Isaiah 25:4 You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.

God is a shelter in the storm of life. Jesus has promised this again and again. Sometimes live seems to be made of storms and riddles, heat and madness. Jesus will save out of these deep waters. He will rescue the soul. In him there is much room to say: It is well with my soul. That is a wonderful feeling, to know it is well with the soul and all storms of life will not be able to destroy. - For there are terrible storms. Like the one that hit the Phillipines this week. So much destruction. So many dead. God has let it happen. Psalm 83:15 ...so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm. This verse even says that God sends storms. Some have come to doubt God in the midst of so much pain and sorrow. Many have asked why. These whirlwinds are nothing compared to the storms of the soul, to the raging hatred that fills man under his civilized appearance, under his fear of punishment. And man deserves much worse for this. Romans 7:7 Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” It is through knowing what is right that knowing how wrong a man can be awakens. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love. To love God and the neighbor. But who truly loves a God who sends destruction? Who loves the raging storms, of the soul or of the winds? God may send a storm and he may allow destruction. But it is the heart of man that is destructive and only in God can it find peace and relief from its own evil. To doubt God in the midst of the storm is barking up the wrong tree. But to those who are able to repent, God will be shelter in the storm, in all storms. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Matthew 11:20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.

As much as I know, half the population of this earth lives in town. The promise of an easier life, of material wealth, of ease has drawn countless people into towns. To some, these dreams have come true. To others, they have found ruin beyond their wildest nightmare. Towns are great places. Full of possibilities, yet full of dangers. Many towns have forsaken God, which is why many believers distrust the town and stay outside of it. There are many temptations in town, that is true. And sometimes it is wiser to avoid being tempted. Sometimes, in town, it is harder to stand up for God. Since there are so many who do not believe. But it is easier to find shelter in persecution. The mass of the town, the dense population is a protection too. Where the neighbor lives close enough to know all that is going on, less abusive things may be going on. Amos 4:8 People staggered from town to town for water but did not get enough to drink, yet you have not returned to me,” declares the Lord. In these days of little faith, many, believers and unbelievers, travel from town to town to find something to quench this thirst, that seems to burn the lungs and the heart. To find living water. Some don't know what they need but pain drives them on. Many, in other countries, end in poverty and shame. Too poor and too ashamed to dare go back. Some refugees here in Europe face similar trouble. At home, many may think they made it the moment they reach Europe. This, as everybody knows, is not so. They may have escaped danger, but as long as they cannot prove it, there is no room for them in already crowded places. They cannot go back and they cannot go on. They have seen a light from afar, but it was a treacherous light. They have no way into society here and no way back home. This dilemma is real for many believers as well. Caught between the promises of God, the desire for heaven and the misery of this life, they cannot live and they cannot die, living a life full of regrets and hidden bitterness. Thsi should not be. Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Mt 5:14 He expected his friends to thrive in circumstances that would kill anybody else. To become like towns of refuge and shelter for those thirsting for righteousness. This is, where the thought loops. For will we be like the towns full of light or like the towns Jesus cursed, having seen God's grace and yet not repenting? It is a high calling and a great responsibility towards a suffocating world.

Isaiah 33:17 Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar.

Sometimes, when I am down and feel like the whole world stands against me, this kind of verse helps me. Specially this most famous part helps a lot. It is also a reminder, that defines beauty differently from what man considers beautiful. To put those words into my life is relief and challenge at the same time. It shows the true beauty, the beauty "underneath". Often beauty in this world fades quickly away or fades when watched very closely. But the kind of beauty God prefers blossoms hidden and will only be discovered through a close up. Sometimes it is never seen. That hurts, it hurts when people say mean things, more so when they are not true. To trust, that God knows the heart and its reasons is sometimes so far away, when somebody longs for a kind word. But it is God who will give rewards, much more then any kind word can be, even though in a time of need this is easily forgotten. But take good heart. God does not forget us. may his ways be very different, he will not let his child carry more than it can bear, but with the challenge he will give tools to stand firm. Mt 5: Jesus said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

