Today’s Reading: Psalm 56

Every atmosphere is changed when You draw near / Every failure falls away, in the silence I hear / The voice that calms the sea / You’re in the waters deep, no matter what I see / You are with me, You are for me / You’ll never leave / You are with me, You are for me [Never Leave / Red Rocks Worship] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Ph99tXOCQ

YOU ARE WITH ME

In time of famine, when everything he built kept getting taken away from him, God told Isaac, “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you” (Genesis 26:24).

When life as he knew it was changing, and Jacob was on the run from the decisions he had made, God spoke up: “What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” – Genesis 28:15

When Moses was overwhelmed with what God was asking him to do, he heard God say, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” (Exodus 3:12)

YOU ARE FOR ME

Even in his grief, David knew that God was for him.
You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.
My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.
This I know: God is on my side! — Psalm 56:8-9

In misery, Micah cried out, “As for me, I look to the Lord for help.
I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.
Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again.
Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.
I will be patient as the Lord punishes me, for I have sinned against him.
But after that, he will take up my case and give me justice for all I have suffered from my enemies.
The Lord will bring me into the light, and I will see his righteousness.
Then my enemies will see that the Lord is on my side.” – Micah 7:7-10a

YOU’LL NEVER LEAVE ME

No matter what you are facing, know that God is with you, that God is for you, and that God will never leave you alone. No matter what is ahead, know that God loves you enough to stay.

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” — Hebrews 13:5b-6a

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” — John 14:15-17

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 6:13-20

Sometimes there are disappointments in life. At times the burden we are carrying for other people is heavy enough to interrupt our thoughts throughout the day. Living our faith out does not mean that life is easy and everything works out perfectly, but living in relationship with God gives us a place to take our fears and anxiety. No matter how difficult things look right now, we can be confident that God never breaks His promises.

God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through? — Numbers 23:19

I believe at times our disappointment is not that God made a promise and did not keep it, but rather that God did not do what we wanted Him to do. When things do not go our way or our prayers are not answered in the way we had hoped, we begin to doubt whether or not God truly is faithful. But in the midst of our struggles, we must remember that it is not God who is wavering. God is steadfast and consistent — a Rock to hold onto when everything else seems to be spinning.

For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

“I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.”

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. — Hebrews 6:13-20

My prayer for us this morning is that we can enter into His sanctuary, pour out our hearts to Him, and hold tight to the hope that lies before us. Thank you, God, for giving us this confidence this morning — that You never break your promises, and You never will! Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 12:20-50; Psalm 55

What is on your mind this morning? What decision are you facing or what situation is heavy on your heart? This morning let’s simply sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to what He has to say. What do I need to hear today? What words of Jesus speak specifically of where I am and what is happening in my life today? Jesus, let your words wash over me fresh and new today.

Follow me…be where I am.

Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” — John 12:23-26

Walk in the light…put your trust in the light.

Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” — John 12:35-36

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” — John 12:44-46

Do as I have done to you.

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” — John 13:15-17

Love each other.

As soon as Judas left the room, Jesus said, “The time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory, and God will be glorified because of him. And since God receives glory because of the Son, he will soon give glory to the Son. Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” — John 13:31-35

Don’t be troubled…trust in me.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” — John 14:1-4

You know me.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” – John 14:6-7

Ask me for anything and I will do it!

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

Perhaps today you will walk into a new situation and hear Jesus saying – I know you cannot see what is ahead but put your trust in me. Follow me. Be where I am. Walk in the light. Put your trust in the light. Do as I have done to you: Love each other. Don’t be troubled. Trust in me. You know me. Ask for anything and I will do it! What is He saying that speaks into where you are at or what is ahead for you today?

Morning, noon, and night
I cry out in my distress,
and the Lord hears my voice…

Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall…
I am trusting you to save me. – Psalm 55:17, 22-23

Today’s Reading: Mark 10:32-45; Matthew 20:17-19; Luke 18:31-34; Psalm 56

As we look over the gospel accounts, we see moments when Jesus spoke clearly to the disciples about what was coming. They heard yet they did not fully understand. Something was about to happen that would forever change them. They could feel the anticipation and fear of what was to come, but they were confused about God’s larger plan that was unfolding. Can you relate to how they were feeling?

SOMETIMES WE CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD REGARDLESS OF THE CONFUSION, FEAR AND ANTICIPATION.

“Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.” – Mark 10:33-34

“…Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?…” – Mark 10:38b

“…For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of light.” – John 12:35-36a

There have been many times in my life when I was able to look back and see the evidence of how God had been preparing me for my current situation. I did not understand at the time, but later God increased my understanding. Looking back, I can see how various experiences in my life were shaping me into the person I needed to be for God’s plan. I can look back and see how God was revealing, little by little, things I needed to learn for a future purpose.

Because I can look back on yesterday, as the disciples did,
and understand NOW what God was teaching me THEN,
I can trust Him with my TODAY
knowing that God has a plan for my TOMORROW.

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you…
This I know: God is on my side!
I praise God for what he has promised…
I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
What can mere mortals do to me?
I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help.
For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping.
So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light. – Psalm 56:3, 9-13

Today’s Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

There are times in our lives when it is easy to forgive someone who has wronged us, and then there are times when it is the hardest thing we have ever had to do.

The world defines forgiveness more from an inward perspective of letting go of resentment for the sake of peace of mind. If I make a conscious decision to let go of my need for vengeance or my desire to carry a grudge against someone, it frees me from the anger that can build up inside of me and rob me of joy. Forgiveness does not mean I excuse the behavior or give someone permission to continue to hurt me. I choose to forgive for my own sake, not necessarily for the sake of the one who has hurt me. [https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/forgiveness/definition]

Biblical forgiveness starts with my need to ask God to forgive me of my sin. I recognize that I have gone against His will or disobeyed Him, so the need to be reconciled with my Creator causes me to ask for forgiveness. This is not about merely going through the motions of saying, “I have sinned, please forgive me.” It needs to come from a heart that is sincerely repentant. There is an element of regret or remorse that brings me to a place of apology.

I think we often take this definition of forgiveness into our relationships with others. We think there is no need to forgive someone who has sinned against us unless they sincerely apologize, showing some kind of regret or disappointment in themselves. We wait for this recognition of wrong and hold onto our hard feelings until we see it. But let’s see how Jesus defined our need to forgive others.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” — Matthew 6:14-15

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” — Mark 11:25

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! — Matthew 18:21-22

Then Jesus shared a story about a servant who owed the king a lot of money but was unable to pay. The king forgave him his debt, but then he turned around and demanded the money another servant owed him. When the man could not pay, he had him arrested and thrown into prison. When the king heard that he did not extend the same mercy to someone else that he had been extended, he called the servant in and had him thrown into prison.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” — Matthew 18:35

God calls us to be merciful to one another. He knows that we need to forgive other people just as much as they need to be forgiven. He does not tell us to demand an apology from someone else, nor does he say to wait until they make amends. He tells us to forgive just as He forgave us. And He knows that forgiving others is what will help us move forward. Forgiveness has a way of acknowledging my pain while refusing to let it define my future.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. — Colossians 3:12-14

It is not easy to forgive someone who has hurt us or sinned against us. But we serve a God who does not ask us to do hard things on our own. He steps in and gives us the strength to do what He is asking us to do. And then He fills the space that has been filled with bitterness with a peace that helps us move forward in freedom. Thank you, God, for your amazing provision! Help us to let go and forgive others.

The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. – Psalm 29:11

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6:24 – 7:20

Some time later, however, King Ben-hadad of Aram mustered his entire army and besieged Samaria. As a result, there was a great famine in the city. The siege lasted so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty pieces of silver, and a cup of dove’s dung sold for five pieces of silver. — 2 Kings 6:24-25

Same city, same enemy, different king. The memory of Israel’s kindness to the Aramean army was long forgotten, and the new king of Aram now had the Israelites trapped within the walls of Samaria. The people had run out of food and were starving. Women were even killing their babies in order to have something to eat.

What a difficult time to be a leader! The king of Israel was powerless to help his people. An authority stronger than his was now in control and the king was grieving what his people were going through. He tore his clothes in despair and wore burlap under his robe in mourning. And as often happens to us, his grief turned to anger and he lashed out at the man of God for not rescuing the city of Samaria.

“May God strike me and even kill me if I don’t separate Elisha’s head from his shoulders this very day,” the king vowed. — 2 Kings 6:31

It seems unfair, doesn’t it? It was not Elisha’s fault that famine had hit the city of Samaria, and yet he was getting the blame. He, too, was being impacted by the actions of King Ben-hadad, yet there was this expectation on him that he was somehow supposed to provide a way out from under the circumstances of battle.

