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Intermissions for Hope - a ministry of encouragement
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My husband would play the church bells on Christmas Eve. The church was located right downtown so everyone in the village could hear it on those cold, dark winter nights. And it just doesn’t get any more spiritual than that. Listen with your eyes closed…
May God bless you in a personal way and touch your heart with His very own love.
Merry Christmas!
https://www.facebook.com/julie.wenzelcrane/videos/3952398558103450/
This morning as I was sitting quietly with my coffee, I looked up and noticed - the tree lights reflected in the television screen. Ours are on a “fade” setting so that they continuously go dim and then bright again - adding to the twinkling effect. And I was mesmerized… the lights seemed almost alive and yet not very clear at all. Muted in color and brightness. Still… they caught my eye. I spun around to see the brilliance of the real lights. Beautiful. Certainly more beautiful to behold. Just turning to look and appreciate brought peace and joy to my soul.
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. - 1 Corinthians 13:12
This is the scripture verse that popped into my head. Can you imagine the blessings from God we experience in this life as these lights were on the television screen? Muted. Blurred. Dimmed. There - but not fully. Can you imagine the day of turning to Jesus - and to see the real Jesus, the real Light - in all His sharp clarity and intensity and sparkle! Oh how my spirit will rejoice then!
Even in those moments when the Lord feels oh, so, close - we live now in the simple, minimized, low wattage glow and glory of Him. Present but there is more to come. The day is coming when we will be able to turn to Him and see Him fully; face to face. It’s a promise. It is our certain hope. We just need to wait for it - for it is surely coming! He is surely coming!
If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. - Habakkuk 2:3
At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen. - Isaiah 60:22
… in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. - 1 Corinthians 15:52
And as usual from the Lord, He took that moment - and gave even more to me. As I sat with my eyes closed, the holy, spiritual singing from the choir chanting a TaizĂ© song filled the background of my thoughts. And overlapping that was the pastor’s steady voice repeating: the Body of Christ given for you… the Body of Christ given for you… the Body of Christ… as he distributed to the others.
And I can’t really put it into words but if you’ve ever heard of “thin-spaces” where heaven seems to come down and touch you - and, oh! I so wanted to hold onto it! I wanted to stay in that sweet additional level of communion. But it was almost like a vapor and I tried to grasp it but the sounds of the worship service continuing changed the atmosphere that held it in place.
I hope you have experienced the Lord in a similar way - where His presence seemed so close… I pray you ask, seek and find it this Advent season. A tender moment when the world goes dim and His light shines bright. And you are filled with awe and wonder. A heart filled with a holy sensation that is indescribable. A moment just for you… from Him.
The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them. - John 14:21
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His Temple. - Psalm 27:4 NIV
The one thing I want from God, the thing I seek most of all, is the privilege of meditating in His Temple, living in His presence every day of my life, delighting in His incomparable perfections and glory. - Psalm 27:4 TLB
Praise should come before anything happens. Praise should not be a response but a trusting faith in Who God is. It should come at all times and in all places and not be hindered by less than desirable circumstances.
Praise. An expression of joy and adoration to God for His character, His greatness and acknowledging His worthiness.
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. - John 1:4-5 NLT
Later, in one of his talks, Jesus said to the people, “I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.” - John 8:12 TLB
Over and over again, day in and day out, we can find light. In Christ and in each other.
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. - Matthew 5:15 NLT
A celebration of others.
A safe place to land.
A guide through their darkness.
A warm welcoming embrace.
A blessing of new mercies.
A beacon of hope…
Lord, may they see the Jesus light in us today.
You hem me in behind and before, You lay Your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5
God is already in motion. God already has a plan. And it is going to end in a good way.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him… Romans 8:28
Prayer is opening our eyes to all the opportunities that God will show Himself. I think we miss sensing God’s love, care, and devoted attention when we don’t pray about every kind of thing. So bring all your requests to God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Number one He will give you peace of mind and number two we will see the living God in present time.
