Getting Away

Isaiah 44:23-24 Shout for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done it! Shout joyfully, you lower parts of the earth; break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it; for the Lord has redeemed Jacob and in Israel He shows forth His glory. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, “I, the Lord, am the maker of all things, stretching out the heavens by Myself and spreading out the earth all alone….”

I'm heading away for a few days with my family to a place that, believe it or not, does not have internet access. While I fully intend to spend time with God and to think on what He has to say to me through His Word, I also realize that this time is primarily beneficial to me and only secondarily in sharing it with others. 

Robin and I honeymooned just outside Yosemite thirty-three years ago last January and we haven't been back. This weekend a couple of close family members are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, and we have the privilege of being able to go. There are a couple of hikes planned, a swimming pool, plenty of family, and an opportunity to experience the magnificence of God's creation. I am hoping to see a great deal of beauty and shoot a lot of pictures. It is my hope that as I look through the lens of my camera that I might marvel at God's handiwork, be reminded of His constant presence, and rest in His amazing grace, mercy, and love.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (8/1)

Nothing can separate you from My Love. Let this divine assurance trickle through your mind and into your heart and soul. Whenever you start to feel fearful or anxious, repeat this unconditional promise: “Nothing can separate me from Your Love, Jesus.”

Most of mankind’s misery stems from feeling unloved. In the midst of adverse circumstances, people tend to feel that love has been withdrawn and they have been forsaken. This feeling of abandonment is often worse than the adversity itself. Be assured that I never abandon any of My children, not even temporarily. I will never leave you or forsake you! My Presence watches over you continually. I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, now any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

No one will be able to stand up 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. Joshua 1:5

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls [of Zion/Israel] are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15-16