1 Peter 3:4 ... the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit ...

What worth has a gentle and quiet spirit in todays world? I don't need to answer that, do I? It may even lead to parents wondering what is wrong with their daughter, more so with a son, if they show a gentle and quiet spirit. Being introvert is not really an option in todays society. The verse goes on saying: 1 Peter3:4 ...it is of great worth in God’s sight. Speaking of godly women, here. Now, a gentle and quiet spirit has one big advantage over any other spirit. It can rejoice in beauty. It can see beauty in his surroundings and enjoy it. Nothing as bad as beauty wasted on a constantly bickering spirit. Sure, everybody can name a couple of these people and sometimes it is I responsible for the bickering. Being able to grasp the beauty around needs a calm spirit who is able to direct its attention towards the other, not towards the self. Seeing the beauty in somebody or something is of great value. It is of such great value, that it is part of the true riches someone can find. What good is a comfortable car, if all that is in there is miserable time? Of course it is still a nice thing to be had. But without the spirit to enjoy it, the best car will fall short at some point. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. Being content, without being lazy, but knowing that the life is in God's hand and be content with what he bestows is priceless. Proverbs 3:13-14 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. Wisdom will yield a better return. But it will probably not be in silver or in gold, and it may not come very quickly. Life will be brighter and happier. Which is kind of forbidden in this society. To be content without a certain material status achieved is nearly punishable. Not yet punishable by law, but by many people around. Still, wisdom will bring a much richer life than anything else. The joy of seeing things God's ways. With a gentle and quiet spirit, finding acceptance before God. Which is in any case to be preferred to anything else. Just try....

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

Those last days I have realized, that sometimes, to please people I overstepped God's word. To protect somebody I lied. To be accepted, I stole chocolate (long ago), to be loved I had a boyfriend ( long ago, too.) I didn't know God as I do know. Though only he knows many mistakes I am still making. I thought, I did these things out of love for those around me. God's word says that love is only love if it is molded after God's love. Of course, I would love to blame it on peer-pressure. And mostly, I had no joy coming out of it, which is a really bad part in it. This now is my point. I did these things to please and protect and be accepted. But they brought me no joy. On the contrary, I feel even today ashamed about it, so many years after the events. Knowing, that under heavy pressure I might fail Jesus again. But he loves me. Paitently, like making friends with this cat or with a dog or a horse, he loves me and teaches me to be loved. This is no easy part, to let love form and transform me. Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. This verse says, love is seen in action. It cannot remain hidden for long. Actions will tell the tale. If there is love, it will show in what is done. Though I may have been searching for God even in those days, I didn't love him, for my actions were evil. I harmed those I tried to protect, probably. I didn't stand up for what I knew was right. God's word is right. To mould the life after God's word is to love him. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. His love has covered my sins. Now, I am called to love. Like you all, like everybody else. There is no true love outside of God. Motives may vary, but man is in himself unable to love and do a truly good thing outside of God's grace. So, please, let yourselves be loved by God and love one another with a holy love. Ephesians 5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children.

Habakkuk 3:4 His splendor was like the sunrise;

Habakuk writes, that God's splendor was like the sunrise. That power came like the sun's rays from his hands. Now, the first part sounds very pretty and beautiful. We have a God full of splendor and majesty. Habakuk 3:3 His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. 4 His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. 5 Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. This is the day of the Lord, when he will avenge his children. His radiance, like sun in a desert, will scorch those, who have not found refuge in him. This is Old Testament saying, of course. And I wouldn't want anybody to experience God's wrath. But this speaks about the power of God. Power that is often forgotten, when helplessly his children raise their hands to the skies in half unbelief that he will hear or help. God's power is greater than the sun's power, but this image may help to understand what happens, when somebody enters God's presence unprotected. This is why nobody can see God and live, without the protection Jesus gives. God cannot be other. Like the sun in the desert at noon, he will scorch all that is. This is a reminder of his power, of his might, of being wise enough to take refuge on time. Before the high noon hits. It will hit. Sooner or later. And it is marvellous to serve such a God. Splendor and glory accompany him. He deserves full service. Nothing less will do. There is a song that says, though in completely different context: "But if you've got no other choice, you know you can follow my voice....". (from: Wicked Little Town) Sometimes it needs this "no other choice", it needs the knowledge, that the sun will be burning all living things at noon, to get up and go to God. Sometimes it is his Grace that brings this point about, to bring home his beloved. Habakuk writes about those in verse 3:19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Are you wise enough to be safe?

Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

What happens, if someone drowns and the only one noticing cannot help? And the one would might be able to help soars high above and doesn't notice anything wrong? How does somebody handle persecution, sorrow, pain? - Can it separate a true believer from the love of God? It can and it cannot. Another paradox. For, many believers stumble, when temptations, sorrow, grief, poverty, sickness, persecution or loneliness come their way. Even Jesus felt forsaken in his darkest hour. Was he separated from God? No, he wasn't. Did he know? No. Did it help him out of the pit? No. What use then has this love of God? What will it do, if the waters are getting higher, if some storm is brewing? God will never forsake his loved ones. But they may not know it. Nothing may happen to solve a difficult solution. And - guess what, we deserve all the bad. Deserve much worse. While wining and complaining, awareness gets lost that man deserves the bad stuff. It is the good stuff that is undeserved grace. Health, ease, friendship and more, they are undeserved goodies. To be able to find God, they may have to go. By accepting that God has every right to do as he pleases, the believer learns to know he will never be separated from God. By faith, not by knowledge or by sight. Romans 9:21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? Trusting God may not take someone where he wants to be, but it will take him where God wants him to be. Even if it is drowning - or a cross.