The Mind of God Toward You
There is never a time
when you're not in His thoughts,
never a time without grace,
never a time when He turns away
from any need you face.
There is never a time
when you're not in His heart,
never a time without love,
never a time when you're not blessed
with good things from above!
How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I wake, I am still with Thee. Psalm 139:17-18
Excerpt from the devotional gift book Always Loved by Roy Lessin
Read encouraging messages by Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer, on Roy's blog, Meet Me in the Meadow.
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Always Loved
As your Shepherd the Lord is
Always watching...
Always keeping...
Always providing...
Always defending...
Never forsaking.
You are never forgotten...always loved!
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24-25
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Prayer can be rich when it's simple and spontaneous. In fact, we can pray anywhere, at any time. It doesn't require lofty language in a sacred space. All we need to do is see our ordinary moments as the perfect occasions for communicating with God, then speak from our heart.
Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/2009/10/21-Ways-to-Pray.aspx#ixzz1C9gTdYCp
While driving to work, to school, or chauffeuring your kids, use familiar landmarks to remind you to thank God, ask God, seek God, and listen to God.
Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Prayer/2009/10/21-Ways-to-Pray.aspx?p=2#ixzz1C9gmJZKP
This is written by a young friend of mine who's Dad just had a kidney removed due to cancer and her way of coping.
Kassandra Kinsman is her name. Terry McQueen is her dads name and all the family can use a prayer today. Thanks to you who understand that prayer is such an important part of our lives. God bless You!
change is in continuous motion
How does a person get through the big things? I seem to be stuck motionless; unless it is absolutely necessary to move. There are just so many "big things" in my life right now. Dad being ill and it being much worse than first thought, and they are passing the "cancer" word around like candy on Halloween. When they are not absolutely sure of that yet.
This is not something I can fix or work harder to make better. Having fought my way through most of my life I have nothing to fight. There is simply nothing I can do. I don't even know how to deal with this such a prognosis. How do I deal with it not to mention how do I explain it to my kids? If even I cannot move through it how can I help them continue to move forward?
This is much worse than finding out my back cannot be fixed. That was difficult and I have dealt with it. I stumbled through a depression that followed. Yet, I have come to terms with the simple fact I will have good days and really bad days that will keep me mobile. Even when I continue to fight through the pain and depression that it brings; life will still land a great right hook that flies straight to my heart.
Yet, at this moment I find myself immobile. Cancer. My Dad. My Hero. My forever active joking dad. My hard to please and demanding father. My friend who even in the hard spots has loved me. I still have trouble even thinking of him as old. I would suppose to many children not matter their age, don't consider their parents as old. Oh they are always aging but a child (at least I) have never considered them old. They are and that truth although it stung, was digested about a year ago.
So maybe, it's not just the large possibility of cancer. Maybe, I just have a hard time with change. You would think at my age change would be a part of life. Change in itself is neither evil nor good; it simply is. Change is continuously in motion thorough out our lives; yet, there are changes that slip in without notice while others come with fireworks and bang around for you complete attention.
Aging is a slipping in change; Cancer is a big bang kinda thing. Even so change alone is not for or against me personally, it just is. So how does one adjust and modify their life to make acceptance of change smoother? I will continue to pray and seek wise council and maybe with a baby step at a time I will move past the big things;simply so I can get back enjoying the little things. In such a big world that rushes by like a waterfall, baby steps are the best way to begin a life changing journey. Instead of running past the troubles of life trying to escape the horrors. A slower pace is required to learn, accept, live, love, and laugh.
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January 31, 2011
One Thousand Gifts - Trailer
How do we stop living like life is an emergency or something to be sped wildly through? How do we start believing that life can be carried only in the hands of the unhurried . . . a bubble held in awe. How do we stop wolfing life down?
All this or all these moments - all these are for you. Isn't that the Voice we have to learn to hear? The Voice that is telling the whole world that the earth under you and the rain over you, and all the stars spinning round you, this is for you, for you, for you.
So count the ways He loves, a thousand, more, never stop, so that when you wake in the morning you can't help unfold your hands to the heavens, and though you grieve and though you wonder, though the world is ugly, it is beautiful, and though time moves on, it's moments are holy, and though the planet spins, a blur, you can slow and you can wake and you can trust and and you can pay attention to the moments with this offering of thanks -- because this is how you spend your one life well --
Receiving each moment for what it really is: holy, ordinary, amazing grace.
A gift.
Excerpt from the book trailer for One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp.
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Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.
Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Jeremiah 29:11 "for I know the plans I have for YOU, declares the LORD
"Never give the devil a ride, he will want to take over the driving."
Dear Woman of God
Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His awesomeness
God is able to do the impossible and is always near
He loves us unconditionally.
Together, let's get 1000's of ladies to praise Him with one voice in this next hour.
Dear God:
this is my friend, whom I love and this is my prayer for her
Help her live her life
to the fullest.
Please promote her
and cause her to excel
above her expectations.
Help her to shine
in the darkest places
where it is impossible
to love.
Protect her at all times,
lift her up when she needs
you the most,
and
let her know when
she walks with you,
She will always
be safe.
Love you Girl!
Now you're on the
clock . . .
In 9 minutes something
will make you happy. ;-)
But you have to tell
nine sisters you love them
(Copy and Paste, if you would like)
Get going girl!!
Do not ask the Lord to
guide your footsteps.
if you are not willing
to move your feet.
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All Things Really Are Possible for You
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. John 14:29
Peter starts off well, takes a few steps, and begins to sink.
Jesus asks, "Why did you doubt?"
I pause and ponder, "Who did Peter doubt? Jesus or himself?"
And it seems there's a whisper in response...
Same thing.
What I mean is this...
I no longer live but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20
I'm still quick to protest, "But I have so many weaknesses!"
And then I remember that every promise given and every truth declared was for us, all of us, and none of us have it together.
Our humanity isn't too much for God.
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it's the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
There is nothing God can't do through a heart fully surrendered to Him.
Nothing.
Lead an entire nation through a desert.
Knock down a giant with a single stone.
Fulfill His purpose for your life.
Let's believe that in us, through us, in spite of us...
With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
What does this sound like in our everyday lives?
"This seems impossible for me. But nothing is impossible for the God who lives in me. That means all things really are possible for me too. I can do this with Him."
Now that's good news!
Can I get an "amen" and a "woo-hoo" too?
--by Holley Gerth
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Your Divine Valentine
A Valentine may play a love song for you, but God sings you the sweetest love song in the universe.
The Lord your God... will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
A Valentine may give you flowers, but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all. Jesus.
I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1
A Valentine may bring you chocolate, but God provides you with something even sweeter, His Word.
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103
A Valentine may love you for a lifetime, but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity.
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love...with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3
Praying you're blessed by the wonderful love of God this Valentine's Day and always!
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'Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.'
If you want your dreams to come true, you mustn't oversleep.
Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.
The best vitamin for making friends..... B1.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
The heaviest thing you can carry is a grudge.
One thing you can give and still keep....is your word.
You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself.
If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.
One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.
Ideas won't work unless ' You' do.
Your mind is like a parachute...it functions only when open.
The 10 commandments are not a multiple choice.
The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!
It is never too late to become what you might have been.
Life is too short to wake up with regrets.. So love
the people who treat you right.. Forget about the
ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a
reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both
hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life
would be easy, they just promised it would be
worth it.
Friends are like balloons;
once you let them go, you might not get them
back. Sometimes we get so busy with our own
lives and problems that we may not even notice
that we've let them fly away. Sometimes we are so
caught up in who's right and who's wrong that we
forget what's right and wrong.. Sometimes we just
don't realize what real friendship means until it
is too late. I don't want to let that happen so
I'm going to tie you to my heart so I never lose
you.
Even send it to your
friends that you think have flown away forever.
You may be surprised to see it return.
Send this heart to everybody that has touched your life in a positive way.
Thank you for being in my life!!
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Knowing Your Place
You are seated with Christ at God's right hand...
Nothing is higher than that !
God loves you with an everlasting love...
Nothing is deeper than that !
He invites you to drink from the river of His delights...
Nothing is purer than that !
He shares His heart with you in communion...
Nothing is dearer than that !
He watches over you with tender mercies...
Nothing is kinder that that !
He is with you and will never leave you...
Nothing is nearer than that !
He leads you according to the counsel of His own will...
Nothing is wiser than that !
He faithfully feeds you from His word...
Nothing is truer than that !
He is in you and joined to your spirit...
Nothing is closer than that !
-Roy Lessin
Read encouraging messages by Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer, on Roy's blog Meet Me in the Meadow.
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Hope in God's Open Arms
If you ever wonder how in the world God could use you to change the world, look at these people.
What people?
The people God used to change history. People who found hope, not in their performance, but in God's proverbially open arms.
God is using you to make a difference.
-Max Lucado
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Encourage someone that is making a difference in your life by sharing this message
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Anxiety and Peace, Reflections from Philippians 4:6-7
Roy Lessin
From Meet Me In The Meadow
Anxiety—don't carry it, walk with it, eat with it, live with it, go to bed with it. Don't entertain it, support it, encourage it—not in big things or little things, present things or future things, pressing things or perplexing things. It is a foe not a friend, a downer not an edifier, a binder not a freer. It will quickly introduce you to its close cousins, fret and fear. When anxiety knocks at the door of your heart or mind, be sure to renounce it, reject it, and refuse it any place.
Instead of being anxious about anything, you can begin to pray about everything. Prayer means that you have a God to go to and to talk to, who hears and answers prayer. Mix your prayers with thankfulness. Thanksgiving reflects an attitude of gratefulness to God for inviting you to come to Him, and it shows that you truly trust Him to take care of you, regardless of your circumstances.
As you pray and trust God to work, He will give you the assurance that He is in control. He will do this by giving you His peace. God doesn't give you circumstantial peace, but His peace, a peace which remains constant and undisturbed through every circumstance.
God's peace is His answer for anxiety. His peace will quiet you and calm you; it will minister health to your nerves and rest to your spirit. God's peace is more powerful than anxiety, fear, or worry, and His peace will defeat any foe that tries to attack your heart and mind. At the heart of these attacks is an attempt to have you to turn your faith away from God and to focus instead on your needs and circumstances. God's peace strengthens you from these attacks by giving you the assurance that God is for you and that no weapon formed against you will prosper.
Never turn away from God's peace. Yield and surrender your heart and mind to His peace. Say, "Yes, Lord, I receive Your peace." You do not need to understand why certain things are happening in order to have God's peace. His peace transcends your understanding. God's peace is the same peace that Jesus said He would give to you. It is a peace that the world cannot give you. His peace belongs to you because you belong to Him.
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He Holds You
Roy Lessin
God never leaves you alone...
He never forgets about you...
He looks out for you and takes care of you.
You are more important than the birds
He feeds and provides for.
Trusting Him means to rest in Him
as your shield, your covering, your provider,
your defender and your friend.
It means freedom from worry, anxiety and fear.
It means peace to your mind and joy to your soul.
Come to Him; He is waiting...
Lean on Him; He is strong...
Talk to Him; He is listening...
Depend on Him; He will never let you down.
He holds you within the hollow of His hands
to keep you close...to keep you safe...
to deliver you from all your fears.
Today's posting is an excerpt from my book,From God's Heart to Yours: In His Hands. Please click here to visit DaySpring.com if you're interested in purchasing it.
