Never

It is important to know that when you stand with God, you never stand alone. God is the only person in your life that you never have to say good-bye to.

Not in life, not in trouble, not in turmoil, not in joyous occasions, not in illness, not in failure, not in death. Never. When you walk with God, you never walk alone. Times are frightening. We see panic all around us; generated and real. But, God would not have us to panic or be fearful if we are children of his. We may call on him for all our needs. We may talk to him about anything.

Psalm 4
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness:

thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress;

have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

2
O ye sons of men, how long will ye

turn my glory into shame? how long will ye

love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

3
But know that the LORD hath set

apart him that is godly for himself:

the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

4
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with

your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

and put your trust in the LORD.

6
There be many that say,

Who will show us any good?

LORD, lift thou up the light of

thy countenance upon us.

7
Thou hast put gladness in my heart,

more than in the time that their corn

and their wine increased.

8
I will both lay me down in peace,

and sleep: for thou, LORD,

only makest me dwell in safety.

Stop with the Gimmicks

Imagine. Fully visualize this and put yourself in this place:

You are repeatedly slapped in the face and struck on your body
You are blindfolded and pushed around with beating hands
You are spit upon by many mouths
You are whipped with a whip that tears your skin apart
You are stripped of your clothes
You are struck multiple times in the head with thick, stinging sticks
You have long thorns pushed against and into your head, piercing and tearing the skin
You are mocked and spit on and humiliated
You are forced to drag the implement of your death for all to see
You are exhausted from the beatings, the torture
Your facial hair is ripped out, your face bruised and swollen so it is unrecognizable
Your wrists are pierced through with heavy nails, pinned to the cross
Your ankles are pierced through with heavy nails, pinned to the cross
You are lifted into the air, hanging on wood,
Your body weight draws down, slowly suffocating you, your lungs find it difficult to take in air,
You are naked and mocked and dying...

And you have the power and ability to call down the angels to release you from this torture

Yet,

You do not.

Because you see, Jesus Christ endured this torture, this suffering, this pain--for you.

Did you feel it? Did you see it clearly?

We do not need a gimmick to replace the truth of the crucifixion. The power is in the cross and what Jesus did there. It is still relevant today. Jesus suffered extreme shame, pain, and torture by the hands of his own creation. All in order that we should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Read the truth. You will find it in the Word of God:

Matthew chapters 26 & 27
Mark chapters 14, 15, & 16
Luke chapters 22, 23, 24
John chapters 18, 19, 20, 21

Fear Not

I chose this picture to show that even when we seem to be surrounded by pain or fear, God is always with those who seek him. It is a new beginning to another month. April 1st is known as fool's day, yet the message is to not be fooled by the temptations and the misleading of the enemy. Do not fear the fiery darts the enemy throws at you. It is time to post the calendar verse:

Psalm 9:9-11

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble. 10 And they that know thy name

will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord,

hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion:

declare among the people his doings.

Praise the Lord for his faithfulness.

One last memory as the time goes by for remembrance of my lost one. Magnolias bloom quickly in the spring, yet last for such a little while...

Magnolia Dreams

Magnolia dreams
reaching toward the sky,
life’s sickness screams
yet your spirit flies.

Round, full flower
growing seeds where sown,
counting the hours
before going home.

Branches wrapped in care
strength slips with time,
loving moments snared
hiding when you cry.

Fragrant petals rise
as sudden sadness falls,
grasping for the prize
you hear the final call.

Leaves of peace and calm
taking one last breath,
guilty, you lift your Psalm
singing of hope in death.

Magnolia dreams are gone
fading in winter’s night,
the peace for which you longed
now rests within your sight.

Copyright Leslie Lynn King, 2007