Category: News Alert

Some Gave All

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

I hope Memorial Day brought to mind the American lives sacrificed in war. My reading of historical fiction as broadened my appreciation of veterans in many arenas—the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WW1, WW2, the wars in Korea, Viet Nam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Whatever our political views, the men and women who fought, bearing arms and stretchers, sacrificing safety and security, deserve our respect and gratitude. But let me spotlight a different cadre of soldiers—the men and women who travel to foreign countries armed with the Gospel.

These “soldiers” left comfortable homes and ventured into dark, unfamiliar places to bring the good news of truth and freedom. Many Christians give some for the sake of the Gospel. Some Christians give all—like Davy (23) and Natalie (21) Lloyd. This young missionary couple married in 2022 and moved to Haiti to minister in an orphanage and school. On May 23 they were murdered by gang members.

This Memorial Day season I have an increased appreciation for those who serve—in the military and in missions. “Thank you” seems too small. Financial support and prayers also seem too small, but they are what I have and what I will give… for those who give all.

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart

Good News

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Jesus’ “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem was exciting, joyful, hopeful! But days later, nothing seemed triumphant when He was arrested and sentenced to death. His crucifixion had to stymie His once enthusiastic followers. Those who threw up their hands in worship days before, must have thrown up their hands in confusion. But then, the unimaginable happened. Incredibly, gloriously, victoriously—Jesus rose from the grave!

Forty days later He had His true triumphal entry. In the sight of angels and His disciples, Jesus triumphantly ascended into heaven—the New Jerusalem. He regained His place of glory and sat on His throne to forever reign.

His victory came through suffering we could never know—it came so we would never have to know. Jesus’ life purchased life for us and for all who accept Him.

I love Peter’s summary of Jesus’ ministry in Acts 10:34-43:

“I… realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him* and does what is right…

“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and… He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him…

“All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

Let’s allow ourselves to be caught up in the emotion of Palm Sunday and worship the One who made a Triumphal Entry into our hearts. He gives us life now and for eternity.

Our Triumphal Entry awaits us!

*honors, respects, loves Him

News Alert (3 of 3)

~ Barbara ~ 4 Comments

Current Headlines

  • Israel has warned that Hamas in Palestinian territories, as well as Iran, is likely to take advantage of the Ramadan season to start another violent uprising. 
  • Senate passes $460 billion package to fund the government
  • Putin warns the West that Russia is ready for nuclear war
  • FBI director warns of ‘very dangerous threats’ at border, smuggling network with ‘ISIS ties’
  • US-funded report issues urgent AI warning of ‘uncontrollable’ systems turning on humans

How do these headlines make you feel? Worried? Anxious? Powerless?

The God who is all-powerful is not wringing His hands or searching for plan B. Psalm 2 tells us He sees nations conspiring and people plotting but is neither worried nor anxious. Actually,

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them (verse 4).

If we are impressed by weapons and armies, stymied by governmental decisions, frustrated by our inability to change things, we are looking for power in the wrong places. Psalm 33 corrects our vision:

No king is saved by the size of his army;
    no warrior escapes by his great strength.
A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
    despite all its great strength it cannot save.

It is not a vast military or strong defenders or powerful weapons that give us hope. It is confidence in the God who is over all and controls all—read verse 18:

But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.

When the psalmist asks, “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?” (Psalm 2:1) God’s answer reverberates above the tumultuous earth,

“I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain” (verse 6).

Fear not. Focus above. Feed on the Psalms.

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixaby

News Alert (2)

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

Top news: the primaries, the slander, the accusations. Opinions are rampant, triggering divisiveness and suspicion. Who can be believed? It is easy to worry and become fearful.

But… this is the confidence we can have when we trust God:

He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.
Daniel 2:21-22

Fold up the paper and turn off the TV. Let the Bible feed your faith and replace your fears.