Exasperated?

God's response to sin on the earth after much patience and opportunity for repentance was to end life on earth. Everything destroyed except for Noah, his family and some of his animal creation. 

It’s a difficult thing to imagine.

Sin does not happen overnight. A quick action can turn us from light to darkness in a flash of a moment.

Imagine God had preserved you. What if God called you righteous and preserved you as everything around you died.  

I don't believe Noah was just resting in the Ark.

As the waters are coming down and rising all around him, I wonder what Noah was feeling?

I'm sure the vibrations on the ark walls were frightening. Rain coming down and waters coming up. Debris, trees, animals, Noah’s friends, his neighbors, and enemies all in the midst of the turbulent waters.

His eyes would witness this. Lifeless bodies surrounding the Ark. That which was once rooted now floating all around him.

The same ears that heard the words Noah build an Ark are now flooded with thunder, lightning and the howling of the wind. The silence of the tongues of men coming to and eerie silence.

If his senses were on high alert, did he smell the salt in the water? Was there acidity in the air? Or was it the smell of death that his nostrils inhaled.

Even the odor from a floating zoo was probably better than the smell on the outside. The inside reminded him that there was still life; that God had preserved him.

Holy fear in the midst of the storm! A sovereign God whose mercy had preserved Noah, his family, and a few creatures.

God closes the Ark’s door.

Scripture clearly displays that Noah was in no rush to get out of the Ark.

In Genesis chapter 8, we see that God sent the wind and the waters receded. Noah remained inside.

The floodgates of the heavens were closed. The rain stopped falling from the sky. At the end of 150 days the waters had gone down.

Noah remained inside.

I'm listening Lord.

On the 7th month the Ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. The doors remained closed. Slowly the tops of the mountains became visible. 

Can you see the HOPE on the horizon?

After 40 days Noah opened a window.

It's a slow progression with no urgency to go out into a world that had just been judged.

He sent out a raven. He sent out a dove and the dove returned.

He waited 7 more days and He sent out a dove again and this time the bird came back with a freshly plucked olive branch.

Perhaps at this time Noah would be ready to exit the Ark but scripture says he waited 7 more days and sent out the dove again and this time the dove did not return.

This timeline that seems forever reflects Noah’s dependency on God Almighty.

Noah wasn't rushing into anything. He would not move unless he heard God speak.

Too bad we can’t say the same thing universally today about us. Sometimes we cry out to God and we think that God is taking too long.

Our two-minute prayer is expected to return a quick result and in our favor nonetheless. Oh yes, God can answer quickly. But the lesson here is to WAIT on God!

Exasperated in our current situation? It's best to wait until we hear God say, “come out.”

Scripture says that Noah then removed the covering from the Ark and saw that the surface of the ground was dry.

What a great time to get out and stretch his legs after all it's been a long stretch, right?

Noah waited for God's direction.

All these long days that turned into weeks and months. Here is Noah inside the Ark.

Countless hours in the presence of God crying out to him and waiting on him to respond.

Exasperated?

That's the position of the believer!  That's the place of the child of God. 

On our face crying out to Almighty God!

When the rain is coming down and the child of God sees no way out, we must remain in prayer submitted to him with a song of praise on our lips.

Then God said to Noah, “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number on it.” (Genesis 8:15-17)

And there it is! 

Be still and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10)

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Jeremiah 55:9)

The long wait brought forth the answer from God.

Come out of the Ark!  Yes, you, your family and the creatures I preserved.

That's the answer we wait on.  

My ears are attentive to the Lord.  Speak, Lord.

God bless you!~Liz

King of kings and Lord of lords!

The Book of Revelation, how fascinating!  I wish I can say that I fully understand it all, but I do not.

But once again I have been reminded of God’s Love for me! The book opens up stating “blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Praise the Lord!

At the end of the book a description of the Holy City is given. Read with me.

“And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:10-14)

Do you see what I see? His story written all over it!

Here we are at the end of the Book and the Lord has us looking backwards.  Just in case we have forgotten how we got here; “the twelve tribes of Israel” written on the gates, “the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” written on the foundations.

We cannot read the end of the book without acknowledging the beginning. God remembers the 12 tribes he remembers the 12 apostles throughout the New Testament, he remembers me!

I know he recalls when I bowed the knee and said yes to him. He remembers my fragile state, my rebellious disposition before I acknowledged that I needed him.

It was his call for me his daughter that changed my life.  A blind woman now with sight! Like the blind man from birth, my mouth and heart exclaim, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (John 9:25b)

God knows my trials and the victories he has brought me through. We all come to a crossroad.  He calls and then waits for us to answer. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Our story unfolds. Our lives on the stage of history.  Will you run to the arms of Jesus? God himself waiting for us to acknowledge his great love and mercy toward us.

What will history say about me?  What will it say about you? 

All I have is Jesus!

“Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:9)

He is the baby born in a manger.

He is the man on the cross.

He is the one seated at the right hand of the Father. 

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Revelation 19:6-8)

Check you pulse!  Hear the heart of the Father toward us.  He is coming back!

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.” “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:11, 16)

Yes, he is the victorious One coming back for his bride!  The redeemed of God. The multitudes in robes of white waiting for his return!

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10)

Fully understand the book of Revelation. No.  But I do see my Savior coming back for me! 

Will you acknowledge his love and sacrifice for you?

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

My soul will magnify your Name!

God bless you!~Liz

It's 12:01AM

Wednesday night Bible study; we reach from today and cross over into Thursday.  

You see our study begins at 11:30pm and ends at 12:15am.  I wanted to welcome the new day in his Word and reflect upon his goodness.  When I see the clock hit the midnight hour the words on my lips are, "great is his faithfulness, his mercies are new every morning."  It's my paraphrase to Lamentations 3:22-23.

Now to bed at 1am.  Thursday seemed like an ordinary day.  The Lord woke me up at 9am.  I ran some errands with my dad and we met at IHOP for some lunch.  What I did not know was that shortly after my dad would finish eating his lunch his body would begin to lean to the right.  He quickly caught my attention and I called out his name. My dad did not respond. 

Great is his faithfulness.

I jumped out of my seat in the booth we were sitting in.  I'm trying to get my dad back into a sitting position but I lack the strength.  I yelled, "someone call 911!"

I called out my dad's name over and over!  A good Samaritan comes to my table and lifts my dad up and lays him on the IHOP floor. I continue to call his name and he is faintly saying "I'm o.k."  

His mercies are new every morning.

The good Samaritan remains with me along with the onlookers and those on the phone with 911.  

We waited for what seemed forever.

My dad is taken to the emergency room.

Life is an interesting rollercoaster. We don't know what lies before us within today, the 24 hours in it.

The Lord ministered to me a few weeks ago to study his Word within the hours of 11:30pm-12:15am for this short season.  Indeed much joy has come to me knowing that I am awake welcoming the new day and giving thanks to God.  Remembering that his great mercies abound!

As my dad laid on the floor all I could do was call on the Name of the One who extends Mercy to me!  Jesus help me!  

I no longer was in a crowd but in a secret place with my Father the Giver of Life! I called on him to keep my dad alive.  I was lost in the Spirit as I cried out to him on the IHOP floor.

Let the crowd hear. Let them witness the power of God.  God's presence is everywhere and the cry of his children ever so close.

Great is his faithfulness - His mercies are new every morning!

I arrived home this Thursday evening tired and thankful.

We must follow up with more doctors but the Great Physician has given us one more day.  A day filled with his mercy.

The good samaritan never left my side.  Thank you Lord for sending him.  I never met him before.  His name is DeeJay.  May the Good Lord bless him abundantly. 

Every morning is an opportunity to thank God before the day even unfolds.  His mercies that he lavishes on us are indeed a river of life-giving strength and breath. 

Thank Father for preserving my dad.

Great is Your Faithfulness to Me!

God bless you!~Liz

It's daybreak and a new day is about to begin. Are you ready?

It's daybreak and a new day is about to begin. Are you ready?

As the day unfolds and new adventures await, we lean on the Everlasting Arm of the Lord.

What does he say about us? Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. (Jeremiah 1) This is not just for the prophet but for us!

It is a place of trust. A relationship with God who loves me and knows me.

In the early morning before I awake, he is already thinking about me. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3).

There are roads to discover and mountains to climb and overcome! Great is his faithfulness to me!

Scripture says about Jesus, “Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left [the house], and went out to a secluded place, and was praying there.” (Mark 1) 

I will do the same and I will meet with you!

Abraham got up early in the morning to follow out the instructions of the Lord. ““Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Genesis 22)

His obedience is noted. For 3 days (3 sunrises if you will) he walked until he came to the place the Lord told him to go. It was an appointment with God. It was a voluntary act of worship, a burnt offering unto the Lord.

This time he was called to surrender all, including his own son, the son whom the promise was to come.

Obedience is what we see in the heart of Abraham. I wonder what he was thinking as he walked for 3 days. Doubt and disobedience was not in his mind because his actions proved otherwise.

The Lord says of Abraham, “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” V12

Would the Lord say that of me? What is daybreak bringing?

Because Abraham would not hold anything from God, this is what the Lord does.

It is a revelation that was birth from obedience. Its provision that came through a surrendered heart.

It's daybreak and a new day is about to begin. Are you ready?

“Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” V13-14

David cried out, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,” (Psalm 63:1a)

God satisfies!

A singular focus kept Abraham’s eyes on the Lord.

It's daybreak and a new day is about to begin. Are you ready?

Lord help us to lean on you, trust and believe.

Jehovah-Jireh is only one description of who you are.

You are Faithful, Good, Everlasting, Generous, Kind, Mighty, Powerful, Strong, My Deliverer and My Savior!

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:31-32)

Be encouraged.

It's daybreak and a new day is about to begin. Are you ready?  Great is his faithfulness to me!

God bless you!~Liz

The Lord Gives and the Lord Takes Away

Brokenness and pain don't always make appointments.

When I woke up this morning I did not know that my heart would be crushed.  Most of you know I love four beautiful cats.  Mercy, Grace, Savannah-Hope and Kya-Joy.  

I thought Grace was being silly and sleeping in the middle of my bedroom hallway.  Sadly when I went to get her attention, she was lifeless.

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord!

To my knowledge she was not sick.  She was eating and drinking normally.  She was 9 years young.

My prayer to the Lord has always been that when he chose to take their breaths away, that they would not suffer.  For that I am grateful to the Lord.

My Lord will mend my heart.

God bless you!~Liz

He is Here | Never Alone

Early this year I contacted a friend and asked her if she wanted to study the Word of God together.

During the Coronavirus quarantine the threat of isolation threatened our gathering.

God is so amazing!

As people became more and more isolated, God used technology to bring us back together. While the world was being divided and isolated God was doing something incredible with us.

The Bible study moved from house to house to handheld devices and computers.

I'm so thankful that we are never alone. Indeed, the Holy Spirit visited us every week as we opened up his Word together. There is so much to testify about. Indeed as we stood connected to the Vine the fruit was being produced.

What have you done during your isolation?

The Apostle John received a revelation from God while alone on the island of Patmos and wrote the Book of Revelation.

Elijah in his encounter with fear flees to Horeb and hides himself. He wanted to die but the Angel of the Lord ministered to him and told him to get up and eat. He would not allow Elijah to sulk, be depressed or be afraid. When he thought he was alone, the Lord showed him that he had reserved 7,000 prophets in Israel who had not bowed the knee to Baal.

We're never really alone.

When Jesus was in the garden knowing that he would be put to death his disciples instead of praying fell asleep. But Jesus’ relationship with the Father strengthened him for the task ahead.

Governments can tell us to stay home. Prison and false accusations can try to separate us from God. Fear can try to diminish us to nothing and friends can leave us.

But the God who knows the end from the beginning and the one who has the Book of Life in his hand has promised never to leave us alone. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

I praise the Lord Jesus!

He said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will send him unto you.: (John 16:7 ASV)

Indeed, during this time of quarantine, he has visited us, taught us, comforted us and assured us of His Presence with us.

The Comforter has no walls. When he is invited, he shows up. He is the great Teacher reminding us always about Jesus. He is the third person of the Trinity and he loves us. He does not need walls to minister life to us. Yes, he has called preachers and teachers (Eph. 4:11) but likewise that hearts of men would surrender to the teaching and instruction from the Word of God.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2 Timothy 2:15-16)

So if you're shut in or shut out like the Apostle John or Elijah ask the Holy Spirit to come and encourage, deliver and teach you. God is faithful!

If you listen attentively you will hear the Lord whisper just like Elijah. Let the noise be quieted and your heart be stilled. He is here and he desires to talk with you.

“The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” (1 Kings 19:11) “When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” ( I Kings 19:13)

Can you feel the wind of his Spirit?  I did.

