Be Still and Know

The girls and I got to go away again this year for a girls get-away to Grand Haven/Springlake.  This time we brought a friend with us to celebrate Alisa's graduation!  We stayed in the same AirBnB as last year.  It was so cozy, clean, and cool.  We so enjoy the area and atmosphere even with things not being like we planned.  We ate yummy food, drank coffee, shopped, slept, read, laughed, talked, and enjoyed the beach!  We couldn't wait to go...we've been counting down the days!  Waiting with anticipation!
The Grand Haven State Park beach was closed Sunday afternoon till further notice due to the loss of a 14 year old boy on Sunday.  The warnings had gone out on Friday for the beaches.  Red flags all weekend.  The waves were furious and crashing.  People from out of town do not understand the power of Lake Michigan...they don't respect it like they should even with warnings.  It has been an age-old problem at beaches all over our country.  As we readied for our trip Sunday night, I read the warnings and looked forward to being able to see the crashing waves!  Then I read the update about how a boy went missing and beach goers formed a human chain and were walking the water...being tossed around by the waves...they tried...but there was no way they were even close to helping.  I can't imagine the helpless feeling...trying to help while waiting for the experts...only to have the experts say it is too dangerous to bring out the boat.  The helicopter was out, divers were in the water.  The force of the waves too strong!  Only God could calm the waves and help the searchers!
Waiting...in that situation is excruciating and painful...but waiting was the only option.
My brother was part of the search and recovery team.  They spent part of Sunday and Monday searching as best they could.  My heart hurt for the family and the searchers and we prayed for them.  We went to another beach and enjoyed the sand and the sun.  It was a beautiful time together.  We were in awe of the power of the waves on Monday and the quiet of them on Tuesday!  Tuesday the lake was calm and the team found the boy in the afternoon.  It was hard to be upset that our plans were interrupted by the loss of a child.  People cared for that family and helped them generously.  We adjusted our plans and still got to do what we wanted...it just looked a little different...but then again...everything looks different due to the Covid craze!  Even the ordinary things are not as easy...and then the extraordinary happens...and we see people still helping in any way they can...because if the shoe was on the other foot...we would hope for the same help.  Wednesday brought the crashing waves again...and I loved their song.  There is something peaceful and refreshing to my heart as I listen to the waves crash on the shore.  I never grow tired of the sound.
As the family's grief washes over them in waves, I prayed for peace to calm the hearts and minds of all involved.  I don't know if they know Christ.  Waiting can be dangerous or tricky...if you wait too long...you may miss a chance or opportunity.
As I sat and watched the waves and people at the beach on Wednesday, I wondered how many of them knew what had happened.  I wondered if any of them looked at the yellow flag that offers a warning to all beach goers.  I hoped that people would heed the warnings given by the Coast Guard...the ones who watch and patrol...the same ones who have to rescue and recover.  It is in the times of peace and quiet that we all have to come to terms with our thoughts and attitudes about life.  Life is fragile.  There are dangers.  I think that is why many people do not give themselves time to be still...quiet...because they don't want to think and face the reality that we will not live forever here on earth.  There is life after...where will you spend it?
When I hear and see the waves crash...it brings a quiet peace to my heart.  I crave time to just sit and rest at the beach!  I think of the vast power of God.  I think of God's unending patience with me.  I think of the love of God...and how it reaches to all mankind.  I think of God's sovereign control in our lives...He knows the number of the grains of sand...the vastness of all the lakes and oceans...and yet He cares for me.

