Yes, You’ll Rise Again, And Again

John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life. (John 3:16-17) (Col. 3:4) I’m reading from the ESV, as always.

This is one of my very favorite scriptures. When I got this one, it changed my life completely. You see, this world makes it very easy to become discouraged, to doubt oneself, to grow into an attitude of fear and negativity, and to give up. When we suffer harm, when we sustain emotional injury, when we suffer personal loss of any kind, and when we fail at something, we can suffer a death, in essence. Divorce is the death of a marriage, rape is the murder of choice and personal power, etc. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

God’s loving words and His loving and healing touch restore to us peace inside. Hope and faith are restored, or brought back to life, to rise up within us again. Strength and dignity are restored, and bring us back into a position of personal power. With these in place, our lives can be even better than before. With them all in operation, we can impact other lives positively. There are treasures in every darkness we must go through, if we but look for them.

The Scriptures tell us that our lives are hid in Christ Jesus. (Col. 3:2-4) says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” What this says to me is that I’m not to dwell on the injury, loss, pain, etc. Rather, I’m to focus on the One who can heal my injury, loss, pain. I’m to stand on God’s promises, and keep moving forward. And, as I’m going, I’m to keep sowing into other’s lives. The treasure(s) I found in that darkness, (God’s promises, His faithfulness, anything that helped me to heal, etc.) are now seeds I can plant into other lives. That’s how a rape victim becomes an advocate and counselor to other rape victims. God always takes what’s meant for evil against us, and turns it into glory for us, and Himself, of course.

(Luke 21:28) “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Verse 27 says, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Jesus was talking about tribulation, and the end of the age. He made reference to Jerusalem being surrounded by armies. W, ourselves are surrounded by armies of the powers and principalities, and hosts of spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph. 6:11-13) By this, we can see that our greatest battles are in the Spirit/spirit. Life is not in the flesh, but in the spirit. (John 6:63) this is why we need to put on the full armor of God, and, “having done all’, to stand firmly on God’s Word and in His Promises. (James 4:7) (2Cor. 10:4) (1Peter 5:6-9) (Psalm 89:13) (Job 36:22) (Palm 75:10)

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Let Him Encamp Around You

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 53. It was written by King David. I have to wonder if it didn’t come to him the way it comes to all of us; after the fact. You know, you’re going through the storm, waves coming over the edge of the boat, wind tearing the sails apart…JESUS where are you?!!!!! All of a sudden, it’s over, and you don’t know how. And, here you are, still in one piece, still breathing, and the enemy is seen in the distance…limping away with his tail tucked between his legs. Praise God! That’s when it hits you: “O you of little faith…” And you realize just how awesome God is; how fiercely protective of you He is, and how swiftly and silently He can get the job done. He’s the original stealth bomber. LOL

As I read the psalm, I couldn’t help but look to time ahead, when there will be only a remnant left to deal with the evil. That remnant will be those who perhaps heard the gospel and came to believe when the church disappeared into thin air. As I think about that time to come, and the present darkness we live in now, I’m inclined to bow my head and pray even harder for those who will be left here. I’m also finding myself so very grateful for those who taught me about Jesus; from my grandmother, to the Sunday school teachers, Summer Bible Camp teachers, pastors, etc., and most of all, Jesus, Himself. Just think, if He hadn’t come and talked to us…If He’d only come and died for us…what we would be missing in terms of love, peace, power, and joy.

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Saturday Silly – March 27, 2021

With Easter Sunday just a week away, I thought I’d share one of my favorite memories. It’s one of those “kids say…” things. It was during Holy Week that this happened. My sister and I went to services, and I took my then three year old daughter with me. I hadn’t really been in attendance there for awhile, but I wanted to go for Holy Week. She was a perfect little angel, sitting quietly during the service as the pastor spoke. Finally, he finished his sermon, and asked us all to kneel in the pews for prayer. My sister and I got on our knees, but my daughter just sat there. I whispered to her, “Honey, get down here, we need to get on the floor now.” Came the response from my little angel-LOUDLY, of course: “Why? What are we looking for, Mommy?” I heard someone in the pew behind me trying with all his might not to laugh out loud. He could hardly contain himself; and when I turned to look at him, he face was just red from the effort. I think it matched mine. I thought my sister was going to fall over right there in the pew.