We are living in the reality of a pandemic, and yet we often lash out at others for not rescuing us. Pastors get cornered by one parishioner who says they won’t come to church if they are made to comply with the mask order; he turns around and there is another person in the congregation who has just lost a loved one and is begging him to make everyone wear a mask. Half of the board leadership says we are called by God to comply with the government and the other half says we need to stand up for our freedom. We are eighteen months into the pandemic and our pastors are weary from the burden they have been forced to carry. We say how sad it is that pastors are experiencing depression and others are turning to suicide, yet we unload our opinions on our own pastor. God, forgive us.

Elisha replied, “Listen to this message from the Lord! This is what the Lord says: By this time tomorrow in the markets of Samaria, six quarts of choice flour will cost only one piece of silver, and twelve quarts of barley grain will cost only one piece of silver.” The officer assisting the king said to the man of God, “That couldn’t happen even if the Lord opened the windows of heaven!” But Elisha replied, “You will see it happen with your own eyes, but you won’t be able to eat any of it!” — 2 Kings 7:1-3

Four lepers were tired of starving and decided to give themselves up to the Aramean army. As they walked towards the enemy camp, the Lord caused their footsteps to sound like chariots and galloping horses to the ears of their enemy. In their panic to run from what they thought was an attacking enemy, they left behind all of their livestock, food, gold & silver. The lepers went from tent to tent enjoying the wine and food left behind. They went back to Samaria and announced the news that their enemy was no longer there.

The king did not recognize God’s provision at first, and feared it was an ambush. But when some of his soldiers came back confirming the good news, he announced it to the city and all the people rushed out to fill their arms with the plunder. So Elisha’s prophecy came true. The king’s servant was skeptical and chose to be pessimistic about the possibilities of the future. For his lack of faith, he missed the opportunity to enjoy God’s provision when he was trampled by the hungry crowd running out of the city. With his own eyes, he saw God’s generosity but he did not get the opportunity to experience it himself.

Father God, I do not want to miss a moment of the miracles you have in store for your people. Give me eyes to see you glorified in situations where people are hungry; give me ears to hear your people praising you in the midst of a pandemic. Forgive me for my complaints and my cynicism, and fill my heart with the kind of faith that believes you can turn our famine into feasting.

My prayer for you this morning is that you will feel the presence of God, and that you will see Him working on your behalf WITH YOUR OWN EYES. He loves you, and He sees what you need. May He give you faith today to believe that He will provide tomorrow.

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6:8-23

Yesterday we studied how Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of his servant, and God answered his prayer. Moments later, Elisha prayed for the eyes of his enemies to be blinded, and God again answered his prayer.

The king of Aram had sent a large army of horses and chariots to surround the city of Dothan because he was tired of Elisha thwarting his plans to attack the nation of Israel. He sent his army to seize Elisha so that he could silence him. Knowing that the God of Israel had protectively surrounded him with horses and chariots of fire from heaven, Elisha prayed, “Oh Lord, please make them blind.” So the Lord struck them with blindness just as Elisha had asked “ (2 Kings 2:18).

When his enemies were pressing in, God surrounded Elisha with His heavenly forces — an army only seen by those to whom God reveals His presence. When the king tried to silence the man of God, Elisha was given peace and courage to step forward. In a moment when it would have been easy to react in fear or retaliation, Elisha instead responded with wisdom.

“Then Elisha went out and told them, “You have come the wrong way! This isn’t the right city! Follow me, and I will take you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to the city of Samaria.“ — 2 Kings 6:19

Elisha had his enemies strategically positioned for defeat. The king of Israel was there and eagerly asked the man of God if he could kill the Aramian soldiers. But instead, Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of his enemies. Then he said to the king of Israel, “Do we kill prisoners of war? Give them food and drink and send them home again to their master” (2 Kings 6:22). So the king ordered a great feast for the soldiers and sent them home, and they stayed away from the land of Israel.

How do we respond to those who persecute us or who try to bring us harm? What is our reaction to those who want to take away our freedom and silence our voice? It is easy to respond out of fear or hurt, but God wants us to trust Him during the most difficult moments of our lives. We can pray for God to open our eyes to see that He is present with us on the battlefield. We can pray for the eyes of our enemies to be opened so that they, too, can experience God. Instead of wishing them harm, we can pray for their salvation.

“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” — Matthew 5:38-48

Last Sunday, I was reminded by Pastor Sam Barber that serving God is not always the safest choice, nor is it always the easiest, but it is always worth it. And God is going to be faithful, because God is ALWAYS faithful. It is not enough that we win an argument or a battle, it matters that we all make the journey.

Father God, open my eyes to your presence today. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear your heart for the lost. Give me wisdom to know when to pray for eyes to be blinded and when to pray for eyes to be opened. May I see those who hurt me through your eyes of love, and may my response to them strategically position me to be used by you in their lives. I want my actions to be a perfect reflection of your heart towards the prodigal.

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6:8-17

Last weekend, I was really struggling with some false information that had been posted about the non-profit ministry I lead, and therefore about me. I tried to clear up what I initially had hoped was just a misunderstanding, only to find that it was simply an angry attack with no regard to the truth. I walked away from the conversation with a heavy burden. I longed for justice for me, for my coworkers, and for the amazing women we serve, but knew I needed to simply put it in the hands of God and trust Him with the results.

On Sunday morning, we visited Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa and I prayed that the Lord would renew my spirit and give me a word from Him. And as He often does, God faithfully ministered to me through His words, and on this particular day through the words of Pastor Sam Barber. He took a passage of scripture I have read many times and gave me a new perspective on how to handle the battle that shows up on our front door. I’d like to soak in this passage for the next two mornings.

When the king of Aram was at war with Israel, he would confer with his officers and say, “We will mobilize our forces at such and such a place.” But immediately Elisha, the man of God, would warn the king of Israel, “Do not go near that place, for the Arameans are planning to mobilize their troops there.” So the king of Israel would send word to the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he would be on the alert there. The king of Aram became very upset over this. — 2 Kings 6:8-11a

The attack of the enemy on God’s people was not a once and done occurrence, it was consistent. Over and over again, the king of Aram would plot against the nation of Israel. Each time, God would warn His people of the coming danger so that they could be prepared for the potential battle. But the king of Aram got tired of losing, and his frustration grew. He narrowed his attention on the prophet Elisha and set out to destroy him.

So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” — 2 Kings 6:14-16

What a great reminder during these difficult days! Standing on the foundation of biblical truths can draw a lot of negative attention, and we can find ourselves surrounded by those who oppose us. No matter our efforts to live out the love of God, we are accused of building a culture of hate. We strive for holiness and excellence in all that we do, yet we are bombarded by criticism and lies. When the enemy is pressing in, we need to hear the words, “Don’t be afraid.” When it seems like we are outnumbered, we need to be reminded that there are more on our side than on theirs.

Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. — 2 Kings 6:17

Elisha prayed for God to open the eyes of the young man and God answered his prayer. Father God, when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances, open our eyes to see your faithfulness. When it feels like we are losing the battle, give us eyes to see your army surrounding us. When we are prone to fear, give us peace. When we feel like the burden to win rests on our shoulders, remind us that the battle belongs to you. Your mercy is new each morning, so we wait quietly for you as we place our hope in you and you alone.

The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease.
Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
Therefore, I will hope in him!”
The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord. — Lamentations 3:22-26

You gave me joy for mourning / Now hope is my testimony / The grave I was in You emptied / I can’t help but sing it / Great is Your faithfulness / New are Your mercies / Oh how steadfast Your Love / I love to sing about it [I Love to Sing About It / Maverick City Music / TRIBL] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_75HpVSoCjA

Today’s Reading: Psalm 116:1-9

Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth. – Psalm 116:7-9

In September of 2015, my mother was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia. Her stomach, pancreas and part of her intestines had passed through the tear into her lung cavity making it difficult for her to breathe. The surgery was risky and the surgeon warned her that she might not survive. After much prayer, a peace settled over my parents and the surgery was scheduled for April 6, 2016.

On the way to the hospital that morning, my parents turned on the radio as KLOVE played Lauren Daigle’s song “Trust in You”. They knew in that moment that they would trust in God even if He didn’t move the mountain they were asking Him to move.

Initially it seemed as if the surgery had gone well, although the surgeon found more damage than he expected to find. The next few days, my mother’s health continued to decline. Early on the morning of April 10th, we received the call that she was unresponsive. We rushed to her side and spent the day watching her condition worsen. My father, sister and I said our goodbyes as they rushed her back into surgery on that Sunday afternoon.

Here is my mother’s story in her own words of what happened over the next few days:

I remember getting on the surgical table on April 6th but I do not remember the days following. The doctors and my family say it is best that way. I will tell you that the surgeons have heard my testimony and did not dispute any of my experience. On April 10th, I was rushed back into surgery. I was bleeding internally. And that is where my story begins.

I saw a veil come down that separated me from everyone. I could hear my family and friends talking but I could not respond. The veil had a small ring at the top and a larger one that held the veil from touching me. I could feel my body shutting down. My skin seemed to draw tight and my joints felt stiff. Suddenly I was being spun very fast – first one way and then another. There were loud, horrible screeching sounds, high-pitched like metal on metal, and the heat was so intense.

