed for a Christmas miracle for Latisha and all the others. Their prayers will be answered tonight. Watch, Lil one."
“What about Doc?” Noel asked. “Why is he here?”
“Doc’s wife and little girl died because of a car accident. He lost them both, and couldn’t handle life anymore. God saved his life, and now he lives here and saves other people’s lives. He is a very good man. He, Joe, and Mike have also been praying for all their friends this Christmas season. They have prayed for a Christmas miracle for Latisha and all the others. Their prayers will be answered tonight. Watch, Lil one."
The people from the church huddled just outside the shed, soaking in the fire’s warmth. This wasn’t what they had expected to find. The people within the shed were homeless, and yet they were joyful. Doc held the little girl up to the “Charlie Brown” Christmas tree, and helped her place a crudely made foil star on its top, as they all sang Rudolph. They had nothing: less than nothing, and yet they sang and laughed. Doc set Latisha down and turned around. He didn’t appear disturbed to see the people standing there gawking, but rather gave them a warm smile. His eyes traveled across the group and came to rest on the man. Their eyes locked. Doc nodded, gave a smile and began to sing, in a voice deep as the ocean yet soft as down. “Silent Night, Holy night. All is calm all is bright.” Suddenly all of Doc’s friends as well as the others began to sing—while sweet Martha rocked her little babe--
their voices blending as an angelic choir, floating upon the breeze, and causing the two angels to smile. Yes, prayers were indeed being answered.
their voices blending as an angelic choir, floating upon the breeze, and causing the two angels to smile. Yes, prayers were indeed being answered.
*************************************************************************
The hour was late. Latisha and the others were finally asleep. Doc knelt before the Christmas tree, decorated in foil stars and paper chains, and placed his meager gifts beneath. He turned his head at the sound of footsteps upon the snow. The man stood with his arms full of wrapped gifts. He nodded, and knelt beside Doc, placing the packages under the tree. He then left and came back two more times loaded down with more gifts, including a beautiful rocking horse for Latisha. Doc sat on his heels, tears streaming down his cold cheeks. On his last trip the man carried in a cooler and set it near the tree. He popped open the lid. Doc gasped. Food. More food than he had seen in far too long: a Christmas feast; a Christmas miracle.
The hour was late. Latisha and the others were finally asleep. Doc knelt before the Christmas tree, decorated in foil stars and paper chains, and placed his meager gifts beneath. He turned his head at the sound of footsteps upon the snow. The man stood with his arms full of wrapped gifts. He nodded, and knelt beside Doc, placing the packages under the tree. He then left and came back two more times loaded down with more gifts, including a beautiful rocking horse for Latisha. Doc sat on his heels, tears streaming down his cold cheeks. On his last trip the man carried in a cooler and set it near the tree. He popped open the lid. Doc gasped. Food. More food than he had seen in far too long: a Christmas feast; a Christmas miracle.
Tears coursed down the cheeks of both men as Doc stood and extended his hand. “Thank you so much, Sir. But why?” He said through the tears.
The man held Doc’s hand in both of his and took a deep breath. “No, I need to thank you. I lost my Christmas heart two years ago this very night, when my wife died. I hated Christmas after that. I hated everything.” The man dabbed his watering eyes. “I found my heart again tonight, young man, thanks to all of you. God bless you all, and Merry Christmas.” With that the man tipped his hat and slowly walked into the night.
“Merry Christmas,” Doc said as the church bells tolled the midnight hour. “Thank you Jesus.” He whispered into the night air.
God Bless And Merry Christmas to all
Sandy Wells
Please Enjoy the Christmas music video below, Third Day's "What Child Is This"
And also and added video: "Silent Night" By Third Day.
For Freedom
America. Land of the Free: Home of the Brave. A country born by faith; a freedom protected by the courage of many. This is the time of year when we stop and count our blessings. It is also the time of year when we need to remember to stop and say thank-you to our men and women who left family and friends behind to fight for our freedom.
We have the great privilege to live in this land of ours: A land where we remain free to speak our minds, and worship on Sunday mornings, or any day for that matter, without fear of imprisonment or death. This freedom, however, comes at a high cost. Men and women, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, have left home and family to serve our country; to fight and in some sad cases die to protect our freedom. I give my thanks to each and every one of these courageous soldiers, and to their families who are also soldiers.
We have the great privilege to live in this land of ours: A land where we remain free to speak our minds, and worship on Sunday mornings, or any day for that matter, without fear of imprisonment or death. This freedom, however, comes at a high cost. Men and women, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, have left home and family to serve our country; to fight and in some sad cases die to protect our freedom. I give my thanks to each and every one of these courageous soldiers, and to their families who are also soldiers.
At approximately 8:45 on September 11th, 2001 our country and our world was forever changed. During the years leading up to that fatal day, for the most part, we had known relative peace. Since that day war and terrorism have become our reality. Our youth have grown up in a post-9/11 world, the time of peace not even a distant memory to them, but rather an era spoken of in history. Which is exactly why we need to take time to offer special thanks to our men and women who serve and fight to keep us free.
Through history there have been monumental events and wars, and all through history men and women have stepped up to do their duty. There have been times when names were chosen according to allotted numbers: we remember this as the draft. In some countries it is mandatory that all males upon reaching a certain age are to join the military. Love of country is not the motivation. Our men and women however are not forced by law, or by the draft—at this time—to serve.
No. These courageous men and women hear a call within their hearts unheard by many. A call to serve and protect: a call, for most, conceived by love for country. They realize that to answer this call will put them in harm’s way, and still they answer. For this unselfish act and sacrifice I say thank-you.
With this said, I want to share the words of a song called: For Freedom, by Christian group, Avalon. These words say more than I could ever hope to. To each and every one of our veterans and their families, Thank-You!
Through history there have been monumental events and wars, and all through history men and women have stepped up to do their duty. There have been times when names were chosen according to allotted numbers: we remember this as the draft. In some countries it is mandatory that all males upon reaching a certain age are to join the military. Love of country is not the motivation. Our men and women however are not forced by law, or by the draft—at this time—to serve.
No. These courageous men and women hear a call within their hearts unheard by many. A call to serve and protect: a call, for most, conceived by love for country. They realize that to answer this call will put them in harm’s way, and still they answer. For this unselfish act and sacrifice I say thank-you.
With this said, I want to share the words of a song called: For Freedom, by Christian group, Avalon. These words say more than I could ever hope to. To each and every one of our veterans and their families, Thank-You!
For Freedom – By Avalon
Somewhere a trumpet sounds in the night.
A soldier is standing there.
It's calling him out to the stars and the stripes.
It's calling him God knows where.
He kisses the ones he loves goodbye. And leaves in the dead of night.
For freedom he'll heed the call. Leave all he knows And for freedom he'll stand and fight.
Somewhere a trumpet sounds in the night.
A soldier is standing there.
It's calling him out to the stars and the stripes.
It's calling him God knows where.
He kisses the ones he loves goodbye. And leaves in the dead of night.
For freedom he'll heed the call. Leave all he knows And for freedom he'll stand and fight.
And somewhere a man and wife can't believe
they're waving their girl goodbye.
For gone are the days of pigtails and curls and candlelight lullabies.
If they had their way she'd stay young forever.
And never be far from home.
But freedom has drawn her heart to danger's shore.
And for freedom they'll let her go.
they're waving their girl goodbye.
For gone are the days of pigtails and curls and candlelight lullabies.
If they had their way she'd stay young forever.
And never be far from home.
But freedom has drawn her heart to danger's shore.
And for freedom they'll let her go.
And somewhere a thunderous crash in the night,
it echoes all through the hills.
Though many escape its wrath and its rage.
A soldier lies wounded still.
Remembering the land he loves, he cries ‘I've loved you with all my might.’
For freedom said, "I'm her son whatever comes.
And for freedom I'll say goodbye".
And somewhere beneath the stars and the sky our flag is still standing there.
She bled and she brought one land under God.
Her colors still lead us there
She’s carried the lives of those before us.She's buried the bold and brave.
For freedom she holds our hopes and hands up high.
And for freedom she'll ever wave
it echoes all through the hills.
Though many escape its wrath and its rage.
A soldier lies wounded still.
Remembering the land he loves, he cries ‘I've loved you with all my might.’
For freedom said, "I'm her son whatever comes.
And for freedom I'll say goodbye".
And somewhere beneath the stars and the sky our flag is still standing there.
She bled and she brought one land under God.
Her colors still lead us there
She’s carried the lives of those before us.She's buried the bold and brave.
For freedom she holds our hopes and hands up high.
And for freedom she'll ever wave
Whatever the changes over the decades, ours continues to be a beautiful land, and the home of the brave. Through the centuries soldiers of all ages have heard a call that only they could hear. A call that carried them from all they knew: a warm home, family, loved ones, girl friends, boy friends, spouses, and children to go and serve, to fight and if need be to give their very lives so that we may continue to be free.
Since 9/11 thousands upon thousands of men and women have answered the call. Some gave all. Some, though they lived, came home minus limbs, eyesight, recognizable faces, and sadly for some, the will to live. They will carry the scars of battle for the rest of their lives. To each and every one of these courageous heroes, I give my heart-felt thanks. And to the military families who fight their own battles here at home, I also give you my heart-felt thanks.
God bless each and every one of you,
Let freedom ring,
Sandy Wells
Since 9/11 thousands upon thousands of men and women have answered the call. Some gave all. Some, though they lived, came home minus limbs, eyesight, recognizable faces, and sadly for some, the will to live. They will carry the scars of battle for the rest of their lives. To each and every one of these courageous heroes, I give my heart-felt thanks. And to the military families who fight their own battles here at home, I also give you my heart-felt thanks.
God bless each and every one of you,
Let freedom ring,
Sandy Wells
What is a Veteran? A “Veteran”— whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve—is someone, who at one point in his (or her) life wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount of “up to and including his (or her) life”
Please take a moment to watch the music video below: For Freedom, By Avalon
Please take a moment to watch the music video below: For Freedom, By Avalon
My Fight Song
“Like a small boat on the ocean. Sending big waves into motion. Like how a single word can make a heart open…I might only have one match, But I can make an explosion. And all those things I didn't say. Wrecking balls inside my brain. I will scream them loud tonight. Can you hear my voice this time?
This is my fight song. Take back my life song. Prove I'm alright song. My power's turned on Starting right now I'll be strong. I'll play my fight song. And I don't really care if nobody else believes. Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me.” (Lyrics from song: This Is My Fight Song, by: Rachel Platten)
This is my fight song. Take back my life song. Prove I'm alright song. My power's turned on Starting right now I'll be strong. I'll play my fight song. And I don't really care if nobody else believes. Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me.” (Lyrics from song: This Is My Fight Song, by: Rachel Platten)
I am claiming this song! But not merely for myself: I’m claiming it for each and every person who has had or is still fighting a battle in their lives. Whether, physical, emotional, financial or spiritual: a battle rages around us every single day. If you are anything like me you may find yourself exhausted, depressed, anxious, fearful, doubtful, angry or confused; possibly all simultaneously. We may feel as if we are stumbling blindly through what seems to be an impenetrable labyrinth. One false turn leads us into a dead end, and as we turn around to try to find our way out—everything shifts. Nothing is as it was. One dead end leads to another, which leads to another shifting changing tunnel that spirals us deeper into the darkness. We feel trapped. Hopeless. Helpless.
There have been times this past year and a half when I swore I bore a huge target on my back, not merely a “Kick Me” sign, but a glow in the dark target meant for one purpose—TO TAKE ME OUT. One arrow after another, purposefully aimed by some unseen malicious archer, struck. Each arrow knocking the wind out of me and sending me sprawling to the ground: each arrow more powerful than the last. The archer, however, failed in its mission, even though the most recent arrows did pierce my heart, they did not TAKE ME OUT. I have run, tripped and fallen through the ever-changing labyrinth, while my pursuer tags on my heels. But I’m still here. I’m here because “…the One who is in you (me) is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4. I have not run the labyrinth alone. My God was not only with me; His Spirit lives in me. Now that’s power!
There have been times this past year and a half when I swore I bore a huge target on my back, not merely a “Kick Me” sign, but a glow in the dark target meant for one purpose—TO TAKE ME OUT. One arrow after another, purposefully aimed by some unseen malicious archer, struck. Each arrow knocking the wind out of me and sending me sprawling to the ground: each arrow more powerful than the last. The archer, however, failed in its mission, even though the most recent arrows did pierce my heart, they did not TAKE ME OUT. I have run, tripped and fallen through the ever-changing labyrinth, while my pursuer tags on my heels. But I’m still here. I’m here because “…the One who is in you (me) is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4. I have not run the labyrinth alone. My God was not only with me; His Spirit lives in me. Now that’s power!
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”(This Is My Fight Song.) Yes, there is a battle raging for our souls. Not one that we can see with our human eyes. Not one that is televised on the evening news, fought by courageous soldiers in camouflage gear, flack jackets, and bearing weapons. No, “…this struggle is not between flesh and blood…but, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12.)
The enemy has been very busy, and will remain so until Jesus comes back again. In his arrogance he thinks he’s already won the war. He couldn’t be more wrong! Our God loves us so much that He sent His son to die a horrendous death for us, and through His resurrection we who believe in Him are saved. We shall not perish but have eternal life. Take that Satan!
I may only be a small boat in the ocean, but I can make a big wave. I may only have one match, but I can make an explosion. And so can each one of you. So often we feel miniscule when it comes to the battles raging around us, and the battles raging throughout the world. When we are knocked down over and over again it becomes very tempting to stop fighting, and just stay down. At least that way we don’t have to fall again. When the arrows whiz past us, or impale our hearts, we feel powerless: How do we fight against this onslaught? We are after all just a small boat in the turbulent ocean. We fight the same way Jesus fought, and will fight once again. By using the all-powerful double-edged sword—God’s Word. There is power in the Word and there is power in the Name of Jesus; combine the two and you have a devil-chasing explosion.
The enemy has been very busy, and will remain so until Jesus comes back again. In his arrogance he thinks he’s already won the war. He couldn’t be more wrong! Our God loves us so much that He sent His son to die a horrendous death for us, and through His resurrection we who believe in Him are saved. We shall not perish but have eternal life. Take that Satan!
