Simon Says

 📖 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20

So Simon, otherwise known as Peter, was called by Jesus to be one of His followers.  

Peter followed Jesus even out into the water....until he lost sight, lost his focus.

 📖 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.   But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”     

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14: 25-31

Then after Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to His followers and had a deep discussion with Peter, using his name Simon.

📖 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”  The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” John 21:15-19

After Pentecost when something inexplicable and supernatural happens Peter explains to an unbelieving, cynical crowd, in what is considered by some  to be the first sermon of the New Church.

📖 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “‘In the last days, God says,

    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

 Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions, 

your old men will dream dreams. 

Even on my servants, both men and women,

 I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

 and they will prophesy. 

I will show wonders in the heavens above

and signs on the earth below,

blood and fire and billows of smoke. 

The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood  

before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.  

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand,
    I will not be shaken. 
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope, 

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    you will not let your holy one see decay. 
You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ 

 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day.  But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy   Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand 
until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’  “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”  Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”  With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:14-40.  

Simon Peter is knowledgeable in Jesus's history and linage as well as Old Testament history. He quotes the Old Testament.  He is knowledgeable and uses it to present persuasive arguments.
Peter spells it out. He speaks the truth.  He pleads with them until 3,000 are saved!

Just like the children's game...Simon Says "believe, repent and be baptized".

Do as Simon Says and you WIN.  If not...you're out, you lose. 

🙏🏼Lord God, we thank you for Simon and his willingness to follow You. For his clarity in presenting the gospel. I pray we use him as an example to share with others. I also pray that if someone is reading this and has not done what Simon Peter said; to Believe in the saving power of the resurrection of Jesus and to repent of our sins and to be obedient in baptism, that they are moved to do it today. AMEN.♥️

I'm Not Okay

 There is a song I keep hearing on the radio. It is on the country station "I'm Not Okay" I didn't know who sang it until recently...Jelly Roll????🤔

But...what I want to bring out is what that song made me think about.

I am not okay
I'm barely getting by
I'm losing track of days
And losing sleep at night
I am not okay
I'm hanging on the rails
So if I say I'm fine
Just know I learned to hide it well

I know, I can't be the only one
Who's holding on for dear life
But God knows, I know
When it's all said and done
I'm not okay
But it's all gonna be alright
It's not okay
But we're all gonna be alright

I woke up today
I almost stayed in bed
Had the devil on my back
And voices in my head
Some days, it ain't all bad
Some days, it all gets worse
Some days, I swear I'm better off
Layin' in that dirt

I know, I can't be the only one
Who's holding on for dear life
But God knows, I know
When it's all said and done
I'm not okay
But it's all gonna be alright
It's not okay
But we're all gonna be alright

Gonna be alright
Gonna be alright

I know one day
We'll see the other side
The pain'll wash away
In a holy water tide
And we all gonna be alright

I know, I can't be the only one
Who's holding on for dear life
But God knows, I know
When it's all said and done
I'm not okay
But it's all gonna be alright
It's not okay
But we're all gonna be alright
I'm not okay
But it's all gonna be alright

The first time I heard it...I thought what "an honest song", not your feel good fuzzy. But not a song of despair either. 

I'm not okay...but it's all going to be alright. 

There is honesty and hope. 

And though it isn't a Christian song...that is the way I hear it. Especially the lines

I know one day
We'll see the other side
The pain'll wash away
In a holy water tide
And we all gonna be alright

Go with my line of thinking...

We all have struggles and bad times.

📖 ...in this world you will have trouble...

📖 ...even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...

📖 ...enemies persecute you...

📖...crushed,...perplexed,....persecuted,...abandoned...

As believers we have a tendency to say..."oh, everything is fine," "I am fine." "What would people think about my faith if I said I wasn't OK?"

But that isn't scriptural. 

Those verses, and many more speak of troubled times, but they also tell of the hope that comes with our relationship in the Lord.

📖 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

📖 Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

📖 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:14

📖 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 8-9

Jesus was honest about how He was feeling. 

In the Garden of Gethsemane.

📖 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Matthew 26:36

And to His Father while still in the garden

📖  “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  Luke 22:42

And on the cross

📖  About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). Matthew 27:46

In the Psalms written by David, he was very honest with God. 

As was Job.

We need to be honest with each other. 

📖  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:15-16

📖 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  James 5:14

📖Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:25

It isn't easy or comfortable to be vulnerable. 

Not a "victim", but vulnerable. 

"Acting a victim" (using the term as it is used in some circumstances now, not the noun (which is someone who suffers from a circumstance or at the hands of another) but the verb) implies that you blame everyone else for your situation and typically won't accept any solutions or assistance.  

The difference is when you are vulnerable you are aware of your sorry state, not always caused by your own actions, but acknowledging when they are. Admitting you need help

📖  Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15

But know that you need others, we need Christ

📖 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2

God uses our vulnerability to do great things 

📖 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

There is hope with vulnerability. 

 

🙏🏼Lord, I pray we can be honest with those around us, those closest to us, with God. To say I am not okay and find hope in that, knowing God will use those around you, use whatever He likes...to lift us up.♥️

📖 Even youths grow tired and weary,

    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

The rest of the story...

