I love the Amplified Bible. It gives synonyms and explanations that make even the most familiar verses come more alive than ever. John 3:17, right after the world’s most famous verse, speaks of why Jesus came to Earth as a human. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound in Him.
Safe and sound? Really? Yep. In Him, my world is safe and sound no matter what happens. He promises there will be trouble, but goes on to say but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted], (John 16:33b,AMPC).
I cannot be courageous, confident or undaunted by myself. In Him, though, with His comforts? Yes.
The planet on which we live isn’t safe. In Jesus, though, we can be. Until I experienced His peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7, AMPC), I had no clue how a tranquil heart might feel. Now I’ve experienced it even through divorce, heartbreaks, Category 5 hurricane winds and a global pandemic. Did I experience fear?
Sometimes almost debilitating fear, but nothing too big for Jesus. He began teaching me many years ago to sob or moan my feelings to Him. Every time, He soothed me better than my baby-whisperer sister soothes her grand-babies. He did it by His Word, His Holy Spirit within me, and by helping me sing praises. He returns me to perfect peace when my mind is stayed on Him, (Isaiah 26:3).
I’m asking God to show me when I’m judging, condemning or rejecting anyone. If I am, then how can I help them know they can be safe and sound, too? Whatever they’re doing, He’s their only Hope...and mine..
This Day
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10/6/2021
What keeps me safe?
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6/22/2021
Jan
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The Treasure
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(Don’t) Follow Your Heart?
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What’s that smell?
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This Moment
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Do your curls, girls!
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Forgotten Holiday Promise
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The Flea and the Cosmos
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Who’s Driving Me?
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Safe and Sound
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6/24/2020
Patience
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Holiday Loneliness?
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12/30/2019
Haunted? What a Shame.
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What Are We Celebrating?
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7/3/2019
Where’s The Remote?
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Post-Hurricane Prayer
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Does God Celebrate?
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12/12/2018
What For?
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10/5/2018
Birthright?
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9/1/2018
Exclamation Points
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8/20/2018
Shaking?
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7/26/2018
Radiance, Not Wrinkles
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11/21/2017
Walkin' and Talkin'
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9/22/2017
Touches
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9/8/2017
The Worry List
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7/17/2017
Unanswered prayer?
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5/21/2017
Who's Your First Love?
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4/9/2017
Worse Than Sickness
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12/6/2016
The Highest Price
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11/28/2016
No Perfect Christmas
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11/21/2016
Sacrificing Thanks
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11/14/2016
The Director
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11/7/2016
Watching Dead People
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10/31/2016
Against The Goad
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10/24/2016
Eating His Words
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10/17/2016
Glory
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10/9/2016
What Does The Future Hold?
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10/4/2016
More Sweetness
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9/27/2016
Delicious Cycle Revisited
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9/20/2016
A Delicious Cycle
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9/13/2016
Winning and Losing
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9/6/2016
When I lose, I win
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8/30/2016
Sunrise
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8/23/2016
Impressions of Amsterdam
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8/16/2016
Sing 'Til I'm Satisfied
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8/8/2016
Ever-Increasing
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7/26/2016
Corrie
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7/11/2016
Favorites?
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6/28/2016
I love reminders from these guys...
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6/14/2016
How Can I Help?
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6/7/2016
A Perfect Flower
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5/31/2016