God bless you!~Liz

It's me Lord

A video, an experiment on the streets. A lady standing in public blindfolded just embracing people. I could not contain my emotions as I sat at my desk crying.

A diversity of people lining up just to embrace this young girl. You see the encounter was reciprocal. We need each other. We need to be loved, validated, and appreciated as a fellow human being beautifully created in the image of our God. (https://www.facebook.com/laure.kypriotis/videos/10163204428480055/)

I'm missing the human touch in our society today. This interruption has left my heart aching.

I have heard the stories, children and young adults separated from their parents in hospitals. People dying without their loved ones holding their hand in their most delicate moments. Moms delivering babies alone without family. All this because of a virus. A deadly virus.

This is not how it is supposed to be. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a)

It kinda’ makes you think if we have taken for granted the time that we have. Have we expressed to one another our love? Have we shared our appreciation for the beauty and significance of everyone that stands before us? Our community, our lives and world have been devastated.

It’s trauma in need of healing. Disruption trying to lead us astray.

I look in the mirror and I see me. You look in the mirror and you see you. We look at each other and we see us, a beautiful creation made in the image of God.

People need people.

And then we welcomed sin on the stage of life. Sin wasn't invited as a cherished guest. But in our disobedience to the Creator we let sin in. It brings division not only among us but between us and God.

Indeed, a deadly violent virus. ­It kills and destroys.

I am writing off the cuff. Currently my heart is overflowing with all kinds of emotions and the best I can do right now is to put it into writing.

Spoken prayer is my tongue writing what my hands want to articulate. It is an avenue, a refuge for my troubled heart. So, whether I write or speak to my Father He knows how to still my heart.

This reverberating scripture sings within me. You can feel the breath of his Spirit as he speaks and says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

The human touch is vital and the Holy Spirit’s wisdom for survival. He makes me to lie down in green pastures and leads me beside the still waters when all I want to do is hide like Elijah.

Restore me.

The images in my mind are hard to process. They can't be ignored. We need restoration, healing and justice.

I'm the woman in the crowd searching for the hem of his garment because I know that his touch will bring healing.

Can He see me? Can He perceive the pain within me?

He turns around and wants to know who has touched him. It's me Lord! It's me.

My escape finds refuge in his arms. He reminds me again what my heart needs to hear. Be still my daughter and know that I am God. It's the touch of his Spirit that refreshes my soul.

“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley.  I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

I need His embrace.

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

He anoints my head with oil.

Can you feel it dripping down your face? It is the touch of our God who is not blind to pain, fear and injustice.

The Balm of Gilead. I will remain with you Lord. I will remain.

God bless you!~Liz

Never Forgotten

I don't often meditate on those that have gone to glory and are with the Lord. 

It's not because I don't think about them, love them or miss them. I believe there is a security that I have that keeps me anchored knowing I will see them again. I tend to look forward.

Yet tonight my heart was pulled in that direction. The path of memories. I miss them terribly.

My mom would do anything in the world for me, her first born. My grandmother spoiled me and was very influential in my life as well.

Women of distinction. They were not wealthy but on the contrary, we were poor. Money did not drive these women. It was LOVE! My grandmother was very resourceful. She was a seamstress and kept us all looking fashionable beautiful.

My mom was creative and a skilled crocheter. Blankets, bed spreads, skirts for me and my dolls - she made them all! Hard working women!

Life goes by so fast. It is true that the older we get the faster time seems to pass by.

They have stamped part of their image in me. My DNA is traced through them and I am proud of that! Elizabeth Maria (after my mom) Rodrigues-Suarez-Reveron.

I look forward to great experiences with the new generation to come. Passing down and imparting myself  just like the beautiful mothers that have gone before me.

The "REVEAL" came yesterday. I am a grandma to a little girl. She arrives this September! Another generation unfolding.

Happy Mother's Day to all! Cling to those you love! I'll see my mom & grandma again.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

God bless you!~Liz

Take off the Grave Clothes

What clothes you?

Some of us can look back and remember what we were wrapped up in before he called us out.

Lazarus was in a tomb DEAD until he heard the voice of Jesus. “Lazarus come out!” and he was unraveled.

There is always stuff, the world’s worries and chaos that can bind us. We are living as dead men!

John reminds us that Jesus is the Word made flesh! Yet our hearts remain hard.

We are so busy living in the festivities that we have overlooked the miracle worker turning water to wine. Unbelief brings out the blind fold and we gladly secure it.

