Can you recall that feeling of awe, majesty and vulnerability caused by looking up at the starry heavens on a clear evening? As the dark expanse stretches out in all directions you focus in on a twinkling ember here and there until your eyes adjust and you slowly take in the full panorama. The horizon that normally marks your steady existence now remains hidden and mysterious in a world of shadow as you cast your eyes, your fates and your faith out and upward. It is staggering and fantastic to have these moments to reflect on how small, read not insignificant, our lives truly are. We are little out there alone, but we are a part of something greater. We each have invisible, expansive webs that connect us to friends, family, community and most especially Our Creator.
Recently, I met with this type of vulnerability in a different place. Even from within the insulated confines of my warm abode I felt a chill shudder down my spine as I contemplated the many precarious pathways which mankind is traversing. The rate at which things are happening in the world of late are impressive and sometimes oppressive. In the U.S. we have seen everything from shooting tragedies and resolutions to restrict 2nd amendment freedom to fracking misadventures in Bayou Corne. And this is little compared to the electrified current underlying all relations in the Middle East as Syria, Israel, Iran and Egypt perform a deadly war dance and hover on the precipice of a massive war which could began minutes or months from now.
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| TX Scissortail by Natalie Lomas - July 2012 |
We have to share burdens. Please be there for me when I shake and I am weak. Know that as long as my heart beats my prayers will continue, my hands will be here to steady you and my arms will be here to hold you.
We can all aid one another with simple kindness, compassion, faith and love. As hardship and fear threaten to undo the bonds of peace, we can lean on one another! We are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children and neighbors. There is great importance and empowerment in recognizing that we were made with a place and a purpose. In times of trial and trouble, we must all seek YHVH in prayer and revisit His Word continually for truth and direction.
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| Elianna reading Scriptures while wearing a prayer shawl |
Paul professes that a sort of spiritual armor is vital in Ephesians 6. Verses 6:17-18 from the NIV Bible read as follows,
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
We must pray for each other, it is imperative.
Paul testified that the set-apart Word is essential to our protection and perseverance. All of the Scriptures are good and all is for profit. Let me share the following which has provided me great comfort recently:
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| Zoe with her homemade puppet wearing the armor of God. |
7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior;
my God will hear me.
Israel Will Rise
8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be my light.
It continues,
15 “As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders. ” 16 Nations will see and be ashamed, deprived of all their power.
Check out the entire chapter or research any other passage online at biblegateway.com.
Psalm 91 is another comforting scripture. You can turn to it for reassurance about virtually any fear you are battling through.
Our Messiah himself told us we need not worry on multiple occasions because Our Father is a benevolent provider and worry will certainly not add to our lifespan (Matt. 6:25-34). And in regards to the time that is upon us, in Matthew 24:4, Yahushua states,
"“Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10 At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
This is His world, YHVH appoints the times and the seasons. No matter what happens worldwide or what personal battles ensue, do not be discouraged. Do not be misled, afraid of one another or afraid of the massive expanse outside your door. Not only has Elohim made us family in spirit, His Son has also promised us that when things get hard and we feel as though we could take no more, He will appear.
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| Zach, 5 months |
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
In the meantime, there is still joy and happiness in this world. His grace and life remain. Daily you can see new, innocent life, budding plants, a friend's smile. If He delays judgment against the wrong it is for the sake of His patient benevolence; His willing wish that none should be lost. You are not insignificant. Your trials are not of little importance to Him. He knows you and always has, from the beginning to the end. You are a significant part in His intricate web of existence. Do not forget....
Love,
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