How Great is our God

Ahhh fall. In the desert we gladly receive this season with the all the hopeful anticipation that folks on the East coast welcome summer. For us it means cooler weather ( under 100 degrees), breathtakingly bright sunsets and the kids finally back in school.

All my “babies” have graduated from high school now. The youngest was handed that hard earned diploma last May. This semester he began classes at a local college. 

His first week there, after attending each new class, we would talk about whether or not he liked the class and what his overall impressions were.

One day, he phoned after his astronomy class, which I was certain he would love. He’s always been interested in science. 

When I asked him what he thought, he stumbled on his words for while and struggled to find the right ones. Then he said something like this, “ Looking at vastness of the universe, I realize just how insignificant I am. There is so much out there that has yet to be seen, studied or understood. Its God’s realm and I feel like I am trespassing.”

Psalm 97:6 says

“The heavens declare His righteousness, 

And all the peoples see His glory.”

Seeing what is merely a brushstroke on His vast universal canvas is awe-inspiring and indeed humbling.

This reminded me of where the book of Hebrews relates how God the Father describes Jesus:

“...heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ”  Hebrews 1:2-3

Everything belongs to Jesus, everything! He is God, Creator of all things and the One who hold all things together!  Amazing and humbling.

In the book of Revelation, the apostle John got a glimpse of Jesus in all HIs glory. Having walked side by side with the Savior while he was in His earthly body, John is overcome by his heavenly vision of the Resurrected Exalted Christ

 “Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire;  His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.” Revelation 1:12-17

The Presence of Jesus is so powerful and majestic that no man can stand in it.

Upon John the Baptist’s recognition of just exactly WHO Jesus was, he succinctly exclaimed,

 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

It’s not a theological argument or position John is taking here. Not a decision he is trying to talk himself into making. This is an automatic and genuine response to the realization of  just how great He is. 

There is no other choice when I truly encounter Jesus, the Living God. I must decrease. You and I simply don’t hold a candle to the brightness of His being. He outshines everything and everyone, ever.

After the apostle John falls at the Glorious One’s feet in Revelation, Jesus does the most amazing thing.

Listen! This is the best part:

“ But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. “  Rev. 1:17-18

Jesus has the keys! He has overcome the last and final enemy: death. No one can say that but Jesus. He is THE Victor. 

Living a family whose members often are off searching for their misplaced keys, it is completely reassuring to know that the key to eternal life is in Jesus’ powerful and capable hands!

It touches me to know that those same hands reached out to comfort his prostrate disciple John, empowering him with these longed for words,  “Do not be afraid..”

Only Jesus has the ability to truly back that command up.

He is the first and the last. He who lives and was dead and is alive forevermore.

What you and I are going through can never change Who He is. 

And we find out who we are, by looking to Him.

We are His.

Watch below and drink in the lyrics...

“Who am I? Casting Crowns

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=othmFqaw0Yk

*It’s been awhile since my last post. We visited the University of Colorado for some further info. In the meantime, I have been back on the targeted gene therapy, re-challenging it with a higher dosage and was rescanned yesterday. The results showed that I have new growth in 9 new lymph sites in my chest/ esophagus area, while some of the previous areas actually shrunk. The doctors here in Arizona and Colorado concur that this gene therapy drug is failing, as cancer often develops resistant pathways to some medications.

Therefore, I will be starting traditional chemo treatments this coming Monday Oct. 1st.

As always I appreciate your prayers. It’s always amazing to see what unfolds as we step on the pathway He has marked out for us.

Praying to trust Him in each step. You trust Him too in whatever you are going through also ok?

Remember, He holds the keys!

Mission Impossible!

Long before the movie series came out, Mission Impossible was a TV show.

I loved watching!  Every week it began with the main character receiving a small cassette tape. (For those born in the post record/ current CD era- I’ve include a definition and pic. Cassette: a container that holds a magnetic tape used for recording or playing sound or video) :-)

Anyway, he would place the tape in a cassette player (usually while on a plane for some reason) press play and it would begin... “ Good morning Mr. Phelps ..." Then, the mysterious voice on the tape would explains the grave situation at hand for the IMF  ( Impossible Missions Force). After a clear understanding of the situation at hand  (complete with a folder of the villains pics to peruse while listening to the scenario).

The voice would say, “your mission Jim, should you choose to accept it is” ...and then a super high secret, dangerous plan of espionage and intelligence was laid out to catch the bad guys.

