El Shaddai

A thorn in the flesh. Have you ever had one? I have. If it was in the bottom of your foot and you are an active person, no doubt that thorn was many things: an annoyance, a constant reminder of living with pain, many questions about what do you do with it, etc. That thorn in the flesh can be small and relatively easy to deal with or HUGE and life threatening. But whatever it might be, here are Paul's words about his thorn "I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. BUT HE SAID TO ME, 'MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS.'" 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9 NIV These words can bring comforting or "Oh No" feelings. Take it away Paul prayed three times we know of and you may have prayed this a zillion times. Regardless, Paul turns our focus from the thorn to God's grace. It is a SPECIAL grace - sufficient SUSTAINING grace. God is our EL SHADDAI. El-Shaddai, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon na Adonai Age to age You're still the same By the power of the name El-Shaddai, El-Shaddai, Erkahmka na Adonai I will praise You till I die, El-Shaddai (Amy Grant's El-Shaddai)

In All Kinds of Weather---"There is something about that Name (Jesus)"

Wrote the following several years ago --- I had to drive somewhere this morning. As I pulled out of the garage, it began to hail. All the way down the streets I watched the water cover much of the road as the rain pounded my windshield. Keep focused I kept telling myself. Then the words of a song came to mind. These words seemed so appropriate for today's weather and the events of last week. They kept me calm and they became my focus. Here they are: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. There's just something about that name. Master...Savior...Jesus...like the fragrance after the rain. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Let all heaven and earth proclaim. Kings and kingdoms will all pass away. But there's something about that name." ❤

God and President Trump

On Jan 19 Scotty Smith wrote: "We fear you, Father, and honor President Trump, as we thank you for what you were sovereignly pleased to do of lasting worth through his presidency. Bless him, and his family, as they transition into the next season of life. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name." I am so appreciative for these words that acknowledge the work of God in and through President Trump.

EARTHLY GRIEF NEVER ENDS

Seven years ago on January 15th, Kelsi's mom died unexpectantly. Since then, Januarys are difficult and painful months for Kelsi. She wrote that year that she can't imagine life without her mom. They were SO close. I want to remain sensitive to Kelsi's grieving and express special love to her each January.

Steven Curtis Chapman - BE STILL AND KNOW

When I was a Steven Ministry Leader at Trinity I led several retreats for Leaders. My favorite is #10"Renewing Our Connections". I did a power point presentation of pictures with Chapman's song. It is awesome. Charlie helped me make the slides and do the timing of pictures with the song. I researched my documents today, found it, played it and worshiped GOD. Praise HIM for all He has done.

Be Encouraged

Do you ever ask yourself, "What can I do for others during these unsettling days?" How about ENCOURAGE. Scotty Smith's 1-16-21 Heavenward "More Than A Peaceful Easy Feeling" devotional helped me this morning. So I pass a few of his words on to you: "Today, we use familiar words to direct our hearts heavenward and neighbor-ward. Known as the “Serenity Prayer,” it’s really a Gospel Prayer—a prayer of grace, perspective, and peace. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” – Lord Jesus, acceptance of things (and people) we can’t change isn’t acquiescence; it’s wisdom and freedom. It’s not shrugging our shoulders in resignation; it’s lifting our hands to you in worship and waiting."" Check out the rest of Scotty's thoughts and take a look at John 16:33 for Jesus' words of encouragement. BE ENCOURAGED! (from my 1-16-21 Facebook post)

Waiting...

These are Scotty Smith's timely words that describe me to a "T". Spirit-Groaning and Trust-Filled Waiting SCOTTY SMITH “We who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly…” Rom. 8:32 Lord Jesus, we live with a relentless ache for peace. In the past several months, this ache has been fertilized with the “messes” in this world and the Spirit of hope. As Paul said, we “groan eagerly.”

UNENDING AWE AND WONDER

Gini Walker December 7, 2016 Meditating on the essence of GOD --- During this Advent season of 2016, I attempted to describe the essence of GOD. Here is what I wrote in my gratitude journal: YOU - YHWH Exceedingly, abundantly beyond beyond x a zillion --- and this doesn't begin to describe your essence - INFINITY - no beginning and no end. As a writer, I often experience frustration with words - those times when I can't find the ones I want, as I search in my "word box"... my thesaurus helps me in those times... but not now. And, I am so glad! I will NEVER find the words to describe the awe and wonder and majesty of GOD. He knew before time began on this planet that I would (in stumbling, incorrect grammar and sentence structure) write this...HE knew every sinful thought and action of my life. Yet, HE came as a baby, lived sinless and died in my place to restore me to this essence of love I can't describe. I am totally astounded. ❤

A Saint Changing His Address

On early Sunday morning, January 10, 2021 Mr. Per Larssen changed his address from earth to heaven. God called him home and what joy for Per to be in the presence of our Lord Jesus. I try to imagine this but it is hard. I think about scripture that speaks of being present with HIM. Per, we will miss you. You were a gentle, gentleman. I loved your Norwegian accent. Thank you for being a great friend to Charlie. He loved you dearly. You will be missed. Charlie and Gini

Family of Faith

Thank you ABBA FATHER, for brothers and sisters in my family of faith who speak the truth of Your Holy Word to encourage, remind and direct me to YOU. Amen

Epiphany

Christian celebration of the Wise Men, after following the Star, finding Jesus. 12th day of Christmas. Light of Light, King of Kings. On this day in history of America and all of our strife, LORD Jesus, help me to remember your coming in history and your return in the future. HALLELUJAH!