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God Is Surprising

August 13th, 2013

God Is Surprising

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Surprising

If you have every had a bird feeder and chipmunks in the same area, you likely know that a sunflower can come up in the most surprising places. Chipmunks like to bury the seeds from the feeder most anywhere, and we water them inadvertently. Then one day, we might have the surprise of a sunflower in our pansy pot.

God can use any means He wants to plant seeds and that goes for the gospel seed in someone’s heart. He may use others to water it, but it is God who makes it grow.

Have you felt that something is trying to sprout within you? You might as well go with the grow, because you’ll never be happy being anything else especially a pansy. A pansy may be cute, but they aren’t too bright. I’ve seen them poking through the snow in December.

You need-to-know that God wants the whole world to be “Son-flowers.” All we have to do is confess our sins, quit acting like pansies, and turn to Jesus as a sunflower turns to the sun. You need-to-know He is the sun of righteousness. He will cause you to grow. Now bust out of that dirt!

God Is Selective

July 22nd, 2013

God Is Selective

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Selective

If you were a puppy for sale, would God select you to go home with him?

All us puppies were purchased when Jesus died on the cross paying for the sins of the whole world. The catch is that you must be willing to come to Him.

Some puppies tend to go exploring in any direction they choose when God is calling. Although God knows that trail is not the best, He will never drag a puppy back by the scruff of the neck. He is just selecting the willing.

Are you willing to come? The Scriptures say, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8 NIV “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV. One must be willing.

You need-to-know that you don’t have to explore every bunny trial looking for God. He is just outside your heart. When the puppy willingly turns its heart to the Lord and Savior Jesus, the tail is sure to follow. One more thing you need-to-know: God has good treats!

God Is Top Priority

July 12th, 2013

God Is Top Priority

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Top Priority, or should be.

So, you realized that you were a sinner and needed a Savior, confessed your sins and turned from them, while trusting that Jesus had paid your sin debt in full on the cross. Terrific! You have made “Peace with God” and you have entered into a relationship with Him as His child.

For some of us in this relationship it resembles more of Martha and not so much of Mary. Our priorities are out of balance. We are still children of God, and still have “Peace with God,” but we are lacking the “Peace of God.” This peace comes when we take time to develop the relationship through prayer, reading his word, and hanging out with those who are doing likewise.

We all need-to-know, or be reminded, that there is more to life than busyness that robs our relationship. No other relationship, or busyness, in life is the same as when the Lord is our Top Priority.

If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you need-to-know that you should get busy (just this once) and re-read the first paragraph, and make that your first priority. Then make the relationship your daily Top Priority.

God Is Bungeeful

June 19th, 2013

God Is Bungeeful

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Bungeeful

Yes, “Bungeeful” is a coined word that describes the fact that God is abundantly supplied with cords of love and protection for everyone.

“Our Daily Bread” author and contributor, Bill Crowder said it best, “It’s in these twin harnesses - God’s grace and faith in the finished work of Jesus - that our relationship with God safely rests. In the strength of these provisions, salvation is not a risky leap into the void. It’s an exercise of confidence in God’s Word and His unfailing love and protection.”

How wonderful-to-know that when we confess our sins to God, turn from them, and have faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we can really enjoy the plunge of life.

You need-to-know that others, still on the bridge, also need-to-know about the Bungeeful love of God, because it is ...a long way down.

God Is Able

May 30th, 2013

God Is Able

5/30/13
You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Able

You may have heard it said that you “win some, lose some, and some are rained out, but you have to dress for all the games.” That means that no matter what, you have to be ready. If you aren’t ready you can’t win, only lose or at best hope for rain, but if you’re really ready you get to conquer, rain or shine.

When we confess our fielding errors to Jesus and trust Him as Savior and Lord, He forgives us, and we are on His team. God is then able to make us more than conquerors every day and in every game on the schedule.

We may still bobble the ball from time to time. We might even drop the bat or walk out of our sneaker by not being in step with God, but in the end we still win. At times we might feel like we’re behind and wish it would rain, but in the end we win. It’s all there in His Great Play Book called the Bible.

Isn’t it nice to know that what you need-to-know is to Trust in Jesus no matter what? He will provide the victory when we show up to conquer life in His name.

Now straighten up that ball cap and get out there and cover all the “bases” now that you’ve tagged the basis about trusting Jesus.

God Is Searching

May 8th, 2013

God Is Searching

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Searching

Are you feeling you aren’t worth a nickel? Are you lost so far down in the upholstery of life that you think it is impossible to be found? When you try to climb out, do you find that some derrière just won’t let you up? It might be the result of some bad choices on your part, or maybe life just opened wide and you fell into this dark abyss?

Jesus told a story to illustrate how God is searching and finding lost coins (people) everyday. Actually He knows right where we are and which chair we are in, but it is our sin that prevents God from reaching under the cushion for our rescue.

To be within God’s reach, we need to ask for His forgiveness of our sin and accept His Son Jesus, as Savior and Lord of our life. God will then put us in the palm of His hand, and we can never roll out again.

You have heard, “Jesus Saves.” Yes, He just loves collecting us nickels. We are so valuable to Him that He died for us. He won’t settle for just our two cents worth, but wants the whole coin (person).

It’s also nice-to-know that once found, we are investing our nickel’s worth in His Kingdom for eternity.

God Is Life

April 19th, 2013

God Is Life

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Life

Very soon in life one discovers that making choices is not a Teddy Bears’ Picnic. As the song goes, “Watch them, catch them, unawares ...” “...gad about ... play and shout ...they never have any cares.” The song never tells you about the traps, but they’re always there. We have all stepped in one from time to time.

Teddy Bears don’t always see that the glass isn’t full and that the cookies are in the dirt, and they don’t see the trap at all, but God wants us to side step those traps and head straight for His table. He invites us to pull up a chair and enjoy what is always good.

So if it is “...six o’clock” for you and you are one of those “... tired little Teddy Bears,” then it is time to come out of the woods, and receive Jesus who came to die for all us bears. By confessing one’s sins, turning from them, and asking Jesus to be Savior and Lord, we will have His ever present help in life and for all eternity. As He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”

God knows what we’re made of, and He wants us to choose wisely so we don’t get our stuffing torn out. Choose Life! Choose Jesus!!!