I may only be a small boat in the ocean, but I can make a big wave. I may only have one match, but I can make an explosion. And so can each one of you. So often we feel miniscule when it comes to the battles raging around us, and the battles raging throughout the world. When we are knocked down over and over again it becomes very tempting to stop fighting, and just stay down. At least that way we don’t have to fall again. When the arrows whiz past us, or impale our hearts, we feel powerless: How do we fight against this onslaught? We are after all just a small boat in the turbulent ocean. We fight the same way Jesus fought, and will fight once again. By using the all-powerful double-edged sword—God’s Word. There is power in the Word and there is power in the Name of Jesus; combine the two and you have a devil-chasing explosion.
“This is my fight song. Take back my life song. Prove I'm alright song. My power's turned on Starting right now I'll be strong. I'll play my fight song.” So what is my fight song, or rather our fight songs? The Word of God.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,” Phil. 2:10
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:6.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,” Phil. 2:10
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:6.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
A battle rages around us, and will do so until Jesus comes back again. We don’t like to think about it. We may choose to not believe it to be true. But it is very true. Which is why Jesus came to die for us, and why God gave us weapons and armor to wear in battle. Yes, battle. Each and every one of us is a soldier of God, and we must be prepared as such to do battle.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil …Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-20
Yes, life has been tough for many of us, and will continue to be so. Yes, we may feel as if we are under attack and are hopelessly lost in an ever-changing labyrinth. We may feel as if we are just one tiny boat in a very big ocean, but we can rest assured that we are not alone, and we do have power in the name of Jesus and in His word. “This is my fight song. Take back my life song...Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me.”
Stand Strong In Christ
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute and enjoy the music video below: "This Is My Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil …Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-20
Yes, life has been tough for many of us, and will continue to be so. Yes, we may feel as if we are under attack and are hopelessly lost in an ever-changing labyrinth. We may feel as if we are just one tiny boat in a very big ocean, but we can rest assured that we are not alone, and we do have power in the name of Jesus and in His word. “This is my fight song. Take back my life song...Cause I've still got a lot of fight left in me.”
Stand Strong In Christ
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute and enjoy the music video below: "This Is My Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.
He Roars Like A Lion
“EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT! GOD IS A MYTH. GOD IS DEAD.” Those headlines caught your attention didn’t they? How many of us remember seeing headlines such as these way back in the 1960’s. I know we’re dating ourselves if we admit to this. I remember them all too well: the signs, the billboards, and the sermons on the subject. It was the big question at the time. Is God Dead?
While these may not be the 1960’s any more, and this question isn’t headline news, the debate concerning God and His existence continues. “There is no God,” some vehemently profess. “There may be a God out there somewhere, but I don’t believe in him or her,” others declare. “How can there be a God with so much evil in the world?” still others demand. “Jesus was a good guy, a prophet who did a lot of miracles and stuff, but he died. He’s dead. End of discussion,” many spout. “God is inappropriate, he makes people who don’t believe feel uncomfortable, so anything to do with God is banned,” all too many are dictating.
The big question at this point in history isn’t necessarily, “Is God Dead?” but rather is He relevant anymore? Did He ever exist in the first place, or, are evolutionists correct in their theories? Big Bang, everything came from nothing, man evolved from apes and apes from…. well, you get it. And the more disturbing occurrence is the fact that God, our faith and His word, have all been banned in many areas of our own country. Belief in God is no longer politically correct, no longer the cornerstone on which our country was founded, and as a result many of our children are growing up in an imposed spiritual void, in danger of becoming the Spiritual Walking Dead. No, God is not dead; our world however is a different story all together.
While these may not be the 1960’s any more, and this question isn’t headline news, the debate concerning God and His existence continues. “There is no God,” some vehemently profess. “There may be a God out there somewhere, but I don’t believe in him or her,” others declare. “How can there be a God with so much evil in the world?” still others demand. “Jesus was a good guy, a prophet who did a lot of miracles and stuff, but he died. He’s dead. End of discussion,” many spout. “God is inappropriate, he makes people who don’t believe feel uncomfortable, so anything to do with God is banned,” all too many are dictating.
The big question at this point in history isn’t necessarily, “Is God Dead?” but rather is He relevant anymore? Did He ever exist in the first place, or, are evolutionists correct in their theories? Big Bang, everything came from nothing, man evolved from apes and apes from…. well, you get it. And the more disturbing occurrence is the fact that God, our faith and His word, have all been banned in many areas of our own country. Belief in God is no longer politically correct, no longer the cornerstone on which our country was founded, and as a result many of our children are growing up in an imposed spiritual void, in danger of becoming the Spiritual Walking Dead. No, God is not dead; our world however is a different story all together.
“Let love explode and bring the dead to life: A love so bold to seek a revolution somehow. Let love explode and bring the dead to life: A love so bold to bring a revolution somehow. Now I'm lost in Your freedom, In this world I'll overcome. My God's not dead. He's surely alive. He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion. God's not dead. He's surely alive. He's living on the inside, roaring like a lion. Roaring, He's roaring, He's roaring like a lion.” (Our God’s Not Dead,” by the Christian Group, The Newsboys)
“The Walking Dead” has become the craze over that past few years, Zombies, Zombies everywhere. Personally Zombies creep me out and I can’t watch these shows. Unfortunately our country, and yes, the entire world, has in effect become the land of the Walking Dead…Spiritually Dead. God has been or is being pulled and pushed from everything. He has become an outcast. There’s no prayer in school, you aren’t even allowed to talk about God in school, as my 7 year old grandson was instructed, separation of church and state has been taken to the extreme, PR has become the rule of the day, and that means God’s out. Our society is quite literally becoming one of spiritual zombies. We need a revolution. We need a love that explodes and brings the spiritually dead to life. That love is God.
My God, our God Is Not Dead! He is very much alive and He lives in all believers. Not only does He live in us, but He also roars like a lion. Our God is not a passive God. He doesn’t live meekly in us, not wanting bother us or make noise. No. Our God has a mighty voice and He’s not afraid to use it. He ROARS like a lion. That’s powerful, and it’s through His mighty power that we can and will overcome in this world and become completely lost in a freedom only He can give.
My God, our God Is Not Dead! He is very much alive and He lives in all believers. Not only does He live in us, but He also roars like a lion. Our God is not a passive God. He doesn’t live meekly in us, not wanting bother us or make noise. No. Our God has a mighty voice and He’s not afraid to use it. He ROARS like a lion. That’s powerful, and it’s through His mighty power that we can and will overcome in this world and become completely lost in a freedom only He can give.
“Let hope arise and make the darkness hide, my faith is dead I need resurrection somehow. Now I'm lost in Your freedom, In this world I'll overcome. My God's not dead He's surely alive. He's living on the inside: Roaring like a lion. God's not dead He's surely alive. He's living on the inside. Roaring like a lion”
In this day and age, many of us may feel spiritually dead, even though we believe in the one True God. Our hope may have hit an all time low and the light at the end of the tunnel is no more than a speck of a speck. Our faith has flat lined, and we feel completely lost; we feel dead. We are being bombarded on all sides through the media, and social media with doom and gloom, and evil and atrocities that make the stomach churn and the heart drop. It’s all just too much to bear—on our own that is. But we are never alone. The light of the world lives in our souls, The Lion of Judah Roars in our hearts—so let hope arise and the darkness hide, because our God is not dead.
In this day and age, many of us may feel spiritually dead, even though we believe in the one True God. Our hope may have hit an all time low and the light at the end of the tunnel is no more than a speck of a speck. Our faith has flat lined, and we feel completely lost; we feel dead. We are being bombarded on all sides through the media, and social media with doom and gloom, and evil and atrocities that make the stomach churn and the heart drop. It’s all just too much to bear—on our own that is. But we are never alone. The light of the world lives in our souls, The Lion of Judah Roars in our hearts—so let hope arise and the darkness hide, because our God is not dead.
“Let heaven roar and fire fall. Come shake the ground, with the sound of revival. Let heaven roar and fire fall. Come shake the ground with the sound of revival.” (Lean in close and listen to the whisper of a voice. When you watch the music video this will make sense) “(My God's not dead) (He's surely alive) He's living on the inside, Roaring like a lion. God's not dead. He's surely alive. He's living on the inside: Roaring like a lion. He's roaring like a lion (Roaring like a lion)”
Now there’s an image. Heaven roaring. Fire falling: The ground shaking with the sound of revival. Whoa! Can you see it? Can you hear it? Can you feel it? Revival! Let Heaven roar! Let fire fall! Come shake the ground with the sound of revival! The sound of God’s revival in the hearts of the lost and dead, the sound of spirits leaping to life once again, the sound of our God Roaring like a lion and restoring his people.
As our world continues to spin, and chaos becomes the norm: as disbelievers continue to attempt to bury our God and our faith beneath a mile high pile of political gibberish, we can hold fast to the truth. Our God is very much alive and He is in control.
Now there’s an image. Heaven roaring. Fire falling: The ground shaking with the sound of revival. Whoa! Can you see it? Can you hear it? Can you feel it? Revival! Let Heaven roar! Let fire fall! Come shake the ground with the sound of revival! The sound of God’s revival in the hearts of the lost and dead, the sound of spirits leaping to life once again, the sound of our God Roaring like a lion and restoring his people.
As our world continues to spin, and chaos becomes the norm: as disbelievers continue to attempt to bury our God and our faith beneath a mile high pile of political gibberish, we can hold fast to the truth. Our God is very much alive and He is in control.
Jesus came first as a lamb, He will come back as the Lion of Judah
“Let love explode and bring the dead to life: A love so bold to seek a revolution somehow…. God's not dead. He's surely alive. He's living on the inside: Roaring like a lion.”
Our God, the Great I Am, the Lion of Judah, the Alpha and Omega, the Great Creator, Our King and our Savior lives in us. I don’t know about you but I still find this to be overwhelming. Through the centuries God’s existence has been questioned by many: headlines have been made, faith stifled, laws created and recreated. And this will go on till the end of time. One day all the questions will be answered, to the utter shock of many, and the utter delight of others. Until that day may we listen to His voice and shake the ground with revival.
“Let heaven roar and fire fall. Come shake the ground, with the sound of revival. My God’s not dead, He’s surely alive.”
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute to enjoy the music video below: "God's Not Dead" by: The Newsboys.
Our God, the Great I Am, the Lion of Judah, the Alpha and Omega, the Great Creator, Our King and our Savior lives in us. I don’t know about you but I still find this to be overwhelming. Through the centuries God’s existence has been questioned by many: headlines have been made, faith stifled, laws created and recreated. And this will go on till the end of time. One day all the questions will be answered, to the utter shock of many, and the utter delight of others. Until that day may we listen to His voice and shake the ground with revival.
“Let heaven roar and fire fall. Come shake the ground, with the sound of revival. My God’s not dead, He’s surely alive.”
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a minute to enjoy the music video below: "God's Not Dead" by: The Newsboys.
On His Shoulders
“When confusion's my companion, and despair holds me for ransom, I will feel no fear. I know that You are near. When I'm caught deep in the valley, with chaos for my company, I'll find my comfort here. ‘Cause I know that You are near.” (“Shoulders” by Christian group: For King and Country.)
These past two months have been difficult for my family. The month of May was excruciating. My family’s world was rocked to the core the day my brother, Dan, died. This wasn’t supposed to happen. How could it happen? He was the funny, compassionate rock to my sister, our entire family and myself. And yet, he was gone. And we were left in a place of confusion; and despair was holding each of us for ransom.
My family is not alone. Many of us have, due to one tragedy or another, one crisis piled on top of the next, found our selves caught “in the deep valley, with chaos for our company.” This is not a comfortable place to be. In fact it’s down right painful. In the weeks following Dan’s passing I honestly didn’t know how I, personally, was going to hang on. I couldn’t fathom living the rest of our lives without him here. The valley was so very deep and dark; and the despair and chaos were suffocating. My strength was gone. And yet, through it all I felt comfort; I knew we weren’t alone. Thankfully.
These past two months have been difficult for my family. The month of May was excruciating. My family’s world was rocked to the core the day my brother, Dan, died. This wasn’t supposed to happen. How could it happen? He was the funny, compassionate rock to my sister, our entire family and myself. And yet, he was gone. And we were left in a place of confusion; and despair was holding each of us for ransom.
My family is not alone. Many of us have, due to one tragedy or another, one crisis piled on top of the next, found our selves caught “in the deep valley, with chaos for our company.” This is not a comfortable place to be. In fact it’s down right painful. In the weeks following Dan’s passing I honestly didn’t know how I, personally, was going to hang on. I couldn’t fathom living the rest of our lives without him here. The valley was so very deep and dark; and the despair and chaos were suffocating. My strength was gone. And yet, through it all I felt comfort; I knew we weren’t alone. Thankfully.
“My help comes from You, You're right here, pulling me through, You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders, Your shoulders. My help comes from You, You are my rest, my rescue. I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders, Your shoulders.”
Each and every one of us faces our own times of trial and anguish: loss of a loved one; terminal illness; devastating financial loss; being a caretaker for a suffering family member; and the list goes on. We each have those moments, weeks, months and even years when we don’t know how we’ll carry on. Our strength is running on fumes, our shoulders are slumping under the pressure: we feel as if we’re going down for the third time; one breath away from drowning, and we desperately seek a life preserver. That life preserver is Jesus. He meets us where we are, smack dab in the middle of our valley, our grief, our despair, our chaos, and picks us up and carries us on His shoulders. He’s right here, with his hand wrapped around ours, pulling us through to safety.
Life isn’t easy--(Now there’s an understatement.)—And it seems to get harder as time passes. The good-ole-days—which really weren’t all that good—have faded into the distant background. As children, our one desire was to be a grownup—now as grownups…well you know. Many of us have reached that age. You know the one. Our bodies have begun to fail us. We’ve begun losing loved ones, some before their time. Confusion and chaos seem to have become regular and unwelcome companions. Honestly, it’s just plain hard. Yet, through it all we can rest in the assurance that we are not alone.
Each and every one of us faces our own times of trial and anguish: loss of a loved one; terminal illness; devastating financial loss; being a caretaker for a suffering family member; and the list goes on. We each have those moments, weeks, months and even years when we don’t know how we’ll carry on. Our strength is running on fumes, our shoulders are slumping under the pressure: we feel as if we’re going down for the third time; one breath away from drowning, and we desperately seek a life preserver. That life preserver is Jesus. He meets us where we are, smack dab in the middle of our valley, our grief, our despair, our chaos, and picks us up and carries us on His shoulders. He’s right here, with his hand wrapped around ours, pulling us through to safety.
Life isn’t easy--(Now there’s an understatement.)—And it seems to get harder as time passes. The good-ole-days—which really weren’t all that good—have faded into the distant background. As children, our one desire was to be a grownup—now as grownups…well you know. Many of us have reached that age. You know the one. Our bodies have begun to fail us. We’ve begun losing loved ones, some before their time. Confusion and chaos seem to have become regular and unwelcome companions. Honestly, it’s just plain hard. Yet, through it all we can rest in the assurance that we are not alone.
“You mend what once was shattered, and You turn my tears to laughter, Your forgiveness is my fortress, Oh Your mercy is relentless. My help is from You. Don't have to see it to believe it, My help is from you, Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true.”
No matter what burdens we carry, what shame or guilt we may feel, or grief we bear; Jesus is right here with us. He mends what was once shattered. He turns our tears to laughter. (Something I couldn’t imagine two months ago.) His forgiveness is our fortress, and His mercy is relentless. We don’t have to physically see Him to believe this…we know. And it’s through this act of knowing that His help is able to flow through us.
We are all familiar with the poem “Footprints in the Sand.” A part of it says: "During the lowest times of my life. I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, 'Lord, you promised me, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most would you leave me?' The Lord replied, 'My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.' '' I thought of these words many times over the past two months. No…actually I clung to them. They became my life preserver. When I was too weak to stand, (which was often) I fell into His arms and knew He would pick me up and carry me.
No matter what burdens we carry, what shame or guilt we may feel, or grief we bear; Jesus is right here with us. He mends what was once shattered. He turns our tears to laughter. (Something I couldn’t imagine two months ago.) His forgiveness is our fortress, and His mercy is relentless. We don’t have to physically see Him to believe this…we know. And it’s through this act of knowing that His help is able to flow through us.
We are all familiar with the poem “Footprints in the Sand.” A part of it says: "During the lowest times of my life. I could see only one set of footprints, so I said, 'Lord, you promised me, that you would walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most would you leave me?' The Lord replied, 'My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.' '' I thought of these words many times over the past two months. No…actually I clung to them. They became my life preserver. When I was too weak to stand, (which was often) I fell into His arms and knew He would pick me up and carry me.
“My help comes from You, You're right here, pulling me through, You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders, Your shoulders. My help comes from You, You are my rest, my rescue. I don't have to see to believe that You're lifting me up on Your shoulders, Your shoulders.”
It doesn’t matter what we’re going through—how trivial or catastrophic—Jesus is always right here with us. As I’m writing this, the words above continue drawing my attention, and I find myself marveling in them. He, Jesus Christ, the Creator of all, our Lord and Savior, carries our weakness, our sickness, and our brokenness all on His shoulders. He never gives up on us. He not only carries us on His shoulders, but he pulls us through whatever mire we may be in. That’s a roll-up-the sleeves brace the feet and give it your all-physical action.
I have an image coursing through my mind of a boy, lost and alone in the wilderness. He’s become ensnared in a mass of brambles and constricting vines, and swamped in a thick mire of black ooze. He’s trapped: hopeless, helpless, being pulled deeper into the depths of despair. He has no fight left, all he can do is cry out for help, but can anyone hear him? The sound of running feet startle the boy at first, but fear quickly turns to relief as a man bursts through the web of vines and brambles and grabs the boy’s outstretched hand. The man, Jesus, holds fast to the boy and pulls him through to safety; He then scoops the child up in His arms and swings him onto His shoulders, where the boy rests. He is safe.
That is the action of the Good Shepherd doing whatever it takes to rescue His frightened, weak, broken, suffering sheep…His beloved. How incredible! When we become consumed with grief and despair, when life hits us below the belt and we feel as if we’re suffocating, when our strength is running on fumes and we’re too weak to move: that’s when we need to grasp Jesus’ outstretched hand and let Him pull us through, and swoop us up onto His wide shoulders where we can rest, safe and secure. He is with us always, even in the deepest pit of despair and grief. Thank you Jesus!
"My help is from You, Don't have to see it to believe it. My help is from You; Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true."
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please feel free to enjoy the music video below: "Shoulders" by the Christian group, for King & Country
It doesn’t matter what we’re going through—how trivial or catastrophic—Jesus is always right here with us. As I’m writing this, the words above continue drawing my attention, and I find myself marveling in them. He, Jesus Christ, the Creator of all, our Lord and Savior, carries our weakness, our sickness, and our brokenness all on His shoulders. He never gives up on us. He not only carries us on His shoulders, but he pulls us through whatever mire we may be in. That’s a roll-up-the sleeves brace the feet and give it your all-physical action.
I have an image coursing through my mind of a boy, lost and alone in the wilderness. He’s become ensnared in a mass of brambles and constricting vines, and swamped in a thick mire of black ooze. He’s trapped: hopeless, helpless, being pulled deeper into the depths of despair. He has no fight left, all he can do is cry out for help, but can anyone hear him? The sound of running feet startle the boy at first, but fear quickly turns to relief as a man bursts through the web of vines and brambles and grabs the boy’s outstretched hand. The man, Jesus, holds fast to the boy and pulls him through to safety; He then scoops the child up in His arms and swings him onto His shoulders, where the boy rests. He is safe.
That is the action of the Good Shepherd doing whatever it takes to rescue His frightened, weak, broken, suffering sheep…His beloved. How incredible! When we become consumed with grief and despair, when life hits us below the belt and we feel as if we’re suffocating, when our strength is running on fumes and we’re too weak to move: that’s when we need to grasp Jesus’ outstretched hand and let Him pull us through, and swoop us up onto His wide shoulders where we can rest, safe and secure. He is with us always, even in the deepest pit of despair and grief. Thank you Jesus!
"My help is from You, Don't have to see it to believe it. My help is from You; Don't have to see it, ‘cause I know, ‘cause I know it's true."
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please feel free to enjoy the music video below: "Shoulders" by the Christian group, for King & Country
Lift Your Heads, and Raise Your Hands
“Seems like the end is coming. Seems like the signs are lining up, As far as I can see. We're closer now than ever. This pain won't last forever. Love. Love is on His way. So stand up the time is now to lift up your head. Raise your hands if you're with me. Raise your hands if you're ready. Say hey! hey! I'm not afraid. Hey! hey! hey! If it ends today” “If It Ends Today,” by Christian group, Kutless.
Whoa! What a glum and frightening beginning for an article. “Seems like the end is coming.” “I’m not afraid if it ends today.” Honestly, how many of us would lift up our heads and raise our hands, joining in these shouts of praise? And, for that matter how can I use the word praise when referring to the end of the world?
I have written on this subject before, and for that reason I hesitated writing this article. But…every time I hear the song, and it has been a lot lately, I continue getting that little nagging voice telling me to write about it. Finally today the voice basically said, “What’s the problem? Why aren’t you doing it?” So, I quit arguing and am following whatever lead I’m provided. Here goes.
Whoa! What a glum and frightening beginning for an article. “Seems like the end is coming.” “I’m not afraid if it ends today.” Honestly, how many of us would lift up our heads and raise our hands, joining in these shouts of praise? And, for that matter how can I use the word praise when referring to the end of the world?
I have written on this subject before, and for that reason I hesitated writing this article. But…every time I hear the song, and it has been a lot lately, I continue getting that little nagging voice telling me to write about it. Finally today the voice basically said, “What’s the problem? Why aren’t you doing it?” So, I quit arguing and am following whatever lead I’m provided. Here goes.
It has been over 2000 years since Jesus made the promise that He would return soon for His Bride, for His Church. 2000 years doesn’t exactly feel like soon, at least on this side of eternity. The Bible says however, “A day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as a day.” So, with that in mind, I guess 2000 years is a relatively short time by God’s clock. By human standards however, it feels like an eternity.
For some, Jesus’ promise has been forgotten, just some story somewhere in the Bible, not sure where: not relevant to us. For others, it’s something that we believe, but it won’t happen for a very long time. We’ll be long dead and gone so it won’t affect us. (Surprise, it does and will) For others it’s a frightening concept, one that they don’t want to think about, or read about. The end of the world! Scary!
For some, Jesus’ promise has been forgotten, just some story somewhere in the Bible, not sure where: not relevant to us. For others, it’s something that we believe, but it won’t happen for a very long time. We’ll be long dead and gone so it won’t affect us. (Surprise, it does and will) For others it’s a frightening concept, one that they don’t want to think about, or read about. The end of the world! Scary!
How many movies have been made on this subject? The Apocalypse, 2012: and a bunch whose names slip my mind. The ongoing theme is Fear. Makes for a blockbuster movie doesn’t it? They however do little to inspire hope, and anticipation to the Church of Christ, His Bride. It’s difficult to find hope in a movie where there is no hope: Because there is no Jesus; no Church; no Bride and no Rapture. There is only a horrible, impending, cataclysmic destruction of human life, with no hope at all. This is not Jesus’ promise, but rather Hollywood hype.
“Seems like the end is coming. Seems like the signs are lining up, As far as I can see. We're closer now than ever. This pain won't last forever. Love. Love is on His way.” We’re living in a world that is becoming more violent and evil by the day. We only have to turn on our radios, TVs, computers or smart phones to see this gruesome reality. Our earth is crumbling; our weather has become chaotic and deadly, political powers threatening. Speaking of God has, for some, become illegal, for many punishable by death. Persecution is rampant; sickness, disease and plagues have struck down thousands, Atrocities are occurring daily in the name of God. Yes, the signs are lining up. Do we recognize them?
“Seems like the end is coming. Seems like the signs are lining up, As far as I can see. We're closer now than ever. This pain won't last forever. Love. Love is on His way.” We’re living in a world that is becoming more violent and evil by the day. We only have to turn on our radios, TVs, computers or smart phones to see this gruesome reality. Our earth is crumbling; our weather has become chaotic and deadly, political powers threatening. Speaking of God has, for some, become illegal, for many punishable by death. Persecution is rampant; sickness, disease and plagues have struck down thousands, Atrocities are occurring daily in the name of God. Yes, the signs are lining up. Do we recognize them?
“There's hope on our horizon. Let it be the sound that's rising up. It's rising up. We could be the generation, to shout out to every nation: Love. Love is on His way. Get ready. Are you ready? (I'm ready!) Get ready. Raise your hands if you're with me. Raise your hands come on and say Hey! Hey! I'm not afraid. Hey! Hey! Hey! If it ends today”
The adversary has been busy these past 2000 years or more. One of his most powerful weapons isn’t the nuclear bomb, or chemical warfare, or terrorism. One of his greatest weapons is a forgetful heart. Through the years, the decades, centuries and millenniums many events have slipped from our memories. Some have recently come into question as to whether they actually happened, such as the holocaust. Jesus’ promise to come back for his Church is becoming another. But, while many things in our world are questionable, their validity in doubt, one thing stands true and firm: That being, Jesus Christ and His Word. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He never changes. And if He says something, you can bet your bottom dollar its so.
Jesus promised His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them, for each of us. If it were not so, He wouldn’t say it. He said that no man knows the day or hour, only the Father. He said that He would come like a thief in the night—when we least expect Him. He said through parables that we needed to always be on watch and to keep oil in our lamps. He said that two will be together and one will be taken up, the other left behind. He said…so much more.
The adversary has been busy these past 2000 years or more. One of his most powerful weapons isn’t the nuclear bomb, or chemical warfare, or terrorism. One of his greatest weapons is a forgetful heart. Through the years, the decades, centuries and millenniums many events have slipped from our memories. Some have recently come into question as to whether they actually happened, such as the holocaust. Jesus’ promise to come back for his Church is becoming another. But, while many things in our world are questionable, their validity in doubt, one thing stands true and firm: That being, Jesus Christ and His Word. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He never changes. And if He says something, you can bet your bottom dollar its so.
Jesus promised His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them, for each of us. If it were not so, He wouldn’t say it. He said that no man knows the day or hour, only the Father. He said that He would come like a thief in the night—when we least expect Him. He said through parables that we needed to always be on watch and to keep oil in our lamps. He said that two will be together and one will be taken up, the other left behind. He said…so much more.
I believe with my entire being that there will come a day, very soon, perhaps (hopefully) in our lifetime, when the Father will tell His Son, “Go get my Church.” And on that glorious day all those who believe in Jesus as their Savior will be taken up to be with Him. Just like that. I believe, just as His apostles, that we need to be watchful each and every day, and night for His return. I believe that at this very moment Jesus is busy preparing for that Incredible day when God the Father will say “Go.” And I pray daily, “Come Lord Jesus, Come.”
Yes, the signs are lining up, and I truly believe that we are closer than ever to our Lord and Savior coming for us. The pain of this world will not last forever, because Love Himself is on His way. “There's hope on our horizon. Let it be the sound that's rising up. It's rising up. We could be the generation, to shout out to every nation: Love. Love is on His way. Get ready. Are you ready?”
Whether we personally believe that Jesus Christ could come back this very second, or that it’ll be sometime in the distant future, there is hope on the horizon. Let us be the generation to shout out to every nation that Love is on His way. Let this Hope be the sound that rises above the din of chaos and fear. Let us lift our heads, raise our hands, and announce to the world that we are not afraid. We are ready! And let us be courageous enough to spread this hope to others, even in the face of persecution. Because Jesus made a promise and He stands by His word. Love Is On His Way.
Are We Ready?
Please enjoy the music video below: "If It Ends Today" By Kutless
Yes, the signs are lining up, and I truly believe that we are closer than ever to our Lord and Savior coming for us. The pain of this world will not last forever, because Love Himself is on His way. “There's hope on our horizon. Let it be the sound that's rising up. It's rising up. We could be the generation, to shout out to every nation: Love. Love is on His way. Get ready. Are you ready?”
Whether we personally believe that Jesus Christ could come back this very second, or that it’ll be sometime in the distant future, there is hope on the horizon. Let us be the generation to shout out to every nation that Love is on His way. Let this Hope be the sound that rises above the din of chaos and fear. Let us lift our heads, raise our hands, and announce to the world that we are not afraid. We are ready! And let us be courageous enough to spread this hope to others, even in the face of persecution. Because Jesus made a promise and He stands by His word. Love Is On His Way.
Are We Ready?
