Jesus is Praying for You

"It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."

Romans 8:34

Photo Source

As Zach was working on his Bible College coursework the other night, he said, "Mama, I have to send this to you."  Soon an email appeared in my laptop inbox, and this is what the subject line said.

"What is Jesus Doing at the Father's Right Hand?"

I clicked it open to read this—

"To make high priestly prayers for us.

Many believers feel the apostle Paul was the greatest and most spiritual Christian who ever lived. Certainly, he was a powerful and effective prayer warrior. When Paul talked with God, prisons were shaken, doors were opened, chains were loosed, and people were saved (Acts 16:25-34)! With all this in mind let us suppose that in the midst of your darkest hour of pain and grief the phone rings and the apostle Paul is on the other side of the line.

“Fellow Christian,” he begins, “I just wanted you to know I am very much aware concerning your terrible sufferings, and therefore plan to spend the next 24 hours on my knees crying out in prayer just for you!”

What an incredible reassurance and comfort that would be! Think of it—the great apostle Paul, writer of half the New Testament, is praying for you! But wait! Amidst your tears and travail you now hear another voice.

“My dear child, you need to know I am fully acquainted with all your sad grief and despair. Therefore, I plan to do today that which I have previously done since the time of your salvation and will continue to do as long as you live, and that is to spend every single second of every single minute of every single hour of every single day at my Father’s right hand, praying for you'."

Would not this serve as a blessed balm to soothe one’s wounded soul? Would it not heal the raw hurt of the human heart? Indeed it would and should, for this is exactly what the Savior is doing at this very moment for each believer reading these words (Rom 8:34; Heb 9:25)."

Harold Willmington (2018). (p. 517). Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, 30th Anniversary Edition. 

What a comfort it is to know Jesus is praying unceasingly for us even as we pray to the Father in His name!  What would we do without Him in these troubled times?  To whom would we turn?  He is surely our only hope.

Speaking of prayer, today I feel I need Him even more, as it marks the 8th anniversary of my dear Mom's homegoing to Heaven.  Oh, how I miss her and Dad!  Especially, during times like these.  I miss their prayers more than I could ever put into words.  I miss being able to call them and pour out my heart.  I miss Mom calling me and saying, "Cheryl, the Lord gave me a Scripture for you, honey."  OH, dear Lord!  How does one ever stop missing a Mom and Dad such as mine?  June 5th will mark 20 years since my dear Dad went to Heaven.  I can't believe they have been gone for so long.  Passing time only makes me miss them more.

I often wonder what on earth they would think if they could see what is going on in our world and how things have changed since they left here.  I don't think they would be able to believe how far morals have slipped and how ungodly things have become.  They would be appalled to think of the pandemic and all that is going on.  This is one of the few times, I am GLAD they are already safe in Jesus' arms forever, nevermore to be threatened by a virus or any other of the evil in this world.  It comforts me to know they are safe forevermore.

As I thought of what Zach shared with me and Jesus interceding for us, my mind went to an old song Mom, Dad, and I used to often sing together.  I went through our crate of cassette tapes and, praise the Lord, I found it.  Oh, my goodness.  You can imagine how the tears flowed when I put it in our cassette player and hit the play button!  Dad was on there laughing, he and Mom were going back and forth about who would sing lead and who would sing tenor —they ended up deciding Dad would lead, Mom would sing alto, and I would sing high tenor.  Oh, the memories that flooded over me!  I could hardly bear it for a little while.  Then I got the nerve to play it through and record it on to my laptop.  I apologize that the sound quality is very poor and glitchy, but I thought I would go ahead and share it anyway.  I hope you enjoy it.

In Gethsemane Alone ~ Mom, Dad, & Me

As I miss them, the precious Holy Spirit comforts me with words like these,
"As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you."  Isaiah 66:13
"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me."  Psalm 27:10
"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms."  Deuteronomy 33:27

Happy 8th Anniversary in Heaven, dear, sweet Mom.
You will never know how much I miss you and Dad!

I trust all of you readers are staying safe and healthy continually.
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
Romans 15:13

Calmly Trusting Our Shepherd ~ Guest Post by Laura Lane

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27

Photo by Rod Long

Dear friends,

 They are all looking at you—looking at me. They're watching to see what we do, what we say, whether we are stressed, or whether we are peaceful. Many people are watching to see if this Jesus thing is real to us. Family, friends, strangers, co-workers are all watching. So, is this Jesus thing real to you?

 When you face a crisis of any kind, first words matter. Are your words of hope? Of fear? Of thankfulness and praise to God? Of despair? Only you can control what comes out first and what comes out most often. Others will use your reaction to judge Christianity and God. Make sure that your first words and all words are life, hope, peace, and joy.  When we are pressed, we are not crushed. We have a father God who loves us and provides what we need and heals us. Do we believe that?  I do. 

  I am an older woman. I've had years of experience with hard times both financial and health challenges. That's an advantage I have over many who are facing their first big challenges with this Covid-19 threat. 

 I've seen God provide when my husband's income was cut in half, because the company no longer wished to pay his salary. He was forced to quit. I've seen God supply when we had a long period of unemployment when my children were little. I've seen God supply when we closed a business and didn't have income for four months while my husband was looking for a position. God always supplies our needs. I've learned to pray and trust him. The trick is to do it without worrying. There's a lot of scripture about that. ~smile~

 God has brought me through pneumonia three times, two of which I was hospitalized. He's brought me through more surgeries than most families have had in total. Lately, he's brought me through breast cancer. I have evidence that Holy Spirit will never leave me nor forsake me. I just have to keep paying attention and praying and praising and worshiping. My faith has been deepened by the numerous trials in my life. I have been refined. 

