Jesus Was Despised

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. — Isaiah 53:3

Yesterday my team moved down to the 4th floor of our building.

For the past two years we have been on the 7th floor with beautiful views.

Now the views are not quite as spectacular, but we do have two patios with balconies.

We're talking about putting a conference table and chairs on at least one of them so we can have outdoor meetings.

During this season of Lent, we remember what Jesus sacrificed for us.

He was despised and rejected by humankind.

Christ was familiar with pain.

Jesus was despised.

And we held him in low esteem.

Crucified on a cross with criminals by His side.

All for love.

Amazing!

God, Our Savior

God our Savior, wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. — 1 Timothy 2:4 

Monday night it was raining persistently.

We need the rain.

I'm just glad I don't have to drive in it.

Last night I had book club and then choir.

Fortunately, the rain had stopped just in time.

God wants all people to be saved.

He wants all people to come to a knowledge of the truth.

He is our Lord and Savior.

There Is One God and One Mediator

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. — 1 Timothy 2:5

Yesterday my boss announced that he is leaving our company in two weeks.

He's just my second supervisor at this company.

His boss tried to reassure me that he will be consulting with me and will be very transparent with his decisions.

He will meet with me biweekly and consult with me on the path we should take to move forward.

I just had my team read the book, "Who Moved My Cheese" and we had a good discussion about change and our attitudes.

So one of my colleagues today sent me a text with a sad face, "Someone REALLY moved my cheese today."

We'll be going to lunch together later this week to talk it out.

For there is one God, and He knows our worries and concerns.

His Son Jesus is our mediator between God and us.

And Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all of us.

When our cheese moves, we can rely on God to help us find our way through the maze to the new cheese.

God Is My Refuge

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. — Psalm 62:7 

Yesterday our pastor spoke about knowing God.

Afterward, one of our regular attendees asked me what that meant.

She has head knowledge about who God is, but doesn't feel she knows him.

My friend chimed in that prayer is a great way to get to know God.

And another friend added reading His Word, Scripture, is how we get to know Him.

And they both mentioned opening your heart to His Spirit.

So I am praying for her to come to know God personally, as her Savior so she has more than just head knowledge, but a personal relationship.

My salvation depends on God.

He is. my mighty rock.

He is my refuge.

I am blessed to get to know Him more and more each day.

Believe in Him

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. — Philippians 1:29

Yesterday we ran into a former neighbor up at Keils grocery store.
She had moved to Atlanta 5 years ago with her son and daughter.
It was fun to see Tina again and catch up briefly.
Her daughter is now 16 and her son is 12!
We've missed having them as neighbors.

The Lord, My Portion

"The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I have hope in Him." — Lamentations 3:24 

Today our friend Susan sent us a photo of herself with her boys.

They're sharing the last of the homemade Passito that their dad brought back from Italy in 1983.

Susan had kept it in her freezer all these years.

Very cute photo.

Susan looks just like she did 30 years ago!

The Lord is my portion.

Therefore I have hope in Him.

Our Fellowship With the Father

 Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  — 1 John 1:3

We are part of the church.

Jesus is our Lord.

All who follow Jesus, all around the world, make up the church.

After all, the church is the people.

And our fellowship is with the Father.

And with His Son, Jesus.

God Is Faithful

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:19 

Today Kirk had his cataract surgery.

He was originally scheduled to have it in September, but it was postponed due to covid.

The surgery was quick and had amazing results.

By this afternoon Kirk could see our television with his left eye.

And everything he saw with that eye before had been a blur.

By tomorrow it will probably be close to his right eye, which is 20/20.

Amazing how far they've come with that surgery.

God is faithful and just.

He cares for us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins to Him.

Put on the Full Armor of God

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. — Ephesians 6:11 

The armor of God includes the breastplate of righteousness,

The shoes of the Gospel of Peace,

The helmet of salvation,

The sword of the Spirit — the one offensive weapon,

Which is God's Word.