All us Teddys need-to-know this.

God Is Love

March 28th, 2013

God Is Love

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Love

Good Friday is all about this love, and the empty tomb confirms it.

As scripture teaches us, God demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners when Christ died for us all. Without that, we would be dead in our sins forever.

The moment I came to realize that, those wonders took hold of me. When I ponder His great love, my mind is stretched beyond its limit.

The words in the hymn, “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” come close to describing what I feel. I relate to, “mine eyes at times can see, The very dying form of One, Who suffered there for me.”

The quick gesture drawing above is more than just a simple scribble or vague image of the Crucifixion. It is a moment in time. This moment is when Christ paid the price, but it could also speak of the moment I first believed.

What the drawing doesn’t depict is the dying thief next to Jesus when he discovers who Jesus is and how much Jesus loves him. At this moment the criminal’s heart must have been smitten.

We all, in a way, are like the thief on the cross when we have our moment of knowing Jesus.

Have you had your moment?

If you haven’t, you’re on a need-to-know basis that your moment can happen when you confess your sins, repent, and trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord.

Isn’t it good to know what we need-to-know, and who we need-to-know, in order to fully receive the Love of God?

If you have had this “moment,” please share it with others. They’re on a need-to-know basis too.

The wonders of His glorious love and my unworthiness.

God Is Glorygood

February 11th, 2013

God Is Glorygood

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Glorygood

Here’s a newly coined word, “Glorygood.” This is a two word combination of some characteristics of God. God orchestrates things for His glory and the good of those who love Him and are called.

In a nutshell you can hear God’s call in John 3:16 of the Bible, offering salvation to everyone who trusts in His Son, Jesus. This is obviously for our good, but it doesn’t eliminate the bees (trials) in life that come our way.

How do the bees (trials) do us any good? They can drive us back to God for refuge and healing when we go astray, we taste the nectar of God’s sufficiency in times of suffering, and thus, we can comfort others being stung because we understand their pain, and finally our trust in the Lord, who is Glorygood, is strongly honeycombed in our lives. This is all good “bees”iness.

What one needs-to-know is that the bees (trails) of life will come at everyone, but if we trust in Jesus, He will provide the way through the trials. So now you know why we can say, “God is Glorygood!” You can “bee” sure it.

God Is Unrelenting

January 25th, 2013

God Is Unrelenting

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Unrelenting, like a boy after his lost puppy.

Unrelenting is the passion God has for us. He continues to love us, search for us, find us and then, all of heaven gives a big, “OH YEAH!!!!” when we are found.

Just like a puppy, we don’t think we’re lost. We are just exploring all the sights and smells on this good earth. Aren’t we made for that? Yes, but not without our invisible fence. This fence is really the Holy Spirit of God which is activated when we trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It comes free of charge and without an installation fee or that suspicious little notice of “Some Assembly Required.”

When we come to Jesus, confess and turn from our sins, we can go and explore anywhere we want, because He is faithful, by His Spirit, to always be with us. He will guide us and protect us from ever being lost again, and it is not with a shock collar. It comes through loving God, searching His Word (the Bible), finding the Truth (Jesus), and rejoicing in Him forever.

Unlike a boy who might lose his dog, God will not allow you to be lost to this world’s bad sights and smells. Isn’t it good to know what we need-to-know about being a good puppy. Isn’t it time for your walk... with the Lord?

God Is Eternal

December 31st, 2012

God Is Eternal


You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Eternal and snow is not.

Mr. Snowman’s not going to last no matter how much you tell him to stand up straight, avoid the sun, encourage him, or advise old Frosty to stay cool. You know he’s going to melt sometime. We are like Mr. Snowman in the fact that we won’t be around forever either. Hopefully this won’t happen in 2013, but it will happen someday. However, we do have the ability to determine how that change will take place, which in turn effects how we will live for today or in the upcoming new year.

Apostle Paul, as he neared his final days, said he had “fought the good fight” meaning he lived a disciplined life in spite of all he encountered, “finished the race” enduring to the end following the course set by the Lord, and “kept the faith” by meeting life’s troubles in God’s truth. This was because Paul received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord which compelled him to live for God’s glory and His promised “Crown of Righteousness” when he would finally meet the Lord face to face.

Jesus offers the same life to all of us who receive Him as Savior and Lord, followed by a "Crown" and not just a frozen temporary existence ending as a stovepipe hat floating in a puddle. Isn’t it good to know what we need-to-know and need-to-do to have a truly Happy New Year?

God Is Here

December 24th, 2012

God Is Here

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Here

This was foretold many years before His birth as recorded in the Book of Isaiah 7:14 NIV, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel, (meaning, “God is with us”).

On the very night of His birth an angel proclaimed to shepherds, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (for the complete story -Luke 2:10-20) ...“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”

So, I too am spreading the word, and one other thing... He is still with us, and in us, when we receive Him in our hearts as the Messiah, the Lord. I just thought you needed-to-know that if you didn’t already. Please, go out tell this amazing story to others, because they need-to-know, in order for them to also have a Merry Christmas.

God is Gracious

September 21st, 2012

God is Gracious

You’re on a need-to-know basis that you are His Choice because...
God is Gracious

God chose you from the beginning of time to be on His team. This is something you need-to-know when life seems lonely, you don’t get chosen by others for their team, or when you feel like you don’t have anything to offer that could be of value.

God has made us all special, and once we allow God to bring us into His training camp, we become the major leaguer He intended.

Although it might not be in sports, or anything else the world values, it will be what God wants us to become. Our signing bonus is salvation, and that isn’t dependent on our abilities, it all depends on us trusting His graciousness and receiving His Son (Team Captain) as our Lord and Savior. Then we are truly on His Team.

It’s a home run when what we know-our-need is to chose God as He has chosen us. Don’t wait. We can shout it together, “Let’s play ball!”

God is Ready

August 31st, 2012

God is Ready

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Ready when we are.

Whether it is a country’s flag or the flag of our soul, when it is up side down, we are displaying a signal of distress. Distress is not what God intends for a nation or for an individual, but it happens when that nation or individual is not living in a proper relationship with their Creator God, and sin is at the root.