 We're all dealing with the virus in one way or another. I encourage you to speak life, speak truth, speak hope, speak faith, speak the Word of God. Now is a time to draw closer to Him, and He will draw closer to you.

 Keep calm and pray on!

 Laura Lane

Bio:  Laura married her high school sweetheart thirty-three years ago. You might say they're going steady permanently.  She makes her home in Carthage, Missouri and has four adult children. Two of her daughters live at home and attend college in the next town over. She met Jesus when she was fifteen, and her life has never been the same. She enjoys writing, knitting, sewing, quilting, crocheting, baking, cooking, making jam, and making soup. Her recipes have been included in Gooseberry Patch's Hometown Christmas, Grilling and Campfire Cooking, and Secrets from Grandma's Kitchen.  

Laura is the author of Harvest Lane Cottage where she writes about encouraging others in their faith in Jesus, homemaking, books, and thrifty living. She is a breast cancer survivor since 2017.

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Laura's Blog has been a source of comfort and encouragement to so many for so long.  She is truly an inspiration to us all!  I hope you will stop by and visit her!

Leeland ~ Waymaker

May the Lord draw each one of us closer to His side.  May we turn to our Shepherd in every moment of fear, anxiety, and worry.  Truly He is our only hope.  As Laura's testimony proves, He is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother, and He never fails.

Keep your eyes on Him.

What Are You Doing, God? ~ Guest Post by Gentle Joy

 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."

Psalm 56:3

    We are living in a time of uncertainty and confusion that goes way beyond anything most of us have ever seen before. The news is grim, the attitudes of many people are hateful and frantic, businesses are closed, jobs lost, and the threat of sickness hovers. Then there are the words of those wondering what is really going on in our world.  Is someone at fault? Will our freedoms be lost forever? And more….   So many reasons to fear and panic as we wonder what the truth is, will things ever get back to normal, and will we lose someone we love?

    Years ago, our 2nd son was born with medical problems. It was a time of great fear as his life hung in the balance.  There was much uncertainty as we learned to trust God in a new way, and those lessons have continued. With six kids, four of them boys, there were many times of fear as someone did something daring and got hurt in some little or big accident that happened. Though I tried to control things so that no one ever got hurt, that just didn’t work because sometimes kids fall off bikes or do things that don’t turn out as they expected. God was teaching me more ways to trust Him even as I was teaching my kids to be wiser.

   In the last couple of years, life has presented further challenges that severely tested us, and I thought at times there was no way through it. Much of that is still a day to day walk in unknown territory and again, God is teaching us to trust. More recently, we had a big unpleasant surprise bill after my husband’s retirement said they overpaid him and that we would also lose many thousands in all future checks. After we figured out it was for real, the panic set in, as we live our frugal lives and don’t have lots extra. 

We quickly started selling what we could to pay the mortgage payment and cut costs where possible.  We were still waiting for word on that when the coronavirus stuff happened. I sell things in two shops in antique malls and was able to help make the house payment with help from our kids and others, also.  Then my husband was laid off from his current job because of the coronavirus crisis. My shops also had to close. 

Hmmm… what to do? Fear?  Panic?  Yes, those certainly visited, but God is again teaching us to trust Him, and we are.   Over the years, God has shown Himself utterly faithful in every situation, and my faith has grown more and more, sometimes quite painfully.

Many years ago, I was a college student working to finish my degree in Elementary Education.  I also worked several hours a week to help pay college expenses. Knowing I would have six weeks of student teaching at a school quite a ways away, I saved as much money as I could from the little I made, to pay for gas, food, and other expenses for those six weeks. I was thankful I had been able to save $200 and figured that would be plenty if I was careful with it. Saving that much was a big relief to me, and I felt all ready to do the time of teaching, though I was still nervous to face the new responsibility.

   Just before the six weeks started, the brakes on my little blue Chevette gave out and had to be fixed. The bill came to $200! Not $199.95 or $210, but EXACTLY $200, which was what I had saved and was counting on. It felt like God was saying to me, I want you to trust ME not your own plans, and it was a lesson that has stuck with me.  It was also a lesson I have been reminded of many times in life, though it wasn’t a lesson I only had to learn once. Sigh….  God has reinforced it many times.  I did get through the student teaching just fine and don’t remember the details of how, making me wish I had recorded the ways God provided at that time.  I do better at doing that now. 

 So, here we are in this current frightening time, and all of those lessons over the years are bearing fruit. We are trusting God and reminding each other to do so, though we have to adjust our thoughts sometimes, also. God is always faithful, and He has our future all mapped out, with reasons for what He allows. 

   In this current time of owing the retirement company money, having many thousands less a year of retirement payments, losing my husband’s salary, losing my ability to sell in the shops or on Craigslist, and yet still having bills coming in, we came up with a plan. We decided to reduce our living expenses even more and get a big garden planted which we have started.  We are keeping lights minimal, plan to dry some laundry outside, do canning this summer, and lots more. We are counting on our peach trees, apple tree, blueberry bushes, eggs from our ducks, herbs, and more. Then today,  after many days of beautiful spring weather, we are getting an ice storm, everything is coated in ice, and it is below freezing.  Another blow…. and we wonder, What are you doing, God? You know we love You and are trusting You. Why is life so hard?

