Everyday I Wake Up!

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:21-26 NIV

Everyday that I wake up, I am reminded of God’s goodness towards me. Though I have challenges with respiratory issues, and joint and muscle aches, and circulatory issues, I am counting on Him to provide me with relief and inspiration.  Nothing is too hard to face when we know God is on our side; He will be our rearguard and frontline. When we know we are surrounded by His love and held in His embrace, we have nothing to fear. For what can the enemy do against love?

Love–the cure-all for everything that ails us as individuals and as a nation. We can never be all that God plans for us to be without knowing how to love others. When we let go of the hatred we feel against others because of our own insecurities, God can and will fill hearts to overflowing with love, wisdom, and direction in making the world a better place for all human beings.

So, everyday–I wake up inquiring of God–what can I do today to make life better for someone else? Sometimes, a smile is all it takes and other days, it takes a little more.

How can I make life better for others as President of the United States? I can begin by realizing–if elected–that I have to govern for all Americans and consider all Americans in every decision made.

I have to make the best decisions possible for those with I agree and those with whom I don’t agree; with those I know who love me for who I am and for those who hate me because of the color of my skin or my gender or my age or my audacity in running for president in the first place.

I have to govern for those who believe as I believe and for those who don’t. I have to govern–respecting everyone’s right to make decisions for themselves as long as they do not violate the Constitution or other laws or infringe upon the rights of others.

I have to govern knowing I’ll have to make tough decisions that some won’t like but I’ll have to think beyond the moment and consider all those who will come after me.

I have to govern understanding the role of Congress and the Judiciary as well as the Executive Branch of government.

I have to govern with a mindset to protect Americans and America’s interests on a global level.

I have to govern knowing I don’t know everything, but counting on God and His infinite wisdom to guide me in all things. This is how I know I can make life better for all Americans–by considering all Americans–and not a personal or party agenda.

I am seeking input from those who think I can make a difference. I need your support in spreading the word and welcome your ideas. Please leave a comment on the FaceBook page that provides more details about the plans I have for all Americans and how we can make it work. http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020. Thanks for your consideration!

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His Love and Mercy Endures!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. who made the great lights—His love endures forever. the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever. to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever. and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever. and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever. but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever. to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. and killed mighty kings—His love endures forever. Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.and Og king of Bashan—His love endures forever. and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever. an inheritance to his servant Israel. His love endures forever.He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever. He gives food to every creature. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Psalm 136 NIV

We do give thanks to the God of Heaven, for we know that no matter what men do; He will have the last word, even if He has to remove them from the face of the earth, leaving all they have accumulated for others to enjoy.

Nothing men or women do in secret remains hidden for long and God in His infinite Wisdom, will bring to the light all that was done in darkness.

When exposure comes, many will cringe as the world watches how greed and corruption, lies and ego have turned this country into a joke, teetering on the edge of civil insurrection, with its “so called leader” the butt of every joke.

Oh how the dark deeds will hate the spotlight that shines upon every evil plot and plan so that none escape the consequential course–the Hamanesque effect!

It is good to consider the words we utter against others for if we do not give great thought to what we say, our words will come back to haunt us.

If we do not respect others in their position of leadership, it is an exercise of futility to expect others to respect us in the same position. Karma bites!

But I am praying for every person who knows and understands how God operates for the good of all His children and I stand with all who support justice and liberty for all. At the same time, I stand firmly against any and all who would ignore the needs of the poor and the vulnerable; those who malign and belittle women; those who lie and bribe to move their agendas forward; those who think they are gods.

For there is but One God–the creator of all things and without Him, nothing was created. That same God–who has determined how we are to live on the earth with one another–has not changed who He is or His intent for mankind.

The sooner mere mortals recognize that our trust and faith should only be in God, not man or woman, the sooner we’ll be able to live in peace in harmony; allowing greed and corruption to come to an end, knowing how to treat all–equally.

30 Days of Prayer and Praise–14!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty— he is the King of glory. Psalm 24 NIV

Day Fourteen

Lord, Our Lord,

Thank You for allowing us to see another day, to have another opportunity to celebrate Your arrival in the earth, clothed in flesh like man, but always God.

