I could hear geese honking above the dense Oregon fog…Immediately, God said, "I'm going to teach you to hear My voice." Little did I know how much I needed Jesus.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. Galatians 4:25
Jim and Penny Caldwell: “When we realized where we were, we were so overwhelmed with the reality of it – with everything that took place there – that we fell to our knees.”
Some years ago, Ann and I came across a story about finding the real Mount Sinai. We were so captured by the story, and have shared it with others. Those who have seen the actual site in Saudi Arabia have shared their life-changing experiences.
Probably the most incredible stories about the real Mount Sinai are told by Jim and Penny Caldwell who documented their discoveries at the mountain when on vacation from their petroleum engineering jobs in the Mideast years ago – They visited the site 15 times and have wonderful stories, pictures and videos.
You can find many other Mount Sinai-related youtube videos. It’s really fun to see the evidence that backs up the Bible’s Exodus account.
We hope you enjoy the 25 minute video below. To see more of the evidence, see any youtube videos the Caldwell’s have been included in. By the way, the Caldwell’s also have a four hour Mount Sinai video you can purchase. We’re going to buy it because we just love this type of Biblical evidence.
Finding the Mountain of Moses: The Real Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia
The devil will do anything he can to steal our joy. He hates our praise and grateful hearts as we lift our praise and worship to God.
No matter how dark life may get at times, the joy of the Lord is MY STRENGTH. I will praise and thank Him in ALL things. And the more I praise and thank Him in all things, the more I remember and believe Romans 8:28, the more I sense His precious Presence and support in everything every day. Really. Put it to the test and find out for yourself.
This little, but MIGHTY, song says it ALL. ☺
Joy of the Lord (Lyric Video) | Worship Together Kids Anthem Series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8bf-D2-WDc
The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength (Hallelujah!) By Benson Music
Though the tears may fall my song will rise, my song will rise to You Though my heart may fail my song will rise, my song will rise to You While there’s breath in my lungs, I will praise You, Lord In the dead of night I’ll lift eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You When the waters rise I’ll lift my eyes, I’ll lift my eyes to You While there’s hope in this heart, I will praise You, Lord
The joy of the Lord is my strength The joy of the Lord is my strength In the darkness I’ll dance in the shadows I’ll sing The joy of the Lord is my strength
When I cannot see You with my eyes let faith arise to You When I cannot feel Your hand in mine let faith arise to You God of mercy and love I will praise You, Lord
How You shine with glory Lord of light I feel alive with You In Your Presence now I come alive, I am alive with You There is strength when I say I will praise You, Lord
The joy of the Lord is my strength The joy of the Lord is my strength In the darkness I’ll dance in the shadows I’ll sing The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength The joy of the Lord is my strength In the darkness I’ll dance in the shadows I’ll sing The joy of the Lord is my strength
When sorrow comes my way You are the shield around me Always You remain my courage in the fight I hear You call my name Jesus I am coming Walking on the waves reaching for Your light
The joy of the Lord is my strength The joy of the Lord is my strength In the darkness I’ll dance in the shadows I’ll sing The joy of the Lord is my strength
The joy of the Lord is my strength The joy of the Lord is my strength In the darkness I’ll dance in the shadows I’ll sing The joy of the Lord is my strength
In the above video, as you listen to the waves coming on the shore, I want you to think of our Father’s love for you. Like the constant waves, in His infinite, faithful, endless love – all that He is – He keeps pouring onto us.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:6
Go ahead. Take the seat. There’s no other life like it. It’s so good to be still in His endless waves of love. Mmmm…
Folks, I’m no different than anyone else. We all have issues in this life. Circumstances put a ring in my nose and were jerking me around all over the place, up one minute and down the next. Mostly, down. When I finally got so overwhelmed with the things I was facing, I had to find an answer out of my problems. And, I found that Jesus is the only way out. I promise you. Jump off the seesaw of conditional living and get onto Jesus, The Rock. He will always remind you to be glad – always – in Him.