Please enjoy the music video below: "If It Ends Today" By Kutless
Jesus Wept
Two words. The shortest verse in the Bible: John 11:35—“Jesus wept.” Jesus’ friend, Lazarus was dead. Both of Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary, had voiced the same words to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Mary had fallen to His feet and lay there weeping. “When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ‘Where have you laid him?’ he asked. ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they replied.”
“Jesus wept.”
“Then the Jews said, See how he loved him!”
Most of us have read or heard the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We can envision Him standing before the now opened tomb in which his friend had lain dead for four days. We can hear his powerful voice as he called: “Lazarus come out!” And, we can imagine the shock and awe as the man who had been dead exited the tomb still wrapped like a mummy in his grave cloths.
Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, yet, when he received word of his friend’s illness he stayed where he was for two more days. Only then did He tell His disciples that their friend Lazarus was dead and they needed to go to the family. His disciples were confused. Why had Jesus waited? Why had he not rushed to his friend’s bedside? While His disciples were riddled with questions, Jesus was not. He knew exactly what was happening, and why.
“Jesus wept.”
“Then the Jews said, See how he loved him!”
Most of us have read or heard the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We can envision Him standing before the now opened tomb in which his friend had lain dead for four days. We can hear his powerful voice as he called: “Lazarus come out!” And, we can imagine the shock and awe as the man who had been dead exited the tomb still wrapped like a mummy in his grave cloths.
Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, yet, when he received word of his friend’s illness he stayed where he was for two more days. Only then did He tell His disciples that their friend Lazarus was dead and they needed to go to the family. His disciples were confused. Why had Jesus waited? Why had he not rushed to his friend’s bedside? While His disciples were riddled with questions, Jesus was not. He knew exactly what was happening, and why.
When Jesus heard of Lazarus’ illness, he said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Two days later he said to his disciples, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” This confused the disciples, so Jesus added, “Lazarus is dead and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Neither Lazarus’ illness, nor his death, came as any surprise to Jesus. They occurred exactly as they were meant to, at the allotted moment in time. All this, Jesus knew.
But, Mary, Martha and Lazarus did not. I can only imagine what they endured.
Lazarus had to have been extremely ill for the sisters to send word to the Lord. He was dying and they knew it. They had likely done everything they knew to do, and still Lazarus grew weaker by the hour. Jesus wasn’t far away: just on the other side of the Jordan at the time. He would come, lay hands upon Lazarus and heal him; of this they had no doubt. In desperation the sisters sent a messenger to Jesus, asking Him to come.
Then they waited.
But Jesus didn’t come.
I can only imagine the feelings of confusion, anxiety and ultimately betrayal that Jesus’ three friends endured. He had been welcomed into their home many times. He was a dear friend to each. Mary had sat at his feet taking each and every word he uttered into her heart. Martha had served him food. Jesus and Lazarus had reclined at the table sharing food and conversing as friends. He had performed numerous incredible miracles: healed the lame, caused the blind to see, and, yes, raised the dead. Then where was he now in their hour of need?
But, Mary, Martha and Lazarus did not. I can only imagine what they endured.
Lazarus had to have been extremely ill for the sisters to send word to the Lord. He was dying and they knew it. They had likely done everything they knew to do, and still Lazarus grew weaker by the hour. Jesus wasn’t far away: just on the other side of the Jordan at the time. He would come, lay hands upon Lazarus and heal him; of this they had no doubt. In desperation the sisters sent a messenger to Jesus, asking Him to come.
Then they waited.
But Jesus didn’t come.
I can only imagine the feelings of confusion, anxiety and ultimately betrayal that Jesus’ three friends endured. He had been welcomed into their home many times. He was a dear friend to each. Mary had sat at his feet taking each and every word he uttered into her heart. Martha had served him food. Jesus and Lazarus had reclined at the table sharing food and conversing as friends. He had performed numerous incredible miracles: healed the lame, caused the blind to see, and, yes, raised the dead. Then where was he now in their hour of need?
I can imagine Lazarus, growing weaker by the hour, yet continuing to believe in his friend. I imagine him looking expectantly toward the door—waiting and anticipating—only to be disappointed time and time again. I can imagine Martha soothing his brow with a cool cloth encouraging Lazarus to not give up. Jesus would come. I can imagine Mary running to the outskirts of the village and searching the horizon for the first glimpse of the Lord. Perhaps jumping up and down to get a better view as different people approached only to be discouraged yet again. I can imagine the heartache and confusion the sisters must have felt when the messenger returned without Jesus, and with no good news. Did they tell their brother, or leave him unaware, refusing to dash his last morsel of hope?
What must it have been like for the three the moment hope gave way to disillusionment, anger, and acceptance of the inevitable? Did Lazarus cast one last hopeful look toward the door as he exhaled his last breath? Did Mary and Martha weep tears of abandonment as well as grief? Did anger threaten to overshadow faith as they wrapped their brother’s body and laid him in the tomb; watching as the stone was rolled in front of the entrance? Yes, Jesus knew the ultimate glorious outcome, but His three friends did not. They knew only their immediate need, the smaller picture: their brother’s life.
What must it have been like for the three the moment hope gave way to disillusionment, anger, and acceptance of the inevitable? Did Lazarus cast one last hopeful look toward the door as he exhaled his last breath? Did Mary and Martha weep tears of abandonment as well as grief? Did anger threaten to overshadow faith as they wrapped their brother’s body and laid him in the tomb; watching as the stone was rolled in front of the entrance? Yes, Jesus knew the ultimate glorious outcome, but His three friends did not. They knew only their immediate need, the smaller picture: their brother’s life.
When Jesus finally came, four days after Lazarus had been laid in the tomb, Martha and Mary both spoke their hurt, and faith: “If you had been here Lord our brother would not have died.” They were not yet privy to the miracle that was about to occur. Jesus knew the big picture. He knew that within a short time Lazarus would in fact rise from the dead. He would walk, or hop, from the tomb still wrapped in his grave cloths. Lazarus would live. And yet, knowing all this, Jesus was “deeply moved in spirit and troubled.”
And, “Jesus wept.”
Have there been times in your life when no matter how hard you pray, how hard you believe, it seems as if Jesus isn’t paying attention? Times when we become confused, disillusioned and even angry with the Lord? Times when we also may look expectantly toward the door or to heaven only to be disappointed time and time again? Have there been times when we have cried out, “Where are you Lord? I love you with all my heart, and yet you left me? Why?!” Have tears of abandonment intermingled with our tears of grief?
I believe that Jesus hears, and feels our every prayer, our every tear, our every fear, and, yes, our anger as well. And I believe that Jesus weeps with us. He holds us in His arms, comforting us as we weep, or yell, or scream, and our tears become His. He never leaves us or forsakes us. More times than I can count—after going through my times of confusion and pain—the bigger picture has become clear to me, or at least less blurry. I am able in hind’s sight to appreciate and to see beyond the pain to the necessary outcome, sometimes the unexpected miracle. However, after reading this scripture with new eyes the thing I most appreciate is that my Lord and Savior loves me, loves each one of us, so much that he weeps with us. His are never tears of desperation, as are ours, but rather tears of infinite love and mercy. His heart is consumed with love for each of us. And even though He is privy to the perfectly planned and timed outcome He takes our pain into His heart. And our tears become His.
Glory to the Risen Christ
Please take a minute to enjoy the music video "He Weeps" by Christian group Fireflight
And, “Jesus wept.”
Have there been times in your life when no matter how hard you pray, how hard you believe, it seems as if Jesus isn’t paying attention? Times when we become confused, disillusioned and even angry with the Lord? Times when we also may look expectantly toward the door or to heaven only to be disappointed time and time again? Have there been times when we have cried out, “Where are you Lord? I love you with all my heart, and yet you left me? Why?!” Have tears of abandonment intermingled with our tears of grief?
I believe that Jesus hears, and feels our every prayer, our every tear, our every fear, and, yes, our anger as well. And I believe that Jesus weeps with us. He holds us in His arms, comforting us as we weep, or yell, or scream, and our tears become His. He never leaves us or forsakes us. More times than I can count—after going through my times of confusion and pain—the bigger picture has become clear to me, or at least less blurry. I am able in hind’s sight to appreciate and to see beyond the pain to the necessary outcome, sometimes the unexpected miracle. However, after reading this scripture with new eyes the thing I most appreciate is that my Lord and Savior loves me, loves each one of us, so much that he weeps with us. His are never tears of desperation, as are ours, but rather tears of infinite love and mercy. His heart is consumed with love for each of us. And even though He is privy to the perfectly planned and timed outcome He takes our pain into His heart. And our tears become His.
Glory to the Risen Christ
Please take a minute to enjoy the music video "He Weeps" by Christian group Fireflight
Let It Go
“The snow glows white on the mountain tonight, not a footprint to be seen. A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I'm the queen. The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside. Couldn't keep it in, Heaven knows I tried. Don't let them in, don't let them see. Be the good girl you always have to be. Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know. Well, now they know! Let it go, let it go! Can't hold it back any more. Let it go, let it go! Turn away and slam the door. I don't care what they're going to say. Let the storm rage on. The cold never bothered me anyway.” Anyone who has seen the Disney movie, “Frozen” can easily recognize, maybe even have memorized the words to this incredible song “Let it Go” (written by: Robert Lopez, Kristen Anderson-Lopez.)
For those of you who haven’t yet seen the movie, let me give you a brief update. Elsa and Anna are sisters, separated most of their lives, due to Elsa being forced into isolation, by her parents, due to fear. Elsa had a magical gift—with a wave of her hand she could create a frozen wonder of snow and ice—but through a loss of control of emotions, this gift caused harm to her sister: Hence the forced isolation. There came a point, when Elsa’s emotions once again got control of her, and she turned her entire kingdom into a world of snow and ice, in the middle of summer. She did all she could do—she ran far away in an attempt to protect those she loved, and because she was now seen as a monster by those in her kingdom— and created a frozen world of her own where she could finally live, and be truly free to be who she was. She let go of the fear of being less than the perfect girl, and embraced her gift. The only problem: she was once again living a life of isolation, self-imposed isolation. And she hadn’t actually let go of fear; she had merely created an incredible crystal palace in which to live out her isolation. Only after the usual conflicts, and Anna’s quest to save her, did Elsa learn the truth: the power of pure love outweighs the power of fear.
As we traveled from the old year into the new, and as the storms raged around us, creating our own frozen land; some of us may have realized that the new year carried our old fears, struggles, pain, baggage, and isolation; in its embrace. Perhaps, like Elsa, we have said to ourselves, “don’t let them in, don’t let them see. Be the good girl (or boy) you always have to be. Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know.” The problem is, the cold does bother me; and isolation is cold. Oh, we may have created a beautiful home, and world in which to live out our self-imposed isolation, but fear remains our constant companion, and for some of us, it seems impossible to break its chains.
“It's funny how some distance, makes everything seem small. And the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all. It's time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through. No right, no wrong, no rules for me. I'm free! Let it go, let it go. I am one with the wind and sky. Let it go, let it go. You'll never see me cry. Here I'll stand, and here I'll stay. Let the storm rage on...”
“It's funny how some distance, makes everything seem small. And the fears that once controlled me can't get to me at all. It's time to see what I can do, to test the limits and break through. No right, no wrong, no rules for me. I'm free! Let it go, let it go. I am one with the wind and sky. Let it go, let it go. You'll never see me cry. Here I'll stand, and here I'll stay. Let the storm rage on...”
Whatever our personal issues, very likely fear is a root culprit. Health issues, marriage issues, work issues, issues which come as a result of aging, retirement issues, issues with our children no matter how young or old, friendship issues, past pains which never leave, forgiveness, resentment, anger, grief, low self-worth, and the list goes on—all carry at their root—FEAR. And fear as we all know can cripple us. Which is why it is one of Satan’s most powerful weapons. In the movie, Elsa ran from her fear. She ran to the mountains and created an incredible world of her own. A world where: “the fears that once controlled me, can’t get to me at all.” Yet, no matter how far she had run, no matter how free she felt in her beautiful frozen world, fear still held her captive. Fear of hurting her sister again, or hurting anyone, or anything else again; fear of life outside her prison of isolation.
“My power flurries through the air into the ground. My soul is spiraling in frozen fractals all around. And one thought crystallizes like an icy blast I'm never going back; the past is in the past! Let it go, let it go. And I'll rise like the break of dawn. Let it go, let it go. That perfect girl is gone. Here I stand, in the light of day. Let the storm rage on! The cold never bothered me anyway...” Elsa discovered something beautiful about herself when she ran away. She discovered the gift she had and the beauty she could create. And like Elsa we all need to say, the past is in the past, and I’m never going back. We need to stand with our arms outstretched, face the light and celebrate the person God made us to be. At times the storms will rage around us, but we can still stand tall, not allowing the cold to weigh us down. We, however, need to also let go of the constraints of fear.
In the movie, Elsa finally discovered that pure love was the only power on earth strong enough to break the chains of fear. Love, was in fact, the one and only thing powerful enough to save both sisters. In our lives the same is true. God’s word says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” God is not the author of fear; that distinction goes to the adversary. When left unchecked fear can suffocate us. It can maim and cripple us, leaving us helplessly shaking in our very skin. When we live in fear, we live outside of God’s will. We can’t feel His presence, His peace, and His security: we only feel FEAR.
In the movie, Elsa finally discovered that pure love was the only power on earth strong enough to break the chains of fear. Love, was in fact, the one and only thing powerful enough to save both sisters. In our lives the same is true. God’s word says, “Perfect love casts out fear.” God is not the author of fear; that distinction goes to the adversary. When left unchecked fear can suffocate us. It can maim and cripple us, leaving us helplessly shaking in our very skin. When we live in fear, we live outside of God’s will. We can’t feel His presence, His peace, and His security: we only feel FEAR.
I was reminded of this during one of the horrible stormy days we experienced, when our son Chris had to drive to Rochester for work. I was afraid for him. I wished he’d called in sick. I wished he’d taken our all-wheel drive vehicle, rather than his pick-up truck. I looked out the window, and fear was “howling like this swirling storm inside” of me Then, I heard these words in my head, “Perfect love casts out fear, Sandy.”
