Beauty for Ashes

Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.  Psalm 30:11-12 He comforts all who mourn. Provides for the grief stricken. A crown of beauty and a garment of praise. Beauty for ashes. Despair no more. The Lord’s splendor displayed. Righteousness revealed. Ancient ruins…

Wilderness Ways

  Note from Liz:  This is my first post in 8 months - the hardest 8 months of my life. Here's what I know for sure - God is good and He never lets go. When I am faithless, He is faithful - it says so in His Word - 2 Timothy 2:13. Thank you to my friends, family and readers who encouraged and bugged me to get back to writing. To God be the glory. Forget the former things;…

Never Give Up

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 You are God – there is no other. You are God – there is none like You. Almighty is Your Name. You are the first and the last. Alpha and Omega. Beginning and end. I am the Lord’s servant. His splendor displayed. My reward is with my God. He is my strength. Light of…

Forgive and Never Forget

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Scarlet turned to snow. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Rebellion met with red. Nothing is greater than His blood. Nothing it won’t restore, reconcile, redeem. Covenant blood poured out for many. Sin drenched with love. By His stripes, I am healed.…

Compromise Kills

A man went bear hunting. Soon, a large, brown bear came lumbering across his path searching for berries. The hunter had the bear in his sights and began to squeeze the trigger. What happened next was unexpected. The bear turned and asked, “Excuse me. Isn’t it better to talk than shoot? Why don’t we try to negotiate this matter?” The surprised hunter lowered his gun and said, “Okay….I guess I’m open to that.” “What do you want exactly?” the bear…

Hope on a Hill

As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 This world is passing away along with its desires. Trials and temporary trouble. Hardship and loss. Worldly treasure. Citizen of Heaven, fear not. Promised is a better country, a new Heaven and earth. A city designed and built by God. Righteousness dwells there. Death,…

Tree of Life

Fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true. Bear and abide. Branch attached to vine. Fruit bearing branches pruned. Encouraged to bear even more. Heart’s produce praises God. Acknowledges His Name. Father glorifying fruit. Vine identification. Spirit of life and peace. Humility and gentleness. Love bearing fruit full of sap and green. Grapes never gathered from thorn bushes. Figs won’t grow from thistles. Good trees grow good fruit. Taste and see that the Lord…

Double Trouble

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 It wasn’t intentional. It was an accommodation. A kindness. A compromise. I didn’t want to be that Christian. The one who makes sure everyone knows they don’t drink or let their kids watch certain movies. The one people roll eyes over as they walk away. I wanted my non-Christian friends to feel comfortable and develop…

Storm Rider

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the One who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 Come to Me - I give rest to those who labor. The heavily laden. The burdens you carry I never intended. Lay it down, let it go. I long to gather you close. Learn from Me, for I am gentle. Humble in heart. Draw near. My steadfast love endures forever. When the…

Armor of God

If God is for me, who can be against me? He graciously gives all things. Mercy. Grace. His Own Son. Reconciliation instead of separation. Once lost, now found. I am more than a conqueror in Christ. No weapon formed against me can stand. The Lord vindicates His servants. Strengthens and helps. Gives courage. His righteous, right Hand upholds. I will not be shaken. The Spirit He gives is not fearful. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.…