Where does My Help Come From?

 

We live 60 miles from Red Lodge, MT, billed as

"The Gateway to Yellowstone Park via the Beartooth Highway."

Indeed, it is a beautiful drive through this part of Montana up to the summit  into
Wyoming and over to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone Park.

 

To get up the Beartooths to the Summit, you are aided up the steep climb by the road of switchbacks,
and this photo shows what they look like...

 

 

When we are at the base of the mountain, the Beartooths seem to be overwhelmingly difficult to drive over without the help of switchbacks. The road climbs slowly and it turns one direction to the opposite direction, making the climb easier to do. This "switchbacking" makes the climb not only easier, but the views are fantastic,
with each turn a new, awe-inspiring view of the mountains.

 

If I were to walk the Beartooth Highway, it would be an arduous task,
and I am sure I would want to give up before reaching the peak.

 

Life seems like that sometimes.

 

The "mountains" we climb may not be the Beartooths,

but they may be overwhelming at times.

These mountains may be as mundane as

a week's laundry to do,

a test to study for,

or the pile of paperwork on a desk.

 

Or, these mountains may be so big

that we cannot see the peak because of the clouds,

the summit where we may claim victory seems out of reach

due to difficulties and hardships such as;

illness,

divorce,

the death of a loved one,

and overwhelming financial problems,

just to name a few.

 

But God, in His infinite wisdom, knows we cannot climb these mountains

without His help. He will lead us up these mountains as the switchbacks

lead travelers up the Beartooth Highway.

He will provide the way through His word.

 

 

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
    He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121:1-8

 

 

All Things Through Christ

She wanted to keep trying,

even though the sun was hot and her legs were unsteady.

Her daddy held the bicycle with his strong hands

and guided her along with his encouraging words.

 

 

Our Father in heaven is just like that.

Just ask Paul.

He was being held under house arrest as he wrote to the Philippians,

encouraging them, praying for them, and exhorting them to live godly lives.

At the end of his letter, Paul wrote of his contentment no matter his circumstances:

 

"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do all things

through Christ 

who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:11-13

 

Paul knew the secret to contentment was finding his strength in Jesus,

trusting Him to hold him up and keep him going,

no matter the circumstances.

And so can we.

Fall On Your Knees ~ O Holy Night

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,

keeping watch over their flocks at night.  

An angel of the Lord appeared to them,

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

 and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news

that will cause great joy for all the people. 

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;

He is the Messiah, the Lord. 

This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,

 praising God and saying,

 

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

 

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

 

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,

 which the Lord has told us about.”

Luke 2:8-15

(image)

O Holy Night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices
O night divine!
O night when Christ was born
O night divine!
O night, O night divine!

Oh Come, Let Us Adore Him

So it was,

when the angels had gone away from them into heaven,

that the shepherds said to one another,

“Let us now go to Bethlehem

and see this thing that has come to pass,

which the Lord has made known to us.”

Luke 2:15

Be Still...

 

This old bench has been in our yard for several years,

and this picture was taken at our old house in the winter.

 

It now has a new home under our pergola this winter,

providing a spot under the white Christmas lights,

reminding us to pause and remember why we celebrate Christmas.

 

We remember that...

 

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was with God in the beginning...

 

The Word became flesh

and made His dwelling among us.

We have seen His glory,

the glory of the One and Only,

who came from the Father,

full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-2, 14

 

The Everlasting Arms

 

 

A sweet baby boy gone to be with Jesus
Before he took his first breath,
Held briefly in the arms of his parents
Now held by the Lord of the heartbroken,
Forever loved,
Forever held in their hearts,
Tender words of love whispered in his ears,
Tears of sadness washing down their cheeks,
A grandmother’s heart breaks for her daughter
Her arms ache for this sweet little boy,
Jesus, the Lord of the heartbroken
Jesus, the One who holds him now.

~

For my dear friend, who trusts Jesus to hold her
sweet little grandson until she holds him again

 

"‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain,

for the old order of things has passed away.”


Revelation 21:4

 

Whom Shall I Fear

 

This morning, I was encouraged by a song a friend shared that lifted my spirit and reminded me of God's promises. It is by Chris Tomlin (with Ed Cash), and he has done what he does so well; he has given us the hope of God in His promises.

2 Kings 6:17

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my Lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked.

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet (Elisha) answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

And Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Whom Shall I Fear/God of Angels Army
By Chris Tomlin and Ed Cash

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though trouble linger still
Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies is always by my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful