Tag Archives: God

Not Afraid

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Ps 112:7-8

He shall not fear evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting, leaning on, and confident in the Lord. His heart is established and steady; he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire upon his adversaries.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Christianity, Faith, Fear, God, overcoming fear

Easter Sunday 2023

9 Apr

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

(Reposted from 2014)

I really love Christmas! All the brisk weather (in the colder climes), the Christmas trees and wreaths. The decorations. But especially the music. It’s so much fun to hear and sing – both sacred and secular. It’s such a special time of year.

But for me – and all of Christianity – Easter is the very, VERY best! Of course, Christmas had to come first – to bring the Christ Child into this world. But Easter brings us eternal life…and that beats the socks off a fun, cute song any day!

The songs associated with Easter are so exciting – and uplifting – and inspiring – and so full of hope and promise (and by-the-way – hope in scripture means absolute assurance!). They tell of Christ’s death, yes, but also of that glorious moment when HE AROSE! Can you imagine it? God’s power is so tremendously great that He actually raised Jesus from death back into life! Amazing!! It’s so easy to just say…He arose. But just think of it – He actually rose FROM THE DEAD BACK TO LIFE! That never happened to anyone else, that didn’t physically die again. Our Savior lives again and still, and forever.

There’s a lot of anti-Christian stuff going on right now, that borders on persecution. Yes, I know – I really haven’t a clue what true persecution is like. But this is the most anti-Christian attitude in this country that I’ve ever felt. And it doesn’t feel good.

Seems like every Easter there is something that happens to a church here or there that actually backfires on the perpetrators. For instance, when we lived in Panama City, Florida back in the 1970’s, there was a Lutheran church who put up a “tomb/cave” on their front lawn every Easter. They would have a “stone” rolled across the front, that on Easter morning was “rolled away” to reveal the open/empty tomb. One year, the whole thing disappeared! Turns out, some teenagers, on a dare, took it away. So, instead of harming the message – the newspaper got a hold of the story – took pictures and all – and it made the front page news! Backfire, see?

Photo credit – Judy Wills

And then when we lived in a small town in Virginia, our church had put up some sort of display on our front lawn – and some of the “soldiers” disappeared. Same thing – the city newspaper (and possibly the TV stations in town) got wind of the disappearance, and interviewed the Pastor about it. Again, it made the headlines and news stories. The culprits were found and the soldiers returned. Another backfire.

All that to say that I am convinced that there is still a remnant of believers in this country, and that God will honor those who still trust Him. What is done in the dark will be brought to light – and God’s name will be glorified.

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

Happy Easter!

Credit ChurchArt

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Easter, Faith, God, He is risen

Because the Tomb is Empty, Your Loneliness, Fear and Anxiety Can End

8 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 4/8/23

Sometimes in the privacy of our heart and in the silence of our loneliness, we want to pour out what aches inside. Even when no one knows, our soul cries out:

Lord, sometimes my days seem like an endless echo of distant drums

Tormenting my soul and whispering sounds of sorrow.

My hours pass like homeless beggars, aimlessly shuffling to and fro searching for shelter

I thirst for company, for comfort, for words to quench my parched soul.

Minutes drag and mock me with more sounds of loneliness like sips of bitter poison

And the tomorrow’s laugh at what my destiny holds.

Will time creep by until I reach the end?

And though people all around crowd in on me

Still loneliness juts through like weeds in an empty and abandoned field.

But this morning, after a black sleepless night

A stranger visited me—

A glimpse of light from the horizon.

As if the sun rose within me,

Your Words Lord, the same ones that had been lost in the web of confusion

broke free to brush against my soul.

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble, I will call to you, for you will answer me. (Psalm 86:3)

Because…

…the resurrection happened, because the tomb is empty and because Jesus is not only alive, but radiant with life-giving hope, the enemies of desperation, fear, anxiety, and loneliness have no power. None is a match to the power of Jesus who conquered death. And death is what awaits to those negative emotions that we cast to Him because He cares.

He cares enough to know the ache even before it started. He knows the details that feed the secret pain. And He even knows the degree of comfort and the amount of reassurance we desperately need.