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Your Holy Attire

Today’s message comes to us from Psalm 29. Verses 1&2 “Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. *(or, in holy attire)-(ESV) The whole Psalm is beautiful; written by King David, of course.

When I think about holy attire, especially on Sunday, when we gather to worship the LORD/Lord, I’m looking at my heart. I must admit that my heart has not always been right before the LORD, in church on Sunday morning. Praise and worship poured out of my mouth; but my heart was far from Him; more times than I can count, I’m afraid. I had to actually go before the LORD/Lord, and ask Him to give me His Heart. I’m so thankful for His mercy and grace. He is so very patient with us. Yes, He answered that prayer for me. I still ask for His Heart; every morning! Believe me; it helps tremendously; and on a daily basis!

The rest of the Psalm speaks to us about God’s Voice. Verses 5-8 are really awesome, and touch on exactly what I was talking about above. “The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.”

Think about your hardened heart, on a Sunday morning, maybe after an argument with your mate, or fighting traffic all the way into town, etc. Sometimes, everything that can go wrong does, doesn’t it? There you stand…going through the motions…JESUS, HELLLLPPPP! Am I right?! He steps right up, and speaks to the storm; doesn’t He? Fire purifies and that wilderness just vanishes. When I think of that wilderness, and how it took them forty years to make a three day journey…I think I’m pretty sure that I’m gonna holler right away, Lord! I want to hear that “Peace be still!” The LORD’s voice is stronger than COVID! Have a beautiful day!

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I Was

I wrote this psalm last Sunday, after a day filled with Bible study. I thought I’d share.

Were you there at Calvary: when Jesus died to set us free? Whenever I get the victory, I was.

Were you there when He hung on the cross; separated from God to save us lost? The day I realized what that cost, I was.

Where you there when they laid Him in the tomb? When He went to Heaven to prepare a room for you and me? Whenever I look up and see there’s yet a horizon, I was.

Whenever I look into those eyes, and Jesus’ love dispels the lies I used to live, I remember everything the Beautiful One gave that day; and still gives today. I see myself on Calvary, in His Heart.

Were you there that day on Calvary, when His blood covered every sin conceived? Oh, when I think of Jesus love for me, I was.

Thank you Lord, for loving me.

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, February 28, 2021, 1:24 p.m./Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, March 6, 2021, 2:45 p.m.

The Divine Giver

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to be kingly givers. I encourage you to read the message for yourselves at twolisteners.org, because it is an awesome one.

Jesus, in the message, says to us, “I am Love and Joy and Peace and Strength and Power and Healing and Humility and Patience.” -quoting directly from God Calling. We’re told that our nature must be the same as His. Then, also, our Lord says to us, “You live with Me, and then My Life accomplishes the miracle-change.” -again, quoting from God Calling.

I re-potted and nursed a plant for a co-worker once. I grew up with a grandmother who loved to put little gnomes in her garden, and I had found a couple of miniature gnomes in a store. I put one in with one of my potted plants. The other, I put in with my co-worker’s plant. I thought it might bring her a little joy. We so often miss the opportunity to elevate our giving to touching someone’s soul. And, we so often forget how great a difference giving a little bit of our own heart in our giving, can make in someone’s life. We must be as generous with our spirit as we are with everything else.

I had such an awesome Sunday worship last Sunday. I want to share this song with you. It is so beautiful, and touched me so deeply. This is exactly what this message is about. Paul Wilbur, thank you so much!