In my thoughts I hear those words from long ago, “I want you to trust ME, not your own plans.”  As my husband and I walked to view the damage so far, we hugged and were reminded that God has a plan, and we need to trust Him. His plans are perfect. He is my hope, my strength, my strong tower, and though I am weak and can panic or worry, He lovingly draws my attention back to His promises. It is amazing that when I affirm my love for Him in thankfulness, when I focus on the blessings He gives, and trust Him, those doubts and fears are not nearly so big.  I continue to grow and am so thankful for His lessons for me, although I would not want to go through them a second time!   

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.”  Job 13:15

   So, in the midst of more trouble, I am reminded that we are to put on the whole armour of God. The attacks of the enemy will come, but we can walk in belief and trust in the goodness of our God, knowing that He has a plan for our life. If bad things come, He will walk through them with us and give us strength.  God is good, and His ways are perfect. 

I am also reminded that this world is not my home, and I have a home waiting in heaven. Many do not know Him and don’t have that home waiting.  I am truly blessed, and my heart aches for them.  

It is good to give thanks to the Lord. 

Gentle Joy's Bio:  

I am a Christian wife and recently "retired" homeschooling mom after homeschooling all six of our kids k-12. (Does a homeschooling teacher ever REALLY retire?)  I write two blogs about herbs, gardening, recipes, health and nutrition, saving money, projects, topics to inspire and make us think, photography, and more. I love the Lord and He is continuing to teach me and help me to grow in my walk with Him.

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You can find Gentle Joy's homemaking blog at Gentle Joy Homemaker, and you can visit her photography blog at Gentle Joy Photography where you will find beautiful photos like the ones included in this post.  I hope you can take the time to stop by and visit her and subscribe to her posts! Each one is packed with Godly wisdom.

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer ~ Keith & Kristyn Getty

I love hearing these stories and testimonies of how God delivered and provided and brought His children through.  Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony."  There is great power in telling what God has done for us, and it brings much-needed encouragement to others, especially in these trying times.  

We would love to hear your testimony of God's goodness, too!  If you would like to share in this series of posts of encouragement, please email your submission to homespundevotions@gmail.com.  

Someone needs to hear your story.  We hope to hear from you!

Keep looking up!

A Biblical Prescription for Troubled Times ~ Guest Post by Annie Dahlin

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.  The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Philippians 4:4-8

Photo by Aaron Burden

I have always been a bit of a worrier.  If there were a queen of worry, I’d probably be it.  Even before COVID-19 completely turned our world upside down there was plenty I was tempted to worry about.  All of us have been affected by COVID-19 in one way or another.  If you have been feeling anxious and worried during this crazy time, you are not alone, sweet friend. 

During my morning quiet times I had been praying for the Lord to help me conquer my worry and anxiety.  I know He tells us not to worry and be anxious, but I was really struggling with how to put that into practice.  I started reading verses in scripture about worry and anxiety and there are quite a few.  Even in the Psalms we are told not to fret.  In 2 Corinthians 10:5 we are told to take every thought captive.  But HOW do we control our anxious thoughts when they are are running around in our head like a pack of wild hyenas that can’t be tamed?! Philippians 4:4-8 tells us! 

First, we are told to rejoice. And not only are we to rejoice, we are to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS.  It doesn’t say rejoice in the Lord only when times are good.  We are to rejoice when things are hard.  I know for me, when I choose to rejoice and focus on all the Lord has done for me, even when times are hard, it helps my heart to not be so anxious.  

Second, we are told to pray and pray with thanksgiving.   God wants us to bring our worries and troubles to Him.  He wants us to come to Him with our needs.  But we are to come to Him with grateful hearts for all He has already done for us.  I know for me, when I am focusing on all the things the Lord has done for me and given me, my anxious heart starts to calm down.  When we bring our worried hearts to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving, He calms our fears and gives us peace.  He doesn’t promise to take away what is troubling us, but He does promise to give us peace and it really is peace that passes all understanding.

Third, we are told to think on what is true.  A sweet friend of mine calls Philippians 4:8 the Bible’s prescription for good mental health, and I couldn’t agree more.  So, what is true?  The Word of God is truth.  We need to be filling our minds with the truth of God’s Word.  If we neglect reading the Bible, then we are leaving our hearts and minds wide open for anything and everything to get inside that might not be true.  

Also, thinking on what is true means we aren’t worrying and fretting about tomorrow.  In Matthew 6:34 Jesus tells us to not be anxious about tomorrow.  Our “what ifs” about tomorrow aren’t true because tomorrow hasn’t come yet.  Today is what is true.  Today is what the Lord gives us grace for, and when tomorrow arrives, He will give us grace for tomorrow.  

Focus on what is true about today.  Today all the bills are paid, today we have a roof over our heads, today we have plenty of food in the fridge and pantry, today there is gas in the gas tank, today we have our health, etc., etc., etc.,… and tomorrow, if any of those things change, we will bring our need to Him with thanksgiving. 

So, sweet friend, when your heart is anxious, and you feel like your world is caving in I encourage you:

• REJOICE

• PRAY and bring your worries and needs to Him WITH THANKSGIVING. 

• FILL YOUR MIND WITH THE TRUTH of God’s Word and choose to not fret over tomorrow            but focus on and be thankful for today.     

Let the peace of God which passes all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. 

Love,

Annie 

Verses to meditate on when your heart is anxious:

• Matthew 6:25-34

• Psalm 94:19

• Isaiah 41:10

• 1 Peter 5:6-7

• 2 Timothy 1:7

Bio:  I live in beautiful North Idaho with my husband and 10-year-old son.  I love Jesus and am thankful everyday for his grace in my life.  I love the mountains, hiking, camping, gardening and just being outside in general.  When I’m inside I love cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, blogging and basically anything crafty.  

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Such wonderful, comforting wisdom for us all to apply to our anxious hearts in these distressing times.
Please visit Annie's blog at Growing in Grace where you will find sweet encouragement, recipes, and beautiful stories about Annie's everyday life.  You can also connect with Annie on Instagram.


He Will Hold Me Fast ~ Keith & Kristyn Getty

May the Lord bless each one of you dear readers.

The Lord is Almighty ~ Guest Post by Andy Castro

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1  (KJV)

Just a note from Cheryl before you read Andy's article —

"For years, I have loved and found great comfort in the 91st Psalm.  Especially during this current COVID- 19 pandemic, I have been speaking it over my family and me on a daily basis.  I wrote about it HERE.  Lately, I have been thinking how wonderful it would be to delve into this chapter and write a series on it, breaking it down, verse by verse.  Imagine my surprise when I received an email from a brother in Lord who is a fellow writer on the Free Chapel Writing Team telling me he would like to submit something for this series, and the subject matter is a study he is beginning on Psalm 91!  I was so thrilled and amazed at how God works and orchestrates every detail.  I am so thankful Andy chose to share this with us, and I know it will be a blessing and comfort to you!"

Photo by Sarah Noltner

Strong's Definition of Almighty

Comes from the root word "shâdad"

A primitive root; properly to be burly, that is, (figuratively) powerful (passively impregnable); by implication to ravage: - dead, destroy (-er), oppress, robber, spoil (-er), X utterly, (lay) waste.

I love the definition of the word "Almighty."

It doesn't give way to making our God sound weak.

I need God to be "Almighty" in my daily life.

I am comforted with the reality of God's ability to be powerful and cause severe and extensive damage to our enemies.

One thing about the Father is He repeats Himself in the Bible. He doesn't slack, reminding us of His absolute dominance.
For instance, Psalm 27:1-2. (AMP)
"The Lord is my light and my salvation— Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the refuge and fortress of my life— Whom shall I dread? When the wicked came against me to eat up my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell."

This scripture tells me our enemies don't have a chance against our God.

Jesus had something to say about God's power in John 15:5 (AMP).
"I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing."

"Apart from Me, you can do nothing." Let that sink in a little bit. 

Of course, this also means the enemy can do nothing apart from God.

Where does this information put us in the grand scheme of our life here on earth?

Romans 14:7-8 (AMP) states,
"None of us lives for himself [for his own benefit, but for the Lord], and none of us dies for himself [but for the Lord]. If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's."

1 Corinthians 7:23 (AMP)backs this up stating;
"You were bought with a price [a precious price paid by Christ]; do not become slaves to men [but to Christ]."

We, as followers of Christ, are to live for Him and Him alone. If we cave in to fear, worry, and dread, we have turned ourselves into the hand of the enemy and walked away from all Jesus has done for us in His death and resurrection. 

Scripture tells us in Romans 8:6 (AMP),
"Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever].

This statement, "But the mind of the Spirit is life and peace" is the kind of experience the Father intended for us to live all along.  If we purposely walk in the Spirit, we can dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. If we focus our life on Him, He protects us from those who hate us.

If we can grasp a portion of how mighty God is, we can be secure and rest in Him. We can live a fearless life of peace and walk in the ways of the Lord.

Any time you are facing fear, you have the right to run to the Father and be comforted with the reality of God's ability to be powerful and cause severe and extensive damage to your enemies.

Fear not, for the Lord is "Almighty."

I'm going to sit under Him.

Will you join me?

Andy

Bio: Since recommitting his life to Christ in 2000, God has changed Andy in such a way, he hardly recognizes himself. Andy is a story of God's grace and mercy.

He now writes and speaks as a voice of inspiration to encourage people to "find the call" for their life and to fulfill their God-given purpose. He writes to help you in your pursuit.

You can connect with Andy and reading his writing at Live As If.

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I hope you have a chance to stop by and visit Andy's website!  It is packed with encouragement and spiritual edification.


The God of Angel Armies ~ Chris Tomlin

Continue to dwell in that "secret place" of the Most High, dear friends.

There is no safer place than to abide under the shadow of the Almighty!

What the Pandemic Can Teach Us ~ Guest Post by Deborah Montgomery

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

Psalm 90:12

Source

I wanted to share why I am feeling optimistic during this time of great uncertainty and fear and why I think many good things can come out of this if we pay attention to what the Lord is trying to say to us.

Now, I do not think the Lord caused this pandemic. We live in a broken world and bad things happen when things are broken. We have a very real enemy who loves to kill and to destroy. But the Lord can use what was meant for evil for our good.

Of course, I don’t want in any way to minimize the very real struggles that are going on out there. I don’t want what I’m going to say to sound insensitive to those burdened with sickness, financial insecurity, stress, and isolation.