When you get free of the impact conditional living can have on your life, your mind, emotions, and spirit, you’re free, indeed. _______
It just dawned on me again that I’ve been battling so many health issues all my life, and this morning, I was feeling a little strange in my head again. I was kind of dizzy and tempted to take on fear. Nothing new there, right?…☺
I thought, “I’m not going to give into my circumstances.”
That’s when this song came to me. Thank You, Holy Spirit! Sooooooo, I cast all my cares on Jesus, found the precious, simple song on youtube and began singing it. Sure enough, He made me glad and put a smile on my face. It’s such a wonderful and liberating thing to learn “in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11),” and to have the Holy Spirit enable you to count it (whatever is trying to steal your joy in the Lord) all joy (James 1:2-8). Hallelujah! Thank You for Your GREAT faithfulness, Jesus.
I Will Enter His Gates By Leona Von Brethorst
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise, I will say this is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad, I will rejoice for He has made me glad, He has made me glad, He has made me glad, I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5
The following is taken from Joyce Meyers’ “Closer To God Each Day Devotional.” When I read it this morning, it really ministered to me and I sensed the Holy Spirit wanted me to send it out to you. ☺
_______
Avoid Comparisons
…When they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely. 2 Corinthians 10:12
If you’ve dealt with insecurity in your life, an important key to overcoming that insecurity is this: Never compare yourself with anyone else because it invites feelings of inferiority.
I really want to encourage you to stop comparing yourself with other people about how you look, what position you occupy, or how long you pray. Comparison puts the focus on self and thwarts God’s plan for your life.
In the same way, we would be wise to avoid comparing our trials to those of other people. You may be going through something difficult, but don’t look at somebody else and say, “Why is all this happening to me while you’ve got it so easy?”
Jesus revealed to Peter ahead of time some of the suffering he would go through. Peter immediately wanted to compare his suffering and his lot in life with somebody else’s by saying, “What about this man?” Jesus answered by saying, “If I want him to stay (survive, live) until I come, what is that to you? [What concern is it of yours?] You follow Me!” (John 21:22).
That is His answer to us also. We are not called to compare, only to comply to His will for us.
God wants you to know that you are unique and He has an individualized, specialized plan for your life.
Jesus is the Word. So Jesus is Romans 8:28, Colossians 3:15a, and all the rest. Whenever I get anxious about something, the Holy Spirit reminds me about Romans 8:28 and that God’s working all things together for my good. That reminder helps me to let the peace of God reign in my heart. My anxious thoughts are replaced with God’s peace as I turn the situation over to Him – again.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, Colossians 3:15a
Happy Monday, everyone.
Jesus: “So come on, let’s go, and I’ll show you more of the wonderful things I have in store for you as My child…”
God wants us to be free in all of our day-to-day activities and interactions. He wants to unburden us from the weight this world and life attempt to make us carry.
God knows that, beyond all else, we need His kingdom in our lives. When we have His kingdom operating in our lives, we know how to cast our care on Him, we’ve learned not to be afraid of sudden fear, to let His peace reign in our hearts, and how to be still in all circumstances as we rely on His faithfulness, mercy, grace and love. And, the fruits of the Spirit are operating in our lives making life abundant and care-free. Christians have such a great salvation.
One of the greatest gifts God has for us is for us to learn how to live this life casting all our care on Him each moment of our day. Doing so enables us to live care-free and that’s a life worth living and celebrating. His salvation is so wonderful. And, it includes a care-free life.
“Oh, thank You, Jesus, for constantly reminding me to cast all my cares on You, my precious Lord.”
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength (in your inner man where we tend to take on “care”) through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:16-19 New Living Translation (NLT)
What love God has for His children. He takes on all of our care and shows us how to live our daily lives trusting in His care for us. What freedom, joy and rest.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart reminding that He’s my help.*
There’s no other path like the narrow way. To know Jesus…Mmmm, that’s true salvation.
