Perfect Peace

The stillness in the air is overwhelming as I sit on my deck with my Bible, my notebook and coffee. If I allow myself to focus on the magnificent quietness I hear crickets, and birds and frogs and ducks. There is absolutely no breeze and the rising sun’s rays on my skin is extremely healing to my soul.

Your presence LORD is thick in the air – it reminds me that in Your presence I find peace.

But then….the world wakes up with the sound of cars on the near highway, the walkers (and talkers) on the path….

“They are invading my space LORD.” 

And yet, in my diminishing solitude…I have time to reflect on my life; rejoicing in my triumphs, agonizing in my regrets, and realizing that God has been my constant companion, my forever promise, my only hope and my eternal future.

So as I am forced to end my quiet moments and join the busyness of the rest of the humans – I smile at the day ahead knowing that…

Isaiah 26:3 assures me that God will keep me in perfect peace as I trust Him and keep my mind on Him.

My prayer is that we all recognize His presence, experience His peace throughout our day – no matter how noisy it might get.

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He Chose You…

I have had multiple opportunities to present a monologue of Gomer, the unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea…to a variety of women’s events and each time I come to the part where Hosea buys Gomer back as his wife, my heart is so moved and my tears are real…

Here’s a bit from the end of the script…

“And then I heard a voice that I knew call from the crowd! ‘I’ll buy her! 15 pieces of silver and some barley and wine!’

“It couldn’t be – it couldn’t be! The humiliation and the shame – it was my husband! My husband who I had publicly humiliated! Who I had turned my back on! I mocked his goodness and I ignored his existence and yet he bought me! My knees buckled and I crumpled into the filth and the dirt! The sobs racked my body – my eyes were just a blur!”

“I felt his cloak drop over me and his arms pick me up. He carried me tenderly home. He washed the filth off my body, rinsed the shame from my tangled hair, fragranced it with perfume, clothed me in his own garments and he fed me and raised me up to be his wife again.”

“How? What love is this? Why Hosea?”

“He lifted my chin with his fingers and with eyes that held deep abiding love he looked at me and said…’because Gomer, I chose you and I love you. Regardless of your behavior – it’s not dependent on you! I love you!’

“I could not believe this incomprehensible love! What amazing love!”

“And now that I KNOW him – really KNOW the depth of his heart…. The world cannot tempt me – the world has nothing to offer that can compete with the intimacy and the purity of that love!”

Hosea and Gomer – a beautiful story isn’t it? It is in the Bible to teach you that’s how God loves you!

He chose you knowing there would be times you would turn your back on him. He is passionately and jealously in love with you and Jesus came as the ultimate sacrifice just for you. And nothing you can ever do will change his love for you.

So if you think Hosea loved Gomer? Multiply that a trillion times and you will start to see how much God loves you!

How precious you are ~ His treasure!

(Hosea 1:2-11, 2:14-17, 3:1-5)

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It’s All About TRUST

Our home has a walking path practically in our little back yard. My husband and I put corn out for the deer and we have had as many as seven deer come and huddle around our feeder at a time..

This dear little one was only about 8 feet away from my patio as I was sitting on my patio chair having a conversation with her…(actually I was the only one talking).

I was thrilled to have her be this close to me…

But when I started singing to her, she literally turned and RAN into the woods (yet another reason I do not sing much in public anymore.)

This deer was brave enough to come closer, but it still wasn’t close enough for me.

My desire is to have at least one of them TRUST me enough to stand right on the patio and eat the corn out of my hand.”

I KNOW I have to gain their trust before that ever happens.

Today I realized that this is a lesson to us about the TRUST God desires we have in Him.

So I thought – what do I need to do to create the trust I desire of these deer? Here’s just a few thoughts:

  • When I see them coming I should always go outside to be with them.
  • I should talk softly to them.
  • I should talk to them as if I was talking to them as friends
  • I should assure them that I will never hurt them
  • I should tell them how happy I am to see them.
  • I should tell them how beautiful they are
  • I should provide them daily with food that is nourishing and satisfying.

Hmmmmmmmmmm…it appears that God does the same and SO MUCH MORE for us as He desires our trust.

  • God is always with us
  • God talks softly to us
  • God talks to us as we are His closest friends
  • God assures us that He will never hurt us
  • God assures us that He is happy when we spend time with Him
  • God tells us how beautiful we are to Him
  • God provides us with His Word that is our daily bread
  • His food is nourishing and satisfying to our soul

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Will you Trust God today? For your life? For your family? For answers to your troubles?

He is faithful and constant and loving and steadfast and always here for us. Let’s trust Him completely.

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HOPE IN HER

I just finished reading the book, Hope In Her by Krysta Bouquet.

It moved me beyond words, reminding me of God’s faithfulness in all areas of everyone’s lives. As I turned each page, immersed in every detail of her painful childhood, I felt an enormous amount of compassion for her and for so many who experience the same brokenness that she did.

Her willing transparency gives hope to all who read her life’s story and it brings glory to the God who restores. Her new life today is a testimony of God’s compassion, strength, and unfailing love.

Although my life’s struggles (some created because of my own disobedience, and also the pain and grief of losing my husband of fifty years) cannot compare to what Krysta endured. I was convicted and ashamed of complaining about my life and my temporary trials that I have to endure..

As I read, God was impressing on me that I need to truly listen to His plan, wait for His direction and His purpose for this season of my life. I was in awe of Krysta’s ability to be strong in the middle of complete chaos, trusting God to guide her.

No matter how big or small our struggles, the same God loves and cares for us and all of our needs.

As I closed the book, I sat with my hand resting on the cover and an unexpected silence came over me as I reflected on God’s unfathomable desire and power to transform ashes to beauty if we truly trust Him and wait on Him.

Here is a paragraph from the last pages of her book…

“I don’t believe that we’re called to live a life of comfort. He’s called us to live outside of our comfort zone – trusting when we can’t see, can’t comprehend, and don’t understand. He’s called us to sit in the uncomfortable places that grow us immensely. As I sit in an uncomfortable season where the world would say it’s okay to give up and give in, I find myself sitting at the feet of Jesus, waiting on Him.” ~ Krysta Bouquet

Isaiah 40:31

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 30:18

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Psalm 39:7

And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.

Psalm 62:5

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

We have an amazing God!

You can order Krysta’s book here:

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Good Friday…

One Thursday night while in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was betrayed by Judas,(one of his disciples) arrested, tried, and endured trials throughout the night – he was found guilty of blasphemy by a court that was an absolute fraud!

A crown of thorns was pushed into his head. He was beaten with a short whip that had lead balls, bone fragments, and other sharp objects tied to its leather strips. This beating left him nearly dead, and yet he was forced to carry his own cross about 600 yards to Calvary. Then he was thrown on that cross and suffered unbearable torture as spikes were driven through his hands and feet.

About 9:00 Friday morning, the cross was lifted up. In order to get a breath he would have to push up on his feet to expand his diaphragm. The nails in his feet would cause excruciating pain with each breath. The soldiers mocked him, spit on him, and rolled dice for his clothing.

Watching him suffer in absolute horror and unbelief were his mother Mary, his mother’s sister (also named Mary), Mary Magdalene and His best friend John (one of his disciples).

Somewhere between the time of his crucifixion and 3:00 on that Friday afternoon, Jesus cried out “It is finished” then bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 10:30

One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

They took him from the cross and laid him in a borrowed tomb. Jesus died for you and me. He sacrificed his life on that cruel cross and took our sins; past, present, and future so that we could (if we believe) be made righteous by his blood and that we could live forever with him in eternity.

Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross ~ Philippians 2:6-8

His work was finished! He paid the penalty for our sins!

How can we possible call this Friday, good?

Just wait until Sunday morning!

In Christ Alone,

Arlene

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The War Against Darkness (Spoiler Alert – We Win)

Through my conversations with friends, family and mere acquaintances lately there appears to be a common thread to our discussions.  I believe it’s an evil presence of darkness, an oppression, a heaviness that permeates our very being.  This darkness affects everything from our mental and emotional health to our fatigued bodies and weakened immune systems.

There’s illness, death, depression, broken relationships within our families and good friends and much more.

Jesus tells us in John 10:10 the thief’s (satan’s) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.

When we are impacted by the world’s darkness (we who belong to God) can have HOPE!  That HOPE is in Jesus – who is the WORD the LIGHT of the World.

First, let’s establish that Jesus is the WORD.

The Apostle John tells us in John 1:1-4

In the beginning the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.

He existed in the beginning with God.

God created everything through him,
    and nothing was created except through him.

The Word gave life to everything that was created,[a]
    and his life brought light to everyone.

Next, let’s establish that Jesus is the LIGHT.

John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

John 8:12
Jesus, the Light of the World
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 12:46

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.

So if the light (Jesus) shines in us and through His Word to illuminate our dark cloud of feelings, fear, sadness and anxiety, the answer is to SOAK in His Word constantly.

We are in a war of good verses evil.  We already know we have won the final battle ~ and praise be to God – He has provided us with HIS WORD to equip us for our daily battle of life.

So friends  ~ Let’s keep ourselves daily in the Word so can not only live in the light ourselves but bring others into the LIGHT also.

Do You Need HOPE to Live in This World?

Loneliness, illness, death, depression, suicide, fear, riots – it has become the normal today!

So much brokenness, so many heavy hearts. I hear many saying, “How much more can we take?”

The enemy of our souls, satan, loves to fill us with fear and lies. And when we see destruction and pain all around us – if we focus with no hope – the lying lizard gets a foot hold on our minds.

For those who KNOW and LOVE God and His Word – we have HOPE!

Here goes friends…Dwell on these words (written for us) and  found in our love letters from God!

Joshua 1:9 ~

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Ephesians 3:17-18 ~

… so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…

Psalm 94:18-19 ~

When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 9:10 ~

Those who know your name trust in you,
    for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Romans 15:13 ~

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 31:14 ~

But I trust in you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my God.”

John 16:33 ~
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

1 John 4:4 ~
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.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that Your Word is true!  Thank you that no matter what the situations around us, You Oh God, are behind us, beside us, ahead of us and we can withstand whatever comes against us because You are constant.  You are victorious.  You are our Rock, our Defender, our Shield, our Strong Tower.  And most of all, we have an eternal promise of JOY….

Revelation 21:4 ~ 
 
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
 
Thank You God! Amen

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The Breath of God

Have you ever re-read something you had written in the past and realized that God’s Spirit was the author of that quick note  you had scribbled on something?

