May 24, 2020
This is Memorial Day week-end. It is the time that is set aside to remember those that have served, fought and given their lives for the freedom we are blessed with in this country. It is also the time to remember those that have gone to be with the Lord before us. As I was praying about what to share this week my heart thought of everything we can be thankful for now even as we are still caught up in a world situation. I am so thankful for all those heroes who fought and gave their lives for this country’s freedom and are still fighting today. They bring hope. Without hope there can be no future. Without the hope of those who gave their lives for this country we would not be who we are today. Without hope people perish. We can remember the many times in our lives that we may have felt hopeless about different situations. Yet, as we recall those experiences we know that our heavenly Father was there to bring real hope and expectation even when we saw nothing.      
 
Being thankful with hope and complaining do not go together. My thoughts are that is ok to discuss situations, thoughts, and opinions but guard your heart. Whenever we cross the line of complaining, judging and anything negativity we have gone to a place that causes heart issues. This whole world situation has taken many people to constant complaining. I will admit I have gone to that point. I imagine most of us have because this has been an experience like we have never seen or had before. Complaining takes us down the wrong road in our thinking. It can cause a lot of stress, worry and negativity. We don’t see clearly when we are complaining all the time. Complaining is the opposite of gratitude. I have definitely figured out when I cross the line. I can feel it inside. It’s like I become someone I am not and my heart gets heavy. When so much negativity and strife is happening in our world around us how can we guard our hearts and minds in Him and see clearly?
 
The Lord has showed me I need to guard my heart with all vigilance. “So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 Then He reminded me of one of my favorite chapters in the Word, Psalm 1.             
“What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways! He won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat.
His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light.
He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of his life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous.  But how different are the wicked. All they are is dust in the wind—driven away to destruction! The wicked will not endure the day of judgment, for God will not defend them. Nothing they do will succeed or endure for long, for they have no part with those who walk in truth. But how different it is for the righteous! The Lord embraces their paths as they move forward while the way of the wicked leads only to doom.”
 
Here is an answer to the question of how do we guard our hearts with all diligence in all this negativity. “His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of his life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous.” 
 
“Don’t you know? Haven’t you been listening? Yahweh is the one and only everlasting God, the Creator of all you can see and imagine! He never gets weary or worn out. His intelligence is unlimited; he is never puzzled over what to do!” Isaiah 40:28
The Lord isn’t even surprised when we start to get weary and complaining in situations. He knows us. He loves us. He cares for us! All we have to do is come to Him with a surrendered heart, a heart that is desiring to remain true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. He isn’t puzzled over what to do or what is happening in our lives. Situations happen in our lives. Trials come. The uncertain times in our country and world aren’t the only thing happening in any of our lives. There were issues, hurt relationships, concerns, doubts, physical problems that we had at the beginning of March when the sudden crisis got piled on top of our life issues. The other issues felt buried for a time but are finding their way back to the top of our thoughts. I’ve had a couple nights where I’ve woke up at 3 or 4 thinking on unresolved hurts from a few months ago. I’m so thankful that I chose not to let them cause me to lose sleep. For me – I had to physically get up and purposely change my focus. I chose to give my issues to the Lord and I actually went back to sleep. It wasn’t just a time of sleepless worry, it was a time of tears as I tried to find a solution to my problem. I honestly was surprised and thankful when I woke up a couple hours later – worry free. “Now, because of you, Lord, I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once, for no matter what happens, I will live unafraid!” Psalm 4:8
 
Struggles, apart from the virus, are still happening in each of our lives. Blessings are still abundant in each of our lives! We just got caught off guard with this new attack on our country and the world and that is still not resolved. I feel, in the natural, there will be a few more months of uncertainties, changes and surprises before this is over. But we can’t wait for it to be over to get our hearts right. We need to thank Him, praise Him and worship Him day and night. He has to be our only answer! He is our only “go to” for whatever we need. Celebrate Him!
“Lord, I will worship you with extended hands as my whole heart explodes with praise! I will tell everyone everywhere about your wonderful works and how your marvelous miracles exceed expectations!
I will jump for joy and shout in triumph as I sing your song and make music for the Most High God.
For when you appear, I worship while all of my enemies run in retreat. They stumble and perish before your presence. Listen, everyone! Sing out your praises to the God
who lives and rules within Zion! Tell the world about all the miracles he has done!” Psalm 9:1-3,11
 
“Then you will be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!” Ephesians 3:18-19