I had done everything except turn to Perfect Love Himself, Jesus Christ: The one and only being that causes the author of fear to shake in his flame retardant boots. So, standing in my kitchen, looking out the window at the snow whipping in all directions, I finally “Let it go.” I gave my fear over to Jesus, and changed my prayers from desperate pleas, to heartfelt praise, planting my feet upon the Rock. It didn’t happen immediately, but as I continued to pray, as I continued to picture the Lord kicking Satan’s butt, my fear began to leave. I knew that I could not protect Chris, and I came to realize that my fear was standing in Jesus’ way of protecting him. I had to “let it go.” Through the next couple hours I hung on to Perfect Love, and fear had in fact been cast out: replaced by a rock solid assurance that my son was not alone as he braved the storm. Jesus was with him, and always would be. Chris, by the way, made it to work safe and sound.
I had done everything except turn to Perfect Love Himself, Jesus Christ: The one and only being that causes the author of fear to shake in his flame retardant boots. So, standing in my kitchen, looking out the window at the snow whipping in all directions, I finally “Let it go.” I gave my fear over to Jesus, and changed my prayers from desperate pleas, to heartfelt praise, planting my feet upon the Rock. It didn’t happen immediately, but as I continued to pray, as I continued to picture the Lord kicking Satan’s butt, my fear began to leave. I knew that I could not protect Chris, and I came to realize that my fear was standing in Jesus’ way of protecting him. I had to “let it go.” Through the next couple hours I hung on to Perfect Love, and fear had in fact been cast out: replaced by a rock solid assurance that my son was not alone as he braved the storm. Jesus was with him, and always would be. Chris, by the way, made it to work safe and sound.
Fear will be with us always. But, it cannot, and will not defeat us as long as we hold onto Perfect Love, and “Let it go.” Only in letting go can we celebrate the incredible person God created us to be, and the amazing gifts He has given us. “Let it go, let it go. And I'll rise like the break of dawn.” It’s time to rise like the break of dawn!
Please take a moment and enjoy the music video "Let it go." It is amazing and empowering.
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please take a moment and enjoy the music video "Let it go." It is amazing and empowering.
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Click to set custom HTML
I Am The Bread Of Life
Evening was rapidly approaching, and with each passing minute their stomachs grumbled all the louder as hunger overtook the multitudes. The day had been long, and some had traveled many miles, and been in this remote location the entire day, or, perhaps for some, two, or three days. The food most of them had packed had already been eaten. Where would they find food? With what money would they purchase it? Would their tired hungry bodies be able to endure the journey? His followers said to send the people away so they could go find food. But Jesus had other plans. Unbeknownst to the disciples this was to be a testing of their faith, in particular, Philip, and Andrew.
The Bible tells of two occasions in which Jesus fed thousands of people: in one case 4000 men, and in the other 5000 men. These numbers however, did not include the likely thousands of women, and children who were also there, yet not counted; the numbers could easily be doubled, or, even tripled. Amazing. This is, perhaps, one of my favorite miracles of Jesus to read, which is why I decided to research it, and I was amazed at what I found. This was – the feeding of the5000 plus - according to resources, the only miracle, prior to the resurrection, recorded in all four gospels. (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14). A.W Pink- Arthur Walkington Pink, was an English Christian evangelist and biblical scholar- said: “Of all the miracles performed by the Lord Jesus the feeding of the five thousand is the only one recorded by each of the four Evangelists. This at once intimates that there must be something about it of unusual importance, and therefore it calls for our most diligent study.” That gets your attention, doesn’t it?
The Bible tells of two occasions in which Jesus fed thousands of people: in one case 4000 men, and in the other 5000 men. These numbers however, did not include the likely thousands of women, and children who were also there, yet not counted; the numbers could easily be doubled, or, even tripled. Amazing. This is, perhaps, one of my favorite miracles of Jesus to read, which is why I decided to research it, and I was amazed at what I found. This was – the feeding of the5000 plus - according to resources, the only miracle, prior to the resurrection, recorded in all four gospels. (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14). A.W Pink- Arthur Walkington Pink, was an English Christian evangelist and biblical scholar- said: “Of all the miracles performed by the Lord Jesus the feeding of the five thousand is the only one recorded by each of the four Evangelists. This at once intimates that there must be something about it of unusual importance, and therefore it calls for our most diligent study.” That gets your attention, doesn’t it?
I have a question. Do you think that Jesus was taken by
surprise not only by the sheer magnitude of the throng of people who had run
after Him with their sick loved ones, seeking healing; but, also by the fact
that these same people, who had remained with him all day, now were hungry, and
had no food left to eat? I rather doubt it. Then why, since Jesus knew the food
was running short, and the hour was getting late, didn’t He have compassion,
and tell the people to go home so they could eat? Well, like I said, Jesus had
another plan: a much larger plan. Have I piqued your interest? Good.
Let’s set the stage, so to speak. Jesus had just received word that His cousin, John the Baptist, had been beheaded. Hard news to hear, even for the Son of God. His twelve apostles had just returned from a ministry trip He had sent them on, and they were filling Jesus in on all that had happened: a lot of excitement going on. So Jesus, and His disciples, go to seek out a quiet place on a mountainside, in the town of Bethsaida, only to be bombarded by even more people who had heard that Jesus was near: they carried their sick loved ones to Jesus to be healed, likely forgetting to bring food with them in their enthusiasm. As tired as Jesus was, He welcomed the people, and spoke with them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Mark says: “Jesus had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Remember this.) As the hour drew late, the Twelve came to Jesus and suggested that He have the people leave because there wasn’t enough food.
Let’s set the stage, so to speak. Jesus had just received word that His cousin, John the Baptist, had been beheaded. Hard news to hear, even for the Son of God. His twelve apostles had just returned from a ministry trip He had sent them on, and they were filling Jesus in on all that had happened: a lot of excitement going on. So Jesus, and His disciples, go to seek out a quiet place on a mountainside, in the town of Bethsaida, only to be bombarded by even more people who had heard that Jesus was near: they carried their sick loved ones to Jesus to be healed, likely forgetting to bring food with them in their enthusiasm. As tired as Jesus was, He welcomed the people, and spoke with them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Mark says: “Jesus had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” (Remember this.) As the hour drew late, the Twelve came to Jesus and suggested that He have the people leave because there wasn’t enough food.
Here’s where the test, as well as an enormous amount of really cool symbolism, and Christ’s absolute truth comes in. The book of John says: “When Jesus saw the crowd He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’” Philip didn’t even know he was being tested, and answered, “Eight months’ wages (200 denarii) would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Then Andrew jumped in, and said that there was a boy with five small barely loaves and two small fish, but they wouldn’t go too far among so many. They still didn’t understand. --“Jesus' disciples focused on the problem rather than on God. When we are confronted with an unsolvable situation, we need to remember ‘For nothing is impossible with God.’” (Luke 1:37, NIV)--Jesus calmly said, to have the people sit down on the grass in groups of 50 and 100, then took the loaves, gave thanks and had the disciples distribute them among the people, He did he same with the two fish.
Time for a little bit of that symbolism I mentioned. The grass was green; it was, according to references springtime, also, remember the “good shepherd” thing I mentioned. Do the words “Good Shepherd, and, green grass” ring a bell? The 23rd Psalm? “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters.” The people, His sheep, recline (as was the custom) on green pastures, while their Good Shepherd, feeds them- symbolic. The Passover feast was also nearing, and we all remember the “Last Supper” and what Jesus broke-- (bread)-- and said, “this is my body broken for you.”--Again symbolic. Jesus is the “bread of life.” The bread and fish, which were miraculously multiplied, could feed the people’s bodies temporarily, just as the manna God provided the Israelites nourished their bodies. But, eternal life only comes through “eating of His flesh and drinking His blood.” He is the Bread of Eternal Life.
Five little loaves, and two small fish: how were they to feed thousands of people? I’m sure the disciples wondered this: but not for long. They passed out the food, and the Bible says that the people all had enough to eat…not merely a nibble. When the people had had their fill, Jesus told His disciples to, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” John 6:12. When the left over scraps were collected, there were 12 baskets filled, that’s more than they started with. I call that an incredible MIRACLE. (The numbers are also symbolic, but that’s another story.)
A.W. Pink stated: “To borrow another thought from Bishop Ryle: ‘In healing the sick and in raising the dead, something was amended or restored which already existed; but here was an absolute creation. Only one other miracle in any wise resembles it—His first, when He made wine out of the water. These two miracles belong to a class by themselves, and it is surely significant, yea most suggestive, that the one reminds us of His precious blood, while the other points to His holy body, broken for us. And here is, we believe, the chief reason why this miracle is mentioned by all of the four Evangelists: it shadowed forth the gift of Christ Himself. His other miracles exhibited His power and illustrated His work, but this one in a peculiar way sets forth the person of Christ, the Bread of Life.’”(He said it much better than I ever could)
I have barely touched on all that this miracle meant, not only to those thousands, but also to each of us today. I will close with yet another resource quote that says what I personally believe, and is eloquently stated. “This miracle is a magnificent act of creative power. No amount of human reasoning can reduce this miracle to a natural phenomenon. Indeed, complete understanding of miracles is beyond human capability to understand. By an act of His own creative power, Jesus revealed proof of His deity to thousands.” (Quote from: Bible verses about Miracles of Jesus Christ: Feeding of 5000(From Forerunner Commentary)
God Bless
Sandy Wells
I have barely touched on all that this miracle meant, not only to those thousands, but also to each of us today. I will close with yet another resource quote that says what I personally believe, and is eloquently stated. “This miracle is a magnificent act of creative power. No amount of human reasoning can reduce this miracle to a natural phenomenon. Indeed, complete understanding of miracles is beyond human capability to understand. By an act of His own creative power, Jesus revealed proof of His deity to thousands.” (Quote from: Bible verses about Miracles of Jesus Christ: Feeding of 5000(From Forerunner Commentary)
God Bless
Sandy Wells
As Heaven Prepares The Birth
( This Christmas Tale was inspired by Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Winter Palace.”)
The child was weary, lost, and alone. She wandered the crowded streets of the small town searching for someone—anyone—that would love her and welcome her into their homes. But the child found only anger and rebuff. Finally, able to travel no further, she crawled onto a pile of hay tucked in the rear of a barn so small, and closed her eyes as the animals around her breathed a soft lullaby. Little could the child know that this night was to be a night like no other: for on this night a veil would be crossed; on this night heaven would celebrate; on this night a babe would be born, and love would find a child.
The little girl awoke with a start, at the touch of a gentle hand upon her shoulder. She looked up into the radiant face of a young woman, all in white. A quiet breeze caught the woman’s long, snow-white hair in its embrace, and caused it to dance gleefully about her angelic face: her elegant, flowing garment, shimmered as if en-laced with stardust. Her lips held the touch of a smile, and her eyes, as blue as the sky, shone with serenity the child had never beheld.
The child was weary, lost, and alone. She wandered the crowded streets of the small town searching for someone—anyone—that would love her and welcome her into their homes. But the child found only anger and rebuff. Finally, able to travel no further, she crawled onto a pile of hay tucked in the rear of a barn so small, and closed her eyes as the animals around her breathed a soft lullaby. Little could the child know that this night was to be a night like no other: for on this night a veil would be crossed; on this night heaven would celebrate; on this night a babe would be born, and love would find a child.
The little girl awoke with a start, at the touch of a gentle hand upon her shoulder. She looked up into the radiant face of a young woman, all in white. A quiet breeze caught the woman’s long, snow-white hair in its embrace, and caused it to dance gleefully about her angelic face: her elegant, flowing garment, shimmered as if en-laced with stardust. Her lips held the touch of a smile, and her eyes, as blue as the sky, shone with serenity the child had never beheld.
“Come with me,” the angel said, as she took the child’s small hand in her own, and led her through a gossamer veil, into a heavenly winter kingdom. The child’s eyes became big as saucers; her soft breath formed wispy clouds of tiny diamonds, which circled playfully about her face before soaring gleefully into the ebony sky. Before her, rising from the blue snow of evening, was a great palace of glistening sapphire: Its spires mounting into the star encrusted sky, the golden glow from its lofty windows burned warm and inviting. Tall torches dripping in shimmering crystals of ice surrounded the palace, their flames causing the snow below to blush.
“Come little one,” the angel said once again, as she led the child across the snow, up curved stone stairs, and into the courtyard of the palace.
“Oh my,” the child whispered, as she turned in a slow, graceful circle. Delicate flakes of soft white fell gently into the palace’s inner realm, tickling the child’s nose and fluttering about her tiny feet like fluffy down; skittering playfully across bricks of purest gold. The full moon’s light caused an iridescent shimmer to leap about the crystallized walls. Majestic spires towered above her, as if reaching for the very stars themselves, and a warm golden light spilled from tall, lean windows that encircled her. “Where am I?”
“You will see.” The angel raised her slender hand, “Look. Listen. All of Heaven is preparing the birth.”
“Come little one,” the angel said once again, as she led the child across the snow, up curved stone stairs, and into the courtyard of the palace.
“Oh my,” the child whispered, as she turned in a slow, graceful circle. Delicate flakes of soft white fell gently into the palace’s inner realm, tickling the child’s nose and fluttering about her tiny feet like fluffy down; skittering playfully across bricks of purest gold. The full moon’s light caused an iridescent shimmer to leap about the crystallized walls. Majestic spires towered above her, as if reaching for the very stars themselves, and a warm golden light spilled from tall, lean windows that encircled her. “Where am I?”
“You will see.” The angel raised her slender hand, “Look. Listen. All of Heaven is preparing the birth.”
Suddenly faint strains of music wafted across the courtyard—soft and gentle at first: violins and harps playing a song as delicate as the falling snow; a song that brought a tear to the child’s heart. The stars above appeared to sway to the sound. The child took a tentative step away from the angel, turning her face toward the night sky: a feeling of peace flowing through her tiny spirit. Then, something caught her attention: a great sound and vision beyond compare. The child whirled around and saw that the angel stood once again by her side, and she knew something magnificent was about to happen.
The little girl's breath caught in her chest, as from far across the shimmering courtyard, an angelic orchestra, all with long, snow-white hair, and flowing garbs kissed in stardust, appeared, as if stepping through an ethereal veil. The conductor stood with his back toward the child, his arms raised, waiting, waiting…and then…the wait was over. The child fell to her knees, so great was her amazement as music consumed the palace.
The little girl's breath caught in her chest, as from far across the shimmering courtyard, an angelic orchestra, all with long, snow-white hair, and flowing garbs kissed in stardust, appeared, as if stepping through an ethereal veil. The conductor stood with his back toward the child, his arms raised, waiting, waiting…and then…the wait was over. The child fell to her knees, so great was her amazement as music consumed the palace.
The pianist’s fingers flew across golden keys: violin bows leaped across strings: drums rumbled: guitar strings reverberated: bells rang out. The music soared, swelling to heights beyond measure: taking on a life of its own, streaming from the golden instruments in dazzling ribbons, which whirled like fire through the night air. The very stars themselves appeared to leap and dance with unrestrained joy.
In one incredible moment—the music grew and swelled into an explosive crescendo—then—silence. A hush fell over the entire kingdom and stretched far into the night. Time stood perfectly still. Not a breath could be heard. It was as if the angels, the palace, and the heavens themselves stood somewhere between this minute and the next: within the soft cloak of anticipation—waiting—yearning—preparing. Then, the cloak lifted and time breathed once again; and from somewhere within, and all around the palace a great chime tolled the twelfth hour.
The beautiful angel squeezed the child’s hand and whispered, “It is time.”
In one incredible moment—the music grew and swelled into an explosive crescendo—then—silence. A hush fell over the entire kingdom and stretched far into the night. Time stood perfectly still. Not a breath could be heard. It was as if the angels, the palace, and the heavens themselves stood somewhere between this minute and the next: within the soft cloak of anticipation—waiting—yearning—preparing. Then, the cloak lifted and time breathed once again; and from somewhere within, and all around the palace a great chime tolled the twelfth hour.
The beautiful angel squeezed the child’s hand and whispered, “It is time.”
The musicians once again began to
play, but now the melody was soft. A multitude of angelic beings stepped
through great, open doors, which surrounded the courtyard, singing a heavenly
song. One angel stepped before the others, his voice deep, his eyes raised to
the night sky: “What Child is this who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is
sleeping? Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are
keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary.”
The beautiful angel raised her hands and what appeared to be golden diamonds flashed from her outstretched palms and soared to the heavens, swirling jubilantly until forming one glorious star. With a wave of the angel’s hand the star rose higher and higher until it came to rest in its allotted spot: its light filling the night sky. The child watched in amazement as a multitude of angels rose upon delicate wings, and disappeared into the night: songs of “Halleluiah” wafting through the air.
The beautiful angel raised her hands and what appeared to be golden diamonds flashed from her outstretched palms and soared to the heavens, swirling jubilantly until forming one glorious star. With a wave of the angel’s hand the star rose higher and higher until it came to rest in its allotted spot: its light filling the night sky. The child watched in amazement as a multitude of angels rose upon delicate wings, and disappeared into the night: songs of “Halleluiah” wafting through the air.
The beautiful angel held the child’s hand as snow fell gentle as a whisper around them. “It is time to go little one.” They walked together once again through the gossamer veil.
The little girl awoke with a start at the sound of a baby’s cry. A bright light shone through the stable door from a great star high above, and she was sure she could hear angels singing. A man knelt beside a young woman who reclined upon a pile of hay, a tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, rested in her arms. A small, gray donkey lay near by, while the other animals watched in wonder.
The child crept softly from her bed of hay and came to sit next to the small donkey, nestling her fingers in his thick coat, and marveled at what she beheld. This was the birth that heaven had prepared and celebrated. This tiny baby boy was “Christ the King, the babe the son of Mary” the angels sang of.
The little girl awoke with a start at the sound of a baby’s cry. A bright light shone through the stable door from a great star high above, and she was sure she could hear angels singing. A man knelt beside a young woman who reclined upon a pile of hay, a tiny baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, rested in her arms. A small, gray donkey lay near by, while the other animals watched in wonder.
The child crept softly from her bed of hay and came to sit next to the small donkey, nestling her fingers in his thick coat, and marveled at what she beheld. This was the birth that heaven had prepared and celebrated. This tiny baby boy was “Christ the King, the babe the son of Mary” the angels sang of.
The child’s wide eyes darted toward the doorway and saw the beautiful angel with hair white as snow. With a joyous smile upon her lips the angel held her hand out to the child and said, “Come with me my little one. It is time to go home.” The little girl bent and kissed the baby tenderly upon the head, then ran to the woman, falling joyously into her awaiting arms. Love had found her at last.
Merry Christmas & God Bless, Sandy Wells
They may not be angels clothed in purest white, but please enjoy Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Winter Palace" The genesis of this Christmas Tale.
Merry Christmas & God Bless, Sandy Wells
They may not be angels clothed in purest white, but please enjoy Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Winter Palace" The genesis of this Christmas Tale.
Washing The Betrayer's Feet
(Scripture references taken from John 13 NIV)
(This article would likely have been more appropriate during the Easter season, but God’s inspirations know neither calendar nor season.)
Thirteen Friends
The time was drawing near, only a matter of hours now, both men knew it; one would be betrayed and the other the betrayer. The table had been prepared in the private room, thirteen men gathered around it for what would be the last time: The Last Supper.Only the two men knew of the drama, which would play out that night, and only one of them knew the full truth of what was to happen. Had the eleven others known what their friend had done, what the betrayer had done, they would surely have tried to stop him. They however did not know, and would have been powerless to prevent what was to be.
It was the night of the Passover feast. The thirteen friends were gathered in an upper room; reclining around the long table; the elements laid out. It was a yearly religious tradition, one that dated back generations. On this night however, the Passover Feast would mark a turn not only in their lives, but also the lives of all mankind, for all of eternity.
(This article would likely have been more appropriate during the Easter season, but God’s inspirations know neither calendar nor season.)
Thirteen Friends
The time was drawing near, only a matter of hours now, both men knew it; one would be betrayed and the other the betrayer. The table had been prepared in the private room, thirteen men gathered around it for what would be the last time: The Last Supper.Only the two men knew of the drama, which would play out that night, and only one of them knew the full truth of what was to happen. Had the eleven others known what their friend had done, what the betrayer had done, they would surely have tried to stop him. They however did not know, and would have been powerless to prevent what was to be.
It was the night of the Passover feast. The thirteen friends were gathered in an upper room; reclining around the long table; the elements laid out. It was a yearly religious tradition, one that dated back generations. On this night however, the Passover Feast would mark a turn not only in their lives, but also the lives of all mankind, for all of eternity.
He becomes the servant
He rose from the table, stripped off his outer garments and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then taking a bowl of water the Master knelt before the first of his apostles; took his feet in his hands and washed them, like a servant. But he wasn’t a servant. He was the master, the teacher, the Son of God. Yet He knelt on the floor washing their dusty feet.
The first apostle looked confused, but uttered not a word. He felt the cool water trickle over his dusty feet, felt the master’s hands wrap the towel around his wet feet and gently dry them; he felt…humbled. The master rose without a word and then knelt before the second apostle, and then the third, and the fourth: kneeling as a common servant before his most trusted friends. But this was the Son of God, not a servant. Shouldn’t they wash the Master’s feet?
“Unless I wash you…”
The betrayer watched as the Master drew nearer to him; only the disagreement with Peter had slowed his approach.
“Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Peter had said.
The Master replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
The Master answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then Lord,” Peter replied, “not just my feet by my hands and my head as well!”
The Master answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
Not every one of you? The betrayer cast a tentative glance toward the Master. Could he know? No, that’s impossible.
Eye to Eye
The Master picked up the bowl and finally came to kneel before the betrayer; their eyes met for a moment—betrayer and betrayed—Jesus the Christ and Judas Iscariot. Jesus ever so gently held the dusty feet in his soon to be pierced hands and washed the apostle’s feet, just as he had done with the eleven before him. Judas sat in silence. Their eyes once again locked as Jesus gently wrapped the towel around Judas’ now clean feet. “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” Jesus had said. What could this mean? Judas’ hardened heart could not fathom.
*********************
Inspired from Devotions
A few days ago, while reading my devotions, I read the scene from the Last Supper where Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles. As many times as I have read this passage I never truly envisioned it. Jesus washed Judas’s feet. He knelt before the man who had betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver: And that very night would serve the final, crushing blow, with a kiss.
I tried to continue my reading, but couldn’t. This pivotal scene was welded into my mind. I closed my eyes and imagined that night in the upper room, and the drama which played out between these two men: Jesus the Christ and Judas Iscariot. The Betrayed and the Betrayer.
What must they have felt?
What must Judas have felt as he watched Jesus strip off his outer clothes and assume the position of servant? What must he have felt as he observed Jesus moving from one to the other, knowing that his time would come: That Jesus would, within moments, kneel before him and hold his dusty feet in His hands? Did it disturb Judas at all? Or was his mind so consumed by what he had instigated, and his ultimate goal that Jesus’ act was no more than yet another of His peculiarities, which Judas had no use for?
What must Jesus have felt? What was He thinking, as He knelt before the one whom within hours would kiss His cheek in an intimate act of betrayal? Could Jesus have merely skipped Judas? Or, as His words said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” was this an act that had to be, for God’s ultimate plan to play out for His Glory?
“One of you will betray me”
After Jesus had finished washing their feet He put on His clothes and returned to His place and proceeded to explain to the Apostles the importance of what He had just done. After explaining His actions, Jesus went on to say: “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’” He then went on to say, “ I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.” After John leaned over and asked Jesus who would betray Him, Jesus said: “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” After giving the bread to Judas, Jesus told him: “What you are about to do, do so quickly.” Yes, Jesus knew.
Did Judas wonder?
I wonder if Judas himself through this drama may also have speculated as to who the betrayer could be? Did Judas, (the keeper of the money, and also a thief) actually look upon his actions as betrayal, or were they the acts of a man trying to protect the cause, to free the Jews from Roman rule? Could Judas have considered himself to be more of a righteous patriot than a betrayer? Jesus’ words to him answered any doubt Judas may have had; he was in fact the betrayer. Jesus had knelt before him, in love, and washed his dirty feet, the feet of a betrayer. The feet of one who had been a companion, an apostle.
An insignificant moment?
As Christians we know how this story, this reality plays out. We know of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, of the betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord. We know we are saved. But, this one tiny part of the immense drama, Jesus washing Judas’ feet, intrigued me. And, as you can see, it has left me with far more questions than answers.
It was a seemingly insignificant moment in eternity’s plan.
Or was it?
God Bless
Sandy Wells
He rose from the table, stripped off his outer garments and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then taking a bowl of water the Master knelt before the first of his apostles; took his feet in his hands and washed them, like a servant. But he wasn’t a servant. He was the master, the teacher, the Son of God. Yet He knelt on the floor washing their dusty feet.
The first apostle looked confused, but uttered not a word. He felt the cool water trickle over his dusty feet, felt the master’s hands wrap the towel around his wet feet and gently dry them; he felt…humbled. The master rose without a word and then knelt before the second apostle, and then the third, and the fourth: kneeling as a common servant before his most trusted friends. But this was the Son of God, not a servant. Shouldn’t they wash the Master’s feet?
“Unless I wash you…”
The betrayer watched as the Master drew nearer to him; only the disagreement with Peter had slowed his approach.
“Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Peter had said.
The Master replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
The Master answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
“Then Lord,” Peter replied, “not just my feet by my hands and my head as well!”
The Master answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”
Not every one of you? The betrayer cast a tentative glance toward the Master. Could he know? No, that’s impossible.
Eye to Eye
The Master picked up the bowl and finally came to kneel before the betrayer; their eyes met for a moment—betrayer and betrayed—Jesus the Christ and Judas Iscariot. Jesus ever so gently held the dusty feet in his soon to be pierced hands and washed the apostle’s feet, just as he had done with the eleven before him. Judas sat in silence. Their eyes once again locked as Jesus gently wrapped the towel around Judas’ now clean feet. “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” Jesus had said. What could this mean? Judas’ hardened heart could not fathom.
*********************
Inspired from Devotions
A few days ago, while reading my devotions, I read the scene from the Last Supper where Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles. As many times as I have read this passage I never truly envisioned it. Jesus washed Judas’s feet. He knelt before the man who had betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver: And that very night would serve the final, crushing blow, with a kiss.
I tried to continue my reading, but couldn’t. This pivotal scene was welded into my mind. I closed my eyes and imagined that night in the upper room, and the drama which played out between these two men: Jesus the Christ and Judas Iscariot. The Betrayed and the Betrayer.
What must they have felt?
What must Judas have felt as he watched Jesus strip off his outer clothes and assume the position of servant? What must he have felt as he observed Jesus moving from one to the other, knowing that his time would come: That Jesus would, within moments, kneel before him and hold his dusty feet in His hands? Did it disturb Judas at all? Or was his mind so consumed by what he had instigated, and his ultimate goal that Jesus’ act was no more than yet another of His peculiarities, which Judas had no use for?
What must Jesus have felt? What was He thinking, as He knelt before the one whom within hours would kiss His cheek in an intimate act of betrayal? Could Jesus have merely skipped Judas? Or, as His words said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me,” was this an act that had to be, for God’s ultimate plan to play out for His Glory?
“One of you will betray me”
After Jesus had finished washing their feet He put on His clothes and returned to His place and proceeded to explain to the Apostles the importance of what He had just done. After explaining His actions, Jesus went on to say: “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’” He then went on to say, “ I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.” After John leaned over and asked Jesus who would betray Him, Jesus said: “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” After giving the bread to Judas, Jesus told him: “What you are about to do, do so quickly.” Yes, Jesus knew.
Did Judas wonder?
I wonder if Judas himself through this drama may also have speculated as to who the betrayer could be? Did Judas, (the keeper of the money, and also a thief) actually look upon his actions as betrayal, or were they the acts of a man trying to protect the cause, to free the Jews from Roman rule? Could Judas have considered himself to be more of a righteous patriot than a betrayer? Jesus’ words to him answered any doubt Judas may have had; he was in fact the betrayer. Jesus had knelt before him, in love, and washed his dirty feet, the feet of a betrayer. The feet of one who had been a companion, an apostle.
An insignificant moment?
As Christians we know how this story, this reality plays out. We know of the Last Supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, of the betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord. We know we are saved. But, this one tiny part of the immense drama, Jesus washing Judas’ feet, intrigued me. And, as you can see, it has left me with far more questions than answers.
It was a seemingly insignificant moment in eternity’s plan.
Or was it?