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The love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginnings, But Not its end...
Jesus Calling
Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear.
Psalm 73:23; I Corinthians 10:13
Excerpt from the devotion for February 27th from the book
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
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A Friend in the Storm
When it feels like life has failed you
and your mind's been cast in war,
please remember Love's forever;
I will pass you through this door.
You don't cry alone in battle,
even when you think you've lost.
Please believe this truth, My winner:
Heaven paid your victor cost.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
Excerpt from the devotional gift book A Friend in the Storm by Cheryl Ricker.
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God Will See You Through
Sometimes it's hard to see through our tears.
But even when we can't see, God has promised to be there - loving us, strengthening us, giving us what we need to face each day.
No matter what happens, God will hold you close and see you through because you are so precious to Him.
God cares, cares right down to the last detail.
James 5:11 The Message
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GOD'S "PHONE" NUMBER
Jeremiah 33;3
"Call to me and I will answer you
and tell you great and mighty things
you do not know."
This is Beautiful
Hello God, I called tonight
To talk a little while
I need a friend who'll listen
To my anxiety and trial.
You see, I can't quite make it
Through a day just on my own...
I need your love to guide me,
So I'll never feel alone.
I want to ask you please to keep,
My family safe and sound.
Come and fill their lives with confidence
For whatever fate they're bound.
Give me faith, dear God, to face
Each hour throughout the day,
And not to worry over things
I can't change in any way.
I thank you God, for being home
And listening to my call,
For giving me such good advice
When I stumble and fall..
Your number, God, is the only one
That answers every time.
I never get a busy signal,
Never had to pay a dime.
So thank you, God, for listening
To my troubles and my sorrow.
Good night, God, I love You, too,
And I'll call again tomorrow!
P.S. Please bless all my friends and family too.
Send this to all your friends and family. Anyone that you love and care about. Let them know God is there for them.
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Anxiety and Peace
28 Feb 2011
Anxiety tells you that you are in a situation that is too big for God to handle;
Peace assures you that nothing is too hard for the Lord.
Anxiety assumes the worst will happen;
Peace affirms the best is yet to be.
Anxiety points you to your inadequacy;
Peace confirms that God's grace is sufficient.
Anxiety causes you to panic;
Peace causes you to be still.
Anxiety shows you your lack;
Peace points you to God's supply.
Anxiety warns of defeat and failure;
Peace proclaims God's victory and success.
Anxiety causes you to strive;
Peace causes you to rest.
Anxiety says "You will be carried away by the storm;"
Peace says "Your anchor holds."
Anxiety fills you with darkness;
Peace floods you with light.
Anxiety tells you to first seek a solution;
Peace tells you to first seek the Kingdom.
Anxiety tells you, you won't make it;
Peace assures you, God will bring you through.
Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Luke 12:24-26, Matthew 6:33 NKJV
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Fret buster #89
God will bring you through, not somehow, but triumphantly! –Dean Kerns
Through God we shall do valiantly. Psalm 60:12
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This one is definitely between you and God. Don't disappoint. Read to the end.
GOD: Angels, do you know what I was just thinking about?
ANGELS: What were you thinking about?
GOD: Christians seem to have forgotten what kind of power they have available and the devil keeps on deceiving them!
ANGELS: God, exactly what are you driving at?
GOD: I have made my children in such a way that when the people of the world are sitting, they would be standing, when the world is standing, they will stand out, when the world stands out, my children must be out standing and when the devil dares the world to be outstanding, my people will be the standards to be used!
JESUS CHRIST: They (Christians) are also forgetting the words in Ephesians 1:3.
GOD: Please read it out!
ANGEL: PRAISE BE TO TH E GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST , WHO HAS BLESSED US IN THE HEAVENLY PLACES WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN CHRIST .
ANGEL: So what do we do now since the end is almost near?
HOLY SPIRIT: My Presence is still among men and I will teach and remind the Christians of all that we have discussed. I will also make sure that they pass this message on!
JESUS CHRIST: I will also keep on interceding for them & stand in for them even in their weaknesses.
GOD:
I will also make sure that I give to all those who ask of me, seek me and try to find me .. The blessings I have promised them through My Son, Jesus Christ will be delivered to all those who discover that I, Jehovah, am ready to bless them! Not because of any special things that they have done, but just because I LOVE THEM !
JESUS CHRIST: I will also give all My followers who are willing to pass this conversation on, enough strength to carry on!
ANGELS: We are all backing THE TRINITY and even the devil cannot stop us! How funny! Christians are finally taking over and .......
DEVIL (eavesdropping behind the gates): I hope you all heard! I will deploy more troops (demons) and make sure the Christians pray less, read their Bibles less, preach less and
make sure this mail does not move anywhere! Also.....
YOU SURE HEARD THAT! THE DEVIL WILL MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT PASS THIS ON BUT PROVE HIM WRONG AND SHOW HIM THE POWER YOU HAVE IN CHRIST JESUS AS A CHRISTIAN. PRAY MORE, STUDY THE WORD MORE AND PREACH THE WORD! DO NOT DISAPPOINT GOD ! PASS IT ON!
NO God....NO Peace
KNOW God....KNOW Peace
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Things You Can Count On!
04 Mar 2011
There will always be a grace that is sufficient; a mercy that endures; an atoning blood that cleanses; a hope that doesn't disappoint; a love that never fails; a purpose that works all things together for the good; a peace that passes understanding; a joy unspeakable; a kingdom unshakable; a foundation indestructible; a High Priest who prays; a Savior who lives; a Spirit who comforts; a Father who cares.
Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us .This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT
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Great Quotes on Prayer
Roy Lessin
The Ministry of Prayer
"Prayer should be the breath of our breathing, the thought of our thinking, the soul of our feeling, and the life of our living, the sound of our hearing, the growth of our growing." Prayer in its magnitude is length without end, width without bounds, height without top, and depth without bottom. Illimitable in its breadth, exhaustless in height, fathomless in depths and infinite in extension.—HOMER W. HODGE
The Promises and Prayer
Every promise of Scripture is a writing of God, which may be pleaded before Him with this reasonable request: "Do as Thou hast said." The Creator will not cheat His creature who depends upon His truth; and, far more, the Heavenly Father will not break His word to His own child. "Remember the word unto Thy servant, on which Thou hast caused me to hope," is most prevalent pleading. It is a double argument: It is Thy Word, wilt Thou not keep it? Why hast Thou spoken of it if Thou wilt not make it good? Thou hast caused me to hope in it; wilt Thou disappoint the hope which Thou hast Thyself begotten in me?—C. H. SPURGEON
The Gideons International just posted a book review on Sons From Afar. This book is an updated edition of the story of how my Jewish father, my brother Don, and I came to know Christ as Savior and Messiah. (Just click on "book reveiw" to go to Gideons)
I hope you will have time to visit the site. If you are not familiar with the ministry of the Gideons International, this link will introduce you to their ministry. Please continue to support and pray for the Gideons as they distribute the Word of God throughout the world.
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The One Who Believes
Roy Lessin
NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. Hebrews 11:1 AMP
The one who believes that God is in control can go through a day peacefully; the one who believes that God is worthy can go through a day worshipfully; the one who believes that God is good can go through a day thankfully; the one who believes that God is near can go through a day joyfully; the one who believes that God is love can go through a day devotedly; the one who believes that God is faithful can go through a day securely; the one who believes that God is almighty can go through a day victoriously.
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Roy Lessin
Fret buster #90
I am not sure where it originated, but I recently came across a statement that, many years ago, had worked its way around the body of Christ. I pass it along today as a good reminder for us to keep our trust in the Lord.
"Good morning, this is your Father. I will be taking care of all your problems today, and I will be working all things together for good. I will not need your help. So, have a nice day."
I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me? Jeremiah 32:27 AMP
Fret buster #91
God did not give up on you when you didn't know Him, and He will certainly not give up on you now that you are His.
If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won't He also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for His own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with Himself. Romans 8:31-33 NLT
from Meet Me In The Meadow
Talking with the Lord..
Hi Lord, its me, things are getting bad here, gas prices are too high, no jobs, food and heating cost too high. I know some have taken you out of our schools, government & even Christmas. But Lord I'm asking you to come back and re-bless America , we really need you.
Thanks Lord, I love you!
The Lord says when 2 or more are gathered in My Name, there I will be also!!!
Please God..please Bless America again..
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You Shall Not Want
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
To the lost sheep, He is the seeking Shepherd;
To the needy sheep, He is the providing Shepherd;
To the hurting sheep, He is the comforting Shepherd;
To the bruised sheep, He is the healing Shepherd;
To the anxious sheep, He is the peaceful Shepherd;
To the wandering sheep, He is the guiding Shepherd;
To the fearful sheep, He is the protecting Shepherd;
To all His sheep, He is the Good Shepherd.
-Roy Lessin
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In His Hands
Today every inner need you have can be perfectly met, not because you have the supply, but because God does.
No material possession can bring you true joy;
no human relationship can fill your heart with divine love;
no circumstance can provide you with God's peace.
The kingdom He has placed within us is the kingdom of everything that is right and good and necessary.
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer
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The Measure
You are my portion, O Lord. Psalm 119:57 AMP
Let the grace of the Lord be the measure of your sufficiency; let the peace of the Lord be the measure of your quietness; let the power of the Lord be the measure of your strength; let the goodness of the Lord be the measure of your contentment; let the love of the Lord be the measure of your service; let the faithfulness of the Lord be the measure of your trust; let the beauty of the Lord be the measure of your worship; let the fullness of the Lord be the measure of your joy; let the sovereignty of the Lord be the measure of your confidence; let the promises of the Lord be the measure of your expectations; let the coming of the Lord be the measure of hope.
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God Is
16 Mar 2011
Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders? Exodus 15:11 AMP
God is all-wise and He does not pursue our advice; God is all-powerful and He does not need our aid; God is all-present and He does not seek our information. *But God is holy and He does long for our worship; God is faithful and He does ask for our trust; God is love and He does call for our obedience.
*John 4:23, Psalm 118:8, John 15:9-10
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Great Quotes
The following three quotes are from Corrie Ten Boom...
Obedience is easy when you know you are being guided by a God who never makes mistakes.
Always when I say that I am not able, I get the same answer from the Lord. He says, "I know you can't. I have known it already a long time. I am glad now you know it for yourself, for now you can let Me do it."
It had become almost second nature not to make my plans and then ask for God's signature. Rather, I had learned to wait for God's plan and then write my name on the schedule.
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Our All in All, Part 1
21 Mar 2011
Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:11 NKJV
Your bondages? Jesus breaks them. Your enemies? Jesus conquers them. Your diseases? Jesus heals them. Your transgressions? Jesus removes them. Your fears? Jesus overcomes them. Your burdens? Jesus carries them. Your sins? Jesus cleanses them. Your storms? Jesus stills them. Your sorrows? Jesus comforts them. Your pains? Jesus sooths them. Your worries? Jesus dispels them. Your longings? Jesus fulfills them. Your needs? Jesus meets them.
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Our All in All, Part 2
23 Mar 2011 07:58 AM
Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:11 NKJV
Your peace? Jesus gives it. Your purpose? Jesus defines it. Your future? Jesus holds it. Your soul? Jesus restores it. Your strength? Jesus renews it. Your life? Jesus sustains it. Your walk? Jesus directs it. Your service? Jesus anoints it. Your sufficiency? Jesus maintains it. Your fruitfulness? Jesus multiplies it. Your day? Jesus blesses it. Your hope? Jesus secures it. Your home in heaven? Jesus prepares it.