And when we lift our head from the pillow of searing loneliness, the Son shines through, and hope dawns once again, peace filters through the window of our soul. And before we realize it, joy dances in the melody of His Word, the one that’s singing to you now.

… those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you. (Isaiah 54:14)

Let’s Pray

Father, I praise and thank You for the comfort of knowing my life, my days, my steps, my ears and loneliness are firmly placed in the hands of your unending love.

When do you hear God’s comforting words?

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. Hop on over to this CONTACT FORM. Once there you can leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group.

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

Tags: #amblogging, Anxiety, Christian bloggers, Faith, Fear, God, Lonliness, Poetry, Resurrection

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories Janet Perez Eckles-Walking by faith, Not by Sight-Saturday
Author Onisha Ellis

Abide in My Love

3 Apr

My Take

DiVoran Lites

John 15

Photo Credit: Pixabay

I have loved you just as the Father has loved me; abide in my love-continue in His love. I have told you these things that my joy and delight may be in you and that your joy and gladness may be full measure and complete and overflowing.

Tags: Abide in His love, Do Lord song, Faith, God, God's love, John 15

Comments 1 Comment
Categories DiVoran Lites My Take- Monday
Author divoran09

Palm Sunday 2023

2 Apr

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Credit ChurchArt

Today is Palm Sunday, 2023. So much has been written about Easter Sunday – and it deserves all the accolades written about it. Easter to the Christian is the foundation of our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

But not much get written about Palm Sunday. Yes, it’s a “lead-in” to Easter, but in its own right is so much more. But we must understand that Palm Sunday was the preparation for the torture, crucifixion, death and burial of our Lord. And all of that HAD to happen in order to secure our salvation. Yes, God the Father sent Jesus to earth to die for the human race, but one thing that isn’t told very often, is that Jesus willingly GAVE UP His life – not just at the command of the Father, but of His own free will.

The Palm Sunday story is told in John 12, verses 1-36 (NIV). I have taken bits and pieces from that passage to show just what Palm Sunday means. I encourage you to read the entire chapter:

….Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

,,,, “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of My burial.”

….Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of Him but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

….The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it

…. Now the crowd that was with Him when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that He had performed this sign, went out to meet Him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”

….Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.

Jesus, the Perfect Lamb of God willingly gave up His life so that we – all of humankind who believe on Him – could spent eternity with Him in Heaven. I am so thankful that I am counted in that group who will spend eternity praising God. May you also belong in that group.

That is my prayer this Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter morning.

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Easter, Faith, God, John 12, Palm Sunday

Comments 2 Comments
Categories Judy Wills-Sunday Memories
Author ludyja

Your Pet Might be Speaking the Love that No Human Can

1 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 4/1/23

The Bible is sprinkled with animals used for unique purpose: a serpent tempted, a donkey warned, bulls and goats were sacrificed, a dove became a messenger, a colt served as transportation, lions compared to the devil, an eagle symbolized power and strength, and sheep were compared to man.

Here’s a modern-day sweet story of a horse that showed human-like compassion.

My friend Patty writes:

Daddy entered my room, smiled, and lifted a shining saddle in the air. “Do you like it?”

He knew a gift for my four-legged friend, Scout, delighted my 10-year-old heart.

I giggled as he bounced the empty saddle on the bed, mimicking a bucking horse.

“Scout will love this,” I said to myself as I carried the treasure the next day.

I entered the barn and found Scout in the back stall, hiding in a shadowed corner. As soon as I drew close, I quickened my steps. The soft dirt pressed under my feet. And the smell of wet hay filled the barn.

But eagerness filled my heart. “Hey boy,” I said, “look what I have for you!” I swung the saddle up and positioned it on his back. I took a step back and observed his reaction. His wiry legs seemed stronger. He held his head higher and turned from side to side with pride. The colors of the saddle accented his shiny, dark brown hide.

No longer a scrawny, skinny, and scared horse; he was now a strong, radiant warrior ready to defend and conquer in any battle.

And soon, Scout became my warrior, defender, and my confidant. Together we rode over and over across familiar paths. He grew to know me better than I knew myself.

