Joshua 2 The story of Rahab, although she did not know God, she believed in him and wanted to know
Joshua 24:14-15 Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for your selves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.”
Isaiah 41:8-10 “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:44-45 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven: for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Luke 6:31 And just as you want men do to you, you also do to them likewise.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Romans 8:28 – 29 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God
Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
2 Corinthians 13:4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Hebrews 11:31 By faith Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
About eight years ago, my sister in law retired from her high pressure job. She had been the prime bread winner, and she enabled my brother to work in Alaska in the summers, initially as a fishing guide for one of the many fishing lodges, but he eventually he had enough certifications to become a pilot. And he loved it.
In the meantime, my sister in law managed any issues that arose during the summers when he was gone–from end May to early October–hurricanes, taking care of pets, bringing to vet as needed, having to replace the roof after an “unnamed storm threw two branches through their roof. And continued to work 10-12 hour days, usually 6 days a week. God bless her; she is one of my biggest blessings. Anyway, when she retired, they decided to rent at NTB since they had enjoyed my neighborhood for the many years they had come down–knew many of my neighbors, knew the area, and would explore options from there. I think my brother felt, he would be nearby for some things he could help with for minor repairs.
Anyway, I was in my glory! We have a real neighborhood feel to my block in this beach town,-and certainly not all beach communities do. But neighbors care for one another, get together, spend time with one another, laugh, and we survived COVID by getting together in a neighbor’s driveway, having a bonfire, and chatting for several hours. There was no separation for this community–what a God blessing! We got to be together through highs and lows–neighbors getting critically ill–and we got together and prayed for recovery. It is a true neighborhood.
My brother is a proud agnostic, believes he and his precious wife are responsible for everything they have and all that they are–kind, loving, helpful, and upright people. They love their neighbors, and are open, gracious, generous, and just exude love–all the qualities of Jesus. Yet, state they do not believe Jesus is God.
In 2023, he was in a mid-air collision when a helicopter pilot who did know where he was located, rose up and clipped the tail end of the Beaver plane my brother was piloting. One guest on the flight saw the helicopter but not in enough time to give an early warning. The blades of the top of the helicopter caught the tail end of the plane, the helicopter when into a spin and down. The pilot of the helicopter was thankfully an experienced pilot, and did what they do when they are in a spin with not all of their blades and working equipment. He landed the copter, and the guests and one guide had a rough idea of where. My brother radioed a mayday, told approximate location of helicopter, but was still unaware of how much damage to his aircraft. It was running rough, but he still believed he could land it if he could find enough area, and get fairly close to land to safely get the guides and clients off.
There are a lot of pilots in Alaska–and many fishing lodges getting ready to pick up their guides and customers at that time of today, so hearing the mayday, they all flew to the area Jim had announced. The other plane pilots flew over the location it was reported the helicopter had gone down– all expecting it would be a retrieval. not a rescue. Meanwhile, Jim had to find a place to land his aircraft and get his guests and guides to safety. He had to fly the sputtering aircraft eight miles away, but landed it on the water in a safe and shallow area and all his passengers were safely removed. He stayed on his aircraft, trying to determine the outcome of the helicopter. Mid-air collisions are rarely without a death; but soon pilots were reporting being able to see the pilot waving he was ok outside his burning vehicle. He was transferred to the hospital in Anchorage and later released that day, all ok.
Other pilots flew in and landed and picked up the customers and guides from his plane, while my brother stayed with the plane, which of course, sunk. My sister in law, who worked at the same lodge as Jim for the summers, met the guests who had been on that flight, and they grabbed her, hugged her and said that God had saved them through Jim and his actions, that Jim was a god-send. Most were crying, two brothers in their 60’s could not stop crying and telling her how Jim was an incredible pilot and saved their lives. And still Jim did not get there. She truly needed to see her husband.
