Hope Harbor

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ And the next iverse says even though I go through the darkest valley I will not fear. I saw that in a new way this morning. Humans do go through dark valleys. The fear and torment comes when we forget that our good shepherd is with us.  I was also reminded that the comfort of the “rod and staff is that the staff leads us, and rescues from trouble. The rod isn’t intended to beat us down but rather to drive away those that would seek to harm us.  https://youtu.be/SQe8slFjX-o

God’s love is extravagant. He’s not stingy in expressing His love for us or granting His blessings and favor upon us. The following verses tell us that He lavished love and grace upon us: Ephesians 1:7-8 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace   which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight  ... 2Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; Jude 1:2   Mercy to you and peace and love be multiplied. Today in our Bible study with those impacted by physical disability, we discussed the extravagant grace of God. We reviewed an “explanation “ of God’s extravagance. We considered our “experience “of that extravagant grace. We also had an “exchange of ideas “ expressing how receiving gods extravagant grace transforms us. We contemplated how we can extend that grace to others.    Here is a link to the slides that were used in that Bible study

This encouraging Facebook post about how a good shepherd cares for a rejected lamb touched my heart. I copied  it here so you could be encouraged as well Every once and a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are many reasons she may do this. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor animal away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind. These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with its neck. Their spirit is broken. These lambs are called “bummer lambs.” Unless the shepherd intervenes, that lamb will die, rejected and alone. So, do you know what the shepherd does? He takes that rejected little one into his home, hand-feeds it and keep it warm by the fire. He will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to his chest so the bummer can hear his heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock. But that sh

 Life has many difficult situations. Frankly at times we may feel insecure and unsafe. At such times we long to be protected. It is comforting to know that we can trust God to protect and provide for us. Here are some verses about protection: https://www.openbible.info/topics/protection  Here’s a classic hymn  safe in the arms of Jesus: https://youtu.be/hkjTQb_blXI

 Our problems are often quite big. God is greater!   Our pain is often quite deep. God is greater!  Our I need is often quite vest. God is greater!  Our sin Is very dark and troublesome.  God is greater! Oh how I need to remember that God is willing and able to help me. Free me from my troubles. Help me solve my problems. Look at my trials and troubles. Forgive me for all the sins I have done.” Psalms 25:17-18 ERV https://youtu.be/GXI0B4i

Tanner helps me remember about God’s love. Especially now that he’s aging, my beloved service dog does not always respond or obey immediately. He has this tendency to want to be right in the area where he’s in the way when doing activities of daily living. While his desire to be close can be endearing, it can also be quite inconvenient at times. Tanner’s legs are getting weaker and it’s harder for him to get up and down so he’s reluctant to move even when he’s blocking the path where I need to go. Sometimes maneuvering around him is challenging. This morning after some time of struggling to maneuver around him in a small space I looked at him and my heart overflowed with love for him. I felt compassion for this elderly canine companion’s weakness.  My love for Tanner despite his difficulty cooperating, reminded me that God loves us unconditionally not based on our performance. Loved with an everlasting love https://youtu.be/0e2pJymWtVs Beautiful by MercyMe https:/

I trust in you, my God, and I will not be disappointed. My enemies will not laugh at me. No one who trusts in you will be disappointed. But disappointment will come to those who try to deceive others. They will get nothing. Lord, help me learn your ways. Show me how you want me to live.” Psalms 25:2-4 ERV  I am amazed at the promise that no one who trusts in the Lord will be disappointed. To never be disappointed must mean that you have absolute confidence in the one who appoints all things. When we know that we have a good heavenly father Who only allows circumstances and events for our ultimate good, that protects our hearts and yields contentment.  https://youtu.be/OfJrxvVnmkE