When we put on the armor of God, he gives us the protection we need to take our stand against the devil's schemes.

Be Strong in the Lord

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. — Ephesians 6:10

Today I went to the dermatologist so he could see if I have any other strange moles.

He didn't find any others, but let me know to come back in six months to check again.

The mole they removed a few weeks ago from my knee was melanoma in situe.

So I'll get a call this week to schedule a surgery appointment to take about an inch more.

Just to make sure they got it all.

It will be outpatient, and I'll have stitches.

I won't be able to swim or hike until the stitches come out.

Just to make sure it won't leave a scar.

So Abby and I will go swimming tomorrow.

And as often as we can until the surgery happens.

Be strong in the Lord, and in His mighty power.

Crave Pure Spiritual Milk

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. — 1 Peter 2:2-3

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Just a newborn craves milk, God calls us to crave pure spiritual food.

Milk that will nourish our souls.

So that by it we  may grow up in our salvation.

Now that we have tasted that the Lord is good.

The Fruit of the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23

These are tough characteristics to maintain.

Love

Joy

Peace

Patience

Kindness

Goodness

Faithfulness

Gentleness

Self-Control

Almost impossible without God's Spirit working within me.

Thus, the fruit of the Spirit!

God's Word Is a Light on My Path

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. — Psalm 119:105

God's Word shines brightly in the darkness to show us the way to go.

During this time of war and heartache, God's Word is a light in our dark world.

Shining light on our feet, just like lamp.

Illuminating the path so I know where to go.

Making it easier for me to stay on the right road.

Preventing me from wandering off and getting lost.

Praying that Putin will find Jesus and start walking in God's light.

And praying for safety for the Ukraine people who are having to fight for their homes.

And for the thousands of Russians who are dying in this senseless war.

The Lord Refreshes My Soul

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. — Psalm 23:2

The Lord is my shepherd.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

God helps me relax, even in the midst of turmoil.

He leads me beside quiet waters.

When the world overwhelms me, God prepares a quiet place for me away from the crowd.

He refreshes my soul.

When I take the time to read His Word, God reinvigorates my soul.

He knows just what I need and when.

The Lord, My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. — Psalm 23:1

God is my shepherd.

He cares for me just as a shepherd cares for his flock.

He leads me beside the waters.

And he provides me with everything I need.

He tells me I have nothing to worry about; he's got it covered.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Holy and Dearly Loved

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. — Colossians 3:12 

I am chosen by God.

As one of His chosen people, I am dearly loved.

God wants me to become holy.

He shows me how to clothe myself with compassion.

And to put on humility, gentleness, patience, and kindness.

Help me, Lord.

You Are My Strength

But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. — Psalm 22:19 

God is my strength.

He is never far from me.

When I call out to Him, He answers.

He comes quickly to help me when I call.

At times He has me wait for His timing.

He is my strength and my song.

God Works for the Good of Those Who Love Him

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28

We know that in all things God works things together for our good.

Even when we can't see it.

Even when others try to derail His plan.

He perseveres and continues to work through everything according to His plan.

He works for our good - for those of us who love Him.

And have been called according to His purpose.

He is our hope.

The Lord Your God Is God

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. — Deuteronomy 7:9

Whitworth University Campus

The Lord is God.

He is my God.

He keeps His covenant of love to me.

And to a thousand generations.

To everyone who loves Him and keeps His commandments.

We need to get to know Him.

He is faithful.

Even when I'm not.

Always Be Prepared

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. — 1 Peter 3:15

God calls us to be prepared.

24/7 ready to give an answer.

To everyone and anyone who asks to know the reason for the hope that I have.

But to give that reason with gentleness.

To respect the person I'm talking to and with.

To live out the hope that I have in Jesus.

Two weeks ago we celebrated James and his bride-to-be with a wedding shower.

Very fun time with family and friends and new acquaintances.

Prepared to share our hope in Jesus with others.

Revere Christ as Lord

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. — 1 Peter 3:15

God asks us to revere Christ as Lord of our lives.

