notes from lisa...

" The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, as well as birds of the air. Then a voice spoke to him: 'Get up, Peter, kill and eat!' 'No, Lord!' Peter answered, 'I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.' The voice spoke to him a second time: ' Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' " [Acts 10:9-15, BSB] This morning, as I was praying--not quite like Peter (no trance or anything like that!☺), but just feeling a burden for those being persecuted by extreme terrorists around the globe it was impressed upon my spirit how fervently we need to pray for Mu

" What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?  He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself]. Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and more than that , who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us.   Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?  Just as it is written and forever remains written, “ For Your sake we are put to death all day long ; We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter .”   Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and

"O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity and seek after leasing? Selah. But know that the LORD God hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto Him."          Psalm 4:2,3 As I read this Psalm this morning, the "mood" of the psalmist David, caught my attention. Knowing what David was experiencing --the rebellion of his own son, Absalom, being under attack by Shimei (along with his faithful servants), while fleeing the wrath of Absalom. 2nd Samuel 16:11 says it all: " Then David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more now this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him."  By this point in his life, even with all of his military might and power (as king), David must be feeling like drama and terror are a constant companion. In fact, he thinks that  even God has turne

"Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.... Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, 'I will take revenge; I will pay them back,' says the L ord . Instead, 'If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.

Just last week, I read a post from https://ladylynchlifemoments.blogspot.com. Vicky is a long-time friend and we worshiped at the same church years ago. With life changes, we have both moved on to other churches--she has married and has a beautiful family, now; and, I am in "Moses mode", as I've come to think of my current state. There was a time when this extended period of not knowing would have given me great anxiety, but time and getting to know the Lord better has helped me to relax and trust His timing. He knows what He is doing, and is not concerned (in the least!) that I am now 54--even if I am (age-aware). His purpose for my life, is right on track . About Vicky's post. I asked if I could share it with those of you who read this blog because I believe her points to be God-inspired and important to share. I shared with her that I found them to be "powerful" and "most apropos" in this most chaotic climate that we now find ourselves both n