Good news

The TV News keeps bringing more and more bad news.  Last night I was troubled and remembered the Lord's prayer.  Sometimes I simply don't know where to start : )  With all the stuff building up, it's getting harder and harder.  So glad He gave us a prayer to recite.  After I prayed, I felt peace and joy.  This is way out of my control.

Jesus told us to pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed by Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors,
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one,
For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. 
Amen.
Matthew 6:9-13

At times, it feels like I'm watching a speeded up version of Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins series, Left Behind.  So many nations are rising up against each other, ok us.  Our Administration continues to focus on a movie being responsible, but the world leaders believe the President is responsible to solve the problem.  It doesn't appear the world leaders want to hear about a movie.  At this point we can't say for sure if this is the end times.  Because Jesus said, 

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.  But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."  Matthew 25:35-36

It appears some of the old Biblical prophecies could be fulfilled, but no one knows for sure.  I'm debating about writing about the prophecies.  I hesitate because they can be so misinterpreted and the last thing I want to do is spread more fear.  The Mayan calendar isn't in there, sorry.  My theory about the calendar is the guys who started it, got bored, and decided to work on football instead.  Just a thought...  

The good news-

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1
The heavens and earth aren't fragile things man put together.  They are God's workmanship.

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.  Psalm 24:1
God, not man, has ultimate authority over what happens.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,  but that the world through Him might be saved.  John 3:16-17
God loves us all.  Even those who are different.  He didn't send Jesus to condemn us all to destruction.  He came to save us.  

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
No one is beyond His love or ability to forgive.  We just need to believe and confess, to allow Him to be Lord of our life.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
Jesus will come to take us home to Heaven, the New Jerusalem.  We will not fear anymore. 

This is a very important year to remember to vote!  And, please pray with me for Israel.  The leader of Iran verbally said his goal is to completely destroy Israel at the United Nations.  Hard to believe it's real, but it is... this is in the prophecies.

Feel free to leave a comment if you'd like me to go through the prophecies.  I'm still undecided.

Scripture & a Snapshot

"May God bless the military"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I was out shooting and saw this medical helicopter flying overhead.  I imagined how many horrors the medics must see in the field.  It would take more than courage to be able to do such a job.  It reminded me of the verse above.  Then I thought about those fighting on the ground and wished this would all end.  I hope they can all come home soon.  Jesus promised their sacrifice won't go unnoticed.  I am grateful for them.

In America, a rogue "Pastor" posted a youtube movie.  I really don't understand his intentions.  Instead of the hope of Christ, he brought more violence.  Our country has laws against "Hate Crimes."  Yet this movie was deemed "free speech" by our Administration.  More soldiers were killed and wounded.  Evidently, "Hate Crimes" doesn't apply to foreign nations or American Muslims.  Doesn't make sense to me.  Seems like they should just take down the movie.  I am grateful for England and the other nations who are working together.

In the midst of all the craziness, one thing remains true.  God is still on His throne.  No actions go unnoticed by Him.  I found this great quote:

"The love of God is never idle."  Francis of Assisi

Things may seem dark but His light is still there.  Sometimes we just have to look up.  Here's my prayer.  I must admit it's hard for me to know what to pray.

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up the soldiers overseas to You.  I pray You will guide them and protect them.  Help them not to give up and return to their homes and families soon.  Forgive us all where we've failed You, and help us to move forward in the right direction.

In Jesus Name, Amen.


Side note- I graduated from New York Institute of Photography, my fears were wrong.  I am very grateful and have a new peace.  Now that I'm done I'll have more time for my blogs again.  God bless!  And feel free to comment if you think of something.