Comfort For Those Who Mourn

"To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness: that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."  Isaiah 61:3

Fire consumed the hills of Brea, Yorba Linda and Corona a few years ago. While driving through that area soon afterward I saw the scorched trees and landscape and wondered if anything would grow there again.

Last month that is exactly how I felt - scorched, barren and dry. That dismal landscape had taken over my heart. I realized that I allowed fear, anger; disappointment and hurt to wiggle into my heart.

My mothers Alzheimer condition had proven to be like a wild fire striking in unexpected places. Just when I thought the fire was completely out it jumped to another area. It was unpredictable and volatile and I felt as if her caretakers and I would no sooner put out one hot spot than another one, more violent than before, would crop up. When everything looked calm there was another spark smoldering beneath the surface.

My faith was shaken. I felt anger toward her as she hit and tried to bite me. I was ashamed and felt embarrassed at her public display of hostility and I tried to hide her in the corner of the garden away from the stares of onlookers. 

I also felt ashamed for not being as strong in the LORD as I thought I was. Even for one moment I couldn't forget that it was the disease and not my mother who was acting out. I felt like a boat without a rudder, tossed around as the things and people who were my touchstones during times of stress became unavailable. I found myself distracted by things so I wouldn’t think - playing games on my phone instead of picking up GOD's word and going to bed late so I was too tired to get up and pray before work.

I would go to church on Wednesday nights parched, needing the Living Water to refresh me, but after I left I would start the cycle of escape all over again. I’ve kept this all in, not sharing with anyone and so essentially I closed myself off from comfort, from fellowship outside of church.

Yesterday I remembered driving past those barren hills some months ago and now I saw little green buds appear in the very middle of that blackened earth. With that thought I felt hope stirring in my heart, because I remembered that fire also purifies.

Tears come to my eyes as the overwhelming love of GOD fills my heart – a bud of hope has started to grow and the flames of the love of GOD burn away the impurities named fear, hurt, anger and shame. I was reminded at church this morning how important it is to connect within the Church body. I will try not to let the cares and responsibilities of life crowd out and replace the love of Christ, the fellowship of the Saints and the Word of GOD..

Shock and disbelief as it was happening had caught me unaware. How cruel this disease is. But, I learned after the smoke clears there is always GOD – arms open to comfort and restore, to give His strength again and again.

"In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I called. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry came to His ears.  2 Samuel 22:7

The morning I journaled these thoughts I received a telephone call informing me my mother's symptoms had finally responded to her new Alzheimer medication and she was back to being her normal loving self. THANK YOU, JESUS!

by Eve Montano

Editor's Note: Anyone familiar with Alzheimer's knows it is a rocky road filled with ups and downs, moments of hope and moments of despair. Our dear Eve penned this when she was enduring a particularly painful time of witnessing her beloved mother become someone else. Following the admonishment of scripture, she has written this to comfort others as she herself has been comforted. 

In memory of Blanca Iris Cruz who went home to Jesus on December 15, 2015

He Calms the Storm

"He calms the storm, so that its waves are still."  Psalm 107:29

I love to watch a good thunderstorm. Back east they’re pretty common especially during the summer. I’d sit on my porch and watch. Every time I saw lightning flash I’d close my eyes and count until I heard the thunder and when it became less than 5 seconds I would go in and watch from inside.

I’ve been told that storms at sea are miserable, making even the hardiest of sailors sick. Life’s storms are like weather storms. Even if there is a warning of the impending storm we are helpless to stop them. They roll over our lives causing havoc on our health, finances or marriage. We do what we can to prepare, but in the end we are like a boat being tossed around.  Someone said that when on a boat during a storm the best thing to do is to let down the anchor and just sit tight until the storm passes. We have an anchor for life’s storms as well; our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."  Hebrews 6:19

I’ve gone through many storms in my life. Some have been just a summer storm where I turn to the Lord and no sooner than the words, “Please Lord help me” are out of my mouth, His peace surrounds my heart and I am assured that I will make it through one more time.