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Hold On To God's Promises
“Sometimes it's hard to keep believing in what you can't see. That everything happens for a reason, even the worst life brings. If you're reaching for an answer, and you don't know what to pray. Just open up the pages. Let His word be your strength And hold on to the promises (Hold tight) Hold on to the promises (Alright) Jesus is alive so hold tight Hold on to the promises” These are the first lines from the song “Promises” by Christian group, Sanctus Real.
The word promise, what does it mean to you? Is it something that we do with fingers crossed behind our backs, or while intertwining our pinky finger with another, saying “pinky swear”? Is it something that we throw into the air with little or no thought to get what we want, or in an attempt to just plainly get someone off our back? “Yeah, I promise, I’ll remember to do…” Is our handshake still our promise as in days gone by—or is it merely a handshake? When we say the words “I promise,” do we really? Do these words have the relevance in our fast paced, all too cynical, self-absorbed world that they once had?
Till Death Do Us Part?
Sadly a promise carries little weight now a days. We have learned the hard way that we can believe hardly anything that we hear; and a marriage vow of “till death do us part” is now measured in days, weeks, or months, an antiquated concept, not taken seriously by many. The world is changing at breakneck speed; life is not what it used to be. There are more questions than answers, and fewer trusted sources of truth. There are times in our lives when we find it difficult to hold on to our beliefs. When life keeps smacking us down, and we can’t see the way up. We’ve been told that everything happens for a reason, but what can that reason be? Where do we turn? How do we pray? “Just open up the pages. Let His word be your strength, and hold on to the promises.”
“All things work for the good of those who love God. He holds back nothing that will heal you. Not even His own Son. His love is everlasting. His faithfulness unending. Oh, if God is for us who can be against us. So if you feel weak hold on to the promises (Hold tight) Hold on to the promises (Alright) Jesus is alive so hold tight Hold on to the promises”
As I said, our world is changing at breakneck speed. World peace, though something that we long for and pray for, has all too quickly become something of fantasies; the politically correct, heart rending platform of Miss America contestants. Wars and rumors of wars, brother against brother, terrorism and fear; these are the realities our children have cut their teeth on. Diseases which at one time were heard about in passing—“Did you hear that so-and so’s great aunt on her mother’s side had cancer. You don’t hear of that too often.”— Are now commonplace. Our children are growing up faster, technology is ruling the world, and God’s name has become three initials plastered across cyberspace (OMG); or a cuss word haphazardly slung with thoughtless abandon; rather than the all-powerful name of our One and Only God of Promises.
He Gave His Word—He Gave His Son
I have painted a rather foreboding picture, I’m afraid. Along with the fears and confusion, also live great beauty, incredible miracles, amazing joy, and a life worth living. Nature abounds all around us, seasons change, babies are born, and children play, laugh, fight, grow and love. Couples fall in love and marry. (Some forever) Lives are changed, healed and saved. And, the One True God, King of kings, Creator of all, loves us so much that He gave us His Word—His Son—His Promises.
God Doesn’t Pinkie Swear
God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes. His promises never change. Our God is a God of His word. He doesn’t “pinkie swear” or cross his fingers behind his back. He doesn’t toss random promises into the air, just to get us off his back. God’s Promises to us are His Oath, His Bond, and His Covenant. They are Sacred. And because He loves us so very much He gave us His book of Promises, His Word: the Bible. From Genesis straight through Revelation the Bible, God’s Word, shares promise after promise going forward into eternity.
So Many Questions!
This world that we live in is confusing at best. We have more questions than answers. We are at times lost in doubt, fear, pain, sickness, grief and wondering. Should we do this or that? Why did this happen to me? Why didn’t something happen to someone else? What is my purpose? Is there hope for me? How should I treat a person who hurt me? What happens after we die? Will I ever see Jesus again? If you’re with me God, why do I feel so alone? Have you left me? How can Jesus love me? I’ve done so many bad things, is it too late for me? How do I know you’re real? The questions go on and on.
My strength when things are bad, my joy through grief, my assurance in the future, in eternity, rests on the Promises of God. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” That’s a promise. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” That’s a promise. “I go to prepare a place for you…” That’s a promise. “I will come again…” That’s a promise. “Neither life, nor death could separate us…” That’s a promise. How many promises can you find in the lyrics of this song? Now, how many more can you think of? God’s Word, to some, is merely a book filled with outdated, hard to understand rules and regulations. If only they knew. God’s Word is an owner’s manual for our lives; a family history that takes us further back than “Ancestry.com could ever imagine; it’s God’s Love story to us; and, it’s His undying Promises for us—His Oath; His Covenant; both old and new.
A Parent’s Promise
As parents we know the importance of our promises to our children. When we’re asked if we will do something; if we’re going to come home; if there are monsters hiding under the bed: we will inevitably be asked, “You promise?” Two simple words from us, “I promise” have the power to calm fears, reassure hearts, and even cause outbursts of joy. Our promise, to our children, is our bond, not to be broken. They hold onto it with a vice-like grasp. There is no doubt in their minds and hearts, because we promised. Our God, our Heavenly Father, knows the importance of promises to His children’s hearts, and His word is His bond: Something that we, His children can hold fast to during the most confusing, or even frightening of times.
“Neither life, nor death could separate us, from the eternal love of our God who saves us. Just hold on to the Promises.”
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please enjoy the music video by Sanctus Real "Promises"
The word promise, what does it mean to you? Is it something that we do with fingers crossed behind our backs, or while intertwining our pinky finger with another, saying “pinky swear”? Is it something that we throw into the air with little or no thought to get what we want, or in an attempt to just plainly get someone off our back? “Yeah, I promise, I’ll remember to do…” Is our handshake still our promise as in days gone by—or is it merely a handshake? When we say the words “I promise,” do we really? Do these words have the relevance in our fast paced, all too cynical, self-absorbed world that they once had?
Till Death Do Us Part?
Sadly a promise carries little weight now a days. We have learned the hard way that we can believe hardly anything that we hear; and a marriage vow of “till death do us part” is now measured in days, weeks, or months, an antiquated concept, not taken seriously by many. The world is changing at breakneck speed; life is not what it used to be. There are more questions than answers, and fewer trusted sources of truth. There are times in our lives when we find it difficult to hold on to our beliefs. When life keeps smacking us down, and we can’t see the way up. We’ve been told that everything happens for a reason, but what can that reason be? Where do we turn? How do we pray? “Just open up the pages. Let His word be your strength, and hold on to the promises.”
“All things work for the good of those who love God. He holds back nothing that will heal you. Not even His own Son. His love is everlasting. His faithfulness unending. Oh, if God is for us who can be against us. So if you feel weak hold on to the promises (Hold tight) Hold on to the promises (Alright) Jesus is alive so hold tight Hold on to the promises”
As I said, our world is changing at breakneck speed. World peace, though something that we long for and pray for, has all too quickly become something of fantasies; the politically correct, heart rending platform of Miss America contestants. Wars and rumors of wars, brother against brother, terrorism and fear; these are the realities our children have cut their teeth on. Diseases which at one time were heard about in passing—“Did you hear that so-and so’s great aunt on her mother’s side had cancer. You don’t hear of that too often.”— Are now commonplace. Our children are growing up faster, technology is ruling the world, and God’s name has become three initials plastered across cyberspace (OMG); or a cuss word haphazardly slung with thoughtless abandon; rather than the all-powerful name of our One and Only God of Promises.
He Gave His Word—He Gave His Son
I have painted a rather foreboding picture, I’m afraid. Along with the fears and confusion, also live great beauty, incredible miracles, amazing joy, and a life worth living. Nature abounds all around us, seasons change, babies are born, and children play, laugh, fight, grow and love. Couples fall in love and marry. (Some forever) Lives are changed, healed and saved. And, the One True God, King of kings, Creator of all, loves us so much that He gave us His Word—His Son—His Promises.
God Doesn’t Pinkie Swear
God is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes. His promises never change. Our God is a God of His word. He doesn’t “pinkie swear” or cross his fingers behind his back. He doesn’t toss random promises into the air, just to get us off his back. God’s Promises to us are His Oath, His Bond, and His Covenant. They are Sacred. And because He loves us so very much He gave us His book of Promises, His Word: the Bible. From Genesis straight through Revelation the Bible, God’s Word, shares promise after promise going forward into eternity.
So Many Questions!
This world that we live in is confusing at best. We have more questions than answers. We are at times lost in doubt, fear, pain, sickness, grief and wondering. Should we do this or that? Why did this happen to me? Why didn’t something happen to someone else? What is my purpose? Is there hope for me? How should I treat a person who hurt me? What happens after we die? Will I ever see Jesus again? If you’re with me God, why do I feel so alone? Have you left me? How can Jesus love me? I’ve done so many bad things, is it too late for me? How do I know you’re real? The questions go on and on.
My strength when things are bad, my joy through grief, my assurance in the future, in eternity, rests on the Promises of God. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” That’s a promise. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” That’s a promise. “I go to prepare a place for you…” That’s a promise. “I will come again…” That’s a promise. “Neither life, nor death could separate us…” That’s a promise. How many promises can you find in the lyrics of this song? Now, how many more can you think of? God’s Word, to some, is merely a book filled with outdated, hard to understand rules and regulations. If only they knew. God’s Word is an owner’s manual for our lives; a family history that takes us further back than “Ancestry.com could ever imagine; it’s God’s Love story to us; and, it’s His undying Promises for us—His Oath; His Covenant; both old and new.
A Parent’s Promise
As parents we know the importance of our promises to our children. When we’re asked if we will do something; if we’re going to come home; if there are monsters hiding under the bed: we will inevitably be asked, “You promise?” Two simple words from us, “I promise” have the power to calm fears, reassure hearts, and even cause outbursts of joy. Our promise, to our children, is our bond, not to be broken. They hold onto it with a vice-like grasp. There is no doubt in their minds and hearts, because we promised. Our God, our Heavenly Father, knows the importance of promises to His children’s hearts, and His word is His bond: Something that we, His children can hold fast to during the most confusing, or even frightening of times.
“Neither life, nor death could separate us, from the eternal love of our God who saves us. Just hold on to the Promises.”
God Bless
Sandy Wells
Please enjoy the music video by Sanctus Real "Promises"
Waterfall Of Love
With Lyrics From Chris Tomlin's Song "Waterfall"
Yosemite Falls
“Oh God, my God I seek You. I wanna move when You move. You're more than I could long for. I thirst for You. You're an ocean to my soul, to my soul.
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall. Running wild and free. You hear my heart when I call, when I call. Deep calls, too deep. Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall. Raining down on me. Waterfall, waterfall” These are the first lyrics from the song “Waterfall” by Christian singer Chris Tomlin.
When you hear the word “waterfall” what do you envision? Niagara Falls: roaring with power; the daredevil’s temptress? Perhaps Yosemite Falls: careening over a V-cleft carved century upon century into seemingly impenetrable rock, and rushing headlong down the vertical mountain face. Maybe your vision is that of a quiet little falls skipping over a staircase of bedrock, tumbling playfully into the awaiting stream. Or, if you’re like me, you may envision a fairytale type falls, surrounded by lush green foliage, cascading into a crystal pool; awaiting the inevitable unicorn or wood nymph to step through the water’s veil.
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall. Running wild and free. You hear my heart when I call, when I call. Deep calls, too deep. Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall. Raining down on me. Waterfall, waterfall” These are the first lyrics from the song “Waterfall” by Christian singer Chris Tomlin.
When you hear the word “waterfall” what do you envision? Niagara Falls: roaring with power; the daredevil’s temptress? Perhaps Yosemite Falls: careening over a V-cleft carved century upon century into seemingly impenetrable rock, and rushing headlong down the vertical mountain face. Maybe your vision is that of a quiet little falls skipping over a staircase of bedrock, tumbling playfully into the awaiting stream. Or, if you’re like me, you may envision a fairytale type falls, surrounded by lush green foliage, cascading into a crystal pool; awaiting the inevitable unicorn or wood nymph to step through the water’s veil.
Niagara Falls
Whatever our vision, whether great and powerful, or tiny and playful, waterfalls are alive: always moving; powerful; soothing; calming; exhilarating; breathtaking; awe inspiring; enchanting. Niagara Falls, one of the natural wonders, is powerful enough to, and does in fact, generate electricity. Millions of people flock to the falls yearly to view this God made wonder. When I have visited Niagara Falls, I’m honestly more than a little intimidated by its force: its roar. I tend to stand back from the rail, planting my feet firmly on the ground, feeling dizzy in the enormity of what I am witnessing. My breath is taken away. Niagara Falls “runs wild and free.” We can see and feel its power. Just as with God’s love.
God’s love is a powerhouse unlike any other. It runs wild and free. Its roar ricochets from heaven and back again. His love has the force to move mountains, and stop the devil in his tracks. Like Niagara Falls, God’s love is powerful.
God’s love is a powerhouse unlike any other. It runs wild and free. Its roar ricochets from heaven and back again. His love has the force to move mountains, and stop the devil in his tracks. Like Niagara Falls, God’s love is powerful.
Cool Respite
“Oh God, my God I seek You, in this dry and desert land. You lead me to streams of mercy, Once again. You're an ocean to my soul. To my soul.” Have you ever visited a waterfall, not Niagara Falls, and been able to walk into the cool water and slide behind its cascading veil. The day may be hot, muggy and wearisome, but the nook etched within the stone-face is cool and restful. We can sit on the wet rocks and feel the mist wash over our bodies, tickling our faces, wetting our hair. The falls thin veil of inviting water hides us in its soothing embrace. This is also like God’s love.
Our daily journey takes us through dry desert lands. At times we feel overwhelmed. We feel we can barely breathe, let alone walk. We may stumble. We may fall. We may want to turn and run. We seek mercy. We seek a calming for our souls. We seek rest. God is an ocean to our souls: a soothing respite, a cool, calming embrace. We merely need to turn to Him. He’s always there. His love is alive, moving, safe and secure. His love is like a waterfall.
Our daily journey takes us through dry desert lands. At times we feel overwhelmed. We feel we can barely breathe, let alone walk. We may stumble. We may fall. We may want to turn and run. We seek mercy. We seek a calming for our souls. We seek rest. God is an ocean to our souls: a soothing respite, a cool, calming embrace. We merely need to turn to Him. He’s always there. His love is alive, moving, safe and secure. His love is like a waterfall.