Take time to be thankful. Thankfulness pushes out any doubt, fear and hopelessness. Remembrance and thanksgiving go together. Having thanksgiving in our hearts is so powerful and brings healing to our lives. As we fill our heart with thanksgiving and hope we are forgetting the junk and remembering the promises. We are remembering His faithfulness, His mercy, His grace, His joy, His power, His ways, His wonderful love. Don’t forget what the Lord has done for you and all those around you that are giving to better our future. Say “Thank You” today.  I say “thank you” to you! I say “Thank you” to our church family and all your love, faith, prayers, hope and support. As pastors, we are thankful to all of you. You have been amazing during this time. Your understanding and your prayers for us as we make difficult decisions are definitely felt. The best is yet to come as we see an outpouring of many who want to know our Jesus. Together we are going forward in mighty strength and power in this new time He has put before us. “Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24     “And now, Lord, what do I wait for and expect? My hope and expectation are in You.” Psalm 39:7
 
 
 
 

May 17, 2020
Come on, everyone! Let’s sing for joy to the Lord! Let’s shout our loudest praises to our God who saved us! Everyone come meet his face with a thankful heart. Don’t hold back your praises; make him great by your shouts of joy! For the Lord is the greatest of all, King-God over all other gods! In one hand he holds the mysteries of the earth
and in the other he holds the highest mountain peaks. He’s the owner of every ocean,
the engineer and sculptor of earth itself! Come and kneel before this Creator-God;
come and bow before the mighty God, our majestic maker! For we are the lovers he cares for and he is the God we worship. So drop everything else and listen to his voice!” Psalm 95:1-9
 
The most important thing we can do right now is keep our focus on the Lord and praise Him! We know by now there is much more involved in the change in our world than the virus. These last 8 weeks have been full of confusion. The left hand really doesn’t know what the right hand is doing and vice versa. I didn’t mean that politically even though there is truth there also. The sad part is after 8 weeks there is still confusion. There’s still no answers to so many situations. Some leaders want people to wait 3 more months staying at home. Many people are rising up saying this is enough – we need to work. Many huge events are being canceled for months. Before long the virus won’t seem as much of a priority in the minds of people around the world as the next fear of an economic disaster that will take years to recover from. All I know to do is shout “Hallelujah” another opportunity for Believers to rise above the fears and go forward!
 
As Ed and I traveled back from my Mom’s the other day we talked about how we saw the near future in ministry. We don’t have clear answers on how and what we will do but we know we will be going forward – not sitting still - and we know we are victorious! The Lord showed us a picture of people rejoicing, excited and in peace. We see our world conference as a coming together of Believers, pastors and leaders that are so excited and full of hope. We will live stream these meetings to the nations. Our theme is “Refocus Your Vision” which we chose last fall. The Spirit knew what we would need now! Visions and ministry around the world will be refocused for this new season of ministry. How exciting! At this point the pig roast will still happen this summer to help the orphans and elderly in Peru where this mess is really hitting hard. The men’s conference is a go as men will come together to rise up in their callings during this time. We are going forward with plans to go to Kenya in December. We feel this is crucial right now as we don’t know what restrictions could be on traveling in the next few years. How will this all happen? We don’t know the specifics. He just told us to go forward and be courageous. “But Christ is more than a Servant, he was faithful as the Son in charge of God’s house. And now we are part of his house if we continue courageously to hold firmly to our bold confidence and our victorious hope.” Hebrews 3:6
 
Courageous – Strength – Faith – Hope – Love – Standing strong – go forward – Rest. These are the words we hear the Lord speak to us as we pray and seek his wisdom. There’s a fine line between being aware of what is happening in the world around us and keeping our focus on Him. Focusing on the news and social media is not helpful. So much of what we hear has a hint of truth and a heap of deception. It just brings more fear and/or confusion into our hearts.  Our country is so divided right now and that is not good. There’s so much actual hate on both sides which makes people’s hearts harden to the truth. This last week I read through the book of Hebrews in the Passion Translation. In Hebrews 3 it talks about the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. They still doubted and still had unbelief after all God had delivered them from.  In Hebrews 3:10 it says, “‘They wander in their hearts just like they do with their feet, and they refuse to learn my ways.’”
 
“So search your hearts every day, my brothers and sisters, and make sure that none of you has evil or unbelief hiding within you. For it will lead you astray, and make you unresponsive to the living God. This is the time to encourage each other to never be stubborn or hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:12-13 This isn’t the time to wander in your hearts. The enemy knows the strength and power of Believer’s coming together! The enemy’s plan is to keep us separated as long as possible. Without fellowship our hearts can wander and our minds get focused on situations – our situations. Right now the enemy has Believers battling each other over what is the right or wrong thing to do during this virus. This shouldn’t be! Encourage one another to not harden their hearts. There is not one single mandate that has been made that doesn’t have 2 sides to it and both can make some sense. That is the reason to look to Him for all your wisdom and not put all your trust and faith in what the professionals, health leaders and so on say. We know there’s 2 sides for sure. We have all the internet articles, news information and wherever we get our information from. If your mandate isn’t from heaven, from  – the Provider – the Healer – the Answer – the Wisdom - then the mandate you are following will have flaws.
 
