Eagles Wings

Dear Friend:

I have been meditating on all of the bible verses that pertain to eagles and their wings. It all started about one month ago when I saw several verses from devotions all about eagles. When you see things multiple times, do you think God is trying to tell you something? I believe! I have also noticed when this happens that I learn and then I also get many chances to share or comfort others with that message.

I have been working at the hospital visiting patients. There is no better place to bring the message of God and how He speaks to us about covering us with His wings like an eagle. How comforting that is, don’t you think? The verses below make you think of God as an eagle.

I have even a better picture. Have you seen a eagle flying? I have been to Canada many times and have seen the eagle command the sky when they are around. Did you know they are off the endangered species list? In Canada I would look up to the highest trees and that is where I find the eagles. When the eagles swoop down and land in a tree I hear the branches crackle. They are so powerful. Birds actually give up their prey to the eagle with no fights. Birds just know not to mess with the eagle.

Ps 17:8 - Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

Ps 36:7 - How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Ps 57:1 - Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.

Ps 91:4 - He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

Isa 40:31 -but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Mal 4:2 - But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Let’s pray: Dear Father in Heaven. I thank you for always being here to comfort, shield, renew my strength, provide refuge, love, have mercy and heal. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Soaring with God,

Elaine

Salty or Light

Dear Friend:

Has anyone every told you that you are “salty” or “light?” You are probably asking “Elaine, isn’t that a little odd?”

In the gospel of Matthew I was reading today that when you know who Jesus is and try to live your life according to His ways you are called “salty” or full of “light.” In the version of the Bible called the Message it says this in Matthew 5:13=15:

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Being “Salt” or “Light” is something that flows out of you when you are full of the Spirit of God. Do all people recognize or like that God part of you? No. Persecution happens. In Jesus time there were many that rejected him and what that meant was that the truth got too close for their comfort and they were uncomfortable. In that same chapter of Matthew it says “you can be glad when that happens-give a cheer, even!-for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.”

I want to pray for you today because I know that it is not popular to speak out for Jesus and maybe sometimes you feel defeated because of the reaction you get from others. You may say “I won’t be doing that again.” DON’T LOOSE YOUR “SALT” OR “LIGHT” BECAUSE OF THAT ONE REACTION! Jesus (thank God) did not give up! If he had there would be no Easter. Use this Easter time to tell others what Jesus did on the cross for you.

Let’s pray: Father in heaven I ask in the name of Jesus that you renew the Spirit of this child. Give them all the “salt” and “light” they need to proclaim your name. Do not allow the enemy to discourage them. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.

Salty,

Elaine

O.M.G.

Dear Friend:

Think of your first response when you hurt yourself. What do you say? When someone tells you something shocking, what do you say? The word God is so universal. I bet you more than 90% of us say “oh my God” to quite a few responses through out our day. When someone sneezes do you respond by saying to them “God bless you” and do you really mean it? I have tried to teach my kids not to walk around saying “Oh my God.” I would rather have them say “Gosh” or “goodness.”

When used properly “Oh my God” is a great response to a cry for help. It is a great beginning to a prayer to our Father. Why do so many people scream out “Oh my God” and really not even know what they are saying? It is a habit for many. With all the text messaging today I now hear O.M.G. from the kid’s mouths.

I was having a great visit with a patient at the hospital and we were talking about God and how important he is in our lives. She said “I think God is important to a lot of people, then she asked “what is the first thing someone says when they hurt themselves? “ She answered the question before I could and said “OH MY GOD.” Not all people respond that way but I did agree that many do.

Below read the cries of God’s people crying out to Him:

2Ki 6:15 - When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked.

1Ch 4:10 - Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request.

Job 6:8 - "Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for,

Job 29:4 - Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house,

Ro 11:33 - Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

It is ok to talk to God about anything and there is no right way to say what you want to say. Just talk as if you were talking to your friend. Jesus so intimately in His last hours cried out to God. I hope in this Easter season that you take the time to read the Gospels account of Jesus last days on earth. I think his greatest cry was Luke 22:42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

22:44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

I pray that an angel from heaven appear for you today and strengthen you.

Let’s pray: Father in heaven hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come your will be down here on earth. Thank you for another day on earth. Keep me and my family from evil. Help me to forgive those that are hard to forgive. Forgive me for________for thine is kingdom and power and glory for ever and ever Amen.

I anticipate that something beautiful and wonderful will happen to you.

Reading Jesus last moments,

Elaine

Stunned

Dear Beloved Friend:

What I am about to say may stun you! Christ is alive and living each and every day! Are you “stunned” by that statement? Do you believe who he said he was? Are you sitting there reading this saying “Elaine what are you talking about?” I think I can clarify what I am meditating on but I must admit I struggle with the idea of Jesus being right here with me right now.

I am reading Mark 16.

As you are reading put yourself in Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome’s shoes. In chapter 15:41 it says “In Galilee these women had followed Him and cared for his needs.” For years they have been following Him caring for Him, but remember they were healed by Him and cared for by Him also. These women are walking to the tomb where Jesus was laid to rest and they are “worrying out loud.” Just picture yourself following Jesus and all of his teachings for the last three years and then you witnessed a long drawn out death just a few days before. Then, you want to give Jesus a proper burial and you are on your way to the tomb. The worry in their minds, crowds out so much that they do not remember that Jesus said he would die and rise again to give new life. They get to the tomb and they are “stunned” to find he was gone. The chapter goes on to say not only are they “stunned” so are the disciples and other followers. Why is it so hard for us to believe what Jesus said and did here on earth? Why is it so hard to live as Jesus did? Why do we have so much trouble believing that Jesus is the son of God and He came knowing His life would end in death, but that He would be rise from that death to live again? He always intercedes for us and left the third part of the trinity the Holy Spirit to live in us. We should not be “stunned” that he was not there. The reaction should be more like “YES AND AMEN, WHAT HE SAID, HE DID!” I proclaim with my mouth “GLORY TO GOD ALMIGHTY CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH!”

We have Easter coming up in the next week. I suggest that you go and read each Gospels account of the death of Jesus. I pray that you will reflect on the magnitude of Jesus and what He did for you. Examine your heart with honesty and ask yourself :

1. Do I believe that Jesus was the son of God and he died and rose again so that I may be forgiven all of my wronging doing (past, present and future)?

2. Do I believe that Jesus did this for everyone (even the murderers) because he loved?

3. Do I believe that tomb was empty and that signifies he conquered death and you now have the opportunity to believe and then have eternal life with Jesus?

4. Do I worry so much about money, relationships, stress, food and pretty much all of life that I forget that God knows it all and He is just asking us to go to the cross and tomb and remember he paid it all?

5. Do I forget to simply just trust Him with my daily living?

I know this a lot to think about but now is the time to stop being “stunned” and just simply say “I believe and will continue to trust.”

Let’s pray: Jesus you paid it all. Yes and Amen it is finished. Thank you for your great plan. Help me to trust and remember the things you did and said so I can live like you did. You are my Savior and I will no longer be “stunned.” In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Great prayer! Expect better days ahead because of Jesus and what He did for you. “SPRING” forward with new Life because it is all around you. New life is growing in the trees, grass and all of nature. Nature is screaming out new life just believe it and receive it! Your finances, relationships all problems are budding with new life just watch and pray.

Springing forward,

Elaine