For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. ~ Ephesians 2:6 NLT

The first few moments of my day can set the tone for the entire day ahead.  So, I have learned to thank God for the coming day and remind myself, that whatever happens in it, I belong to him.  Some days there may be challenges ahead and even things that might be a cause for worry.  So, after I hit breakfast I take the time to remember where I am.

In Ephesians 2:6 Paul probably reveals one of the most startling realities for us as believers.  Though our physical bodies are here as usual on earth, since we are in Christ and he is in us, we are also with Jesus in the heavenly realm.

It took me a while to wrap my heart around that.  Most days I sure don't feel like I am in Heaven!  But, as time has passed, it has become more real.  I picture Jesus, glorious, smiling, always kind, looking down at me as I sit at his feet.  Sometimes I can sense the many thousands of others joining us, but it always feels like Jesus welcomes me personally into his loving presence.  A deep peace settles in as I allow myself to feel waves of love washing over me.

Sometimes I stay just a moment.  Other days I linger a while.  But I always come away refreshed, filled with peace and convinced, that whatever happens that day, I will be OK, safe and loved in Jesus' presence.

Miraculously, there is always room in Jesus' presence. If you have asked Jesus into your heart and made him Lord, he is saving a place for you.  The time of day makes no difference.  Come to Jesus during your break time, in mid-afternoon, or before bed.  You can be sure, that whatever the time, it is always the best seat in the house!

Dear friend, be blessed as you believe God's word and trust that Jesus is inviting you to experience the loving peace of his presence.  You are already there!  Follow your heart.  Lean into the spiritual reality and let him comfort and restore you in his presence. Amen.
Mary Sumner ~ May 31, 2020

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 NLT

What has God been teaching you during this crisis?  I wish I could hear all your answers.  Yes, it has been difficult, painful and unplanned for, but as we sink into our quiet, isolated routines, has God felt closer?  Do you hear him more easily?  I pray that this is the case for you, because he has a lot to teach us right now.

Why is it that the most precious lessons are learned in painful circumstances?  In Genesis, we read how Joseph learned that the Lord was always with him, and caused all he did to succeed, despite his dark circumstances.  He was able to tell the brothers who betrayed him, that it was God’s plan to send him to Egypt and caused him to be made advisor to Pharaoh in order to preserve his people.  In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul tells us that the Lord rescued him from certain death and would continue to rescue him as he had learned to rely only on God and had stopped relying on himself. 

When you hear Romans 8:28 (above) applied to this pandemic, how do you respond?  Have you been able to discern the good, the blessings, that God has for you and your loved ones in this hardship?  If you have not already done so, I encourage you to sit down with the Holy Spirit and ask him to show you the blessings.  Be willing to see them, and you may be amazed.  Be sure to write them down so you can return to remember them on the hardest days. 

Looking back on this, we will be able to see the blessings.  But let’s not waste a moment of this trial right now.  Even the smallest changes we begin to make in our habits and decisions, will make a big difference a few years from now.  Maybe turning off the electronics and phone more.  Praying with your husband and family, and spending more dedicated time together.  Perhaps reading the Bible and listening to God more.  All of these can impact your life and others in remarkable ways. 

Don’t forget the richest blessing in any circumstance is growing in our relationship with God. We were created to know him and declare his glory.  Are you getting to know him more? God wants you to experience his love now in the middle of the storm, not just on sunny days. 

Dear friend, be blessed with deep peace as you absorb the rich, eternal lessons God has for you in this difficult time.  Know that the God who counts the hairs of your head is there with you to protect, guide and strengthen you. You are loved. Amen.
Mary Sumner ~ May 21, 2020

"Jesus wept."  John 11:35

Do you feel like you have been on an emotional roller coaster the past several months?

While we are all going through our own unique situations during this time we are also each responding differently emotionally. It has amazed me the gamut of emotions I can go through in just one day! Does that mean I am not a “strong Christian” or my faith is not strong enough? The answer for me and for you is, no.

Hear this, none of what you are feeling is wrong. God created us with emotions. We use our emotions to connect with God and those around us. When Jesus was here on earth He felt emotions. There are many passages in scripture that give us a picture of the emotions Jesus was feeling such as, joy, compassion, sadness, happiness, frustration (Matt. 17:17-20) and even anger (Matt.23:33). The list goes on.

As new creations in Christ, our emotions no longer have to control us, tell us who we are or how to react.  God designed our feelings to let us know what is going on in our hearts and give us clues as to what we believe.  We tend to accept and flow with the positive emotions. However, sometimes as “good” Christians we try to suppress or deny the negative ones because we think we should not feel that way. That’s simply not true.  God can use everything, even the way we feel, to bring us closer to Him.

What if we allowed ourselves to feel our emotions and see them as opportunities for growth?  If we choose to recognize the negative emotions, trace them to what caused us to feel that way and take it to God in prayer, He will meet us there. When we can be honest about the way we are feeling, healing can take place.  God desires for us to experience his love and peace.  That only comes as we receive his healing and freedom.  Are you ready to receive it?

Dear friend, be blessed to allow yourself to feel the emotions God has placed in you. Take them to Him and receive the healing He has for you. He does not want you to feel stuck in a negative place. He wants to restore you to living in the peace and joy He has for you.  May you receive it today.

Monica Brunn
May 14, 2020