God's Love

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;" (Psalm 23:1-4a NKJV) God. Our Father...Our Shepherd. In some ways, they are overlapping, but both show how God loves and protects us. God guides us and leads us to places of safety, and teaches us the right and wrong paths to take; He gives us everything we need, often what we want, so that we don't lack for anything; God gives us quiet, soft places to sleep, and watches over while we sleep. He leads us to water both to drink and to fill our souls; And, at the end of our earthly lives, just like a loving parent or guardian, He is there with us comforting us, easing any fears, giving us peace, guiding us toward "the light," and helping us transition from this life to the next. Both a father, and a shepard, would do this for those they are in charge of because they love them...and God is both our shepherd and our father...and He loves us. Love, Beau

Giving Love

Love came down with Jesus. And, love is about giving. God gave us new life through His son. That's the deepest form of giving. Giving is not just about giving money to charities, and or baking stuff. It's about giving from the heart...the deepest part of our heart. It's about giving a true part of ourself to others, including our mind and souls, as well as our heart. When mom is sick I give of myself by lying on the bed with her and purr, to help her feel better and comfort her, instead of playing or bird watching. It's what I choose to do because I love. Every where you look there are people hurting, hungry, lonely, etc. Don't just give them a handout of money or some food. Give them your heart. Give them your mind and soul. Take time to just listen. Everyone has a story. How many people do you see actually taking time to share themselves with the homeless and the drunks. Maybe THAT is what they really need...someone to make them feel valued and genuinely cared about...and loved. That is what compassion is all about. Love is about giving compassion. God has tremendous compassion, which is why He gave His son for us. So, give YOU this year. You'll receive more in return than you can imagine! Love came down through Jesus, but it continues in the present by our works. Love, Beau

Superbowl SONday - God vs Satan

"And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelations 12:7-9 NKJV) God and His angels, led by Michael are facing team Satan (aka The Dragon or The Devil). It's a fierce battle and they are in the fourth quarter. God's team tackles the Devil's team...they score....they win!! WOOOHOO!! Team Satan is defeated and sent out and back down to where they came from. And, instead of getting gold rings to wear, God's team receives eternal life and a kingdom made of gold and pearls.! And God's team includes ALL of His children and those who truly believe in Him and follow Him! AND, God's rewards are much better than a ring! Love, Beau

** reposted from Superbowl Sunday 2009 (Feb.1).

Stillness

"Then He said, 'Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. Be still, and know that I am God;" (1 Kings 19:11-12; Psalm 46:10a NKJV) In these verses, you will see that God was not in the strong wind, not in the earthquake, nor the fire. It does not say he wasn't in the still small voice. That is THAT is where God WAS. He was in the still small voice that followed. He is in the stillness that is like the quietness that comes after a heavy snow that leaves a soft white blanket that covers the earth. In that quiet hush that one experiences once the earth is covered. (You know what I'm talking about!) And, because God comes in a still small voice, He wants US to be still so that we can hear Him, through the world's clamor, and know that He is God. Being still is not just about being quiet and listening. It's also about stilling your mind and body as well, so that you are completely ready and open to hearing Him. He tells us, "Be STILL and know that I am God." Love, Beau

Rising From the Ashes

"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." (1 Cor. 14:33 NKJV) Some people say that God caused the earthquake in Haiti, and or that He allowed it. We don't always know the reasons for tragedy and who/what caused it and why. What we do know is that God is for good and peace, not confusion and harm. Even though God can be parental and punish us, He loves us and only wants the best for us. He does NOT want harm to come to us. Another thing about God is that when does take something from us, He's not punishing us, but instead is opening us up to receive something even better. Sometimes everything has to be totally stripped away to be healed, cleaned, and to make room for all the newness. Haiti has this opportunity. If all of us who are helping take the time to properly rebuild Haiti, they will have better and safer buildings, that also can be more modernized; bigger and better schools, orphanages, and hospitals (also more modern); wells for receiving clean and fresh water; and safer and stronger homes. If we all take a look at what they need to improve their lives and work toward that, and not hurry just to replace what they had, they can not only rise from the ashes but they can have a better, new life...and that can give us all hope. Hope that no matter what happens in life, no matter how stripped of everything, we can ALL rise from the ashes and be better for it in the end. Thanks be to God!! Love, Beau

Our Refuge and Strength

"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;" (Psalm 46:1-2 NKJV) God is with those who follow Him. He helps them, protects them, and gives them shelter. God is with His followers in Haiti. Amidst all the rubble, devastation, and death God is there. He is there in the people that have come to help and give aid. He was with the 3-year-old found buried in rubble, keeping her safe, and despite everything she is fine. God is giving strength to those who have lost family, friends, and neighbors. God is giving strength to the children who've lost everything, who are traumatized, scared, and alone. He is there holding them, comforting them. We do not have to fear anything because no matter how bad the devastation, He is there with us helping us to get through it...He is our strength and our refuge...forever and always. Love, Beau

Dwelling in Safety

"The poorest of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety." (Isaiah 14:30a NKJV) God takes care of all our needs. He provides for the poor, giving them a place of safety, rest, and food. And, in one way or another we are all poor. It could be financially, in spirit, physical health, mental health, or in some other way. He takes care of all our needs, looks over us, leads and guides us, and protects us. We can go about our day knowing God is watching after us. When we go to sleep at night, we can rest peacefully and soundly knowing God is on watch! Love, Beau