Returned From Glory To Share The Stories

Returned From Glory To Share The Stories

Anxiety Rules

2024-09-09T17:01:19+00:00Just Me|

Last week, one of our Pastors preached on anxiety during the holiday season and I learned a few things. As you know, many of us struggle with anxiety. In fact, it is the number one disorder affecting 40 million adults in the United States (or so they say…ever wonder how they come up with that?). We also know that in young people, with the addition of a ton of screen-time, more social isolation, trauma within families, etc., now have a much higher rate of anxiety in their lives than ever before.

I John 4:18 says: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

This verse is not new to me and likely not new to you, if you have struggled with anxiety. What have I learned from it over the years? I learned that fear is NOT from God, it is from Satan. This helps me to pray it away and claim Jesus’ name when I am feeling it. In addition, I learned that fear and love cannot coincide. I’m still working on that one.

Here’s some of what he said that made me muse:

  1. “Fear has to do with punishment”. I’ve not delved into that phrase very much. The Pastor brought it up as related to a past event. In other words, at some point, we experienced punishment because there was a consequence associated with a happening, event, attitude or action. I appreciate this viewpoint and I believe it is part of being trauma-informed and understanding that trauma re-wires the brain and affects our future actions until we receive healing and can work on rewiring the connections to have more healthy responses.
  2. In his own life, he has learned to ride the anxiety out, instead of frantically trying to find a way to deal with it. As it comes, he reflects instead of being fearful, as anxiety always has an ending point. In addition, because “perfect love casts out fear”, he is able to ask himself, “who or what is more important to me at this moment than the love of God?” I guess this goes back to the part of the verse that says fear and love cannot coexist. You know, the part I’m working on.

I realize that speaking point two points right back at me. I’m okay with that. I know that God says worry is wrong. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus said, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life..”. However, we have to pay mind to the outside influences. Some of us have trauma in our past or our present. Many people struggle with grief, especially around the holidays. There are legitimate reasons why people struggle with anxiety.

Billy Graham says: “If we trust in our worry more than we trust God we are sinning by our lack of faith in God, who has given us the richness of His constant abiding presence, for those who put their faith in Him. Counter your worry by thinking about the things you do not worry about.”

By allowing anxiety, am I trusting my worry more than God?

I am making myself some anxiety rules. Won’t you join me?

  1. I accept that I have some anxiety/stress in my life.
  2. I acknowledge that God doesn’t want me to be anxious, afraid or stressed.
  3. I continue to work on healing in my life and because self-care has been wayward as of late, I will get back to making myself a priority.
  4. When anxious, I will remind myself it does not last forever. I will remind myself of God’s presence and his intense love for me. I will remind myself that EVERYTHING is in His hands and that I choose to trust Him. I will say this aloud if needed to redirect my brain.
  5. I will go to Him in prayer. I have a feeling He might be waiting for me to do so more when I am anxious than at any other time.
  6. I will look for a way to serve someone else in that moment. This could be writing an email of encouragement to someone, sending a card or picture, calling someone who needs me, making a meal for my family, walking my dog, etc. Anxiety is self-absorbing, even though we do not mean it to be. Serving another (even the dog) takes my focus off of me.
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  • Sympathy Basket for Rick

Voices of the Dead

2021-03-01T19:51:54+00:00Just Me, Trials|

Eleven months ago when my brother passed over to heaven, my good friend Karen sent me a beautiful flower basket. It was overflowing with plant goodness and although I know I took pictures, of course, I can’t find those today. Here is the basket today. I’m so glad that I saved it, as many plants do insist on continued life. When the first one came up this time, we pulled it out of the garage. When it snowed, it temporarily went back in!

Do you believe that the dead speak from heaven?

My daughter is convinced that red-tailed hawks are the spirit animal of her father, who passed in 2013. Without fail, these birds have appeared on special days and she even got a tattoo to commemorate this. When they appear, she feels peace and knows that her father is there.

“This is God’s way of telling you He loves you.” I tell her.

