As I started to write and was about two pages in I heard God say “Why are you doing your own thing? So, I stopped a prayed for clarity. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which looks right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Seeing that I write every week one might think that it comes easy, but I am here to tell you that I only do; what I do with the strength and wisdom supplied by the Holy Spirit. The Lord spoke to me and said do not leave him out. I did not do it intentionally and I thank him for gently reminding me that I can do nothing without him. Jesus said in John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me and I in Him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without Me ye can do nothing. I say all this because it takes nothing for the door of pride to swing right open when one feels that they have what it takes to fulfill their purpose without the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes we do not notice when we fall back into old ways, but I thank God for King Jesus and the Holy Spirit that always quickens us when he sees that we have taken a wrong turn. The takeaway from stating this is to know that at some point we all need to decide when sinning if we are going to stop, repent and say Lord I need you, or continue on the path that leads to destruction. My prayer is that we all take the first route.
Never forget that we must abide in God as an act of obedience. James 1:17 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. As much as this blog is about me and the passing of my son Joshua, it is the Lord’s penmanship to give him glory and praise. John the Baptist said in John 3:30 He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. And when we do this we will develop the discipline required o move to our next chapter.
A few weeks ago, the Lord advised me that I needed to create a comment section because I am not the only one hurting, and a safe place needed to be a part of this site. Safe haven is what I hear the Lord speak, a place where one can come in the middle of the night and let go of the fears that are before them. Psalm 36:9 For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Lord, we need this light and life that you speak of, but you are a gentleman that will never force yourself upon us. I ask in the name of Jesus that your heart will be open to receive all that you wish to bestow on us. My grandmother told me a little before she died one night when I asked her to pray for me while on the other side of the world that there is no distance in prayer. I mention this because I also believe that there is no distance in Love (Agape the LOve of the Father).
I had the opportunity last year to meet some members of families that have experienced the loss of a loved one due to violence. To be honest, at first, I felt like finally, someone would understand my feelings but then fear set in because I did not know what to expect at the same time especially seeing that these matters are never easy to discuss. But that part of this journey was needed because it showed me even more what God had spoken in Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend also mentioned in Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?
Deuteronomy 32:30-31
30 How could one person chase a thousand of them, and two people put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the Lord had given them up?31 But the rock of our enemies is not like our Rock, as even they recognize.
I do not know where everyone is on this road of grief, and I always want to make sure that one is ready to speak but I truly desire to get to know viewers and learn from them on you learned to deal with life without one. God, this morning you spoke to me as I was going to go downstairs to prepare breakfast for my other children he said 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Sometimes I just feel tired and I do not know if it is because of the grief or just life but what I do know is that Isaiah 40:31 says But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
I just speak that over every one of us that we would not grow weary and walk and not faint.
I am here learning to cope with the most difficult situation possible but in the midst of that while learning I know that God has called me to reach back and pull out others. But I can do this is my strength, it is his that is required along with many others because I do not know everything, nor do I desire to. I need others to come alongside me like David needed Johnathan and Moses needed Aaron and Hur while he was on the mountain. I need some to keep my hand lifted high when my hands feel like they can’t sustain the war anymore. Prayer is such an important tool and I hope that you all have been exercising it. Unity is required I hear the Lord speak and not just with families that have suffered a loss due to violence but with people that have lost nothing. Why? Because we are all human and one’s life should matter to all even if you are not directly affected it should still affect you to know that someone is going to bed without the love that they once had.
Strength is required for this season you can not do it alone I hear the Lord speak
Please see this beautiful love story that demonstrates the love of a brother when one falls weak.
Exodus 17:7-14
7 Moses named the place Massah (which means “test”) and Meribah (which means “arguing”) because the people of Israel argued with Moses and tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord here with us or not?”
Israel Defeats the Amalekites
8 While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. 9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So, Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So, his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.14 After the victory, the Lord instructed Moses, “Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read it aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
God, I need you to raise my hand because the furnace is hot, and although I feel like running I know that much change will come out of it; Good things I hear you speak. While learning how to cope and move on from things at times it feels so uncomfortable but give me your peace that surpasseth all understanding Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:3-7
Yes, I ask you also, true companion, [a] help these women, who have labored[b] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[c] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Transparent moment it is 8:35 pm Sunday, February 19, 2023, I had to pause for a few minutes to cry, pray and worship. You know life is not easy and I have periods where all I can do as my pastor said this morning is #Selah (Pause and reflect on what God has done and hold on to that and pray that he will do it again. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 says 3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 [a]We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 6 And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient. I have to hang on to this because I know that he is going to come through its just a matter of when.
We all need Jesus, but we also need each other. I would love to hear from you all in regard to how you have been dealing with situations about grief and keep in mind grief is not only for losing a loved from. People grieve Jobs, relationships, and past situations that have left them feeling hurt, rejected, and forgotten. Will you share your voice with me this week and have the faith required to know that when Jesus is at the center of a thing it can do nothing but grow and stretch forth.
Closing Prayer
Psalms 56:1-2
O God, have mercy on me, for people are hounding me. My foes attack me all day long.2 I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me. Lord be merciful to us and help us to let go of anything from the past that would hinder us from moving forward while resting in your peace, Cover the minds of your Children in Jesus’ name.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
This week’s song is called -Arms of Grace by Bryan & Katie Torwalt
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