A Time to Dance

Happy New Year everyone from Lifeline Ministries!  Here is your new devotion...the last one of 2009.

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

When I read this passage, I first think of the Footloose movie with Kevin Bacon.  He quoted this passage to convince the town's leaders that it was time to get beyond the tragic events of the past and move forward with healing to allow the young people to hold an organized dance to celebrate life.

After I move beyond that fond memory, I think about new beginnings.  Life is full of new beginnings.  Thank God that he has allowed these little gifts in life to help us to continue on.  I think of how God provided the season of Spring to give us hope that there is life after Winter!  God has also given us events such as re-connecting with long-lost friends or relatives; or opportunities for personal, mental, spiritual, financial or professional growth; or the miracle of new life in a new-born baby or the extension of life through the amazing recovery from a life-threating health issue such as cancer.

Most importantly, God has sent us his Son, Jesus Christ, to bring us new life through the power of his death on the cross.  Forgiveness is a beautiful thing.  No matter whether you are on the giving or receiving end, forgiveness has the power to heal.

May God bless you in 2010 and may He turn our mourning into dancing!

Listen to this great worship "Mourning Into Dancing" and think of how God has given you a new beginning and then think of a brand new change you'd like to have in your life and ask God to be with you the entire length of that journey.

Blessings,

Justin Ehrman

New Devotion from Lifeline Ministries

Joshua 1:9 (New International Version)

⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

As I was working at the church last night, I dug out my old Michael W Smith music.  I really thank my old high school classmate and best friend for introducing me to MWS.  He has been my inspiration in many ways through out the years.  I was listening to The Live Set which has some great live music.  One of the songs was "Be Strong and Courageous" based on this verse above.

As I heard this I thought about all of the courageous people that have touched my life over the years.  I think of all the military friends and family; those that possess more patience than I could only dream of having as they work with children and adults with disabilities; and those that have lost loved ones and find the strength to continue forward. 


The common theme with many is that their faith holds them together.  They recognize that God is working in them; and through their struggles God is strengthening their faith and character.  What an amazing gift we have been given!  Knowing that God is with us wherever we go creates a sense of calmness that we cannot receive from any person or thing.

Of course, God does not promise that we won't hit valleys, but the fact that God is always there with us?... I say "Bring it On!"

If you feel like listening to a great classic song by Smitty, here's the link for Be Strong and Courageous. 

http://www.last.fm/music/Michael%2520Smith/_/Be%2520Strong%2520and%2520Courageous?ac=be%20strong%20and%20courageous

Prayer:  Dear Emmanuel, as we wait for your coming this Advent, help us to remember your promise that you will never leave us or forsake us.  No matter the struggle, no matter the pain, we have comfort in knowing that you are always there beside us.  In your loving care we pray.  Amen.

PS.  Another great song to listen to about the valleys of life is by Ginny Owens.  Here is the link to a live performance of "If You Want Me To" on youtube.com.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q8pWgDsv1E

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!
Justin
www.lifelineworship.com