Hope Harbor

“for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/100/2co.10.4-5.NASB1995 With my current awareness of core beliefs that are causing difficulties in experiencing genuine joy and stability in my relationship with Jesus, my inclination is to want to think if I try hard enough and put forth sufficient effort I can fight my way free from what whatever negative beliefs have held me captive.  I realized that it’s not enough to identify specific beliefs but I must examine them to determine if they are true and valid. And they must be replaced with what is unequivocally true. The word of God is a firm foundation upon which we stand.   How firm a foundation https://youtu.be/gzXNvfLSm6s?si=14doHUFMA-Boibjy You S

Last night, I heard a message about Abraham who was considered to be the friend of God. I found myself thinking what an awesome title to have “friend of God “. I began to do all kinds of intellectual gymnastics to think about what qualities are characteristics I could muster up to acquire such a moniker. I wanted to earn the privilege of being God‘s friend. I heard about how Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. Oops fall short on that one. So often I don’t believe, but rather, I doubt. How could it be possible to have enough faith or pure enough faith to make me righteous? Then I heard about Abrahams complete obedience. Such an obedience that he had a willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac just because God said to do so. Oops again I fall short I couldn’t even imagine myself, even believing that God would ask such a thing of me and then having the degree of surrender that I could actually do it? Nope I guess I can’t qualify as a friend of God. This m

it’s often far too easy for me to presume that my difficulties with mobility limit me in opportunities to help or do good to others. Today I had another realization that I just need to be creative and utilize technology resources and yes, the help of other humans to carry out a mission to be a blessing. I have a friend who is experiencing a serious medical condition that is hindering her ability to manage her household and carry out family responsibilities. When I focus on the things I’m not able to do or tasks. I can’t perform, it’s somewhat disheartening because I can’t be as helpful as I wish I could be. Many friends are caring for kids, doing laundry, housekeeping and a myriad of other daily activities to lighten the load. It dawned on me today that I could shop for her family in the same way I do my own shopping - online ordering and delivery. So I contacted her husband. Got the list, ordered the items and in a short period of time I was on my way with my very kind and helpful t

A core fear resurfaced recently   What’s at the core is the hard stuff where the seeds that reproduce exist   I’ve been painfully reminded of what is deeply at my core. I fear that nobody REALLY wants me. I will be abandoned and alone I suppose that there  could be a myriad of reasons why such a painful philosophy is rooted in my heart.   Why I feel this way is a question that could be examined. However, it seems a more important question is whether that belief that’s a deeply rooted in me is true. Until I dig deep and honestly address the interior central beliefs I will continue to be weak and wobbly, subject to emotional instability dictated by the whims of a cruel enemy to my soul. I may also be vulnerable to having my sense of  well-being subject to the changing circumstances of life.  I need to embark on a quest for truth to uproot lies and establish my identity on a foundation that is firm and unshakable I find comfort in the reality that regardless of my feelings being “prone to

  He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Song of Solomon 2:4 It’s flag day here in the United States. This commemoration made me realize that a flag is a symbol of a nation. It can remind us of patriotism it can remind us why we have allegiance to that particular government or country. The flag of the United States has 13 red and white stripes, reminding us of the 13 founding colonies That were formed for liberty and freedom. The red and white makes me think of the purity of their purpose and the sacrifice that was paid to make it so and then there are 50 stars in a blue background representing the 50 distinct states in our union. I am grateful for our nation and all the God provides for us here. As I reflected upon this, I thought of an even more important banner, the banner of the Lord’s love I am grateful to be protected and be devoted to such a wonderful banner. https://youtu.be/45YyAlJXxmA