 📖 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

If you missed last week's blog "To be continued" you might want to read that first.

🔗 https://coffeetimewithafriend.blogspot.com/2024/09/to-be-continued.html?m=1

So, after a flat tire that took 3 hours to get help with.  We got back on the road,  but knew we needed to find some air. First gas station air wasn't accessible with the camper, but filled the gas tank!

Back on the Interstate MY vehicle tire pressure light came on, we had to pull off the highway again and found air that I could get to. By then my light had gone off. I videoed messaged my son so he could check tires visually and we discussed air pressure. He felt it was a tire pressure sensors since all my tires were good with their air pressure.

At this point it was decided we would avoid the Interstate as we continued to Maine, incase we had another mishap we would not be on the busy highway but closer to people and possible help.

So with everything combined, we rolled into our campsite at 11:30pm trying to set up quietly as to not disturb our neighbors on either side.

Got hooked up what was needed for the night and we went to bed. 

Come morning the fridge was throwing a low voltage code and we didn't seem to have power???

When I went to the office to register our vehicle I mentioned it and the woman told me she would send someone over. 

Tom came right over, checked the box...all good (which I figured). He checked the voltage on my battery...low. He then explained to me how the system works.(my "something new" this trip).  It must be the camper's inverter. When I was under the bed getting the camper ready I had noticed a random cord unplugged. Never had noticed it before. So now I wondered....I had to pull some plywood coverings off...but found what I believed to be the inverter and sure enough that unplugged cord came from it. I found an empty outlet...plugged the cord in and... Everything clicked on and began working as it should! Praise God it was that simple! As I was putting things back together, covering the outside battery and securing the lid with it's bungee  cord ...the other end let loose and stuck me in the face...just under my left eye. At the moment I wasn't sure if it had gotten my eye...Rachel looked and there was no blood, my eye was intact!  All good! Except for the "shiner" I sported around the rest of vacation!

There are other things that happened that we know God was taking care before vacation week even started.

Over the weekend Marah and Andrew's car wouldn't start twice...Sunday night a new battery installed, they could still come over to Maine on Tuesday. Then Monday as the first od us were traveling, Andrew was stranded in PA, his tractor trailer wouldn't start!  With a consultation over the phone he got it running and took it to his repair shop in Watertown and his parents picked him up there. Marah, Andrew, and Kevin  could still leave on scheduled Tuesday!

My parents arrived without incident, other than getting lost.

But when they left on Friday with their map all set... God protected them as there was a very close call with another vehicle. And my mother realized she had left her mother's ring on the hotel bed. She called the hotel and they went right to the room, it hadn't been cleaned yet and there was her ring, right where she had left it. I went right over to the hotel to get it. 

Things like high winds and rain which prompted Coastal flooding and high wave warnings beginning Thursday night. I closed the awning and shuttered windows and other than being pummeled with acorns the camper was fine.

No roads or beaches closed for our final day of vacation. 

Most of this seems minimal or even insignificant.  But all wrapped up in one family vacation....

To God nothing is insignificant and all of it could have gone differently. 

📖 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We are grateful that His mercy and grace were with us even before our trip began. 

God goes with all of us, He is with us in all things. And He is working even if we don't "see". 

📖  In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17

We have to trust.

📖 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7

Even in the midst of the difficult and confusing we keep moving and working because we know He is doing the same.

📖 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:6

🙏🏼 Lord, help us to remember, that whatever our circumstances, You are working for our good️. I pray we are  humbled and grateful ♥️

📖 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

To be continued...

 I sometimes wait to be inspired by events that might be happening.  So Monday was a traveling day to Maine with Rachel, three children and the camper I have towed on 4 trips so far.

Now remember we are new to campering....and the friend who sold it to Rachel has been amazing in his advice and help. But we have learned new things every trip about camping, towing, campers, campgrounds etc.

After the events of Monday and Tuesday I will wait to see what else might happen.

So this blog is later this week.

Monday was supposed to be about 6 hours travel time. Arrive at the campsite, set up in daylight...which we never manage to do. And go find a beach...or 2 even!

Well......3 hours into the trip on Interstate 89S just passed Burlington VT a loud bang...we knew it was a tire and I got off onto the shoulder immediately.  It is an extremely busy highway. And no one...Noone..was going over into the further lane or slowing down!

The day before I left I remembered our insurance company had a number for roadside assistance! Perfect...I call...all automated, but had someone headed our way!  This is GOOD. So after about 40 minutes waiting and calming kids (the speeding traffic was pretty scary) a van comes. He assess, calls his boss and says "sorry, I can't do a camper".

I had been calling a few tire places to see if, once we got the spare on, I could get someone with knowledge and expertise to check and make sure we were good to continue on for the less than 3 hours we had left.

So I began calling those same places back asking about road side assistance.  At this point, it was just after 4pm. "Sorry, we can't help you today." "We might be able to send someone tomorrow." "We can't change a tire on the Interstate, if we tow you off the Interstate then we can change it."  "We can't tow it with a flat, change it first and then we can tow you." 