Do you believe...

that God works all things together? 
I do! 
Some of my "Why?" questions have never been answered.  Those are trusting times.  Some of them will be answered in the future.  Those are times my faith is being stretched.  But this week...I have had a few "Whys?" answered.  It is a growing and praising time.
I have been looking back at the preaching and teaching we have had over the last couple months...and I am seeing a pattern.  God has been at work...teaching and reminding me to lean on His ways.
Sunday School:  Making Choices, Abiding In Christ
Sunday Mornings:  A look at our church covenant and asking "Is is biblical?  Is it what I do?"
Sunday Evenings:  A study on prayer
Wednesdays:  A study through Philippians recognizing that "God is sovereign!  We have nothing to worry about and we can rejoice."
Bible Memory:  Verses about church and prayer

Even the  music we have been singing in church and practicing in choir...all centering around the faithfulness and love of God.
"Contentment comes when I understand who God is and what He can do!  Paul lived that way and he is exhorting us to live that way...in whatsoever state we find ourselves in!"
We reviewed the thoughts from each chapter as we ended our study in Philippians:
chapter 1:  I can live with confidence in God.
chapter 2:  I can live unselfishly.
chapter 3:  I can focus on eternity.
chapter 4:  I can live with contentment
...all because of Jesus Christ!
As our pastor spoke these words last Wednesday night, I could not help but think of the omniscience of God.  He knew then.  He knows now.  He knows tomorrow.  He knows eternity.  That has been an overwhelming thought these last few days.
I praise God for His faithfulness, His sovereignty, and His omniscience!  Everything around me is pointing my thoughts to these key truths.
Do I believe?
Yes...with my whole heart!

"But God..."

I use this phrase often when I find myself focusing on the wrong things.  We have always told our children and the children we taught that when you see the word "But", the story is about to change!  And, yes, it spurred a Bible study for me this morning.  I had someone say something very kind to me last night in the way of a compliment.  I hope I responded graciously, I think I did, because I was saying to myself, "Wow. Really? Thank you, Lord, it is only by Your grace and blessing that I can be or do that."  And the verse came..."But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us." Ephesians 2:4.  I believe that with all my heart.  God loves me and He cares for me...even in trials and troubles.  He gives grace and peace...and that is what, I believe, this person sees...not me...I am nothing without His working in me.  My natural tendency is to retreat and hide...to be protected and shielded.  God gives the best protection!  He has stepped in so many times throughout history...that I can't help but trust Him!
Genesis 20...Abraham told Abimlech that Sarah was his sister, but God came to Abimlech in a dream and told him he was but a dead man for the woman he had taken was a wife.
Genesis 31...Leah and Rachel's father changed the wage on Jacob ten times, but God suffered him not to hurt Jacob.
Genesis 45-...Joseph's life was full of plots and plans gone awry, but God meant it all for good.
Exodus 13...But God led the children of Israel by way of the Red Sea and through the wilderness out of Egypt.
I Samuel 23...King Saul sought for David, but God delivered him not into Saul's hands.
2 Chronicles 20...King Jehoshaphat was crying out at their sure defeat, but God touched a man to speak and remind the people that the battle was the Lord's.

I know that God is still at work today in the lives of His people.  His Word still stands strong and true.
Psalm 49:15  But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave.
Psalm 68:21  But God will wound the head of His enemies.
Psalm 73:26  But God is the strength of my heart.
Psalm 75:7  But God is the judge.
Proverbs 21:12  But God overthroweth the wicked.
Luke 16:15  But God knoweth your hearts.
Romans 5:8  But God commendeth His love.
I Corinthians 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
I Corinthians 2:10  But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit.
I Corinthians  3:6-7  But God gave the increase.
I Corinthians 7:15  But God hath called us to peace.
I Corinthians 10:13  But God is faithful.
Ephesians 2:4  But God who is rich in mercy, loved us.

When I am overwhelmed..."But God..."  If I truly believe He is in control of my life, I can have no other thought!

My husband knows just what I need to fill my heart and mind with!

I happened to open a padded envelope...and found two music cds. 

Whoops! 

Part of Mother's Day gift...that I have enjoyed all week long...

most of the time with tears streaming down my face.

"I can trust Jesus! I can trust Jesus! He never once has failed to meet my needs!  He is my Strong Tower, the Strength in my weakest hour. I can trust Jesus, He takes care of me!"

God has used this family to minister to our family over and over.

We know that we are on the right track, and there are others that think the same way we do!