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UNTIL WE WRITE AGAIN
Today is a gift of grace; let's have a good day
Our All in All, Part 3
Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:11 NKJV
Your good? Jesus wills it. Your redemption? Jesus bought it. Your body? Jesus owns it. Your hand? Jesus holds it. Your pathway? Jesus walks it. Your destiny? Jesus secures it. Your ministry? Jesus ordains it. Your place? Jesus establishes it. Your wisdom? Jesus speaks it. Your anxiety? Jesus quiets it. Your prayer? Jesus hears it. Your worship? Jesus receives it. Your heart? Jesus knows it. Your all in all? Jesus is it!
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Prayer of Service
Jesus, use my voice to speak as You; use my ears to listen as You; use my hands to give as You; use my feet to walk as You; use my life to serve as You; use my heart to love as You.
But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out His special favor on me...it was not I but God who was working through me by His grace. 1 Corinthians 15:10 NLT
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Roy Lessin
Eucharisteo
Jesus, the God-man who came to save me from prisons of fear and guilt and depression and sadness. With an expiration of less than 12 hours, what does Jesus count as all most important?
"He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it and gave it to them." Luke 22:19
In the original language, "He gave thanks" reads "eucharisteo". The root word is "charis" meaning "grace." Jesus gave thanks, eucharisteo, for the grace, and within "eucharisteo" is also the derivative, chara --- meaning joy.
Deep joy -- chara -- is found only at the table of the euCHARisteo -- the table of thankgsgiving. So then as long as thanksgiving is possible -- Joy is always possible.
And how else do we accept His free gift of salvation if not with thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of what He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our Yes to His grace.
Charis. Grace. Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving. Chara. Joy.
A threefold cord - that might hold a life?
-Ann Voskamp
Excerpt from the New York Times Best Selling One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to LIVE FULLY Right Where You Are.
Through Ann's heart-breakingly beautiful stories, she offers a profoundly powerful guide to finding joy wherever people live. Even in the darkest moments, in the midst of everyday challenges, you can discover an ancient way of living that is deeply, fully alive. Joy really is possible. Right now.
When You Really Want To Live
When God gives you a redemptive story, He'll ask you to live its truth out over again, in a thousand different ways, even when you think you learned this way already. God intends to write His story deep into us and there is always more grace to experience. And when you picked up my book, One Thousand Gifts, and read all the vulnerable stories, I had to learn to trust all over again.
To let go all over again, to give thanks and surrender all over again, to find joy all over again, and when my knees knocked hard through interviews and I felt wild with fear, He invited me to live again the words I had written in the book: "It's impossible to give thanks and simultaneously feel fear."
As you read the story of "eucharisteo," of daring to live fully right where you are, God invited me, a broken mess, to live the dare all over again with you, to learn it again, afresh, make the words of the book take on skin again, and find joy in Him, a God we can trust. He is always good and we are always loved.
-Ann Voskamp
Read more of Ann's encouraging testimony and story behind the book One Thousand Gifts on Bloom (in)Courage Book Club.
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Roy Lessin
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Fret buster #92
Posted: 30 Mar 2011 06:38 AM PDT
Relax, throw open the windows of our stuffy little souls and let the cooling breezes of a better world sweep through! What will all our petty worries amount to fifty years from now? Rejoice in the old simplicities which no man can take away—like spring and green woods and mocking-birds. And, better still, rest our souls in the goodness of God and His amazing grace. –V. Havner
May my meditation be sweet to Him; as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104:34 AMP
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Roy Lessin
Magnify the Lord
Posted: 01 Apr 2011 06:41 AM PDT
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3 KJV
Self-righteousness, self-justification and self-sufficiency do not magnify the Lord's sacrifice, redemption, and atonement for us on the cross. It is only through brokenness, humility, and repentance that we can fully magnify who the Lord is and what He has done in our lives. For it is out of our poverty that we magnify His riches; it is out of our smallness that we magnify His greatness; it is out of our frailty that we magnify His power; it is out of our need that we magnify His fullness; it is out of our flaws that we magnify His perfection; it is out of our deficiency that we magnify His abundance; it is out of our unworthiness that we magnify His mercies; it is out of our imperfection that we magnify His beauty; it is out of our weakness that we magnify His strength; it is out of our insufficiency that we magnify His grace.
God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV
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The Measure
Let the grace of the Lord be the measure of your sufficiency;
let the peace of the Lord be the measure of your quietness;
let the power of the Lord be the measure of your strength;
let the goodness of the Lord be the measure of your contentment;
let the love of the Lord be the measure of your service;
let the faithfulness of the Lord be the measure of your trust;
let the beauty of the Lord be the measure of your worship;
let the fullness of the Lord be the measure of your joy;
let the sovereignty of the Lord be the measure of your confidence;
let the promises of the Lord be the measure of your expectations;
let the coming of the Lord be the measure of hope.
You are my portion, O Lord. Psalm 119:57 AMP
Read more encouraging messages by Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer, on Roy's blog Meet Me in the Meadow.
NEW - Connect with Roy on Facebook!
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Celebrate Passover as a Believer
The central message of Passover is REDEMPTION and there are many elements within the Passover feast that point us to Jesus.
...Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. I Corinthians 5:7
The I AM Collection was created to bring together the significance of Jewish traditions and their meaning as believers in Christ, and to give greater insights into the powerful redemptive work of Yeshua - Jesus Christ.
I am the way, the truth and the life. John 14:6
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Roy Lessin
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The Blessing of Shalom
Posted: 04 Apr 2011 10:19 AM PDT
"Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom." Judges 6:24
When we greet someone we usually say "hello" and when we leave we usually say "goodbye." It is a nice social greeting but it really has no deep or profound meaning behind it. In Israel, however, when you greet someone or say goodbye the word is "Shalom." "Shalom" is much more than a casual social greeting— it is a prayer, a blessing, a deep desire, and a benediction. It is a word that is packed with the full blessing of God. In Hebrew the word has many significant meanings throughout the Scriptures. The following blessing is a compilation of those meanings.
May you be whole in body, soul, and spirit as a result of being in harmony with God's will and purpose for your life.
May His peace be your covering, your heart know His fullness,
and by His mighty power may you know victory over every enemy.
May He bring to pass the deepest desires of your heart.
May you know the healing power of His presence,
and the restoration of every broken relationship.
Through His sufficiency, may every need that you face
be met by His limitless resources.
May His covenant promises be fulfilled in your life and in your family.
May He bring you the greatest measure of contentment,
and the deepest satisfaction that your heart can possibly know.
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He's Your God, Part 1
Posted: 06 Apr 2011 05:48 AM PDT
He's your God in the sunshine,
He's your God in the rain,
He's your God in the laughter,
He's your God in the pain.
He's your God in the springtime,
He's your God in the fall,
He's your God in the silence,
He's your God in the call.
He's your God in the quiet,
He's your God in the test,
He's your God in the battle,
He's your God in the rest.
He's your God in the heat wave,
He's your God in the chill,
He's your God in the whirlwind,
He's your God in the still.
In light time and dark time
In the valleys and peaks,
He's the God who holds you,
He's the God who keeps.
I will take you by the hand and will keep you. Isaiah 42:6 AMP
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He's Your God, Part 2
Posted: 08 Apr 2011 06:24 AM PDT
He's your God in the busy,
He's your God in the slow,
He's your God in the coming,
He's your God in the go.
He's your God in the good time,
He's your God in the tear,
He's your God in the dark cloud,
He's your God in the clear.
He's your God in the harvest,
He's your God in the drought,
He's your God in the silence,
He's your God in the shout.
He's your God in the mountain,
He's your God in the plain,
He's your God in the losing,
He's your God in the gain.
In light time and dark time
In the valleys and peaks,
He's the God who holds you,
He's the God who keeps.
I will take you by the hand and will keep you. Isaiah 42:6 AMP
Believe and Receive
Posted: 11 Apr 2011 08:30 AM PDT
If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established. Isaiah 7:9 NKJV
Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. Hebrews 1:6-7 NKJV
"Believe" is a powerful, active word. It's a word that establishes our trust and moves us to a place of commitment and action. To believe in God is to say that we completely entrust ourselves to His keeping. "Believe" is a two sided coin, on one side is "trust" on the other side is "commitment."
The result of our believing is our receiving. Believers become receivers, that is God's way. Abraham did not believe God because he was justified, but Abraham was justified because He believed God (Romans 4:3). Joy and peace come to us in believing (Romans 15:13). When Jesus spoke to Martha before He raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" Jesus said that believing is seeing, and not the other way around.
When we speak what we believe we will speak with conviction, clarity, and confidence. In 2 Corinthians 4:13 we read, "I have believed, and therefore have I spoken." That should be true of each of us. Too often we hear people speaking what they doubt rather than what they believe.
In Psalm 81 God says that if you open your mouth wide, He will fill it with the finest of wheat and with honey out of the rock. We must first open our mouths (by believing) before we can receive God's wheat and honey that will feed our spirits (picture a young bird in the nest crying out for food). You cannot doubt the Word of God and receive the nourishment He wants to give. Although reading, discussing, and studying the Word of God can be good things, our spiritual life and vitality comes to us by believing the Word of God and receiving it with a yielded, trusting heart.
Doubt draws us away from the heart of God, belief draws us near; doubt struggles, belief overcomes; doubt holds back, belief surrenders; doubt says, "I'm not sure," belief says, "I know and am persuaded."; doubt lives in the shadows, belief steps into the light; doubt blocks the flow, belief brings the overflow; doubt holds us back, belief moves us forward; doubt makes us shaky, belief puts us on solid ground; doubt leaves us as spiritual paupers, belief brings us into our spiritual riches in Christ.
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Roy Lessin
Three things to believe today:
Posted: 13 Apr 2011 06:25 AM PDT
...know Me, believe Me and remain steadfast to Me, and understand that I am He. Isaiah 43:10 AMP
1. Believe what Jesus has said. You cannot know what Jesus has said without knowing the Scriptures. His words are there for you to hear, to believe, to receive, and to obey. His words are true words, good words, living words, whole words, righteous words.
Confess: I believe Jesus' words, they are the foundation of my life.
2. Believe what God can do. Do not place any limits upon God. There is nothing too hard for the Lord, and with God nothing shall be impossible. Believe your life is in His hands and He is taking care of you.
Confess: I believe there is no limit to what God can do and I place no limits on His working in my life.
3. Believe the Holy Spirit's leading. The Holy Spirit is in you and will guide you into all truth. He will reveal to you what you need to know, where you need to be, and when you need to do what He is directing you to do. Don't lean upon your own understanding, but upon the Holy Spirit's guiding. You can always trust His guidance because He always knows what He is doing.
Confess: I believe the Holy Spirit is leading me in the right path and without mistakes.
Meet Me In The Meadow
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I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 1
Posted: 15 Apr 2011 08:55 AM PDT
I believed, and therefore have I spoken. 2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV
I believe, not just with my mind, my emotions, or my will, but with my heart. I believe to the very depths of who I am. I believe at the core of my being. What I believe is the foundation I stand upon and the rock I build upon. It is my anchor point and keeps me from drifting out to sea in the currents of unbelief.