The outcast responds and rivers like living water begin to flow. The invalid says, “I have no one to help me.” But, here stands the One who unravels, and he is healed!

He has come to speak life and we take him as an ordinary man.

Are you hungry? He is the Bread of Life. But, do not be satisfied with what nourishes the flesh. He unravels deeper!

A rich inspection reveals our sin. We drop to our knees like the adulterous woman to find Jesus liberates us and likewise begins to unravel those in the crowd as well. “He who has no sin, let him throw the first stone.”

Often, we have been the crowd but today we can humbly be the forgiven.

Unravel me Lord!

He has come to give sight to the blind. But if we say we can see we remain blind and bound.

Can you hear his voice? Come out Lazarus! We can recognize his voice. Contrary messages and voices lure us to kill and destroy.

He is the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life. He comes to unravel us. One piece of linen at a time. He deals with our blindness so that we can see. He calls us from our sinful slumber and liberates the dead man.

Like a Good Shepherd he leads us besides quiet water. Get away from the noise that distracts.

He redirects my feet so that my path is secure.

We live like dead men.  Blind and bound by everything but love.

Look closely.  Jesus' heart is broken. He wept.

The tomb could not keep Lazarus.  Death lost its grip.  The Resurrection and the Life has called and Lazarus answered!

Do you hear him calling?   What are you wrapped up in?  He is able to unravel us and bring new life.

Now look back! Nothing to bind us anymore. He unravels us! “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” (Psalm 23:6)

Yes, he prepares a table for us in view of all our enemy. We are no longer bound!

Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Take off the filthy rags. Get rid of the stench and discard the grave clothes.

Be washed!  There is a robe waiting for the children of the King!

Have you been unraveled?

God bless you!~Liz

REFRESHED!

And so, the official countdown begins today if you live in New York state. We have been asked to

stay at home, not to venture out into public arenas and congregate. We are a gregarious people.  Now what? 

I’ve been home for almost three years since I went out on disability. Yet this scenario is very different. When I first went out on disability it was very difficult. My normal routine was interrupted. 

What have I learned that I can continue to apply today? 

First of all, we are being told to REFRESH. That's the language I want to use today.

My computer recently crashed. Not sure what caused it to stop working. I have three options. I can RESET the computer which means my files will be deleted. I can do a RESTORE which means I can go back to square one with nothing in my computer. Or I can do a REFRESH.

In the middle of this Coronavirus I interpret “staying at home” as a REFRESH. Life as “usual” has changed but praise God we haven't lost everything! If you are reading this then you are alive, glory to God!

I often must look at life through God's lens. My own heart and vision are tainted by sin. I am so susceptible to fear and if I’m not careful anxiety will make me a prisoner.

“Solar Flare” by Larry Burkett, a book I read about 20 years ago was about a solar flare, a phenomenon that wiped out all of the electronics the world. One of the takeaways I remember after I read this book was that families had reunited. children were once again playing together, and the dreaded home-school scenario was in full operation with excellent results! I felt such peace at the end of this horror-like book.

The world had a REFRESH for sure! This catastrophe brought families and communities together again.

So, what am I saying? What do I tell myself? Revel during this REFRESH and reconnect. We often don't have time to call family and friends but now we do. And guess what they'll be home to answer your call!

I think of humor during this time as well. Some of those memes on social media are really funny. I'm sure some are thinking, “My home is finally clean, and no one can come over.” The introvert is saying “what's the big deal.”

My miscellaneous draw is finally clean. Cooking has become an adventure. Who would have thought that fast food was a critical life staple? Actually, this Bronx girl can use some White Castle about now!

During this crisis there are real serious concerns. We need to do whatever we can to help our families our neighbors and even the stranger. But we must abide by the guidelines.

Perhaps we can have a delivery service drop off some food to someone in need. There are services still in operation. we must get creative and use them without breaking the law.

Prayer anchors my heart to the Lord’s heart. Let's pray and see what God will reveal and do in our families. Some of our prayers are being answered during this time.

May the God of heaven make provision for your household. May you not lack food, shelter or health. As many have lost jobs may the Lord himself provide from his bounty for your family.

Stay encouraged! Enjoy those gifts that God has given to you, those children that are filled with creativity and talents. Discover them afresh and a new. Take this time to be REFRESHED!

