The God of All Comfort

She started out as our neighbor; the woman with the big blonde hair and bright blue eye shadow dwelling across the street. It wasn't long before my sister made herself known and developed a new best friend. The woman with all that hair, living across the street, was no longer just a neighbor. She was my sister's best friend's mom. As typically happens, the years flew by and my sister was married. She became one with an annoying neighborhood kid. Not just any neighborhood kid, the brother to her very best friend; son to the woman with the big blonde hair. And this woman morphed into someone so much more; more than just a neighbor or a good friend's mom, she was now my sister's mother-in-law. She was now Nana to my niece and nephew. Our families were bound to be connected, we were destined to share lives.

And yesterday I had the opportunity to glimpse a little more into the life of this woman. She lived a bountiful one with three kids and four grandkids. And then she passed away. A few shared their stories of her. Some laughed, some cried, some simply sat, listening. It was her own sister, and then her preciously aged mother that broke my heart. It's the thing siblings and parents never anticipate- attending the funeral of a sister. A daughter. Everyone who ever lived has or will die. But we never expect it to happen to the ones we love so dearly.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

And then that pastor shared from the Word. His crazy passion for Jesus and zeal for the scriptures saturated that room and filled every heart. He exhorted us with God's comfort, and compelled us to live for Jesus, "the only One worth living for."

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

"You know, this word comfort…" He began to proclaim. "It's not just any comfort. This is an uninterrupted kind of comfort."

And he shared with this family. He spoke directly to my sister, to my brother-in-law, to my niece and nephew, and then to everyone in that church. He exhorted us, and he reminded us. Isn't that what funerals often do? Don't they frequently turn back the clock? Reminding us of times back when, and of lives we've left behind? We are forced to take a few steps back and evaluate this world. Our world. What am I doing with myself? And where is Jesus in all of it?

"You remember your baptism?" He was all wound up over this long ago memory. "Remember how badly your back hurt? Remember the pain? Oh yeah, I remember. And I remember you saying this 'There's nothing that will keep me from getting baptized.'"

We all left that place feeling like there was hope. And I think Nancy, the one I remember from the age of seven, the one with the fancy blue eye shadow and memorable blonde curls, would have wanted it that way.

"Because Nancy loved Jesus!" He reminded anyone who dare forget. "And we WILL see her again!"

Do you love Jesus? Are you comforted by Him with an uninterrupted kind of comfort? When you leave this life, as we all must, will you wake to find yourself in His presence? Will your loved ones find hope and consolation on that day, knowing you will spend eternity with the Savior? Because "He's the only One worth living for."

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Abortion

Abortion.   Pro-life.   Pro-choice.

These words stir up so many emotions. Do you feel it? Is that passion growing within as you look at those three words? Most people, Christians and non-Christians, religious and non-religious, have strong feelings about this issue. As you may expect, pictures like the one below (posted on Facebook by a Pro-life group known for their controversial anti-abortion 180 Movie) receive heaps of responses both agreeing and disagreeing with the image.

Click here to view this picture on Facebook.

At this moment, it has gained over 350 comments- some in favor and, of course, some against the opinions and ideas of Pro-life thinking. As many of you probably know, I’m against abortion; I’m Pro-life all the way. No, I’ve never chosen the path of abortion myself, although it was strongly presented to me at the age of 18 when I became pregnant with my now 14 year old. I have not walked the path of abortion that so many have.  However, one commenter has, and it is her story I want to share with you today. Her name is Christina, and this is her powerful response, word for word, to another commenter named Michelle. Christina shares HOPE. HOPE. Not only for those considering abortion, but for those living day after day with the consequences of an irrevocable choice; A permanent choice that cannot be changed- the choice to terminate a pregnancy and kill an unborn child- the choice of abortion.