I believe God is good:
For the LORD is good. Psalm 100:5 NKJV
I believe He is always good. He is good in easy times and hard times, in quiet times and busy times, in smooth times and rugged times. He is good on stormy days and calm days, on smooth waters and rough seas, on high mountains and in deep valleys. I believe God is good to me and He will never do anything bad.
I believe God is just:
And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. Isaiah 45:21 NKJV
I believe God will always do the right thing. I believe His judgments are always righteous. I believe He will never make a mistake, mislead, or be unfair to me in any way or at any time. I believe He corrects me because He loves me; He says "No" because He wills to say "Yes" to something greater and better for me; He convicts me of sin because He wants me to live in the beauty of His holiness.
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Roy Lessin
I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 2
18 Apr 2011
I believe God is near:
The LORD is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NLT
I believe the Lord is near me, with me, beside me, about me, above me, behind me, ahead of me, at my right hand and my left. I believe that underneath me are His everlasting arms. I believe He is closer than the closest friend, nearer than my very breath—abiding within, joined to my spirit, quickening my body, lighting my heart with His light, filling its chambers with His love.
I believe God can:
"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? Psalm 32:27 NKJV
I believe God can take care of me, will take of me, and is taking care of me. I believe He is taking good care of me. I believe He is taking care of me because He cares about me. I believe He can do what no one else can do. I believe all things are possible because nothing is impossible with the Lord. I believe nothing is too big for Him to handle and He cares about the smallest detail. I believe God can give me, by His grace, everything I need to be fully equipped to do His will and serve Him in a way that will be pleasing in His sight.
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Roy Lessin
I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 3
20 Apr 2011
I believe God will guide me:
"In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13 NIV
I believe my life is in God's hands and keeping. I believe He has a plan and purpose for my life and that He is leading me in a path that will fulfill that plan and purpose. I believe it is a good plan, a right plan, and the best plan. I believe there is not a better, higher, or wiser way for me to live or way for me to follow. I believe God knows exactly what He is doing and that He will bring things into my life at the exact time they are needed. I believe He wants me to follow Him with praise on my lips for who He is, with thanks in my heart for what He does, and with obedience in my steps for what He asks me to do.
I believe God is true:
The Lord is the true God and the God of truth (the God Who is Truth). Jeremiah 10:10 AMP
I believe God is the true God. From Him, and Him alone, comes all truth. He is true in His character and nature. He will never speak a lie or live a lie. Every word He speaks is true, every promise He makes is true, every deed He does is true. I believe He is true to me. His love is true love, His kindness is true kindness, His concern is true concern, His comfort is true comfort. I believe God is my true north, my anchor point, my certainty, my confidence. I believe I can walk with my eyes set upon Him, with my faith resting upon Him, and with my heart fixed upon Him, knowing He will not and cannot fail.
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Roy Lessin
I believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 4
21 Apr 2011
I believe the Gospel
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. Romans 1:16 NKJV
I believe the Gospel is God's message of salvation through Jesus Christ. I believe there is no greater truth to know, no greater gift to receive, no greater reason to live. The Gospel was not given to be changed, but to change me. I believe the Gospel is God's perfect, flawless, complete plan of redemption, without any need of improvement or tweaking by the mind of man.
I believe the Gospel is God's truth, God's revelation, and God's reality. The Gospel provides a salvation that brings assurance and certainty— it is clear, not confusing; direct, not vague; knowable, not guessable. It does not save partially or temporally, but wholly and to the uttermost. It is only through the Gospel that I can know forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ. I believe the Gospel solves the problem of sin, heals the pain of sin, pays the debt of sin, frees from the judgment of sin, cleanses from the stain of sin, and delivers from the power of sin.
I believe nothing else can redeem me, restore me, renew me, and transform me apart from the Gospel. Nothing else has the power to take me from darkness to light, death to life, hell to heaven, sin to righteousness, fear to peace, despair to hope, selfishness to love.
I believe the Gospel is the good news, the best news, the only news that can bring me into a right relationship and fellowship with God. Everything that is mine in Christ is mine because of the Gospel.
I believe the Gospel is Jesus—Jesus, God with us, coming to earth from heaven; Jesus living a sinless life and fully pleasing His Father; Jesus giving His life on the Cross as an atonement for sin; Jesus being buried and coming out of the grave; Jesus ascending to heaven; Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father. Jesus, soon to return, coming for His own, coming for me, coming to reign forever and forever.
I believe the Gospel is the manifestation and the demonstration of God's love for me. I believe the Gospel tells me and assures me that I am loved—not incompletely but wholly, not shallowly but deeply, not temporarily but eternally. I believe that in the cross of Christ I see thorns of love, nails of love, a spear of love, a broken heart of love. It is at the cross I hear the call of love saying, "Come unto Me."
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Roy Lessin
I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 5
25 Apr 2011 06:18 AM PDT
I believe in redemption:
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:8 KJV
I believe Jesus is my redeemer and He has redeemed me through His shed blood. His redemption means that He has bought me at a great price, the highest price that could be paid for my ransom. I believe that His ransom means that I am no longer in bondage to Satan, stuck in a horrible pit of despair, or a slave to sin.
I believe that my redemption means that I am no longer my own, and that my purpose is to serve Jesus and glorify Him, not unwillingly, but from the heart, as His bondservant. I count it a privilege to serve Him for love's sake.
I believe His ownership of my life brings me great comfort, deep peace, and overflowing joy. His ownership means that I am in His hands, in His care, in His keeping. I believe as my redeemer that He has taken full responsibility for my life because He has purchased it and I have wholly given it into His hands. I believe the hands of my Redeemer are strong hands, creative hands, caring hands, giving hands, healing hands, keeping hands. I rejoice that my life is in His hands— to do His will, to follow His plans, to gladden His heart, to bless His name.
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I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 6
27 Apr 2011
I believe God is Wise:
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. I Timothy 1:17 KJV
I believe God is wise and has all wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. I believe His wisdom is wiser than the wise, and His ways are higher than our ways. I believe His counsel is to be followed because it is wise counsel. I believe the decisions He makes for my life are made without error or lack of information. God is never misinformed or misguided.
I believe His wisdom, at all times, and in every situation, will lead me to make the right decision and to do the right thing. I believe His wisdom is good for me and best for me, and will guard me from doing anything foolish. His wisdom will always show me the way to glorify and honor Him. I believe His wisdom will direct me to make the highest choices, equip me to serve Him, and prepare me for what He has planned for my future.
I believe God is Holy:
Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool-- He is holy. Psalm 99:5
I believe God is light and in Him is no darkness. I believe God is pure light, clean light, holy light. He is pure without spot, blemish, or stain. His motives are pure, causing me to welcome His ways; His thoughts are pure, causing me to seek His mind; His will is pure, causing me to follow His steps.
I believe that the rivers that flow from His heart to mine are pure waters, free of anything that would contaminate my spirit or soul. I believe God is wholly beautiful, and beautifully holy—lovely to look upon, worthy to call upon. He is the majesty of all that is majestic, the splendor of all that is splendid. God is the grandest of all that is grand, the highest of all that is high, the mightiest of all that is mighty. In His holiness I see His magnificence, His wonder, and His glory. I believe He is truly the all-together lovely One, the One my heart can fully and freely worship.
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I Believe God Will Guide Me
In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength You will guide them to Your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13 NIV
I believe my life is in God's hands and keeping. I believe He has a plan and purpose for my life and that He is leading me in a path that will fulfill that plan and purpose. I believe it is a good plan, a right plan, and the best plan. I believe there is not a better, higher, or wiser way for me to live or way for me to follow. I believe God knows exactly what He is doing and that He will bring things into my life at the exact time they are needed. I believe He wants me to follow Him with praise on my lips for who He is, with thanks in my heart for what He does, and with obedience in my steps for what He asks me to do.
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer
Read the entire I Believe - A Confession of Faith series of posts on Roy's blog, Meet Me in the Meadow, and you can LIKE Roy's page to receive his devotions on Facebook.
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I Believe God Is Good
For the LORD is good. Psalm 100:5 NKJV
I believe He is always good. He is good in easy times and hard times, in quiet times and busy times, in smooth times and rugged times. He is good on stormy days and calm days, on smooth waters and rough seas, on high mountains and in deep valleys. I believe God is good to me and He will never do anything bad.
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer
Read the entire I Believe - A Confession of Faith series of posts on Roy's blog, Meet Me in the Meadow, and you can LIKE Roy's page to receive his devotions on Facebook.
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The Beautiful Church
We ask: How high? How wide? Long, High, Deep? This love surpasses knowledge, but we try so hard to know. We try to imagine together, though He can do immeasurably more than even that.
Church, this is you saying what is true. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen
Read the entire devotional story on (in)courage and watch the amazing Community Reading from Ephesians 1:3 - 4:32.
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Roy Lessin
I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 7
02 May 2011
I believe God is Love:
God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:8-9 NKJV
I believe God is love. I believe He loves me. Everything that is true tells me God loves me—His word tells me, He tells me, Jesus tells me, the cross tells me, the blood tells me, the Holy Spirit tells me, the great cloud of witnesses tell me, the lives of those "of whom the world was not worthy" tell me. Any voice that tells me He doesn't love me is a lying voice, any voice that tells me He loved me once but doesn't love me now is a misleading voice, any voice that tells me He loves me now but will not always love me is a deceiving voice. God's every action demonstrates His love, His every attribute confirms His love, His every attitude reveals His love.
I believe God loves me consistently, faithfully, righteously. He loves me to the height, to the breadth, and length, and depth of His being. His love sought me, wooed me, called me, welcomed me, received me, embraced me, adopted me, brought me into His family and made me His child and heir.
I believe His love assures me of His acceptance, extends to me His mercies, and covers me with His grace. The signature of His love is written all over my life— feeding me in my hunger, sustaining me in my walk, upholding me in my trials, healing me in my pain, bathing me with comfort, soothing me with oil, clothing me with kindness, protecting me in the battle, holding me in the storm, guiding me in the journey, and keeping me to the end.
I believe God's love will never fail me, never disappoint me, never let me down or let me go. In love, His hands give and correct, shape and prune, form and fill. He loves me patiently, perfectly, practically, protectively, purely. I believe His love will never give up on me, and will endure through every circumstance.
I believe God's love seeks for me what is the highest, the richest, the fullest, and the best. All that His heart desires for me can only be found in His love for me. It is only in His love that I am fulfilled, satisfied, complete, joyful, peaceful, and deeply content—no else can bring it, nothing else can give it. I believe the only way I can find my true purpose and destiny is to be lost in His love.
As a believer, the testimony of God's love for me in Christ leaves me overwhelmed—when I was unlovely, He loved me and made me new; when I was unwanted, He chose me and made me His own; when I was lost in my sin, He found me and forgave me; when I was bound and condemned, He justified me and released me from my chains; when I was unsure and confused, He placed my feet upon a rock and put a song of hope in my heart; when I was troubled and afraid, He reassured me and gave me His peace. I believe God's love for me is amazing and leaves me amazed, astounding and leaves me astounded, wonderful and leaves me in wonder, awesome and leaves me in awe!
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Roy Lessin
I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 8
04 May 2011
I believe in the cross
But far be it from me to glory [in anything or anyone] except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:14 AMP
I believe that in the cross of Jesus Christ I can know the depth and power of God's love for me. I believe the cross is God's altar where He sent His Son to be sacrificed and make atonement for my sins. I believe that on the cross, "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for (me), that (I) might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21).