By the way there are many books in the Bible that are less than 15 chapters. Challenge yourself to read one or two or three of those books during the next 15 days. James, 1st and 2nd Peter, 1st , 2nd and 3rd John, and the book of Jude are just a few. The book of Hebrews only has 13 chapters. Philippians, Colossians, 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, 1st and 2nd Timothy, and Titus all have only a few chapters. Take the challenge!

May you take the time to sit at his feet and listen as he speaks to you . Be encouraged and be REFRESHED.  The birds are singing.

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27

God bless you!~Liz

I'm the 1%

I'm about 2 days shy of a 5-month anniversary since I slipped off the church platform during worship and shattered my elbow.

In my post, “In Everything Give Thanks” back in September, I asked you to pray for me. One surgeon quickly wanted to open my arm and try to put it back together. 

I cried out to the Lord for wisdom and on the same day he sent me to another surgeon.

So, it's been 5 months, I went from a hard cast to multiple bandages and slings. Many days and nights of prayer along with cold and hot packs on my arm and elbow.

I kept reminding God that he knit me together in my mother's room and that he could put me back together. (Psalm 139)

Most of you know that I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and my bones have been challenged almost my entire life.

My doctor's visit today went very well. He said, “I don't think you need to continue to come for X-rays.” He looked at me and said,  "most people who come into my office with this kind of injury, 99% of them end up in a surgical room."  Remarkably, I did not.  I praise God for being the 1%.

He mentioned that in my case the rheumatoid arthritis worked in my favor. 

My elbow is showing signs of cohesiveness, the bones are coming together. He can't tell if it's due to scar tissue or the bones mending during the healing time. Nevertheless, because I am not experiencing much pain and I can function at 95% with my arm, he has released me.

Glory to God, my Healer!

I thanked him for his wisdom that God has given him. I'm thankful to God for hearing my cry and leading me to a surgeon who was not scalpel-happy!

Today my prayer and thanksgiving to God is, “thank you for letting me be the 1%.”

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Thank you for praying for me. 

God bless you!~Liz

Re-cycle

Growing up in New York I never heard the words recycle. It wasn't a thing that we did.  When the cereal box was empty it went in the garbage. Once the can of Coke was empty it was flipped into the trash.

I think the only thing that was reused were the glass bottles with milk or soda pop. The truck would come through the neighborhood and collect the bottles and then fill them and bring him back the next time he was in our neighborhood.

Today just about everything is recycled. Our world is being weighed down with garbage. Everything is disposable for the sake of convenience.

Whether it's cardboard, water bottles, or Coca Cola cans. Recycling is almost mandatory in some areas due to the overload of trash.

Recycling – to use again.

The Word of God. Do we re-cycle it? Have you passed it on?

Preachers do it every week. TV programs can be watched over and over again. Even the disciples as we read in the book of Acts went around preaching this great news of God and thousands were converted and acknowledged Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Digital Re-cycle.

The Message is the same.  It has not changed. We have more platforms than ever before. The opportunities are endless.

Digital Re-cycle. That's what the Lord whispered to me. That's when we take the Word of God in whatever format we have it and pass it on. Did you get a great message or image on Facebook that honors God? We can surely like it but better yet ---share it and pass it on!

Did the preacher minister a transforming life changing message from the Word of God – Pass it on! YouTube a platform used weekly to live-stream messages – share it, re-cycle that Good Word!

Sharing the Word of God can bring life and light to those in darkness. There are so many different teachings, books, and writings that contradict the truth of the Word of God. Why not take the Truth and pass it on! Yes, re-cycle the Word of God, use it again! Get your digital soap box, stand and share!

I love to write and design digital marketing images. Everything I do stems from this core; the truth of the Word of God. I don't need 1000 likes on my page. Sharing and reusing and retelling of God's truth is what I desire. In other words, once we have received this truth whether we read it on some media platform or heard it proclaimed on the church platform, we should take this truth and share it.

Sharing or forwarding or re-cycling these truths that arrive in our inbox, tweets or podcasts – we should pass it on. These digital platforms are available to us to reach our circle of influence with the truth of the Word of God.

There's plenty of garbage all around us. Teachings they lead people to believe they can save themselves. Fine-tuned arguments they lead people astray from the Lord. The devil has polluted the world and desires to keep the soul unredeemed. But this is the truth, Jesus came into the world as a baby. He walked among men and became very familiar with their sufferings. He performed miracles even calling the dead back to life. He came to redeem the lost.  He was crucified, died and was resurrected on the third day. The world and the powers of the air are screaming for our attention.