After a warning of being disavowed if caught or killed, the tape would self destruct in 5 seconds...poof! Smoke would rise as Mr. Phelps once again accepted his impossible mission and headed out to perform acts of sheer coolness against the enemy.

Yesterday and the day before and the day before that, oh and last week ...- This verse kept coming my direction.

“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt. 19:26

The context of this verse is a conversation Jesus is having with his disciples. You see, a very rich young man approached Jesus and asked Him what he was lacking to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the commandments. Perfect. The young man  convincingly states that he has done so much! Why, even since his youth!

Impossible! No one has kept God’s commandments perfectly.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Matthew records Jesus’ response to the young man like this, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Matt. 10:21

When the young man heard Jesus’ perfect offer the text says,“..he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matt. 10:22

Impossible! He receives the answer to his question and then he rejects it? 

Too much! .....Indeed.

Jesus turns to His disciples and says:

“Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Mat. 19:23-24

 A bit overwhelmed at the difficulty of entering the kingdom of heaven, the disciples ask the question of all questions..

 “Who then can be saved?”  Matt. 10:25

To which, Jesus says the words we began with...“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt. 19:26

Jesus truly set out on an impossible mission according to man’s perspective and resources.

Who can save a soul from hell? Who can pay the exorbitant price to redeem a life from the penalty of inherent sin ?

We certainly can’t save ourselves. The young man proved that. Perfection is needed to enter heaven.

The only One who ever perfectly kept the commandments completely by His perfect life is Jesus.

And following Him is the only way to perfection:

Laying down our lives for His, resulting in His perfection placed on us and life, eternal. 

An impossibly perfect trade!

Listen!

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Cor. 5:21

If Jesus’ victory over death made it possible for you and I to enter heaven, then what is impossible for Him?

What seemingly impossibility is before you today?

What nail biting, teeth grinding, pit in your stomach scenario has you in its grips?

Who you are looking at will make all the difference.

Man? Impossible!

WIth God? Mission accomplished!

*Prayer peeps! ( or  IMF (Impossible Missions Force) I am back on my targeted gene therapy medication with instructions to dose increase to maximum dosage over the next few weeks.

Last time the side effects were pretty severe, so praying the Lord will keep them at bay.

“Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?”

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”  Matthew 21:18-21

Sheep-ish

Like most children I always wanted a pet growing up. My Mom tells me that I used to often ask about it and I can assure you that I never got what I wanted. Not because of any lack of kindness or generosity on my parent’s part, certainly not! No, my request was just impractically inconsistent with urban living. You see, I really really wanted a lamb. I used to read books and look at pictures of these delightful creatures and think about how wonderful it would be to have my own fuzzy little white lamb.

Surely, if I had one I would carry it around with me and never let it down!

Years later, as a new Christian, the symbolism of lambs, sheep and a Shepherd struck a chord with me, as it has many a believer.

Often when I lay down to go to sleep at night, a song that fills my thoughts is a worship chorus taken from Is. 40:11 which says:

“He will feed His flock like a shepherd;

He will gather the lambs with His arm,

And carry them in His bosom,

And gently lead those who are with young.”

How caring, our God!

Feeding us the truth of His word and providing physical food to nourish both our souls and bodies.

How attentive is He!

Noticing each lamb that may wander willfully or aimlessly from the flock, His gaze is fixed as He goes.... and graciously gathers His own.

How strong His love!

Any burden we hold is not too heavy for Him. He picks us up and safely carries us: in His arms, close to His heart.

How gentle His touch!

He doesn’t drive or prod us while we try to manage our own lives and those entrusted to our care. He tenderly leads us by guiding our way, encouraging our hearts, and supporting our steps. 

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27

What great assurance it brings that Jesus knows me and you.

As His own, His voice is the only One our soul’s surely respond to.

True. Steady and Empowering. Bidding you and I to come and follow Him. 

Showing us the way.

Surely, He will faithfully hold tight His fuzzy flock and never let us down!

“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:28

The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell  in the house of the LORD

Forever.

Psalm 23

Understand?

31 years ago, I was working as a 5 year old ( just kidding) No seriously, I was working as a young adult in a custom drapery shop, when an older woman ventured into the back room where we cut and measured fabric, made valances and steamed beautifully completed window coverings.

She needed assistance of some sort and as I began helping her, she looked at me and  said...”You’re a believer, aren't you? When I responded that, yes I was indeed a Christian, she asked if she could pray with me about anything that I was concerned about. We did and then she looked at me and said “Your Father wants you to know to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding , in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Then she closed with these words, “You are going to need to remember that in the future.”