But I still feel that there is great reason for hope. Here are some of the good things I think can come out of this and we can do.

Trust in the One Who is in control of all things.

Even though we know better, we usually act as if we were in control of our lives and circumstances. We plan and schedule and make lists, and then we go out and try and make things happen. This pandemic is another reminder that there is very little in this life that we can actually control. 

But how comforting to know that the One Who created us has all things in His Hands. We can trust Him. It is a relief to let go of the reins and trust the One Who cares for us and knows the big picture.

Yes, we wash our hands and practice social distancing and act prudently. We don’t shirk our responsibilities and the things that we can do. But we let go of our planning and worrying. We rest.

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."

 Psalm 20:7

Spend more time in prayer and in God’s Word.

Nothing drives us to our knees faster than hard circumstances. After we realize, yet again, that we are not in control, we pray to the One Who is.

Focused, intentional prayer can be hard work. I found that during the first week of isolating at home I was too distracted to pray much. Not really anxious, but scattered. Everything was happening so fast it was hard to settle down. It was easier to sit and distract myself with Instagram, for example. 

But prayer takes us out of ourselves. It grounds us. It causes us to focus on the Lord and His great mercies that are new every morning. It keeps us focused on our neighbors’ needs as we bring each one before our Heavenly Father. It reminds us of our blessings. It is powerful and changes things. It changes us.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6,7

Reading Scripture is calming. Encouraging. Life-giving. I have to remind myself to open my Bible and not my news feed. One is life-giving, the other can be fear-inducing.

Love our neighbors better.

People are finding new ways to love their neighbors during this pandemic. Calling and checking on each other. Dropping off groceries. Collecting food to donate to those less fortunate. Sewing face masks. Singing out of balconies to cheer each other up. Allowing seniors to shop before everyone else is allowed in the stores.

Even though we have to keep apart, there are so many ways we can love and encourage each other. We’re all in this together, and it’s heartwarming to see stories of neighbors caring for neighbors.

Let’s not forget each other when we’re on the other side of this.

Love our family better.

I know from talking with moms of young children in my church that home life is chaotic at the moment as everyone struggles to find new routines and new ways of living at home together 24/7. Family life can get potentially worse if we spend our time fighting with each other out of frustration. I pray that a spirit of peace and forgiveness and tolerance will descend on families who find themselves in this situation.

I pray we would all feel a real appreciation and deep love for those with whom we live. How when everything else is stripped away we realize that our loved ones at home are more important than anything else. Petty arguments and disagreements fall away as we realize that all we have is each other. An appreciation of sitting down and eating together. The family dinner has almost disappeared in many American homes. What a blessing to everyone if we will all realize the gift of slowing down, looking into each others’ eyes, and listening! Of sharing a simple meal together. We’ve missed so much!

Create a simpler life.

This winter I have been experimenting with putting on false eyelashes. It’s been both fun and frustrating and I’ve probably spent way too much time fussing over this. There’s nothing wrong with this, or with many of the little “fun” things we do day by day. But all of a sudden, false eyelashes are the last thing on my mind, and seem rather silly at this point.

Even though I have lots of time to practice with them now, it seems much more important to call a loved one or to make a batch of homemade soup. Extraneous things become just that.  Life becomes simpler; the important becomes clear.

I feel like I’m thinking like a homesteader. What can I use up in my pantry? How can I make food stretch further? What can I substitute for ingredients I don’t have on hand? I’m finding myself being much more creative and less wasteful and it feels good. We are finding out that we can improvise, cut back, and live much more simply than we have.

Our Western culture is awash in materialism. And I am, myself, much more than I’m willing to admit. Too many material things become a burden and a distraction.

Most people’s lives are so busy. No one has time to stop and smell the proverbial rose. To take a deep breath and think about what really matters. To have margin in their lives. Being forced to slow down, to have our calendars cleared, strips away the unimportant and lets the best things shine forth.

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I don’t think all these good things will automatically happen because of this pandemic. We need to purpose to look for the good. To not give way to fear. To not go back to business as usual when this is all over. To learn the lessons that we can. To not waste the suffering.

Will we learn? Will we grow? We will come through this changed for the better? I’m preaching to myself here. Lord, teach us what you have for us in this. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. And thank You that You never leave nor forsake us. Amen.

Bio:  Deborah Montgomery is a full-time homemaker. She has been married for 39 years to Scott and is mom to three children, whom she homeschooled, and grandma to one darling grandson. She has written a book entitled Help for Depression and mentors young moms in her church. She writes at The Beautiful Matters.

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I hope you can take some time to visit Deborah's blog where you will find so much that is beautiful, uplifting, and comforting.  I so enjoyed the thoughts she shared with us today, along with all of the other wonderful, inspired posts that have been coming in.  I trust each post is a blessing to you, too, and helping to keep your spirits up!

Amazing God ~ Triumphant Quartet

Stand firm in your faith, and keep praying!

Under His Banner ~ Guest Post by Lauren Zaubi

"So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him."