Because He lives, I can “fear not!” The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find, none others is so loving, so good and kind.*
That’s Jesus.
God bless,
Mark *Lyrics taken from “He Lives” Christian hymn by Alfred Henry Ackley
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. Romans 6:17
God knew, that among other things, I was a slave to “care.” I’m so grateful He came into my life to begin a new work in me. One that would free me from the restless, tormenting burden of care.
Like me, keep casting all your care on Jesus, precious people. This habit will pay off with a new peace, rest and joy that only He can provide. This is one important way we come to the Father through Christ.
When you’re tempted by “care” today, cast it on Jesus.
“Father, in the mighty Name of Jesus, please take this care and give me Your reassuring peace that passes my understanding. Thank You, Father. And now, let me be a blessing to everyone I meet today. Give me Your favor. Protect and cover me. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
We all have things to do each day, right? That’s just life. But we need to learn do them God’s way.
Yep, I do it often and it can make life miserable. I take on care. I begin to handle things in my own strength and that makes me weary. I can even get into pride over it – pride makes things so heavy and burdensome. Never good…
Living the Christian life gives us the incomparable blessing to be able to cast all “care” on God. Wow, what a wonderful life.
Feeling heavy or weighed down? Whenever I begin to feel heaviness creeping in on me, in one way or another, God sends me a reminder to release the “care” to Him. It feels so good to lighten my load by giving Him the care.
for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:5b-7
The more you trust in God’s Word, the Bible, the more of it you want to apply to your daily life. We can rely on God’s Word and choose Jesus every day, precious people.
So come on, let’s go and see what wonderful things God has in store for us – His kids – today, and every day.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26a
For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Hebrews 3:14
For Christians, there’s no place like home – Like Heaven. Please take time to remember that Jesus already sees you in Heaven with all tears wiped away. With the help of the Holy Spirit, all we have to do is to keep walking towards that day when we step into Heaven.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6
Yesterday, I really felt like giving up. I have a bladder infection and the medicine is really messing with me. Then, I got severely spiritually attacked. A few weeks ago, I was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease on top of everything else the enemy tries to discourage me with. That’s why I’m sending out the following. We must keep believing, precious people. Christ died to set us free to become believers regardless of our situation or circumstances. Praise God.
When you pass through the waters, I (God) will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. Isaiah 43:2
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me (Jesus). John 14:1
Then he (Jesus) said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” John 20:27
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31
Keep believing. That’s the word for today. Keep believing that God is working all things together for your good, that He wants you to keep giving Him all your cares, and that praising Him is a supernatural, powerful weapon to use against any of the enemy’s lies that try to get you down in your spirit.
For Christians, this is where the battle is. We enter God’s rest by becoming believers.
What time is it? Well, “right now” (and it’s always now, right?) is included in “all the time.” Remember, God IS good all the time, and, all the time, God IS good. It’s true and we’re free to believe it. Hallelujah!
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:1-6
For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:6-11
God’s ongoing, deeper, liberating work in our lives…At times, it can hurt and discourage us. But, it is necessary for the work He knows needs to be done to produce His character in us – at all costs.
One of the best times to praise God is when your life’s just been rocked – like mine was this morning – and you feel like giving up. You feel like you had nothing left to begin with, and even that is being taken from you.
Praise God.
He really does work through the praises of His people. Even when praising Him is super hard. The sacrifice of praise is a sweet aroma to Him. He’ll be faithful to help you. So praise Him. In the end, you’ll be glad you did.
It’s not about me and what He’s asking me to part with. It’s about Him, and His faithfulness to give you more and more of Himself. That’s Who He is – The Faithful One. Hallelujah!