And as we bonded, the passing years faded some of the radiance of that new saddle, but our relationship continued to smooth and deepen just like its beautiful leather. Even at seventeen, I shared my fears and joy only with Scout. No one else listened as he did.

He proved that one afternoon.

Scout grazed peacefully, sun rays stroked his hide and a soft breeze lifted his mane, What a profound contrast to my world. It shook violently in a whirlwind of emotions. The ophthalmologist announced, “There is no cure for this retinal disease.”

I sank in the chair, hoping he would offer some words of hope, but he followed his diagnosis with more dark news instead. “I’m afraid it will eventually take her sight. It’s only a matter of time.” He spoke to Daddy while I listened in horror.

We rode home in silence. Daddy offered his loving comments, but this time none of them drew a smile from me.

Instead, each passing day brought painful evidence of my diminishing peripheral vision. The retinal condition dimmed the light around me and darkened my world

As my eyesight diminished, so did my desire to enjoy the activities I had loved before.

“Do you need any help picking out your clothes?” Daddy asked in a soft voice one day.

“No, I can do it myself!” I shouted back, unfairly venting my frustration at him. After he quietly walked out, I threw my clothes down, flung myself on the bed, and sobbed. I could no longer distinguish colors or shapes. Coordinating my clothes, a task I used to perform with ease, was now impossible.

“Anytime you need to go anywhere, just let us know,” friends offered. “You know we’re here for you.”

In spite of their support, no one knew the turmoil that shook inside.

But in the midst of that storm, I shared my fear, anguish, and frustration with Scout. When I cried into his neck, he nickered softly and nuzzled my shoulder with his velvet nose.

I sensed his tenderness when I offered up my deepest pain and desperate longing as my life sank into a dark tunnel. I’ll be here for you. I’ll be your eyes, he seemed to say.

Scout was protective of his sightless rider as he galloped more cautiously.

Unable to direct his path, I couldn’t guide him around dangerous obstacles. But I trusted him. And he proved more than capable, not only at carrying me around physical dangers, but also at easing me through my sadness.

His protective nature emerged against anyone or anything that threatened to harm me. No one else seemed to know how to take away the sting of living a sightless life.

With each ride he gave me joy, helping me forget my heart’s burdens for a while.

When my friends made plans to see a movie, they added, “You can go too if you want.”

“No, that’s okay, I’ll just go home,” I spoke.

Holding back hot tears, I made my way across the grass, following the sounds coming from the barn. With careful steps, I found the stall where my loyal friend waited and hugged his muscular neck, feeling the warmth of his body.

Scout stood still, listening to my sobbing whispers. He understood more than just my words. With a long sigh, I stroked his face with palms wet from my tears. He seemed to cry with me, You’re not alone, I’m hurting too.

Day after day, he listened like no one else. Until the time I left for college. The trunk of the car was packed with my belongings. And my heart was filled with a blend of excitement but also a bit of fear about the unknown.

I turned toward daddy at the driver’s seat. “Can we go by the fence so I can say good-bye to Scout?”

Daddy parked the car alongside the fence. Moments later, Scout put his head through the car window beside me. As I hugged his neck, I felt his tears on my cheek. My own tears mingled with his just like they had done so many times before. We never needed words to express our quiet love.

Similar to the beautiful saddle I had once placed on his scrawny back, he placed a shining glow of compassion and love on my broken world. Our hearts were forever braided together in a rope of unconditional love. He became my eyes, allowing me to see what sighted people could not. Even when I was unable to express my darkest feelings, he read my heart, sensed my pain, and now, he seemed to cry my tears.

A note from Janet

God’s comfort comes in many ways, through His Word, through friends and often He uses His creation to speak to our aching heart, our lonely moments and soothes our sadness with quiet comfort. You can learn more about the healing power of pets in our lives here. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets

Let’s Pray

Father, thank You for Your love so intense that You would use all forms to dry our tears.

Will you be open to what God might use to turn your sadness into a smile?

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. Hop on over to this CONTACT FORM. Once there you can leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

www.janetperezeckles.com

Tags: #amblogging, Blind Inspirational author and speaker, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, Pets, Pets as a companion

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Janet Perez Eckles-Walking by faith, Not by Sight-Saturday
Author Onisha Ellis

I Have Given You Authority and Power

27 Mar

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Luke 10:19

Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and Scorpions and physical and mental strength and ability over all the power that the enemy possesses, and nothing shall in any way harm you.