Isaiah 59:19 (NKJV)

Source

For many years there was a house in our small town that was occupied by a definite, hard core Pittsburgh Steelers fan.  The house displayed Steelers flags in the windows and on the flag pole.  The owner’s black, pick up truck proudly displayed Steelers emblems with multiple flags in various sizes mounted to the truck – flapping in the wind for everyone to see as he drove through town.  There was a slight problem though.  We are a suburb of Chicago . . . a town that is crazy for its various sports teams!  But this guy didn’t seem to care.  He was proud to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and he wanted everyone to know it!  As I was reading God’s Word one morning last week, I thought of this guy.  I’ll come back to this.

The Scripture passage I read was Psalm 60.  Israel was in a bad state.  David says the land was ‘torn open,’ fractured, and quaking.  The people were living in ‘desperate times.’  Sound familiar?  We are all living in various degrees of desperation, some worse than others.  But like David, we need to recognize what we as Believers have for ourselves and have to offer to those who are struggling through these desperate times.

In verse 4 of Psalm 60 we read, “But for those who fear you . . .”  I always love when I come to the word “but” in Scripture.  It speaks of an exception.  We live in this same fallen, torn open, fractured, and quaking world BUT . . . those who fear the Lord have something that should give us great courage in the midst of the turmoil we find ourselves and the rest of the world in.  

Verse 4 goes on to say, “. . . you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.”  We see this word ‘banner’ at various times in the Bible.  As I studied this word I found it comes from the Hebrew dagal which is a reference to a military standard or flag. We’ve all probably seen the old war movies where the army would march forward while carrying the flag of their country at the front of the soldiers.  The flag showed who the advancing army was fighting for.  It declared where their loyalties lay.  Our local Pittsburgh Steeler fan displayed his flags for all to see where his sports loyalties were placed.

In Charles Spurgeon’s Treasury of David he says, “Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee. Their afflictions had led them to exhibit holy fear, and then being fitted for the Lord's favour, he gave them an ensign, which would be both a rallying point for their hosts, a proof that he had sent them to fight, and a guarantee of victory.”  Like soldiers united under their flag, we are to be animated with life and courage for the battle.  

I find great comfort as I rally with other Believers (virtually for now) under the banner of Christ which not only comforts me at this time, but it animates me with life and courage for this and any battle I am called to fight in.  Like Paul, I want to say, “. . . I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

These afflictions we all face today should cause us to fear God, to turn TO God in our need.  We are reminded how fragile this life is, how quickly our comfortable lives can be turned upside down.  May we use this as an opportunity to unfurl the banner of Christ’s love and display to everyone we see Who it is that we serve.  May we unfurl the banner of Christ’s love and BE Jesus to those around us who are hurting.  Let us unfurl the banner of Christ’s love and declare where our loyalties lay.  And let us remember that we have the victory through Christ Jesus!

Bio:  Lauren and her husband Matt live in a suburb of Chicago.  They have three grown children and are expecting their first grandchild in May.  Lauren serves in children’s ministry at their church where Matt is on staff.  She is an avid sewer and crafter and loves all things vintage and retro.  She is a ‘beach girl’ at heart, LOVES summer and looks forward to the day (Lord willing) that she and her husband can ‘retire’ to the South!  

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Please take a few moments to visit Lauren's blog, where you will find a ton of crafting inspiration in a comforting, Christian atmosphere.  I always leave her space inspired and encouraged!

I Will Fear No More ~ The Afters

I am SO thankful to know we are marching under the banner of God's love beneath the shadow of the old, rugged cross.  There is no safer place to find ourselves in these troubled, perilous times.

May these thoughts bring comfort to you today.

Mandatory Stillness

"So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by."
Exodus 33:22

Photo by Ben White

The other day, Kevin and I ventured out to Aldi to buy some things we needed.  As we pulled into the parking space, I went into what I have come to call a "coughing fit."  No, thank the dear Lord, I am not sick.  I have had this cough for many years and it's triggered by asthmatic symptoms that are brought on by GERD.  But, if you were around me and didn't know that, you may take a few steps back when you heard me cough.  As I let the coughing fit run its course and took sips of water to try to calm it, I started calling on the Lord.  "Lord, please don't let me cough in there."  I didn't want to add any anxiety to anyone's already stressed-out state of mind.  Thank the Lord, He answered, and I didn't cough one time while we were inside the store.

As we made our way up and down the aisles, picking up things and putting them in our cart, I was brought to tears.  More than once.  Everyone was SO sad looking.  And anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE to meet people, talk to them, and interact.  I never meet a stranger and rarely go anywhere without connecting with at least one person.  During that shopping trip, I didn't get to do that at all.  Each time someone started walking down the aisle toward me, we both had the same knee-jerk reaction—to recoil from one another and avoid each other, as if we had "the plague."  Literally.

As Kevin and I walked along, my eyes fell on the Easter candy on the shelf beside us.  Through tears, I said, "This is so sad.  Children won't even get to have their Easter egg hunts this year."  Thinking about that and the high school and college seniors who won't get to attend their graduation ceremonies and how Zach's friend's cousin's "Sweet 16" birthday party had to be cancelled makes me so sad.  I can't help but cry.  These are once-in-a-lifetime events.  Moments that can never be relived.

Has the full impact of what is going on started to hit you with the force it is hitting me?  One of the Scriptures that stays most often on my mind lately is Luke 21:26, where Jesus said, "Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."

We are seeing these prophecies fulfilled right before our very eyes.  People are becoming downright faint of heart.  Who would have EVER thought we would see happen what is happening?  As I am writing this, the death toll in Italy is over 16,500.  Over 13,300 have died in Spain.  Over 3,300 have died in China.  Since the first diagnosed case of coronavirus in the United States on January 20th, COVID- 19 deaths have now passed the 10,700 mark.  By the time you read this, these numbers will probably be much higher, sad to say.

