Lord, grant me your favor.

Recently during my quiet time, the Lord gave me this theme. It was such a blessing to me that I want to share this with all you wonderful people.

In Psalm 86:15, it reads: “ But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

In the Amplified Bible Version, it reads: “But You, O Lord, are a God [who protects and is] merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.

I found an explanation to support this verse, and it is the following: The Lord is always good, ready to forgive, generous to all who call upon Him. At all times He expresses His divine goodness. It describes His will to forgive and His generosity towards those who call upon Him. It highlights His merciful nature in the face of the psalmist's distress. And I add, His merciful nature in the face of the specific problems and even distress of the some of you who are reading this article.

This verse describes a God full of compassion and mercy, a God who is always ready to respond with love and generosity, with tenderness to those who turn to him in their time of need, trial, illness, financial problems and all other problems that we each of us go through.

We do not need to make a special appointment or prepare a complicated conversation, no, not at all. Our God is always available to His children. Without exception He loves us just as we are and where we are in our walk with Him.

His compassion, His mercy, His goodness, His faithfulness, His tenderness, His forgiveness, and His grace are always available to us.

His tenderness touches me deeply. Why? Because in my life, I have gone through some very difficult times. But His tenderness has always been there to pick me up and surround me with His love. He always reaches out to me to reassure me which gives me the strength to continue to move forward in my personal walk with Him.

His unwavering love is always available when life brings us difficult times. Sometimes it is even difficult to pray. Yes, sometimes we shed tears and that is an acceptable emotion. At times tears flow because crying is how our heart speaks when our lips cannot explain the pain we feel. Neverteless, even in these situations, His unwavering love is always available to encourage us especially when we feel discouraged.

In Exodus 34:6 we read: “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,”

Psalm 121:2 says:“ My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Therefore, each one of His children has an absolute certainty that He is our help, always and at all times.

During the course of our day, we can declare the following verses as they will keep us strong and at peace. They will also reassure us that indeed He grants us His favor on an ongoing basis.......not because of who we are but because of who He is.

Psalm 91:2 says:“ I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

In Isaiah 41:10 we read: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

In Joshua 1:5  is such an encouraging scripture:“ No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

My conclusion is: When we pray, we can say with complete confidence, “Lord, grant me your favor.” His divine favor will keep us strong, whatever situation life throws our way. It is important to always ask respectfully and never forget to express our gratitude to such an awesome God.

Take care everyone,

Denise

 

All scripture references are taken from the New International version unless otherwise mentioned.

 

 

 

Gratitude to a faithful God for the year 2025!

 

My year end BLOG article.

I want to thank the Lord for what He has done for us in 2025. It is very so important to have gratitude towards our God.  

I recently read this passage:“What does gratitude have to do with God?” Well, above all, gratitude is a tool God has given us to combat the most destructive forces that come against our lives. Gratitude aligns our thoughts with His will. Gratitude reminds us of His goodness and breathes life or infuses us into the things that lead and help us to achieve our objectives, our calling and the purpose the Lord has for each one of us.”

Therefore, for me, gratitude and thanksgiving are the breath of life. It's like the air I breathe for my body; thanksgiving is the breath of life I breathe for my soul.

The Bible speaks a lot about gratitude. In various verses, it explains and describes the gratitude of giving thanks to God, of being thankful for small things as well as for great things. Having a grateful heart encourages us to focus less on ourselves and more on God and the people around us.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 in the New International Versions says:“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” In my French bible it says “exprimer” which translates “to express” your gratitude.

Psalm 118:24: in the New King James version reads:“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  

Psalm 136:1: in the Amplified version says:“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness (graciousness, mercy, compassion) endures forever.”

During our times of prayer, it is important to put aside our problems, our sadness, our difficult situations and take time to praise the Lord, to give Him thanks, to show Him our gratitude for all His goodness and for all that He does for us. After we have expressed our gratitude, then we can come to Him with our needs and petitions.

Giving thanks to the Lord is not only a once-a-year tradition on Thanksgiving Day. Giving thanks to the Lord is and should be something we do every day. Because every day He gives us strength for our day. He opens doors that only He can open! He closes doors that only He can close. He understands our fears and our apprehensions. He knows our every need.  

Now that we have arrived at the end of 2025, let us take a few minutes to thank the Lord for our lives, our families, and our friends. Let us thank the Lord for the good times He has provided all through 2025. Let us thank the Lord that when we faced struggles in our health, finances or other areas of our life, He was always there for us.

Isaiah 49:16:(NIV) says:“ See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

Let us thank the Lord for all He has done for us in 2025 and for all He is waiting to do for us in 2026.

In closing, join with me in reading Psalm 69:30:(NIV)

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving.”

MAY THE LORD ABUNDANTLY

BLESS ALL OF YOU IN 2026!

DENISE

 

Jesus Rapfa, the One who heals !

Jesus Rapfa, the One who heals !

In John 14:27 the bible says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

I start this article with this verse because these words coming from Jesus himself are an encouragement for us His people.  On a daily basis. these words help us, but they are especially helpful if we are going through difficult situations. When we call upon HIS name, HE is listening. HE is always available. In John 14:1: Jesus tells us:“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”

The the reason I chose this theme is because I do not want my heart to be troubled, neither do I want any of you to have a troubled heart. 

In Hebrew it is Yahweh Rapha. In French it is Jésus Rapha, le Seigneur qui me guérit.  In English we say : Jesus Rapfa, the One who heals me. I write these words in three different languages, but the meaning is the same in various other languages. Therefore, whatever language you may speak, Jesus is the same, He is Jesus Rapfa, the One who heals you, everyone of you!

In the world we live in we can find the word healer attached to a various individuals or organizations that used this word, but in an inappropriate manner. There are people who call themselves "healers," but realistically these individuals allow themselves to be influenced and used by the devil. Anyone surfing the internet can find sites about sorcerers, fortune tellers, or certain traditions attached to non-biblical beliefs. Many of these persons have no understanding of the diabolical consequences of their words or actions. I could spend more time on this subject, but this article is written to encourage people to believe that only Jesus Rapfa, is the One who heals you and me.

Jesus, Rapha means to heal, restore, repair or make whole. It symbolizes the belief that Jesus brings healing in the physical, emotional, mental and in the spiritual. He also brings wholeness to everyone of us, His people.

Rapha is an extraordinary word to describe the Lord who heals us! Jesus is the great and wonderful physician who restores our body, soul, and spirit. The sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for me and for each of you is that He forgave our sins and opened the gates of heaven for all of us.

In Luke 8:43-48, we have a good example of a person who had tried every human method to cure her hemorrhages. But after 12 years, this lady still suffered from her affliction. When she heard that Jesus healed the sick, she made her way through the crowd hoping to only to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. She understood that Jesus was the One who heals. To her, Jesus was Rapha, the One who healed her.

The sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for me and for each of you is that He forgave our sins and opened the gates of heaven for all of us. 

In Proverbs 4:20-22 it says:“ My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”

He paid for every illness that afflicts our body. There is no part of our body that is not covered by the blood of Jesus Rapha, the one who heals us.

Pastor Joseph Prince says: “In Hebrew the word marpe means healing, health or cure. God’s Word is healing to all our flesh. It is healing for our eyes. It is healing to our kidneys, It is healing to our bones. It is healing to our skin. It is healing to our lungs. It is healing to all of our flesh! Not a single part of our bodies will be left untouched by the healing power of God’s Word.” ***

Jesus, our Rapha, the One who heals us, is always faithful.  In some situations, there is not a physical healing. Believers die. It is not a lack of faith, it is reality. My husband Roger died of lung cancer in 2008, but he believed that the best healing was to be in the presence of the Lord. He is forever healed!

In conclusion, here are a few verses that we need to declare for our life and over the lives of our loved ones that need healing may it be physical, emotional or spiritual.

Isaiah 53:5:“ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Psalm 30:2:“ Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”

1 Peter 2:24:“ “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Exodus 15:26:“ He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

My prayer is for everyone reading this article, is: May Jesus Rapfa, the One who heals, be your healer in whatever situation you need healing.

Denise

 All Scriptures references taken from New International Version

*** Quotation from Pastor Joseph Prince book “Live the let-go life”.

 

Échangez leurs déchets pour de la bonne nourriture

Dans les années 1990, parmi les bidonvilles que nous aidions, trois d’entre eux étaient situés près du plus grand dépotoir de la ville de Tijuana, au Mexique. Pendant quelques années, nous avons travaillé avec un merveilleux couple de pasteurs retraités qui possédait une maison et un poste d’alimentation à la sortie du dépotoir dans le bindonville de Salva Tierra. Chaque semaine on apportait de la nourriture pour nourrir les enfants. Ont avait aussi des études bibliques avec les enfants. Debout à l’arrière de la camionnette avec Roger et le pasteur âgé qui tenait nos feuilles de chant, nous chantions avec les enfants. Avec les yeux fermés et essayant de ne pas respirer les mauvaises odeurs provenant du dépotoir, ont tentait de s'imaginer que nous étions une belle chorale dans une grande église., 

Travailler avec ces enfants a été une expérience unique et bien précieuse. Beaucoup d'entre eux n'allait pas à l'école. Dans ce dépotoir, les enfants travaillaient avec leurs parents. Ils ramassaient et essaient de vendre toutes sortes d'objets qu'ils trouvaient en fouillant parmi les tas d'ordures. Ils faisaient cela tous les jours, du lever du jour jusqu'au coucher du soleil. Ces gens sont appelés Pepenadores, ce qui signifie:“ramasseurs de déchets.” Ce sont des gens de la communauté qui gagnent leur vie en fouillant dans les ordures laissées par les camions de vidange de la ville de Tijuana. Presque tout ce qu’ils possèdent, portent ou même mangent viennent du dépotoir. Dans les ordures, les familles travaillent pour trouver ce dont elles ont besoin pour survivre. Certaines de ces familles avaient construit des cabanes et vivaient sur le site même du dépotoir. Comme ce quartier était considéré comme illégal, il n'y avait absolument aucun service municipal disponible dans cette zone. Il n'y avait ni égouts, ni eau courante. L'électricité était connectée illégalement à des poteaux électriques situés en dehors du dépotoir. 