After what seemed like a long time, the others with me went to the right and I was sent to the left alone. I could not see the faces of the others and I don’t know where they went. The fast movement slowed to a normal pace. It was still very hot and loud. I came to what appeared to be a red wall. It melted and became orange, which also melted. The things I saw on and between these walls were so horrible; I have shared those details with only a few people.

The walls held the image of faces. There was only one that I could identify even though I feel like they represented people from my past who had rejected God. The look on each face was terrifying, and it still haunts me to this day.

Once past the walls I was in an area of pure white. Everything was so bright – not like any light we have on earth and the white was more white. It amazes me that the light didn’t hurt my eyes as I looked right at it. There appeared something that looked like shiny porcelain. Could it have been the gates of pearl? I don’t know. I was led to an area filled with white fabric. It was beautiful, soft, flowing. Again, not like anything I had ever seen.

Next I was led to 6 figures. They were clothed in the same fabric I had just seen. The fabric covered the back of each head and draped over everything except the face. Even though I couldn’t see their faces I knew who they were. I was with my mother who died in 1957, my father who died in 2003, my brother who died in 1991, and there were three grandchildren who were lost before birth. There was no communication with any of them. It was here that Jesus became clear to me in the form of a great glowing light. He said, “Not yet. I’m not done with you yet. There is still work I want you to do.”

At some point while I was still under the veil, I was aware of a presence on my left side. A voice said, “We have to do it now.” The hand of that presence pierced my left side. The pain was so intense. That hand went between my ribs into my inner being. It was so real that even yet I look for a scar. There isn’t one.

Time is totally lost to me. Some time later, still in the hospital, there was an image before me that said, “In the beginning, I created the heaven and the earth.” Suddenly a great deal of clear refreshing water washed over me. It was so realistic that I felt my clothes and bed for moisture. They were dry.

An intense heat had been with me all this time. A wet cloth and fan did not help. After this encounter with the water, the heat was gone and has not returned. I feel like God knew I needed to be baptized again because I had literally been in or through hell and needed to be cleansed.

As I began to get better, I noticed that my right hand was no longer misshaped. I could open it all the way until it was straight and I could almost make a fist. I have had high blood pressure since 2010. Now I am off the medication.

God, I don’t know what it is You want me to do – the “work” I need to be doing. I don’t know why You chose to heal me and send me back to life with my family. All I know is that I’m telling my story to anyone who will listen. And I know when You tell me what I am to do, I will do it and ask no questions.

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy… “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the world.” – Romans 9:15-17

God was speaking to Moses but He is also speaking to me. I keep thinking, “I don’t know why He chose to let me live after my surgeries.” God is saying to me, “Don’t question God.” It was His choice to make. Rejoice and do whatever He directs. It isn’t for me to understand but to use this experience to glorify God. I’ve been home for over a year now but these experiences are just as real as can be. I love the Lord and I will serve Him until my work here is done.

“Praise His Holy Name! My heart is full and even overflowing with love for You. You have brought us through so much since April 6th. There are no words to adequately express my feeling of gratitude.” [words from her journal on 9.13.16]

Today’s Reading: Revelation 22

COME TO ME

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:28-29

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” – John 7:37-38

Our Savior is drawing us to Himself — Come to me. Start your day with me. Enter into my presence and let me lift your burdens and restore your strength. Take my yoke upon you and let me support you on life’s journey. I long to teach you and give you rest. Plant yourself along my riverbank and let your roots grow deep in me so that I can strengthen you and sustain you during difficult times, and so I can produce fruit in your life.

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8

I AM COMING TO YOU.

Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.

No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there – no need for lamps or sun – for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. – Rev. 22:1-5

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” – Rev. 22:7

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” – Rev. 22:12

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. – Rev. 22:17

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. – Rev. 22:20-21

Thank you for joining me on this chronological journey through the Bible. Tomorrow I will once again share my mother’s story of seeing heaven. I pray God blesses you richly as you continue to daily spend time in His presence.

On January 1st, I will start back in Genesis with daily readings that will help me read through the Bible chronologically. I would love for you to join me for another journey through the scriptures. Each morning, I will start my day with a hot cup of my morning coffee and time in the presence of my Savior. I am asking God once more to make His word alive and fresh, giving me new insights into familiar scriptures. Feel free to join me as we ask God to deepen our understanding of who He is and who He has created us to be.