God’s Word says that He is there to hear us and bring us back from our distress, and heal us. Let us all humble ourselves and confess our sin and the distress it causes, turn from it, and trust in Jesus to save us, and heal us from all unrighteousness (that improper relationship).

Many students will gather around their school’s flag pole September 26, 2012, for the annual “See You At the Pole” prayer event. It is a time for praying to God for one another, for friends, school, community, country, and the world.

It is great that our children know what-is-needed, and that is to go to God for healing for our distressed souls, the souls of others, and the whole world.

Do we know-the-need to go to God? He is ready when we are.

God is Glorious

August 24th, 2012

God is Glorious

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Glorious
- mankind is not unless we glorify God.

One needs-to-know that everything can have its own degree of glory, but there is no comparison to the glory of God. Everything is for God’s glory, because everything ultimately comes from God, the creator of it all.

If you plant a vineyard, you might step back a harvest time, and think what a glorious thing I have accomplished, yet it is God who made it all possible. From the materials you used, to your strength to complete the task, it all came from God who deserves the glory.

Our work can glorify God and benefit others as we plant our grapevines, and make our wine or jelly to be enjoyed by all, but if one drinks all the wine or eats all the jelly, it becomes a selfish act that doesn’t bring about anything but drunkenness or selfish gluttony and a life not well enjoyed. It is our choice as to how we live our lives, either for God or for self.

It is great to know what we need to enjoy life and God forever, is to glorifying Him in all things.

God is Merciful

August 17th, 2012

God is Merciful

You’re on a need-to-know basis.
God is Merciful to those who yield to Him.

To yield must mean that there is some sort of conflict going on. With God, the conflict is the result of sin that separates one from God. Sin can be referred to as a wall of separation. Building one comes naturally to humankind, but this wall of sin can be expanded upon until it is not only high, but surrounds the builder until there doesn’t seem to be a way out. In reality, a large wall of sin is not any easier to breach than a small one. A wall is a wall, and sin is sin. Either one will entrap us.

What you need-to-know is that God has made a way through. Jesus destroyed sin on the cross when He took our wall (big or small) on Himself to make it possible for all to have a right relationship with our Heavenly Father. This right relationship is available to everyone who yields by confessing one’s sin, turning from it, and trusting that Jesus has destroyed that wall (sin) and is now our Lord and Savior.

Isn’t it good when we know our need to bust through is as close as our cry, “I yield! I yield!!!”

God Is Extravagant

July 6th, 2012

God Is Extravagant

You’re on a need-to-know basis.

God is not cheap. He doesn’t go about things in a small way. Even what seems to be a little deal to us, is really gigantic. For example: Try making some mud. At first it sounds simple enough, but when you have to create your own dirt out of nothing, like God did, it becomes infinitely more complex.

Like dirt, sin has been around a long time. God made dirt out of nothing, and God has the power to make nothing out of sin - one person at a time, worldwide. That’s big, and we can work with God on this one. Our part is to confess we have sin, and trust in his Son Jesus, who paid the price (redeemed) us from our sin through His blood on the cross. God then removes it. It isn’t covered, hidden, or disguised. It’s GONE. That is something the scripture calls lavish, and we can’t do that on our own, or does God do it without our participation.

So, if we find ourselves in a dry place like this “old timer” in the cartoon, covered with dirt (sin), and needing refreshment... Isn’t it good to know what we need-to-know to get rid of the sin in our lives? Come on and celebrate God’s grace! It is extravagant!!!

God Is Pleased

June 18th, 2012

God Is Pleased

You’re on a need-to-know basis.

We need-to-know that we can please God. This can be accomplished by who we are rather than by what we do, but what we do is based on who we are.

When we trust in Jesus as our Savior, we do this realizing who we are. We are all sinners in some way or another, and there is no way we can make it right with God by ourselves. We need a Savior. So what we do is trust.

This starts a life long journey of changing who we are which affects what we do. Our life will now demonstrate a striking resemblance to Jesus’ earthly life who always did what pleased God because of who He was.

Once we know what we need-to-know, verses like Hebrews 13:16, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased,” make a lot of sense as who we are becomes the basis for what we do.

Now you have the basis to be and do to please God. Let’s do it!

God is The Lord

May 2nd, 2012

God is The Lord

National Day of Prayer
You’re on a need-to-know basis.

We need-to-know that every good and lasting blessing comes from God. When we try to find our blessing in the gods of money, power, fame, drugs, sex, etc., we are under the lordship of that to which we submit ourselves. The ultimate result of this is the destruction of the individual or a nation.

May we take time on the National Day of Prayer, May 3, to return to God from whom all blessings flow and acknowledge Him as Lord.

2012 NATIONAL PRAYER - Dr. David Jeremiah – NDP Honorary Chairman
Heavenly Father,
Every good gift and perfect gift comes from You. You are a faithful God and Your mercy endures forever. You have promised to bless the nation that trusts in You. Our currency proclaims “In God We Trust,” but in our culture we are far from You.
In the words of the prophet Daniel, “We have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments.”
We come before You once more, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy.
You, O God, are our only hope… Hear our prayer and, for Your honor’s sake, shine Your face upon this nation. Give our leaders the desire to seek Your wisdom and the courage to follow Your guidance… and watch over the men and women of our armed forces as they sacrifice for the cause of freedom.
We give You thanks for all You have done for us, and we earnestly pray that You will help us become, once again, a nation whose God is the Lord.
In the name of Your Son, and our Savior, we pray this prayer. Amen

God is Reliable

April 26th, 2012

God is Reliable

You’re on a need-to-know basis.

When we contemplate the sun rising every morning or the seasons changing during the year, it is easy to say that God sure is on the job. He sure is trustworthy, or we can rely on Him. When it comes to personal matters are we just as confident?

When Abraham and Sarah were promised by God that they would have a child, even in there old age, were they confident that it would take place? Sarah even laughed as if God were telling a little joke. When their confidence wavered, and they tried to produce an heir by way of a proxy, it didn't negate the fact that God had made a promise, and when God makes a promise, it will come to pass. The Bible is full of God saying what will take place, and we are on a need-to-know basis that He is always reliable.