I believe that in His death on the cross Jesus completely identified Himself with me and my need. He not only died for me, but He also died as me. When Jesus died, I died (Romans 6:8). When Jesus was buried, I was buried (Romans 6:4). When Jesus rose from the dead, I was raised with Him (Colossians 3:1-3). When Jesus ascended and was seated at the right hand of the Father, I was seated with Him. (Ephesians 2:6).
I believe Jesus did all this for me so that I might fully live for Him, through Him, and in Him (Galatians 2:20). I died to the law so I wouldn't be under its judgment, I died to sin so I wouldn't be under its bondage, I died to the world so I wouldn't be under its influence.
I believe the cross is my liberator and emancipator. I believe that it is through the work of the cross that I can be completely set free to live free. Through the cross—I have died to my rights, so I can live as His servant; I have died to my plans, so I walk in His will; I have died to my rebellion, so I can abide in His peace; I have died to my opinions, so I can know His truth, I have died to my selfishness, so I can walk in His love.
I believe the cross of Jesus Christ frees from everything that is wrong to everything that is right, from everything that is mixed to everything that is pure, from everything that brings death, to everything that brings life, from everything that is of the darkness to everything that is of the light, from everything that is about "me" to everything that is about "Him."
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I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 9
6 May 2011
I believe God is sufficient:
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. 2 Corinthians 2:5 NKJV
I believe God is wholly sufficient. I believe I am complete in Him, because in Him there is no lack, no want, and no deficiency. My sufficiency is not based on my personality, but His power; not on my pocket-book, but His riches; not my popularity, but His favor; not on my position, but His reign; not my performance, but His grace.
I am fully sufficient in His sufficiency—in Him, I am not partially content, but completely satisfied; not somewhat pleased but totally delighted; not temporarily happy, but eternally overjoyed. I believe God knows what's best, has what's best, gives what's best, and allows me, by His grace, to receive His best each day.
I believe that from Him are all things—He is the source, the headwaters, the spring, the foundation, the starting place of all the good, the grace, and the blessings that come into my life.
I believe that through Him are all things—He is not only the source but the resource of all I need. All things come from Him and all things are accomplished through Him. I go through the day with His supply, I serve with His strength, I give with His generosity, I endure with His grace, I touch with His compassion, I stand with His authority, I speak with His words, I embrace with His love.
I believe that to Him are all things—He is the end of all things, the reason, the motivation, and the inspiration for all I do. What I do, I do for Him; where I go, I go for Him. All that I have I lay at His feet, all that I am I place in His hands, all that I need I rest in His care. To Him be the glory, the praise, the adoration, the appreciation, and the celebration, always and forever.
:angel:
Relax your mind and humble your heart to focus on Christ. Allow God to be the only person on your mind while you read this prayer. If we can take the time to read long jokes, stories, etc., we should give the same respect to this prayer. Friends, who pray together, stay together.
Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.
Let me not whine and whimper about things over which I have no control. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.
And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak.. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..
This is my prayer.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Pass this message to 10 people except you and me (You can send it to more than 10 people if you would like).
Don't ignore and God will bless you. Know that you are already blessed by the person who sent this to you.
:angel:
May 10, 2011
Meet Me In The Meadow
Roy Lessin
I Believe (A Confession of Faith) Part 10
I believe in "The name of the Lord"
We will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7 AMP
I believe in the name of the Lord—mighty, magnificent, majestic. I believe I can call upon the name of the Lord at any time, in any circumstance, for any reason. It is a good thing, the right thing, and the wise thing to call upon the name of the Lord. There is no name like His name—no other title is so splendid, no other declaration is so honorable, no other proclamation is so glorious, no other person is so praiseworthy!
I believe I can call upon the name of the Lord in prayer and petition, in supplication and intercession, in praise and thanksgiving. I call upon His name because He hears my call and listens to my cry, because He understands and cares about my situation, because He has all power to answer and move in my behalf.
In the name of the Lord I speak with conviction, act with boldness, live with confidence, walk with clarity, and minister with authority. I believe that the name of the Lord is completely dependable and reliable—in His name I put my trust, I set up my banner, I sing my praise, I find my courage, I express my worship, I take my stand, I move forward, I overcome, I am secure.
I believe I can boldly declare and proclaim the name of the Lord—the strong, supreme, endless, limitless, unalterable, inexhaustible Lord of all.
I believe in His name "Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6). His righteousness clothes me with the robe of purity.
I believe in His name "There" (Ezekiel 48:35). He is the One who is always with me, in every moment, through every circumstance.
I believe in His name "Peace" (Judges 6:24). In Him I find my rest, my calm assurance, my shalom.
I believe in His name "Banner" (Exodus 17:15). He is my Victor, Champion, Captain, King. He is my Warrior and the victor in every battle.
I believe in His name "Will See, Will Provide" (Genesis 22:14). He is in the details of life, is before me, and supplies every need.
I believe in His name "Healer" (Exodus 15:26). He is my Physician, Comforter, my health my wholeness, and restorer.
I believe in His name "Sanctifier" (Exodus 31:13). He sets me aside for His purposes, cleanses my heart, and washes me with His word.
I believe in His name "Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). He leads me, feeds me, guides me, and will not fail me, leave me, or forsake me.
I believe in His name "Maker, Creator" (Psalm 95:6). He formed me with His hands, brought me into this world for a purpose, keeps me in His care, and is shaping me into His image.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Let God Choose
As for God, His way is perfect! Psalm 18:30
Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision. Let God guide you, it will be the right direction. Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing. Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion. Let God help you, it will be the right care. Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching. Let God prepare you, it will be the right training. Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective. Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome. Let God work in you, it will be the right result.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Let God's Will Be Done
13 May 2011
Great Quotes
A great many people are afraid of the will of God, and yet I believe that one of the sweetest lessons that we can learn in the school of Christ is the surrender of our wills to God, letting Him plan for us and rule our lives. If I know my own mind, if an angel should come from the throne of God and tell me that I could have my will done the rest of my days on earth, and that everything I wished should be carried out, or that I might refer it back to God, and let God's will be done in me and through me, I think in an instant I would say: "Let the will of God be done."
I cannot look into the future. I do not know what is going to happen tomorrow; in fact, I do not know what may happen before night; so I cannot choose for myself as well as God can choose for me, and it is much better to surrender my will to God's will.
-D.L. Moody
:angel:
May 15
Victim - or victor?
For reading & meditation: Ephesians 1:11-23
"' the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might '" (vv.19-20, RSV)
Permit me to ask you: What will the obstacles and opposition you meet do to you today? Will they make you bitter, or will they make you better? The last word is not with them, but with you. If your own concerns and interests are well and truly "dead", and you are committed to pursuing God's purposes, then the issue is not so much what your circumstances will do to you, but what you will do to your circumstances. The Christian who understands this has the power to say to life - do your worst, I have the resources to take every negative and turn it into a positive. Nothing successfully opposes the believer whose life is hidden with Christ in God. Jesus once faced great opposition in His ministry: "They were filled with madness, and began to discuss with one another what they should do to Jesus" (Luke 6:11, Weymouth). Here was opposition in its most terrifying form. What did Jesus do? Listen again to the Weymouth translation: "About that time He went out ' into the hill country to pray" (v.12). Prayer, that powerful means of communicating with God and controlling, not so much the situation as the outcome of the situation, made Jesus, not a victim, but a victor. One of the major purposes of God seems to be that of producing character in His children. Not their ease, not their happiness - except as a by-product - but their character. And how is character produced? One way it is produced is through overcoming difficulties. So don't groan at the obstacles and opposition that face you today - grow in them. They help to sharpen your character - and your wits!
Prayer:
O God, forgive me that so often I cry to You for tasks equal to my powers. Help me to pray instead for power equal to my tasks. I ask this, not for my sake, but for Yours. Amen.
For further study:
Romans 8:28-37; Revelation 1:5-6
1. What are we through Christ?
2. What should we be doing in life?
:angel:
What Your Heart Needs to Hear Now
Please add mailing@dayspring.com to your address book. View this email as a web page. I thought you all might like the email address for this message. I use DaySpring a lot for inspiration. I hope the next week or two will find you here in God's word. I am leaving in the morning and won't be posting till I get back. God willing, I WILL BE BACK! God's blessing to you. You are loved..........I love you....what is best is that God loves you more. Hugs! Judy
This Is The Day...
This is the day...
that you get to begin a new week.
This is the day...
that you're loved just as you are.
{1 John 4:18}
This is the day...
you have everything you need.
{2 Peter 1:3}
This is the day...
that victory is yours.
{Romans 8:37}
This is the day...
that God has made.
{Psalm 118:24}
There's never been one like it before and there will never be again. You're in this moment, time, place for a purpose and you've got what it takes to fulfill it.
So to say it like we do in the South...
Go get 'em, friend!
by Holley Gerth, DaySpring Writer
For more hope and encouragement, visit Heart to Heart with Holley. And to receive free devotionals for women from Holley, subscribe by e-mail.
What the Cross Really Says to Us
Am I loved?
Am I wanted?
Am I worthwhile?
And the cross answers back...
You are loved, really.
{Psalm 103:11}
You're valuable, truly.
{Matthew 10:31}
You're chosen, always.
{1 Peter 2:9}
The cross is the final answer on who we really are...
the exclamation mark at the end of God's declaration of love!
by Holley Gerth, DaySpring Writer
For more hope and encouragement, visit Heart to Heart with Holley. And to receive free devotionals for women from Holley, subscribe by e-mail.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
See Jesus
16 May 2011
Sir, we would see Jesus. John 12:21 KJV
The right focus of our faith will bring Jesus into clear view. To focus on Jesus means to be taken up with Him, to put Him at the center, to listen to what He says, and to see life from His perspective. Faith looks in the wrong direction when it focuses on us, on our problems, on others, on the world, or on the enemy.
We need to turn the eyes of our faith away from everything, anything, or anyone that distracts us from seeing Jesus. As we see Jesus, our faith will not be focused on our sins, but on the Savior; not on our failures, but on the Victor; not on our hurts, but on the Healer; not on our weaknesses, but on the Almighty One; not on our ages, but on the Lord of the Ages; not on our needs, but on the Provider; not on our anxieties, but on the Prince of Peace; not on our circumstances, but on the Shepherd; not on our problems, but on the All Sufficient One who is with you always.
My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
May thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
While lfe's dark maze I tread, and griefs around me spread, be thou my guide.
-Ray Palmer
:angel:
Did you know that when you carry "the Bible", Satan has a headache, when you open it, he collapses, when he sees you reading it, he loses his strength, AND when you stand on the Word of God, Satan can't hurt you!
:angel:
Pray this...
Prayer to see Jesus
Jesus, I want to see You, for no other face can show me the Father, and no other light can reveal His image. I want to know what it fully means to have the eyes of my heart opened to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to be in awe of Your glory. Reveal to me the grace upon Your countenance, the joy within Your spirit, and the love that moves Your heart toward mine.
Lord, I seek to move closer, to see clearer, and to be drawn nearer to You—where there are gaps in my understanding of who You are, close them; where there are blanks, fill them in; where there is a lack of clarity, bring things into sharper focus.