Maybe you were in a study and a thought came to you from the reading of the scriptures, and you wrote it in your study book, or notebook, or in the margins of your Bible.  


Because of my most recent revelations through my illness, I am so much more keenly aware of God’s Spirit speaking to me.  

The following words are what I wrote in the pages of my planner…just days before my illness hit.

“I am fully dependent upon the Lord for everything that really matters to me.  This includes the lives of my family and friends, the health of those I pray for, the direction of my ministry, and even my own breath.”

(Little did I know that I would soon be dependent on an oxygen machine in order to breathe.)

Then, a few days ago, as I began the recovery process that God had planned for me, I started up my S.O.A.P.ing method for for 2022.  I chose the scripture verse (Genesis 2:7) to focus o

Scripture Verse: Genesis 2:7 ~ Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground.  He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, snd the man became a living person.

My Observation: The very breath of God brought man to life! What a moment to observe!  Will we see a movie replay when we are eternally with God?

My Application:  God’s breath in us!  We need to breath to live.  God provided oxygen for us.  But wait, Do we have the DNA of God in us?  Amazing thought!  We were created in Hs image, for His purpose, for His glory.  Too much to take in!  When Jesus rescued us from the sinful punishment we deserved,  we became His Royal Daughters, purchased by His own blood and destined to live and reign eternally with HIM!

My Prayer:  Thank you Heavenly Father, for providing Your Son, Jesus , as my Sacrificial Lamb, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Eternal King.  I am Yours and You are mine forever and ever!  Amen.

As we pray for the desire to know God more intimately, we find ourselves more and more in love with HIM!  And our desire to surrender our lives to HIM becomes stronger and stronger.

Even our desire to surrender our  very breath to Him!  (Isn’t God wonderful?)

Have you accepted God’s rescue plan for your life?  I pray that you have!  

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Our Present Is His Presence – (Part 2)

“I can’t stop smiling!” God’s Spirit has used my recent near death illness (That may be a little over dramatic, you would have to check with my care-givers to get the real scoop.) Nevertheless, God changed my entire PERSPECTIVE to WOO me into SURRENDERING to Him, to filling me AGAIN with His INCREDIBLE and UNEXPLAINABLE JOY!

Trite quotations, even familiar scriptures (that we read on social media) can sometimes fly through our minds with no impact because the circumstances if our “soul soil” wasn’t ready to receive, process, and change us.

On May 25th, 2018 approximately 11:10 a.m., my husband’s doctors words echoed in the little hospital conference room, “I am sorry. We could not start your husband’s heart to beat again.”

God automatically released these verbal words from my soul soil at that moment…”God is a good God!”

At that instance, there was NO happiness, but it came from the depths of my soul, placed there supernaturally by my mighty God, my creator, my Savior, my Eternal King as a Present to me.

Nothing in my own ability, or strength, or goodness could have mustered up that quiet fulfilling confidence deep in my soul except the Present of His Prescence! And as God continues to be faithful to me, I realize that NOTHING removes His presence.

On December 3, 2021, I posted a devotional entitled, Our Present is His Presence. (Part 1) I talked about the busyness of Christmas, the loneliness without my husband, the stress that we put on ourselves that robs us of joy.

I want to use these same powerful Bible Verses today to remind us that…

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence. ~ Acts 2:28

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence I fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. ~ Psalm 16:11

Little, did I know that 21 days later, Christmas Eve morning, angel armies would be fighting for me to live. When I did become aware of that fact early that morning…all of a sudden, my perception changed. There was this unexplainable realization, that I had to surrender (recklessly abandon) my very being into HIS keeping.

And that’s why, I find myself trying to wipe the smile off my face, in the middle of the night, even now! Only God knows how our breaths on this earth with end. BUT, IF we KNOW the”Present Giver”, our breaths here will only continue into eternity with HIM!

My new WORD for 2022 is SURRENDER! Why? Because He changed my perception in an instant! There is NO greater reason for life! He reveled that He alone is worthy of our entire worship and devotion!

Love you all so much!

Arlene

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Our Present is His Presence – Part 1)

Christmas time for some is so stressful that they are robbed of joy.  Is that you?

The busyness of the season revolves around cleaning, decorating, baking, and shopping!  The shopping can be the most challenging because we want to find the PERFECT gift for our family and friends! 

I want to encourage you with these truths from God’s Word.

Thanks be to God  for His indescribable gift! (Present) 1 Corinthians 9:15

The only PERFECT gift is God’s gift to us…HIs Spirit living in us. (Which, by the way fills us with that unspeakable joy.) 

My mind has been mulling over this phrase for weeks now – “My present is His presence!”

This morning, as I sit in front of my decorated tree, enjoying my coffee time with Jesus, I realized that this will be my 4th Christmas without my husband.  It seems like yesterday as I relive the sudden shock and grief of his death and yet it seems like an eternity because I miss him so much!

It is humanly impossible to have joy in the middle of deep sorrow – that joy comes only from HIs presence in us. And I am so grateful for His presence. 

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.  Acts 2:28

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.  Psalm 16:11

Are you experiencing JOY this Christmas season and always? Do you KNOW Jesus the Joy Giver personally? You can know Him intimately! My prayer is that you are experiencing His presence this Christmas season.

Joyfully yours, Arlene

Jesus is the real Joy Giver!