This same reliability comes into play with what His Son Jesus said about being crucified and rising from the dead. To some that is even harder to handle than having a baby when your bio-clock has popped the main spring. Like Sarah and Abraham, just because it seems almost impossible to some, it doesn't make it any less possible when it comes to God. If producing a child from two has-beens was reliable and happened, it would only seems right to believe all His promises, like when Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11: 25, 26 NASB.

Do you believe the sun will come up tomorrow?

We need-to-know to rely on the One we need-to-know.

God is Understanding

April 15th, 2012

God is Understanding

You’re on a need-to-know basis.

When we say we are understanding, we often mean that we are sympathetic to someone's plight, but we don't understand the situation completely without being that person. On the other hand, God being God, understands us completely. He made us.

When we make something, like a pie, we know the ingredients and the proportions and how long it is to bake and whether to serve it warm or with ice cream. How much more God understands us. In Psalms, the writer says God knows we are "but dirt," or as stated in "The Message," mud. Now that is humbling, but it is not a excuse for how we live.

God also made us in His image, according to the Bible, and breathed life into that clump of mud. Isn't it nice to know that there is more to us than earth and water?

As a child we made mud pies for others or maybe to toss around. That was what we were able to do, but as an adult we can bless others so much more as God has given each one of us special abilities.

It should excite us to know that we have a purpose here beyond the mud puddle. The main purpose is to love God with all our hearts, mind, and strength. We are also to love our neighbors. Here is where our abilities come into play.

Now may our need-to-know become a desire-to-live for God and others. Let's make a pie and share it today and not to just toss the mud around.

God is Love

April 6th, 2012

God is Love

Please take some time today, Good Friday, and reflect on the love God has for us which was demonstrated by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, dying on the cross for the sins of the world. Oh, how He loves you and me.

God is Compassionate

April 5th, 2012

God is Compassionate

You’re on a need-to-know basis.

A Thesaurus would sight compassionate as a concern for the victims -
sympathetic, empathetic, understanding, caring, solicitous, sensitive, warm, loving; merciful, lenient, tolerant, considerate, kind, humane, charitable, bighearted...., and we need-to-know that that is God.

God has compassion for those who are lost and is sympathetic to our situations. We are like dumb sheep for which God is empathetic, and understanding. God certainly shows caring in the way He continually invites us back up on the hill where we belong and is sensitive to our poor choices. I could go on and on putting into sentences all the words that describe God’s compassion, but I’d run out of room.

The Bible says that the Son of Man, Jesus, came to this big pasture called earth because of the great compassion He has for all us dumb sheep.

Rejoice! He did this so we wouldn’t have to wander forever. It’s great when the need-to-know becomes the know-to-need to be saved because we are lost. “Wool” you come to the Savior?

God is Purposeful

March 23rd, 2012

God is Purposeful

You’re on a need-to-know basis.

God designs with purpose. For example, plants provide food, beauty, and oxygen into the air for us to breath. It seems that everything has it’s purpose if we have the ability to understand it - even people.

We might think that our purpose is to hop about, like the lamb in this cartoon, and just seek out what ever pleasure is to our liking. Pleasure is good, and God even created it, but it is hardly our purpose.

Jesus said that the whole of God’s Word can be condensed down to a simple need-to-know thought. That is, to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and He added to that: to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the purpose for which we exist and once we choose to follow it, we can have purpose with the greatest pleasure resulting in an abundant life which brings honor to God, the great purpose giver.

One may think it is impossible to live this way perfectly. You’re right! That is why God purposed His Son, Jesus who can cleanse us from those imperfections (sins) so that we can continue on with the purpose for our lives.

It’s great when us sheep know our purpose, but just watch out for the wolves! They have their purpose too.

God is Boundless

March 12th, 2012

God is Boundless

You’re on a need-to-know basis.

It’s a great challenge to picture God.

The moment we try to picture Him is the moment we can’t, and if we think we have done it, we are naturally going to come up way short. Let’s face it. We are just limited human beings, and it is impossible to have a total picture of our boundless God.

In the Bible, the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. It would be a lot easier if we had a good picture of this object of our love? Well, in the same book Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9b) So, in order to get a good picture of God, the Father, we just need to read about Jesus. The tough part is trying to put that picture on a canvas for all to see, but when we ask Jesus into our lives, it can be done because we become the canvas.

Now we have all we need-to-know for a making a great picture!

Burdens

March 8th, 2012

Burdens

If you are going through a difficult time of it, possibly this is God's timing that you'd view this postcard!

If you would like to comment, I would like your input. Now that was a dangerous thing to say, but I would really like to hear your thoughts concerning this postcard. This card is one of several that I am doing for a client. The intent is to be able to send a brief uplifting note to someone who is going through very serious health challenges like cancer. Everyone has known someone close who has had this type of condition, or possibly you yourself are dealing with issues like this today or have in the past.
What I am looking for are comments pro or con as to whether this card would be received as a form of encouragement while incorporating a bit of humor. Thank you for your time in considering this and any comments that you'd like to offer. Blessings!

Dog Days

March 7th, 2012

Dog Days

If you are going through a difficult time of it, possibly this is God's timing that you'd view this postcard!

If you would like to comment, I would like your input. Now that was a dangerous thing to say, but I would really like to hear your thoughts concerning this postcard. This card is one of several that I am doing for a client. The intent is to be able to send a brief uplifting note to someone who is going through very serious health challenges like cancer. Everyone has known someone close who has had this type of condition, or possibly you yourself are dealing with issues like this today or have in the past.
What I am looking for are comments pro or con as to whether this card would be received as a form of encouragement while incorporating a bit of humor. Thank you for your time in considering this and any comments that you'd like to offer. Blessings!

God is Faithful

March 5th, 2012

God is Faithful

You’re on a need-to-know basis.

God is faithful in all His ways.

You may know of this faithfulness, but then again maybe you haven’t given it much thought. You need-to-know this in order to take the pressure off yourself. No one really has the power to make everything in the world go the way one thinks it should. Jesus said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Luke 12:25 niv) Some things are just beyond our control.