"And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still.' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."  Mark 4:39

I’ve also been through monsoons where my whole life has been tossed and turned. All I could do was hang on tight.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."  Romans 12:12

This scripture is the umbrella I carry in my heart during storms. I rejoice that I’m His. I hold on, trusting, because His promises are sure. Praying is our love language.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

Next time a storm comes – buckle down, look up and have inner peace, Jesus is the calm that you seek.

"They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven."  Psalm 107:30

by Eve Montano

The Touch Of The Master

"So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 20:7

Leviticus Chapters 10 through 20 record the ceremonial laws regarding what is considered clean and what is considered unclean. In each case there is a remedy for restoration to cleanliness...the blood of a perfect sacrifice. The sacrifice sets us apart to be holy.

Touching anything considered unclean (bodily discharge, skin eruptions, dead body, etc.) rendered the individual unclean until the sacrifice was offered and a certain amount of time had passed. In the medical community of today we understand the science behind these laws. Rotting flesh was ripe with potentially infectious bacteria. Disease could easily be transmitted from the hand touching diseased flesh or discharge, and then touching the face or food which would then be eaten and eventually end up in the body. Disease could also be transmitted by clothing that touched the body, so you were considered unclean if the hem of your garment had come in contact with a dead body or carcass.

Every time I read in the Word that Jesus healed some one by touching them, I'm in awe. The perfect fulfillment of the law crossed the bounds of the law by touching the unclean and making them whole.

"Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. 'Young man,' he said, 'I tell you, get up.' Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother."  Luke 7:14-15

"A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped."  Luke 8:43-44

"While he was still speaking to her, a messenger arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. He told him, 'Your daughter is dead. There's no use troubling the Teacher now.' But when Jesus heard what had happened, he said to Jairus, 'Don't be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed.' When they arrived at the house, Jesus wouldn't let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the little girl's father and mother. The house was filled with people weeping and wailing, but he said, 'Stop the weeping! She isn't dead; she's only asleep.' But the crowd laughed at him because they all knew she had died. Then Jesus took her by the hand and said in a loud voice, 'My child, get up!' And at that moment her life returned and she immediately stood up!"  Luke 8:49-55a

"Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. 'Lord,' the man said, 'if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.' Jesus reached out and touched him. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be healed!' And instantly the leprosy disappeared."  Matthew 8:2-3

"When they arrived at Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus, and they begged him to touch the man and heal him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then, spitting on the man's eyes, he laid his hands on him and asked, 'Can you see anything now?' The man looked around. 'Yes,' he said. ' I see people, but I can't see them very clearly. They look like trees walking around.' Then Jesus placed his hands on the man's eyes again and his eyes were opened. His sight was completely restored, and he could see everything clearly." Mark 8:22-25

In each one of these examples, Jesus touched some one or some thing considered unclean. Literally, He went against the Law. It showed His authority to fulfill the Law and He did this before He offered Himself, the perfect sacrifice, for restoration.

I've been doing my own soul searching about how Jesus has touched me in my unclean state and healed me. I don't necessarily mean "physically." Most of the time His healing has been spiritual, but there has been physical healing, too.

So, I ask you, dear Sister. What is your malady? Where do you need healing? Have you had an "issue of blood?" Something draining you inside, sending you into despair, robbing you of hope? Press in to our Lord Jesus. Just the touch of the hem of his garment will cleanse and restore you.

Do you feel spiritually dead? Have your dreams for your life all but died? Press in to Jesus. Even if your hopes and dreams have been sealed up in a coffin, Jesus wants to fill you with life.

Do you feel unclean? Are you facing something in yourself or in your family that isolates you? Press in to Jesus. He will never turn you away. He will pick you up, cleanse you and carry you close to his bosom.

Are you blind, groping your way on this path called the Christian Walk? Press in to Jesus. His touch will open your eyes and set you free."

He Touched Me*

Shackled by a heavy burden,
'Neath a load of guilt and shame,
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same.

He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.

Since I met this blessed Savior,
Since He cleansed and made me whole,
I will never cease to praise Him,
I'll shout it while eternity rolls.

He touched me. Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole.

*Words and Music by Bill and Gloria Gaither

by Marilyn Allison

 

Faithful to His Promises

"And then he took Him into his arms and blessed God and said, 'Now Lord, You are releasing your bond-servant to depart in peace according to Your word." Luke 2:28-29

I wonder how Simeon lived his life, wondering day to day “Is this the One?" I think he lived as he always did, serving God in the Temple. God made him a promise and Simeon knew that God doesn’t lie and that was enough for him.