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  1. One of the sweetest ladies you will ever have the privilege of crossing paths with. Thank you for your sensitivity to hearing God speak, even as a very young adult.

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Where Are You?

Many years ago….I wrote my answer to the first question in a Bible Study…titled A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place, by Beth Moore.

Remembering how impactful that study was in my life, I pulled it out this morning, looking for an inspirational tidbit to give to you.

The question: “Where am I at the time of this study, where am I with my relationship to God?”

My answer: “I am hungry and thirsty. I want God to meet me here! “I am realizing that this was for me, not necessarily you. I needed to again ask myself, “Where am I?” Is that answer the same today?

In the Bible’s book of Genesis, after Adam and Eve had sinned against God, they tried to hide from God. They were filled with shame and condemnation. (That of course was Satan’s plan and it still is today, I might add!)

Genesis 3:8 tells us, and they (Adam and Eve) heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?

God, being GOD, knew exactly where they were and why they were hiding!

Am I still hungry and thirsty? Are YOU?

Do I WANT God to meet me here, where I am today? DO YOU?

Or is there unconfessed sin that makes us want to hide? Or is there a complacency to HIS WORD, to HIS PROMISES that won’t let us have intimacy with God?  God promises us total forgiveness if we will just ask.   

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

King David, in Psalm 107:8,9 says …”Let them (you and me) give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds to (us), for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

Dear Heavenly Father, Help us never to want to hide from you. Forgive us for our sins and our complacency. Help us to daily live in your complete presence. Thank you LORD, that you have provided us with the ability to do just that through your Son, Jesus.And it is in HIS name, we ask these things of you. Amen

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Embraced Invite (Women’s Connect Group)

I am excited to invite you to Embraced at my home church! Join us and experience the JOY in seeking God!

Contact me on my contact page if you are interested in coming!

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Do You Want To Hide?

Do you ever want to just hide? Hide from family?  Hide from friends?  Hide from EVERYONE? 

There have been times I just wanted to get away by myself.  Maybe a hotel, or maybe a cabin somewhere peaceful and serene.  

What prompts us to feel this way?  Is it just the constant busyness and noise that is EVERYWHERE?

Is it responsibilities that we are so weary of? Is it the self inflicted expectation to be “on our game” or “on top of every situation”?

Maybe we just need to get more rest.  Maybe we just need to not schedule our lives so full.  (In other words, say NO more often).  I believe it can be all of the above and more.

I find that we as Christ follower’s (as I consider myself) can easily be overwhelmed with life because we forget to follow Christ.  Spending time with Jesus; in His Word, in prayer and committing to trust Him and obey Him takes away our need to hide.  His Word gives us enthusiasm for life and energy to live for Him.

Or is our desire to hide much deeper and more painful?

Are you hiding from GOD?

The Bible tells us that unconfessed sin is the reason we hide from God.  After Adam and Eve had disobeyed God in the garden, they hid themselves.  Genesis 3:9 The Lord asked, “where are you”?

God is asking that of us today.  Where are you?

God has provided a way for us to have a close personal relationship with him.  If you are hiding from God and need HIS unconditional love and forgiveness, Click Here.

Do you want to stop hiding from God today?  You can. I pray you do.

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Choose Promises over Lies

Evidence has shown that many who have chosen to abort a child may suffer long term consequences; mental physical and especially spiritual.

Some of that suffering is because they are believing lies that satan is whispering to them.

 In John 8:44 (NIV) Jesus calls satan a murderer and the father of lies!

But we have a good God who is a healer.  He does not condemn and He offers the gift of grace, and forgiveness to all. We just need to receive that unconditional love gift of healing and restoration that He wants to provide for us.

But even those who have received God’s healing gift might carry a scar. I am sure some of you will understand this.  But that scar can remind us of our need to depend on Him and His precious Words so we won’t believe satan’s lies but rather claim the truths for us in God’s Word.

In my own sin and rebellion against God, I listened to satan’s lies and chose to sin.  While I was purposely  distancing myself from God’s presence, I made so many bad choices that also caused others to sin. 

Although I have not been directly affected by a personal abortion decision, I have anguished over the part I played years ago in another’s choice to abort her child.

If you have been caught in satan’s web of lies, and need healing;  please know that Jesus is waiting for you to come to Him.  He has open arms wanting to shower you with grace, forgiveness, restoration, healing, love and joy.  And when you are in His arms, start proclaiming the truths He whispers to you:

I am a child of God (John 1:12)

I have peace with God (Rom 5:1)

The Holy Spirit lives in me (1 Cor. 3:16)

I am not condemned by God (Rom. 5:19)

I am completely forgiven (Col.1:14)

I am tenderly loved by God (Jer. 31:3)

Enjoy your freedom in Jesus Christ my dear friends!

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Indivisible

Just had to share this! Too good not to hear over and over!

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Unborn, Untold

“An International Movement of Life and Love

Please join me for an hour of hope and encouragement! You will be so glad you did!

Hello friends,

Welcome to Words To Inspire presenting Unborn. Untold.- Sharing Our Stories- Impacting Our Culture monthly Zoom call

God is continuing to direct our steps as we highlight stories right from the book.

July 8 will be a very special night.

