“The love of God is stronger than the deepest darkness.” Betsy Ten Boom
I don’t have much for today’s Sunday porch. An off note, I know that this past week there have been a lot of glitches on this site, and while Daisy and I have been trying to fix things or at least try and figure out what’s going on, we’ve not been able to get things back to ‘normal’. I hope that folks will be able to get on today, and post because even though I appreciate every day on the Heartbeat, I know Sundays have become one of the favorite days here on the porch.
I started today’s post with a quote by Betsy Ten Boom, sister of Corrie, who died in the concentration camp during World War two. If anyone could know what the deepest darkness is like, Betsy would be one. She lived and died in it, but her hope and faith in Christ Jesus strengthened her even there. As He does with all who call out to Him. He promises so much to those who need Him,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:3-12
As things haven’t been normal for a long time, we need to realize if we haven’t already that things as we knew them are past, and there won’t be much normal anymore. I know I’m not the only one who notices that things are more intense and faster than we can keep up. Even in every day things, our jobs, our lives and everywhere we look around us- it’s like things are moving in fast forward. Things aren’t as dark right now as what Betsy, Corrie and millions of others suffered and suffer, but it sure seems as if things are getting pretty dim. The words of Jesus in His beatitudes are a bit of a refuge and a way to breathe in that love which is stronger than the darkness.
I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said, “Thank God for God”. And His words of comfort, peace and promises are one of the reasons why I do thank Him for Him. And He is the reason for this place… especially on Sundays.
Think about your favorite words of His to bring you peace in tough times. Maybe share it here, along with your church service if you can. I hope everyone has a blessed and beautiful Sunday!
Kristi Ann
Hallelujah and Maranatha Amen-Amein!!
Love Always and Shalom, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann