The Harvest

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not

give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Yesterday I gathered from my garden beautiful cherry tomatoes in red and orange. Along with cucumbers and fresh basil, my salad was scrumptious!

There was such an excitement to have on my dinner table literally fresh produce that emerged from tiny seeds. A little water nightly, plenty of sun and good dirt produced such joy in my heart!

I leaned over to my husband and said, "now I understand the joy of the farmer". What satisfaction!

The process at times seemed tiring. You can even call it a ritual. Night after night doing the same thing.

There is a joy the first time you see the seed sprout. Then there is additional excitement when the flowers bloom promising fruit.

If I were to give up then, I would not see the fruit of my labor.

Truly apart from the Lord who showers us with rain and sunshine there would not be a harvest.

The Word of God always has practical reminders of every day life to encourage us to remain and stand firm even in the midst of difficulty lest we miss the flower and thus the fruit.

If I tired and gave up when it seemed that the sprout was taking too long to bring forth the flower, I would have missed the fruit.

The joy is coming to the Table and sitting around those you love and share the blessings.

The disciples enjoyed their time with the Lord. They did not see what was coming. It seemed that all was lost.

But as the seed went into the good soil, through challenges and disappointments, they remained and yielded fruit; even us that now serve the Lord.

Oh what JOY! Wait for the Harvest!

Galatians 6:9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

God bless you!~Liz

Roaring Lion

A recent video that was circulated in the news caused me to rethink the verse that says,

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

According to the report, the attendants of the vehicle were bickering. Over what, we don't know. 

As they lowered their guard their real enemy was lurking where they could not see it, but it surely saw them.

That graphic video was horrifying. He pounced with a vengeance to their demise. And the two were no more.

We have one enemy that looks to destroy, divide and diminish the effects of the Kingdom of God. 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

God bless you!~Liz

Emotions

"A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel." Proverbs 12:10

Today is one of those days where my physical body is a mess. I’m swollen, achy, blood sugars through the ceiling. Therefore my emotions are a little on edge. A warning to all :)

My phone reminded me today that five years ago I lost my kitty cat Bunny. She lived with me for 22 years.
Yes, I’m one of those who remember these kind of dates.

So, I flip through my digital photo library and of course I break out in a sob at the remembrance of the last week she was with me.

My emotional sentiments triggered other memories.

I probably have written this before –I HATE death!

Death, an event that rips hearts, devastates families, causes us to second guess our existence –shall I continue?

I HATE death!

I think of my family members that I have lost.  Life goes by pretty quickly.

I HATE death!

Jesus too hates death. So much so that he was willing to bring an end to the separation between me and the Father.

Who will go? Who will rescue those that I have made in my image? Who will humble themselves? Who?

I wonder if all creation stopped until the answer came.

Was God asking for a volunteer? Who is worthy?

Wait, why does anyone have to go?

I HATE death!

Death already had entered the Garden.

Death already had disrupted the relationship between God Almighty and me.

I imagine myself watching. God spoke and all creation is amazed. He will go. He will send his only begotten Son Jesus to walk among men.

I HATE death.

Jesus died on a cross to restore LIFE to those who had died to sin.

In the midst of my emotional recollections today, I also remember the joy I experienced when I heard my mom say yes to Jesus! I heard the same echo from my father-in-law Avelino, my cousin Hector, my cousin Jason, my uncle Chiro, my uncle Victor! Hallelujah!

Oh, yes I HATE DEATH!

The gift of eternal life is available to ALL! Where do you stand with Jesus? Have you received the free gift of eternal life? Have you repented of your sins? Have you?

I HATE death! But I LOVE LIFE!

I want the whole world to know, Jesus SAVES! He rescues us from darkness and brings us near to him.

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8


Wow, ok. Maybe my pen was taken over by my emotions. I warned you. :) Well so be it, Amen!!

A righteous man has regard for his animal; I love my Bunny.

Cats don’t need a savior, but people do.

A Righteous Man loved me! He died that I would have eternal life. I love what Jesus has done for me! Yes, I won’t second guess my existence. I’ve been redeemed. I’ve been made to worship the Lord on High!

Interested in knowing more about Jesus? Write me.

Already know Jesus—forward to a friend!

I worship the Lord weekly at the Orange County Gospel Fellowship! Stop by and visit. www.orangecountyfellowship.org

God bless you~Liz

The Cup

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)

“And they lived happily ever after” – the ending to a great story.

Just like that he appeared and in a quick glance He won her over. 

There was nothing special that she could see but the attraction was undeniable.

After exposing her heart and letting it be drawn to him she found herself unable to resist his Voice.

"Come to the garden and sit for a while."

“Are you thirsty my love?” Time elapsed and their relationship grew stronger.

“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)

In many parts of the world when two become one in marriage, the bridal cup is shared. The cup and its various meanings point to a time shared between two. It’s the “toast", the language derived from Britain. Known as “brindar” in Spain and Italy; “trinquer” in France or “ich bring dir’s” in German meaning “I bring it to you”

So the groom brings the cup to his bride. It’s the loving cup shared by the two.

“And they lived happily ever after.”

Always lurking in the garden are hidden forces that try to bring destruction to the marriage. “Did God really say?” This is the beginning of the dangerous dialogue that brought the demise of mankind. It’s the Groom that offers the cup. It’s the Groom after giving thanks that says, “Drink from it, all of you.” (Matthew 26:27)

“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part” – a snippet from vows made by two who promise to love and be together as they walk through life's journey.

“In sickness and in health, till death do us part”, says the Bride.

Troubles comes.
Sickness invades.
Dissolution sets in.

The Groom reminds us, “In sickness and in health – till death do us part.”

Unfaithfulness slithers in.
Betrayal becomes our friend.
Shame lingers.

The Groom reminds us, – “Till death do us part.”

The one that invites us to share the cup is the one that also promises “rivers of living water”

Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:14b)

He is the one that sticks closer than a brother. He doesn’t plan on leaving us. (Proverbs 18:24b)

“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.” (John 16:33)

Trouble is coming, my Bride; actually it has arrived!

So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. (John 18:3)

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.” (John 18:8-9)

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”(John 18:36)

“Till death do us part.”

My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)

"Till death do us part."

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” (Luke 24:5b-7)

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22)

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)

So many shadows of God’s love for us are everywhere.

He doesn’t leave us. 
He doesn’t condemn us.

He is the Loving Groom who chases after his Bride, the Church.

“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.” (John 16:33)

“And they lived happily ever after” – the ending to a great story.

God bless you!~Liz

“The History of Toasting” http://www.weddingzone.net/px-tr011.htm