Mario, whose story in Unborn (Chapter 15- One Love) will share his testimony of God’s miraculous work in his life- from marriage, divorce, drugs, abortion, brokenness and then on to a miracle restoration! What a Great and awesome God we serve.

Pastor Jeff Bell is also joining in to share why he was willing to endorse Unborn and to answer a few questions.

It’s a night you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendar and Please share this with your friends, your pastor, church leaders, pregnancy care workers and anyone who might benefit from these powerful and God-honouring testimonies.

Our scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Unborn. Untold Movement Zoom

July 8 @ 8:00 PM EST – 7:00 PM CST

Time: Jul 8, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Contact me for the link to join this meeting!

Click Here to purchase this book!

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The Joy of Seeking God First

As I have traveled to many locations and events to speak to women of all ages, in all walks of life and in all seasons of their  journey, I have found this simple fact to be true ~

“All of our frustrations,  poor choices, regrets, purposelessness, poor relationships, stressful living comes from NOT seeking God First.”

I KNOW this from personal experience and I want to encourage women (and men) to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus!

God led me to the perfect study to do just that…https://joyshop.org  The author of this study has become my friend.

Please check out her site, her book, her study…and  THEN CONTACT ME for a live-online study in the comfort of your own phone, computer, tablet, (the device of your choice)

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He Is Never Coming Back!

A Message To My Widow Friends

(And anyone else who is hurting)

Today I heard myself saying, “He is never coming back!” I just realized Dave is not coming back!  It seems like such a silly statement!  He went to Heaven 17 months ago and the stark reality that he is not coming back is just hitting me hard, very hard!

I knew the instant I found him on the ground in our back yard that he was gone from me.  But the minutes, days, weeks and months since that dreadful moment have been purposely filled with driven busyness; intentionally avoiding as much pain as I could. Friends and family have thought that I am so strong, and there are moments that I would agree with them.

But, the truth is, I hurt so much!  I am alone!  For fifty years, through the good and the bad times, we were together.  We loved each other so much…half of me is gone!  The better half of me is gone. 

 And now, I have to find a new way to live.  I am starting over alone. What am I to do? How am I to think? Where am I to be? Even with a move and a new home the memories of him flood my thoughts!  There are good, wonderful memories – but because of the “rawness” of his death, those wonderful memories still only make me miss him more!

Each time I come into my home, the first and foremost thought that is blaring in my head and heart is “I am alone!”  “He is never coming back to me in this earthly life.”

So – I have to start a new life. With the help of Miriam Neff, author of the book, “From One Widow to Another: Conversations on the New You”, I have developed three principles to build on.

  1. I will build on the foundational truth that God is Good. No matter what I am experiencing, I must stand firm on the belief that God is good!
  2. I must take care of myself as best as I can; physically, mentally, and spiritually.
  3. I must focus on loving, encouraging, and bringing comfort to those who are hurting. 

How do I begin this journey?  I know It will take a sincere desire and incredible discipline, none of which I have in my own strength!  It will have to be only through God’s strength and power.

Where to I find that strength and power?  By seeking HIM in HIS WORD!

“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”                                                        ~ Psalm 9:10

“Anyone who will take the time to enter into an intimate relationship with God can see God do extraordinary things through his life.”     ~ Henry Blackaby

As long as I have no choice but to make a new life, I choose to allow God to do extraordinary things in and through the new me.

How about you? Do you need to begin a new life?  What will you do?

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1 thought on “He Is Never Coming Back!

  1. Dear Friend,
    You message made an imprint on my heart. I have a couple of practical thoughts.
    No matter how hard you try to be “normal, healed and etc…” it could be 5 years before the ache subsides. Practical thought #2 Don’t be so hard on yourself. Some days will be awful. It’s OK to just shut the world out and read a good book in your PJs, and cry if needed. Even Leaders grieve.
    Practical thought # 3 Be happy, be humbled, be grateful. Why? Because so many, many people want what you had, pray for what you had, and wonder if they will ever know the love you experienced for so many years.
    Be well beautiful woman of God.

    PS:

    I have been privileged to have the Lord as my husband for over 30 years now. My! the miracles I have seen! When I found myself alone, after fighting, I finally gave up and said, ” well then OK, you promised to be a husband to the widow and I expect You to honor Your Word.”( That was alittle sassy, but true.) He has never left my side. People marvel. I marvel at his provisions.

    I look forward to all the happenings you will have. Please write them down. Thank you for touching my heart today.
    Your Friend,
    Marlene

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God’s Map To Heaven

I am in the middle of leading a Bible Study using Randy Alcorn’s Heaven material.  I am learning so much!  I never realized how much the Bible tells us about Heaven (The intermediate Heaven ~ where my dear husband is) and our future Eternal Heaven.  The following is an excerpt from the book.  I was so impressed how concisely Randy laid out the map to heaven – I just had to copy and put it here for myself and others.  My prayer is that others will realize that heaven IS NOT the default destination for those who do not believe in and put their trust in Jesus, the Son of God.

John 14:6 ~ “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me”.

The following is taken from Randy Alcorn’s book, Heaven (pages 33-35)

God’s Map to Heaven ~ His Good News!