The Olympics cancelled—can you imagine the disappointment in the hearts of all the young people who have been training so hard nearly all their lives?  The Masters' Golf Tournament cancelled.  Whole sporting seasons cancelled.  Church services cancelled.  School cancelled.  Weddings postponed.  Everyone walking around at least six (now they're saying it should be ten because a sneeze can take that far to hit the ground) feet away from one another.  No handshakes.  Not even fist bumps.  Hugs?  Totally out of the question.  Scared to touch cardboard box packages the mailman delivers.  Afraid to open regular mail for fear the envelope may have live virus residue on it.  Airplanes grounded.

Who would have ever dreamed American families would be told to stay inside their homes or else face the possibility of jail time?

Thankfully, a "shelter-in-place" or "stay-at-home" order isn't a problem for our family.  I absolutely love, and I do mean LOVE, staying home.  We spend a great deal of time at home.  Since our wake-up call in early 2015, God has led us on a steady path to stillness.  We intentionally live out what some would call boring and very simple, basic lives - all this, as the world around us continues on at breakneck speed.  Until now.

  For those who live in the fast lane and are used to being extremely busy, these mandates must be a hard pill to swallow.  

I don't know if anyone else looks at it this way, but I believe GOD is trying to get our attention.  To slow us all down.  To make us stop and consider the spiritual condition of our world and how we have turned our backs on Him.  Could it be that since we refused to "BE STILL" on our own, God has forced us to?  Perhaps He had to remove all the distractions and the idols that vie for our time with Him and drag us kicking and screaming into a mandatory season of stillness?  I have a heavy burden on my heart about the spiritual reasons for all that is happening, and I will tell you that the things He has been revealing to me are extremely sobering.  At this point, I'm not sure whether or not He will have me share them here.

For now, I hope these Scriptures will be a comfort to you as you stay in your homes in such a strange and unfamiliar season of forced stillness.

"But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him."

Habakkuk 2:20  (KJV)

"Be silent before the LORD, all humanity, for He is springing into action from His holy dwelling.”  Zechariah 2:13  (NLT)

“In the rush and noise of life, as you have intervals, step home within yourselves and be still. Wait upon God, and feel His good presence; this will carry you evenly through your day’s business.”  William Penn

"Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."

Psalm 37:7 (NLT)

"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah."

Psalm 4:4  (KJV)

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah."

Psalm 46:10,11  (KJV)

“When Christ delays to help His saints now, you think this is a great mystery, you cannot explain it; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. Be still, and know that Christ is God.”
Robert Murray McCheyne

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever.  The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

Exodus 14:13,14  (KJV)

"Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses.  He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still."

Psalm 107:28,29 (KJV)

"Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes."

I Samuel 12:16 (ESV)

“If God is spending work upon a Christian, let him be still and know that it is God. And if he wants work, he will find it there–in the being still.” 
Henry Drummond

"Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”  And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)

God has orchestated for us to be pulled aside, and we are now in a season that allows us to make the decision to choose that good part.  To sit long and often at Jesus' feet.  To absorb what He is trying to say to us.  To listen.  To stop squirming and trying to get away from Him in this mandatory stillness.

As chaos continues, we can allow the hand of our Savior to hide us "in the cleft of the rock" and shield us from all that is happening in our world.
What a blessed thought!

He Hideth My Soul ~ BESY Choir

Keep encouraged, dear friends!

God is with us still.

Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow ~ Guest Post by Karen Del Tatto

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Philippians 4:6

Photo by Ben White

Little did I know, when I penned March’s blog posts around the theme of Faith, that they would resonate so much with not only my readers, but especially me. 

And not only that, quite randomly, (but nothing is random in God’s economy), a little over a month ago, I decided to write a devotional.  I felt the Lord had given me the title and so I wrote.  But now I see how providential it all was.

The title of my devotional is Choosing to Trust God Breaking the Habit of Worry.  Much of what I shared in the book are lessons that the Lord has taught me and is teaching me.

You see, for those of you who don’t know me, I have struggled with worry and anxiety my whole life.  In fact, this time last year, I was in a debilitating season of anxiety.  I’ve thought to myself, had this pandemic happened this time last year, I don’t think I would’ve survived mentally. 

But here I am, a year later and a year stronger.  The Lord brought me out of that season of anxiety some time over the summer, and as the months went on, I could feel myself getting stronger and happier with each passing month. 

Which brings us to the beginning of March when the pandemic officially reared its ugly head in the United States, and I can honestly say that my anxiety has not really surfaced.  It’s strange to me really.  

  

In the past, just having a blizzard where I knew we couldn’t get out of the house or get to a store would send me into extreme anxiety.  Not to mention all the years I have worried about one health issue or another to the point that I’ve effected myself physically from the anxiety. 

Then there is the very real threat of this pandemic as I am on the cusp of the age group more acutely affected by this virus.  On top of that, I have asthma, complicated by the fact that I have a blocked tear duct which causes me to have my hand near my face often, and my husband still has to work. 

Yet I am still supernaturally calm.

