Announcement: Tada! "My Faithbook Messages - Devotions to Like and Share" is released!

 

In 2020 while sheltering from the virus, I found time to complete this collection of devotions inspired by that timeless source of social media - the Bible, which I call the Faithbook. 

The book provides a unique way for readers to interact with me and receive or send copies of individual selections to others.

Here's one of the first 5 star reviews on Amazon:

 This is a book that will touch your heart and soul. -When I received this book, I was going to read it as a daily reading, but as I began to read it, I could not put it down and read it cover to cover. Now, I will read a page each day as one of my daily readings...this year and in years to come. Its message is timeless! I am giving copies to friends because I feel it is especially good for all of us during this Pandemic providing faith and hope. The author is a beautiful writer...simple elegance.

Want a copy? Buy it on Amazon or for a signed copy, email me - safischer37@gmail.com

 

De-Cluttering My Closet - Sandra Fischer “Behold, I am doing a new thing. . .” (Isaiah 43:19a) ESV Many of us greet the new year by making changes. We start dieting, exercising, organizing, or instituting various self-improvement plans. I was inspired by an article about de-cluttering, so I decided to do some closet cleaning. The article suggested discarding or finding a new home for anything that didn’t give me joy. As I sorted through my closet, I found myself putting back what I call “Justin Case” items. Justin Case is not a designer label, but my second-guessing evaluation of things. My thought—someday, I might be able to squeeze into those smaller size pants or wear those high heels again. So, they remain in my closet—my Justin Case stuff. That day I also read a devotion about how we hang onto the past. Sometimes our memory treasury is as cluttered as our closets. I read Isaiah’s admonishment: “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing. . .” (Isaiah 43:18-19a) ESV The devotion related how our desire to preserve the remnants of what we consider to be “good old days,” while overlooking the opportunities afoot. Jeremiah urged us to see God’s goodness each day: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) ESV I was convicted of my need to de-clutter my “past” closet and DO as Paul did, “. . .forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13b) ESV I don’t need to keep Justin Case things. I need to cling to Jesus Christ, who gives me joy today and in all the new days ahead. Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, author of her new book, “My Faithbook Messages.” Contact

                                          

“All We Like Sheep. . .” - Sandra Fischer

God compares people to sheep many times in the Bible. Why? Because some of their characteristics are apparent in humans. God reveals how sheep need a caretaker and why people need one, too—the Good Shepherd, the Chief Shepherd—Jesus.

Sheep are nearsighted and tend to wander, much like when we lose focus on Jesus and make unhealthy and bad choices. Isaiah writes, “All we like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to our own way. . .” (Isaiah 53:6a NIV)

Sheep are not beasts of burden, nor are we designed to be, but we tend to carry grudges and worries God wants us to give to Him. Peter tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Unlike some animals, sheep are defenseless, having no means of protection from predators. If they fall on their backs, they cannot right themselves and can die without help. We are helpless in saving ourselves from the penalty of sin, but God offers us the gift of eternal life. “. . . God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV)

Sheep follow the voice of whoever is leading them. If we follow Jesus, he will lead us in paths of righteousness. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. . .” (John 10:27-28a ESV)

Sheep are valuable. God created them to provide milk, meat, parchment, and fleece. And, he adopted us through Christ to serve. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)

Thank you, Jesus, that we like sheep are in Your sheepfold.

Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, author of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact

“The Beginning of the End?” - Sandra Fischer

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3 ESV

Many people are wondering if the current pandemic is the “beginning of the end.” Some are Christians who have knowledge of Biblical prophecy. Others are those who wonder if such prophecies have any credibility. Impending death, whether our own, or that of the world itself, causes us to consider if this pandemic might mean the “end.”

For us personally, the “beginning of the end” starts at birth. Our physical lives are nearer the end with each breath. And Jesus speaks about the world’s end, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:35-36) If all is “ending”, where is our hope?

People who trust in Christ for His death, burial, and resurrection on their behalf, know death is not the end, because they have eternal life. What a great consolation! Believers can also look forward to this promise— “. . .a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. . . There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1a, 4b NIV) Yes, the beginning of the end, as we know of this world, is in motion, but not so for those who trust the LORD. “He who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24 NASB

LORD, thank you for life everlasting in Christ Jesus!

Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, author of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact

                                                         “Where to Run for Help” - Sandra Fischer

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10 NASB

Whenever fear or worry strikes, our minds race with questions. We tend to search for thoughts that give us a sense of safety and security. Recalling words of hymns is one place to go. “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” is a place of safe thoughts, particularly to questions in the third verse, “What have I to dread, what have I to fear?” The answer? Nothing, if I’m leaning on God’s arms. 

Another song for anxious times is: “Take it to the LORD in Prayer”, especially the verse that asks, “Are we weak and heavy-laden, cumbered with a load of care?” and one that begs, “Is there trouble anywhere?” The answer—prayer.

Indeed, the best place to run when circumstances overwhelm us is to the LORD himself and his Word. Isaiah tells us: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Jesus tells us: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’. . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31a-34) NIV

God’s Word provides eternal, spiritual food: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 NASB)

Let’s run to the LORD in prayer and find sustenance in His faithful Word.

Father God, thank you for being our refuge and strength at all times. 

Sandra is a FaithWriters Platinum member, author of “Seasons in the Garden.” Contact