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8
Once they’re revealed to us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we must repent (turn from, depart from, stop) of any sin in our lives in order to follow Jesus into the precious, amazing freedom He makes available to us. This is what being a disciple of Christ will do for us. We will be set free, indeed. And, oh, the joy that floods our souls when we’re no longer bound to our sins; when Satan’s hold on us – in any area of our lives – is broken…☺
Did you know that we can be deceived into thinking that we have no sin? It’s true. I know it firsthand.
I was so blind to the truth. But then, Jesus came to open the eyes of the blind, right? Hallelujah!
Besets: 1. To surround; to enclose; to hem in; to besiege; as, we are beset with enemies; a city is beset with troops. Hence, 2. To press on all sides, so as to perplex; to entangle, so as to render escape difficult or impossible.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because (for) it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Romans 1:16
If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. John 1:7
Wow, what powerful scriptures. The gospel, the good news, is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (we must believe the good news, the gospel, in order for it to save us from our sin). You see, even though I was a “Christian,” I wasn’t really believing it. I didn’t know how to believe it until God revealed “how to believe it” to me. His good news, the gospel, was what I needed to stop the sin of the fear of man, bitterness, dissatisfied with who God made me, angry about my health issues, not believing that He can work all things (our past included) for good, always seeing myself as a victim, shame, unforgiveness, inferior, insecurity, hardhearted, religious, confused, scared, jealousy, fear, worry, religious pride (and so many other sins), wanting to fit in, wanting the pleasures of this world that were ruining my life and the lives of those in my family that I was impacting. I was really hemmed in and sick in my sins. And, I was spreading it to others. Yep, sin is really ugly – and deadly.
But then, Jesus…☺
God’s Word, Jesus, became “life” to me. He began to save me (purify me) from all those sins I listed above that were making life miserable, and bringing death to me and my precious family. Jesus really is The Life. He removes the sin in our life that’s killing us, our relationships and everything else. As we learn about Him, we can choose to take on His character, His ways that bring life to us by separating us from our sins.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Now, all I really want to do is tell everyone about the power of the gospel that can save us (salvation) from the sin that so easily “besets” us – I was stuck in my sin with no perceivable way of escape. Then, Jesus came and shined His light (through His Word) into the darkness in my life exposing it so it could be dealt with, so I could begin to become free in Him.
Anyone who is being set free by/in Jesus would do the same. ☺ They can’t help it because it’s so wonderful to be on the path to true freedom in Jesus.
The people (like me) who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2
To give light to them that sit in darkness (the sin in our lives the devil’s using to steal, kill and destroy us) and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:79
“The people who were sitting in darkness (like me) saw a great light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them (me too) a light dawned.” Matthew 4:16
The Light (Jesus) shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (Most people won’t comprehend or understand what Jesus has for them (Matthew 7:13-14). We want to be people who comprehend the Light, Jesus). John 1:5
For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
But you are a chosen race, A royal priesthood, A holy nation, A people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2:9
for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (free from all sin) Ephesians 5:8
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12
to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified (set apart, unburdened, redeemed, make holy) by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18
Let’s keep letting Christ’s light shine into every corner of our lives to expose any darkness that keeps us from living in His liberty.
And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. Psalm 35:28
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. John 17:13
Jesus is with us every day. We can choose to follow Him every day in our studies, our shopping, our marriage, our family, our work, our interactions with each other, and for keeping our minds and emotions in Him. We never need to depend on our feelings since they can change so often according to circumstances. Choose Jesus every day and overcome this world in every area of life. Thank you, Jesus.
Therefore, choose life, choose Jesus.
Go with Jesus and see what He has for you today as you choose to rely on His faithfulness…
Emmanuel – God with us. Wow, isn’t that something? God is with us. All we have to do to acknowledge that is to ask Him into our heart to be our Savior. And then we get to walk everyday with Him in our hearts. God with us – Wow.
Though you have not seen him (Jesus), you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9
Ann and I were meant to fall in love with Jesus, and each other –
The following is not a guilt trip. Not at all. Finding Christ isn’t about laying guilt on anyone. It’s all about having the best life we can have this side of eternity, and then going on to spend all of eternity with Him.
