Immanuel and Emmanuel

Our Savior was named Immanuel. God with us.
Our grandson was named Emmanuel. God with us.

Immanuel. God with us.
Emmanuel. Us with God.

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

I had 3 reminders this week to fix my eyes on Jesus.

The first came as I was paddle boarding. I turned my eyes from the buildings in the distance, looked down at the water beneath me, and fell into it. I got on my board and thought where I look makes a difference. Fix your eyes on Jesus flashed across my mind.

The next reminder came while eating dinner at a friend’s house*. This was on their wall:

Then, on Sunday, the very first song we sang at church was “Turn Your Eyes On Jesus.”

So now I remind you. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2).”

*Photo and verse by Lydia Most. Thank you, Lydia!

Peace that Never Ends

Here’s the path to peace that never ends: By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Here’s the promise of peace that never ends: Of His peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7).

Jesus, a Friend of Sinners

Jesus is a friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19).

A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).

Don’t be afraid to pray.

How One Who Knows Prays

God knows our hearts. He searches them (from Luke 16:15; Romans 8:27).

Here’s what He sees: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9).”

It’s no surprise that “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express (Romans 8:26).”

An Important Prayer Habit

When life is going well, make it your habit to pray “Your will be done (Matthew 6:10).”

Then, when suffering comes, it will be your habit to pray, “Not as I will, but as you will (Matthew 26:39).”

What to pray for Ukraine – Peace

Lord, you will grant us peace (Isaiah 26:12).

Thank you.

What to pray for Ukraine – Hope

The Lord will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever (Isaiah 25:7-8).

Pray for hope in God and in his gift of eternal life.

What to pray for Ukraine – Strength

The Lord of hosts will be . . . strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate (Isaiah 28:5-6).

Pray for the strength that only God can give.

What to pray for Ukraine – Courage

The Lord of Heaven’s armies . . . will give great courage to their warriors who stand at the gates (Isaiah 28:5-6 NLT).

Ukranians need courage; the Lord gives it. Ask.