I dreamt that John and I climbed into a small Jeep type vehicle that our pastor was driving, his wife was in the passenger seat. The next thing I knew John was no longer with us, just the three of us remained on a beach. It was dark and I was in great distress. The pastor, representing Jesus in the dream, came to my right side (symbol of strength in the bible) placed his arm around my shoulder and used his right arm to hold on to my right arm, as if to stabilize us. His wife was patiently walking along side with head bowed, as if in prayer. We just walked along the beach. Even though the sand was difficult to walk in he remained right there by my side, giving me comfort and the strength to stand and continue on. We walked and walked, sometimes on level ground as well as up sand dunes and as we walked down the other side I would fall on my backside, he remained right there beside me helping me up, never leaving my side even though sometimes in my mind I thought, "I can't go on, just let me go." Thankfully he never did, and neither does our Lord Jesus. When I awoke I felt so much peace, comfort and a new found joy in just how faithful our Lord is. "What a wonderful picture of our Lord Jesus!", I thought.

Throughout the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua the Lord reminds Moses and Joshua many times how He is right there beside them, telling them "... be strong and courageous! Don't tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (Josh. 1:9) And to remind us again, Jesus told the people as He ascended into heaven, "... and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matt. 28:20b)

Beloved, listen ... shhh ... be still. Can you feel His presence, His arms wrapped around you? Listen, there ... hear Him whispering your name, telling You how much He loves you? Be encouraged, Beloved, for He is "the same yesterday, today and yes, forever!" (Heb.13:8) and He will NEVER leave nor forsake you. He will always be right there at your side holding you up through the ups and the downs we must encounter - in this world.

Have a joyous day in our Lord!
April
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Encouragement From The Heart Website updated March 17, 2000 (note: web address changed).
http://www.geocities.com/correiaville/encourag.html there's a new page, "The Master's Garden" stop by and check it out!