Now, I don't have a problem changing a tire and the spare was a full size camper tire...I was extremely concerned about safety...since the tire was traffic side, but both tire irons I had did not fit the lugs (chalk one up for not being prepared) it was now almost 5 and more places I called said it was too close to closing to come help. I explained we had children in the car and to far from home or our destination etc.

I did get one place, 40 minutes away that would come for $875. 

We were desperate,  but not that desperate. 

We decided we had to get the kids off the highway and me to a parts store for a proper wrench. But knew I couldn't just leave the camper " abandoned.  One "kindly" service place said "call the state police".

Which is what I ended up doing, to let them know there would be a disabled camper on the side of the road. They were kind, they may have heard the desperation and tears that were threatening to spill. But they would send someone with lights for safety and "would make some calls" I told her I tried at least 15 places, but I would appreciate anything. 

Vermont State Police Officer was there in 10, maybe 15 minutes. My insurance company called at this time wanting to send someone else. But the officer was on the phone too and said... "dispatch has someone on the way, be here in 10". I hung up with insurance! They were there in 5 minutes tire changed in 10, $115! I could have kissed both the officer and the service guy! 

A side note: The company that came out was one that had told me they "couldn't help me today". Interesting.

It wasn't the technician who came...he just knew his company put out a road side call and he was closest.  I guess state police are more influential than a woman on the Interstate with a flat and small children.

God took care....could things have gone smoother....yes....but could things have gone way less "smoothly' YES!

God takes care, even if it seems everything is wrong....there is much more going God's way than we can see sometimes.

Check back early next week to read the rest of God working things out... and scripture will be included..

To be continued....

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, 

. Jeremiah 29:11a

Roller-coaster🎢

 Sometimes we just don't know where this ride is going....we have to....Trust 

Things in life sometimes.....most of the time, seem to be careening out of our control.  Like riding on a Rollercoaster.  We feel there is nothing we can do but hang on, ride it out and close our eyes through the worst of it. 

But that Rollercoaster car is attached to tracks and we trust that we will reach the end of the ride.

As crazy and wild this ride of life is...our faith in God holds us to the track. 

When we put our trust in God He will hold us securely through all the crazy twists and turns life brings, the dark tunnels, even when things go upside down. 

📖 When I am afriad, I put my trust in you Psalm 56:3

📖  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

What goes along with trust?

📖 Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight Proverbs 3:5-6

Giving up the notion that I may know best what the outcome should be.

Understanding that God has all of it, He knows the bigger picture ...He sees the whole ride.

I have to surrender my agenda, the way I think things should go. 

He will be with us through every moment 

📖 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

We keep in conversation with Him. 

📖   Lord, you are the God who saves me;
    day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
    turn your ear to my cry.  Psalm 88:1-2

Not just when we are careening through an upending loop and a dark tunnel, but always

📖  pray continually,  1 Thessalonians 5:13

Remember remain seated and keep your hands inside the car.

This is for our own safety. Everything you will need to get through the ride is inside that car. Trying to find something outside of it is dangerous and can cause harm. 

📖  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  John 15:4-5

Trying to find solace in things that seem better or false things that you think could save you will actually, in the end bring you harm.

📖 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9 

There are others around you going through the same thing. You can reach out to them.

🙏🏼I pray that if you feel life is a Rollercoaster right now, that things slow down, to the speed of a kiddie ride. ♥️

📖  He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”  Matthew 8:26-27

 Trust in Him...He has got this!

Labor for Him

Well, Sunday the plan was to publish this Monday...Labor Day. And Sundays message was inspiring!  Thank you Terry. 

 Labor for the Lord

📖 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24

📖 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Here is the Youtube link if you want to watch it.

📽 September 1

Then after Monday I was inspired by my Dad's 80th birthday celebration! (His actual birthday is the 6th)

80 years sees a lot of ....everything. 

Hard times, good times, sadness, tragedy, triumph. 

But Dad's (and Mom's) faith these past several years has been a beacon!

With the loss of my sister to cancer in 2021 and Dad's illness in 2022. We didn't think we would be celebrating anymore birthdays. But he knew God was going to heal him!

And mom said something Monday..."You worked hard to get back!" 

And I thought well doesn't that just tie in to "Labor Day"!

And doing all for the Lord. 

There were doctors and nurses and aids and specialist and physical therapists, dieticians, and speech therapists, my MOM..this list goes on!

But despite them all if Dad hadn't put in the work he wouldn't be where he is now. Celebrating 80 years, driving, gardening, mowing lawn, everything he did before! Maybe a bit slower, but he IS 80😉.

He did because he is a stubborn old farmer, but also because God gave him the will and the courage! He drew his strength from the belief that God was going to restore!

📖 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17:20-21

And so for all of us...whatever God has before you today, it may seem an insurmountable mountain, but we belong to a God who moves mountains!

Commit to do the work He has set before you. He is with you every step of the way!

📖  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

🙏🏼Our Amazing God, thank You for running the race with us, even carrying us when we grow weary. Encourage us to do the work you have put before us for You! For Your glory! Amen❤️

📖 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31