And finally, he came up the path and hugged her and said, “No one died today.” I was positive, positive that Jesus was with him as he piloted that plane after the hit. I still believe that, and although he never confided in me about that, I think he knew he was not alone managing that unstable plane to land in a river in a manner that could get all his passengers to safety. I think he had a lot of moments that he wondered. I pray that’s his first encounter that he cannot shake as God comes racing after him. He works and loves and what a soldier he would be in he kingdom. He has never been cocky about his ability to land that severely damaged aircraft–which sunk 47 minutes after he had all guests and guides disembarked. He had no rear propellers, and his left pontoon was totally blown out and sucking water. I think he was vacillating about “another presence with him”, but as time has passed, he feels it was more education, experience, and “luck,” but that is not what I believe. So, I believe God will do his pursuing, and Jim will make his free choice.
I do get so impatient with the free choice option. Hurry up! Choose now! But God reminds me all I can do is continue with prayers. Things happen in God’s timing, and God will do everything He can to ensure these wonderful people make the right choice–but He respects everyone’s free choice. It may grieve Him when someone continues to refuse His offer, but He respects it. And His Word clearly says that one must accept Jesus as Savior and the knowledge that He took on all sins–but one has to believe in Him, has to repent for their wrong-doing each time they find themselves sinning, and He wants the closeness–the friendship, the worship and reading of the Word to become more like the Savior.
Thank God, I can pray to You and believe You will answer. Thank You, God for all my family, friends, and all you have blessed “me and my bellaviews,”
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set berfore you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.
Joshua 24;15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Isaiah 41:9-10 You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 6:37, 44 All the the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. . . . No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
John 15: 16, 19 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. . . . If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of HIs Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren. More over whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
I always believed I had chosen God. I didn’t realize I had received an invitation–nothing in the mail with an RSVP, no whisper or voice calling me forward that Sunday morning in April of 1973. There was just a compulsion to get up and go forward. For those who know me, they know this is NOT my normal behavior. I earned the name of wall-flower by staying in the back of the crowd, and unless comfortable, find it difficult to initiate anything that might put the spot light on me. Always I have gotten nervous with new people–which cheats me, and as I have learned over the years, also cheats them. Until recently I have not known that; but have been assured that my opinion matters, I share humor and lighten things up — but I cannot do this with folks I don’t know well. This is an area I discuss with God, it is certainly not Christ-like to not reach out in kindness, friendliness, and acting like a wall-flower comes out like a snob. YIKES!
One of the other reasons, I began reaching out was that in one of the Bible App’s devotionals I was studying it specifically said, “Shyness is a quality of being selfish.” My immediate, and still occasional thought to this is, “do you realize how difficult it can be for me to reach out? What if I am judged and found severely wanting?” (Ugh, yeah, I think this sounds like selfish It’s a struggle, but I know I have moved forward–I am not confident, still quiet, still prefer being the observer, but I try, and must admit that 98% of the time, get a receptive response back–frequently with a smile and nice comment. “Well, thank You, God, again it was a success.”
So years ago on that Sunday morning, my fiancé at the time and his family were astonished to see me get up to move forward. So was I. And had all sorts of whispers (all Satanic) of ‘You can’t go up there in front of all those people. And it’s bad enough they have all seen you start to get up, but you are at the back of the church, so not everyone has seen you. That is an ugly outfit you have on, and you look so fat, and your curly hair is ridiculous–so long and unruly… ‘ I did consider turning and sitting back down–but then everyone would see that and judge that too. Besides–compulsion. It didn’t feel as though I could do anything but go forward.
There was such a feeling of acceptance and love–and I was very accustomed to being loved. My parents showed love to the three of us all the time. There was no question in our minds of that. I was the oldest–not PERFECT BY ANY MEANS . But certainly knew I was loved, respected in my neighborhood–babysat for multiple families, did well in school, had good friendships, mostly in the neighborhood, but a couple of close friends in school. There was never a reason I could find for the shyness and hesitation to put myself out there and be noticed. But that morning was a different, deeper feeling than I had with my parents, grandparents and other family. I should have had confidence and self-assurance. Yet, God’s urging gave me the confidence and the love was overwhelming. A new birth.
I can recognize I have grown. The nerves and anxieties still well up, and I can still look about and admire the confidence and self-assurance I see in others. I recognize we all have our strengths; and I do have them, but confidence in front of a group is not one of them. But I do know God chose me for a reason and a purpose–maybe just to be a background worker–LOL, my comfort zone. But, part of my calling and reason to pass Your message to those who do not know You.