Jesus, I know that in You there is no lack, for I am complete in You; there is no emptiness, for I am made full in You; there is no fragmentation, for I am made whole in You. Thank You for being the image of God that I can see, the provision of God I can receive, and the light of God that I can follow.
May You find in me a faith that is growing, a trust that is building, and a love that is deepening day by day. Jesus, I wait upon You, come to me; I listen for You, speak to me; I look to You, show me; I lean on You, keep me. I thank You for being the hope of my heart, the joy of my life, and the reason why I live.
Scriptures: Revelation 4:11, John 1:3, Ephesians 1, Colossians 2:9-10, Hebrews 1, 12:2, Philippians 3:8-13
:angel:
Seeing Jesus
Great Quotes:
In his book We Would See Jesus, Roy Hession reminds us, "We do not need to itemize the Christian life; it is enough to see Jesus. Each aspect of Christian experience is made real in us just by seeing Him. He is both the Blessing we all seek and the easily accessible Way to that blessing. The Lord Jesus has come to take from us every yoke of bondage and to set us free to serve Him in the freshness and spontaneity of the Spirit, and all that by the simple sight of Him which the Holy Spirit gives to the eye of faith. It is enough to see Jesus and to go on seeing Him."
:angel:
God's Hands
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God...Psalm 123:2 NKJV
Today is in God's hands and so are you.
His hands are strong and will uphold you;
His hands are great and will enfold you;
His hands are gentle and will embrace you;
His hands are protective and will cover you;
His hands are reassuring and will quiet you;
His hands are powerful and will defend you;
His hands are parental and will train you;
His hands are masterful and will conform you;
His hands are compassionate and will care for you;
His hands are healing and will renew you;
His hands are calming and will comfort you;
His hands are giving and will bless you.
The hands that hold you will never let you down.
:angel:
God's Hands, Part 2
God's hands are creative
Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8 AMP
God's hands are redemptive
Behold, The Lord's hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save. Isaiah 59:1 AMP
God's hands are active
Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. Exodus 15:6 AMP
God's hands are supportive
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has held me up. Psalm 18:35 AMP
God's hands are directive
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 AMP
God's hands are curative
And [Jesus] reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed! And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:13 AMP
God's hands are positive
As is Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness (rightness and justice). Psalm 48:10 AMP
God's hands are effective
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly and achieves strength! The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly and achieves strength! Psalm 118:15-16 AMP
God's hands are affirmative
Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:10 AMP
God's hands are attentive
For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you! Isaiah 41:13 AMP
God's hands are sensitive
Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you. Isaiah 46:4 AMP
God's hands are protective
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28 AMP
God's hands are receptive
And He took them [the children up one by one] in His arms and [ fervently invoked a] blessing, placing His hands upon them. Mark 10:16 AMP
:angel:
Let God Choose
As for God, His way is perfect! Psalm 18:30
Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision.
Let God guide you, it will be the right direction.
Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing.
Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion.
Let God help you, it will be the right care.
Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching.
Let God prepare you, it will be the right training.
Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective.
Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome.
Let God work in you, it will be the right result.
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer
Read more encouraging devotions from Roy on his blog, Meet Me in the Meadow.
LIKE Roy's page to receive his devotions on Facebook.
A Birthday Blessing
The Lord bless you...
May He bless you with everything that is good and wonderful, with daily strength and everlasting joys
and keep you...
May He keep you safe and protect you in your goings and comings, and may you be kept for every special thing He desires to bring into your life
The Lord make His face shine upon you...
May He always smile upon you, and may His presence be your daily reward
and be gracious to you....
May you be blessed with the beauty of His grace, and may His favor be over you and upon you
the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace...
may His peace fill your life and guard your heart, and may His love keep you in all your ways. Numbers 6:24-26
:angel:
Roy Lessin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worry, only if...(part 1)
Pray this...
Patience
Fret buster #93
God's Hands, Part 3
God's Hands, Part 2
God's Hands
Seeing Jesus
Pray this...
See Jesus
Worry, only if...(part 1)
Posted: 06 Jun 2011 07:54 AM PDT
God had power, but wasn't Almighty...but He is! Exodus 6:3
God was Almighty, but wasn't good...but He is! Psalm 34:8
God had knowledge, but wasn't wise...but He is! 1 Timothy 1:17
God was just, but wasn't merciful...but He is! Psalm 103:8
God noticed, but didn't care...but He does! 1 Peter 5:7
God was present, but didn't remain...but He does! John14:16
So be at peace!
Pray this...
Posted: 03 Jun 2011 04:14 AM PDT
Prayer for patience.
Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to me. Thank You that the Holy Spirit is the source and the river of Your life being lived in me. Thank You that I can fully and confidently trust in the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, for the Holy Spirit's nature is exactly the same as Yours.
Holy Spirit, I yield to Your control. According to the Word of God that You have inspired, I acknowledge that the impatient demands of my flesh have been crucified with Christ and shall not have dominion over me. I take the control of my life out of my own hands and place it into Yours.
Spirit of God, I receive, by faith, the fruit of Your patience. I turn away from the attitude that insists things must work out according to my timetable, my plans, and my expectations. Bring me into agreement with the ways You work and Your perfect timing in my life. Produce in me a quiet heart and fill me with the fruit of joyfulness as I learn to wait upon the Lord. Work in me, Your beautiful work of righteousness.
Scriptures: John 14:16-17, John 7:38-39, Galatians 5:22,2; Colossians 1:11,3:1-3, James 5:7-8, Psalm 37:7, Romans 8:25, Romans 15:4.
Patience
Posted: 01 Jun 2011 07:28 AM PDT
Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Colossians 1:11 KJV
Patience and contentment are very closely related. While contentment frees us from murmuring and complaining, patience frees us from fretting and striving. A contented heart will bring forth thankfulness, and a patient heart will bring forth calmness. You will have a quiet heart when contentment and patience are abiding within.
Patience is the result of a life that is submitted to God's will. We become impatient when we replace God's timetable with our own. It has been said, "With God, timing is more important than time." God doesn't need to hurry up or catch up, because His timing is always perfect. When we become impatient we want to change our circumstances and make things fit into our own schedule. This can quickly open the door to anger and frustration if things don't work out the way we want them to.
Impatience is a fruit of the flesh, while patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. How do we live in patience? It does not come by following a formula or by counting to ten. Patience is produced and maintained in us when we allow the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to be in control of our lives. The patience produced by the Holy Spirit will quiet our hearts. The patience of the Holy Spirit does not produce heaviness or frustration, but joyfulness. The patience of the Holy Spirit frees us from the strife of wanting things to go our way, according to our clock and calendar.
Patience is a peaceable fruit of righteousness and is a beautiful work of the Spirit when we see it operating within us and in the lives of others. Today, let the music of the Holy Spirit sing out in your heart, "In Your time, Lord, You make all things beautiful in Your time."
Fret buster #93
Posted: 30 May 2011 04:55 AM PDT
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid. Isaiah 12:2 KJV
Believe that you are in His heart and that your interests are in His hands. Have faith in His wisdom to guide, in His love to direct, in His power to sustain, in His faithfulness to fulfill every promise that now relates to your best welfare and happiness. Only believe in God—that all things in His disposal of you and in His transactions with you are working together for your present and eternal good.
–Octavius Winslow
God's Hands, Part 3
Posted: 27 May 2011 07:36 AM PDT
What does it mean to be in God's hands? It means your life is no longer in your hands and you are in a place of His covering, control, and care. His hands brought Israel out of Egypt and divided the Red Sea (with a strong hand and an outstretched arm; Psalm 136:12), and He will keep and deliver you with those same all-powerful hands. It also means that you have found your resting place, your sure place, and your place of deepest contentment.
K. R. Hagenbach wrote, "Without murmur, uncomplaining, in His hand...." There is no room for complaint and discontent in the heart that is at rest in God's hands.
R. Cech wrote, "When we wish things to be otherwise than they are, we lose sight of the great practical parts of the life of godliness....Fall quietly into the hands of God."
Are you frustrated, anxious, troubled? Quiet yourself, you are in the hands of God. As you live in a world of so much uncertainty, discontent, and turmoil it is important to quietly reaffirm each morning that your life and times are in His hands. Every time you allow an attitude of discontent to settle into your heart, your whole disposition becomes troubled and you fail to live in God's perfect peace.
E. B. Pusey had five practical guidelines to help guard the heart against discontentment:
1. Never complain about anything, not even the weather.
2. Never picture yourself to be under a different set of circumstances than you are presently in.
3. Never compare your lot with that of another.
4. Never allow yourself to dwell on the wish that this or that had been, or were, otherwise than it was, or is.
5. Never dwell on tomorrow. Remember it is God's, and not yours.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV
God's Hands, Part 2
Posted: 25 May 2011 06:37 AM PDT
God's hands are creative
Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8 AMP
God's hands are redemptive
Behold, The Lord's hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save. Isaiah 59:1 AMP
God's hands are active
Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, shatters the enemy. Exodus 15:6 AMP
God's hands are supportive
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has held me up. Psalm 18:35 AMP
God's hands are directive
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 AMP
God's hands are curative
And [Jesus] reached out His hand and touched him, saying, I am willing; be cleansed! And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:13 AMP
God's hands are positive
As is Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness (rightness and justice). Psalm 48:10 AMP
God's hands are effective
The right hand of the Lord does valiantly and achieves strength! The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly and achieves strength! Psalm 118:15-16 AMP
God's hands are affirmative
Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:10 AMP
God's hands are attentive
For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you! Isaiah 41:13 AMP
God's hands are sensitive
Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you. Isaiah 46:4 AMP
God's hands are protective
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. John 10:28 AMP
God's hands are receptive
And He took them [the children up one by one] in His arms and [ fervently invoked a] blessing, placing His hands upon them. Mark 10:16 AMP
God's Hands
Posted: 23 May 2011 08:26 AM PDT
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God...Psalm 123:2 NKJV
Today is in God's hands and so are you.
His hands are strong and will uphold you;
His hands are great and will enfold you;
His hands are gentle and will embrace you;
His hands are protective and will cover you;
His hands are reassuring and will quiet you;
His hands are powerful and will defend you;
His hands are parental and will train you;
His hands are masterful and will conform you;
His hands are compassionate and will care for you;
His hands are healing and will renew you;
His hands are calming and will comfort you;
His hands are giving and will bless you.
The hands that hold you will never let you down.
Seeing Jesus
Posted: 20 May 2011 04:15 AM PDT
Great Quotes:
In his book We Would See Jesus, Roy Hession reminds us, "We do not need to itemize the Christian life; it is enough to see Jesus. Each aspect of Christian experience is made real in us just by seeing Him. He is both the Blessing we all seek and the easily accessible Way to that blessing. The Lord Jesus has come to take from us every yoke of bondage and to set us free to serve Him in the freshness and spontaneity of the Spirit, and all that by the simple sight of Him which the Holy Spirit gives to the eye of faith. It is enough to see Jesus and to go on seeing Him."
Pray this...
Posted: 18 May 2011 06:47 AM PDT
Prayer to see Jesus
Jesus, I want to see You, for no other face can show me the Father, and no other light can reveal His image. I want to know what it fully means to have the eyes of my heart opened to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to be in awe of Your glory. Reveal to me the grace upon Your countenance, the joy within Your spirit, and the love that moves Your heart toward mine.