What you Need to Know and Do

To sin is to fall short of God’s holy standards.  Sin is what ended Eden’s Paradise.  And all of us, like Adam and Eve, are sinners.  You are a sinner.  That’s the first thing you need to know.  Sin deceives us and makes us think that wrong is right and right is wrong.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.~ Proverbs 14:12

Sin has consequences, but God has provided a solution for our sin:

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” ~ Romans 6:23

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, loved us so much that he became a man to deliver us from sin.

“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.”~ John 3:16

He came to identify with us in our humanity and our weakness, but he did so without being tainted by our sin, self-deception, and moral failings.

For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.  Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. ~ Hebrews 2:17,18

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~Hebrews 4:15,16

 We’re told thatGod made him (Christ) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ~2 Corinthians 5:21

 This means that even though we are under God’s wrath for our sins, Jesus died on the cross as our representative, our substitute.  God then poured out his wrath on Christ instead of on us.  Christ, who stood in our place, conveyed his righteousness to us so that we are declared innocent of all our sins and declared righteous, so we may enter the very presence of God in Heaven and be at home with him there.

No other prophet or religious figure – only Jesus, the Son of God – is worthy to pay the penalty for our sins demanded by God’s holiness.

I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.  Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep!  See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed, He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” ~ Revelation 5:4,5

 And they sang a new song:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.  You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” ~ Revelation 5:9,10

Only when our sins are dealt with in Christ can we enter Heaven.  We cannot pay our own way.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. ~ Acts 4:12

Being himself God and therefore all-powerful, Jesus Christ rose from the grave, defeating sin and conquering death.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures… ~ 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”  “Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?”  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God!  He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.   ~ 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

When Christ died on the cross for us, he said, “It is finished.”

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” ~ John 19:30

The Greek word translated “it is finished” was commonly written across certificates of debt when they were canceled.  It meant “paid in full.”  Christ died so that the certificate of debt, consisting of all our sins, could once and for all be marked “paid in full.”

Because of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross on our behalf, God freely offers us forgiveness.

“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities…As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” ~ Psalm 103:10-12

 Forgiveness is not automatic.  If we want to be forgiven, we must recognize and repent of our sins:

“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” ~ Proverbs 28:13

Forgiveness is established by our confession:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” ~ 1 John 1:9

Christ offers to everyone the gift of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life:

Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” ~ Revelation 22:17

 There’s no righteous deed we can do that will earn us a place in Heaven.

...He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ~ Titus 3:5

We come to Christ empty-handed.  We can take no credit for salvation:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast” ~ Ephesians 2:8-9

This gift cannot be worked for, earned, or achieved in any sense.  It’s not dependent on our merit or effort but sorely on Christ’s generous and sufficient sacrifice on our behalf.  Ultimately, God’s great gift is himself.  We don’t just need salvation, we need Jesus the Savior.  It is the person, God, who graciously give us the place, Heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

A Man or Woman after God’s Own Heart

God called King David “a man after His own heart.”  I have heard that phrase many times during my life.  But it wasn’t until my time alone with Jesus this morning, that I found myself asking how a mere man (even though a king) would be honored to acquire such an intimate, loving description from GOD, the creator of the universe.

I began to ask God what was it about David that captured God’s loving heart?  And then, what about me God?  Am I a woman after your own heart?  I want to be.  Or will that coveted description require more from me than I am willing to give?  Or maybe even more than I am even capable of giving?

Anita Keagy’s study, The Joy of Seeking God First,  provided me with fifteen verses from the Psalms that gave a little insight into what David’s heart was like.  In my quest to dig deeper, I wrote them out and then extracted the qualities I found.  Here’s the list:

David…

Trusted God
Was not proud
Had room for God in all his other thoughts
Understood God
Sought after God
Was satisfied with God alone
Praised God
Received vindication from God
Recognized that God was his Savior
Talked to God LOTS
Desired to see His face
Desired to live eternally with God
Rejoiced and was glad in the LORD
Exalted His name
Loved God’s salvation
Unashamedly claimed God as his God
Thirsted for God
Longed for God
Gloried in God’s Holy Name
Relied on God’s strength
Kept God’s laws
Experienced God’s grace
Knew God’s promises

The temptation for many of us, especially those of us raised in the church, is to say, “I can claim most or all of those qualities.”

But if we are truthful…do we really trust Him?  Are we prideful?  Do we have so many thoughts in our heads that there isn’t much room for thoughts of God?  Are we fully satisfied with God alone?  Do we really know how to praise Him?

If you are brave enough to go through each one on the list and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your true heart, you might find yourself like I did, sadly falling short.

Search us O God and know our hearts; test us and know our anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in us and lead us in the way everlasting.  Make us people after your own heart.

 

I Choose Joy in the Middle of My Sorrow

Years ago my husband Dave recognized my desire to share Jesus with other women and he encouraged me to follow that calling. So I did. 

His passion was to bring hope to hurting couples by sharing our marriage success story together.  So we did. 

He was also the biggest supporter of my inconsistent blog writing.   He loved to read my posts and would often say I was to write a book.

I would never have thought that the serious writing would come after his exit to Heaven. But it did. Or at least it has begun.

I find myself suddenly eager to write and share  with others even tho each day I have to survive the uninvited “grief bombs” that invade my emotional and physical being with waves of fear, pain  and depression. 

I am so very, very, very sad and yet I feel an almost miraculous joy. I didn’t  say happiness – because I am not happy!  But I have the overwhelming joy that can only come from knowing and relying on Jesus. I believe the Bible is truth – so consequently I am jealous of Dave for being in the presence of our great King Jesus! And it is that belief that drives me to thank God for Dave’s new address and for the promise of mine also someday.