En travaillant avec ces enfants, nous avons rapidement appris à avoir un estomac solide et à désactiver notre odorat. Ils venaient directement du dépotoir au poste d'alimentation. Même s'ils étaient sales et puants, leurs grands sourires gagnaient nos coeurs semaine après semaine. Ils faisaient partie des enfants les plus reconnaissants que nous avons aidés pendant notre séjour sur le champ missionnaire. Nous avions aussi un autre poste d'alimentation dans un autre bindonville un peu plus loin. Un jour, après avoir livré de la nourriture à cet endroit, nous avons remarqué une famille pauvre que l'on connaissait qui marchait sur le bord de la route. Les trois enfants venaient régulièrement à notre programme de d'alimentation et à nos études bibliques dans cette zone. Dès que les enfants ont vu notre camionnette rouge, ils ont commencé à faire signe de la main pour attirer notre attention. Roger a arrêté la camionnette et nous sommes sortis pour parler à la famille. La mère nous a dit qu’ils revenaient d’aller au dépotoir pour essayer de trouver de la nourriture. Les enfants avaient chacun une petite chaudière en métal dans laquelle ils avaient de la “nourriture” qu'ils avaient ramasser au dépotoir. Pour ne pas les offenser, nous avons jeté un rapide coup d’œil sur le contenu des petits seaux. Même si nous étions tous les deux sous le chocs, nous avons dû faire comme si tout était normal. Leurs petites chaudières étaient remplies de morceaux de tortillas sales et cassés, de morceaux de pain moisi, de légumes à moitié mangés et des insectes. C’était complètement dégoûtant. Notre première pensée a été de jeter ces seaux dans le ravin au bord de la route. Mais cela aurait offenser cette famille.

Roger était le diplomate de notre couple. Moi, au contraire, j’étais plus directe. Il me disait que parfois, ma diplomatie était accompagnée d’une brique. Au cours de  nos 44 années ensemble, s’il pensait que j’allais utiliser mon genre de diplomatie, il me disait simplement: “Denise, laisse-moi m’en occuper.” Cependant, ce jour-là, sur ce chemin de terre, à quelques pas du dépotoir, il n'était pas certain comment gérer cette situation. Par contre, il savait que nous avions de la nourriture dans la camionnette, y compris des biscuits. Donc, il a demandé aux enfants s’ils  voulaient des biscuits. Les enfants étaient bien contents. Il a ouvert les portes arrière de la camionnette. Il a pris la boîte de biscuits et m’a tendu un sac pour chaque enfant. Pendant que Roger sortait les biscuits, les enfants avaient déposé leurs petits seaux sales à l’arrière de la camionnette. Avec un timing parfait, le Saint-Esprit est descendu comme une douce brise dans l’esprit de Roger avec une bonne idée. Mon mari a demandé aux enfants s’ils pouvaient lui rendre un service. Je n’avais aucune idée de ce qu’il faisait, mais il avait l’attention des enfants, alors je suis restée là sans dire un mot et j’ai attendu de voir ce qui allait se passer.

Les trois enfants étaient très enthousiastes à l’idée d’aider hermano Roger. Il a dit : “J’ai une proposition à vous faire à tous les trois. ” Il a ensuite placé une boîte en carton vide près des petits seaux sales des enfants et leur a demandé s’ils étaient prêts à échanger ce qu’ils avaient dans leurs seaux pour de la nourriture que nous avions dans la camionnette. Les enfants étaient enthousiastes et bien sûr leur réponse a été oui. Les enfants savaient que notre nourriture était bonne parce que nous leur donnions régulièrement des provisions.

Avec précaution et douceur, Roger a pris chaque petit seau et l’a vidé dans la boîte en carton. Ensuite, il s’est tourné vers moi et m’a demandé de l’aider. Nous avons rempli trois sacs de plastique avec du riz, des haricots, du pain, ainsi que des tortillas. J’ai ensuite remis les sacs de bonne et propre nourriture aux trois enfants. Le sourire sur leurs visages était toute la récompense dont nous avions besoin. Ils ont dit merci et nous avons chacun reçu un gros câlin.  Pendant ce temps, les petites chaudières sales étaient toujours à l'arrière de la camionnette. Ne pas les redonné aux enfants n'était pas une option. Comme Roger avait commencé ce “projet”, je n'allais pas intervenir. Il prit un autre sac en plastique et y mit les petites chaudières sales. Puis, il tendit le sac à la mère des enfants sans faire de commentaires. Il ferma ensuite les portes de la camionnette et après avoir reçu une autre série de câlins, nous sommes remontés dans la camionnette pour nous rendre à notre prochaine destination.

