At 02:09 local time this morning all of Ukraine was under the air raid sirens.
When any of us are under attack of any kind, let us be reminded of The LORD’s admonition to Joshua:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)
Whether it’s a lion’s den, a dying loved one, or an air raid, let us focus our hearts and minds on the ppromises of God.
He is with us.
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Please pray for peace.
Please pray for those who serve nonstop.
Please pray that many will give to help feed, house and give the gospel to the displaced inside Ukraine.
The delivery of meals is shifting to eastern and northeastern Ukraine. In these areas, food is scarce, especially where the fighting continues.
The movement of people also continues as families move toward safer regions.
The work of our partners continues, delivering meals, short term housing and meals, and long term housing.
One thing is clear. God is doing amazing things through these incredible servants of God.
I know that they would want God to receive all the glory. Indeed, he does. But he has chosen this group of brothers and sisters to do an amazing thing, the feeding and caring of so many.
Glory to God indeed!
From the eastern part of Ukraine…
To date our partners have delivered over 82,000 meals to desperate people.
At present there are 100 persons living long term at the camp without cost to them.
Each night folks come through for a hot meal and a clean bed as they move to safer regions. Over 8,000 have been served since the war began.
This is possible, largely, because of folks like you who have donated to this great endeavor through CEO.
100% of every dollar you give goes to Ukraine.
ZERO administrative fees.
CEO is paying all bank fees.
100% of your gift goes to feed and house these people.
It begins with four new starts. Genesis – THE beginning, Matthew – the coming of Jesus, Ezra – the new start of the people of Israel after captivity, and Acts – the beginning of the church.
I’ve always been encouraged by the central thought of being a follower of Jesus. I am forgiven. As such, the new starts are almost without number.
Because of the work of Jesus on the cross, I am forgiven. When I screw up, I am forgiven. (This is why Psalm 51 is so familiar to me.)
Restarting this plan is a new start, buts it’s familiar ground. Going through God’s story of grace each day is both familiar and encouraging. It reminds me that because of the mercy and grace of God, and (I should add) only because of Him:
I am not alone;
I am forgiven;
I am not forsaken.
Because of these facts, I can, thanks to the Spirit of God in me, give him glory and serve him.
Marinating our heart and mind in the Scripture each morning is a way to receive fresh grace from God for the day.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7-11 ESV)
Though I read an actual paper Bible (old school), I use the YouVersion Bible app to keep track, here’s the plan…
You can find a pdf list to print by searching online.
BUT if you’re without yet the daily habit, that plan might be a stretch. This one chapter at a time plan might be a better place to begin…
His friend had become sick and had died. Going to the tomb, knowing what he must do, Jesus prayed.
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” (John 11:41 ESV)
God hears you.
Whether it is sickness, the death of a friend, or the destruction of war, in your calamity, cry to God.
God hears you.
Writing to folks who were struggling with war, displacement and struggle, the writer to the Hebrews puts it this way:
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 ESV)
God hears you.
Go to him.
Tell him of your complaint.
Ask him for help.
Trust him.
Meals delivered to eastern Ukraine
In the last 10 weeks of war we have seen horrible things. These horrors show the capability of fallen mankind. But in the midst of horrors, there have been millions of responses of God’s people. They have sacrificed much to help those who have been brutalized.
God has answer so many prayers for help and is continuing to answer prayers.
Perhaps you have been his hands and feet by giving to help.
If so, thank you.
God is still listening.
The need hasn’t lessened. Millions are displaced inside Ukraine; they have chosen to remain inside their homeland. Our partners have fed almost 80,000 at the front and have given food and shelter to over 8,000 in our facilities inside Ukraine. Hundreds have been given longer term housing and are being fed.
Over 2000 meals on this day in late April in eastern Ukraine
Mark’s Gospel tells us of Jesus crying out on the cross. The only innocent human to ever live was carrying the incredible weight of sin upon himself. As that sin was placed upon him, his Father in Heaven turned from that sin. What Jesus cried out that day was Psalm 22. This is how that Psalm begins…
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1 ESV)
This is a psalm of David.
We may sometimes feel like this,
but as Christ followers, we must not forget that because he was forsaken, we are not.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us of his promise.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)
No matter what comes at us, whether it be war, cancer, or betrayal we can hold on because He is with us.
Indeed, we are free because of what he has done. We are free to trust in him. We can lift the shield of faith against fear. We are free to trust him when the doctor gives bad news. We are free to forgive the one who has somehow betrayed us.
Freedom.
Jesus put it this way:
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” …
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-32, 36 ESV
Let us not imprison ourselves by dwelling in hate, fear or grudges. Rather, let us dwell in Jesus and his truth and be free to love… even, and especially, our enemy.
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