 A house divided will not stand! We can’t be divided as the body of Christ. Personally, Ed and I have to stand on the truth we believe He gave us even when some of our church family disagree. As leaders this is hard and tears at our hearts. We don’t all see it the same, even politically, but we can still come together in His love. All we know is that there is an enemy that wants the church divided and weak. We won’t give into the lies!
 
He is our hope, the earnest expectation of good. He is our faith – the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. What we see if we look at this situation is not real. Hope and faith don’t see in the natural realm. What do we see in His hope and faith?  That’s something to ponder and meditate on.
 
“So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.” Hebrews 4:16
 
“And now we have run into his heart to hide ourselves in his faithfulness. This is where we find his strength and comfort, for he empowers us to seize what has already been established ahead of time—an unshakeable hope! We have this certain hope like a strong, unbreakable anchor holding our souls to God himself. Our anchor of hope is fastened to the mercy seat which sits in the heavenly realm beyond the sacred threshold, and where Jesus, our forerunner, has gone in before us.” Hebrews 6:18-20
 
“So now we must cling tightly to the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps his promises! Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.” Hebrews 10:23-25
 
“Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. This testimony of faith is what previous generations were commended for.  Faith empowers us to see that the universe was created and beautifully coordinated by the power of God’s words! He spoke and the invisible realm gave birth to all that is seen.” Hebrews 11: 1-3