Lord, I seek to move closer, to see clearer, and to be drawn nearer to You—where there are gaps in my understanding of who You are, close them; where there are blanks, fill them in; where there is a lack of clarity, bring things into sharper focus.
Jesus, I know that in You there is no lack, for I am complete in You; there is no emptiness, for I am made full in You; there is no fragmentation, for I am made whole in You. Thank You for being the image of God that I can see, the provision of God I can receive, and the light of God that I can follow.
May You find in me a faith that is growing, a trust that is building, and a love that is deepening day by day. Jesus, I wait upon You, come to me; I listen for You, speak to me; I look to You, show me; I lean on You, keep me. I thank You for being the hope of my heart, the joy of my life, and the reason why I live.
Scriptures: Revelation 4:11, John 1:3, Ephesians 1, Colossians 2:9-10, Hebrews 1, 12:2, Philippians 3:8-13
See Jesus
Posted: 16 May 2011 08:56 AM PDT
Sir, we would see Jesus. John 12:21 KJV
The right focus of our faith will bring Jesus into clear view. To focus on Jesus means to be taken up with Him, to put Him at the center, to listen to what He says, and to see life from His perspective. Faith looks in the wrong direction when it focuses on us, on our problems, on others, on the world, or on the enemy.
We need to turn the eyes of our faith away from everything, anything, or anyone that distracts us from seeing Jesus. As we see Jesus, our faith will not be focused on our sins, but on the Savior; not on our failures, but on the Victor; not on our hurts, but on the Healer; not on our weaknesses, but on the Almighty One; not on our ages, but on the Lord of the Ages; not on our needs, but on the Provider; not on our anxieties, but on the Prince of Peace; not on our circumstances, but on the Shepherd; not on our problems, but on the All Sufficient One who is with you always.
My faith looks up to thee, thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
May thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
While lfe's dark maze I tread, and griefs around me spread, be thou my guide.
-Ray Palmer
:angel:
I Love My Attorney - Be Blessed
After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end.
The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.
The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.'
He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.
I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes.
He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him.
As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."
The prosecutor rose and said,
"My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this woman belongs in hell..."
He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.
As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all.
I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?
Satan finished with a fury and said, "This woman belongs in hell, she is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward.
As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty.
I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court.
"Satan was correct in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman deserves to be punished."
Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior, so she is Mine."
My Lord continued with, "Her name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch her from Me."
"Satan still does not understand yet. This woman is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."
As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, "There is nothing else that needs to be done."
"I've done it all."
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips..
"This woman is free."
"The penalty for her has already been paid in full."
"Case dismissed."
As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I will win the next one." I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?"
Christ lovingly smiled and said,
"Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you."
~"Paid In Full"~
If you do not pass this along to 15 people immediately,absolutely nothing will happen.
Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend, (as I have done here), it will bless you both.
"Stop telling God how big your storm is.
Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!"
:angel:
Worry, only if... (part 3)
God had riches, but was not generous...but He is! 1Timothy 6:17
God gave the law, but did not give grace...but He does! Romans 5:20
God was a Redeemer, but didn't claim you as His own...but He does! Isaiah 43:1
God began a good work in you, but won't finish it...but He will! Philippians 1:6
God fought your battle, but couldn't bring relief...but He can! Psalm 55:18
God called you to serve Him, but didn't equip you...but He has! Hebrews 13:21
So be at peace!
:angel:
I believe...
I believe today will be a good day because God made it.
{Psalm 118:24}
I believe I have all I need to accomplish His purpose in my life.
{2 Peter 1:3}
I believe nothing is too difficult for me because nothing is impossible for the God who lives in me.
{Philippians 4:13}
I believe even the biggest challenges in my life can be redeemed for my good and His glory.
{Romans 8:28}
I believe I am loved just as I am and called to become even more like Jesus every day.
{Hebrews 10:14}
I believe that He isn't finished with me yet and is able to complete the good work begun in me.
{Philippians 1:6}
I believe I am an overcomer, more than a conqueror, and nothing will keep God from carrying out His plans!
{Romans 8:32-39}
Can I get an "amen" or a "yoo-hoo"?
--Holley Gerth
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For such a time as this...
You're here, now, in this moment, and it will never come again.
For such a time as this...
You're changing diapers, tying the shoelaces of the future, growing the seeds of strong faith.
For such a time as this...
You're working in that office, speaking up in that meeting, doing what you do with excellence.
For such a time as this...
You're reaching out a helping hand, taking time to listen, brightening someone's day.
For such a time as this...
You are wherever you are, doing whatever you do, and it matters more than you know.
So keep it up, friend.
You really are making a difference.
--Holley Gerth
To receive free devotionals for women from Heart to Heart with Holley subscribe by e-mail.
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Encourage someone else's heart by sending a copy of Holley book, Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times, to someone in need in Joplin, Missouri where a tornado recently destroyed much of the town and over 100 people lost their lives.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
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5 Important Questions About God's Will
If God isn't leading you to a certain place, why go there?
If God hasn't asked you to do a certain task, why perform it?
If God hasn't directed you to speak something, why declare it?
If God wouldn't be pleased with your choice, why choose it?
If "for His glory" is the right reason, why do something for the wrong reason?
Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12 NLT
:angel:
Roy Lessin
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5 More Important Questions About God's Will
If "for love's sake" is the right motivation, why do something with a wrong motive?
If what you're seeking is moving you away from God's heart, why pursue it?
If the outcome is not God's best, why settle for it?
If God has told you to wait, why push forward?
If God has told you to go, why hold back?
Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12 NLT
:angel:
Meet Me in the Meadow
Roy Lessin
Great Quote About God's Will:
In His Will
First, He brought me here; it is by His will I am in this strait place; in that fact I will rest.
I am here—BY GOD'S APPOINTMENT
Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.
I am here—IN HIS KEEPING
Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
I am here—UNDER HIS TRAINING
Last, in His good time, He can bring me out again—how and when He knows.
I am here—FOR HIS TIME
-Andrew Murray
:angel:
5 Heartfelt Responses Concerning God's Will
(If God isn't leading you to a certain place, why go there?)
Lord, I am following You. I will not run around in circles trying to find my own way. I place my feet in Your footsteps. I take the place that You have prepared for me. I will faithfully remain where You have placed me until You make it clear it is time to move on.
(If God hasn't asked you to do a certain task, why perform it?)
Lord, I will only carry what You ask me to lift. I lay down my agenda and my ideas of what I think needs to be done. I say "no" to all stress and striving and "yes" to the peace that comes from obeying what You are asking me to do.
(If God hasn't directed you to speak something, why declare it?)
Lord, put Your words in my mouth. I want to speak words that are fitting for the moment—the right word, the true word, the edifying word, the anointed word, the word in due season—the word from Your heart to others.
(If God wouldn't be pleased with your choice, why choose it?)
Lord, I choose those things that will bring a smile to Your face. My greatest pleasure is to please You.
(If "for His glory" is the right reason, why do something for the wrong reason?)
Lord, I love Your righteousness. I want to live right, think right, and act right. I want my motivation to be for Your sake, and my attitudes to be a reflection of who You are. May others want to know You more because of what they see of Your life in me.
May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified and become more glorious through and in you. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 AMP
:angel:
Roy Lessin
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5 More Heartfelt Responses Concerning God's Will
(If "for love's sake" is the right motivation, why do something with a wrong motive?)
Lord, my heart cries out in a love response to You. I can't think of anything higher or greater than responding to Your will for love's sake. May Your love move me on, compel me to reach out to others, and to seek Your heart more and more.
(If what you're seeking is moving you away from God's heart, why pursue it?)
Lord, I turn my back to all that would turn me away from You. I come to You, I run to You, I press in to know You more and to lay hold of the purpose of why You laid hold of me.
(If the outcome is not God's best, why settle for it?)
Lord, I refuse to be content with a life that is run-of-the-mill, mediocre, or second-rate. I choose the best that love has to give—I choose You. I choose Your will. I choose Your best. I choose Your glory. I will continue in the race that You have set before me and run it with all my heart.
(If God has told you to wait, why push forward?)
Lord, I lay down my pushiness, my desire to control and manipulate people and circumstances in order to have things turn out the way I want them to. I wait upon You who does all things well. I wait on Your time, I wait on Your way, I wait on Your outcome.
(If God has told you to go, why hold back?)
Lord, where You send me I will go—thankfully, wholly, speedily, contentedly, peacefully, joyfully, lovingly.
Let love be your greatest aim. 1 Corinthians 14:1 TLB
Meet Me in the Meadow
I Have Chosen:
The best over the acceptable, the right over the popular, the true over the questionable, the light over the shadowed, the extraordinary over the mediocre, the eternal over the momentary, the pure over the tainted, Jesus over all!
Choose today whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15 NLT
:angel:
Since
Since Jesus is the way, shouldn't He be followed?
Since Jesus is the truth, shouldn't He be believed?
Since Jesus is the life, shouldn't He be enjoyed?
Since Jesus is wise, shouldn't He be consulted?
Since Jesus is God, shouldn't He be worshiped?
Since Jesus is King, shouldn't He be obeyed?
Since Jesus is Lord, shouldn't He have the final say?
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:17 KJV
:angel:
Six Bluebirds
Todays posting is by Bonnie Jensen. She is a senior writer for DaySpring. I hope her devotional will be a blessing and an ecouragement to you.
God is in ordinary life. He meets us here with extraordinary grace.
I want to see God. I need to see Him. I've seen Him in pink and orange sunsets and foamy, crashing waves. But a long time ago, I asked Him for something more personal: a just-for-me glimpse of His omnipresence in my life. He, more than anyone else, understands what we love and appreciate as unique souls in this world. He wired us, put us together with specific passions, and designed us for divine purposes.
I love the Eastern Bluebird, so for me, this vibrantly colored feathered friend became my 'glimpse'—
a smile, an assurance, a sweet reminder that our extraordinary God breathes life into the ordinary, sometimes difficult days. But they are an elusive, if not impossible sight in the urban setting I now call home. Circumstances have brought me to a place where bluebirds don't settle, and rarely, if ever, visit.
In really tough times, many days can feel void of God's presence. We can be 'forgetful' of the subtle yet very personal gifts and glimpses God has given us in the past. And it was a cold day, with winter on the ground, when I found myself guilty of forgetting...the bluebird flitting in front of my car, seemingly out of nowhere (God is thinking of me)...the bluebird on a fence post, his colors blurred through tear-filled eyes (God is here). But God decided in His beautiful and overwhelming grace to send a reminder. Outside my office window, on the branch of a barren tree, I saw blue. I stood up, still not believing. That's when I spotted another bluebird in the brush behind the tree—and nearby, four more.
This is our God. Not a single bluebird, but six. In the middle of winter came an impossible gift from a personal God...and He multiplied it by the pain of the season I was in. Through tears mixed with humility and joy, I knew what God was saying—this is the measure of things to come. I am with you, close to your broken heart, in touch with your shattered soul.
You are never alone. You are never ignored. God is paying close attention to everything that concerns you...the sad, the happy, and every moment in between. Today there are glimpses of His love sent just for you—and I hope you see every one of them.
Bonnie Jensen
:angel:
Roy Lessin
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Who do men say that I am? Luke 9:18
Jesus Is Neither...
Ancient, modern, or post-modern—He is Eternal.