Prayer isn’t asking God to wake up and do something. What we’re really saying/asking/praying is: awaken me to Your presence, Lord. Because He is already taking care of business. And we don’t want to miss a thing.
Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17
So wait and watch…
The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. Blessed are all who wait for Him! Isaiah 30:18
My heart says of you, “Seek His face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Psalm 27:8
God views your life in a similar way. But it goes way beyond just one week. Your entire life is layed out before Him. He is not anxious. He is calm. He is prepared for all that is in view.
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace— 1 Corinthians 14:33
I often feel rushed to get things done, or through things, so I am ready and available for any unplanned surprises. But we have a God Who is ever present. And our first response should be:
“Okay, God, how are we going to do this? How are we going to handle this… respond to this unexpected event? Lord, talk me through it.”
Our good and loving and capable God holds all future moments already in His hands. He is never surprised or caught off guard. He sees how the future plays out - this day, this week and beyond.
So we can live reassured because God is living reassured - in all He sees and does and has planned. He, too, has it all written down. Because of this, we can have peace.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. - Psalm 139:16
Your days are written out. He sees your whole life. He is ever present and involved in good, loving, and caring ways. And always in wisdom, power, and grace.
So rest in the knowledge of His wisdom, power, love, care and grace today, this week, and forevermore.
God’s got you…
This is Mandy. I named her Mandy. She named herself Princess. As many cat owners know, they like to be treated well. Very well. In fact, they expect nothing less. She wants to be petted on her terms. And not necessarily when you want to or feel like it. Fed when she wants it. Fresh water often. Even to be followed to her food dish and water dish and patted on the back while she nourishes her body - and I guess her soul. Comfort on every level. She wants out onto the screened in porch when she wants out. And back in when she wants in. Yes, she practically demands things as she wants them. And we abide her wishes as often as possible - because we love her and want her to have a blessed life. A pleasing life. To know she is loved and cared about.
And I have to wonder if I am that receptive to the commands of God on my heart. Am I as willing to please and bless when He calls? Do I love Him like that? What does the Lord expect of me? Am I willing to meet Him, follow Him wherever He goes and to do what He is “crying” out for me to do? Or wait until I feel like it… Will I abide by His wishes? Because I love Him and want Him to be blessed by an obedient servant heart? Will I live to please the Lord? Are His calls interruptions to my life or opportunities to express love to Him?
My Christian friends, God has been very kind to us. Because of that, I really want you to serve God with your whole life. Offer your bodies to him like a sacrifice that continues to live. Serve him with everything that you have and that will please him. That is the true way to worship God. Do not become like the people who belong to this world. But let God completely change the way that you think, so that you live differently. Then you will understand what God wants you to do. You will know what is good. You will know what pleases God. You will know what is completely right. - Romans 12:2 EASY
And then something happened that made me question it even more. While at the gym, an ambulance pulled up. Now I was praying and I didn’t even have a name! All I could think of was: Jesus!
Believe me: I am in My Father and My Father is in Me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see - these works. The person who trusts Me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on My way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of Who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for Who He is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do. (John 14:11-13 MSG)
Whatever you request. I’ll do it. I’ll do it. Looking at this passage, the real power, the real certain hope - is in God the Hearer and Responder. And not the number of words. Or their eloquence.
He Who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. (Matthew 6:7 CEV)
So, even one word from you or me in prayer, makes anything possible because Christ and His power lives in and through us.
So let us pray in the name, that one word name, above all names -
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
As an introvert, when I saw people raise their hands during praise songs, I always felt like I wasn’t honoring God good enough. Then I started jokingly saying I keep my hands down so other introverts can be comfortable.
Jesus says “Come.” All are welcome into His arms. Both the expressive and the meek. Both are bursting with joy in different ways - but make no mistake - fully praising just the same.
The chef and the baker both provide wonderful foods to eat.
The knitter and the quilter both provide comfort and warmth.
The public speaker and the prayer closet warrior both provide hope, support, and encouragement.