“It's coming like a flood, I'm dancing in the rain. Everything I've done is covered in rivers of grace. Amazing. It's coming like a flood, I'm dancing in the rain, I lift up my hands. Your love never changes. Amazing. Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall.Running wild and free. You hear my heart when I call, when I call. Deep calls, too deep.
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall. Raining down on me.”
Last month I wrote about God’s unbridled, “riding on the balls of His feet” Joy. It is something that we mere mortals can barely fathom. I loved the imagery of that phrase. Perhaps that's why this song has drawn me into its depths. Why it causes goose bumps when I hear it. The imagery. Jesus referred to Himself as the “Living water.” In the books I just finished reading water was also vital and alive with God’s healing power. Water: waterfalls, lakes, rivers, oceans and streams are all alive. Water, no matter the form, sustains life. Without it, everything that has life would perish. God is the giver of life. God is love—He doesn’t just feel love—He is love. God is alive, vital, powerful, soothing and calming. So, if God is alive, His love is also alive. “His love is like a waterfall.”
Your love is like a waterfall, waterfall. Raining down on me.”
Last month I wrote about God’s unbridled, “riding on the balls of His feet” Joy. It is something that we mere mortals can barely fathom. I loved the imagery of that phrase. Perhaps that's why this song has drawn me into its depths. Why it causes goose bumps when I hear it. The imagery. Jesus referred to Himself as the “Living water.” In the books I just finished reading water was also vital and alive with God’s healing power. Water: waterfalls, lakes, rivers, oceans and streams are all alive. Water, no matter the form, sustains life. Without it, everything that has life would perish. God is the giver of life. God is love—He doesn’t just feel love—He is love. God is alive, vital, powerful, soothing and calming. So, if God is alive, His love is also alive. “His love is like a waterfall.”
I love the line, “It’s coming like a flood. I’m dancing in the rain. Everything I’ve done is covered in rivers of grace. Amazing………I lift up my hands. Your love never changes. Amazing.” Can’t you just envision that? Can’t you feel it? His love coming upon us like a flood, and causing us to lift our hands and dance in the rain; to dance in His rain. Imagine a time of no rain. Drought. The sun’s heat scorching the earth: vegetation withering; our throats parched; our strength failing us; our bodies stumbling. And then…clouds form…and the skies open. Rain—blessed rain falls to the ground. We run outside. We lift our hands. We dance in the rain. We feel it tickle our faces and wet our hair. We open our mouths catching the cool drops upon our tongues. We may lie upon the now damp grass letting the rain-wash over our bodies like a waterfall. We soak in the life saving rain.
That’s how I imagine God’s Love and Grace is to our parched and weary souls. Life-saving. Refreshing. Revitalizing. Powerful. Whether we’ve known God all our lives, or have never met him before, this road that we walk daily is much like a harsh, arid desert. Oh, there are immeasurable joys and triumphs along the way, but the daily grind, the trials, temptations, tribulations and hardships that we incessantly encounter can drain us. Physically. Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually. Leaving us worn, in search of an oasis, a respite…Love. We, not unlike little children, crave the security of our parents’ love during our most difficult times. And God, our Abba, our Daddy, does nothing half way. He lavishes us in His love. He showers His unfailing power and strength into our very beings…like a waterfall.
Whether we envision a great and powerful waterfall such as Niagara Falls, or a serene, peaceful falls that beckons us to rest behind its veil; all waterfalls are alive, active, and incredible. Just like God’s amazing Love and Grace. Lift up your hands and dance. Fall upon the grass and open your mouths and let His rain wash over you. His love truly is like a waterfall.
God Bless,
Sandy Wells
Please enjoy the music video "Waterfall" by Chris Tomlin.
God Bless,
Sandy Wells
Please enjoy the music video "Waterfall" by Chris Tomlin.
His Cries Of Joy
(Part of this article has been taken from the book “Red” by Ted Dekker. Direct quotes are in italics.)
They sat upon their horses, twelve adults and five children, seventeen. A tiny remnant: looking out over the red dunes of the dreaded desert. Behind them: what had once been their homes, their loved ones and Elyon’s (God’s) lake. Now gone. Taken captive by the enemy. And Justin (Jesus): once a powerful warrior, friend, and comrade; was now dead. Arrested and tried by the counsel and chief priest on charges of treason.
The trial they knew was pure mockery, but it was the law. They had been powerless to prevent it. All Thomas and the remnant could do to honor this man, their friend, was to watch in silent agony as the executioners brutalized his body to the point he no longer appeared human. They would not turn their backs on him. The Horde executioners had been trained for just this very act. To kill slowly. Torturing. Brutalizing. Mocking. Causing the victim, the innocent victim, to gasp for each excruciating breath. To pray for a death that hung just beyond their grasp. Death finally had come for Justin. His innocent blood spilled onto the emerald green waters of Elyon’s lake, which would become his temporary tomb. The waters ran red.
(Part of this article has been taken from the book “Red” by Ted Dekker. Direct quotes are in italics.)
They sat upon their horses, twelve adults and five children, seventeen. A tiny remnant: looking out over the red dunes of the dreaded desert. Behind them: what had once been their homes, their loved ones and Elyon’s (God’s) lake. Now gone. Taken captive by the enemy. And Justin (Jesus): once a powerful warrior, friend, and comrade; was now dead. Arrested and tried by the counsel and chief priest on charges of treason.
The trial they knew was pure mockery, but it was the law. They had been powerless to prevent it. All Thomas and the remnant could do to honor this man, their friend, was to watch in silent agony as the executioners brutalized his body to the point he no longer appeared human. They would not turn their backs on him. The Horde executioners had been trained for just this very act. To kill slowly. Torturing. Brutalizing. Mocking. Causing the victim, the innocent victim, to gasp for each excruciating breath. To pray for a death that hung just beyond their grasp. Death finally had come for Justin. His innocent blood spilled onto the emerald green waters of Elyon’s lake, which would become his temporary tomb. The waters ran red.
Thomas of Hunter, great warrior, father, widow, disciple, and the remnant, now watched in fear as a lone rider rode over the distant dune. A Horde scout? They quickly retreated behind a clump of trees. To be discovered would mean certain death. But, this was no scout. “The rider was moving as fast as Thomas had ever seen down the slope of the dune. A black horse. The rider dressed in white. His cloak flapped behind him and he rode on the balls of his feet.” (Can’t you just see him?) Suddenly a child, Lucy, cries out in glee. “It’s him!” She drops from her mother’s horse before anyone can stop her. “It’s Justin!” she yells as she runs straight toward the rider. (The faith of a child!)
“Thomas blinked, strained for a better view. His heart hammered within his chest.” They had watched Justin die. How could this be? But, Thomas knew the man upon the horse with flowing hair and emerald green eyes was truly Justin. “Justin’s horse stomped to a halt twenty feet from the trees, his eyes on Lucy, who was running toward him. This was Elyon, and Elyon leaned over the side of his horse, grabbed Lucy in his arms, swept her up into his saddle and spurred his horse into a full sprint. Lucy squealed with glee. He swung the horse back and rode in a wide circle laughing aloud with the girl.” (Feel it! Feel the joy! Feel the power hear their laughter! Hear His cries of joy!)
“Thomas blinked, strained for a better view. His heart hammered within his chest.” They had watched Justin die. How could this be? But, Thomas knew the man upon the horse with flowing hair and emerald green eyes was truly Justin. “Justin’s horse stomped to a halt twenty feet from the trees, his eyes on Lucy, who was running toward him. This was Elyon, and Elyon leaned over the side of his horse, grabbed Lucy in his arms, swept her up into his saddle and spurred his horse into a full sprint. Lucy squealed with glee. He swung the horse back and rode in a wide circle laughing aloud with the girl.” (Feel it! Feel the joy! Feel the power hear their laughter! Hear His cries of joy!)
Thomas and the remnant urged their horses forward and rushed from the trees. Dismounted. Thomas dropped to one knee, and lowered his head. “Forgive me.”
Justin dismounted and walked up to him. “I have. And you followed me, didn’t you?” (Justin knew Thomas and his son and daughter were suffering the loss of their wife and mother who lay just a few miles back in a deep grave. Killed by Horde arrows) Justin touched Thomas’ cheek and said. “Look at me.” Thomas looked into Justin’s face and saw no sign of the brutality he had endured. No judgment. What he saw were the emerald green eyes of Elyon. And he saw tears running down Justin’s face. Thomas began to cry.
Justin dismounted and walked up to him. “I have. And you followed me, didn’t you?” (Justin knew Thomas and his son and daughter were suffering the loss of their wife and mother who lay just a few miles back in a deep grave. Killed by Horde arrows) Justin touched Thomas’ cheek and said. “Look at me.” Thomas looked into Justin’s face and saw no sign of the brutality he had endured. No judgment. What he saw were the emerald green eyes of Elyon. And he saw tears running down Justin’s face. Thomas began to cry.
Justin’s eyes then made contact with each and every person, pausing at each face. “The Great Romance is for you too. If only one of you would have followed me, the heavens would not have been able to contain my cries of joy.” Justin ran to each person, one by one, offering forgiveness. Kissing their hands. “Their Creator had taken the form of a man and was kissing their hand. They could hardly bear it much less understand it.”
Justin stepped back from the seventeen followers, who were still on their knees. He walked back and forth “like a man overcome by his first viewing of a magnificent painting he himself had painted. ‘Wonderful,’ he whispered to himself. ‘Incredible.’ His face twisted with emotion. ‘Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.’ He suddenly spun from them, fell to his knees, threw his head back and thrust both hands at the sky.”
“‘Father!’ he cried.’ ‘My father, she is beautiful!’ He burst into a joyful laugh, and his brilliant eyes, full of love, traveled around the small group. ‘My bride is beautiful! How I have waited for this day!’ Elyon was restoring the Great Romance. Teeleh (Satan) had stolen his first love, but now Justin had reclaimed her. The price had been his life. He’d taken her disease on himself and he’d drowned with it, inviting them to embrace his invitation to the Romance by following him into the lake to drown with him.” (To die in Christ) “To live as his bride!”
Justin stepped back from the seventeen followers, who were still on their knees. He walked back and forth “like a man overcome by his first viewing of a magnificent painting he himself had painted. ‘Wonderful,’ he whispered to himself. ‘Incredible.’ His face twisted with emotion. ‘Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.’ He suddenly spun from them, fell to his knees, threw his head back and thrust both hands at the sky.”
“‘Father!’ he cried.’ ‘My father, she is beautiful!’ He burst into a joyful laugh, and his brilliant eyes, full of love, traveled around the small group. ‘My bride is beautiful! How I have waited for this day!’ Elyon was restoring the Great Romance. Teeleh (Satan) had stolen his first love, but now Justin had reclaimed her. The price had been his life. He’d taken her disease on himself and he’d drowned with it, inviting them to embrace his invitation to the Romance by following him into the lake to drown with him.” (To die in Christ) “To live as his bride!”
All I can say is WOW! What you have just read is my portrayal of a pivotal scene from the book “Red” by Christian author Ted Dekker. The parts in italics are direct quotes. This book is part of a trilogy called “The Circle.” “Three novels. Two Worlds. One story.” This story is, and I quote, “an adrenaline-laced epic where dreams and reality collide.” The reader is thrust through the veil, to become part of the epic battle between good and evil. A battle, which has raged since the beginning of time: a battle for the very souls of mankind; a battle, which the adversary will ultimately, hands down, lose. If you are a fan of Narnia, or Lord of the Rings, you will love this epic series.
This series of books travel between two worlds. Our world--our reality: and the unseen reality, which lies just beyond the veil. The battle for lives, and souls erupt in both realities. Thomas fights to save our world from a terrorist’s virus, which will destroy the entire earth’s population. And Thomas of Hunter, as he is known beyond the veil, fights to save Elyon’s world, “The Great Romance” from Teeleh (Satan).
This series of books travel between two worlds. Our world--our reality: and the unseen reality, which lies just beyond the veil. The battle for lives, and souls erupt in both realities. Thomas fights to save our world from a terrorist’s virus, which will destroy the entire earth’s population. And Thomas of Hunter, as he is known beyond the veil, fights to save Elyon’s world, “The Great Romance” from Teeleh (Satan).
But, as I read this trilogy I was struck with the unbridled, infectious joy that Justin, Elyon, (Jesus, God) has for his creation. It’s a joy beyond my comprehension, or my words. My favorite quote is: “The Great Romance is for you too. If only one of you would have followed me, the heavens would not have been able to contain my cries of joy.” That is amazing! If only one of us chose to follow Him. We read the words “The Joy of the Lord.” We talk and sing about our “Joy in the Lord.” But, the enormity of God’s Joy: His unbridled, infectious, all consuming, “riding on the balls of His feet,” JOY, is beyond our human comprehension. Ted Dekker, however, painted this scene in all its power. This scene is Visual! Alive! And, it was the only way I knew to express what I could only begin to imagine.
Each and every one of us is a masterpiece, created by the Great Creator Himself. He loves us so much that He not only died for us, but He bore our sin upon his body like a leprous disease. If only one of us had followed Him, heaven could not have contained His joy. I believe that each time one of God’s creations take the step of faith to give their lives to Christ—to die in Christ—and become His child, that God himself “rides on the balls of His feet” in absolute, unbridled joy. Can't you just see Him?
God Bless
Sandy
To see a powerful video about Ted Dekker’s “The Circle,” the colors,” Black”, “Red” and “White” go to You-tube and type in: Ted Dekker The Gathering.
Or go to: www.Ted Dekker.com to learn more about the author and this series
Below is a you-tube video called "The Gathering." It brings the Circle series to life for you. Check it out.
Each and every one of us is a masterpiece, created by the Great Creator Himself. He loves us so much that He not only died for us, but He bore our sin upon his body like a leprous disease. If only one of us had followed Him, heaven could not have contained His joy. I believe that each time one of God’s creations take the step of faith to give their lives to Christ—to die in Christ—and become His child, that God himself “rides on the balls of His feet” in absolute, unbridled joy. Can't you just see Him?
God Bless
Sandy
To see a powerful video about Ted Dekker’s “The Circle,” the colors,” Black”, “Red” and “White” go to You-tube and type in: Ted Dekker The Gathering.
Or go to: www.Ted Dekker.com to learn more about the author and this series
Below is a you-tube video called "The Gathering." It brings the Circle series to life for you. Check it out.
