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| Jeremiah 29:11 NIV |
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV)
Many things going on in my life right now, some good along with bad. The last week of June my wife and I took my granddaughter and two of our nephews on vacation to San Diego, California and had a great time. Then to return home to no air conditioning in our home. The bracket which holds the fan gave away and ruined our unit. We were anxious to get home, but had to live out of motel for almost a week. It is just too hot here in the desert southwest this time of year. We are home now, but my mom is sick and in the hospital with kidney trouble. Not only that, her sister died yesterday of kidney failure. My mother is up their in age, so we are concerned with how much longer she will be with us.
In life we face many challenges, some may be quit trying. None of us knows what tomorrow brings. One today may look at the things going on in our world and feel as though there is no hope. There are wars and rummers of war. The potential of great economic trouble is a real possibility. People today call the things which are evil, good and the good, they call evil.
But the good news, in Christ Jesus we have a future and a hope. The Lord blessed my Aunt with nearly 90 years and a good life. Now she is forever in the presence of Jesus for all eternity. Jesus has blessed my mother with 90+ years and also a good life. When her time comes, she too will forever be in the presence of the Lord. In light of eternity, my air conditioner problem and all the little things which get me all worked up are actually quite small, now aren't they?
What a great post Ken : ) The Bible says that hope is the anchor of our souls. This verse has helped me get through lots of bad days. Thanks I love the photo very nice!
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Karen
Hi Karen, this is a truly powerful verse to hold on to during our trying times. Thank you for stopping by and leaving your comment. God bless,
DeleteKen
Ken, yes, eternity brings the proper perspective to everything that happens in life. Sometimes while we're living on this side of heaven, though, it seems like life is an endless struggle with no purpose in sight. However, your verse is perfect - comforting, encouraging, and hopeful. God does indeed have a plan, and He is working out His purposes in everything.
ReplyDeleteMy condolences on losing your aunt, and I am sorry for the trouble your mom is having. It's always hard to let our loved ones go. But when we realize that they are being greeted by our loving Savior on the other side, well, it makes it sting a little less.
Our days are in His hands - even the ones that are without air conditioning!!
GOD BLESS!
(Loved the photo of the Grand Canyon!)
Thank you Sharon for your kind words. O got a laugh out of the air conditioner remark :). About what you said, "Our days are in His hands," I was just telling my sister that yesterday. I said," When Jesus is ready for Mom, He will come and get her. Be it now or in a few years." God bless,
DeleteKen
Wow Ken...sorry to hear that you are going through so much all at once. But it sounds like you have the right perspective and focus on the Lord. Praise God...as believers in Jesus Christ we always have a hope.
ReplyDeleteAt times, when the troubles start piling on it can be hard. I pray that the Lord comforts you and your mother. I pray for wisdom for you, your wife and the doctors in treating your mother. I pray that her body will respond to the treatment and her kidney function will improve. I pray that you will treasure each moment you are given and live each day without regrets. I pray for strengthen, rest and that you will be aware of the Lord's nearness even in the tough days.
Blessings to you in Christ...Susan
Thank you Susan for your prayer, I appreciate it very much. God bless, Ken
DeleteSorry to hear of your troubles, Ken. What a blessing for your aunt to have lived such a long life here...and now eternity with our Lord...Your Mom will be so happy to see her sister again when her time comes!
ReplyDeleteIs that photo one of yours?
It is very beautiful...and the scripture makes it even more so.
Such a comforting word of hope and promise from our Father!
Thank you Lisa for your kind words. I appreciate them very much. I am thankful to the Lord for giving my mother, aunt and others in the family such a good and long life.
DeleteYes, the photo is one of mine. God bless,
Ken
So sorry to hear of your families loss and your Mom's health issues Ken. I know the Lord is with you all and with your Mom giving peace and comfort. I am reminded of the song...."What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see!" Take care and God bless....Chelle
ReplyDeleteThank you Chelle. You likewise, take care and God bless.
DeleteKen
In general, this side of eternity, don't we tend to naively think of ourselves as living as if there is no end. We also tend to develop comfortable routines for a balanced, stable, peaceful and joyful life, not thinking about the nature cycle of age or the "bumps in the road" along the way. But journeys have a destination and there are unforeseen road hazards, unpredictable stormy weather conditions and underestimated circumstances that come up and must be dealt with along our route. Who really knows what tomorrow to the best laid plans of mice and men? But we do know that we have a purpose here. With eternity in heaven as our destination and the Holy Spirit in the driver seat, we can enjoy the ride; bumps and all! Great post Ken.
ReplyDeleteHi Brian. You are so right, we live as though there is no end. My pastor once said, "as far as death is concerned, it is always too soon. But who would want to live in these bodies of ours 200 years." Thank your for your insights and God bless.
ReplyDeleteKen
Hi Ken,
ReplyDeleteWhen it rains it pours! Praying for your mom and your family as they grieve the loss of your aunt.
I love this picture and the verse is one of my favourites; one I go to when I am down.
Blessings,
<><
Thank you child of God, I certainly appreciate your prayers. God bless,
DeleteKen
It is comforting to know we are in His care.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Dee. Thank you and God bless
DeleteKen, I hope this finds you at peace my friend. That's a lot to deal with all at one time! Sending prayers of love and hope that God is surrounding your sweet mama with comfort and peace. I know what a hard time this is for you and your family. Glad to hear your A/C is repaired; don't they always seem to break down at the worst times?
ReplyDeleteThankful for the promise of hope and a glorious future!
Enjoy your week,
Denise
Thank you Denise. I certainly do appreciate your prayers. God is looking out for my mom. God bless,
DeleteHi Ken,
ReplyDeleteThat scripture is a beautiful reminder of what our God has in store for us when we put our trust in Him.
Yes there are many sad times that we experience in this world but, because I have had a 'near death experience' and believe I was carried away to the 'third heaven' or paradise( like the man described in 2 Corinthians ch.12 v.2 ) a place of which I could not describe the colours, beauty and peace that I experienced, I totally believe that my redeemer lives and am so glad that His blood is 'upon my doorpost'.
It is lovely that the Holy Spirit brings to mind the positive promises of God which are all 'yes' in Jesus when the enemy tries to bring us to dwell on the negativve reasoning of the carnal mind . My father always settled our arguments when we were children by saying 'Let's see what the Lord says', and it has always stayed in my mind. It is He who has the final word, and that word is able to bring into existence that which does not exist. Hallelujah!
God bless you.
Thank you Brenda for sharing your thoughts. I, like you totally believe that our redeemer lives and one day all of us who call upon the name of Jesus will life with Him in heaven forever and ever. No matter what we must face in this life, we can always look up to Him and trust that He has a future and a hope for us.
DeleteBlessings,
Ken