Zion Lutheran Church, NALC, Letart, WV

12/05/2022

Max Lucado, in his book "Because of Bethlehem " writes, "If we could save ourselves, why would we need a Savior? Jesus did not enter the world to help us save ourselves. He entered the world to save us from ourselves."

I read this and think of my human natural reactions to negative (or perceived negative) things in this world and think, "Wow! Do I need saving!" My thoughts, feelings and reactions all too often are far from pretty. They do not always reflect the nature of the God I profess to follow. And, the truth is, that in myself, I am helpless to change that.

But GOOD NEWS ABOUNDS! THERE IS A SAVIOR! And He came to bestow his grace and righteousness upon us.
Thanks be to God!

12/05/2022

The Psalmist says: Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him.
Psalms 72:11 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.72.11.NKJV

If Jesus is King over Kings, and all nations shall serve Him, what does that mean for me? I believe that this kind of Lordship begins in individual hearts and minds. I must yield myself fully to Him, make Him the King and Lord of my life. Then He can reign and His kingdom expand through yielded heart and mind.

12/02/2022

So many things can make us feel uncertain in our lives. Illnesses, fixed finances with skyrocketing prices, loneliness, isolation....all can create fear and despair in our hearts. It is so very easy to focus on the negative and begin to feel hopeless. But there is good news in Christ.
I read in my Advent devotions this morning:
"On Christmas Day, Christ came to earth to open the way to God. Through Christ we have gained access to God’s grace. The image of “gaining access” is that of a ship reaching a safe harbor in the threat of a raging storm. We have hope because we have shelter and security in the grace of our almighty God."

So when you get buried in negative thoughts and feel despair due to circumstances beyond your control, turn to the source of all hope~Jesus.

12/02/2022

This year has been a time for my family of "walking in darkness." We have experienced the serious illness of my husband that is on-going, the death of my oldest daughter, along with the deaths of several friends. We have had to struggle to come to terms with our own mortality. It is a daily, moment by moment struggle. So this prophesy from Isaiah, which we often see during Advent, is a timely reminder to me, as I hope it will be to you. When you find yourself stumbling in the seeming darkness of the circumstances of life, remember to turn to the one who gives us light, who IS OUR LIGHT! Let Him light your path and lead the way through it all.

11/05/2022

Give thanks for blessings...

10/29/2022

You are.....the light of the world ....the salt of the earth!

10/24/2022

Showers of blessings!!!

10/15/2022

“When a believing person prays, great things happen” (James 5:16 NCV).

You are never without hope, because you are never without prayer. You may find yourself in an impossible situation. You may feel outnumbered and outmaneuvered. You may want to quit. But for such times, memorize this promise and ask God to bring it to your mind.

Prayer is not the last resort—it is the first step. God has power you’ve never seen and strength you’ve never known. He delighted in Elijah’s prayer and answered it. He delights in you, and He will answer your prayers as well.
(Max Lucado)

09/13/2022

08/28/2022

I know, I know, you’ve already asked Him a million times, I see those eyes rolling.
But today, ask Him a million and one.
Yes.
Ask Him AGAIN.
Ask Him again for that child to come home.
That marriage to be healed.
That mountain to move.
Ask Him again for that friendship to mend.
That work to begin.
That end-of-tunnel light to appear.
Ask Him again for the one who needs rescue, the one who needs healing, the one who needs new direction, new guidance, new focus.
Yes.
Even if that ‘one’ is you.
Ask Him again for what you need.
For what you want.
For joy in the sorrow.
Help in the struggle.
A sip of living-water in the heat of your schedule...and the time to just sit at the well, amen?
Ask Him again.
Ask Him again to provide springs in your land; and while you’re at it, give thanks for that land, no matter how dry it is now, knowing He’s given it to you with good purpose.
Yes.
Ask Him again.
Ask Him again to dig up the soil and plant the seeds.
Ask Him again to stir up and settle, make and remake, pour out His peace that passes all understanding, because frankly; you could use a hefty dose about now.
Yes.
And Amen.
Ask Him again for all that seems lost and all that seems nowhere even near the city of possible...and ask Him believing He can.
Yes.
Ask Him again.
Not because you don’t think He heard you the first million times, but because you are realizing the longer you {truly} live, that persistence is a pretty strong faith-builder; not to mention how close it keeps you to Him for whom all things are possible and nothing is too hard, and because faith-based strength to persevere and closeness with your Creator is what you REALLY need.
Whew. Yes. Absolutely.
Ask Him again.
With fresh eyes and a renewed spirit and a passionate resolve that He can, and if it’s His Will...He will.
And if it’s not, you will keep on asking.
You will keep on seeking.
You will keep on believing.
Because persistent faith is where it’s at.
It fastens it’s gaze on hope.
The hope that is always three steps {Father, Son, Holy Spirit} ahead, providing the perfect focal point.
Yes.
And it never disappoints.
Amen.
So today; bow low, look up, and ask Him AGAIN. ❤️