 May 10, 2020
          Happy Mother’s Day!!! Today I am thankful for my Mom, who will be 90 in a couple months. I thank the Lord for giving me a Mom who believed in the Lord and raised me up to believe and trust in Him also. She is an amazing woman and Mom to this day.  
          I am also thankful for my “sisters”.  God created women to be different than men so that when we come together in a marriage we complement each other. God created women with interests and desires that can only be fulfilled through a relationship with other women. Isn’t that amazing?  He created us to desire close friendships. He created women with feelings and compassion's that only another woman could really deep down understand.
          Then I want to thank the Lord for my children who He gave me to be a Mother to. I am so blessed with my 5 children and who they are as individuals. They are now full fledged adults that are raising amazing children themselves. But no matter how old they are a mother’s heart loves them just as much today as when they were little ones. It’s almost hard to explain or understand but I thank the Lord daily for my wonderful blessings. I also thank Him for the spouses my children chose and feel so blessed to have 10 children to love. Then there are the 22 grandchildren that touch my heart like nothing I can explain. My heart is so full of love for all my family, I would have never thought I could really love so many people so deeply. I know it’s all because of the Lord and His love working through me.
          Today I want to write to Moms and women in general. Even if you are not a Mom in the physical most women were created with a mother’s heart to love and nurture others. I have a heart to minister to other moms and especially young women as I believe we all have a very special call on our lives from the Lord and it can seem to get lost in real life. During this time we are in you have the opportunity to impart love and truth into your children’s hearts and lives like never before. If the Word is truth and true, which it is, the younger generations will face much harder situations than we are now. As they see your faith in Him, your strength in Him, it will give them an example to follow.
          When I was 10 my Dad passed away suddenly. Naturally, my Mom had some very hard times. My brothers and I watched her trust the Lord, put all her faith in Him and stand strong and courageous to provide for us 3 kids. We never once saw her waiver in her relationship with Jesus. She taught us His Word with her words and actions. Then 13 years later I was in the exact same situation, a young widow with 3 children. Her example was what got me through this time when she didn’t live close enough to help me. No one knew what to say to help me. Few knew how to console a 23 year old widow. But I remembered my Mom’s words and example. It was a blessing and God given gift to me. We never know what is ahead but we do know our children and others are watching us and how we deal with situations.
          What you say, what you do, the little ones and others are watching. All of us as moms, grandmas and women are in a place in history most of us have not experienced before. Our focus now, rather on the truths of the Lord or on the things and fears of world, is going to affect our children’s lives. We have the joy to give our children the greatest gift – the gift of example as we trust and serve the Lord. The gift of showing them that His faith is working through us. These young ones already have such a great faith – the faith of a child. We can help keep that strong by not squelching it with what we say and do. What if you are struggling with all this change and situations yourself? This is your/our chance to stop, look to the Lord and seek His wisdom and let Him show us what to do next. This is where older moms and women need to minister and encourage the younger women. “the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—  that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.” Titus 2:3-4 This is where we can come together in praying for each other. Prayer is something we can always do and it can’t be taken away us. As moms and women we have “one of those days” sometimes often. There’s no such thing as a perfect mom, grandma, person. That’s why we need to know Him first and His unconditional love for us. We need to believe who we were created to be because He became our sacrifice for sin, then was buried and rose again giving us a new identity in Him. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NKJV
          We need each other. We weren’t created to be alone and not help one another. The mandates put on us during this situation in our country will cause some frustrations inside our heart because we are going against His Word and our own hearts. The great thing is that He’s aware of what’s happening in our world and He will give each of us creative ideas on how to pray with others, share with other women and moms and encourage one another. He’s still the victory in all this and “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV
          Right now I believe the Lord is encouraging women and moms to stand strong, stand firm and listen to His words for you and your family. Your purpose hasn’t vanished with this mess. Actually, this time has enhanced your purpose and call. You can see clearer what your ministry is when the world slowed down a bit. As a mom your ministry to raise up your children may look different after this time. You may be learning things from Him you want to share with others. None of us will come away from this season in our lives the same and that includes our children. It’s our choice to come away rejoicing and thankful for all we have gleaned from these circumstances. Our other choice would be to choose to be angry and bitter. Others are watching no matter which choice we make.
          I think my main point of all this is that right now we are history makers and world changers. What we say and do now will make a difference 10 years from now because our children will many times do what they see us do. Others are also seeding into your child’s life and heart, some very good things and there are things that they are seeing and hearing now that is not good. As their mom you have the God given ability to “Train up a child in the way he should go, teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. AMP Father’s and others have a part in this but only moms can give their children certain things. The gifts and love of a mom are like nothing else they will receive in their lives. These are changing times. For myself, I’ve had time for many heart to heart talks with my heavenly Father. What seemed so important a couple months ago doesn’t matter as much now. He’s changing some of my thoughts and desires, telling me to have courage and strength to go forward in Him. It’s time for all of us as women to go deeper in Him so we can do all He has for us to do. Being passive, unstable and unsure are not good character traits for the days ahead. “Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future knowing that she and her family are prepared. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue, giving counsel and instruction. She looks well to how things go in her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, happy, prosperous, to be admired; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying, “Many daughters have done nobly, and well, with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness, but you excel them all.” Charm and grace are deceptive, and superficial beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31: 25-30 AMP
          Here are some verses that tell us how powerful the faith of our children is: “Lord, your name is so great and powerful! People everywhere see your splendor. Your glorious majesty streams from the heavens, filling the earth with the fame of your name! You have built a stronghold by the songs of babies. Strength rises up with the chorus of singing children. This kind of praise has the power to shut Satan’s mouth. Childlike worship will silence the madness of those who oppose you.” Psalm 8:1-2 Passion I think these are awesome verses. Singing children and childlike faith shuts the mouth of the enemy! Children are gifted and blessed by God as much as we are but still need guidance and training. As we train them with His Word and our love for the Lord flowing through us, we can learn from their faith. I pray this encourages you to be all God created you to be to encourage, train and love others! Happy Mother’s Day blessed women of God!!!

May 3, 2020
We are now a couple months into these circumstances – to me – I call it a mess. It’s been a time of deception, confusion and fear that has caused so many people to get depressed and frustrated. As Believers most have started to catch on that this wasn’t God’s way and we cast off all the negative stuff the world is trying to put on us and have choose to focus on Him. I will admit I had a few fearful, confusing times along the way but soon figured out I couldn’t listen to all the stuff the world was telling me and still keep my peace. My peace is only in Jesus and my focus has to be stayed on Him. There’s been some blessings come from the mess. In fact, every day is full of blessings if we have our eyes open to see them. The days – weeks – months ahead will be just as full of control by fear and lies. I think, at least I hope, we are at a point we can see the deceptions and rise above them and take our authority in His name. We have authority over the deceiver and he is already defeated but we let him weasel his way into our emotions with some fears and doubts.
 
There has been so much controversy – so many thoughts – so much fear. Our daily lives are full of choices we must make ourselves even though mandates appear to take away our choices. The Lord understands the decisions we face every day, especially now. Sometimes it is hard to know which way to go but we must be guided by His peace. Our decisions come from the Holy Spirit not our emotions or own understanding. And our decisions may not look like the choice someone else makes. That’s the tough one. As Believers, will all our decisions on this virus situation be the same? Probably not. The choices we make to be led by the Holy Spirit, keep our eyes on the Lord and stay in peace should be the same. We must submit our desires to Him and listen. When emotions are high and fears are haunting us we have a harder time hearing Him clearly. The fact that we desire to follow Him makes all the difference. We can live by Proverbs 3:4-5 – which we have heard many times the last few weeks “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” We know He is leading and guiding us as we trust and acknowledge Him in all we do.
 