Thank You for looking upon this land and all of Your people–those who call upon You in times of need and praise You no matter what.

Thank You for loving us enough to be willing to join our fate in the earth, being tempted by sin on every side and yet, not caving; being ridiculed and persecuted and yet, not hating; being scorned, beaten and crucified, and yet–ever forgiving those in their ignorance who sullied Your reputation and good works.

God of heaven and earth, our heavenly Father, we praise You for the mercy and grace You keep showering upon us. We praise You for loving us enough to see beyond our faults and taking care of our needs, and keeping us focused upon You.

Help us this day, O God, to become more like You–seeing beyond the surface of skin color and differences in religious affiliation–to just seeing You and conducting ourselves as You do–without constraints–loving one another.

Who is the King of Glory? The Lord–mighty in battle, gentle in spirit, compassionate and loving, merciful in all His ways, and forgiving–of all who repent when they understand wrongdoing and wrong living, according to His Word.

Who is the King of Glory? The Lord–who chose to come into this world as a baby–experiencing life as all humans do, navigating childhood into adulthood, understanding all we must experience and yet not once failing to observe all His Father in Heaven commanded Him to do.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your love and willingness to sacrifice self for all who willingly come to You, receive Your love and accept You as Lord and Savior of their lives.

We give You praise, glory and honor for there is none like You; no one who deserves our unconditional love other than You for You first loved us and then loved us enough to die for us! Hallelujah to the King of Glory! Ride on King Jesus!

For all You have done, are doing and will do in our lives–we thank You and praise You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

 

ENJOY THIS DAY CELEBRATING WITH LOVED ONES AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO ARE ALONE–CARE ENOUGH TO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!

Learning To Rest!

For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:6-9 NKJV

There are so many things that happen to us in life that are simply not in our control. Some of our life events cause us to be over anxious and frenetic and some have even caused people to seek escape from the problems by committing suicide–which is never the answer, for then we leave those behind to handle those things we refused to face.

Let’s face it–life happens–to everyone, some of it good, some bad, some absolutely horrible, but when we are in Christ, we can rest–assured of His grace and mercy--and know He will work it out for our good.

So when the world is careening out of its orbit–we don’t have to sway into fray–we can lean entirely on God’s Word, the firm foundation of our faith and weather any storm that comes our way. In life–storms come and they go–and we have shelter in the arms of our Lord! Nothing the enemy does--no fiery dart shall ever thwart God’s plans for our lives and if we only Believe.

Believe that He is our comforter when we need to be comforted.

Believe that He is our healer when sickness and disease attempt to make us fearful.

Believe that He is our Father who gives good gifts.

Believe that He is our provider and He will take care of us.

Believe that He is Alpha and Omega–the first and last–and He has us covered with the blood of Jesus.

Believe that when we are weakened by the trials of this world–He strengthens us to endure until the end.

Where does our help come from? Our help comes from The Lord! And when we know that He watches over us–we can rest in the knowledge that He knows all about our troubles and concerns and we can rest in Him–never fearful or over anxious about anything or about what anyone may do.

Now–shake off those feelings of dread or fear or anxiety and enter into His peace and rest–troubled no more by those things we cannot control. For if we can control some things, we should control them and thank God for the wisdom He bestows upon us from on high!

When The Redeemed Speak!

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.  Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:1-3, 8,9 NIV

Sometimes, when we have never experienced hardship, we don’t understand the hardships, trials, and challenges that others face or endure.

We don’t understand how a cancer patient feels when the treatment is debilitating-taking away the desire to eat, to move forward, and sometimes–even to live.

We don’t understand how it feels to be homeless, fearful of not surviving to see another day because of the all the threats of harm living on the street, not knowing if we’ll live to see another day.

We don’t understand the trauma experienced by a new mother who realizes they are not emotionally equipped to deal with a new baby.

We don’t understand how life leads people to become addicted to substances and those substances control all they do.

We don’t understand how fathers leave families to survive without them.

We don’t understand how mothers would abandon their children.

We don’t understand how some women survive the trauma of being raped and abused and misused and are not bitter, but become better.