Yet, we do have the freedom and the power to choose a variety of ways to live good lives or to mess up that same life, and God is faithful to allow us to do it. Of course God wants us to make good choices. In His Word, God provides what we need-to-know in order to make those choices.

So let’s enjoy the cosmos, praise Him who is faithful, and search in His Word for what we need-to-know to choose wisely. Then we just need to do it!

Isn’t it nice to know that He provides all we need-to-know?

God is forgiving

March 1st, 2012

God is forgiving

You're on a need-to-know basis.

There are a lot of things we'd like to know and there are somethings we need-to-know. Need-to-know information is for those persons who need the information to carry our their assigned task.

Your task is to have a personal relationship with your Heavenly Father. You can't do that while you're pulling a lot of sin along with you - it hampers the relationship. To empty that wagon, all you have to do is take it to God, tell Him what you've got, and that you'd like not to have this following you around anymore.

God has provided a way to unload that trailer and save you from its burden. When you trust His Son, Jesus, who paid the price for all that junk, He will remove all those nasty little critters. Then you can, by His Spirit, live a life on the open road with nothing slowing you down.

Have fun in your new ride. Isn't it nice to know what you need?

Basket Case

February 28th, 2012

Basket Case

If you are going through a difficult time of it, possibly this is God's timing that you'd view this postcard!

If you would like to comment, I would like your input. Now that was a dangerous thing to say, but I would really like to hear your thoughts concerning this postcard. This card is one of several that I am doing for a client. The intent is to be able to send a brief uplifting note to someone who is going through very serious health challenges like cancer. Everyone has known someone close who has had this type of condition, or possibly you yourself are dealing with issues like this today or have in the past.
What I am looking for are comments pro or con as to whether this card would be received as a form of encouragement while incorporating a bit of humor. Thank you for your time in considering this and any comments that you'd like to offer. Blessings!

Big Challeges

February 21st, 2012

Big Challeges

f you are going through a difficult time of it, possibly this is God's timing that you'd view this postcard!

If you would like to comment, I would like your input. Now that was a dangerous thing to say, but I would really like to hear your thoughts concerning this postcard. This card is one of several that I am doing for a client. The intent is to be able to send a brief uplifting note to someone who is going through very serious health challenges like cancer. Everyone has known someone close who has had this type of condition, or possibly you yourself are dealing with issues like this today or have in the past.
What I am looking for are comments pro or con as to whether this card would be received as a form of encouragement while incorporating a bit of humor. Thank you for your time in considering this and any comments that you'd like to offer. Blessings!

Daniel Did Not Plan on This

February 18th, 2012

Daniel Did Not Plan on This

If you are going through a difficult time of it, possibly this is God's timing that you'd view this postcard!

If you would like to comment, I would like your input. Now that was a dangerous thing to say, but I would really like to hear your thoughts concerning this postcard. This card is one of several that I am doing for a client. The intent is to be able to send a brief uplifting note to someone who is going through very serious health challenges like cancer. Everyone has known someone close who has had this type of condition, or possibly you yourself are dealing with issues like this today or have in the past.
What I am looking for are comments pro or con as to whether this card would be received as a form of encouragement while incorporating a bit of humor. Thank you for your time in considering this and any comments that you'd like to offer. Blessings!

In the Pit

February 11th, 2012

In the Pit

If you are going through a difficult time of it, possibly this is God's timing that you'd view this postcard!

If you would like comment, I would like your input. Now that was a dangerous thing to say, but I would really like to hear your thoughts concerning this postcard. This card is one of several that I am doing for a client. The intent is to be able to send a brief uplifting note to someone who is going through very serious health challenges like cancer. Everyone has known someone close who has had this type of condition, or possibly you yourself are dealing with issues like this today or have in the past.
What I am looking for are comments pro or con as to whether this card would be received as a form of encouragement while incorporating a bit of humor. Thank you for your time in considering this and any comments that you'd like to offer. Blessings!

Where is the JOY in this?

February 6th, 2012

Where is the JOY in this?

If you are going through a difficult time of it, possibly this is God's timing that you'd view this postcard!

If you would like comment, I would like your input. Now that was a dangerous thing to say, but I would really like to hear your thoughts concerning this postcard. This card is one of several that I am doing for a client. The intent is to be able to send a brief uplifting note to someone who is going through very serious health challenges like cancer. Everyone has known someone close who has had this type of condition, or possibly you yourself are dealing with issues like this today or have in the past.
What I am looking for are comments pro or con as to whether this card would be received as a form of encouragement while incorporating a bit of humor. Thank you for your time in considering this and any comments that you'd like to offer. Blessings!

The Calling of Saint Matthew

January 25th, 2012

The Calling of Saint Matthew

This painting was in an article entitled "A Dramatic Enlightenment." A good friend pointed me to this online at The Wall Street Journal's Arts & Entertainment section of January 14, 2012. It was written by Willard Spiegelman, Hughes Professor of English at Southern Methodist University. I would like to share portions of what he wrote concerning this painting by Michelanelo Merisi da Caravaggio, painted around 1600, titled, "The Calling of Saint Matthew" as follows:

"The Calling" dramatizes an interruption, an invitation or, more accurately, a command. Levi is "called" to a new life when he least expects it. ...Jesus catches Matthew off-guard, in the midst of four companions. He looks up as Jesus, his face illuminated but his body otherwise in shadow, extends his right arm in an action deliberately evoking God's to Adam on the Sistine Ceiling. In front of Jesus, slightly bending over and turning away from us, Peter repeats the gesture. The conversion has begun, although only Jesus seems to know it. ...Matthew sits to one side, huddling with his buddies. ...Like the other money counters, they are dressed in a cavalier modern style. Jesus and Peter, calling Levi to a new life, paradoxically wear traditional biblical garb. The surly, handsomest youth, bent over the table at the far left, looks uninterested in anything but his money. So does the older, bespectacled figure above him. ...Matthew seems to say, 'Who, me?' ...Jesus understands that he has accomplished his mission. Although a little hard to see, his bare feet turn away from the table and from his newest convert. He knows that it is time to go. Matthew's vocation has only just begun."