If we don’t pursue Christ, we can miss so many blessings. On the other hand, if we pursue Him with all our heart, we’ll find Him. I want to encourage all men to find Christ, and to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Truly, loving our wives is a large part of pursuing Christ with our whole heart as we endeavor to find Him. And, our wives and children have a much better chance of pursuing and finding Him as well.
As husbands, we can miss out on so many blessings if we’re not loving our wives and truly becoming one with them. Husband’s love your wives as Christ loves the church. There’s a real blessing in pursuing our wives. There are always blessings in doing what God commands us to do. _______
Beautiful By Gordon Lightfoot
At times I just don’t know How you could be anything but beautiful I think that I was made for you And you were made for me
And I know that I won’t ever change ‘Cause we’ve been friends Through rain or shine For such a long, long time
Laughing eyes and smiling face It seems so lucky just to have the right Of telling you with all my might You’re beautiful tonight
And I know that you will never stray ‘Cause you’ve been that way From day to day For such a long, long time
And when you hold me tight How could life be anything but beautiful I think that I was made for you And you were made for me
And I know that I won’t ever change ‘Cause we’ve been friends Through rain or shine For such a long, long time
And I must say it means so much to me To be the one who’s telling you I’m telling you That you’re beautiful _______
Ann came home the other night after having dinner with a friend she used to work with. I’d gone to bed, but before going to bed, I put the song “Beautiful” by Gordon Lightfoot on the computer in the living room so she’d hear it when she got home. In my life and eyes, that song fits Ann beautifully.
Sure enough, Ann came into the bedroom and gave me a kiss telling me how much she loved me and how thankful she was that I think she’s so beautiful.
The first time I played “Beautiful” for Ann on the computer, Ann told me she used to hope that one day someone would think about her the way the “Beautiful” song lyrics describe a man’s love for a lady. Ann didn’t necessarily think she was beautiful. Boy, was she wrong. ☺
I was working at the original “Sports Chalet” in the Southern California area while I going college. I was home on summer break and working at Sports Chalet’s gas station/rental shop in La Canada when in drives this gorgeous lady in a station wagon with a small gold ban on her wedding finger. Wow, I thought she was an absolute knock out. And, she had her hair up in curlers which made it even worse. I mean, if she was that beautiful in curlers then what did she look like without the curlers?
Man, I was totally engulfed with her beauty.
BUT, she had on what I thought was a wedding ring…After Ann left with a full tank of gas, I went into the rental shop office and said to the other workers, “Wow, how fortunate the guy is who’s married to that bombshell.”
A little later on that summer, Ann came driving in the gas station in another car and this time, she had her long, blond hair down and was dressed in a really pretty dress. When I walked up to her car, the first thing out of my mouth was, “Wow, you don’t look bad in curlers, but you look even better like this.” She smiled and asked me to fill up her car. I was dying inside.
When I returned to college the next fall, I was feeling pretty lonely. I wasn’t dating anyone and had no prospects. Sometime later, I discovered that Ann, the beautiful girl I’d seen in the rental shop gas station, was dating one of the fellows who worked there. I was totally amazed to find out she was just 16 and not married after all.
Well, as time went on, I came home from college one day driving by Sports Chalet on my way home. The manager told me I needed to call Ann because she just kept asking about me. I thought, “Are you serious?”
The rest is history. Ann and I got married and I was in dream land.
Now, why am I telling you all this? Because I think Ann is SO beautiful from head to toe. In fact, I tell her that probably 20-50 times a day. I can’t help it. She simply takes my breath away – even after 40 years of marriage. And, I think she’s more beautiful, physically and spiritually, each day. No Kidding.
God had a plan all along. Ann desired to be beautiful to someone, and I wanted a lady exactly like Ann – beautiful, and someone I could love with my whole life and heart. And, someone who wanted to be close to Jesus like I did.
