Through it all, I learned to trust in GOD.

http://youtu.be/Bo-mp_m3nj8 - Through it All - Selah

John 16:31-33 NLT
³¹ Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? ³² But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. ³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

This has been a tough week for our Country.  Once again, one lost young man decided to gain notoriety through a senseless and brutal attack on others. 

I read this article from GotQuestions.org  and thought it was worth sharing.  The greatest comfort we can have is knowing that Jesus told us these terrible things would happen.  He wanted us to know that as evil as this world can be, HE has already won the battle for us.  We live victory - no matter what horrible circumstances we may encounter, because we have Christ.  Through His sacrifice, we have been given an amazing future with Him for all eternity.

Psalm 56:11 NLT
in God I trust; I will not fear.What can man do to me? 

Question: "Is there meaning in tragedy?"

Answer: When tragedy strikes, it is common for people to ask, “What does this mean?”

When we witness some disaster or mass murder, there is a natural feeling that what has happened should not have happened. This innate sense of “wrongness” is a clue to meaning in these events. When we look to find meaning in tragedy, we must have the right perspective. We need to approach the question in a way that allows for a coherent answer, and this is only possible through a Christian worldview. Because God instills meaning into every moment and event in history, through Him we can begin to find meaning in suffering. The nature of this world lends itself to tragic events. Fortunately, God speaks to us, so that we can find not only meaning, but salvation and relief from the sufferings of the world.

When studying physical motion, it is crucial to understand perspective. Speed and acceleration are only meaningful in relation to some other object; this object is the reference point. The way in which the reference point moves affects our perception. The same is true in our sense of right and wrong. For concepts of good, bad, right, wrong, or tragedy to be meaningful, they have to be anchored to a reference point that does not change or move. The only valid reference point for these issues is God. The very fact that we consider a mass murder wrong strongly supports the idea of God as the reference point for our sense of good and evil. Without God, even the events we consider the most tragic are no more meaningful than anything else. We have to understand the nature of this world and our relationship to God in order to draw any meaning at all from the things we see.

God infuses every moment and every event with meaning and gives us confidence that He understands what we are going through. When Jesus instituted communion, He tied the past, present, and future together. 1 Corinthians 11:26 says, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup (the present), you proclaim the Lord's death (the past) until He comes (the future).” God’s knowledge of all events means nothing is insignificant to Him. If God knows when a sparrow falls, He certainly knows when we face tragedy (Matthew 10:29-31). In fact, God assured us that we would face trouble in this world (John 16:33) and that He has experienced our struggles personally (Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 4:15).

Hebrews 2:11-18
¹¹ So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. ¹² For he said to God,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
I will praise you among your assembled people.”

¹³ He also said,

“I will put my trust in him,”
that is, “I and the children God has given me.”

¹⁴ Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. ¹⁵ Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.

¹⁶ We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. ¹⁸ Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

Hebrews 4:15 NLT
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

(Exodus 20:13; Romans 1:18-21).

Romans 1:18-24

¹⁸ But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. ¹⁹ They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. ²⁰ For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

²¹ Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. ²² Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. ²³ And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

²⁴ So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. ²⁵ They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. ²⁶ That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires.

When we look to find meaning in such an event, we have to understand why this world is the way it is. The hardship of this world was originally caused by mankind’s sin (Romans 5:12), which is always a matter of choice (1 Corinthians 10:13). While God is perfectly capable of stopping tragedies before they begin, sometimes He chooses not to. While we may not know why, we do know that He is perfect, just, and holy, and so is His will. Also, the suffering we experience in this world does three things. It leads us to seek God, it develops our spiritual strength, and it increases our desire for heaven (Romans 8:18-25; James 1:2-3; Titus 2:13; 1 Peter 1:7).

In the garden of Eden, God spoke to Adam and communicated in clear and direct ways, not in abstract concepts. God speaks to us today in the same way. In some ways, this is the most important meaning to be found in any tragedy. Tragic events demonstrate much of their meaning in the way we react to them. C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” This does not mean that God causes tragedy, but that He uses our reaction to tragedy to speak to us. Tragic events remind us not only that we live in an imperfect and fallen world, but that there is a God who loves us and wants something better for us than the world has to offer.

Recommended Resource: Is God Really in Control? Trusting God in a World of Terrorism, Tsunamis, and Personal Tragedy by Jerry Bridges.


Matthew 10:29-31 NLT
²⁹ What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. ³⁰ And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

John 16:33 NLT
³³ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Romans 5:12 Holman Christian Standard
¹² Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all men, because all sinned.

James 1:2-3 Holman Christian Standard
² Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.


1 Peter 1 Holman Christian Standard
³ Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ⁴ and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. ⁵ You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials ⁷ so that the genuineness of your faith —more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire —may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.


As the Lord leads, please pray:

For the families who are grieving the inexplicable loss of their loved ones.

For those who have been injured, and the medical teams attending them.

For the family of James Holmes.

For law enforcement as they work to disarm the explosive-laden apartment of Holmes, and search his personal effects for some explanation of the shooting.

The destination is worth it!

I was flipping through the channels and heard a talk show host make this statement:

"It's not the destination...it's the journey."

I thought to myself, "are you kidding me?"  For Christians the Destination gives purpose to the journey!  It's all about the Destination!!!  To be Home with Jesus???  Of course that's what matters.  Our journey should be purposeful and full of love and service towards others.  God gives us opportunities to shine for Him along our road, but never doubt for once second,  it is the destination that gives us hope and a reason for the journey.

http://youtu.be/YE4Yf4NkdrU - Long way Home - Steven Curtis Chapman

I just love this song by Steven Curtis Chapman!  It reminds me that this journey we are on - bumps and all,  is going to be so worth it!


Do you ever see someone who seems to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and you just can't understand how he keeps going?  Sometimes it seems supernatural.

This life is full of struggles and suffering. All of us, sooner or later, will have to deal with something horrendous, and we'll  get through it.  We have no choice.  But for a Christian, there's a difference.  Yes, we still have to face the problems of this life, we still suffer, but God gives us a peace that comes from knowing we are never alone in our struggles. He is walking with us every step. 

There is a difference between just surviving bad times and coming through those bad times in victory.  A Christian uses those difficult times as a testimony to God's faithfulness.  So even in the worst possible circumstances, others see strength that defies our circumstances.  It's the strength that Christ provides.

No matter how tough things get, Christ has promised to give us everything we need to get through the crisis.  He is ready to strengthen us, provide for us and give us His peace which is beyond our comprehension.

I love this passage in Philippians.  Actually, the whole book of Philippians is a treasure chest of encouragement and hope - regardless of the circumstances we may be facing. 

The bottom line  - I'm not alone.  My Father is the Creator of the Universe and He chose me to be His special possession.  Now that's reason to rejoice always!

Philippians 4
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

¹⁵ And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.



from Belief Changers:

Today, I need the peace that only Your presence brings. With situations and circumstances that create concern, I ask You to be the Peace that passes all understanding. I don't have to know the all the details, I only need to know You're here. Lord let Your peace prevail in my home, at work, wherever you lead me, let love and grace fill the atmosphere. I pray for this nation as well as every nation of the earth. Let Your word go forth and draw men, women and children to You, wonderful Savior! Amen & So be it!



http://youtu.be/1vmY2ztb5xc  - How great the Father's Love - Selah

How Deep The Father's Love For Us
by Selah
from the album "You Deliver Me"

Lyrics:

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross

Ashamed to hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that kept Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom [x2]