Lorsque des situations comme celle-ci se présentaient, et après y avoir fait face, nous n’avions souvent pas envie de parler. Les émotions pouvaient être accablantes. Le silence était comme un refuge où nous pouvions absorber ce qui venait de se passer. Donc, en silence nous avons pris la route pour se rendre à un autre de nos postes d'alimentation. Avant de décharger la nourriture, Roger a pris un sac de poubelle et a mis la boîte de carton contenant la nourriture du dépotoir à l’intérieur du sac. Puis, il l’a laissé sur le bord de la route près du poste d’alimentation afin que le camion de poubelle puisse le ramasser. L’ironie était que cette nourriture avariée venait du dépotoir et c’est là qu’elle retournait. 

Je suis tellement reconnaissante que le Seigneur nous ait permis d’être sur cette route, exactement au même moment où cette famille rentrait chez elle avec cette mauvaise nourriture. Ce n’était certainement pas une coïncidence, c’était plutôt un rendez-vous divin. 

Dans Matthieu 25, verset 35a, la Parole de Dieu dit :“ J’ai eu faim et vous m’avez donné à manger…et le verset 40 dit: “ En vérité, je vous le dis, dans la mesure où vous l’avez fait à l’un de ces plus petits de mes frères, c’est à moi que vous l’avez fait.”

Comme chrétiens, nous devons toujours être attentifs à toute personne que nous rencontrons qui sort de son propre “dépotoir”. Une personne qui a besoin de notre aide. Lorsque nous tendons la main à l’une d’entre elles, c’est comme si Jésus lui-même leur tendait la main. Cette pensée devrait toujours nous motiver à être gentils, attentionnés et rempli de compassion.

Que Dieu vous bénisse,

Denise

(exemples de situations de “son propre dépotoir”: la drogue, la boisson, sans travail, sans famille, sans-abri, séparation où divorce ect ect)

Sortez de votre tente! (version française)

Dans Genèse 15:1-5 la Parole nous montre l’alliance de Dieu avec Abram.

Après ces événements, la parole de l'Éternel fut adressée à Abram dans une vision, et il dit:“ Abram, ne crains point; je suis ton bouclier, et ta récompense sera très grande.” ² Abram répondit:“ Seigneur Éternel, que me donneras-tu? Je m'en vais sans enfants; et l'héritier de ma maison, c'est Éliézer de Damas.³ Et Abram dit:“Voici, tu ne m'as pas donné de postérité, et celui qui est né dans ma maison sera mon héritier.” ⁴ Alors la parole de l'Éternel lui fut adressée ainsi: “Ce n'est pas lui qui sera ton héritier, mais c'est celui qui sortira de tes entrailles qui sera ton héritier.” ⁵ Et après l'avoir conduit dehors, il dit: “Regarde vers le ciel, et compte les étoiles, si tu peux les compter.” Et il lui dit:“Telle sera ta postérité.”

De l’intérieur de sa tente, Abraham ne pouvait même pas imaginer ce que le Seigneur avait prévu pour lui. En restant à l’intérieur de sa tente, il s’est retrouvé accablé par les situations négatives de sa vie. Il s’est senti accablé parce que le Seigneur ne lui avait pas encore donné d’enfants, ni à Sarah.

Souvent, c’est la même chose pour nous. En restant dans notre tente, nous concentrons davantage sur le problème au lieu de faire confiance à Dieu. En faisant cela, nous oublions que nous avons un Dieu fort et puissant.

Parfois, il est bon et normal de réévaluer notre vie, nos choix, nos priorités et même nos erreurs. Mais ce n’est pas bon de passer trop de temps sur les « regrets ». Apprenez de vos regrets et ensuite passez à autre chose. Sinon, vous leur donnez la permission de devenir un cancer émotionnel dans votre vie. Vous ne pouvez pas changer le passé. Vous ne devez pas laisser le passé assombrir votre avenir. Même si vous avez des doutes sur les choix que vous avez faits au fil des ans, les leçons que vous avez apprises ont fait de vous la personne que vous êtes aujourd'hui.

Nous ne devrions jamais nous concentrer sur l’ampleur du problème, mais plutôt sur la grandeur de notre Dieu. Nous devons cesser de nous concentrer sur nos circonstances et nos difficultés. Nous devons tous “sortir de notre tente” et croire que Dieu est toujours plus grand que nos situations ou nos problèmes.

