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!

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.

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).”

A Prayer for Help Brought Joy

It was the first day in her new job. She was somewhat apprehensive.

We prayed fervently for her success. At day’s end she texted, “My day was actually fun.”

“Joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper (Psalm 146:5).”

Reasons to Praise – 4

Let the whole world bless our God and loudly sing his praises. Our lives are in his hands (Psalm 66:8-9 bold mine).

Reasons to Praise – 3

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!
For each day he carries us in his arms (Psalms 68:19 bold mine).

Outcomes of Prayer

Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory (Psalm 51:15).

Our rescue and God’s glory are outcomes of prayer.

Faithful Love

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 107:1).

Consider and celebrate the faithful love of the Lord. For you.

The Lord hears and will answer

The Lord has heard my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea;
The Lord will answer my prayer.
Psalm 6:8-9 NLT