Certainly this passage from Proverbs 3:5-6 has proven to be a comfort and assurance to me of God’s faithfulness through many of life’s challenges.

But never has it become so tangible to me as it has in the past few days.

My PET scan in June showed minor increase in activity in the site of the original primary tumor (located in the lower lobe of my right lung). All else remained clear,

Because of this, two options were presented. One was radiation, the other, which came as quite an unexpected surprise, was surgery. Surgery usually is not offered to stage 4 cancer patients. But, in light of being progression free and the only visible activity  contained to one area, the surgeon explained that taking the lobe out would be considered curative, as opposed to radiation being more of a palliative solution.

After meeting with both of these excellent physicians, and of course, through prayer, I decided to go forward rather excitedly with surgery. Cure? Why, thats the million dollar word!

In preparation for the surgery, I had to go off my targeted gene therapy drug for three weeks prior, because it presents bleeding issues, incompatible with going under the knife.

I went off the medication July 21. The plan was to have a follow up PET scan August 6th , meet with my regular doctor August 9th. If all was clear, I would be having the lobe removed next week, Somewhere between August 13-17.

I spent the last three weeks preparing for surgery, Getting plans in order for our upcoming Women’s Retreat in early September, arranging schedules and help with my Mom, and tying up loose ends all around the house

As soon as I walked into the Cancer Center this last Thursday I knew things had changed, Expressions were somber and stoic.

The results showed new or regrowth of cancer in 7 lymph nodes and the primary mass also shows a significant increase.

Now.....what do you do when your plans collide with reality? When you don’t fully grasp what is going on?

I absolutely do not understand . To say I know why this happened would be completely presumptuous on my part and well, a lie. I found myself saying things like,”let me wrap my brain around this”,  and ”I need process this info.” Trying to comprehend is not making a dent in this new wall of information.

No, I do not understand, But, this is what I have known by experence.

An undeniable sense of peace. Robert calls it “strange peace” It is. It’s not normal. 

But then again that is what our Saviour purchased for us, “.... the peace that passes understanding.”( Phil. 4:7) Supernatural peace that comes from His very presence.

Romans 11:33 puts it like this:

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 

How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

God’s ways are not our ways. This passage says they are ”past finding out”. Meaning, there are some, if not many, things that God allows that you and I in our limited “created” capacity for understanding, will simply never figure out.

Pastor Chuck Smith has wisely stated,
“Never trade what you know, for what you don't know.”

Good words for unstable times.

What I know is that God is good and that He loves me and you.

Anything He allows or prevents is for our good.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

The reality: I cannot deny God’s incredible love, presence and power in my life! And I will, by His grace, continue to proclaim it! 

God has asked us to trust Him even, and especially when, we cannot see.

Faith shines brightest in the dark.

“ For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”  2 Tim. 1:12

• I am back on the targeted gene therapy and am increasing the dosage.
• If you feel led, please pray for it’s effectiveness and side effects.
• Much love to all!

In the Pit

Remember the saying, ”life’s a bowl of cherries”?

Now, I don't know who quipped this, but apparently he or she never ate from that bowl. For, if they had, they would have discovered that life is often filled with pits!

I’ve been thinking about Joseph in the Bible. How his jealous brothers ganged up on him and threw him into a literal pit, while they noshed on lunch and decided what to do with him next.

You probably know what happens in the next chapter. Slave traders come by and his thoughtful brothers sell Joseph to them. The slave traders take him to Egypt where he is then sold to Potiphar, an officer of the Pharaoh. This positioning of Joseph in Egypt, is the placing of a sovereign piece in God’s massive puzzle, that when completed, will beautifully portray Joseph, saving many people alive.

I want to make a pit-stop though. Get right up close to Joseph’s pit experience and take a deeper look inside.

Here’s what we know from scripture.

“..they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it. “ Genesis 37:23b -24

The first thing I notice is Joseph was stripped.

Taken away was the very thing that had forged his identity as the much cared for and beloved son of his father. Often, when we go through difficulties, we are stripped of those things that made us feel comfortable and secure. Whether emotionally or physically, trials can remove all the outer trappings we have been wearing, reducing us to the core of who we are. Stripped and bare, we can feel like Joshua: cold and exposed,

Next, the pit is described as empty. Nothing and no one was in there with Joseph. There are some things that we must each go through alone. Dark nights of the soul that only you can truly experience. Like little Frodo in the Lord of the Rings, who had the singular talk of getting the ring to Mordor. Some missions are solitary and can feel dark and lonely

Lastly, there was no water in this pit. It was dry. If there is one overriding feature of being in a pit, it is the feeling of spiritual dryness. A nagging thirst unquenched by dripping platitudes and sugary sentiments.

