Quarterly Message of Hope

2020 Fall Quarterly
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 by Penelope Kaye

Hi!

Welcome to the fall quarterly newsletter of the Messenger of Hope! Thanks for joining me today as we celebrate my favorite season together. Remember the differences between your Monday Morning Hope message and what you will find here:

  • A little longer message—more like a meal than a snack
  • A seasonal sampling to enjoy—recipes, activities, holiday fun
  • A contest—who doesn’t want to win something
  • An update or two—on my writing, ministry, prayer

In these crazy times, I appreciate having this opportunity to connect with you. I want to share a few thoughts about clouds and how God views them.

Clouds

I happen to love everything about the sky and what’s in it—sun, moon, stars, constellations, galaxies, etc. Today as I pondered the message to share, clouds kept popping into my mind. I took that as polite guidance from Holy Spirit and began to research in the Bible. I found some fascinating descriptions from Scripture. While over one hundred forty verses refer to clouds, one from Psalms grabbed my attention.

Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. (Ps 68:34, NKJV)

Imagine the Most High God finding His strength in clouds! How can this possibly be? We know from science that clouds have no solid structure. They basically consist of water—droplets smaller than the thickness of a single sheet of paper.

In essence, the psalmist states the Ancient of Days is strong in a conglomeration of water droplets. God uses these heavenly cotton balls to carry His strength. That is simply too remarkable to comprehend with our finite minds. A poem I wrote portrays this characteristic:

 

Strength in a Cloud*

Strength in clouds

Makes no sense

 

That a filmy, flimsy wisp of white

Can carry the King of Majesty

Is absurd to rational thought

 

Too weak to hold a feather

Yet the Creator of the Universe

Rides one

 

Confounding the wisdom

Of the world yet again

 

Still, we ask why? Why would an omnipotent God choose clouds to exhibit this trait? Moreover, what do we do with a truth too vast for our understanding? Other verses, which discuss strength and weakness, can shed some light:

In Joel 3:10, the word of the Lord emphatically states that the weak get to say they are strong. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:27 that God specifically chooses the weak over the strong. He also shares in another portion of Scripture how he wanted to get rid of an “affliction;” yet, God told him “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (see 2 Corinthians 12)

If we pull these four verses together, we can see God views weaknesses as opportunities to display His strength. No wonder Paul wrote, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me . . .  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b, 10b, NKJV)

The perilous times now upon us clearly reveal the weakness of humanity. We need God’s strength more than ever, and now is the perfect time for Him to publicly showcase it. While no one wants to be seen as incapable of handling life, we have this hope: If God finds strength in clouds, we can absolutely trust Him with our frailties. If you’ve felt embarrassed, ashamed, or angry because of your weaknesses, take some time before the Lord. After you’ve poured out your heart, follow Paul’s example and rejoice in them. You won’t regret it, and you’ll never be the same.

Then the next time you’re outside, look at those white cream puffs filling the blue expanse and celebrate your weaknesses! The sky has no boundaries to the glory El Elyon, the Most High God, will reveal in them.

For Your mercy is great above the heavens, And Your truth reaches to the clouds.(Ps 108:4, NKJV)

*©2020 Penelope Kaye. Used with permission.

 

Seasonal Sampling  

It’s harvest time, and with that brings thoughts of thanksgiving. Even though Thanksgiving Day here in America is a couple of months away, why not begin now? Jot something on a slip of paper you’re thankful for and put it in a basket or jar. Try to do several throughout each week. Then when Thanksgiving actually arrives, take time to read them. You’ll be amazed at all you have to be thankful for this year. 

 

Contest

Everyone who leaves a comment by midnight Friday, September 11th  will be entered into a contest for a $20.00 Amazon gift card. So be sure to pop on and let me know what you think . . . of the newsletter, the article, the poem, or . . .   

 

Update

What a wild ride the last two months have been! To start, I have a new job. Hallelujah, Praise the Lord, Glory! Obviously, an answered prayer two years in the making. I am now with Volunteers of America, a faith-based non-profit helping veterans overcome homelessness and obtain housing.

While the release date of my new book, Landing Media Interviews Without a Publicist!: 8 Essential Keys for Authors, suffered a setback, I had the opportunity to use my ruthless editing skills once again. The end result will be a more powerful book in the hands of authors. As far as when that will happen, I’m hoping before Thanksgiving.

I am thrilled beyond Jupiter with this next announcement! I will finally have a children’s picture book with my name on the front—a delightful story set in Yellowstone Park. The illustrations are in process, the publisher is on board, and the stores in the Park are excited to see the finished work. Wow, just wow!

Another exciting opportunity to share with you is my Christmas Blessing Basket. Designed for women who have had a bad year, bad Christmas memories, or under-appreciated by family, these baskets contain twenty-five numbered gifts to open in December. If you would like to bless someone or just pour out love on a dear one, you can order them now. Click here to read the story behind these special baskets as well as order information.

As the days become shorter, I am thankful for God’s abundant provisions. Still, I am ever mindful, as I’m sure you are as well, of the serious issues we face in America and globally. Please keep praying and be sure to vote on November 3rd. We desperately need God’s will to prevail.

Sent in the Love of Christ,

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Comments

Linaya From Billings At 9/9/2020 1:34:20 PM

I love the poem - it deepens my God connection in such meaningful way - makes me want you to do a poetry book focused on other parts of nature you connect with - yea for the clouds! Linaya

Reply by: PS 2710 Ministries

Hi, Linaya. Thank you for your kind words. Going deeper with God is always an incredible experience. As far as a poetry book, I'll have to add it to my list of writing goals. You always encourage me to stretch my wings. Blessings, Penelope Kaye

Diana Kay From Texas At 9/8/2020 11:05:16 AM

What a beautiful picture His strength in the clouds! When at this time so many things are being clouded over! Ist Thess.4:17.When he comes we will meet him in the clouds! Penelope thanks for putting your head in the clouds to encourage us! Bless you in all your Kingdom work! Gods speed friend!

Reply by: PS 2710 Ministries

Hi, Diana - Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad this ministered to you. I bless you in the plans God has for you! Penelope Kaye

Evelyn Laci From Hardin, MT At 9/8/2020 7:33:01 AM

I always thought of clouds being in the heavens in these verses but never thought about God moving through weakness. Thanks for sharing that and congrats on your new job

Reply by: PS 2710 Ministries

Hi, Evelyn. It's always exciting to uncover new facets of our amazing God. Blessings, Penelope Kaye

Previous Posts

2020 Fall Quarterly
Penelope Kaye
9/8/2020

2020 Summer Quarterly
Penelope Kaye
7/1/2020

Introduction - Quarterly Message of Hope
Penelope Kaye
4/15/2020