I see a few occasionally, and recently I realized that these sightings that I have as well are also sometimes on special days. Recently when my middle son and fiancée announced their engagement, I looked out my bedroom that evening to see one sitting there, after never seeing one in our neighborhood before. And haven’t since either. His dad won’t be here to see the wedding, and experience holding our very first granddaughter. I can only hope that someday there will be a very big reunion in heaven. That someday he will get to meet and hug all of his descendants.

Why is this on my heart? Well, since Rick died eleven months ago, I’ve had a few dreams with him in them. And in each dream, he was either unable to speak or wouldn’t speak. My friends on Facebook also agreed-they also had dreams about loved ones who have passed-but they didn’t speak.

Never before have I been without hearing from my brother for a year’s time.

But last night was different.

In last night’s dream, we had kiddos roaming around us. And he was holding one on his hip. And I got a half-hug (since one arm/hip was occupied). I told him that I loved him. And then he clearly said: “I love you too. Hang in there with me. This is how it needs to be for a while. Be strong.” He then pulled away and talked about how this next section in these children’s lives was so very important and how he wanted to make a forever impact on their lives. The second part of the conversation was very typical of him and reminded me of how he would talk of his passion to change Hollywood and impact the industry for Jesus.

The first part, I’ve not heard before.

Well, perhaps I have. When I was a single mom a long time ago, he was so proud to give me a framed picture of a migrant pea worker who was a single mom and literally moved farm-to-farm to pick and provide for her kids. I questioned it at the time. Since then, many have told me the story behind the photo and that he was saying to me:

You are strong and courageous.

I am. I will be. And although the tears are close today, I know that I will see him again. I take comfort in that.

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The Roundabout Rumpus

2021-03-01T19:11:19+00:00Devotionals|

I don’t know if you remember when roundabouts first came to be. According to Wikipedia, the very first was in 1907. I don’t remember back that far, but I do remember that when one arrived in the small town I grew up in, people were surprised and not necessarily happy about it. What was even more confusing, apparently, was the etiquette one should use when using a roundabout.

Complaints About Roundabouts

Fast forward many years and they are much more commonplace. In fact, my route from the highway to my current home has four to maneuver. They are a pain but do work the way they should-most of the time. It’s common to see complaints on our town’s community/group boards of people not using them well or not making the best choices. We’ve all experienced people zipping around them without looking or yielding. Sometimes large trucks are a hassle (and slow tractors). And within the cars, I’ve literally seen people become nervous when approaching a roundabout- like it’s a thousand feet rope bridge strung over a cavern that they must tiptoe over without shoes. Some approach the pause area cautiously and then look back-and-forth, back-and-forth.

Yes, both directions.

Julie Bonn Blank roundabout rumpusSignal When Exiting Roundabout

It never dawned on me to use a turn signal when exiting a roundabout until I saw the suggestion on our community Facebook board. It made a lot of sense and it seemed to me, might help address the main issues. Now, I’m not recommending that you rely on someone else’s turn signal 100% of the time. I suspect we’ve all had that experience and were sorry that we did. But when someone signals within a roundabout that they are exiting and THEN also turn their wheels that way, it appears pretty safe to assume their exit.

I like to lead by example and about twenty percent of the time, it’s made an impact. I’ve had several cases where the car in front of me or behind me does not signal at first even though they are taking the same turn off that I am. But I DID signal and then one of them (and one time both of them) began signaling for future roundabout turnoffs.

John 13:15-16

In John 13:15-16, our humble Lord Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. He served them by this act of hospitality and humility. He told them, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”

There are many more examples of leading by example in the Bible. Here is an example of a faith so well-lived that words were not always necessary. “Paul knew of a church that set a wonderful example for the other churches when he was writing about the Thessalonians ‘And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere so that we need not say anything.’ (1 Thess 1:6-8)”

Am I being the best example outside of the roundabouts? To my children, family, and even to my neighbors? I think I could do better at this. What about you?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me, or seen in Me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

 

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Vaccinate ME! No-Don’t! (Covid Vaccine Ramblings)

2021-03-01T19:15:55+00:00Current Events|

All holidays will be canceled this year, if things continue as-is. With COVID 19 cases rising, and ICU’s close to full, we’ve been told by the State of Oregon that Thanksgiving celebrations should be limited to 6 people. From a maximum of 2 households. A vaccine, however, is on the way.

