“Passing Over” by Dianne H. Timmering

Because the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the LORD for the generations to come. Exodus 12:42

The official Passover holiday has finished but I am struck by the Almighty power of this story in Exodus when death and destruction passed over those it was trying to defeat. In the wake of the stormy past few days, and such utter devastation, including the ripple of threatening reimbursement cuts, may the clouds of destruction pass us over. May we continue to encounter the vigil of His strength. May God bless each of you with His most vibrant feathers of protection. Amen.

Dianne Timmering, Vice President of Spirituality
Signature Consulting Services, LLC

“Rain” by Dianne H. Timmering

He said to the woman, ““Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”” Luke 7:50

Storms of rain riddle the land turning parking lots into wading pools and grassy places into small ponds. When will it end? When will the sky open and show the color of the sun which seems to prefer the other side of the world. Does the rain come for preparation? For a possible draught; for the deepest of tree roots when there is little August rain, to clean and refresh the air around us?

Maybe there is only the explanation of a stuck weather pattern and the fact that it is spring. What I find peace in is not knowing all the answers but even with the possible flooding and storms and stakeholders who have had damage fall upon their homes, they have known divine safety. May all our people know divine safety. Whatever the storm, we prepare. After all, we are building an ark. Love to all.

Dianne Timmering, Vice President of Spirituality
Signature Consulting Services, LLC

“Hunger” by Dianne H. Timmering

‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.’ So God granted him what he requested.” 1 Chronicles 4:10

We had our first meeting today with business leaders at the home office who wanted to know/hear about God in the workplace. They were hungry for similar initiatives to build spirituality into applicable ways into their own work environments. A bank president attended as well as an HR leader of a local law firm.

You know what I noticed most while we were dialoguing? Their hunger. They were hungry for the tangibility of what spirituality could offer; they were in search of the concrete freedom of love and hope. I guess I never noticed to what extent the hunger is out there; but today I saw it–in the belly of their eyes. Thank you for your pioneering hearts my friends. You are leaders. Let our message of love and hope spill over into every neighborhood, city, and nook and cranny. Even in our imperfections, we truly are a community of sharing. Love to you all.  Dianne

Dianne Timmering
Vice President of Spirituality

“Forgiveness” by Dianne H. Timmering

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged . . . Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:37-38

Forgiveness is freeing, one to the other. God bless your holiday weekend.  Dianne

Dianne Timmering,
Vice President of Spirituality

“Overwhelmed” by Dianne H. Timmering

So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.”  Joshua 10:7-8

Overwhelmed? We share each others burdens, face things that are almost un-faceable, experience grief, compassion and moments when we cannot lift up our heads. But perhaps it is God’s palm lifting up our chins, smiling into our eyes, and saying, Give your burdens to me. I’ve got this. Joy abounds; peace returns, fear subsides, and healing begins just in that moment of letting go. Love to you all.

Dianne Timmering
Vice President of Spirituality

“Protection” by Dianne H. Timmering

Last night there were numerous storms throughout Kentucky. One of our stakeholders had a tree fall on their home and almost destroyed it; but they were/are safe. They were protected. In the midst of the brewing warnings from the meteorologists, I asked (as many of us did) for God to protect all our people from the waging battle in the sky. A peace settled even amidst the applauding thunder. And I was reminded by the scripture in Psalm 91:

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day, . . .

A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

Love to all.

Dianne Timmering
Vice President of Spirituality

“Fierce Love” by Dianne H. Timmering

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:38

God’s love must be fierce, unending, relentless, persistent, never uncertain, flooding, infinite, without walls. If He is for us who could be against us. While we have had some real tragedy on the prayer chain, while we are being stretched in faith, while some are battling fear or hurt, with that kind of love emanating around us, we get to pass-over that which pains us into His circling realm. Surrender is good. Have a most joyous weekend.  Dianne

Dianne Timmering
Vice President of Spirituality

“Can We Really Know Him” by Dianne H. Timmering

Can you really know God? Can we really hear Him? Witness scenes throughout the Old Testament and find God very specific in His guidance and direction.

And the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’” Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God.  Joshua 3:7-9

And Moses knew Him as a friend speaks to a friend.
The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Exodus 33:11
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face. Deuteronomy 34:10
Love to all.
Dianne Timmering
Vice President of Spirituality

“Battle Relieved” by Dianne H. Timmering

For God is love. 1 John 4:8

Yesterday, I was reading from 1 Samuel 4 (Old Testament) where the Israelites gathered the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh and took it into battle against the Philistines. Surprisingly, the Philistines defeat the Israelites and capture the Ark taking it back to their encampment (at Ashdod). As I was reading, it dawned on me that perhaps the Israelites lost this particular battle because they didn’t hear God in the battle; they only assumed the Ark would lead them to victory as opposed to having that ever present relationship of guidance and direction to win the battle. Maybe it is not about the battle but about hearing Him–having that trusting relationship with the magnificence of His beauty and goodness. Dearest Lord, let us know You; help us to understand. Love to all.

Dianne Timmering
Vice President of Spirituality

“Trusting Him” by Dianne H. Timmering

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:5-8

Stretching feels so good–it increases energy whether we are behind a desk or preparing for a run. Why is trusting God with the stretching of faith so difficult sometimes? I would say because faith requires us to release something; and then suddenly it is in the curve of His hand and out of our control, out of the reach of our shout. Help us dearest Lord to know with the fullest of wisdom, that you are with us, and all doubts huddle on a distant shore far away from where we stand. Replace weariness with hallows of great happiness. We trust you. Love to all.

Dianne Timmering
Vice President of Spirituality