We don’t understand how discriminatory practices make people feel like they are not part of the human race.

We don’t understand why some people will never be considered Americans because of the color of their skin–even though they were born here and generations of family were born here and anthem was ever written.

We don’t understand how one group of people can have more respect for a flag--a symbol that does not represent all people living within its borders–than they do people.

If we have never experienced injustice–for any reason–perpetrated against anyone–we don’t understand how the victims of injustice feel and if we say we do–we lie.

But for those who have endured the hardships and negative experiences of life over which they had no control, and survived–they understand. And when the survivors–all of them realize that their surviving was not about them, but about God and His purpose for us–they should shout it from the rooftops–Our God reigns!

He is a healer. He is a provider. He is a protector. He is a deliverer. He is the seat of justice and we shall all stand before Him one day. He is all we can ever need and He always hears the cries of those who love Him. Give Him praise and glory for it all belongs to Him!

You and You alone, O God are worthy of our praise! We are the redeemed because of Your mercy and grace. We are the chosen because of Your love towards us and we are not ashamed to say, we belong to You! Worthy is the Lamb of God and greatly to be praised!

I am the redeemed of The Lord and I say so–loudly, consistently, proudly and boldly! Without God, where would I be? Who else could I run to in my hour of need? Who else would wrap their loving arms around me and comfort me when no one else even knew the trials and challenges I faced and endure? Who, but God–can remedy wrongs–without hatred or bigotry? When love reigns–there is no fear and where there is no fear–there is no need for hatred or bigotry. Where there is no hatred or bigotry–the land is healed and peace reigns! Hallelujah for our reigning Lord, Jesus Christ!

Reign on in the hearts of men and women and children everywhere, King Jesus!

Humility!

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility. Proverbs 15:33 KJV

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. Proverbs 18:12 KJV

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 NIV

By definition–humility is not an act–an attempt to fool others, but it is the essence of sincerity demonstrated by what we say or do. Per the dictionary–“the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.”

When we are truly sincere–saying or doing–from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks–and we don’t have to tell anyone, we are being sincere, they’ll know it by what they see or hear.

Solomon reminds us that when we have reverential fear–respect–of The Lord, we receive instruction from Him because He is the only wise person and then when we act upon the instructions given, we do not need to boast of anything–bringing attention to ourselves, but we always point people in the direction of Him and He then allows to be honored by mankind. Solomon also tells us that when a person experiences destruction (defeat) it is because of their haughty heart–arrogance in their thinking themselves superior to others. This is especially true of those who think they are a “savior” and promote themselves as such, saying things like, “I’m the only one who can fix all the wrong in the world.”

There is only one Savior and His job has already been completed on the cross. But He has given us power to do all things well through Him. When we acknowledge that it is His grace, mercy and goodness that guided us in all we do that honors Him, He honors us with favor from all we meet. Walking in God’s favor, without drawing attention to self, is the greatest knowledge in the world to me–and I know–without living to please Him, I cannot walk in His favor.

How does God honor us? I cannot speak for others, but I can certainly speak to what He’s done for me. I have obtained jobs–positions for which I did not meet the criteria–initially–but His favor was showered upon me and not only did I get the jobs, but I learned quickly and was promoted into other positions. Instead of bragging about me, I expressed an interest in the job and learning all I could to be a benefit to the place where I worked. At one job, because of my ability to get things done, within the my first year of being with the company, a promotional position was created–just for me–in order for them to adjust my salary based upon my worth to them (so my boss at that time said). That’s God’s favor–not my ability. All I did was what I knew to do.

When we are truly humble–we don’t need to broadcast, “I mean it sincerely, believe me”, rant or rave in order to get attention. God already knows our heart and when we honor Him in what we say and do, He honors us with His favor. We don’t have to beg for it or pray for it–He simply gives.

Humility–is also not a “tone of voice” especially when the words we speak have not changed their tone. We can whisper hateful, spiteful words and that is not a show of humility. True humility considers the words before they are spoken, before they hit the airwaves and are mindful of those who are going to hear them. We can shout our praise for God and demonstrate humility because it’s not about us, but about Him.