Water revives our bodies, and nothing but the Living Water of the Spirit of God will satisfy a soul in drought.

The  truth is, in reality Joseph was not naked, alone or about to die of thirst.

There was One greater than any human force Who was:

Covering:“He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge;” Ps 91:4

Present:”Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall [fn1] on me,”

Even the night shall be light about me;

Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,

But the night shines as the day;

The darkness and the light are both alike to You.” Ps. 139:7-12

Sustaining:”The LORD will guide you continually,

And satisfy your soul in drought,

And strengthen your bones;

You shall be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Is.58:11

Sometimes when we feel like we are in a pit, we quickly reach hold of anything or anyone who will make us feel better quickly. Bad relationships, drugs, alcohol or other misused numbing agents, will only temporarily dull the pain and you will be digging an even deeper pit for yourself.

Resist escape from anything or anyone who will make you their slave.

Instead, wait. Look up just beyond the ledge of the pit, there is a Hand reaching down to you. Trust Him. Just grab hold and don’t let go. HE will do the rest.

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the LORD;

And He inclined to me,

And heard my cry.

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

Out of the miry clay,

And set my feet upon a rock,

And established my steps.

He has put a new song in my mouth—

Praise to our God;

Many will see it and fear,

And will trust in the LORD.

*It’s been awhile since my last blog! We have been seeking advice and waiting on God to direct our steps in treatment. I will see a surgeon tomorrow to discuss that option as opposed to radiation. I was set to go to radiation, when the reports showed that the tumor is very close to my esophagus, posing a risk of serious damage with large doses of radiation. Smaller doses over a longer period of time are still an option and cut the risk factor down to 5%. ( man’s percentages not God’s!)

Surgery has never been presented as a option for me as I was stage 4. But now that only the primary tumor is seen, i may or may be a surgical 

If you feel led, please pray for wisdom and direction for Robert and I to know which path to chose.

As always, looking for His hand.

A shout out to my Irish lads and lasses who I dearly love!

U2 -Psalm 40 

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjtpplE39_g

Hope-Fully

There is a line from a classic hymn that says, “When satan tempts me to despair...”

I have to admit this initially struck me as weird. I mean, I always thought of the enemy’s tempting us as being in regards to sin.To entice us to sin by appealing to our fleshly desires. To encourage us to rebel against the Spirit, by taking the seemingly fast track to   pleasure. But who has ever been lured by hopelessness?

I mean, a plate full of despair is certainly not appealing no matter how it’s garnished. Especially when compared to a buffet of indulgences.

But it is nonetheless, just as real and destructive as gratifying bites.

And, just like engaging in those more palatable inclinations, it’s purpose is to get us to turn away from God. To turn our focus  from the One Who offers what truly satisfies a hungry soul.

This sneaky little weapon of satan’s called despair is often hard to detect before it has been swallowed. It hides beneath layers of thoughts of doubt and mistrust.

It comes in the form of gray words spoken by those who only see dark skies and impossibilities.

Far too often, God’s children are quick to bite. Often consuming a whole meal before we realize we are spiritually sick.

It’s ok though. If you have been fed or freely grazed at the table of despair, it’s not too late to push back.

The Great Physician has just the remedy. It’s called hope.

I have noticed that even when difficult and trying situations enter our life, God never brings along a side-dish of despair to go with the bitter meal. No. He offers the fresh water of His Spirit, the crisp nourishing Word of hope. 

Of course what other message would He bring? What else would reflect the personality and character of the One Who has created galaxies with a word and stopped ocean swells with a wave of His hand. Is He going to tell you not to hope? That it’s all over? That this situation is just too big? That is is going to destroy you take you and those you love down? That nothing....can..... be... done..

No. That’s not His voice. It would be contrary to His nature.

With our God there is truly no line of the horizon. He has no limits. 

His Words ring through blue skies in THE Voice of victory.

Today, no matter what situation has come you way, don’t take the easy path and grab hold of the fast food of despair. Cling onto Hope. Hold onto the One Who IS.  And because He IS ...there is always hope.

