Love Life

And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:44 And just like that, life splits open, splits me open and nothing is ever the same. In a moment of decision, right or left, everything changes. The certain uncertain. Today, Good Friday, I think about the word good. Really, there’s nothing good about it. It’s a day that commemorates my Lord’s persecution, betrayal, humiliation, torture, rejection and murder.…

Scattered Seeds

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:24 Those who sow in tears reap shouts of joy! Sow in hunger and need. Sow in belief for what’s to come. Harvest. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High abides in His shadow. Under His wings there is refuge. Seek the Lord. Shield of faithfulness. Sow righteousness,…

Rejoice Always

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Sound carries loud across backyard into the house. Excited exclamations punctuated by shrieks and screams as I try to concentrate and work. Irritated, I rise and look out the back porch, flung open wide to embrace the cool evening air. Boys and dad fish illegally in the back yard pond. I watch slightly annoyed by the…

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…