Trente-quatre ans passés, le Seigneur a ouvert une porte pour que Roger et moi puissions Le servir. Il ouvrira certainement une pour vous aussi. Les gens peuvent essayer de vous mettre dans une boîte, et essayer de vous faire faire ce qu'ils pensent que vous devriez faire, mais ne désespérez pas, continuez à prier, continuez à croire que le Seigneur a quelque chose de spécial pour vous. Le Seigneur a un endroit spécial pour chacun de vous afin que vous puissiez Le servir. Possiblement, que ça sera dans un endroit ou un pays auquel vous vous attendez le moins, mais quand c'est un appel de Dieu, vous franchirez cette porte et vous ne regarderez jamais en arrière, sachant que le Seigneur est en charge et qu'Il prendra soin de vous pour le reste de votre vie.

Nous devons aussi prier. Lisa Bevere dit: (***)“Rien ne fait autant peur au camp de l'ennemi que de fermer nos yeux et de venir avec AUDACE devant le trône de Dieu. Lorsque vous priez, vous êtes DANGEREUX pour le monde des TÉNÈBRES. Lorsque nous prions, Dieu nous ouvre des portes. Des portes que personne d’autre ne peut ouvrir ou fermer.

Le Seigneur a pourvu à nos besoins dans le passé et Il continuera à pourvoir pour notre « aujourd’hui » et a aussi pour tous nos « lendemains ».

Alors, comme Abraham, sortez de votre tente, regardez vers le ciel et comptez les étoiles. Le Seigneur a une étoile spéciale pour pour chacun et chacune de vous.

Une chose que je peux vous promettre, c'est que vivre pour Jésus est certainement une merveilleuse aventure.

J'inclus des versets pour vous encourager:

Psaumes 28:7 :“L'Éternel est ma force et mon bouclier; En lui mon coeur se confie, et je suis secouru; J'ai de l'allégresse dans le coeur, Et je le loue par mes chants.”

Psaumes 3:3-4: (3:4) “Mais toi, ô Éternel! tu es mon bouclier, Tu es ma gloire, et tu relèves ma tête.”

Colossiens 3:23-24 :“ Tout ce que vous faites, faites-le de bon coeur, comme pour le Seigneur et non pour des hommes, 24)  sachant que vous recevrez du Seigneur l'héritage pour récompense. Servez Christ, le Seigneur.”

Matthieu 25:21 : Son maître lui dit: “C'est bien, bon et fidèle serviteur; tu as été fidèle en peu de chose, je te confierai beaucoup; entre dans la joie de ton maître.” 

Denise

Versets dans la version Louis Segond,

****** Lisa Bevere est pasteur et auteure à succès.

Get out of your tent !

Get out of your tent !

In Genesis 15:1-5 the Word shows us God's covenant with Abram.

In Genesis 15:5, the Lord took Abraham outside of his tent and said: “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.”

From inside his tent Abraham could not even imagine what the Lord had planned for him. By staying inside his tent, he got overwhelmed by the negative situations in his life. He got overwhelmed because the Lord had not yet given him and Sarah any children.

Often, the same is true for us. We focus more on the problem rather than trusting God. By doing that, we neglect to remember that we have a mighty and powerful God. 

Occasionally, it is good, and it is normal to reassess our life, choices, priorities & even our mistakes. But don't spend too much time on “regrets”. Learn from them and move on. Otherwise, you give them permission to become an emotional cancer in your life. You cannot change the past. You must not allow it to cloud your future. While you may be having second thoughts about choices you made over the years, the lessons you learned have made you the person you are today.

We should never look at how big is the problem, but instead look at how big is our God. We need to stop concentrating at our circumstances and at our difficulties.  We all need to “get out of our tent” and believe that God is bigger than of our situations or problems. 

The Lord made a way for Roger & I to serve Him. He will certainly make a way for you also. People may try to put you in a box, but do not despair, keep praying, keep believing that the Lord has something special for you. The Lord has a special place for you to serve. It may be in a place or country that you least expect, but when it is a call from God, you will cross that door and never look back, knowing that He is in charge and that He will take care of you for the rest of your life. 

We also need to pray.  Lisa Bevere (***)says: Nothing strikes as much fear into the heart of the enemy’s camp as when you close your eyes and come BOLDLY before God’s throne. When you pray, you are DANGEROUS to the DARKNESS. When we pray, God opens doors for us. Doors that nobody else can open or nobody else can close.

He has provided for us in the past and He will continue to provide for our “today” and for all our “tomorrows.”

Therefore, get out of your tent as Abraham did, look up at the sky and count the stars. The Lord has a special star just for you. One thing I can promise you is that living for Jesus is certainly a wonderful adventure.

Have a day filled with blessings everyone!

