The Christmas ornament in this picture came from a charity in the mail with another one like it a few years ago.  After Christmas I packed the tree ornaments away.  One of these ornaments showed up in the house later so I put it over a picture.  The other one showed up after that one so I put it over something too.  They still hang in the house.

These are reminders for anyone that comes through the door.  They are reminders that we need to believe now more than ever.  We are at, what is being called, the ‘new normal’.  I keep hearing that everywhere I go now.  The latest was at the teller window at the bank.  She was wearing a mask and said this is the new normal for when we open the lobby.

I had a vision of a playful scene when things went haywire in Hawaii and heard the words ‘things will never be the same again’.  I knew it didn’t just mean Hawaii.  I have held on to that with the belief that we are in God’s hands.  Fear and faith can’t reside together.  The Lord has been warning many of us of the devastation that has come and some still to come.  Destruction comes in forms other than rockets and missiles.

We can’t force anyone to believe, but the shakings from God can.  This is why believers pray for God’s peace at this time.  We know He has to do what He has to do.  We see the chaos, but we sit in our secret place with the Lord and listen for ‘His’ voice.

Some scriptures that I came across this week are very encouraging.  I don’t usually just read the verse but the chapter.  This Book was given to us for our walk with the Lord.  I came to realize the words are alive and resonating in our spirit as we read.  They give encouragement and sometimes they are the rod.  I’m thankful for the rod as well as the staff.

Jesus is the only one that could have cast a stone but he didn’t.  It is very encouraging that He does not condemn but gives life.  John 8

We rejoice as we are clothed with garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness.    Isaiah 61

He is our light and as we walk with Him in truth we fellowship with one another.  This is our God’s tender mercy whereby the day spring from on high hath visited us.  Luke 1

I think often how God has shown so much to those in the dessert places or shut up in prisons.  Hence, we sit alone with Him.  What stands out to me in Jeremiah 39 is when the Lord says that He will bring His words upon the city of evil and not for good.  He will deliver him in that day and not into the hand of the men he feared.  He will not fall by the sword because of His trust in Him.

In Isaiah 43  – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.  They won’t sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire you won’t be burned.

His grace is sufficient and His strength made perfect in our weakness.  Thank God for the perfect shepherd; we don’t want for anything.  So grateful for the green pastures, the still waters, the restoration of our soul, and the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  We walk through the valley but fear no evil for He walks with us.  2 Corinthians 12, Psalm 23

I had a vision awhile back where He said to hang on to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  There was an urgency about it.  God bless you and yours as you walk with our Shepherd in His guiding light.  Be not shaken with the things of this world as He transforms us and renews our minds to dwell on Him.  He has shown me He is with us in these storms, so with us He is.  I pray that you take comfort in that.