STORMS OF LIFE!

Literal storms have been a BIG part of spring 2023. Storms of mass physical destruction.

From rare snow storms in areas of California to tornados in the south upwards to the north east.

Survival is difficult as folks begin to assess damage and pick up the pieces. 

Storms leave behind deep scars in one's psyche. Soul, mind and spirit.

Life is full of storms of struggle even without atmospheric tragedies!

How does one pick up the pieces of this mental and emotional, shattering? How does one even begin to stand?

The answer is the same for all our storm woes.

• ......Draw near to the throne of grace.....(Hebrews 4:16)
• The eternal God is your dwelling place.....(Deuteronomy 33:27)
• ......Put your hope in His word. (Psalm 119:114)
• Draw near to God...(James 1:8) 
• Put on the full armor of God....(Ephesians 6:11)

Know the One who is the Answer!

Version Preferences

When studying God's Word, I have a variety of Bibles handy. (KJV) King James Version used for recall of childhood memory verses. (NASB) New American Standard Bible used most for individual study. (NIV) New International Version for BSF---Bible Study Fellowship lessons. (ESV) English Standard Version to follow along at church. For easy reading, I sometimes choose (CEV) Contemporary English Version, (NCV) New Century Version or the (NLT) New Living Translation, especially for facilitating understanding in difficult passages or long chapters. 

The same truth or primary meaning, just differing in certain wording or connotations---sometimes invokes ideas or feelings specific to situations, which I might be experiencing at the time ---is helpful to me.

A different "legitimate" version can offer a new or fresh perspective especially when I am preparing to teach a passage or topical lesson.

Studying for an upcoming "rest" lesson, words like refuge and retreat seem to jump off the pages from the (MSG) Message. When accompanied by "renewal," an aspect of that rest, all the better.