Denise

*** Lisa Bevere is a minister and bestselling author. 

(Scriptures from New International Version)

Three men in the furnace

In Daniel 3:1-28 we read about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's refusal to serve other gods or worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar wanted them to worship. The king had an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide. (or bout 27 meters high by 2.7 metters wide). The people were told that as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, they had to fall down and worship the image of gold. Therefore, as soon the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the nations and peoples of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold. People were warned that anyone that did not fall down and worship the image of gold was going to be thrown into a blazing furnace. Some astronomers who desired to gain the favor of the king were quick to warn him that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were ignoring the king's orders. In verse 13 the bible says that upon hearing the rebellious attitude of the three young men, the king was furious with rage. But the faith of these three young men was unshakable and they were not going to bow down to the image of gold. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were committed to God. They had confidence that the Lord would deliver them from this predicament. The king was so infuriated that he ordered the furnace heated seven time hotter than usual. Then he had them firmly tied and thrown into the blazing furnace. But God was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Later, when the king returned to have a look at the men in the furnace, he was amazed that not only the three young men were walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed. The king noticed that there was a fourth man walking around in the furnace. In verse 25 he makes this comment: “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”  He realized that the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had indeed delivered them while they were in the blazing furnace.  King Nebuchadnezzar could no longer denied the power, the faithfulness and the deliverance iof the God of these three young men. In verse 28 we read that he praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. 

Every time I read this story, it encourages me to keep praying and believing God for situations I have been praying about for a long time, but yet I'm still waiting for God to intervene. The level of faith demonstrated by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego shows me to just keep believing and keep praying because in His time, the Lord will take my situations “out of the fire” and turn them into His glorious deliverance.

 I realize that most of you have read this story several times. Nevertheless, I wrote this article to encourage all of you that are waiting for answers to your prayers, to just keep believing and keep praying. Your day is coming where you will see the deliverance of the Lord for those prayers that are so dear to your heart. If you have asked the Lord for healing, the salvation of a loved one or a restoration of a relationship, your prayers are still in the hands of the most high God. He has absolutely not forgotten about your petition. In His time, your requests will be “out of the fire” and delivered to you with the type of the love and compassion that only the Lord is able to bestow. 

In Isaiah 60:22b it says.“ .....I am the Lord, and when it is time, I will make these things happen quickly,”            

In the meantime, may the Lord bless you and keep you strong!

Denise 

         

        Bible references are from the New International & New Century versions.

 

 

MY “BUS” WAS NOT “MY” BUS!

For the 32 years that I was a missionary in Tijuana, Mexico, transportation for our volunteers and the children was always an issue. We needed transportation for our workers, but most important, we needed to have the flexibility to pick-up kids in the surrounding shantytowns that lived too far to simply walk to the local church. Once at the  church, the kids would learn about Jesus and receive a good meal.

In 2015, someone wanted to help us get a small bus. This person knew the owner of a school bus company. It was a tough sell because this businessman was not open to helping a Christian ministry. But perseverance prevailed and after several conversations, he relented and gave us a 2006, 20-seater bus along with the legal paperwork.

Shipping the bus to San Diego, was the best and cheapest way to get it to Tijuana. Once in San Diego, we then could apply to the Mexican customs to legally import the vehicle into Mexico. The shipping and importing costs were about $3,800. It was a bargain compared to buying a used vehicle in California. The regulations stipulated that I had to be in San Diego to get the delivery of the bus because the paperwork could only be done in my name and not in the name of Tender Loving Care Children Ministries.  

In July, I was in Tijuana for our annual TLCCM Vacation Bible School program. My plan was to make all the arrangements to have the bus imported during my October trip. But, once in Tijuana, someone familiar with the Mexican customs and regulations, informed me that the bus could not imported. This donated vehicle was too old to satisfy the criteria of the Mexican border authorities. The importation law required the vehicle be no older than a 2009 model.

I was completely devastated. Here I was with the donated bus that we so badly needed, but no legal way to get it to Mexico. During that time the bus was parked at my local church. I had nowhere else to store it while we figured out what to do. Returning it to the original owner was absolutely out of the question. I thought of selling it, at least this way TLCCM could get some needed funds out of this entire experience.

At the time my church was providing Sunday morning transportation for people living far from the church. A small bus was a possible solution. After discussing this matter with TLCCM’s financial advisor and with the church pastor, the decision was made to give the bus to my local church.  

For several weeks “my” bus was still parked in the church parking lot while the church did the paperwork to register it in their name. It was parked just a few feet away from my parking space. Every time I parked my car and saw the bus, my heart sank, and I thought, “but Lord this is my bus”.

One Sunday morning, as I came out of the church, and saw “my bus”, I once again complained to the Lord saying: “Lord this is my bus.”  Immediately, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper in my ear: “Denise, if this was your bus, it would already be in Mexico.”  With tears pouring down my cheeks, I sat in my car and asked the Lord to forgive me for my lack of trust in Him to provide for our need of a vehicle to transport the children in Tijuana.

