Hope Harbor

 I ‘ve been a little behind on posting on my blog. I like to share the thoughts that come to my mind in case they could be an encouragement for someone else. Recently we have had some holidays that could have some significance and bring to mind thoughts about our relationship with God.  On June 14 it was flag day. When I saw neighbors demonstrating patriotism by displaying the American flag on their property, it caused me to think of the significance and symbolism that a national flag can represent. When we display the flag or carry it or even simply view it, it calls to mind patriotism and allegiance to the country it represents.  It came to mind that there is a verse in the Bible that proclaims His banner over me is love. That made me think how wonderful it is to have devotion for a good God who flies the Banner of love for me!  “He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love.” ‭‭Song of Solomon‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/10...

  Jesus: the Word   I am currently working on a series of posts contemplating who is Jesus and what does that mean for our identity. This post will focus on one title of Jesus - the Word.  This will not be a theological treatise on what does it mean that he use the word or how can Jesus be considered the word and the Bible also the word of God. I am not qualified to address those issues. Instead, I will share personal reflections on what that attribute of Jesus means to me.  The ability to communicate is essential. I think it is significant that Jesus has the title word of God because he represented the father and he has much to express to us. What follows is simply my thoughts on the important concepts that Jesus as the word reveals. Jesus came to be with us In sending Jesus God the Father expressed that He is not aloof or distant. He sent the word to be with us to communicate who he is and how he cares for us. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we be...

Never alone Jesus promised to be with us always.  “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.28.20.NASB1995 Honestly, there are times when this lofty principle from the Lord is difficult to grasp.   Wounds in our souls make it hard to believe. The passage of time or unkind interactions or other painful circumstances can make us feel rejected abandoned unworthy and isolated. We can even feel worthless.  When these terrible thoughts and feelings arise and the enemy six to use them to defeat us we must fight back in the truth and authority of God‘s word and worship in order to be victorious. There can be numerous struggles that assault us. We can overcome by refuting lies with the truth found in God’s word. In our humanity we have a longing to belong “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, Is God in His holy habitation. Go...

  God with Us “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call  His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.1.21-23.NASB1995 The angel came to Mary and announced the miraculous birth of Jesus. This angelic messenger declared the title Immanuel.    This proclamation told us that not only was Jesus to fulfill prophecy and be our Savior,He was to usher in the presence of God The Bible is replete with promises concerning the blessings and benefit of the amazing wonder of a gracious God who is willing to be with us. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14 I ...

  Who is Jesus? I would like to study and apply the truth of our identity is in Christ. I belief that could prove to be a deep and profound and potentially life transformative journey.  I decided to begin with a consideration of who is Jesus.  Jesus is the eternal Son of God, equal with God, and with authority from the Father. John10:30-33 Matthew 16:15-16 Jesus took on human flesh in order to be our Savior. Jesus is fully man and fully God. Colossians 2:9 As I review the scriptures I will share thoughts regarding how Jesus is described.  *Immanuel - God with us Matthew 1:23 *The Word John 1:1 *Son of man (human) John 1:14 *Savior John 3:16, Acts 4:11-12 1John2:2, 1Corinthians 153-4 Philippians 3:20 *Our blessed hope 1Peter 1:3 *Healer 1Peter 2:24  *Mediator 1Timothy 2:5 *Pure compassionate High Priest Hebrews 4:14-16 *Holy 1Peter 3:15 *Light of the world John 8:14 *Alpha and Omega  Revelation 22:13 +Our blessed hope Titus 2:13 *King of Kings and Lord of Lo...

  Come to God What does it mean to come It’s an amazing thought that the god of the universe invites us, in fact urges us to come to him. It’s a matter of loving care and concern to want someone to draw close. Perhaps it’s a meager example but I often use the command come wIth my sweet dog Winnie. Honestly, it deletes my heart which he quickly responds approaching with a happy wagging tail. On the other hand when she chooses not to comply with my request I am disappointed and frustrated not only that she just didn’t know babe but that she seems not to choose to be with me. So it’s amazing that God would want us to choose to turn and make a move toward him. I am reminded of the story that is often referred to as the parable of the prodigal son. When the younger son came to his senses and wanted to return, the father had been watching for him and even while he was a long way off the father ran and embraced him and lovingly welcomed his son back and celebrated. Luke 15:11-32.  ...

  God makes all things new. Sometimes we may grow weary when it seems that everything is deteriorating or at least there doesn’t seem to be any change. However, we can have hope because God promises that He can and will make all things new.  “And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21;5 In the Bible there are specific examples of things that God will redeem, restore refresh and renew.  Heaven and earth  -    God will recreate and refresh everything so that it is glorious and free from decay degradation and depravity. There will be no more destruction and no more sin.  Revelation 22:2 -5 Creation  - The earth that God had created has been subject to decay because of sin entering the world. It has been longing to be renewed and God will bring it to pass. Romans 8:22 Here is a link to an article that describes the truth of thi...

  When I awake early in the morning I often ask Siri on my iPhone “what time is it? “This morning, before I could even formulate those words, the phrase time to trust clearly came into my mind. Instantly I wondered if this could be my blog topic for the day. I was curious about the phrase and wondered if it may have been used by others. A Google search revealed that indeed it has been used often. A time to trust included information and highlights in the financial markets, self motivation articles and advertisements for watches and other devices. I want to approach this from the biblical foundation and perspective. I intend to address: The true meaning of trust. In whom shall we place our trust  When must we trust. Benefits of placing our trust in the Lord How do we learn to trust? What does it mean to trust? Synonyms for trust include: assurance, confidence reliance, belief and expectation. Even in the natural realm it is not necessary to understand some thing in order to tru...

  1 Corinthians 15:58 New International Version 58  Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Most of the time it requires effort to accomplish the many tasks we must do. We try and then exert some oomph in order to be victorious or dare I say "try-oomph-ant" It is helpful for our perseverance to keep in mind that our work has purpose and that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. While it is important to continue in our worthwhile tasks and not give in to discouragement and despair, it is vital to be assured that our hope and security is in Christ alone. A relationship with God is based on His mercy and grace. God accepts us not because of what we do but rather based upon what Jesus has done.