Jesus silently went to the cross to pay for our redemption. Tweet that!

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” 

(Mark 16:15)

This is the charge that God has given us, to those who have believed this great message, those who have been transformed, those reborn of the Spirit of God. Go and pick up your soap box, stand and proclaim The Gospel message.

As you spend time on these digital platforms, re-cycle the good news. Don't let these great works of art be seen by your eyes only –pass it on. Take God's message and send it to your friends and family that need encouragement or perhaps salvation.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

Let the message that has brought salvation and joy to your heart also bring joy and transformation to someone else's life. Yes, YouTube, Instagram or your Twitter platforms can be your voice of life, the saving grace of Jesus Christ proclaimed to those bombarded with trash.

The good news has come through Prophets, Disciples, preachers and teachers. Jesus himself spoke to the multitudes about this Good News.

Don't be afraid, fear has no place in the mission that God has given us.

Go, like it, share it, tweet it, send an email or forward the podcast. But go!

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2

God bless you!~Liz

The Whip

I remember being a little girl hanging out with my sisters in our bedroom. It was bedtime and my father had instructed us to go to sleep. Instead we were giggling making noise, just being silly kids.

My father warned us several times to go to bed. We could have obeyed his authority but children as we were, we continued to laugh, giggle and make a ruckus out of bedtime.

I come often to this memory because it showed me my dad's authority but also his mercy. My dad came into our bedroom clicked on the light and commanded that my two sisters and I get out of bed. He lined us up military style with the belt in his hand. We knew we were in trouble!

My dad had never used the belt on us. Just one look was enough of a warning for me. But that night we challenged his authority. 

It seemed like forever as we stood at attention waiting for the discipline to come. Suddenly, my dad with belt in his hand burst out laughing. I'm sure that was odd for us. After all laughter that was the very reason we were in trouble!

Actually, it wasn't the laughter at all! We chose to challenge of his authority!

Well my dad in his gentleness commanded us to go to bed and this time we obeyed.

In the book of John, we see Jesus in the temple courts addressing an issue that had developed in the place of worship. The temple built with specific instructions from God himself. It was a place to meet with God. A place of consecration. A place of prayer and worship.

Jesus arrives at the scene. The part that stands out to me always is verse 15. “And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money and overthrew the tables.” (John 2:15 KJV)

How long was Jesus watching the scene? How long did it take him to make the whip? Was he walking among the people and not recognized? “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” (John 1:10)

Jesus exhibits his patience. How often has he watched us in our own demise, perhaps trying to get our attention but we have ignored or not recognized his authority? A heart of rebellion always challenges authority. Whether we are a little girl in a room not listening to her daddy or redeemed child of Almighty God still messing with sin; He wants us to obey.

Did Jesus sit in a corner and watch his House of Prayer turn into a marketplace? As he put the whip together was, he praying for them?

How many times have we been in sin and we hear the Father enter in and turn on the light during our times of darkness? Have we recognized his authority? Is it not his mercy that leads us to repentance? “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

John says that the whip was used to disperse the animals. Tables were overturned and the coins were scattered all over the temple floor. Not once do we see the Lord harming any animal or for that matter any person involved in this shamble.

“The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” (v18)

Why would the Jews ask him that question? They didn’t recognize the Authority in the room! Yet, I am certain their hearts were challenged that day. Darkness does not like to be exposed.

A repented submitted heart allows God’s mercy to flow.

That night as a little girl I'm sure I went to sleep thankful I didn't get whacked with a belt.

Today as a child of God I am thankful for his mercy and his grace. I know the Lord has watched we make mistakes. Perhaps at times outright rebelled. But the Lord is gentle. He is the authority over me helping to shape this stubborn heart. Causing me to bend toward righteousness as he leads me by his Spirit.

So, let’s enter the place of worship and give to Jesus our attention, devotion and worship. He promises to meet with us.

He has called! “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Let’s pay attention. He is speaking and even walking among us.

The whip never touched the sinners and those making a mockery of the temple that day.  Yet, the Innocent One was beaten and whipped and the hands of rebellious men with a whip made by their hands.  

"Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him." (John 19:1)

God bless you!~Liz

The Reveal

I love watching Undercover Boss.  It's a program where the owner of a business or the a CEO of a corporation dinguses him/herself and interacts with its employees.