Understanding who He is and all He has done for us, ignites humility in all who love Him because our desire is to please Him and not ourselves.

Have Mercy O God!

Listen to what the LORD says: “Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say.  “Hear, you mountains, the LORD’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. “My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me. I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. Micah 6:1-4 NIV

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Listen! The LORD is calling to the city— and to fear your name is wisdom— “Heed the rod and the One who appointed it. Am I still to forget your ill-gotten treasures, you wicked house, and the short ephah, which is accursed? Shall I acquit someone with dishonest scales, with a bag of false weights? Your rich people are violent; your inhabitants are liars and their tongues speak deceitfully. Therefore, I have begun to destroy you, to ruin you because of your sins. Micah 6:6-13 NIV

While many people do not believe what the prophets of old said are relevant to this day, I beg to differ. If we read–with understanding–and carefully consider how our lives today are parallel to the times when God used the prophets, we see the similarities–but will we hear and obey?

The biggest difference in what was done then and now is–God spoke through specific people warning the people–those willing to hear and speak what He said. Today, all who desire to know–have access to His Word and Holy Spirit–we have the means to hear without a middleman–if we choose to hear. When we choose to ignore God and all He has done for us–we reap the consequences of our actions and if we’re completely honest with ourselves, we can hear Him asking us the same questions.

What does He require of us–to treat others with love, mercy and justice–and to walk humbly–showing humility in all we do–not boastful or bragging about what we’ve done or said and certainly, knowing how to be empathetic and compassionate. Are we doing it?

Are those who are dishonest and cheat others going to be receive anything from God? Yes, they will receive the appropriate consequence for their actions because God sees everything we have ever done and knows everything we will ever do.

Are the rich violent–either in action themselves or provoking others to act violently towards others?  Are we lying–just to get what we want or do we know how to speak truth? Are we allowing out tongues to rule us deceitfully, hoping others will not expose the deceit? While no one has to answer these questions asked on this blog, God is waiting–for us to respond to Him with answers that are truthful and without any attempt to conceal the reality of what we do. Are we ready to answer Him?

When we attempt to conceal our lies and deceptions–they are ultimately exposed for all the world to see (or at least in front of those we were trying to deceive) and we stand naked–with nothing to cover us, nothing to shield us from the onslaught of criticism that is bound to come. So why lie and deceive? The enemy has discovered the flaws in our nature and has used them against us so he won’t be alone–in the lake of fire for all eternity. Don’t be caught with defenses down! The enemy’s job is to kill–we see the result of his influence, daily; to steal–the joy of everyone who loves; to destroy–any hope that others have for a better day; he is the father of liars–so he influences others to lie and the master of deception–always masquerading as something good until he gets close enough or has influenced enough people–to do the most horrific things we can imagine.

What can we do? Pray, pray, and pray. We pray for ourselves to hear God and then act in obedience to what He tells us and we pray for mercy–His forgiveness for our foolishness so we’ll have opportunity to get things right before Him.

Have mercy upon us, O God!

A Divine Do-Over!

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him. Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-8 NIV

With many of the video games kids and adults play (we’re Wii gamers), the player can start the game over if their score is in jeopardy. In life, we don’t get many chances to improve our score when our decisions cause us jeopardy, but there is a divine do-over, that every person has an opportunity to receive.

We are born of a woman–a female whose reproductive system functions as God designed and that process includes a fetus living in “water” (amniotic fluid) until it makes an appearance in the visible world. This is the first birth. Because of our flawed and imperfect natures–prone to doing the wrong thing no matter how “religious” we think we are, we do not have the power on our own to change who we are. However, when we’re born of the Spirit of Christ (the second birth)–having accepted the gift of salvation because of the work on the cross–Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, we get the Divine Do-Over.

I wish I had the time to really delve into this subject this morning, but I’ll have to summarize because of my restricted time. If we look at the rest of this chapter regarding the life of Jesus and we get to the best known (hopefully) passage of scripture, we see why Jesus had to come. “For God so loved the world (the people in it) that He gave His only Son (He came in the flesh) so that whoever believed in Him would not perish, but have eternal life (after the first death). He did not send His Son to condemn the world, but to provide an opportunity for the world to be saved through Him” (John 3:16,17 paraphrased).