I look back over many of the events of the last year, and I know satan has been at work because he doesn't want God's Word to penetrate others' lives as it has us.  God can only work in the lives of those that belong to Him.  He doesn't put a strangle-hold on anyone.  He draws His children to Himself.

Last year, the encouragement was put out to fathers to "Let's Build A Wall" and satan went beserk.  I wish I could say he didn't gain any ground...but he did...in enormous ways...and people's eternities are the cost.

God didn't order these events, but He allowed them to happen...for a purpose.

I can't imagine what the purpose is...but we know that God's Word is still true. 

"God sees the storm from the other side...He knows the lessons learned...And just beyond the clouds He sees clear skies...He speaks peace to the raging storm when peace cannot be found...He already sees the rainbow...when we see only clouds!" 

We know that any time truth is proclaimed, people will bristle.  We know satan will work over time to seek and destroy homes...and when he has the home in chaos...

God's Word won't be read...much less heeded.

We have known some of the trials of this life...we have seen that satan stops at nothing...

and we know there are more challenges and attacks to come. 

It isn't strange that this will happen...God tells us it will!

But we have peace and confidence...

and we know satan will be defeated in the end....and we won't be on his side!

"He saw Daniel through the lion's den, the Hebrew children through the fire back then, He brought Joseph from a slave to Egypt's throne, He gave songs to Paul and Silas, brought Peter through the prison gates...He helped David kill the lion and bear, helped ol' Jonah get up out of there,  He took Moses through the sea to the other side,  He sent fire to Elijah, made the sun stand still for Joshua...

He's the same God today.  He will always be that way.  No matter what you are facing...He will carry you through!"

So we will keep reading and following God's Word...

and filling our minds with music that encourages and strengthens our home.

Want to be blessed?

www.FaithMusicMissions.org

Stephen Ray Nichols and Family

GONE! The Tomb Is Empty!

Mary came unto the tomb of Jesus, The stone was moved and He had gone away:

The angel said, "Fear not, I know whom seek ye, But He is risen, " the she heard Him say.

Gone, the stone is rolled back, Gone, the tomb is empty, Gone, to sit at the Father's side:

Gone, over death triumphant, Gone, sin is defeated, Gone, He lives forevermore.

My friend, if you don't know my risen Savior, I beg of you, don't wait too late to pray:

Don't wait until His bride has been complete, Don't wait until you hear Him say, "It's too late."

Gone, the stone is rolled back, Gone, the tomb is empty, Gone, to sit at the Father's side:

Gone, over death triumphant, Gone, sin is defeated, Gone, He lives forevermore.

BECAUSE HE LIVES...

I CAN FACE TOMORROW!

ALL FEAR IS GONE!

HE HOLDS THE FUTURE!

LIFE IS WORTH LIVING!

DO YOU KNOW KNOW MY JESUS?

Under His Wings...no evil can harm me!

We sang this song Sunday morning, and I have been humming it ever since.  How often do we really think about the words that we sing each week.  These men and women who wrote many of the "old hymns of the faith" had a grasp of the truth of God's Word that I desire for myself.  And the only way I will get it...by spending time each day with my Lord and then allowing Him to work His perfect plan...however He sees fit!


Under His wings I am safely abiding,

Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,

Still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me,

He has redeemed me, and I am His child.



Under His wings, under His wings,

Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

Safely abide forever.



Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!

How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!

Often when earth has no balm for my healing,

There I find comfort, and there I am blessed.



Under His wings, oh, what precious enjoyment!

There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me,

Resting in Jesus, I’m safe evermore.

Truly...His mercies are new every morning!

When you spend time in God's Word...letting it impact your thinking, sink into your heart, change your understanding, convict your soul, and admit your weakness...He gives strength that Isaiah 40:31 speaks of!

Struggle brings us to a choice...obedience or disobedience.  Obedience brings blessing!