Do you ever feel that you are being called to a life much different from what you are experiencing now? Does it seem that everyone around you, like Matthew's buddies, is oblivious to what you are hearing as an invitation? If your friends only knew that you are being called to something other than life of worldly pleasures like Matthew.

Each one of us has within us a desire for fulfillment that can't be satisfied by what this world offers. Are you, as this author states, sitting there in your "cavalier modern style" while trying to ignore the one who beckons you to come? Jesus has done the work on our behalf to make it possible for anyone to follow Him. You're not likely to see Jesus standing at the end of your table with outstretched arm, but through His Spirit we are called. As the title of the article goes, your "Dramatic Enlightenment" may come through the words of a friend, something you read, or maybe God is using this painting to speak to you.

God is very creative in reaching out to all of us. The important thing is to respond as Matthew did. Today is the day to accept the call of Him who beckons you to come. Today is the day of salvation.

Good Morning Sun

January 19th, 2012

Good Morning Sun

Morning Sun
Another day,
and here I stand,
old branches break and fall,
while trillium push forth to bloom,
Your Sun calls me,
with mercies ever new.
- George L. Richardson

Great is Your Faithfulness, O Lord!

Biblically Inspired: Ps 139:23, 24: Search me, God, and know my heart; 
test me and know my anxious thoughts. 
See if there is any offensive way in me, 
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Lamentations 3:22-24: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, 
for his compassions never fail. 
They are new every morning; 
great is your faithfulness. 
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; 
therefore I will wait for him.”

Martin Luther King Jr. and Religious Freedom

January 16th, 2012

Martin Luther King Jr. and Religious Freedom

This portion taken from BreakPoint Daily Commentary by Chuck Colson: MLK and Religious Freedom 1/06/2011

Martin Luther King and Religious Freedom
Mark the Day

Monday, January 16, is Martin Luther King Day. Most schools recognize the day — as they should. But will they teach students about Dr. King’s Christian faith, which motivated and guided his campaign for civil rights?

During his Birmingham civil rights campaign, Dr. King required every participant to sign a pledge committing to do ten things. The first was to “meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.” Others included the expectation that all participants would “walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love;” and “pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.”

To truly understand Martin Luther King, students must learn about his Christian faith. It was at the heart of what he did.

This year, something else worth celebrating happens to fall on the same day as Martin Luther King Day, and it’s a perfect fit. Every year since 1993, the President proclaims January 16 to be Religious Freedom Day and asks the nation to celebrate its religious liberty. It is the anniversary of the passage in 1786 of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

The men who drafted the Constitution leaned heavily on Jefferson’s statute in establishing the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom. Today, it is more important than ever that we remind ourselves of that protection.

Since Martin Luther King Day and Religious Freedom Day fall on the same day this year, it is a perfect time for schools to help students connect the dots between Martin Luther King’s fight for civil rights and the freedom of religious expression in America. Dr. King’s call for justice was guided by his religious convictions and the liberty to act on those convictions.

Embracing Majesty

January 14th, 2012

Embracing Majesty

Embracing Majesty
A time to lift one’s soul,
A place where truth is found,
Not by chance does nature frame,
His majesty for me,
A juncture when new life begins,
Where peace and love remain.
- George L. Richardson
Biblically Inspired: John 3:16; Romans 1:20; John 3:35, 36
Creation Inspired: "Inspiration Point" at Letchworth State Park
Aptly named "Inspiration Point," this overlook is breath taking anytime of year, but the calmness of late winter has a special attraction. It is as though God were giving nature the option to either stay frozen or move toward the new life of spring. He provides moments like these to us as well and with very much the same choice.

The Lion and the Lamb

January 11th, 2012



Oh Yeah. I learned a new song - new to me anyway.
I hope you all enjoy this too.
I hope the question in the opening phrases has been answered for you.
If not, ask God, and He will provide your answer. Blessings!

Love Keeps Flowing

January 9th, 2012

Love Keeps Flowing

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV

This miniature painting of a creek, yet to freeze over, reminds me of my desire to let the love of God flow through me no matter what the temperature. This temperature might be felt through rumors or flippant remarks. For me, this threatens some points in my stream to nearly freeze or at least cause a skim of ice to form on my being patient or in my ability to persevere. You may have your own points of freezing, and what is troubling is that sometimes we don't even recognize what is on our personal thermometers.

I learned of an exercise recently to help identify those points. Using the passage above, wherever the word "love" or "it" is written, substitute your name. There is something about saying it out loud that rings forth the truth or not and to what degree.

The perfect truth in the passage above can only be attributed to Jesus who always kept the love flowing during His earthly ministry, and it is still flowing through His Spirit who wants to reside in each one of us. If the Spirit resides in you maybe you might like to take a little meter reading and see what is going on. We can all improve in the area of love. I pray that your love will keep flowing no matter how cold the temperature gets.

Love never fails.

The Struggle

January 5th, 2012

The Struggle

The Struggle
Take courage in your struggle,
From Him who walks the sea,
Staying true within the course,
To love and like Him be.
- George L. Richardson
Biblical Inspiration: Mark 6:48, 2 Corinthians 3:17, 18, Romans 7:20-25
Creation Inspired: Having been in the army and not in the navy, I can only imagine that a storm at night, in the middle of an ocean, can bring on its own brand of excitement, i.e, terror. If only one could walk on water or calm the sea like Jesus did. As a follower, we are becoming more like Jesus day by day, but I believe we will never have the divine ability to control much of our natural surroundings, but we can struggle with our character to be more like Him. This is work, as Paul points out in Romans 7:20, but as we exercise our freedom in Christ, we can find that we will be more like Him.  Jesus was a perfect model in His obedience to the Father's will, and He did it in love. This too is possible for us in Christ. So as you stay the course, keep on rowing and take heart with more words from Paul, "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:25 niv.

Be Wise

December 31st, 2011

Be Wise

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Matthew 2:12 kjv

When the you receive the Light of Christ into your life you are on the right path home. If fact, you are home and you have an eternity, starting now, to enjoy the relationship of being home with your Heavenly Father. You now have the insight to see through the earthly kings like Herod, or any other power to destroy you. So mount up on your camel for 2012, and take the right path.

