A Time to Rise

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die. -- Ecclesiastes 3:1,2

The wonder of new life and the seeming finality of death.  Yet the Old Testament writer of Ecclesiastes left out something, because he knew not the future.  There also is a time to RISE.  

Thank you, Jesus, for rising from the dead and giving us a hope and a future.  Amen.

Miserere mei, Deus.

Lord, have mercy, because I am in misery.  My eyes are weak from so much crying, and my whole being is tired from grief.

Psalm 31:9

Thank you, God, that sacrifice to You is a troubled spirit, a broken and contrite heart , that You will not despise.  Amen.  (Ps. 51:17)

"Palm" Sunday

I will not forget you. 
Behold, I have graven you on the palms of my hands.
-- Isaiah 49:16

On this Palm Sunday, I pray that you will rest in God's loving care for you. 

Lord, thank you for holding us so lovingly amidst this journey of life, especially when we feel bewildered and blindsided.  Amen.

A Dawning Hope

The Lord shall make good his loving-kindness toward me; yea, thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever; despise not then the works of thine own hands.

-- Psalm 138:8

 

Lord, every morning, there is a new beautiful dawn.  Let this enduring reality be a sign that You indeed are good.

A Tower with Power

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the just run to it and are safe.

-- Proverbs 18:10 (NAB)

The Tower Bridge.

An iconic landmark appears toylike from above.  Yet at ground level, it's a famous tourist destination and passageway over the Thames River.

God is a Tower, high above all earthly towers. His perspective is infinitely broader than that of us living and breathing at ground level.  

As we navigate day-to-day life and seek Him for wisdom, we can be assured that He knows the big picture. 

Lord, You are the Way, Truth and the Life.  Lead and guide those of us on the ground. 

Fun for a First Mate

 Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively.
     -- Ecclesiastes 4:9 (GNT)

Supporting one's partner over the years can be as simple as holding the flashlight while the other looks under the hood of a car, or helping with dishes after a meal, or perhaps in later years pushing a wheelchair.  

For yours truly, supporting my guy's latest venture has amounted to a boatload of fun!  Read about it here in the March/April issue of Good Old Boat magazine:

Thank you, Lord, for bringing beautiful new experiences to well-seasoned couples.  

This Wasn't Supposed to Happen

Eleven - the number of disciples missing at the foot of the cross.  Where were they?  Hiding?  In bed with the covers pulled over their head?  It didn't turn out like they'd expected.  But the story wasn't over.

Life doesn't turn out the way we expect.  

But the story isn't over.  

"I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  ~ John 16:33