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;  they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

We all put our trust somewhere.  We put our faith in something.  We get weary and faint as we deal with sin here on earth.  God knows it is not easy for us.  He gave His Son to pay the debt of sin.  He gives His Spirit to protect, comfort, and guide us.

Psalm 84:11-12

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield:  the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.  O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee."

Where is your confidence? 

Proverbs 3:5-6

He knows where we've been.  He has never failed me.  He knows where we are going. 

He knows the whole story. 

And He loves me!

He knows my struggling heart and what I needed to surrender.  He has waited patiently...and then He opened my eyes to more of His truth as I read in Psalm 119 again this morning...specifically verses 25-64.

I cried and relaxed.  It was like letting go of the breath I have been holding.  I know it in my head...have for years.  Watched it play out...saw the hurt and pain that sin brings and the blessing and joy that forgiveness brings.  But this time...has brought a personal touch of the effects of sinful choices...and the hurt has been personal.  No resolution...satan is rejoicing at the collateral damage(verse 61).

  God sees.  God knows. 

This is nothing new to my Heavenly Father! 

He had the Psalmist record His words for our good and His glory. 

"Many things about tomorrow...I don't seem to understand...but I know who holds my hand!"

I don't have to look over my shoulder.  I don't have to worry about what I have said. 

I lay my head down in rest and peace each night. 

And I have all this...

because we have chosen His truth and judgments, stuck to His testimonies, and remembered the comforts of His words...because I have kept His precepts when everything within me wanted to run and hide...because we have kept His statutes...and they have been our songs in the house of our pilgrimage!  (verse 54)

"Where sin had been pardoned...amazing grace was proclaimed!"

"But...for the grace of God!"

There is nothing like a fragrant, flickering candle to bring a cozy feel to a home or office.  As the weather turns cooler, it just seems fitting to light a candle.  Its light casts a rosy glow from where the candle sits.  I think how quickly the flame can be put out if the candle is sitting close to a fan or window...and all that is left is that wisp of smoke. 
I had remembered reading a verse about God lighting my candle...and went in search of the passage this morning.  I found it!  Psalm 18...I remembered it well...I have spent a lot of time reading in the Psalms and went through this passage in depth.  I probably would say that since August, it has been a favorite Psalm.  David wrote this Psalm after he had been delivered from his enemies and from Saul.  He praised the LORD for the strength he was given in the "sorrows that compassed him".  He acknowledges the power and presence of God at every turn in the time of his distress.
He comes to the conclusion in verse 19, "He brought me forth also into a large place:  He delivered me, because He delighted in me."  Then David lists the reasons why in the following verses 20-28:  "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness;" David kept the ways of the LORD.  He kept all His judgments before him.  David kept himself upright and from iniquity.  His actions, thoughts, words, and attitudes were clean in God's eyesight.  He knew God was there!
How many times do we forget that God is always there?  God is seeing and hearing and watching our every move...and not just when the trials of life are pressing us!  We use God like a bandaid when we are hurting.  When we are not hurting, we "wickedly depart from God, put away His statues", and do whatever we feel inclined to do!   Psalm 18:25-27  God shows mercy to the merciful, uprightness to the upright, purity to the pure, frowardness to the froward, salvation to the afflicted; but He will bring down high looks (pride).
"For thou wilt light my candle:  the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness."  The light of God's Word reveals to us those areas that we would rather keep hid...the thoughts that are like Saul's thoughts!
David knew what had taken place each hour of each day in his life and in his heart.  He wasn't boasting.  He was acknowledging the LORD'S working in his life.  We know David wasn't perfect, but he was a man after God's heart.  Oh, that my heart would be tender like David's was!  Even times of great failure, he was sensitive to God's Words.  Saul was the opposite!  His heart was cold and hard...and drove him mad.
We all have hearts that are similar to Saul's heart at times.  "The things we criticize in others...we are guilty of ourselves!  The reason we see hypocrisy, fraud, and unreality in others is because they are all in our own hearts."  (O. Chambers).  Jeremiah 17:9  Our hearts are deceitful...desperately wicked.  BUT...God provided a way for our hearts to be changed!  He poured out His mercy, love, and grace on the cross of Calvary...His perfect plan!