• Last Friday I had a followup PET scan. Yesterday (Tuesday) I received the results of that scan. The area in my lower left lobe that was originally a baseball size tumor ( in Sept.)  and then seen only as an opaque haze,( In February)  has now “changed” and resurfaced as a small nodule.

We appreciate your prayers as we seek His direction on the next step, believing that God, His will and promises have never changed.

 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;  and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Romans 5:1-5

Love this Warrior Princess -Crystal Lewis!

Listen to her words of HOPE!

Beauty for Ashes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQSk0OIEhDs

This Might Hurt a Little

Ever have a sticker (or as my granddaughter calls them a “pokey”) get embedded in your skin?

Those of us living in the Sonoran desert have more then likely been stuck with our share of these sneaky little barbs. One minute you are walking along unsuspectingly and then, “ouch!” Crossing paths with a cactus quickly gets your attention and sends you on a search for the instrument of choice: the tweezers. 

Over the years, I have dug these thorns out of more then a few places on myself and my kids.

Sometimes though, one of these prickles will be just far enough beneath the surface of the skin that you can’t get to it. Though you may initially feel it’s snag, in a day or two that sensitivity disappears and you think your battle with the brier is behind you. 

But, in reality an altogether different story is being developed in the microscopic world or your cells.

Your body has been designed to really hate intruders. (a good thing). When attacked, it rallies its defenses to get rid of the bad guys. In order to ward off further tissue damage, a protective shell begins to develop around the foreign object.

However, if more time passes and this hardened core of sticker and membranes are not removed, infection will eventually set in.

The symptoms of infection are painful. Designed to get your attention. Inflammation swelling, tenderness, all signify the existence of the visible sign of infection: pus ( sorry, there is just no other word for it) Just saying it is gross, as it is a word that sounds like what it is. An oozing sickly liquid.

When your’e at this point, all you can think of is getting rid of it..quickly!

No longer can you ignore it’s presence and sometimes medical intervention is necessary to lance the area and allow the wound to drain.  And drain it will-sometimes for what seems like forever until the initial intruder and its protective layers of calloused skin are removed.

Then, an amazing thing happens. As soon as that core is out, healing begins to take place: pain begins to subside, the wound begins to close and angry red skin returns to it’s natural color. Truly we are fearfully and wonderfully made; for, our wise and loving Creator has built this mechanism of healing into our bodies.

Bitterness is like this.

A thorn in the form of a painful event, a sharp word or a misdirected deed stabs our heart and we are left wounded.

Not every strike against our soul ends in an infection of the spirit, but those left to fester will. Pain in inevitable in this world, but bitterness is a disease of choice.

Like the process that occurs in our physical bodies when a splinter deeply pierces our flesh, if we try to deal with the offense by ignoring the real issue and dealing only with the surface ones, we will eventually have a mess on our hands.

The pain will be so crushing that it will be all we think about. Coloring every word thought and action with it’s poison.

The symptoms of bitterness cannot be concealed, for It begins to effect everything and everyone we encounter.

We begin to snap at people.

We suspect other’s motives.

We say certain people’s names with a venomous tone and have a twinge in our gut when they are spoken of.

Perhaps most damaging.... we kill joy.

We must deal with the core to get relief: Why are we so bitter?

We didn’t get what we wanted, in life or in a relationship.

Someone else got what they (and you) wanted.

Another didn’t do what we expected or did something unexpected.

These are real issues. Serious sore spots. It’s the world that offers you the bandaid of advice, “Toughen up and get over it!” -Worthless medicine for curing bitterness. 

Our Savior on the other hand, sees and understands each painful point and offers you healing balm, paid for with His own pierced palms.

Let The Great Physician get out His tweezers and remove the splinters from your heart.

You enemy loves to have you live in a vague feeling of misery. Lance the wound by talking to Your Father specifically and honestly about what really happened and how it has affected you.

As you do, you will begin begin to see the bane of bitterness flow away from your spirit.

Disappointment, jealousy and their ugly stepsisters will flee as the defense system you have built with stones of self-protection is shattered. With just the right amount of pressure, He touches you with His unconditional love, soothes you with His promises of protection and empowers you with the strength of forgiveness releasing you from from the burden of bitterness  Ahhhh relief.

Perhaps a scar will remain from your struggle with the splinters of strife, but it will only serve as a future a reminder of the fact that the Lord has visited you and removed the sticker. You are free.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15

Enjoy the song of the day!

The end is the best part, I encourage you to listen all the way through!

Yay!!

I AM FREE!
Newsboys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MbcYyOsF50