“Sorry u feel that way Michelle-I was raped, by two men, tortured and burned and got pregnant. I decided against abortion because it wasn't the baby fault, he didn't ask to be born. I did however, decide on adoption and I can tell u that baby is now 24 years old, he loves the Lord and is a wonderful musician and has just released his first album.y is now 24 years old, he loves the Lord and is a wonderful musician and has just released his first album. He has wonderful parents whom I was able to choose for him they couldn't have children of their own and he was very wanted and loved. Today, we have a good relationship and I am getting to know him and his wife of just under a year. God can take something that satan meant for harm and turn it around and use it to glorify His name as well as, giving that baby a good life. On the flip side of things, I had an abortion after my drug addicted husband decided that drugs were more important than our family-we split up because I wasn't going to raise my two children in that kind of envioronment and I also found out that he had gotten another woman pregnant-so when I found out that I was going to have another baby with this person that was still my husband, I got angry put God in the back seat and told him since I was going to be a single parent and was trying my best to support my two kids that I was not going to have another baby to take care of by myself. So I did it and afterwards I realized that I had taken an innocent life and that I didn't deserve to live but my gracious Heavenly Father forgave me of my sin(because taking an innocent human life is a sin)and he brought me back from the brink of suicide. I still think on my children, who are now grown and the little brother or sister that they would of had and I know that he or she is in heaven with my Lord and I'll have the chance someday to see that child. It not just that simple Michelle to have an abortion and get back to business as usual it rips u up inside down to ur very soul and thank God he's there to pick up the pieces otherwise I know I wouldn't be here right now telling u this. When ur thinkiing about having an abortion it's not one life at stake, it's two because you'll never be the same again if you don't have Jesus to forgive and help make it right. To many women in this world resort to suicide because they can't handle what they've done. I thank Jesus everyday that He died on the cross for my sins and thru His shed blood He washed away my sins and has given me another chance. He's made my life new again. I'm truly sorry u feel the way u do, but u don't have to. I believe that God takes abortion personally because He loves each an He has wonderful parents whom I was able to choose for him they couldn’t have children of their own and he was very wanted and loved. Today, we have a good relationship and I am getting to know him and his wife of just under a year. God can take something that satan meant for harm and turn it around and use it to glorify His name as well as, giving that baby a good life. On the flip side of things, I had an abortion after my drug addicted husband decided that drugs were more important than our family- we split up because I wasn’t going to raise my two children in that kind of environment and I also found that he had gotten another woman pregnant- so when I found out that I was going to have another baby with this person that was still my husband, I got angry put God in the back seat and told him since I was going to be a single parent and was trying my best to support my two kids that I was not going to have another baby to take care of by myself. So I did it and afterwards realized that I had taken an innocent life and that I didn’t deserve to live but my gracious Heavenly Father forgave me of my sin(because taking an innocent human life is a sin) and he brought me back from the brink of suicide. I still think on my children, who are now grown and the little brother or sister that they would have had and I know that he or she is in heaven with my Lord and I’ll have the chance someday to see that child. It not just that simple Michelle to have an abortion and get back to business as usual it rips u up inside down to ur very soul and thank God he’s there to pick up the pieces otherwise I know I wouldn’t be here right now telling u this. When ur thinkiing about having an abortion it’s not one life at stake, it’s two because you’ll never be the same again if you don’t have Jesus to forgive and help make it right. To many women in this world resort to suicide because they can’t handle what they’ve done. I thank Jesus everyday that He died on the cross for my sins and thru His shed blood He washed away my sins and has given me another chance. He’s made my life new again. I’m truly sorry u feel the way u do, but u don’t have to. I believe that God takes abortion personally because He loves each and every one of us.” ~Christina

Are you facing the idea of abortion? Are you struggling to ” get back to business as usual,”  but finding life impossible because of your past decision for abortion? Christina shares a HOPE that she has received from Jesus Christ. This HOPE is avaliable to you today whether you are considering abortion, or suffering the consequences of abortion. Do you need some HOPE?

”When ur thinkiing about having an abortion it’s not one life at stake, it’s two because you’ll never be the same again if you don’t have Jesus to forgive and help make it right.”

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

~Psalm 139:13-16

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Reflecting on the Past, Anticipating the Future

December 31^st- A representation of endings and new beginnings. In all reality, it’s just another day on the calendar. Nothing magical happens; Fairy Godmothers don’t miraculously appear and no one turns into a pumpkin at midnight. We all know this, yet there remains something special about the New Year. It’s an opportunity to reflect on past decisions and circumstances. Likewise it’s an occasion for making changes and new choices. It’s almost like a second chance at life.

Praise the Lord we have a God that is all about second chances. Not only that, He is all about third, and fourth, and fifth, and tenth, and hundredth, and thousandth chances! Whew! If that’s not enough, our God, full of wonder and surprise, is never surprised or shocked by us, our actions, or our circumstances. Sure, we surprise ourselves. We disappoint ourselves. We let ourselves down. But our God- He’s never shocked. He already saw our substance, being yet unformed. And in His book they all were written, the days fashioned for us, when as yet there were none of them (Ps 139:16).

As we reflect on the past, becoming overwhelmed with dread and regret, our God confidently rejoices in where we’ve been, who we are, and who we’re becoming. He takes our failures and hurts, and works them out for the good because we are called according to His perfect purpose. He foreknew you! He predestined you! He called you to be conformed to the image of His Son! And not only that, whom He called, He also justified, and whom He justified, He also glorified (Rm 8:28-30)! This is NOT future tense! Foreknew, predestined, called, justified, glorified… PAST TENSE! You already ARE. Period.

Still disappointed in your past? Still ashamed of your history? God’s not. As a matter of fact, He sees your past and

anticipates the future because He knows the thoughts He thinks toward you, and those thoughts are of peace and not of evil, thoughts to give you a future and a hope (Jer29:11). How precious are those thoughts toward you. How great is the sum of them! If you should count them, they would be more in number than the sand (Ps139:17-18)!

So as we enter into a New Year and anticipate a new beginning, let us not disregard the good, the bad, and the ugly of our past, because this is forming us into the image of the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ.

But you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name

of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.  

-1 Cor 6:11

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Merry CHRISTmas, Friends!

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who is called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her (Luke 1:26-38)

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, and angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.  (Luke 2:1-20)

As the heavenly host praised God and celebrated the birth of the Savior, let us praise God and celebrate Him today. As the shepherds sought out the Savior, praising God for revealing such a gift to them, let us likewise seek out our Savior and praise God for such a miraculous gift of Love. As Mary pondered these things in her heart, let us ponder the wonder of Christ in our hearts.

Merry CHRISTmas, friends!

Hope Does Not Dissapoint

Have you ever experienced great anticipation? If you are living and breathing, I can only imagine your quick reply is yes. Do you know that feeling of excitement when expecting a package in the mail?

Or how about when you tossed and turned all night as a child so eager that Christmas morning was only a few hours away! Have you watched any football games lately, cheering anxiously, excited for your team to take home the win? What about the days or weeks spent waiting for a friend’s email response? I have a dear friend in Mexico who just delivered her third baby. Sadly, after the delivery things didn’t go so well and she became very sick. We have prayed for her and her family everyday and were so excited when her husband finally emailed us that she is home safe and sound. However, I am incredibly anxious to get word from her; to receive a personal message from my far away friend.

This feeling of expectation; I have had it ALL WEEKEND! Why? Because my husband is not here! That’s why! Oh, the anticipation is killing me! I can’t wait any longer! He’s only been gone since Thursday, it’s now Sunday, and he is due home any minute! I realize that’s only four days, but it’s felt like the longest four days of my life. Do you know this feeling? I cannot wait for him to share how the visit with his close friends went. I’m so excited to hear how blessed and encouraged the ladies were during the women’s weekend. Yes, I know good news and good things are in store and I am EXCITED!

Tonight I’m incredibly thankful to God for granting us emotions; for creating us with desire, anticipation, excitement, and longing! As I think about the numerous, sometimes ridiculous things I get so excited about (such as sharing something with you!), I begin to feel slightly childish, as if I need to grow up and get with the “more spiritual” program. I don’t think God sees it that way though. When we give our children a gift, are we not anxious to see them get excited over it and use that gift? There’s not much I hate more than buying my son or daughter something special only to watch them never even use it. How irritating and disappointing!

Well friends, God has given us many gifts and one of those gifts is called HOPE! All the feelings I have described boil down to that one word- HOPE.  The longing I have to hear from my friend, the anxiousness I feel for my husband to get home, those are just shadows of the HOPE our God imparts to us. He offers us a HOPE we cannot see (Rom 8:24-25), a future full of HOPE (Jer 29:11), a HOPE that does not disappoint (Rom 5:5), a HOPE of eternal life (Titus 3:7), a living HOPE (1 Pet 1:3), and our greatest HOPE, Jesus Christ (1 Tim 1:1)! When my husband walks through that door, my anticipation will be fulfilled with his presence. However, there remains within me an even stronger HOPE; a HOPE for a deeper, more intimate relationship with my Savior and a HOPE to spend eternity with Him. Nothing else in this life compares to the HOPE of Jesus Christ.

“Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise.”

- C.S. Lewis