Our County in Oregon is in a two-week freeze. A freeze that I suspect will last far longer than two weeks. Bars and restaurants are back to carry-out only as of tomorrow. Work-at-home options are supposed to be implemented again and stores will be limiting the population inside.

The Run on Toilet Paper

That’s right, folks. Once again, the TP at our local Costco is GONE-all the paper products are.

stocking up on TP until the vaccine

It’s not a disease to play with. My youngest and I were both at the doctor today. Fortunately, our symptoms do not indicate COVID so they didn’t even test us.

But here are the facts:

  • There were only two widely spaced chairs in the waiting room
  • They asked us to use hand sanitizer as soon as we walked in
  • I was required to wait in the car while youngest was checked
  • Medical personnel were fully decked out in protective gear (and have been for months).

It was a big reminder that this is a serious issue and that the numbers are growing. The news channels are full of doom and gloom.

Annoying and depressing.

Today in separate exam rooms, the youngest and I were offered counseling. With some coaching, medical personnel admitted that they are offering it to everyone. Not a bad thing. But certainly an indication of the sadness and anxiety of our world right now. I’m glad they offer it to all.

“But since you brought it up”, I said. “Could I get a small increase on my anxiety meds?!?”

To Vaccinate or Not

I’ve avoided vaccines for 10 years. When I saw a naturopathic doctor a few years ago, she could see (using iridology) the metal that had been left by receiving vaccines and the damage done by them. I have also found that continuing my weekly chiropractic adjustments and supplementing my diet with probiotics and extra Vitamin D provides increased immunity. I don’t even get the flu anymore. Before I put those measures into place, I got the flu at least twice a year.

There appears to be much controversy about the upcoming vaccines. When I asked on Facebook who was going to get a vaccine, over 75% of people either said “no” or that they were going to wait. Some brought up that the vaccine may have fetal tissue in it. Others want to wait and see if there are odd side effects or danger in the vaccines-especially as they’ve been developed in such a rush.

My friend Grace says “For a virus with a survival rate of 99.97%?!? No thanks.”

Vaccine Reactions

Some friends responded that they have reacted to vaccines and meds before so they will also wait. I get that-as I’ve also had that experience. My buddy Michele, who is pro-vaccine, put it this way: “I’m pro vaccines, pro masks and pro all sanitary measures, yet… In order to get a good quality vaccine, it requires years of trial/error research, and even then, the viruses and bacterias are evolving and mutating so fast that even a good quality vaccine would be effective for one strain and not another. So no, I’m not taking a shot on this one in particular.”

On the other side, many friends in high-risk categories said they will get it as soon as it’s available. Covid is not worth the risk to them.

No matter your view, it’s apparent that getting this vaccine will be a big decision for some people, and not a choice to be taken lightly. I encourage you to do your research, balance the pros and cons, and take those you love into consideration. And however that weighs in for you, be kind and nonjudgmental to those who feel differently.

This is the land of choices, after all.

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

-Proverbs 11:17

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  • Jesus

Do You See Jesus In Your Fire? How to Handle Trials

2021-03-01T20:13:11+00:00Abuse, Devotionals, Trials|

Trials and tribulations. In Daniel chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to an idol provided by King Nebuchadnezzar. In his wrath, the king orders the furnace to be turned up seven times hotter than usual. His helpers bind the legs, feet, and hands of the men and toss them into it. The two guards that carry them to the fire both die from the heat.

The three Christ-followers surely would burn to a crisp.

We All Have Trials

There have been a lot of fires in our world. Are you walking through one now? Are you sick of COVID, sick of wearing a mask (me!), discouraged, and maybe a bit angry? Perhaps the election went backward for you and on top of that, you are having family, relationship, or job issues.