For a few years, every Sunday morning the bus was used to pick up people to take them to church. I am grateful that the Lord used this situation to teach me that nothing is mine unless the Lord permits it to be. No, I never got another bus. Nevertheless, I can honestly say that I have been completely at peace with this situation. Meanwhile in Tijuana, week after week I saw the Lord provided the transportation that was needed and He did it without “my bus”.

One day, in the months following this experience, I read the following paragraph that said: “How hard it can be to trust in God’s timing. We are a people who want what we want and would prefer it right now. Sometimes it seems as if we are not even on God’s clock. Yet, there is never a time in which He is not aware of the desires of our hearts. He does, however, know better than we do, whether what we want to happen is necessary or good for us. Sometimes His timing may be just the amount we need to see that what we thought we needed, we never did, or that the waiting made the receiving that much better. His timing will always be perfect, even when our trust in it is not.”

The following bible verse is very appropriate for this situation:” There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) (NIV))

All I can say is: “Lord, You absolutely and always know what is best for us.” AMEN!

Denise

Please note: To protect the privacy of the various people involved in this situation no names or specific details are made public. Picture of the bus is not of the actual bus but was a free download. Bible verse is in the NIV.

All is well with my soul!

 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7 (NIV)

Cancer is a curse. It arrives like a thief in the night. It interrupts your life. It alters your daily routine. It plays havoc with your emotions, your strength and your faith. Once one gets this devastating prognosis, one’s life is never the same.

In February 2005 we returned to Ottawa because Roger was having some health issues. He had been suffering from crippling migraines for over one year. In 2003, he had a detachment of the retina in his right eye. Surgery and recuperation were difficult. It required a second surgery and although the surgery was successful, the vision in his eye was diminished to only 25%.

After much prayer and seeking the Lord’s will, he felt it was time for us to come back to Ottawa. After living in San Diego for fifteen years, having our children and grandchildren in the same general area was a real blessing. About three months after we returned to Ottawa, his migraines completely disappeared. We really did not know what to think. We were happy that the migraines had left. Roger wondered if he had missed God's will by coming back to Ottawa. But by the end of 2005, we both knew he had heard from God by deciding to come home.

In November 2005, he had pneumonia. Even with two consecutives doses of antibiotics, the dry cough would not stop. His doctor sent him for a CT-Scan. In January 2006, to our great shock, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer. Roger was a non-smoker. After weeks of chemotherapy, we were told that his tumor was inoperable. His oncologist ordered another series of chemotherapy along with radiation. After another bronchoscopy, I was sitting in his hospital room waiting for him to come back from the procedure. When the surgeon walked in the room with his assistant, I knew something was terribly wrong. He gave me all the medical information and then he held my hands, and he said: “Mrs. Deschamps, you are a strong woman, you have great faith.  You will get through this, you will.”  I knew what he meant. After he left, I just sat there and cried. When Roger came back to his room, the doctor had already talked to him. I gave him a hug and neither one of us spoke for quite a while. Nevertheless, this man of mine did not give up. More chemotherapy treatments were ahead of him. Each time he started a new session of treatment, the doctor would change the protocol. Roger was determined to fight this disease, for himself, for me, for our children and grandchildren. In total he went through seven protocols. In early summer of 2006, he got a good review. The tumor had shrunk. Sadly, the good news did not last long.  By October the cancer was back in full force. 

By the spring of 2007, he was now on oxygen and needed a tube on his right side to drain the liquid on his lungs. On Easter Sunday morning 2007, he suffered an embolism.  Nevertheless, we kept believing for a miracle. Roger knew that medically he was not doing well.  He told me a few times that without a miracle, he knew his chances were not very good. 

In the fall of 2007, he was scheduled to start protocol #7.  By this time, he was no longer able to drive.  As I drove him to the hospital I asked him:“Honey, if this protocol does not work, what are we going to do?”  He put his hand on my lap and with a very peaceful voice he said: “All is well with my soul.”  I took a deep breath and kept driving, but not another word was said until we got to the hospital. By making that statement, I knew what Roger was trying to tell me. At that specific moment, my faith, my strength and my peace were probably at their lowest level. The words: All is well with my soul are words that were on my mind every day for the last few months I still had him with me. 

After he died, I went online and searched for the words of that song and information about the man who wrote this song. His name was Horatio Spafford. This man knew the meaning of pain. As a lawyer in his early 40s, Spafford lived in the north side of Chicago with his wife, Anna and his five children. In 1870 their only son died from scarlet fever. A few months later, in 1871, he lost his entire life savings in the Great Chicago Fire.  As a successful lawyer, he had invested heavily in real estate in the Chicago area, which was devastated by this disaster. *** Two years later, in 1873, the Spafford’s decided to go on a much-needed vacation to Europe on the SS Ville du Havre.  Delayed by last minute business, he sent his wife and daughters ahead, promising to follow in a few days. On November 22, 1873, the ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel, the Loch Earn, and it sank into the Atlantic in just twelve minutes, killing 226 people on board. *** When the survivors of the shipwreck landed in Europe, Anna Spafford cabled her husband saying: “Saved alone. What shall I do?” All four of their daughters had died in this tragic accident. 