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath so that

"...by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us." Hebrews 6:17-18

And when that day came I can only imagine the unspeakable joy that must have filled His heart. Here at last was the Messiah! 

"For my eyes have seen Your salvation." Luke 2:30

Simeon was not surprised that salvation came as a baby. He read the scriptures and believed them. Simeon lived and worked and slept - confident, assured that God’s word would come to pass. 

"For a child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders and His name will be 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

God made us a promise, too. And I believe with all my heart that God, who doesn’t lie, will keep His promise. Will I worry I might miss it or that it’s not intended for me? I think not!  I pray I will live my life loving and learning, sharing and working until the day that Jesus my Saviour, whom Simeon saw as a baby, calls me home. 

Are you waiting? What are you doing in the mean time? Are you sharing the Good News? Are you teaching your children and grandchildren who Jesus is and the hope that we have in Him? Are you living in a way that honors Him? Are you clothing yourself with dignity and truth? Is your hope in the promises of God? I remember a saying that I’ve heard many a Christian say, “Here, there or in the air." Are you waiting? Are you ready? Jesus is coming! 

"And, if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14:3

Maranatha! The Lord is coming!

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

by Eve Montano

Am I Enough?

"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat." Revelation 7:16

"To be supplied when we hunger is the mercy of earth, never to hunger at all is the plenitude of heaven. God will so fill the souls of the redeemed that they shall have no longings; their longings shall be prevented by their constant satisfaction."                               Charles H. Spurgeon

Can you imagine? Think about that - in heaven we will be continuously filled by the Lamb of God and Living water will quench our thirst. The constant outpouring of these will be in abundance, and knowing this makes eternal life all the more desirous than before. In Heaven, God is enough to satisfy our desires. But the way I see it Heaven has already come to Earth. 

Instead of making New Year’s Resolutions every year, I ask Jesus what He wants for His birthday. It might sound foolish or maybe a little crazy, but why not? Some of the answers I’ve gotten have been: to trust Him more...make more time for Him...to be more available...submit to my husband. These requests have always made my relationship with God richer, deeper. They've caused me to look upward instead of inward because none of these could’ve happened if I didn’t submit to God first. This year when I asked Jesus what He wanted, the answer came in the form of a question, “Am I enough for you?” ‘Of course you are,’ was my automatic answer. Then the Lord forced me to look at unhealthy attitudes, strained relationships and even over-the-top emotions. The question came again, “Am I enough?” Tears started because I knew I wasn’t living as if He was.

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God."  2 Corinthians 3:5

Am I making God - the all-powerful, all knowing, ever present Creator and Savior of my soul -  enough in my life? That should be a done deal, right? But every time I choose to do something outside His will for me, I’m saying to Him, "I don’t trust You." Every time I grumble, every time I complain, every time I covet, every time I dig my heels in I’m limiting His involvement in my life. Prideful. I tell God I know better and His provisions are not enough. Every time I hold on to a bad attitude - anger, resentment, and sin - I’m saying I prefer my sin to His grace! Ouch! 

"Heaven shall exceed all the desires of God's people; they shall not even with their enlarged capacities be able to wish for anything which they do not already possess so that they shall hunger no more in the sense that they shall never long for more than they have."
C.H. Spurgeon

God brought Heaven to earth, reminding me of His grace. He knows the intent of my heart. He understands what it’s like to be tempted. He understands fear and tiredness. He understands our humanity and, because He does, He is not an unfeeling god made with human hands. No, He is God who made us with His hands and breathed life into us. Everything we need or want is in Him – made by Him!

That makes Him enough. 

"But He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you (My loving kindness and My mercy are more than enough - always available - regardless of the situation); for (My) power is being perfected (and is completed and shows itself most effectively) in (your) weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses so that the power of Christ (may completely enfold me and) may dwell in me."    2 Corinthians 12:9 Amplified Bible

If God is enough here on earth, I am all the more looking forward to the completeness of Heaven. 

by Eve Montano