We all get discouraged. We all have trials. And sometimes, in a year like this one, that discouragement goes painfully deep.

Let me tell you about Cina. She fled from an abusive marriage, the courts mandated that the kids have to stay with their father, and she has been living in her car on the streets of Portland for two months while she works the programs she needs and also works her regular job. She cannot go to a homeless shelter. They require her to be unemployed and absorb herself into the programs there. As much as she needs a roof over her head, it seemed backwards to her to give up her employment to do so. She will need the income to help support her kids. This is a huge trial-much larger than many of us will ever have.

Julie Bonn Blank TrialsWaiting List For A Shelter

Cina is on the waiting list for some other shelters but nothing has opened up. She has met with numerous people, completed mounds of paperwork, all to no avail. Every waking moment that she is not working at her jobs and programs, she is looking for resources. Winter will soon be here and in a weekly group we hold, I’ve prayed for Cina for about four weeks that God will intervene and provide her with a safe place before the cold weather hits.

Nothing happened. For a long time. And then something happened last week. I saw a breakthrough in Cina. She admitted her defeat, she put aside her pride, she opened up more and she started working on herself. As we again prayed for God’s relief in this situation, a brilliant light appeared. As long as I provide a reference and Cina continues to work on what she needs to do, a nonprofit organization in Portland will pay for her apartment deposit, and three months of rent. She will be off the streets by Thanksgiving and her children will get to come live with her.

Jesus Standing In The Fire

In Daniel 3, King Neb was shocked to see that not only were the three men walking around within the fire free from the ties that had bound them only minutes before, but that Jesus stood in the flames with them. Calling them truly the “servants of God”, he called them out of the fire.

They walked out untouched. Not a hair was singed. And unlike those of us who survived Oregon Burning, they didn’t even smell like smoke.

Sometimes God seems a bit quiet in all the racket of this year. We might even wonder if He is there. At times, it takes all our faith muscles to BELIEVE that He is with us in our fire. And we wonder “well can’t you make it more obvious like you did in the fiery furnace?”

I Will Never Leave You Alone

Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego know that Jesus was in the fire with them? Although I have seen illustrations that imply that the four men visited with each other in that hot fire, the scriptures are not clear on this fact. They don’t say that the men in the furnace saw Jesus. Only that King Neb did. Perhaps before they realized they weren’t burning to death, the three men grew terrified, wondering where God was now.

I can’t imagine the panic of being bound and thrown into a fire. Can you? And yet Jesus met them there, just like he meets you and me when the fires of life grow unbearable and we cry out in pain, seeking mercy and relief. When we wonder where He is, we can be assured that He IS there. For He has assured us, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Jesus is with you in your fire. Do you choose to see him? Open your eyes, admit your need for Him and seek Him fully (bear fruit). He will answer you.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

John 15:16

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  • woman holding treasure

Where’s Your Treasure?

2021-03-01T20:14:52+00:00Devotionals|

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

I was always the first to sigh when a church leader started talking about tithing or giving. I knew it was necessary for operations, of course, but wasn’t there a way to be more subtle? To not outright ASK and make it uncomfortable? The longer their talk, the more I squirmed. I wondered how I could leave without it looking strange to everyone else.

God wants us to give. But He wants this to be a natural reflection of what is in our hearts, versus something we do because we “have to”.

There was a Rich Man mentioned in three different Gospels of the New Testament. When he asked Jesus what he must do to go to heaven, Jesus gave him a list. It included avoiding sins that we’ve all committed-lying, dishonoring our parents, etc. The Rich Man quickly said that he had avoided all of those already and what else? So Jesus gave him the finale: “get rid of all you have, give it to the poor and come follow me.” The Rich Man was upset, and he turned down the opportunity for eternal life.

His treasure was his priority. Sadly, he refused to give it up.

I’m quite sure his treasure is no longer important to him.

