Good afternoon family and friends,

There is so much happening around us and this world feels like it is really experiencing birth pangs like the Bible describes.The contractions are getting closer together. Can you feel it?

In John 10:10 we read..."The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy, I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."

What time you think the enemy is winning, think again! Yes, our world as we know it is being rocked, gut punched and we are seeing so much death. However, our relationship is firmly grounded in Jesus Christ, today through eternity. Praise the Lord! This is the abundant joy Jesus is talking about...knowing Him and abiding in His Word. Our hope. Our Strength.

My Bible time this morning was in Psalm 33. I want to share verses 18-22 with you now. "Behold, the Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness."

Do you know that God sees you? Are you in awe of Him or distracted by the robber, our enemy? Knowing God is more than knowing about Him. Let's take more time seeing the Lord in all His love for us than in the sorry expressions of the news media. For God so loved this world.

"To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." 

When we look back in history we see many large groups of people being killed. Wars. The masses a target, especially if you are a born again Christian and say so. The Jewish people have known so much catastrophy. There is nothing new about that. The Lord never changes though. He is constantly working to bring His glory to pass and show us how much we are treasured.

"Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield."

Are you totally relying on the help of a government, a family member, a close friend or even the church? There is no other help to carry us through this trial than the Help of the Lord. He provides in many ways.

"For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name."

Just thinking about Jesus words welcoming us home causes me to rejoice! Something deep inside of my soul calls out to Him day and night. A new thing. A refreshing and longing to abide closely to the Shepherd. With Him I will have no lack.

"Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You."

Hope finds its strength. Think about this little poem I found. I don't know the author.

"When obtacles and trials seem like prison walls to be, I do the little I can do and leave the rest to Thee. 

And when there seems no chance, no change, from grief can set me free, Hope finds its strength in helplessness, and calmly waits for Thee."

Directing our attention to Jesus causes our hearts to hope in anticipation of what He will do. And, He will do something! We have the Lord's blessings to hold through the powerful Word of God. We have an abundance of blessings to name and lift in praise to Him!

Lamentaitons 3:24-26 tells us, the Lord is our portion and that is what helps us in waiting. The Lord is good to each of us when our hope is focused on Him. We can seek Him and wait quietly for His salvation!

Isaiah 40:31 tells us, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength will soar on wings like the eagles. We can run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.

If you don't know my Jesus as your Lord today will you take this time to come humbly before Him and confess your sins. He is waiting for you so He can give you fresh life. There is nothing keeping you from it but choice. Give thanks that He is redeeming you back to Father God. There is an eternity of wonderful abundance with Him, waiting just for you! Be blessed in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Abundance is...the Lord is Good