My family and non-believing friends know that my church is family and very important to me. But it still leaves me with siblings who truly believe they alone are responsible for their success and failures, and they have disgusted opinions when they recount much of the OT — all the killing that the Jews did trying to get to the Promised Land. When I was first challenged with this, the OT was a definite mystery to me also. So, I couldn’t answer properly–much to my regret. I, too, was at that time, overwhelmed by the war and annihilation of many peoples that God encouraged the Jews to wipe out. My knowledge had not gotten to the fact that these people were sinners–worshiping other gods, many of which “demanded” they sacrifice their own children. And, that remains where they are stuck–no matter how much I share or the knowledge and understanding I have gained over the years. I know God has patience, love, kindness, gentleness, and mercy toward His children–us–who are wicked sinners. LOL, and probably because my siblings know all those ratty, bratty, miserable things I did as a child–they do not get the changes. And maybe do not believe them. But I have seen the two siblings roll their eyes when I try to tell them of His salvation and release and peace. I actually have a magnet on my fridge which reads “Did I just roll my eyes out loud?” I certainly did a lot of eye rolling growing up! But recognize when they both huff out a sigh and roll their eyes.
I wonder if more people do not come to church and to kneel before Jesus because they are more concerned about “public opinion” And maybe that is still my hesitation to be at the front of the crowd. Keep me hidden, will gladly do the work assigned, but do not want the spotlight. And maybe that is them since they have so adamantly opposed giving up their belief that they are in charge.
But I pray for them all daily. I have a son and daughter in law who have worked for the government for close to twenty years and with the confusion, tensions and immediate government building closures, it has caused nerves to be on edge. My son believes, but still “is there anything I can do? I know God is there–but does He really care about me? About us?” They have a few short years, and they can retire from their government jobs. But, now they left unsure. And they are not at the place where they have put all their chips in like the poker players do on TV to believe that God is totally there for them. I hate the hesitation, but so far, they are not full in, to believe God really has them. One of my continuous prayers that will change.
Thankfully, I have the comfort of knowing that He has chosen me, and I believe He also has my family. He DOES NOT want anyone to perish–none, no one. So with me praying for their salvation, them helping with the good and kind acts to others, God’s Word promises that IF His will, prayers will be answered, and He wants a grateful and believing heart. I have all those, but my confidence wanes knowing the stubbornness of my siblings, and the fact they also have been given the gift of making a choice. Yet, it is not just me that may lead them to Jesus. I know, with no doubt that God hears my prayers, He knows I believe He is able to bring them to their knees, and He answers prayers with full belief in what we ask for. My hesitation, not 100% in is the fact He also granted us all free will….. Yes, I know it is necessary, but it makes me a tad uncertain that they will be stupid and stubborn and refuse. (Sigh)
But, Lord, my Creator, You are in charge, You have chosen–and why me with all my ICK’s–but I thank You. I have Your Word, I can grow daily in that, and I have assurance for me, and I believe that even if not in my time, my family will choose You. But thank You, Lord, for all. You have so blessed ‘me and my bellaviews.’
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 23:1-4 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name/s sake. Yea, thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 55:1-3 Give ear to my prayer, O God, and do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for they bring down trouble upon me, and in wrath they hate me,
Psalm 56:9-11 When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know, because God is for me. In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me
Psalm 94:19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand
Matthew 6:25, 34 Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? . . . .Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for you sould. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Luke 12:29-32 And do not seek what you should eat or dr–what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows you need these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
The past few months have been stressful. In early February, while my family and I were in Florida for a memorial service, it was reported all government employees had to report how they spent their week by midnight of that Friday night. The threat was if no report was received, then the employee would be considered fired, not interested in retaining their job. The bosses were immediately contacting all their employees trying to calm down the sudden fear, questions, and most told the employees, “Do nothing right now. Let us all figure out what is going to be happening.” The unease was left behind like soot.
