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Sunday, February 9, 2025

Jehoshaphat’s Secret Weapon: Worship in the Storm

 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” II Chronicles 20:12

When the world closes in and anxiety knocks on your door, remember Jehoshaphat's masterclass in faith. Instead of trying to wrestle the problem to the ground or relying on his own strength, he chose to lift his eyes and his voice to God. He prayed and worshiped, surrendering his ears and worries to the Almighty.

When the weight of the world threatens to crush you, let the anxiety be a trigger to turn to worship. Dive into the Word, immerse yourself in prayer, and find community in Bible studies and church. Let the sweet embrace of worship envelop you, and watch as it chases away the shadows of worry.

In the midst of chaos, Jehoshaphat's example reminds us that worship is the ultimate game changer. It's the secret weapon that turns fear into faith and anxiety into peace. So let's choose to worship our way out of worry, and into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

This picture was taken when we traveled through Massachusetts, June 2024

Restoring the Joy

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

I wrote this in 2004:
Dear Lord,
In this moment, I cling to the promise that Your strength is perfected in my weakness. Today my spirit is wounded, battered by hurtful words and challenging circumstances. The weight of it all has left me feeling beaten, tired, and discouraged.

Yet, in the midst of my tears, I cry out to You, Lord I pause to acknowledge Your presence, I pray for your strength, and I wait in expectation of Your healing balm.

Though the pain is real, I am reminded that it pales in comparison to the suffering Your Son endured for me. His sacrifice gives me the courage to trust in Your plan, even when I don't understand it.

Surrounded by "joy-takers" and negativity, I choose to fix my eyes on You, the Restorer of my joy. I trust that You are still working, even in the darkest moments.

So I cry, I pause, I pray, and I wait. Lord, infuse me with Your strength, Your joy. May Your grace sustain me, and may Your love guide me forward.

Thank you, Lord, for being my Rock, my Refuge, and my Redeemer.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

This picture was taken at Bethesda by the Sea Church in April 2013.



Saturday, February 8, 2025

God's Control!

And he went out to meet Asa, and said to him: “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. II Chronicles 15:2

King Asa decided to trust in men and his own riches to protect him instead of God and was defeated.


The bad news is we are way weaker and worse than we think we are....the good news is that Jesus is way stronger and better than we could ever hope or imagine....a quote from Pastor Tullian

                                           Trust God to take care of everything!

 This picture was taken on a walk October 20, 2012 at Morikami Japanese Gardens.