Joy fills the hole in my heart with truth, hope, peace, and strength.

The prophet Nehemiah tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Kay Warren in her study, Choose Joy, gives her definition of joy this way: 

“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life; the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right; and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”

I have decided to adopt that definition as mine also.

Father, I believe that you can replace my mourning with dancing and I can become a woman who feels the sadness of life and loss but still chooses to pursue joy. Give me strength and courage to look for your blessings on this journey.

God Spoke To Me Today…

God spoke to me today.

He broke through my childish doubts with words of comfort and assurance.

“Hang in there; sit tight; stick to My course for your life.”

He said, “I will not let you down”.

He reminded me of how He cared for past saints, how He watched over them and kept them through their hours of suffering and uncertainty.

He reviewed for me my own life, His loving concern through the days of my youth.

He restated for me my commission and appointment, His trust in me as His servant in this sorry world.

He reiterated His gracious promises to stand by me, to empower and support me in the conflicts that await me.

I know that God is with me today ~ just as surely as He was with saints of old.

I have neither to fear nor to doubt the eternal love and presence of my Lord.

~ written by Leslie Brandt

Psalm 104

Oh Lord, how great and all-powerful You are!

And how beautiful is the world You created for our habitation!

 

Even before man was brought forth from the dust,

You prepared for him a place in which to live and grow.

And everything man saw about him

reflected the beauty and power of the living God.

 

There was clean air.

Pure water from snowcapped mountains flowed through green valleys

and gathered together to become great lakes.

The skies shone with a million lights.

The land brought forth flowers and fruits

to delight the eye and palate of God’s creature.

And every part of the land

and the waters that covered the land

and the skies that looked down upon the land

were filled with uncountable forms of life;

and the world was vibrant and alive.

 

Your power and Your beauty were spread throughout the universe,

but it was only upon the heart of man

that You imprinted Your image.

And this creature,

in his short stay upon this world,

was destined to be Your son and co-worker

in the ever-continuing process of creation.

~ Leslie Brandt

Give Me Some Solitude Please

As is often the scenario,  thirteen people of a variety of ages scrunched into a space better suited for eight, in a familiar restaurant for breakfast after church one Sunday morning,

The busyness of the restaurant and the various conversations going on at the same time, competing to be heard above the others who were also dinning, was for me a bit much.  Maybe I was tired; maybe I was tired of people.

I had just come off of a few days of shopping with a friend, visiting long into the night with my sister, attending a highly anticipated yearly reunion with old friends in the city I grew up in, lunch with a few high school girl friends, dinner with more friends, a very emotional celebration of life with about 500 in attendance, and a fun and chaotic few hours with our children and grandchildren.

I am sure some of you can relate to the weekend overload I experienced.

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The Gift of Prayer

Sunday morning “after church foyer talk” is sometimes brief because of family schedules and plans. But on a recent Sunday, a common and all too familiar emotion was conveyed by a sweet woman of God as I asked the usual question, “How are you?”

Although this woman’s joyous countenance was reassuring, she offered a facial expression and comment that I could relate to.

“Oh, I am wonderful, but there are so many family concerns and needed prayers, aren’t there?” she said.

Her face lightened again as she went on to say, “What a gift we have to be able to pray. “What hope do people have who don’t know God?”

I agreed with her and we said our well wishes and goodbyes. But I have been pondering this thought over and over since that encounter. There is so much pain all around us; hurting marriages, illnesses, death, wayward children and grandchildren, mental disorders….the list goes on and on and on.

No one this side of heaven is free from it. What is the answer? My friend is right. The answer is prayer.

Prayer is a gift, a privilege, a confidence that gives us a joyous countenance in the middle of all the pain.

“Fearlessly and confidently and boldly I draw near to the throne of grace that I may receive mercy and

find grace to help in good time for every need – appropriate help and well-timed help,

coming just when I (and others) need it.”

~ Hebrews 4:16 (AMP)

I Want Bloody Toes

Information…
If you take the Word of God into your head and spout it out to others, but you don’t take it any further, that’s called information. The Pharisees were truly remarkable when it came to information, intellectually amassing all kinds of biblical data. But they neglected to apply it. They refused to live it. They never oriented their lives to it – even though they loved to teach it to others.
No wonder Jesus told His followers,

“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.
So you must obey them and do everything they tell you.
But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.”
(Matthew 23:2,3  NIV)

Information alone isn’t enough.

Inspiration…
If you hear an exciting message that makes you want to stand up and shout, but you take it no further, that can be called inspiration. Most of us are pretty good at this. We love to listen to stirring music and attend motivating seminars – but usually that’s as far as it goes. This makes for good conversation and stirs our intentions, but it leaks. This kind of inspiration alone isn’t enough.

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Thorns, Thistles, Pain, Death and a Promised Gift!

Every time we fight with weeds and thistles in our garden, we can think of our own disobedience. And every time we experience pain or attend a funeral and suffer heartache from the loss of a loved one – we remember our prideful, sinful nature, and our great need of a Savior.

God tells us in Chapter 3 of Genesis that because of our disobedience He proclaimed this curse…

“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it  you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

But oh I praise God for His other promise in that same chapter….(My paraphrasing)

Satan will wound Jesus, but Jesus will destroy Satan!  The severe wounding resulting in death ~ produced a glorious resurrection!  God’s victory – our victory over death and a wonderful promise to live eternally in a new heaven and earth – no thorns, thistles, pain, or death.

All of us born after Adam’s sin were born into sin but because God’s sacrifice there was a means of redemption for us – a rescuer of our souls – JESUS.  We only have to reach out and accept His gift of eternal life with God, our creator.

The evidence of our salvation is our humble obedience to Him.  (I can’t wait to share what I am learning about that humble obedience).

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please make us aware every moment of the price of your sacrifice.  And thank you for the extraordinary splendor of your free gift to us!

Amen

A Train Ride To Remember

The last train ride I had taken was when I was 16 years old, so although I was somewhat excited to ride a train again, years of only flying to destinations had spoiled me.  Like a presumptive senior citizen, I announced to the man behind the train counter that I wanted the largest bag checked and sent directly to my final destination, but I would be taking the smaller carry-on bags with me.

A condescending smile came over his face; his head went down slightly, his eyes focused on me over his spectacles…..”Mam, this is a train and you will be responsible for all of your bags for the entire ride.”  I processed this in my mind for a few seconds and then reworded my request, assuming he hadn’t understood my intentions…. but unfortunately, nothing changed.

So I dragged both suitcase, a purse, an ipad case, and my newly purchased fashionable lunch cooler full of snacks and water over to the waiting area.

I scolded myself for bringing so much with every step as I stumbled my way to an empty seat.  This wasn’t anything like I had remembered as a teenager!  But determined to make a positive adventure out of this, I waited patiently with a two hour train delay.

I knew that God had called me to this Speak – Up Conference in MI and I was ready for whatever He had for me. I was however beginning to wonder if I had prayed enough about my choice in transportation.

Finally, boarding the train, I struggled walking the length of 9 train cars to get to mine.  This is it, I told myself, I have got to get back to Curves when I get home, I am so out of shape!  With labored breath, I looked helplessly at the Porter for some help.  It must not be in their job description to lift suitcases onto the train.  But he finally took pity on me and lifted the big one up.  After much effort, the big bag was on and in the compartment they had us put them in, but then to my horror…

I had to carry the rest up the narrow winding stairs to the top level of the train.  The challenge was the small bag weighed almost as much as the one I had just stuffed into the shelves below and I had three other bags hanging from my shoulders and my neck making me get STUCK.  Unable to move up or down with people behind me waiting – a hot flash hit.  I pushed forward and upward with all the strength I could muster (the sweat from the hot flash probably helped) and I finally made it to the top.  Oh my – what a site!

As I reflect on that process, and visualize the ridiculous scene in my head, it makes me laugh.  There were more train and bus incidences for that trip that would provide comic relief but I want to assure you that God had some “Divine Appointments” on my train rides so I hadn’t missed HIM.  It all builds character, right?

But it also makes me think about the excess baggage we carry around in our adventure of life.
Baggage that trips us up, causes us pain, gets us stuck, and usually sends a distorted  view of Christianity.

The truth is, unlike the reluctant train porter, we have a willing and able God, ready to lighten our load, carry our burdens, straighten our paths, and give us confidence and a peaceful joy that redirects His great love and grace to others.

The ticket is…..to dwell in His Word, to claim His promises, to relax in His presence and trust HIM. Here are just a few scriptures that remind us of these truths:

Psalm 68:19

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Matthew 11:30

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Psalm 55:22

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let
the righteous be shaken.

Exodus 19:4

You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt,  and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.

Blessings to you all….and for your information, I am now building up my sky miles.  🙂

How Much Would You Pay For God’s Clothing?

John 19:23, 24 – When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said, *”They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. So the soldiers did this. (Psalm 22:18)
The soldiers at the cross of Jesus (totally unaware of who they were crucifying – just another day in the life and duties of the Roman soldiers) were gambling over the unique undergarment. I can’t help but wonder…Who won? And what did the winner do with it?
• Did he wash it and wear it himself from that time on?
• Did he present it as a gift to someone else?
• Did they hang it above their mantel?
• Did he incase it in a frame for all to see?
It is recorded that:
• John Lennon’s toilet sold for $15,000.
• Marilyn Monroe’s chest x-ray for $45,000.
• One of Elvis’s jumpsuits for $300,000.
No doubt the people who purchased these items had a need to have the life of these celebrities live on and on in their hearts and homes. And the only way to do that for them was to secure something that belonged to their idol.
If the soldiers had KNOWN who Jesus was – what would they have paid for his clothing?
What would you pay for clothing once worn by the one true God?
John, Marilyn, and Elvis are all dead. Their spirits live on somewhere – but the crucified Jesus (God) still lives. We don’t have to hang His memorabilia on our mantel, or in a frame. We don’t have to pay a dollar, let alone hundreds of thousands; we didn’t have to “win” Him by the role of the dice. We just have to believe in Him and receive Him into our hearts. Receive Him, just like we receive a gift.
As we live for Him, He becomes our Savior, Counselor, Guide, Teacher, Comforter, Sustainer, Joy-giver, and Living Friend. We can be clothed with His righteousness! And it is all FREE! Now that is a good price!

 

Jay Castor