The funny thing is, I have heard others who typically suffer with anxiety expressing the same phenomenon.  In fact, I saw the following post on Facebook that articulates this.  “I’ve noticed that the people I know with anxiety disorders (self included) seem to be much calmer than the general population concerning the Coronavirus.  Guess all these years of dealing with imaginary worst-case scenarios has actually made us more capable of dealing with real threats when they come.” 

Could be, but I know without a shadow of a doubt for me that it is the Lord who has redeemed my anxiety which has strengthened me for this unimaginable pandemic.  

I would like to clarify though, I may not be feeling anxious, BUT I am feeling stressed.  You might say, what’s the difference?  For me there is a difference, as stress manifests itself in a short temper, loss of patience, frustration, and anger.  My poor husband is getting so tired of me saying, “Did you wash your hands?”  “Did you disinfect the door knobs?”  “Did you wipe down the inside of your car?”  Yet, weirdly, my questions don’t have anxiety behind them, at least not the kind of anxiety that I am used to, but more just concern control.   I’m trying to control that which is so out of my control. 

But what I can control is my attitude and my days.  I have found that structure is key for me.  Doing that which is familiar and normal has made a WORLD of difference in my stress level.  I have set my mind to ministry work and during those hours of work, I don’t even think about what is going on in the world outside.  It doesn’t even enter my mind. 

During social distancing, I plan on working on this summer’s blog posts to keep me busy.  (Summer Karen will be very happy!)  I also hear that several universities are offering free college courses.  I’m going to look into that. It would be nice to learn something during this time of quarantine. 

One of the hardest things for me right now is missing being with my daughter and grandchildren. The littlest one is almost 16 months old,and they grow so fast at this age!  It’s not as easy to FaceTime as my grandchildren are busy, busy, busy.  lol. 

If I could give any advice that is greatly helping me, it is to just take this one day at a time.  Don’t think about how long this will last because you will become overwhelmed. 

I have also limited my news intake.  I read the highlights from our Governor’s press conference each day, and that’s it.   

Thankfully, those people I follow on social media are very positive in their posts and are just keeping normal content. But I also very much appreciate when they admit they are struggling.  There really is a comfort knowing we are all in this together and share the same emotions. 

I would like to encourage you that even if you are suffering with worry and anxiety, it’s okay, and it is absolutely normal!  But know that God will redeem this season of anxiety you are in, and I promise, you will come out stronger than ever.  I may have had years of “training” lol, but it is the same principle. God is in the business of redeeming EVERYTHING that touches our lives. 

Our God offers incredible hope, especially in the midst of a pandemic. 

  

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13 

"Your way, O God, is holy; What God is great like our God?  You are the god who works wonders;  

You have made known Your strength among the peoples."

Psalm 77:13-14.  

During these unsettling times, let us remember that everything is settled with God. He has ordained these circumstances and will show His wonders in seen and unseen ways for His glory. And He will show His strength in and through His people. Indeed our God is great! 

Bio: Karen is currently working on expanding her Christian Blog, Growing Together in Grace and Knowledge, with a focus on providing Biblical insights to encourage and equip women to grow in and through their struggles. Her husband, Michael, is the Associate Pastor at their home church where Karen also serves as the Women's Ministry Leader. They enjoy taking nature walks and when the weather permits, going fresh water fishing. In the winter, you will find them looking for the resident snowy owl that makes its return every year or enjoying local museums and mansions.

You can connect with Karen on Facebook and Pinterest.

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I hope you take the time to visit Karen's Blog, where you will find much spiritual depth, edification, and Godly wisdom, and be sure to check out our exclusive interview with Karen by clicking HERE!  If you would like to order Karen's brand new book, you can do so by clicking these links:

Kindle Version 

Paperbook Version


Great is Thy Faithfulness ~ One Sonic Society & Mike Weaver

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TWO MORE THINGS I'D LIKE TO SHARE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1.  If you would like to read Kevin & Cheryl's Infertility Story of Faith, published earlier this week at Karen's blog, please click HERE!

2.  I have recently started hosting online Bible studies with some precious friends in Christ.  I would absolutely love to have you join in with us!  The next study, called "Breaking Anxiety's Grip" by Michelle Bengston, will begin in four days on April 7th.  This is an amazing way to study God's Word daily AT YOUR OWN PACE and convenience.  You can do it whatever time of day you'd like, and if you get behind and/or miss a day or more, you can just pick back up when you are able.  No pressure, no worries, and it is FREE!  One of my favorite parts of each study is to read the comments at the end that are left by other participants.  It is just a precious way to fellowship online and get to share your heart with fellow believers.  If you would like to join us for our next study, please click HERE, then click "Accept Invitation" near the bottom of the screen you are directed to.  Even though it starts on April 7th, you can go ahead and join now, so you'll be all set to start reading on the 7th.  I don't know about you, but I need all the encouragement I can get right now, and I so want to learn more about conquering anxiety.  Karen is joining me, too, and I so hope you will do the same!

Oh, by the way, we conducted an interview with Michelle Bengston, the author of this upcoming study several months ago.  Maybe you would like to check it out —just click HERE!

Keep encouraged, dear ones!

God is with us.  His faithfulness is GREAT, and His mercies are new every morning.  Because He lives, we can face tomorrow, today, and all other days!  The Captain of our salvation goes before us, winnows our path, and He will see us through.

Stay strong.

This too shall pass, and Heaven will be worth everything we go through in this life!

The best is yet to come.