First Fruits

God also asks us to give the first ten percent of what we earn back to him via tithing. When I obey this, I remember clearly whose money it truly is. It isn’t mine. It never was. With this act of humility, I am:

  • acknowledging that I wouldn’t have the money if it wasn’t for Him in the first place
  • returning some to Him what is already (and always was) His
  • showing my gratefulness that He provides for my needs
  • helping a cause that I care about and helping people and programs continue to grow
  • being obedient

If we are obedient, God provides for our needs. I’ve heard many examples of people who have not tithed and struggled with making ends meet and when they begin to tithe, God provides what they need and, on some occasions, more than what they need.

He blesses obedience.

I no longer sigh when someone at the pulpit teaches about giving. I listen with an open heart, knowing that needs are being presented. And I thank God for the reminder of one of the ways that I am to show my love to Him and to others.

If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land. -Isaiah 1:19, NIV

For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land you are entering to possess. – Deuteronomy 30:16, NIV

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  • Sunset not wronged

How To Respond When Wronged

2021-03-01T20:17:46+00:00Devotionals, How To, Trials|

This morning I was re-reading the complete story of Joseph. Although we often hear of his plight (thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers, jail time for something he never even did), we seldom hear the other details of the story. Yes, God used Joseph’s plight for good. He used the atrocious actions of his brothers to save them. And to save a nation when famine would have killed them all. But Joseph was human, of course. And through his story, I was reminded of how to respond when I am wronged.

Anger + Stubbornness- When Joseph’s brothers first approached him for food, he tossed them into a holding cell for three days. He later set it up to look like Benjamin stole silver. This waylays the brothers on their second journey home as they are falsely accused and then promptly returned to the city.

Anger is a natural emotion that God has given us and it can have positive results when used appropriately. Although God tells us to not sin in our anger, He feels it himself and fully expects it of us. It is a step when processing through many things-including grief, wrongdoing, and pain. It’s OK to feel anger when we are wronged. And alright to cry out to God and lament the pain of being falsely accused, looked down upon, or stepped on.

He understood Joseph and He understands you and me.

Grief and Joy

Grief + Joy- Three times during this story, Joseph either turns away from his brothers or leaves the room. He weeps after he sees his brothers for the first time in years and when he finally sees Benjamin, his full-blooded and younger brother. He weeps again when he tells his brothers who he really is. In Genesis 45:2, he weeps so loudly that the Egyptians hear him and Pharaoh’s entire household learns of it.

I don’t believe that Joseph was any more emotional than the rest of us. But I have had a similar experience when, after years of turmoil, it was acknowledged by family members that they had been misled. They now understood I had a certain family member’s best interest at heart. I cried too.

Forgiveness + Graciousness- Joseph was gracious to his brothers in spite of their sin against him. He sent them home not only with extra provisions but he returned their money as well. Later, after he had revealed himself, he provided goods in excess for his family and then moved them to the area where they lived prosperously.

Have I been gracious to those who have wronged me and falsely accused me? I need to do better with this one. In the story, Joseph’s graciousness to his brothers has a direct result on their conscience. God used Joseph’s graciousness in bringing his brothers to repentance. Is it possible that when we “go the extra mile”, “take the high road” and treat others better than they have treated us that God will reward that in some fashion? I believe so. He shows us this in the story of Joseph.

Faithfulness and Loyalty

Faithfulness + Loyalty- Joseph wasn’t perfect by any means. But it is clear throughout his lifetime that he remained close to God during the multiple, discouraging trials that haunted him. Although he definitely responded as a human might to these situations initially, he always came back around to trusting and yielding to God. As he did this, it allowed God to turn these situations to good for those involved and future generations.

When I remain irritated and unforgiving, God cannot work in my life to turn the trials to good. My stubbornness waylays His goodness, just like Joseph planting the silver waylaid his brother’s journey. Like a patient Father, God waits for me to come around after I have been wronged. And when I do, He rewards that with an emotional release from those who irk me, a knowledge that I am right with God and His precepts and the ultimate peace in my heart. And that opens the door for Him to speak to others about it too.