That means I should honor Him.

And respect Him.

And obey Him.

And share Him with others.

Setting aside time to pray with Him each day.

Getting my heart right with Jesus.

Learning to love His Word.

And to love Him more each day.

We Share in the Sufferings of Christ

Just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. — 2 Corinthians 1:5

Christ suffered and died for us, taking our sins on Himself.

Just as we share in His sufferings, we share in His love.

And our comfort is also in Christ.

We share abundantly in His sufferings.

And our comfort abounds through Jesus.

He is our hope of heaven.

The Father of Compassion

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Today I introduced my new friend Michaela to my friend Robin over lunch.

Michaela is planning to have a mastectomy with reconstruction in April.

Robin had one 16 years ago.

We had a chance to share our experiences.

We'll go for a hike around the neighborhood or down to Mission Trails on Saturday.

To continue the conversation and support her as she goes through this tough time.

We both had strong support networks during our surgeries and recovery.

Hopefully we can help provide that same support for our new friend.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus.

He is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble.

We comfort others with the comfort we've received from God.

Your Perfect Faithfulness

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. — Isaiah 25:1

The Lord is my God.

I will praise His name.

In  perfect faithfulness, He has done wonderful things.

Things He planned long ago.

He is perfect.

I will exalt Him.

Watch over those in Ukraine.

Protect them and comfort them in their fear.

In Jesus' name we pray,  Amen.

Search Me, God

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. — Psalm 139:23

Yesterday we went up to Yorba Linda.

Kirk drove us to Jame and Katie's wedding shower.

It was a fun time to connect with friends and meet new ones.

But especially to celebrate with the happy couple.

And eat fruit, veggies, and cake. Yum!

Here's James a year ago at Christmas, visiting us in San Diego.

Kirk's holding the Christmas ornament he made in preschool.

A snowman with James' face on it.

Way too cute.

Search me, God, and know my heart.

Test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Cover those who are anxious in Ukraine with your peace that passes our understanding.

The Peace of God

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:7

May God's peace guard the hearts of those in Ukraine and in other war-torn areas of the world.

His peace transcends all understanding.

May the Lord guard their minds from the devastation around them.

May the love of Jesus surround them.

May Christ bring them His perfect peace.

And may we feel that peace in our lives, too.

Thank You, Lord.

Be Strong and Courageous

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. — Joshua 1:9

God has commanded us to be strong.

And courageous.

Just as He commanded Joshua.

God also told him not to be afraid.

I'm no always good a listening to His Word.

The Lord tells me not to be afraid.

And not to be discouraged.

But I often get discouraged, which doesn't say much for my trust in God.

He reassures me that He will be with me wherever I go.

Here we are at Carmines in Las Vegas for an Italian dinner with friends two weeks ago.

Now we are praying that God will be with the citizens of Ukraine, protecting them from the bombs and warfare in their cities and towns.

God's Ways Are Higher Than Mine

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. — Isaiah 55:9

The heavens are higher than the earth.

God's ways are higher than my ways.

The Lord's thoughts are higher than my thoughts.

There's no comparison.

Today is my brother Tim's birthday.

Next week we'll get together for lunch to celebrate.

Today he'll have lunch with his friends at the Brigantine.

Yum! One of our favorite restaurants.

Happy Birthday, Tim!

God's Ways

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. — Isaiah 55:8

God's thoughts are not mine.

My thoughts are not His.

My ways are not His ways.

Thank goodness!

The Lord has declared that His ways are the way to go.

Here's the alligator we saw at the zoo last month.

At first we thought it was a statue.

Then it opened its mouth!

The Lord Reigns Forever

You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. — Lamentations 5:19 

The Lord our God reigns forever.

His throne lasts forever.

His love endures forever.

God's throne lasts from generation to generation.

Even in the midst of war.

And conflict around the world.

But God reigns over all.

His hand guards and guides us through pain and heartache.