What was all this about? Many government employees from different agencies had overnight lost jobs, more were sounding like it was possible they would be losing theirs, and different directives and orders, news reports were all reporting things that contradicted, threatened, and caused general unrest among many governments personnel. It left huge uncertainty for many. Which order or demand should they follow? Would they lose their jobs? Certainly, the demand sounded urgent and threatening, but confusing; which do you follow? Who is leading this immediate closing of buildings, government offices, and what about all the people these different offices handle to help citizen with questions?
How do you pay rent/mortgage/bills if you will not be getting paid? How do you supply food for your children, buy medications that are needed, and the stress confusing and palpable. With no word of warning, anxiety was rampant. Tariffs were going to be put on all sorts of items coming into the US, well, that is a certainty that all products–food, building supplies, electronics, and about everything, would skyrocket. How comforting that is/was for those on a fixed income! But the rash promises and threats continued, and our country was tossed into confusion and stress.
Immediate differences were noted at grocery stores, gas pumps, and so forth. Most citizens tried to sit tight, with the slightest frown as they tried to understand the dialogue and immediate closing of government services. Dept of Education? That is no longer needed? Museums–again, educational facilities which received a huge bit of attendance in DC by multitudes of people from many different countries. And as the courts tried to halt some of this, and do their part of the constitution to maintain balance, suddenly, that was not working either. What happened to our three branches of government to control when things jumped out of hand? As I write this it is not quite a year, January 20, 2025–today is Nov 17,2025, and government was closed for more than a month. Folks lost SNAP benefits for a while, government employees had to go out to get loans to pay for monthly bills–mortgages, food, and then medical benefits were discarded. I realize that many living in Washington are basically unaware of what the working class needs to maintain a roof over their heads and the heads of family, they are not hit with rising food costs, they have medical insurance and do not worry about the cost of it.
But many of the people who voted to put these men and women into office DO need benefits and assistance from the government now. Medica costs have sky-rocketed, food goes up all the time, clothing is more expensive, and shoes…..Well, the lists go on, and for those with young growing children it requires a good head and maintenance program to keep all budgeted. One of the other frightening things to happen is to see ICE agents waving a car over and ripping a person or persons out of the car. We do not see that here, but it is prevalent in some of the other states–and reports by family members who have witnessed it often, they say it is unnerving and no one knows what to expect next. After several months of witnessing this happen in areas I lived and grew up, and having my family comment with worry and strain in their voices, let me know I was quite a bit more sheltered than they. I am not advocating any illegals be getting benefits; but this seems far more stressful than necessary.
I also don’t feel that we should vote for higher funds to “go” to medical costs. Does it really. There is a huge variance in what medical facilities and medical personnel charge. Let’s look at stopping the costs–insurances, tops that can be charged for procedures–and they should be standardized. There are other manners to control rather than pouring more money into the bucket–and who is monitoring the buckets of funds? I am no longer confident.
Then, travel and its stress and headaches for those frequent fliers–business people who travel sometimes to several cities within one week–with delays, arriving to meetings late, not able to get home on the evening projected and sometimes then getting only thirty-six or so hours of a weekend. It is tiring, stressful, and insufficient time to recover from work and travel. Then, with the stress of airlines and air traffic controllers, military families fearful of not being paid, travel increased in its stress of travel. It is just a tense filled time with a lot of uncertainty and wondering what is next? What are the safeguards? Are there any?
I am dismayed to see the negative things that have occurred the past several months. But, I recently read that God places those He wants to be in charge. That set me back for a while, the first day I read it. But in the end, God is glorified. At the end of WWII when the Jews and others were freed from the atrocious “working camps” in Germany, God was glorified–even by the Jews. They were grateful to finally be freed–they no longer faced starvation, gas blocks and experimentation. No matter what stress and fears that edge into our lives, we need to remember WE BELONG TO GOD. He has a plan for each of us. And because of that — our knowledge that we are His adopted heirs — and He has a plan for us; a plan to prosper and not to harm.