That was His purpose. The methodology was taking upon Himself the sins of the world and being crucified on the cross, dying (for a moment), being resurrected, returning to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, but leaving His Spirit in the earth realm so whoever receives Him, has within them the power to not sin, when we are obedient to His guidance. Hallelujah! We have opportunity to repent–from doing things our way which is usually the wrong way, and have divine instruction–daily–if we’ll listen and obey–getting a second chance when our lives and souls are in jeopardy–a do-over–to get things right.

I am so thankful for the opportunity for this Divine Do-Over that I simply can’t thank God enough for His love and mercy. Surely goodness and mercy indeed follow me all the days of my life. It was His goodness that kept me when I couldn’t see through the darkness and His mercy that keeps me on the path of light and love–knowing without Him, I can do absolutely nothing, but with Him–all things are possible!

Victory in the name of Jesus over all the enemy has attempted to do in my life and in the lives of my family (biological and spiritual) and friends is my proclamation all day long! Now, let’s dance–thanking God for the Do-Over!

The Lord Will Not Ignore Us!

But the LORD reigns forever,
executing judgment from his throne.

He will judge the world with justice
and rule the nations with fairness.

The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.

Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.

Sing praises to the LORD who reigns in Jerusalem.
Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.

For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless.
He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer. Psalm 9:7-12 NIV

Every morning when I rise,

His goodness is seen through my eyes,

His love is felt in all I see

His mercy, forever there for me.

Not  for me alone does He reign

But in every heart where His love remains,

Full to overflowing, onto all who will receive,

And share with others, praying on their knees,

Knowing He never abandons,

Never forgets or ignores,

Those who are His, Those He adores.

We praise for His might acts,

For His love, mercy, and grace,

Seeking wisdom, finding Him in His place,

High above the heavens, waiting for us!

What we need, He knows and provides,

From our despair, He’ll never hide,

But through His Word, we have a guide

To get through this journey called life,

Without anger, hatred or strife.

I Will Bless The Lord!

I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.

I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:7-9, 11

No matter what happens, no matter how dark and evil the world becomes, no matter how much the enemy influences others to do stupid and hate, no matter how heavy my heart becomes, no matter how many tears I shed, no matter how often I stop in the middle of the day to pray over the bad news broadcast, non-stop (in various mediums), no matter how empty I feel some days because of the wrongs I cannot right, no matter what happens, I will bless The Lord at all times–His praises shall continually be in my mouth!

Great is The Lord and greatly to be praised!

There is none like our God in all the earth!

His love and mercy endure forever!

Because of Him and His love towards me–a love that overflows–I know I can face every tomorrow!

Because of His goodness towards me–I can do good for all I meet–and pray for those who will not receive!

Because of Him–I can rejoice when I am drained of hope while He replenishes me within.

Because of Him–I can continue to do all He has called me to do–thankful that He chose me.

Because of Him–I don’t let what others think of me, influence what I do or when I do it.

Because of Him–I can walk with my head held high, never ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ or all He’s done for me.

Because of Him–I know that sadness and weeping indeed may last through the night, but when I wake up to a new day, I am blessed with new mercies and joy and new opportunities to speak His Word.

Nothing–not sickness or disease, naysayers, unbelievers, or any negative news shall by any means deter me from the path He has established for me and I will bless The Lord–I will bless The Lord–I will bless The Lord!

For it is to Him, I give the glory. It is to Him, I give the praise! He has done so much for me and I will bless His Holy Name.

I am thankful that even when I sleep, He speaks to my heart and provides me with direction and instructions to keep going–to keep loving–to keep living according to His Word. I wake even more determined to keep telling His Truth–aligned with His Word–so all may know that He is Lord and nothing escapes His notice—He sees all, hears all, and knows the end of every matter, before the beginning.

Be of good cheer when bad news tries to encroach upon your heart and attempts to keep your focus off Him. He is never surprised at any event, but I can imagine His sorrow at the needless violence. Because He is God–He knows and we can be comforted with His Words and know–He loves us and His never-ending mercy shall sustain to the end.