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, Luke 10:19, You Raise Me Up

Comments Leave a Comment
Categories DiVoran Lites My Take- Monday
Author divoran09

Three Ways to Know

25 Mar

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged 3/25/23

3 ways to know if God will find you strong and committed or find you lukewarm instead.

Some years back while writing my first novel, In the middle of the story, I got stuck and ran into a wall of nothing. No ideas, no thoughts. My creative flair had vanished.

Later that day, a friend picked me up for our weekly prayer group, and on the way, I thought maybe this time away from writing God will give me creativity to get the scene written.

Like summer lightening in Orlando, I was struck by my pitifully wrong thinking. I had leaned on the maybe-God-would-help-me notion.

Why would I think that? Is the God of the universe, a God of maybe?

And is the faithful Lord with power, compassion and mercy a God of maybe? Does He maybe hear our smallest requests and also our desperate ones?

There’s no maybe in His answers or instructions. But we in turn, head down the lukewarm road when facing challenges, failures or unwanted barriers that burden our days and disturb our nights.

And as we struggle to find our way out of troubles, trying to find answers and solutions, traces of the lukewarm maybe have to be erased. God knows our faith, if it’s deep or unsteady. Is our level of belief constant or does it waver according to our mood? Are our efforts led by God or by selfish ambitions?

Even if we’re not aware, God is because He says, I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16).

3 Ways

Although this vivid description is sobering and a bit too graphic for some, here are three ways to change the lukewarm to a sound, strong, on-fire commitment to God:

When challenges and hardships become furious enemies raging war against you, there is no maybe about God’s protection because: All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:11-13)

A lukewarm mentality doubts that strength is real and still trembles inside. Deep down it is uncertain of God’s help. And in weak moments it doesn’t fully receive God’s promise to uphold and protect.

In contrast, a believer who is deeply convinced of the power inside these promises, laughs at approaching enemies. He declares God’s help, mighty and powerful. He leads his life with the reassurance God is on his side, helping and providing.

Someone with a lukewarm mentality becomes discouraged as he doesn’t see beyond the circumstance, its annoyance and its pain. In contrast, a mind and heart fully committed to be spiritually hot speaks with certainty that God will never leave them. He declares His power at work and believes in God’s protective grace as He carries this same promise God make to Jacob: I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God… (Isaiah 43:1-3).
A lukewarm person begins his days with the news of the world, the discouragement others repeat and with the gloom headlines display. But a committed on-fire-believer shrugs at the world’s bad news. Instead, no matter what shakes his surroundings, or ends his financial security or what negative changes take place, while others tremble with fear, the focus is on the victory God promises. He relishes on the freedom through Jesus. He counts on His help day and night as his soul sings: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

No matter what mountains of challenges quake, an “on-fire” believer overflows with security and conviction. They are displayed through his behavior, his decisions and choices. In the end, his life radiates and reflects God’s victorious outcome.

Within God’s victorious plans, He calls for a sound mind and a faithful heart. There’s no maybe. There’s no hesitation. There’s no uncertainty or doubt. Consequently, none of us can afford a lukewarm approach, instead, today we can begin a new spiritually hot, on-fire, triumphant life

Let’s Pray

Father, as we see the world getting darker and more corrupt, I will put unwavering trust in Your Word. I will increase my faith in You and fully commit to declare before others that no matter what happens, I lean on your power that’s at work, alive and active.

What do you need to do in order to avoid being lukewarm?

Janet

It’s my joy to have you as part of my inspirational family. Please feel free to share today’s post with others.

Let’s Stay in Touch

You and I are only a click away. Hop on over to this CONTACT FORM. Once there you can leave your prayer request, make a comment, ask a question, or invite me to speak to your group.

I also invite you to visit my WEBSITE. You’ll find more inspirational blogs along with my story, books, and videos. You’ll also learn the passion and mission of JC Empowerment ministries.

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

www.janetperezeckles.com