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There’s Your Sabbath Rest

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that those everlasting arms are always open to us. They are our refuge. (Deuteronomy 33:27) (2 Samuel 22:33) (Proverbs 18:10)

When I think of the arms of Jesus, I think of the Sabbath rest spoken of in Hebrews 4. I want to enter in as often as I can. Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, made exactly that possible. That’s why in Hebrews 4:16, Paul says: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

We can approach boldly when we remember Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

Incidentally, I did a study on the Sabbath principle not too long ago. The Christian church deems Sunday to be the first day of the week, and the Lord’s Day, according to first fruits principle. Jesus is the Alpha. The work week usually runs from Monday through Saturday; which makes Sunday the seventh day, or Sabbath day. Jesus is also the Omega. But, here’s something awesome. Jesus made the Sabbath rest personal to each one of us. He knew this was necessary. Can you imagine if all the hospitals, police stations, fire stations, etc., were closed on the Sabbath Day? It’s not about a day, folks. It’s about a Savior who wants to have personal and intimate time with you, to refresh, restore, recharge you. It’s about a Savior who wants to reveal Himself, more and more, to you personally.

**I am not trying to get anyone to change the way of their faith, or argue about calendars, principles, of creeds.

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We’re Resting…He Isn’t

Sunday’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to rest when we’re weary and frazzled. We’re bid to allow the Lord to come in and do His work of restoring and refreshing our soul.

This post is coming to you on Monday for that very reason. I didn’t accomplish the things I wanted to on Saturday, and was exhausted, physically and in spirit yesterday-so didn’t make it to the library to do the posting I needed to. But, good news! God always comes through! Really, He’s never failed me yet.

When we just stop and lay our head on His shoulder, and just rest there…He knows exactly what we need-and provides it. Inspiration comes out of that rest, strength is renewed, joy is refreshed, and faith is always rewarded. I caught the most beautiful sunrise this morning (Monday), and actually wrote a little verse about it. This is the Gaither Family to help us kick off the week.

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Feeling His Healing Touch

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to wait quietly before the Lord, until we feel that healing power of His touch flowing into, and through us. The only way I can describe that feeling is that it’s as if your entire being is vibrating and glowing with a wholeness and joy that’s unimaginable. It’s almost unbelievable; this feeling.

I learned, some years ago, not to wait until things are overwhelming, or I am at the very end of my rope, with the knot coming undone. Rather, first thing daily, I seek the Lord’s face. I sometimes don’t get to my daily prayer until later, because I’m wrapped up in that time with the Lord. I also learned to turn into that place and wait there the very minute I feel as if the boat’s swamped.

When I read the message, I thought about the woman with the issue of blood. She only touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, and was healed. She touched the Lord. I believe that His Presence there strengthened, not only her resolve, but her efforts to be healed. Have you ever needed peace in the midst of a tumult? And the minute you turn toward the Lord, seeking His Presence, you feel strength come to you. Now, you’re determination to get through is strengthened. Now, you can almost see the sharpness of the Word, as you open your Bible. Now, your voice is strong and clear as you speak to your mountain. John 17:26 – “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” No wonder that strength is there almost immediately…actually, it’s there all the time. We just forget, or lose our connection to it.

I chose this wonderful old song by Tata Vega to go with today’s post. It still fills me with such joy!

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Life Changes With This Daily Reminder

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is in quietness and trust that we find our strength. Some years ago, God gave me a daily prayer. One part of it is, “Thank you, Lord, for the peace to find strength within, and for the strength to seek your peace in my life.” God has promised us, both peace and strength. That strength is His power, which is made perfect in our weakness.

My life began to change when I began to pray that prayer, along with the Lord’s Prayer, daily. In terms of peace and strength, I can’t even begin to tell you how much anxiety left my life. I KNOW that I Know, that I Know this: Fear and anxiety are powerless in my life. Strength is just automatically there, it seems. Very rarely do I have to ask for it. What a beautiful freedom this is! Praying this daily reminds me there’s something I have within that’s powerful. It also reminds me that I have that power, or strength within, to actively seek God’s peace in any situation, at any time, for any reason. It reminds me that I am in authority over the circumstances; not vice versa. Make it a point, daily, to remind yourself that God’s peace and power are yours. Nobody can take them away from you, and nothing can overcome either one of them. I encourage you to visit the twolisteners.org website and read the message for yourself. Each message in the book, “God Calling,” reinforces scripture found in the Bible, and vice versa.

I chose this song by Chris Tomlin to remind us what an awesome God we serve; and what an awesome God serves us.

Love you from Café du Mondieu