When I read chapter one of the Book of John today this program came to mind.

The employees of these businesses don't know that they are being observed and are interacting with their ultimate "boss."

When then Undercover Boss program comes to an end, the boss reveals him/herself.

The Apostle John records the unveiling of Jesus. Jesus is not disguising himself. He is not trying to find deficiencies in the world. He knows they already exist. He interacts with those made in his image and they do not recognize him.  They continue walking with scales in their eyes unable to see the Creator of the world among them.

"He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." (John 1:10-11)

Jesus came just as it was foretold.  The enemy of our soul works really hard to make sure we stay blind.  Groping around this fallen world, trying to "save" or make a name for ourselves. We are broken and at times disgruntled.  Our anger and disillusionment comes from a broken relationship with our Creator.  We were designed for fellowship with God.

Born in sin we don't know true Joy & Peace. The Holy Spirit draws us to himself but often we don't recognize his wooing. God loves us!  God loves us!  He is not trying to play hide and seek.  He is not masking himself so that we don't recognize him. On the contrary, he clothed himself in flesh, in human-likeness and came to be with us on earth. He came with a purpose to ransom us back to God.

John writes "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." (John 1:12-13)

Now that is great news!

The Undercover Boss concludes with their reveal.  Those who were disgruntled are encouraged and at times sent for proper training. Most are commended for their efforts and are even rewarded with gifts that promote continued growth and a fine-tuning of their skills and craft. Usually I am in tears by the time the episode is finished.

When our hearts realize our own mess, Jesus doesn't refuse our surrender to him.  On the contrary, he calls us sons and daughters.  Children born of God.

Just imagine the Lord taking us by the hand and bringing us close to himself.  He wipes away tears of brokeness and rebellion.  He washes us away filth that has tried to define us.  The scales that are off our eyes are tossed away.  He begins to teach us and renew our minds.  He comes developing gifts that have been in us.  There is this sweet tenderness in his words toward us.  He loves us! He knows we messed up.  He knows our distance from him lured us into all kinds of idolatry. But now he has revealed himself to us!  The past is behind and a new road has been set for us.  Let the tears flow.  He has done a new thing in us.  We are new and the old things have passed away!

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."  (John 1:14)

The true light that gives light to everyone has come into the world. (v9)

God bless you!~Liz

I'm No Puppet

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues 
as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:4)

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Driving down my neighborhood these last couple of weeks has been an interesting adventure. A lot of homes are beautifully decorated with lights shimmering in the darkness. What a beautiful picture of the light of Christ that lives in us.

Subsequently, I’ve also seen homes that look like front yard graveyards. It seems that the owners of the homes periodically unplug the power of these plastic animations in their front yards leaving remnants of what was. I must admit this is not a great curb appeal!

These plastic animations are at the mercy of oncoming storms and winds. When it is perceived that the weather is changing the owners unplug their puppets because they are unable to withstand the storm.

Everyday circumstances and things I experience have a way of filtering into the reality of my life. It propels me to examine the condition of my heart.

When the storms of life come, am I still shining bright anchored to a foundation that won't move? Is the light of Christ shining, even at times becoming brighter in the midst of turbulent winds?

The Holy Spirit has come to live within me. I’ve been redeemed, purchased and made a representative of Jesus Christ. More tenderly God calls me his daughter. He has warned me that in this life there will be trouble. But he has also promised to help me remain.

When life's troubles arrive and the winds of life take a turn, I am commanded to remain in Christ, connected an anchored to him. It is his power within me that keeps me standing and shining bright.

I am the fragrance of Christ. The joy of the Lord is within me. The righteousness of Christ has made me right with the Father.

Are we shimmering lights in the midst of darkness or deflated, defeated puppets laying down with no life that would represent Christ and all his glory?

Let the on lookers, look. This house will stand! You will not find a menagerie of deflated puppets to represent me. I bear the light of Christ within me for the whole world to see. A vessel weak at times but held together by his Spirit.

Fill me up Lord! Breath on us again. Let the light of your glory sustain us and keep us. In our brokenness, mend us back together. Keep us humble and pride far from us. Go before us and help us to follow obediently that we may experience the fullness of your glory. Holy Spirit fill us and empower us. Baptize us with your spirit.

PS:  Nothing again these puppets :)  They look cute when they are FILLED!