I AM WITH YOU....

I am with you…. I am with you.... I am with  you... 

Don't we just need to hear that sometimes... And often more than once.  Well God’s continuously reminded me of this truth and the promise of His presence this month.  Life’s been pretty busy and at times felt like I was in a raft in the middle of the ocean during a storm with waves crashing all around me, but then there’s this still calm voice saying I’ve got you... I am with you…. And that’s what God promises us.  He promises to always be with us no matter where we are or what life brings… So I want to share with you some of the truths the Lord’s spoken to me this month that’s kept me going even when I’ve felt beat up by the waves of life. 

In Matthew 28:20, Jesus tells his disciples before he leaves earth, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Here Jesus promises to be with us even to the END of the AGES!! 

Meredith and I

Throughout the Old Testament, men are called to what seems like impossible tasks or life plans.  Moses was one of those men and he questioned the Lord’s calling on his life, but God assured him that he had it under control and the he would be with him.  I often feel this way in the lives of kids I get to be part of… I ask God “Who am I to love and lead these kids… Who am I to be in this International community?” but he says…. I AM WITH YOU!!! I WILL BE WITH YOU!!

Exodus 3:11-12

But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” God answered, “I will be with you…...”

Exodus 33:13-14 If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”

Rave Young Life Club!! 

God says something similar to Jacob in a dream when he’s calling him to his life purpose.  Genesis 28:15 “What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”  

God promises to not only be with us, but to not leave us until He’s finished all that He’s promised us.  

Lau and Dania, two of my Campaigner's girls 

AASCA Basketball Tournament with a lot of our Young Life student leaders and kids who played!! 

So in the midst of feeling beat up by the storm of life with waves crashing, and crashing… I was also reminded of the HOPE we have in God and how that is our anchor to keep us still.  If our hope is in Christ and future with Him we will always be secure.  I hope that lives in this community will be changed by the love of Christ.  

Hebrews 6:18-19

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 

I read Jesus Calling every morning and many of these verses were from it but here’s a little excerpt that really spoke to me one morning…. 

“Put more energy into trusting me and enjoying My Presence.  Don’t let your well being depend on your circumstances. Instead, connect your joy to My precious promises: I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will meet all your needs according to My glorious riches. Nothing in all creation will be able to separate you from My Love” – Jesus Calling

Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reality is NOTHING can separate us from God’s love or His presence because He is always with us whether we acknowledge Him or not…

Jeni, my mentor and friend and her son Lucas, which means light, are a beautiful picture of HOPE 

I hope this has been of some encouragement to you wherever in life you are or whatever you’re going through.  I hope that you know that God is always with you and that nothing can separate you from his love.  Satan often using fear or discouragement to bring us down but God proclaims,  

 “I have called you back from the ends of the earth,

saying, ‘You are my servant.’

For I have chosen you

and will not throw you away.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.

Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you.

I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

 This month I also had the opportunity to go to Nicaragua for our International Schools Latin America staff retreat and there I was reminded of God's heavenly light shining upon us. 

 "Open your heart and mind to receive My Heavenly smile of approval. Let my gold-tinged love wash over you and soak into the depths of your being.  As you are increasingly filled with My Being you experience joyous union with Me: I in you and you in Me. Your joy-in-me and My Joy- in- you become intertwined and inseparable.  I suffuse your soul with Jy in My presence, at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore." -Jesus Calling

We must remember and praise for who He is and His promised presence. 

Psalm 16:7-8 -I will bless the Lord who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I know the Lord is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.