Overjoyed

December 30th, 2011

Overjoyed

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Matthew 2:10 kjv

The True Shepherd

December 27th, 2011

The True Shepherd

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4 NIV

Greatest Night

December 24th, 2011

Greatest Night

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 kjv

Face to Face

December 24th, 2011

Face to Face

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
Luke 2:30-32kjv

Mary Ponders

December 23rd, 2011

Mary Ponders

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11 kjv

We Have A Boy

December 22nd, 2011

We Have A Boy

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder: . . .
Isaiah 9:6 kjv

News News News

December 21st, 2011

News News News

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying
which was told them concerning this child.
Luke 2:17 kjv

Reserved

December 20th, 2011

Reserved

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:4 kjv

Last Straw

December 19th, 2011

Last Straw

So you also must be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at
an hour when you do not expect him.
Matthew 24:44 niv

Heavenly Hosts

December 17th, 2011

Heavenly Hosts

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14 (KJV)

Quiet Night

December 15th, 2011

Quiet Night


I can't imagine how terrified those shepherds must have been as the angel of the Lord spoke to them concerning the birth of Jesus. Most Biblical accounts of mankind encountering an angel have caused great fear. They are not like the cutesy angels in the gift stores. These are members of God's army, the heavenly hosts, and they only show up if there is a very good reason.

The shepherds may have known of the prophesy concerning the Messiah, but what are the chances that it would happen in their lifetime or even to them personally?

In this painting I wanted to focus on the very moment before a shepherd boy would fall face down scared out of his wits; the moment when we'd hear him whisper, "Did you hear that?"or "What is that strange glow?" or just plain, "Oh my God..." and really mean it.

After his recover, the boy would never be the same. Christ had come just as the prophets said He would. This would be the greatest night of all. The shepherds had to go witness these things which the angel had told them. What a change this would make.

This sort of change can happen today to anyone who seeks out Jesus like the shepherds did. Well, not exactly the same. It is not done by trekking down to Bethlehem, but by trekking to God in prayer and asking Him to confirm all that you've heard. Then, like the shepherds, one realizes that yes, it is just as it has been told through His Word, and things will never be the same.

Take the time to be still, as at night in a shepherd's field, and see what God is saying to you. Can we return to our simple life, like a shepherd boy, after meeting with the King of kings? I don't think so. It could be your greatest night of all.


Can We Return?
The angel said we should not fear,
as he proclaimed the Savior’s here.
The Prince of Peace this simple night,
with humble birth yet glorious light.

Can we return to what we’ve known,
when after all that heaven’s shown?
The Prince of Peace, you too have heard,
Christ came for all, the Living Word!

George L. Richardson
Biblically Inspired: Luke 2: 8-17 NIV

Joy

December 13th, 2011

Joy

But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
of great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you;
he is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10,11 NIV

Joy to The World

December 11th, 2011

Joy to The World

Does this typify you today? Are you one of God's joyful sheep? Maybe not so much. You may have experienced a shearing lately, or possibly you have had the wolves after you, your tail may have been cut off, or someone has tried to make mutton stew out of your carcass.

Life is not easy for a sheep, but it can be joyful in a different sense than the feelings of great pleasure. A complete joy comes from remaining in the love of God and by loving others. That is what Jesus said in John chapter 15. As part of the flock, we will never have it easy, but in the midst of life we can have green pastures and still waters. Jesus said that we are His sheep and we know His voice and we will follow.

I write this as a reminder to you, and to myself, especially on those days that I feel like one of those dumb sheep that don't know which way to go. Take comfort that none of us know which way to go. That is why we need a shepherd, Jesus.

So, try to think of it this way: Our fleece will grow back, our Good Shepherd will protect us from the wolves, you look kind of cute with your tail bobbed, and most stew pots are really too small for our carcasses.

Be Joyful today as we celebrate the third Sunday in Advent counting down to Christmas when we will sing "Joy to the World !," which is really more about His second coming, but oh well, His sheep will sing on anyway.

Psalm 9:1, 2 The Message:
I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart,
I'm writing the book on your wonders.
I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I'm singing your song, High God.

The Point

December 9th, 2011

The Point

This miniature painting is an image one might find on any popular calendar. Lighthouses are usually located on a point of the seacoast where it is at the best position for ships to view when they are seeking their bearings. Being found on a calendar reminds us that no matter what day it might be, even when it starts out pleasant, the weather could turn in an instant and then the need for help getting home becomes imperative.

Our need  for getting home, in the storms of life, can be found in the Savior of the world. During Christmas time we celebrate the one who is our personal lighthouse.

In America, where physical comforts abound, we might not see the need for a Savior, because we don't realize that the weather is changing and the threat on our souls is imminent. Jesus said, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" Matthew 16.26 NIV

During this season of wanting, buying, and never being satisfied, may we take a good look at the seas around us and determine if we are heading for trouble. Are we in need of a lighthouse for our souls? Jesus came to be our lighthouse in the sense that He can lead us back to a right relationship with God the Father, but like a ship, we need to seek Him.

This painting is called "The Point." For a lighthouse to be effective it has to be positioned at the point where it can save. Jesus came into this world to do the same; to position Himself at a point where He could save us. This point is at the cross where He sacrificed himself for our sins.

I pray that many this season get "the point" of what Christmas is all about, and then seek Him will all of their hearts. He can save your soul.

The Census

December 6th, 2011

The Census

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name Philippians 2:9 kjv

The Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-7 NIV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Get Away Cabin

December 4th, 2011

Get Away Cabin

Are you looking for that rest and peace?

Have the circumstances of life exhausted you?

Do you need a "Get Away Cabin?"



God provides a place of peace for His natural world, and He does the same for you and I.

The time can be now. The place is within the depths of your soul.



Christmas is a time to celebrate, because God sent the Prince of Peace for the whole world. He didn't come that the world would be without its troubles, but that we could have peace in the midst of it all. It is an inward peace; a peace that comforts. Through a trust in Jesus, one can find that peace that goes far beyond a "Get Away Cabin," like one might imagine in this painting. God's "Get Away Cabin" is where His children live. It is a place of warmth and light, of truth and rest, and He provides it without charge. This place has been paid for with the life of His Son. You are invited, as His child, to come to His "Get Away Cabin" not for just a season, but for ever.