And yes, Jesus said before He was killed that His followers could expect troubles and tribulation. We need to find comfort in these uncertain times and know that we belong to God, and we are His. So, even with uncertain, stressful times, we should find comfort in knowing that we have a future. That is a comfort. The Bible reassures us God is always with us, and He wants what is best for us. That does NOT mean there will not be difficulties, hardships, loss and so forth. It does mean God wants to see how we will deal and trust Him during these difficult time.
So, my God and Creator, I thank You. You have used the Holy Spirit a few times over these past few weeks–showing me that God chooses our leaders–not always good men, but in the end, we recognize our sins, repent, and God is glorified by our renewal of His greatness, Love, Grace, and Mercy. Thank You, my Lord for all you have done for me and “mybellaviews.”
Exodus 15:22 then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
Numbers 32:15 For if you turn away from following Him, He will once more abandon them in the wilderness, and you will destroy all these people.
1 Kings 19:9-21 Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the work of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life to take it away.” So, He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind and earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (I will admit, I ‘read’ this several times BEFORE I actually say led by the Spirit…..with express purpose of ‘being tempted by Satan) So it could blatantly show us if Jesus could resist temptations of hunger and thirst for 40 days and rebuke Satan with God’s words. . .we can certainly trust and do the same!
Mark 1:12-13 Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. And He was in the wilderness 40 days being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were ministering to Him.
John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end results of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
I am not very good at journaling. I truly wish I was as I think it would be awesome to see the little areas of how God has worked in my life and in the lives of others close to me, that I’ve “forgotten.” I remember the big things, but those smaller things are also leading to a goal and because I don’t journal well, I think I may have lost those details.
And I have journaled some, but not consistently. And often, I will read over an entry from a year or more ago, and things have not advanced, and I feel deflated. And it certainly is not just my hopes, dreams, wishes, and prayers, but those of others close to me. They too are almost in the same situation as before. They are still frustrated with job, with their home life, with children, with money issues—whatever. And it makes me feel frustrated for them, and questioning ‘What IS your will for their life, Lord?’ I know you want forward movement, but WHAT?
Anyway, for someone who enjoys writing thoughts, stories, frustrations, growing spurts, I do Not like journalling. But again, thinking back to where my life was at nineteen and what I had to go through and grow through for a few years, I would love to know my ACTUAL thoughts then. I remember fear, but I don’t remember growth. I remember support from many others, but uncertainty, anxiety, fear and stress was a big part of my life, but fear and danger overrode so much.
I guess at the time, I didn’t even know all the verses which state God has a plan for ME. He has chosen me to walk a path, He has a goal in mind and my path is clearly delineated, and I will be safe following His path. But as a mass of quivering brain tissue filled with EVERY anxiety both real and imagined, I only hurried from place to place — to work, go to school, take care of my son and home, and try to supply our needs. There was no future I could clearly discern, no confidence I was doing the right things for me, for my son, and no back up plan if I failed. What would happen to my son if I failed? Failure was a big option. Big. Because I didn’t know God had a plan, so how could I know I was on the right path, the right plan.
When God prompted me out of my pew that Sunday morning in 1973, my usual shy, and quiet person changed and took charge making my way over several pairs of legs to get to the center aisle, to move forward to accept the award—I choose Christ as MY savior!
Somehow, I felt all would be golden and problem free then. Obviously, I had not read the verses when Jesus warned his disciples they would face problems and troubles….James, 1:2, James 1:12, 1 Peter 8:10, Romans 12:12, John 16:33. . . . Yeah, I had a LOT of growing to do!
The verse preached the day I accepted the invitation was Judges 6:36-40. For several years, I lived my Christian life with the testing that Gideon did. I have no idea how often God answered my “if….then…scenarios, but He finally said, “Enough. You have tested me, now it is time for you to grow.” But I didn’t really know how to grow. I know I loved God, but I was not in a bible teaching church, did not even know much about the bible. (What I would give to have been raised in the south with a good bible background; unfortunately, my church background was NOT biblical, but certainly used fear tactics. Anyway, that left me flummoxed.) I was uncertain how to seek Him. . .
However, I was back living in the US and had friends who had found bible teaching churches, and found I had opportunities. It was like shoe shopping—I had to find one that fit properly!
