Jesus is Waiting

Jesus is Waiting

Christian camp

The first time I ever picked up and read the Bible was at – get this – a horse camp.

You just never know where God will first speak to your heart. 🙂

This week-long summer camp had a lot to offer – trail rides, archery, skill-building games, swimming, plus arts and crafts.

Although it was a Christian camp, I didn’t know much about what that meant at the time.

As a 6th grader and huge horse lover, all I wanted to do was get on a horse and go riding every day.

When the camp’s billboards went up around town, my next-door neighbor, her little sister, and I couldn’t wait to sign up.

“Camp week” couldn’t come fast enough.

One of the must-bring items on our packing list was a Bible.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have one growing up because I was raised in a different faith. So, I took the only religious book we did have at our house which was a book of Parables. Thankfully, my cabin leader had an extra copy of the Bible which she let me borrow.

Every night we attended a chapel service which included a rousing sermon and some singing.

At the end of the week, the service ended with an “altar call.” I had no idea what that was, but I was intrigued.

We were asked to close our eyes.

Through my admittedly, partially-closed eyes, I watched a few campers who had raised their hands be led off to a little room behind the stage.

What was that all about?

Part of me wanted to go there too because I was curious, but I held back.

After that fun-filled week was over, I returned home with a lot of questions about why we didn’t talk about Jesus more, but never got any real answers.  

I didn’t realize it then, but God was speaking to my heart.

Jesus was waiting there for me, but I wasn’t ready to open that door just yet.

Jesus is Waiting: Have You Answered His Call?

Jesus is waiting

Fast forward to today, my love for horses is still there.

I think they are one of God’s most beautiful creatures. Little did I know how much a part they would play in my own embrace of true Christianity – through the good and the bad.

I never knew how much I needed Jesus until certain life events brought me to my knees.

15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. – Hebrews 4:15-16, (NASB).

Praise the Lord now my faith, praise, and worship are dedicated to our one and only Savior.

Everyone’s faith journey is different, but without a doubt, I see the evidence of God working behind the scenes throughout my life.

If you haven’t yet given your life to Christ, Jesus is waiting for you.

It will be the best decision “of” your life, and “for” your life.

This song about seeking the Lord is one of my favorite praise songs.

# # #


1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Share

Perfect Peace

Perfect Peace Starts With You

Think back.

Do you remember a time in your life when you felt like you were in perfect peace?

For me, surprisingly, it was after our family accident. 

As a family, we had suffered a great loss – the tragic, accidental death of our nine-year-old niece Susanna.

It wasn’t until fifteen years later that my husband and I traveled back to Jackson Hole to get some closure.

One of our visits during that return trip was to head up to Rendezvous Mountain – an incredibly peaceful place right there at the top.

We spent quite a bit of time up there, but the highlight was praying on that mountain to God and thanking Him for letting us experience His grace during a time of great sadness. As long as we stayed focused on God and His promises, we felt that perfect peace the Bible verse talks about.

In Isaiah 26:3, the prophet (and great man of God) speaks to the strength and peace that our Sovereign God can provide if we keep our focus on Him.

Perfect Peace - Isaiah 26:3-4

Everlasting Strength and Perfect Peace Can Be Yours

As Christians, we know that God is good.

We can trust Him to work the circumstances in our lives for the good, even when we don’t understand His plan.

On the other hand, trusting in the things of this world is a losing proposition. 

Whatever we trust to the world for, it will be but for a moment: all we expect from it is confined within the limits of time. But what we trust in God for will last as long as we shall last. For in the Lord Jehovah-Jah, Jehovah, in Him who was, and is, and is to come, there is a rock of ages, a firm and lasting foundation for faith and hope to build upon; and the house built on that rock will stand in a storm. Those that trust in God shall not only find in Him, but receive from Him, everlasting strength, strength that will carry them to everlasting life, to that blessedness which is for ever; and therefore let them trust in Him for ever, and never cast away nor change their confidence. – Matthew Henry, Christian Minister and author.2

May you find comfort in this beautiful song, “Stayed on Him” from vocalist Terrian . . .

 

My sisters in Christ, You are His.

Don’t listen to the voice of fear, but trust God with all your heart and mind.

He is greater and stronger.

He is Jehovah-Nissi, our Banner

Through Him we have eternal victory and our salvation is secure.

# # #


1Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

2Matthew Henry quotation, “Complete Commentary on Isaiah 26” – “Henry’s Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible.”[1706.] Courtesy of Studylight.org., Isaiah 26:3-4, n.d. para. 6. Public Domain. Web. Accessed 11 January, 2023.

Share

Mac Powell’s “New Creation” Album

Mac Powell’s “New Creation” Album

Mac Powell's New Creation album

Are you a Mac Powell fan?

If you are a fan, I have great news!

If not, what in the world are you thinking?

Kidding!

Just a few days ago fans across the globe celebrated a new arrival.

Mac Powell’s “New Creation” Album debuted on October 15th.

Released through Capitol Christian Music Group, the album features ten great songs showcasing his exceptional song writing ability, engaging vocals, and musical expertise.

Former lead member of the award-winning group, Third Day, Mac’s “solo” works do not disappoint.

In fact, I already have my favorites.

I love the lyrics of his title song because the words are so meaningful to our lives as Christians.

And, the words really spoke to me because they’re a reflection of my own life.

(If you haven’t yet read my testimony of faith, you can find my life-changing testimony here.

In Mac’s own words,

“I believe this collection of songs have come from God, and I can’t wait to hear the stories of how they connect with and help people through the days we’re living in.” – Mac Powell, as quoted, from a Jesus Freak Hideout.1

I believe he hit it right out of the park with this song.

Here is “New Creation,” (a celebration of 2 Corinthians 5:17), by Mac Powell.

This one’s going in my music library of keepers.

Mac Powell is currently on tour! You can find his tour dates here.

Can Blessings Really Come Out of a Tragedy?

Is it possible?

Can blessings really come out of tragedy, like the song says?

Yes they can.

I am living proof.

When those difficult challenges turn your life upside down, it may seem there’s no end in sight.

But, we have this: God always keeps His promises.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

# # # 


1 Mac Powell quotation. “Mac Powell Releases Debut Solo Christian Album, New Creation, Today.” [Jesus Freak Hideout]. October 15, 2021, Web. Accessed October 17, 2021. 

2Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

*Mac Powell photo from my private collection.

Share