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” A ll the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs   15:13,15   NASB Wouldn’t it be wonderful to always feel that place is a celebration and that we can enjoy it in abundance.  The verses above promise that cheerfulness brings  consistent joy.  I find myself longing for cheerfulness and wondering how to acquire that character quality.  The role of a cheerleader came to mind. A cheerleader has enthusiasm and a positive outlook. A cheerleader is fat and willing to expend energy demonstrate support and encouragement. A cheerleader models encouragement to others and inspires that was to it otherwise been here and markers to engage exuberantly   Cheerleaders typically are cheerful. They are strong, energetic, acknowledge the positive extol the virtues of one to be honored and promote hope.  When we are cheerful, it not only benefits us but i

God knows exactly what we need even when we can’t express it. Romans 8:26-27 New International Version (NIV) 26  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  27  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. My beloved Tanner does not seem to be feeling well. He’s very fatigued and breathing heavily. Excessive panting concerns me a lot. I find myself wishing he had words so he could tell me the reason for his distress.  Dr. Alexis Newman of Partners and Paws Veterinary Services is coming to see Tanner tomorrow. I hope she can identify and treat his problem so that he can be healthy and happy. My concern for Tanner’s well-being, wishing he could communicate to me causes me to be grateful that we have a loving heavenly father who not only identifies our ne

God's love is extravagant. He desires everyone to be welcome in His presence. To illustrate that truth, Jesus taught a parable about a master who had prepared a banquet and invited guests to come. Read Luke 14:12-23    12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”   15           When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”   16           Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a  great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited,

 I regret to admit that more often than I should I a while circumstances and the opinions of others to cause me to feel unsettled. Sometimes, I even question if I have sufficient hepe. MAll this striving and anxiety can be lessened when I remember and truly believe that Jesus is the source of my hope. We are complete in Him. The song in Christ alone reminds us of great hope and truth. https://youtu.be/MZYpjBeM0T

Ther e is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 NASB What we say can be healing or hurtful. This song by Hawk Nelson communicates this truth. https://youtu.be/anVweXDcxhA

Today on this anniversary of the terrible events when evil traumatized our nation many of us have memories of that terrible day. I read Psalm 12 today and the heading says in the NASB version  God helper against the treacherous. When we face tragedy it is vital that we have the confidence that God is our Helper.  Many question why God would allow such suffering.  The problem of pain and the existence of evil and the sovereignty of God are huge theological issues that are not the focus of this post. Though I can remind us that evil does indeed exist and God in His grace allows humans to have free will and choose behavior.  Also, I have heard Joni Eareckson-Tada when speaking of the tragedy of September 11, 2001 state that “trying to understand why an event such as what took place that fateful day, is like trying to pour an ocean sized volume of Wisdom into our thimble sized brains. “ Joni has also stated that God sometimes allows what He hates suffering -to accomplish what He loves-

Isaiah 46:4   New International Version (NIV) 4  Even to your old age and gray hairs      I am he,  I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you;      I will sustain  you and I will rescue you. May  I confess that sometimes I grow weary and fret about the prospect for my future. However, it is vital that we all remember that God promises that we can be secure in Him.  Our circumstances can be unsettling causing us to waver but God‘s love is steadfast and secure. I love the promise above from Isaiah that reminds us that even if we falter God will be faithful to carry us.  The love of the Lord is vast and his faithfulness is deep and never ending. https://youtu.be/0OBRvxrzhqs

Wisdom The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms   19:7   NASB I read the verse above this morning I’m not stirred a king longing within me for God to work wisdom into me. What is a precious promise that God‘s word is one of the tools he uses to cultivate wisdom in us How do we define what is the time ? (What is it?) the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. How do we acquire it? (what is needed in order to receive it?) * Have a fear of the Lord. Reverence and respect for God is foundational and being a wise individual. Psalm 111:10 The fear of the   Lord   is the beginning of wisdom.  *Be Humble Humility is necessary for the acquisition of wisdom. Proverbs 15:33 The fear of