Music and paintings both touch and move hearts.
Praise comes in so many forms as well. God created us all differently. So there are also different ways to praise. Do not compare. Be true to yourself and how God wired you personally to be the praise person He desires of you. How you do it doesn’t matter near as much as just keep doing it.
So let us praise the Lord! In every kind of way. Come and worship. Come and praise! Just as you are. And all glory, honor, focus and adoration to God!
“Come, follow Me…” Matthew 4:19
“Let the little children come to Me…” Matthew 19:14
“Zacchaeus, come down immediately…” Luke 19:5
“ I AM the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me…” John 6:35
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/christmas-card-shop.html
Looking for the perfect gift for the notecard writer on your list? Don’t miss these creative, heartwarming, “something different than the box-store variety” cards that are always available. Every order comes with a list of suggested messages to write inside.
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html
And in case you missed it, a delightful devotional book with God-inspired messages of His love and care, complimented by my own illustrations - happiness on every page! Order an autographed copy through my email (juliecrane.57@att,net) or find it on Amazon.
BOOKS HAVE ARRIVED! Here’s how you get your autographed copy:
MCCORMICK AREA -
“open house” Sunday, October 5
between 12:30 and 2:00
and then again at 5:00 and 7:00.
$20.00 Cash, credit card or check.
121 Popular Circle.
(I will schedule another date in the next week or so)
DIMONDALE -
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW (before Tuesday, October 7) TO RESERVE A COPY.
I won’t be able to leave extras.
Delivering to Beth E.
Meet her after the church service Sunday, October 12
or at the knitting group Monday, October 13 from 3:00 - 4:30.
Please make plans to pick up your book during one of these two times.
Please mail all payments to me. $20.00
PILGRIMAGE -
I will bring a supply with me to MP#75. IF YOU AREN’T ON TEAM BUT know someone on team and want to make arrangements with them, please comment below to reserve a copy, payment method ($20.00), and who is collecting a book for you.
If none of these options work for you, you can order through Amazon. https://a.co/d/eIw52zA
If you want me to send you an autographed copy, it will cost an additional $5.00 to cover shipping.
Thank you and I look forward to nurturing your souls through this - my first real published book!
JUST CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW - IT WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE CHRISTMAS CARD SHOP.
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/christmas-card-shop.html
Embrace peace—don’t let it get away! - Psalm 34:14 MSG
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. - Psalm 104:2 NIV
What a miraculous thing to consider!
The Lord offers us “a spiritual food”, His Word to guide and provide and fill our every need. We should not wait until the “winter months” of our life, when hope and faith may feel scarce. But we should gather up all the truths the Lord has for us, keep His promises buried deep in our hearts and minds. Stored up and prepared. Then the “winter” will not be so harsh. All we have needed, the Lord indeeds provides - offers - and we just need to take time to receive it.
Don’t wait for the winter storms, the blizzard, that may come into your life. Don’t let it catch you unprepared. Make God’s Word a steady intake of nourishment for your soul. It will provide peace and comfort when the storms of life come. There will be no need to panic because the Lord is faithful in offering all you need prior to you even needing it.
Come. Take. Eat.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. - Isaiah 55:2 NIV
But Mary treasured [kept; preserved] these things and continued to think about them [pondered/considered them in her heart]. - Luke 2:19 EXB
Direct link to my new book on Amazon:
Direct link to my card shop:
https://intermissionsforhope.blogspot.com/p/new-card-catalog-1123.html
I will be ordering some to sell real soon. Looks like it will be $20.00 plus $5.00 if I need to ship it. I will be in Michigan the end of September so reach out to make arrangements for pick up or delivery. It will also be available on Amazon soon as well. I am new to marketing a book so help me get the word out. As you can see from the video, it would make a great gift for a variety of people. Not only the heartwarming pictures, but some great messages of the love and care God has for you. Email me to place an order and make delivery arrangements.
juliecrane.57@att.net
Thank you for all your love and support!