Psalm 18:30-36

As for God, His way is perfect:  the Word of the LORD is tried:  He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.  For who is God save the LORD?  or who is a rock save our God?  It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.  He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.  He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.  Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation:  and Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath made me great.  Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

"There is a difference between retaliation and retribution.  Jesus says that the basis of life is retribution, Matthew 7:2 "...with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."  If you have been shrewd in finding out the defects in others, remember that will be exactly the measure given to you.  Life serves back in the coin you pay.  This law works from God's throne downwards.  Romans 2 applies it in a still more definite way, and says that the one who criticizes another is guilty of the very same thing.  God looks not only at the act, He looks at the possibility.  We do not believe the statements of the Bible to begin with." (O. Chambers).

I don't see David dwelling on what his enemies attempted to do to him.  He didn't list out what was done to him and how he was going to repay past wrongs.  He did, however, deal with his enemies according to God's direction! He does give an account of how he was able to deal with his enemies in Psalm 18:37-50.  He exalted the God of his salvation.  He recognized that God is the avenger.  He gave thanks and sang praises to his Deliverer.

When we dwell on the actions, attitudes, and words of enemies, we forget about the Lord's working in David's life in Psalm 18:24.  We forget that God is at work in our lives, and He uses many different tests and trials to make us more like Him.  When we forget...our flame that once burned brightly begins to flicker as we seek to hide from the attacks fueled by Satan. 

But...for the grace of God...my candle can burn brightly for Him!  He will show me those things which cause me to slip and stumble in the dark places, so that I may be a light of His grace!

I've heard it before...and I know it's true...

because I am hearing it, seeing it, and reading it every day lately!


"God knows just what I need...when I need it."

Psalm 103

Psalm 139

John 7:37-38

John 4:13-14

These are just a few passages that I have been reading through this week. I picked up Oswald Chamber's My Utmost For His Highest again as the new school year started, and the thoughts and challenges of this man have spurned a Bible study. I have done a lot of reading back through August and July, in order to grasp some of the statements that he continued to build on. I don't think I would have been able to fully grasp what he was saying. No...correction...I don't think I could have handled it...at that time. As I look back now...I understand what he means when he said,

"A river is victoriously persistent, it overcomess all barriers. For awhile it goes steadily on its course, then it comes to an obstacle and for awhile it is baulked, but it soon makes a pathway round the obstacle. Or a river will drop out of sight for miles, and presently emerge again broader and grander than ever. You can see God using some lives, but into your life an obstacle has come and you do not seem to be of any use. Keep paying attention to the Source, and God will either take you round the obstacle or remove it...Never get your eyes on the obstacle or on the difficulty. The obstacle is a matter of indifference to the river which will flow steadily through you IF you remember to keep right at the Source."

I watched the pictures on the news of the flooding out east...and my heart is heavy for the people who are physically enduring the flood waters. The houses, businesses, and vehicles have not been obstacles.for the water. The water has flowed through, around, under, over, and carried many obstacles away with its force.

I don't want my life to be a raging river or a force to be reckoned with. My goal in life is not to destroy other people's lives by my words, actions, and attitudes. I desire to be an encouragement and help...refreshing!

I want my life to be a well of water springing up for others to see Jesus Christ. I want the rivers of living water that refresh others to flow out...not spray others in the face. There should be no dryness (like the land in Texas that have fueled the terrible fires) and no deadness (like the Dead Sea).

It is only possible...when my relationship with Jesus Christ is kept clean, pure, and right...on His terms, not mine. John 7:38 "He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."

"If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain, but what He pours through us that counts!"

Working diligently to focus on the goodness of God!

Lord, You've Been Good To Me

When I think of all the many times I’ve been spared pain and misery.

Even when I played the fool, your unseen hand was there protecting me.