God writes “beautiful” stories. And, I’m feeling pretty blessed “to be the one who’s telling Ann that she’s beautiful tonight.”
That’s why Gordon Lightfoot’s “Beautiful” song was playing when Ann came home last night. Wow, “to think that I was made for her and she was made for me.” Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it right now.
At times, I like to play that song for Ann. I like to remind her of how beautiful I think she is, that her dream of someone thinking the “Beautiful” song’s lyrics about her has come true, and of how much God loves us and is making each of us even more beautiful as He changes us into His likeness, from glory to glory.
Here’s a song I wrote about Ann one day when I was thinking about her and how much she means to me.
Way Beyond Love By Mark Hellikson To Ann Hellikson
When I first saw you, I thought you were taken, The second time I was relieved to be mistaken, You’re exactly what love looks like.
We met to talk, we found we were alike, We agreed we’d be good together and first kissed that night, You’re exactly what love looks like.
More time together was proving what our hearts knew, We had so much in common as our love grew, You’re exactly what love looks like.
We said our vows and promised our futures, For better, for worse our love was what mattered, You’re exactly what love looks like.
We’ve loved each other and come this far together, And have found new ways to say “I love you” to each other, Way beyond love.
Time has tested love and love’s the winner, But something deeper’s been discovered in our souls, Way beyond love.
Our commitment to each other has given new meaning, And now some how, way beyond love, two became one forever, Way beyond love, way beyond love, way beyond love now, way beyond love.
_______
Pursuing Ann has helped both of us to pursue and find more and more of Jesus, and taken us way beyond human love.
Loving Ann and Jesus with my whole heart…I’m learning how to do this better with each new day..
Sitting here thinking about what God has done and anticipating the future with God and Ann – Life is Beautiful.
Shalom is not dependent on circumstances which is why the Apostle Paul could write that he had learned – He’d gotten to truly know Jesus, and Jesus’ care for him – in whatsoever state (condition) he was in to be content (by trusting that God was always in control, he could always have God’s peace – Shalom). Philippians 4:11
Paul turned all of his life, all of his circumstances, all of his dreams, burdens and care over to Jesus.
The following is taken from this site:
https://firm.org.il/learn/the-meaning-of-shalom/
Many are familiar with the Hebrew word shalom or “peace.” The common western definition of peace is — the absence of conflict or war — but in Hebrew it means so much more.
“Shalom” is taken from the root word shalam, which means, “to be safe in mind, body, or estate.” It speaks of completeness, fullness, or a type of wholeness that encourages you to give back — to generously re-pay something in some way.
True biblical shalom refers to an inward sense of completeness or wholeness. Although it can describe the absence of war, a majority of biblical references refer to an inner completeness and tranquility. In Israel today, when you greet someone or say goodbye, you say, Shalom. You are literally saying, “may you be full of well-being” or, “may health and prosperity be upon you.”
If this is the way we understand biblical peace, then suddenly many verses take on a whole new meaning. With this Hebrew thought of shalom in mind, let’s look at a few common Scriptures about peace:
“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace (Shalom – an inward sense of completeness or wholeness in Him – not dependent on outward circumstances.).’” – Numbers 6:23-26
The context of the Aaronic Blessing is ironic (pun intended). God told Aaron to bless Israel with peace while they were getting ready to go conquer the Promised Land. If peace means “the absence of war,” then this doesn’t make sense, since they would soon be destroying cities. God was referring to an inner peace and completeness brought on by sharing in His countenance and His protection. That was the blessing that Israel needed! Israel was to rarely experience times of outward peace, but even in the midst of battle, they were to have an inward rest brought on by the presence of the Lord, regardless of the outward circumstances — so it should be for us as well.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8
Satan isn’t a lion. Oh, he may try to make us think he is. But he’s not.
THIS IS A LION!
and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion (Jesus) that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5
And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord (Jesus) shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2 Thessalonians 2:8