Get Away Cabin
A place of rest,
A place of peace,
A cabin in the night,
From the world so very cold,
Provides both warmth and light.
                             - George L. Richardson

Biblically Inspired: Isaiah 9:6, Luke 7:41-50, John 14:27

Our Hope

December 1st, 2011

Our Hope

Our Hope

With God our help,
We will hold out,
As branches fail their their leaves,
For a time not kept or seen,
With greater hope than that of spring.
- George L. Richardson

Even though we have only just begun, we know the stress of winter seems so harsh as the season drags on, leaving the hope of spring as its only rescue. Nature sets quite an example in not losing heart over momentary troubles.

During Advent we recall the time leading up to the birth of the Messiah and His promised return. He is our Hope in life as spring is the hope of nature. In this, our time of waiting, there will be a winter of intensity in our lives that cause our branches to strain and sometime split under the stress, but we can still have hope for what is to come. This hope is like spring in the way that it is sure to come and not a hope that is a childish wish.

Place your hope in The Lord!

2 Cor 4:16-18 NIV
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Unsafe Harbor

November 28th, 2011

Unsafe Harbor

When writing about the attributes of a harbor, many would liken it to a place of safety and rest. This is also true for me, but sometimes I think about a harbor as a place where I've been safe and at rest for too long. If you feel the same way, it might be time for you and I to venture out of our calm surroundings, and see where the Lord would have us set sail.

Jesus set sail when He left the safety of heaven to voyage on the "Mud Puddle of Mankind." He set out, like all of us set out, as a baby. His Father sent Him. He sent Him with no other navigational chart than the chart of His love which He followed to the end of His earthly voyage.

The Father invites you to get on board with His Son. It may be your first time at sea, or if you're like me, you've just been hanging around the port for too long. It might be time to for us to shove off.

Yes, Jesus calls us from the safety of our harbor. Safety, for some, is found in not making spiritual waves with those around us, or possibly our harbor of rest might be in an indulgence that keeps us in dry dock, or it may be something else that prevents us from experiencing the high seas.

Jesus rode out many storms in His day, and in the end, He became our Savior. He invites everyone one to receive that gift of salvation and join his crew. As with all crew members, He expects all hands on deck and willing to follow Him as Captain of one's life.

Today it is time to leave the safety of the harbor and set sail with Jesus for the rest of your life. If you wonder what He'll have you do on board, put your mind at rest. It will most likely involve some fishing, which is exactly what I am doing with this blog.

Finding Hope

November 25th, 2011

Finding Hope

Unlike like the Pilgrims, who had a three-day feast, we all did the best we could in one glutenous day. Now it is on to the rest of the holiday season starting with Black Friday. For many the whole season can be "black" in the sense that it doesn't live up to the Hallmark movie or the storybook tale, "Twas the Night Before Christmas." This is true for many people, and there are many ways that people try to cope.

   This tiny art card (2.5"x3.5") I entitled, "Finding Hope," reminds me of the season of despair that some find themselves in. We can see the grandeur of the mountain top in the distance, but for us there is a wide, cold and snowy expanse to cross with dark forests on either side.

   No one should feel reluctant to seek counsel for serious depression, but for a follower of Christ, when the blues of life are creeping in, their is reason for hope through faith and prayer. In Psalm 42:5 NASB, it is written, "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence."

   If one looks back at this little painting, there is a pathway in the distance. It may take some effort on our part to find it, but there is a path. May God bless you with the help of His presence during this season leading up to Christmas; the birthday of Jesus Christ who is the Hope for all the world. If you don't know Him, I pray that you will seek Him through prayer. Tell God of your need for "His presence" in your life. He will show you the path.

Happy Thanksgiving Day

November 22nd, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving Day

It may seem odd to have a painting of an empty tomb as a representation of Thanksgiving Day. In itself, a tomb would let the air out of a celebration, force voices to be lowered, and turn our reflections inward, and suppress our appetite for a time of thanksgiving.
Yet, one very special tomb has the complete opposite affect. For the believer, the empty tomb of Jesus creates a sense of jubilation, giving power to one's speech, a desire to share one's inward thoughts, and all with a genuine appetite to celebrate, with thanksgiving. It is only in the empty tomb that one experiences a full sense of gratitude for the things He has done.
Let the Thanksgiving Day Celebration begin!!!


The Empty Tomb

The empty tomb,
Oh, what a thought,
Thanksgiving full of gloom,
But not for those who know the power,
Of Him who left that room,

The empty tomb,
Is full of Truth,
All things were made through Him,
To prove He was God's only Son,
He came to life again,

The empty tomb,
Is full of Hope,
For what it does recall,
He who died and came to life,
is life and light to all,

The empty tomb,
Is full Love,
The sacrifice for sin,
He gave what we could not provide,
For all our souls to win,

The empty tomb,
Is full of Grace,
He gives to all who come,
So come along with grateful hearts,
Come all, and not just some,

The empty tomb,
Is full of Joy,
A jubilation shout,
God's steadfast love is what we say,
Thanksgiving's all about.

- George L. Richardson


Biblical Inspiration:
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
John 1:3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew 28:20b ...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Grace Notes of Thanksgiving

November 18th, 2011

Grace Notes of Thanksgiving

Recently I read an article entitled "Grace Notes of Thanksgiving" by David Brickner, that appeared in the newsletter, "Jews for Jesus" November 2011. He talked about "Grace Notes" in music as "musical ornamentation: a special series of notes to increase the interest and enhance the artfulness of a melodic line." Mr. Brickner went on to write how "God provides His children with grace notes: little reminders of His mercy and sovereign care for us that pop up and intersect with the challenges of our daily lives." The Bible is full of reminders of how God cares and keeps His promises to His children.

May I suggest that we could be like the scriptures in the way that we give account of the "Grace Notes" God has delivered in our lives. So pick up your triangle, and make a joyful sound to those around you this Thanksgiving season. Proclaim just how good God is as you recount the "Grace Notes" that God has orchestrated just for you.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits" Psalm 103:2