Though I’ve had my share of troubles, I must confess to this reality,

When I look back on my yesterdays, I have to raise my hands and say,

Lord, you’ve been good to me!

Chorus:

You’ve been good to me, and I just want to thank You.

You’ve been good to me, Lord, and I just want to praise You.

You came for me when I was astray. You took me back, all-my sins forgave.

And I just want to thank You. You’ve been good to me!



You promised, Lord, if I confessed- to all my sins, forgiveness would be mine.

And faithful to your promise, you’ve cleansed the stain that sin had left behind.

Just like it never happened, You held me in your arms so tenderly.

You assured me of your mercy. Restored me completely.

Lord, you’ve been good to me!

Chorus:

You’ve been good to me, and I just want to thank you.

You’ve been good to me, Lord, and I just want to praise you.

You came for me when I was astray. You took me back, all my sins forgave.

And I just want to thank you. You’ve been good to me!



"I've Been Through Enough to Know...He'll Be Enough for Me!"

When I first begain to walk with the Lord, I did not really trust Him.   How He longed for me to understand that I could.  So through the valley, He led me.  Brave as I may be.  Till I felt His loving arms, embracing me.

And I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me. He's come through too many times, that puts my mind at ease. And  I'll stake my very life, He's gonna take care of me. Cause I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me.

And how could I ever doubt,  a God whose hands hold this universe.  And why should I ever question His ability?  There's no place that I can go, that He doesn't know exactly what I need.  He's always aware of where I am, and just what I need.

And I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me. He's come through too many times, that puts my mind at ease. And I'll stake my very life, He's gonna take care of me. Cause I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me.

And I'll stake my very life, He's gonna take care of me. Cause I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me.

What a wonderful song to take me through a day where I am feeling overwhelmed!  God has provided strength for tougher days than this!  How soon I can forget what God has done for me when I am in the middle of living in the daily groove! 

"Mom, when you sing again, can I sing with you?" asked Alisa.

When there is a willingness to use a talent for God...of course!  "Uh, I am on the schedule to sing this Sunday!  Is that too soon?" I asked.  She smiled and shook her head "No."

I had been thinking of two different songs...but they just weren't flowing.  Alisa asked me that question as I was listening to one of my favorite cds of late, "Alisa, are you willing to sing acapella with Mom?  I don't have the music...but God directed me to what song we will sing.  It is your testimony...our testimony of what God did for us a year ago."

My thoughts have drifted repeatedly to where we were a year ago at this time.  I have waves of emotion hit me at the oddest times.  The other night, I sat and read over the events of last February.  I am filled with gratefulness for God's direction in every situation.  I am asking God for strength of voice and control of emotions to be able to sing with our daughter.  As we practiced today, we talked about what God did in our lives last year.  We, personally, know the answer!  And don't ever want to forget His answer.

"Is Anything Too Hard For God?"

"All Along Your Hand Has Been Guiding Me!"

Time just drifts away and as I look back on the years, memories of happiness and bitter tears. Through it all there was a common thread that cannot be ignored. You were there teaching me to be Your servant, Lord.

All along, Your hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, You've lead me through things that You knew would make me strong.
Your love has been there all along...

Every joy and pain have a reason of its own, now I realize that I was not alone.
The changing seasons of my life were not left up to chance. Lord, I know You were working to fulfill Your plan.
All along, Your hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, You've led me through things that You knew would make me strong.
Your love has been there all along!

Tomorrow when I turn around and I look back at today, I will understand Your purpose and my thankful heart will say...
All along, Your hand has been guiding me, shaping my life to be a beautiful song.
All along, You've led me through things that You knew would make me strong.
Your love has been there all along!
sung by Mrs. McGill

We received an answer to prayer today.  God is still God.  He is still in control.  In the struggles of life, God hears our prayers and our petitions.  He is working all things together...I just need to remember that it is according to what He deems as good for us.  I still wonder why...why this way...but He knows what is for our good.  I am thankful for the Godly music I have been able to listen today that reminds me of this truth.