One of the most difficult parts of this time is every mandate has gone against who we were created to be. That’s where some of the confusion and fears come in for all who love the Lord.  One example is we weren’t created to be without fellowship, face to face. As Believer’s, the mandates have been against the Word. Before you get too rattled about what I am saying – I am not saying that we rebel against the mandates. In the beginning of this whole thing the protocol that was explained made some sense to our understanding but as weeks have gone on the Spirit inside is saying this isn’t right – it’s the opposite of how the Word says it should be. I’ve shared some of this before but social distancing is not His way. No touching? He says BELIEVERS lay hands on the sick and they shall recover! What, is the Word void and null if the government tells us something else? I don’t believe so. What about Hebrews 10:25 where it says: “This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing, because we need each other! In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.” Passion Translation  Or in the Amplified it says: “Not forsaking our meeting together, as believers for worship and instruction, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more faithfully as you see the day of Christ’s return approaching.” What the Word says is far above more accurate than what science and charts say. Then there are those who are without work and cannot even work. They had successful businesses that they had worked hard to establish. Many of these are self- employed people are struggling with frustration and anger because the government has taken away their right to do as the Word says: “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” 1 Timothy 5:8 All these Biblical principles dwell in us and when we are told we can’t do them it is going against the Spirit that lives inside us. It’s a fight. Then there is the “safer at home” deception. You are safer wherever the Lord tells you to be! Period. No one protects us but our Father the Protector! Covering our faces with masks is hiding the Light and also a huge opportunity for unsafe people – criminals to be amongst us. Those running from the law, released from the jails and those in a hard time about to resort to theft to care for themselves love the mask idea. They know they cannot be recognized with a mask on. Those without masks are criticized and scorned! What is happening? But these are the mandates put before us for now and some say from now on. The choices we make with these guidelines are ours to make in Him. There may be times He tells Ed and me to go visit someone and lay hands on them and we will do that. There have been times when 10 people gathered face to face – held hands, prayed and took communion. Just listen to Him. We, mostly Ed, have gone to the homes of each of the 50+ families in our ministry at least once and most twice in the last month. More ministry has happened during these visits than we could have imagined. It’s what the Lord showed us to do. We’ve taken food to the homeless and even touched one. He guided us to do that. More mandates and laws are now being made to wear masks. If that doesn’t bother you – go for it. If it does bother you – don’t go to the cities or businesses that require you to wear a mask or you can’t do business with them. That sounds a bit like the end of the Bible but I’m not going there right now. These are choices that are between you and your Shepherd. You don’t have to make a scene or rebel just follow His way of peace and you will have no doubt, confusion or fear inside you.
 
The next thing we really need to do right now is encourage one another. Lots of encouragement happens on Facebook and social media. But we all need to hear real voices on the phone.  Cards in the mail lift our spirits. Even in these times you can drop by someone’s home with- a meal, some food and goodies, flowers and a card. If the Lord puts someone on your heart to take something to – then go do it. You aren’t safer at home when He’s guiding you somewhere. You don’t know how much joy you will bring to the receiver. To be His deliverer we must be an overcomer. Overcome the fears, confusion and frustration. When our daughter left home at 18 as a missionary to India the Lord told me she was safer where He wanted her to go than if I had her tied to my kitchen table. That was close to 25 years ago and I will never forget that. She went on to Uganda, Pakistan and Afghanistan serving Him.
 
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.” Romans 12:9-10 Abhor evil, cling to good, Him, and be kind to one another.
 
“Because of this, encourage the hearts of your fellow believers and support one another, just as you have already been doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 We are here to encourage one another. That is one of the greatest gifts we can give – encouragement to fellow believers not just the lost world.
 
“Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.” Proverbs 12:25 This is a powerful verse for many during this season.
“Now, this means that when we come together and are side by side, something wonderful will be released. We can expect to be co-encouraged and co-comforted by each other’s faith!” Romans 1:12 Powerful truth!
Listen to Him – this road before us could be long and narrow but with our Shepherd we will get to the other side or maybe we are already there. The other side isn’t a place where we are back to our old normal ways with all the difficulties are erased. The other side is when we have His peace, joy, hope, fullness, courage, love, faith – all that’s in Him we have in us as we live in a world of chaos. That’s His way. If that’s where you are – you’ve followed Him through the valley of the shadow of death and feared no evil. What a glorious place to be!!! We have the victory!!