“America the Beautiful” 

We the people, inherited a land carved to perfection by the Creator's hands. Nestled between two vast bodies of water; this treasure, refined like nothing else before it; and nothing on this earth ever to come. Rich and fertile soil to bring forth an abundance of vegetation, to nourish all living creatures who would roam the land. Crystal clear, rivers, lakes, and streams hidden between majestic mountains high and valleys low. Timber from every species of tree as far as the eye can see. Beauty so magnificent and mesmerizing that the awesome power of God is seen in all of its majesty.

"America the Beautiful" God shed His grace on thee. A "Blessed Nation" to live in Peace, Freedom, and Liberty! Happy 250th America! Amen.

My Yoke is Easy

At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Lord Jesus, call us to yourself, that with you, we shall always be. Yoke us to yourself Lord, that being attached to you in all things, the evil one will not be able to detach us from being one with you for all of eternity. Amen.

"We have seen the Lord"

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,

was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord."
But Thomas said to them,
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Consideration: Lord Jesus, increase our faith, that we may believe in the things that we cannot see when it comes from your word. You are the Way, Truth, and Life; if we place complete trust in you, we will have nothing to fear. Amen.

Blind to Sin

After entering the boat, Jesus made the crossing and came into his own town. And there, people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, "Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins' - he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher and go home." He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this, they were struck with awe, and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

Consideration: Mankind has become blind to the realization to sin. We need to admit our human nature has been compromised through sin, and we continue to fall short, time and time again. Jesus is clearly telling us that he has the authority to free us from all unrighteousness, and sinfulness. He is waiting to heal us, just as he healed the paralytic, and glorified his Father in heaven. Amen.

Demoniacs

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by the road. They cried out, "What do you have to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?" Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, "if you drive us out, send us into the herd of the swine." And he said to them, "Go then!" They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

​Consideration: Demons are real. When we do not follow the laws of God, we leave ourselves open to the evil one and his minions. And if we do not repent of our sinfulness, we open the door for them to enter our lives. Seek out the mercy of the Lord and his forgiveness, and the demons will flee from your life. Amen.

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Storms of Life

As Jesus got into the boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"

Consideration: We too, will be battered by violent storms, and difficulties of all sorts in our lifetime. At times we will become greatly troubled by heartaches, and trials; be at peace. Stay close to the Lord always; endure all the burdens that come your way with patients, love, and faith. Remember, Jesus said to us, "Be not afraid." He is with us, and will never abandon us during our times of need. Amen. 

Set Free!

 

Early blue sky, sunshine

Around the lake exercise

Absolutely beautiful day

Spirit moving me to pray

God used hands of man

To carve a piece of land

Nature is at its very best

Peace of feeling blessed

A white bearded man, was clearly on a mission

Readying his little green boat for some fishing

The sweetness of living, simple things are always free

Just the way I like it; just the way I hoped it would be

Just the way for enjoying life; just the way for peace

It's all good, this lifeline, just the way I like it...serenity

It doesn't get any better

It doesn't cost you a dime

Graceful perfect weather

Early blue sky, sunshine

The sweetness of living, simple things are always free

Just the way I like it; just the way I hoped it would be

Just the way for enjoying life; just the way for peace

It's all good, this lifeline, just the way I like it...serenity

Just the way I like, blue sky, sunshine, prayer, serenity

I love you Lord...Just the way I like to be...set free!