Blog “Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭38:9‬ ‭NASB‬‬ God truly knows us. He completely understands us and is aware of the desires of our hearts, our deepest longings even our secret dreams.  Once a very dear friend of mine shared with me her secret dream. When she told me her treasured hope, I was honored that she trusted me. However I was not surprised by what she told me. I love my friend very much and I know her well. Because of my care for her I pay attention. Therefore even though she thought she was taking a risk in divulging something she had been cherishing in her heart I already knew it. How much more our Heavenly Father in His kindness and wisdom understands us. He created us. He is all knowing and completely aware of who we are.  He has known us forever and has a purpose to fulfill through us.  Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed y

“Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.  Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:3-4‬ ‭NASB‬‬ God desires that we cultivate faithfulness. When a garden is cultivated to promote growth, there is great care and diligence to prepare the soil. The gardener labors to ensure that the ground is suitable and that no weeds are allowed to hinder the development of what has been planted. In our relationship with the Lord we are to cultivate the character quality of faithfulness - faith, devotion and fidelity. There are certain spiritual disciplines that can help us be rooted deeply and protect us from having the ares of life choke out our vitality. These include worship, the Word of God, prayer and spending time with other believers.While these are valuable endeavors in the Christian life, it is vital to remember that God is faithful. Here is a link to Bible verses about faithfulness:

 Confidence-the faith and trust in the integrity of God‘s character can you give us courage as we encounter various situations in life.  Courage does not mean that we have a superhero strength or other lack of fear. It means the ability to move forward even when we are frightened   The Bible has a great deal to say about the value of courage. Here is a link to a list of helpful scripture verses. https://www.openbible.info/topics/courage Here is a link to a video of Bible teacher Joyce Meyer talking about “living contagiously “. https://youtu.be/5S2bD7geZTY  There is an inspiring song by the group casting crowns in titled Carraige us. Here is a link to enjoy that song: https://youtu.be/Y-fUlZkri_g

A heart filed with confidence in God is vital.  The meaning of confidence: the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust. " synonyms: trust ,  belief ,  faith ,  credence ,  conviction ;  the state of feeling certain about the truth of something. " Origin of the word confidence  Com (with or together) + firdre (trust and  faith) We can confidently believe in his promises confidently trust that he protects and provides. This can give us great peace. What the Bible says about confidence: https://www.openbible.info/topics/confidence Come Let Us Worship https://youtu.be/X6wg3PXBMpI

“The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:7-10‬ ‭NASB https://youtu.be/EqsnGE3_dsg

Life frequently brings storms our way. Sometimes they are relatively mild and easily endured, Occasionally the storms can be quite severe and even dangerous. It is imperative that we prepare to ensure our safety and well-being.  There has been quite a bit in the news recently regarding the severe storms that have struck the Bahamas and threaten the coastline of the United States. There is much information on the website of the National Weather Service on how to be prepared and stay safe. https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan This has caused me to ponder a metaphor for our personal lives. Sometimes our bodies are buffeted by pain or illness and our emotions can experience the tumult of waves of sadness and fear.  Just as we are encouraged to prepare an emergency survival kit to help us during severe weather storms, we need to prepare ourselves to be protected against spiritual and emotional upheaval that may strike.  I will draw a comparison between some

Today as we celebrate Labor Day and most have a day of rest, I am reminded that this holiday was established to honor laborers in this country.  Work is very noble. Each has something to contribute. It may not be a salaried job, but all have purpose and something useful to offer.     Psalm 20:4 is one of my favorite Bible verses: May He grant you your   heart’s desire And   fulfill all your   [ c ] counsel! (footnote translates as purpose)   Using the letters in the word WORK I will outline concepts to consider regarding our call to work. W orship Colossians 3:17 17  Whatever you do in word or deed,   do   all in the name of the Lord Jesus,   giving thanks through Him to God the Father, O riginal design Genesis 2:15   New American Standard Bible (NASB) 15  Then the   Lord   God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. R esponsibility and R eward Colossians 3:23-24   New American Standard Bible (NASB) 23  Whatever