At the same time, I was working as a home health nurse and was in different homes over several days, and many would be listening to different TV evangelists—Charles Stanley, Joyce Meyer, Dr. David Jeremiah. As I was doing the patient’s care, I was being blessed by bible teaching and some explanations.
Although I had read the bible several times, probably half a dozen by then, I had little understanding of the “Torah” I truly enjoyed Genesis, some of Exodus, but the Numbers, Leviticus….oh my aching head. WHY do I need to read this?? Suddenly, Joyce Meyer was talking about the Israelites in the desert, whining to God AGAIN, and He said ‘you are still not getting it, now you can stay in the wilderness for 40 years’ The Wilderness was being Stuck in the Same Place; Not Moving Forward. I must admit learning the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land could be accomplished in 11 days. . . .I was shocked to learn that piece of information. . . since it took them 40 years. Wow! Because they had no faith.
TIME TO RE-EXAMINE How stuck are you, Kathleen? Gulp!
But I did not journal that time period. I don’t know, and I know I probably have forgotten a lot of the anxiety, stress, fear, and torment I went through. I had a lot of support from family and friends, but I remember feeling as though I swam in a dark murky swamp a lot of the time—and I am NOT much of a swimmer at all in any regards. I wish I had the journal, the thought processes, how many times maybe God scolded me, but I chose not to listen and follow—because I did not fully trust.
We are so foolish as we think we are in charge so often. Shame on me—for many reasons. But #1 for NOT trusting Him completely when I accepted the invitation; #2 for choosing to believe I was in charge when I never was; #3 even when I figured out I was not in charge, I did not fully hand over the reins; #4 when I did hand the reins over I fretted it was a mistake. . . ‘What if this failed, What if He did not come through, What if I was put in a worse place, What if I was sent to Ethiopia or Somalia or. . .or. . . then what would happen to my son? Yes, my fears galloped forward with NO inkling God had chosen some country in Africa. Instead, He had chosen I raise my son as a single mother.
You get the picture. Anyway, now, I sit and wonder what the journals would say about that journey. Would the journals show growth where my memory has forgotten the growing process, and just remembers the doubting? But here I am, safe, sound, (well, fairly sound of mind for those who know me), but I am significantly blessed—and frequently make that claim, and I know I don’t remember all the struggles, even as I can claim rewards. That is kind of sad. If the journals were written, then they could portray the struggles, the accomplishments, the doubts, and the initial surprise when accomplishments were made. (WOW! Look what God has done! Look what He gave me, encouraged me to do!)
There is little surprise for me when I advance and recognize it now. . . I have learned He’s got this and got it very well. I just follow along, fat dumb and happy to oblige.
Lord, You have been there for me, and yet I haven’t marked all the steps. I’m sorry for that. I know many of the goals. . . I hope I can and have thanked you as I met the goals. . .but I didn’t record the progress, and for that I am sorry. I’m sorry that my children and siblings can’t read the journey if they would like to; to know the prayers sent forward on their behalf, and the joy at the outcome at God’s answers. So, sorry, Lord, I did not follow through to journal, but I can thank You for my progress and my joy; but I am unhappy that no one can read the details of my incredible journey with You.
Thank You, Lord for all you have done for me and ‘my Bellaviews.’
Numbers 27:15-21 Moses spoke to the Lord saying, “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd. So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation and you shall commission him in their sight. You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his outward appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you’ I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
Daniel 2:20-22 Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.
Daniel 4:17 The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will and sets over it the lowliest of men.’
John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God!
Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
1 Peter 2:13-15, 17 Be subject for the LORD’S sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. . . . Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood, Fear God. Honor the emperor.
It always surprised how often I read the Bible and then come across a verse that I have never read before. Recently, I have been thinking a lot about the Jews being persecuted often throughout time. Because I lived in Germany a number of years, and made several trips to Dachau, located just outside of Munich. In the early 1950’s my father was stationed just a few miles away at an Air Force base in Furstenfeldbruck. Dachau was located less then five miles away, so he visited the site. I am not sure it was truly open to visitors at that time since much of Germany was still rebuilding. But, it was clear to my father that there was no way the nearby residents had not known what was going on there. That bothered me when I learned my husband was going to be stationed there.
