You’re Loved

Emotions are high. All the feelings are coming out. Stress is in our chests and chaos is in our minds. Calm and stillness may be on our streets and in the newly vacated office buildings, but not in our hearts.

I know for some the unknown and insecurity is just too big. The kids needing constant attention, the pressure of their schooling in our hands, the stress on marriages, and the totally new way of communicating via screens can feel suffocating and sometimes it’s hard to breathe.

Lay it All Down

There’s a Bible verse I like to cling to that says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV) This sounds easy yet when our mind is overloaded, the bank account keeps dwindling, and we haven’t been in a normal routine for weeks it’s difficult. Plus, when we want to weep at how badly we miss spending time with our friends, it’s very hard to leave those burdens at the feet of Jesus. We want control. We want things to be normal again. Then like a thief, anxiety comes and robs us of the little joy we could have experienced.

Yet, God still calls us to cast our anxieties on Him. All of them, which means we have to practice controlling our thoughts and not pick something up that we already sat down. Even so, some days my mind still races. I need to do this, check that, cook dinner and the list goes on. I long for stillness, quiet, and peace but some days I don’t get them. Although they are all waiting for me and waiting for you too. The call to rest, to just be, to have no agenda besides a deeper relationship with the one who created the world.

His love is grand. It’s deep and wide. Big enough to hold us all. Loving enough to take us as we are. Wise enough to help us battle our unknowns.

A Childlike Faith

When I was twelve years old I felt a stirring in my heart while I listened to a pastor share what the big deal was with Jesus coming to earth during a Vacation Bible School lesson. Back then I didn’t realize that the gospel was the best gift humankind could ever receive but I knew something about it was special and I wanted to know more.

The ABC’s is a way to explain it. “A” is Admit to God that you are a sinner and need forgiveness. We all fall short and are sinful. (Romans 3:23) “B” is Believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God, died for your sins and rose from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Finally “C” is Confession of faith in Jesus Christ and for His Lordship over your life. (Romans 10:9-10) That’s it. If you do and believe the above then you’ll be a Christian. You’ll have life with God here on earth and go to heaven when you die. I would love to talk further with you about this if you’re interested. Believing and following Jesus is the best decision I’ve ever made in my life and I would love to talk to you more about it.

Mountain Tops and Valleys

Since my salvation I’ve had mountain top moments, years in dark valleys, unspeakable joy at the Lord’s provision, I’ve been broken by a crisis of faith, then experienced healing and wholeness that I didn’t think was possible. I’ve felt Christ’s sincere love from other Christians, been disappointed and hurt by those I’ve looked up to in the faith yet still believed in God. I’m not saying this is an easy road, but it’s a road I walk with Jesus instead of walking alone. I don’t have all His ways figured out but I know He is trustworthy.

I love you all. I care more about you than you know. God still loves you more, cares about you more, even knows how many hairs are on your head. I pray you find peace and hope in God. Seek him out. He is irresistible. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Read the Bible. Talk with Christians about your questions. I’m just an email away.

A Prayer For You

If you don’t mind, I want to take a moment to pray for you.

Lord, please help whoever is reading this. Help them with whatever is concerning them. If they haven’t found salvation; I pray you to help guide them to it. If they are struggling; provide clarity. If fear is gripping them may you counter it with your peace. Most of all let them know how much you love and care for them and that by dying on the cross you demonstrated that love clearly to the whole world. Amen.