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  • Peaches

Puttin’ Up: Adventures in Preserving

2021-03-01T20:21:08+00:00Devotionals, Homespun|

Puttin’ Up is in my blood. As a child, I knew an exhausting night or preserving was coming when my folks picked up boxes of peaches and cherries. I remember being so tired that I felt physically ill as I peeled and processed until the wee hours of the night. I begged to go to bed. When I was finally able to scamper down the hallway to my room, I usually flopped on my bed and fell asleep with my clothes still on.

Much of that became worth it when I enjoyed those canned goods as an after-school snack.

Apples for preserving

Matthew 6: 19-21 talks about puttin’ up for our eternal lives. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)

We Went to AWANA

One of my other intense childhood memories was attending AWANA clubs through our church. My parents were heavily involved and for several years were Commander and Leader. Although I didn’t understand it then, I was learning to store up treasure in heaven with the habit of memorizing scripture. It wasn’t easy. In fact, I often groaned and moaned. Others seemed to memorize easily whereas I had to repeat the verses fifty million times to make it stick. But as an adult, I am often grateful for the experience and rewards. God brings specific verses to mind on a regular basis and not just for my pursual, but also to use to bless others.

Renewing & Preserving Our Minds

God often talks about the importance of renewing our minds. This is something else memorizing scripture provides. As verses come to mind, I concentrate on His Words. My mind is renewed and I am heaven-focused. Another advantage-when God brings a certain topic to mind, such as “Puttin’ Up”, I sometimes already know the verse that should be attached to it. 🙂

 

Recently we were gifted free Gravensteins, my favorite apples of all time. Hubs came along to help and we picked two bins full of apples. Preserving time! Although the peeling took forever and stretched out to ten days, today the chest freezer in the garage holds a decent amount of applesauce and apple butter. Some went out for gifts today and a couple more will go out for gifts tomorrow.

Puttin’ up allows me to bless others, just like storing up treasure in heaven does.

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  • Oregon Burning

Burning Oregon

2021-03-01T19:04:30+00:00Current Events|

Today is 9/11 and usually, I’m focused on remembering what happened in our country so many years ago. But this 9/11, Oregon is burning down. At one time there were five fires. I believe we might be down to four. But as of today, over a million acres have burned or are burning and over 40 thousand people have been evacuated. Thousands more have voluntarily left their homes.

 

The State of The Sun

The sun is an eerily eclipse-looking round shape in the sky that doesn’t sting your eyes to look at (please don’t look at it too long) and the sky is filled with smoke and haze. Although it is Summer and has been up to 90 degrees, we haven’t seen a blue sky in days. It’s a bit claustrophobic.

Our air quality in Oregon has moved quickly from “dangerous” to “hazardous-stay inside”. Those of us with allergies or respiratory difficulties are scrambling to stay healthy. Even those without are experiencing headaches, sinus pain, coughing and other symptoms of too much smoke.

Outside, the light is a funky grey/yellow color. Like a muddy river filled with volcanic ash, but not quite. Like sunlight trying to shine through a black filter. But it can’t. With all the brilliance of the sun, it is unable to break through.

 

Beginning of Oregon Fire

Brilliant Sunsets

The scenery changed as the fires grew closer. When it first started reaching our areas, the sight was somewhat beautiful, if it hadn’t meant that lives were at stake. The sunsets were brilliant. The colors unlike those which we’ve seen before. But as fires grow closer, that same beauty changes to a menacing wall of red. Those who are close to evacuating or being told to evacuate look out their windows to see a scary sight.

No breaks in the red.

No variation of the skyline.

No clouds.

Yes, in spite of conditions, people continue to work and keep Oregon going. Until it gets too dangerous to do so.

 

UPS and Oregon fires

 

We are nervous, but trying not to be. Our children and pets know this. Our personal vibe becomes the pulse of the home. There are so many questions-most with no answers. We pray for rain. Rain was originally supposed to wait until Thursday to come. But now the forecast says this Monday. So we wait. We strongly encourage those in the danger zones to leave and we pull into survival mode within our own houses, keeping those we love close. We are sad thinking about our beloved State burning to the ground and grateful that our area in the past has shown the ability to enthusiastically regrow. We saw this with the wildfires in the Gorge last year. And I’ve recently been to Mt St Helens-it no longer has grey, dead trees lined up on the ground like matchsticks. It is healthy and beautiful.