But when we moved there, we lived on the economy and not at the military barracks. I spoke some German, and enjoyed meeting the neighbors and interacting with the community. I found most of the residents nice, pleasant, warm, helpful and enjoyed the fact I got to learn more of the culture. I was able to introduce them to our holiday of Thanksgiving. On December 6, shoes were left outside of the home and they were filled with candy and small gifts. The Germans really celebrated the Christmas holidays over a three week period, ending in early January with a blessing of the animals–mostly farm animals, but pets were also blessed. It was a pleasure to be accepted into the community. One of our neighbors ran a Gasthaus and would call me when she needed a waitress for an event–usually a funeral. After the burial, instead of returning to a home, the Germans would together at a Gasthaus for a light meal or bakery offering, with either coffee or a beer.
While walking, I would always greet those out for a stroll–and almost all would respond with a smile and a good day. But folks who were about the same age as my mother–late 60’s early 70’s usually would not. Initially that puzzled me. But after some thinking about it, I realized that these people were the same age as my mother during WWII. My mother was 14-18 during those war years; as we all know full of teen hormones, and my guess many of these folks had lost people close to them–family, siblings, cousins, friends, and held Americans at least partially responsible. Hence, they did not want to be even the least bit courteous. I continued saying greetings–and as they became more comfortable seeing my face in the community, they began to answer.
But I had many questions. What did they think of Hitler–not just those my mother’s age, but those my age. What did they think of the history we had been taught? Were they taught the same? Did they find so many of the Reich’s activities deplorable? How could one justify killing six million people? Did they feel shame their country had and many of the people had committed atrocities? Could they justify any of what happened?
But, recent reading of my Bible showed me that God chooses the leaders. So, that means all sorts of heinous rulers–Nebuchadnezzar, Nero, Herod, Hitler and others. How could that be? I thought these miserable persons were acting of their own free will–the devil’s demons. Through their brute actions they got leadership positions and contributed horrific acts-by their own freewill. But according to the Word of God He chooses the leaders–good or bad. That had my mind thinking of things in a different manner. I must admit, I was all about the Rifleman, the Lone Ranger, Superman and all the other heroes. I was raised with the idea and belief that good always wins and conquers the bad guys. But having the verse permeate my brain. So then I went looking for other verses to verify. And I found them.
I had to work through this; and certainly did not like it. But I also know that things happen to let God work and through it He is glorified. With the world-wise stress and anxiety, unrest and hurtful mandates, it makes me wonder how things can turn around? But God knows far more than I ever will–the front, the back, and exactly what the next steps will be.
There were many heroes in Europe during WWII. And after many deaths–military, innocent persons who had tried to resist the evil, the imprisonment threats, being hunted, having a country invaded after promises to not invade–Netherlands, Holland and so forth. People moved forward to protect the targeted Jews–the ten Boom family, the family that hid Anne Frank’s family, and many others who are lesser known. But people stepped forward to try to do what is right, to protect others. Once the prison camps were freed near the end of the war, and many then were released–emotional and some physical scarring intact–but God could be glorified. The end of the tyranny, the invasions, the hunger of Germans, French and any who were not part of the German military.
Maybe that is why God chooses the leaders. He wants us to be fully aware of how hateful, torturous and diabolical man can be to man–for whatever crazy ideals there might be. Yet there keep being mean, hateful, persons who feel entitled to destroy others. Perhaps God is again trying to impress on our selfish, self-centered, tyrannical persons will be thrown over again–hoping that finally we will learn to be kind, gentle, patient, loving to others–not hurtful. Or maybe, we will soon see Jesus coming again on a cloud, ready to gather us up and bring us to the mansion He is building for us.
Lord, You have blessed me abundantly. I am trusting You as You ask and command. My fear is pushed aside–it does flit across my mind a couple times of day, but because I know Him, I am able to remind myself not to be fearful, anxious and that He is in charge. What a blessing and reassurance that is! I have peace even in this crazy time. Thank You that You chose me, and gave me the Word to help me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Hi, I'm Kathy. Welcome to my website!