Amid his great sorrow, he got on a ship to go join his wife in Europe. While passing near the place where his daughters had died, he was inspired to write the words to the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul”. *** Despite these series of tragic events, the Spafford’s later had three more children. Then in 1881, the family set sail for Jerusalem, along with baby Bertha and their newborn Grace.  There they founded a group called the American Colony, whose mission was to serve the poor. ***

The lyrics in Spafford’s hymn reveal his attitude and approach with dealing with these very difficult trials. It also spoke of his determination to stay strong in all circumstances. This man was and still is an inspiration to us all! *** This man’s faith inspired me to stay strong and keep serving God. It is normal for us, young or old, to be overcome by our problems. Nevertheless, our attitude is a choice we make, no matter how difficult our circumstances can be. *** 

Even though we may not have had all the answers to why God allows some to die untimely deaths, we always must remember that God knows what He is doing, and that in the end “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Over the years when a loved one died without a receiving a healing, Roger always said: “The biggest healing of all is to be in the presence of the Lord.”   I really understand why his answer to me back in the fall of 2007 was: ALL IS WELL WITH MY SOUL.

On March 14, 2008, God took Roger to his heavenly home. He left knowing that all was well with his soul. Within a split second he went from thinking “All is well with my soul” to experiencing the reality of these words.

Words of this song:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, 

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, 

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend; Even so, it is well with my soul.

Sincerely,

Denise

 

***notes taken from an online article written about Horacio Spafford

 

You have potential!

Philippians 4:13 says: “ I can do all this through him who gives me strength”.

You have potential, I have potential. We all have potential!

Our potential is strengthened by a God who is filled with great love for each one of us. We are strengthened by the Lord Himself. With His divine strength, our potential to follow and serve Him is therefore activated in a positive way.

When we are reinforced by God Himself, I like to compare this to an eagle on top of a high mountain waiting for a favorable wind so it can take flight. When that wind comes, the eagle takes flight with strength and confidence that this wind will sustain it. Therefore, as children of God, our potential is manifested in a positive way when we allow “the wind” of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and take charge of our lives.

Potential, what a crucial word for all of us. It is very important to realize early in life that we have potential. It is also important to always use our potential in a positive fashion. I was an adult when I learned that I had potential. Earlier in my life, I seldom felt that I was meeting the demands made on my life. When I became a teenager, like many other kids that age, I went through a stage of rebellion. I gave up getting good grades in school, I gave up trying to pursue certain projects because I did not believe that I could accomplish them. I gave up because it was easier to give up than to be criticized. I gave up because I did not understand that I had potential. At that time, I also did not have Jesus in my life. 

When I met my husband, he quickly realized that when things got too difficult, I would get discouraged and give up. He was a very quiet man, but a man who was determined to reach his full potential. He decided to help me change. When I had to learn something new, he would always tell me: “Denise, you can do this, you can do it, don’t give up.” With these words of encouragement, I slowly started to pursue dreams and do things I would never have done before.

On September 9^th. 1981, I received Jesus as my Savior. With Jesus in my heart, it encouraged me to continue the conquest of pursing and living to my full potential. Always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is possible for us to grasp and use the potential that the Lord gifted each one of us. This permits us to pursue our dreams and follow the call of God on our life. When we have Jesus as Lord, He holds our hand and He helps us. With His help we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.

I have known the Lord for 43 years. During all this time I have also learned a lot about who I am in Christ. I have learned that in God’s eyes, there is no reproach, there is no condemnation. He loves me as I am, and He teaches me how to correct certain areas of my life that need correction. But there is never any condemnation. 

Every time that I had to make changes in my life, the Lord has been gracious, patient and loving during those periods of transition. Therefore, because of the unconditional love of my Heavenly Father, I am free to reach my full potential.

Our mind is a powerful tool. When our mind is free, we realize there is no limit to our potential. We are free to dream big dreams, have great visions and pursue God’s heart more than ever before. If we are not free in our thoughts, then we cannot possibly be fully free.

At times the Lord closes a door, but He never does it without opening another one. With each door He opens, we can always have all that God has for us. I have learned and adapted my vision with the knowledge that even at my age, I can still pursue the call that God has for my life. It is important to understand that when our life changes direction, the potential that the Lord has placed in you and in me never leaves us. In each stage of our life, #1 God is faithful, #2 our potential is ready for new experiences. With each new experience, we quickly notice that many blessings do follow.

In Jeremiah 29:11 it says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In closing, I want to say that I think that you are all wonderful God created human beings full of God given potential. Never be afraid to reach for your full potential. It will open doors and it will take you places you cannot even imagine.

Denise

 

(Bible verses are from the New International Version)