He Is Here In Oregon-And There With You

Through all of this, we still know the One who knows the answers, and we know that He has not abandoned us. Although He certainly seems up to something in our area, we choose to trust. We will get through. With Him, we will be victorious.

“For He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5b, Amplified Version

May His words and the words of Susan Boyle below encourage you as they have encouraged me.

(thanks to my Facebook friends who have provided some of the photos)

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  • Is Jesus in Your Fire? Julie Bonn Blank

Do You See Jesus in Your Fire?

2024-09-09T16:12:38+00:00Devotionals|

In Daniel chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to an idol provided by King Nebuchadnezzar. In his wrath, the king orders the furnace to be turned up seven times hotter than usual. His helpers bind the legs, feet and hands of the men and toss them into it. The two guards that carry them to the fire both die from the heat.

The three Christ-followers surely would burn to a crisp.

There have been a lot of fires in our world. Are you walking through one now? Are you sick of COVID, sick of wearing a mask (me!), discouraged and maybe a bit angry? Perhaps the election went backwards for you and on top of that, you are having family, relationship or job issues.

We all get discouraged. And sometimes, in a year like 2020, that discouragement goes painfully deep.

Let me tell you about Dina. She fled from an abusive marriage, the courts mandated that the kids have to stay with their father, and she has been living in her car on the streets of Portland for two months while she works the programs she needs and also works her regular job. She cannot go to a homeless shelter-they require her to be unemployed and absorb herself into the programs there. As much as she needs a roof over her head, it seemed backward to her to give up her employment to do so. She will need the income to help support her kids.

Dina is on the waiting list for some other shelters but nothing has opened up. She has met with numerous people, completed mounds of paperwork, all to no avail. Every waking moment that she is not working at her jobs and programs, she is looking for resources. Winter will soon be here and in a weekly group we hold, I’ve been praying for Dina for about four weeks that God will intervene and provide her with a safe place before the cold weather hits.

Nothing happened. For a long time. And then something happened last week. I saw a breakthrough in Dina. She admitted her defeat, she put aside her pride, she opened up more and she started working on herself. As we again prayed for God’s relief in this situation, a brilliant light appeared. As long as I provide a reference and Dina continues to work on what she needs to do, a nonprofit organization in Portland will pay for her apartment deposit, and three months of rent. She will be off the streets by Thanksgiving and her children will get to come live with her.

In Daniel 3, King Neb was shocked to see that not only were the three men walking around within the fire free from the ties that had bound them only minutes before, but that Jesus stood in the flames with them. Calling them truly the “servants of God”, he then called them out of the fire.

They walked out untouched. Not a hair was singed. And unlike those of us who survived Oregon Burning, they didn’t even smell like smoke.

Sometimes God seems a bit quiet in all the racket of 2020. Sometimes, we might even wonder if He is there. Sometimes it takes all our faith muscles to BELIEVE that He is with us in our fire. And we wonder “well can’t you make it more obvious, like you did in the fiery furnace?”

Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego know that Jesus was in the fire with them? Although I have seen illustrations that imply that the four men visited with each other in that hot fire, the scriptures are not clear on this fact. They do not say that the men in the furnace saw Jesus. They say only that King Neb did. Perhaps before they realized they weren’t burning to death, the three men grew terrified, wondering where God was now.

I can’t imagine the panic of being bound and thrown into a fire. Can you? And yet Jesus met them there, just like he meets you and me when the fires of life grow unbearable and we cry out in pain, seeking mercy and relief. When we wonder where He is, we can be assured that He IS there. For He has assured us, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Jesus is with you in your fire. Do you choose to see him? Open your eyes, admit your need for Him and seek Him fully (bear fruit). He will answer you.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

John 15:16

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