Liberal, conservative, or orthodox—He is the Truth.
Conventional, legalistic, or traditional—He is Holy.
Denominational, non-denominational, or inter-denominational—He is the Head of the Church.
Entertaining, amusing, or diverting—He is Fullness of Joy.
Republican, Democrat, or Libertarian—He is King of kings and Lord of lords.
One of many ways to God, the best way to God, or the Western way to God—He is the only Way to God, no one comes to the Father except through Him.
:angel:
According to Lisa Hammond and BJ Gallagher, the "Golden Rule for Women" should be this:
"We need to do unto ourselves as we do unto others."
My wife is a convert! She has endorsed their new "Golden Rule" and she loves their new book, Oil for Your Lamp...Women Taking Care of Themselves. In fact, she said, "Of all the Simple Truth's books (70 total), this is my favorite!"
Today, I'd like to share the Introduction for a great new book. If you're a woman, it will speak to your soul. Enjoy!
From Oil for Your Lamp...Women Taking Care of Themselves
by Lisa Hammond & BJ Gallagher
Virtually every woman we know has the same problem - she knows what's good for her, but she often doesn't do it. She knows she should eat less and exercise more, but still she doesn't make healthy choices. She knows she needs to spend her time and money more effectively, but good time and money management elude her. She finds herself always putting others first, while neglecting her own needs and wants. She doesn't get enough rest or sleep and her endless to-do list hangs overhead like the sword of Damocles. As our friend Brenda Knight laments frequently, "Why am I always riding in the back of my own bus?"
We don't do the things we know are good for us because we are so busy taking care of others that we neglect ourselves. The problem isn't lack of information - we have plenty of information about the importance of sleep, healthy foods, and exercise. The problem is how we prioritize our lives.
Psychologists tell us that some people are inner-directed and some are other-directed. That is, some people focus on their own internal guidance system for making choices about how to spend their time and energy. Their own self-interest ranks very high on their list of priorities. "What's best for me?" is a key guiding principle in determining where they focus their attention and how they make day-to-day decisions.
And some people are other-directed, which means that their primary focus is external, not internal. They are primarily concerned with relationships, especially people they care about. "How can I help others?" is a key question in how they spend their time and energy. Building and nurturing relationships with loved ones, family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers is the guiding principle in their lives.
Research indicates that, in general, men tend to be more inner-directed, while women tend to be more other-directed. There are exceptions, of course, but as a group, men are focused on themselves while women are focused on other people. Men like to build things while women like to build relationships.
This difference in psychological orientation goes a long way toward helping us understand why we women often do such a poor job of taking care of ourselves. We run around filling others' lamps with oil, but forget to fill our own lamps first. Then we wonder why we're often exhausted, frazzled, stressed-out, anxious and/or depressed!
Awareness is the first step toward solving a problem. So the first section of this book is devoted to helping us acknowledge the problem and understand the reasons for it. Chapter 1 looks at how girls are socialized, growing up to be women who put others first. Chapter 2 examines the values women have adopted in the past 50 years, beginning with the feminist movement - leading us to believe that we can have it all - all at once. And Chapter 3 explores the corresponding myth that we can DO it all.
But don't be discouraged. Help is on the way - in Section II, we'll get into solutions for the problem. We'll learn the value of doing nothing, how to play again, how to become more inner-directed, and most important, how to ask for help.
Lisa and BJ are two of the most talented writers I know. Together, they've written over 30 books. In Oil for Your Lamp, their stories and their humor will create many "a-ha" moments to reinforce their "Golden Rule" message in an unforgettable way.
(Friends, this is a clip from a devotional I get and altho I am not going to make a habit of putting this on the forum, I like todays and plan on finding the book and reading it. Here is the name of the site and you will find lots of inspiring info on this message.)
Judy
Beliefnet.com
:angel:
Fret buster #94
Posted: 04 Jul 2011 06:24 AM PDT
How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none. Eternal years lie in His heart. For Him time does not pass, it remains; God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. To know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.
A. W. Tozer
:angel:
There is...
06 Jul 2011
For every hectic work day there is a quiet rest...
For every painful experience there is a healing touch...
For every negative feeling there is an abiding joy...
For every disappointment there is a certain hope...
For every turbulent storm there is a sure foundation...
For every doubting thought there is a calm assurance...
For every hurtful action there is a forgiving love.
In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37
:angel:
Sure wish there was a <like> button for what you post, Judy...Thank you!! :)
Benediction
08 Jul 2011
May you receive from the Lord Jesus Christ, who is mighty and abundant in you, every blessing, every kindness, and every provision of life to be abundantly joyful, exceedingly peaceful, extremely hopeful, and overwhelmingly grateful for His abounding grace and favor toward you.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21 NKJV
:angel:
Roy Lessin
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Holy Promises
11 Jul 2011
No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. I have sworn an oath to David, and in my holiness I cannot lie. Psalm 89:34-35 NLT
Octavius Winslow wrote wonderful thoughts about the holiness of God. He says, "To conceive of a God infinite in essence, divine in majesty, almighty in power, wise in counsel, and eternal in duration, and yet destitute of holiness...would be to imagine an infinite monster."
I share the following, inspired by his thoughts of Psalm 89:
The promises that we find in the Scriptures have been spoken to us by God. They are His words to us. Can they be fully believed and fully trusted? The answer for us is "yes" because of the character of the one who spoke them.
There is one perfect word that tells us everything we need to know about God's character and that word is "holy!" The holiness of God is your greatest comfort, confidence, and assurance as a believer. The loudest sound of heaven is "holy is the Lord" and it should also be the loudest proclamation of your faith.
When God made a promise to King David, God wanted to assure him that His promise was not a lie. To do so, God tied His promise to His holiness. God is all-powerful, but it is not His power that defines His character; God is all-knowing, but it is not His knowledge that defines His character; God is all-present, but it is not His presence that defines His character. God's character is defined by His holiness.
The Scriptures declare that God is holy—they do not say that He was once holy, that He will one day be holy, or that He is presently in the process of becoming holy. God is eternally holy. God cannot ever lie because He is eternally holy. Whatever God does or says must be an expression and an extension of who He is. He cannot and will not deny Himself. It is impossible for God to lie because His holiness will not allow it.
We know God is love, but what makes His love so beautiful and so appealing is that His love is holy love. God loves you today with a holy love; that is why you can rest in His love. Everything about His love for you is good and right because it is holy love. There is not a drop of corruption, not a taint of evil, and not a stain of impurity in God's holy love. When God says He loves you, it is not a lie. It is only God who can love you with a holy love, and it is only God who can speak to you with holy promises.
Is there a promise you hear Him speaking to your heart today? You can trust that promise because the one who speaks it to you is holy.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Cruise Control, Part 1
I like having a car with cruise control. It's a great benefit to the driving experience and provides a good object lesson for our spiritual walk.
Cruise control locks you into a more relaxing way to drive. Once you know the speed limit and set the cruise control to that speed, you can make your journey with peace of mind, knowing you are driving in harmony with the law. This frees you from the panic of having to hit the brakes every time you see a police car nearby.
In order to be fully relaxed and happy while in cruise control you need to be inwardly in agreement with the speed you are traveling. It is not a restful thing if you have set your cruise for 65 miles an hour, but you are inwardly wishing you could go 85.
Cruise control in our cars can help us understand what sanctification means in our spiritual lives. Through sanctification we not only do what is pleasing to the Lord outwardly, but inwardly as well. This is what it means to do God's will from the heart. Sanctification brings our inward life and outward life into complete harmony, and this harmony produces the rest we need as we follow the Lord.
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3
:angel:
Cruise Control, Part 2
15 Jul 2011
Cruise control is not called "snooze control." Cruise control means your car is moving under the control of the cruise setting, but you still need to drive with care, pay attention to what others are doing around you, and know when to hit the brakes if you sense there is danger ahead or you are being warned to stop.
In a similar way, being sanctified and at rest in the Spirit also means that we stay alert to what is happening around us, and are prepared to slow down or stop when the Spirit warns us of danger ahead.
A spiritual cruise control system (sanctification) does not come to us naturally. God must do it for you and work in you. It is His will to sanctify you and He will do the work as you yield to Him. Jesus has promised you that if you take His yoke upon you and learn of Him, you will find rest for your soul.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 KJV
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Who is against you?
18 Jul 2011
God is not.
Jesus is not.
The Holy Spirit is not.
The angels are not.
Those who are for you are greater than any foe that is against you. Nothing and no one can prevail, defeat, conquer, or overcome those who are for you, and they who are for you have the final authority and the final say over everything that concerns you.
If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Treasure
20 Jul 2011
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
You may not have a lot of money, but you have incredible wealth. You may not have an abundance of things, but you possess more than you could ever ask or think. God has placed within you the greatest treasure anyone can ever possess—it is the life of Jesus Christ. You have, living within you, the beauty of His holiness, the kindness of His grace, the freedom of His truth, the compassion of His mercy, the greatness of His power, and the riches of His love. He has freely lavished upon you a treasure house of blessings that you can freely give away to others.
:angel:
When You Need to be Strong
I look at the days ahead and wonder what they hold.
Don't we all?
And then these words make their way to my heart:
"Go in the strength you have...am I not sending you?"
Judges 6:14
We don't have to...
wait to overcome our weaknesses,
complete the ten point improvement plan,
figure everything out.
The strength we already have is all the strength we need.
Because we have a limitless God within us who loves us.
As is.
And He promises to stick by us.
All the way.
-Holley Gerth
For more devotionals from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and subscribe by e-mail.
When You Need Someone to Notice
My family has a favorite phrase: "We'll see..."
We add it at the end of stories. Grab onto it to describe the future. Toss it into the middle of decisions.
It works pretty well.
And yet lately I've found myself wondering what it might mean to add more to the end of that phrase - to not simply stop at "We'll see."
What if I finished the sentence?
We'll see...God come through in amazing ways.
We'll see...how He'll work all of this out.
We'll see...His goodness in the middle of the happy and hard places.
Yes, He knows all our circumstances, every hair on our heads, every care in our hearts.
He'll see...always has, always will (that includes today too).
And somehow that's enough to make me close my eyes and smile for awhile.
-Holley Gerth
For more devotionals from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and subscribe by e-mail.
:angel:
July 23, 2011
Roy Lessin
Fret buster # 95
The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads...and when they stood still, they let down their wings. A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings. Ezekiel 1:22-25
"Flapping wings" is a picture of activity. It can be good activity; it can even be activity in the Lord's work. However, we all need those times when we quiet ourselves before the Lord. "Letting down our wings" means quieting ourselves and being still before the Lord to hear His voice. It is a good thing to be still and know that He is God.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Fret buster # 96
25 Jul 2011
In my attempts to promote the comfort of my family, the quiet of my spirit has been disturbed...there is never any need to sin. Another thing I have suffered loss from—entering into the business of the day without seeking to have my spirit quieted and directed. So many things press upon me, this is sometimes neglected; shame on me that it should be so. – Elizabeth T. King 1856
If people about you are carrying on their business or their benevolence at a pace which drains the life out of you, resolutely take a slower pace; be called a laggard, make less money, accomplish less work than they, but be what you were meant to be and can be...you are fit to do certain kinds of work, and you need a certain kind and amount of fuel, and a certain kind of handling. –George S. Merriam
In your occupations, try to possess your soul in peace. –Madame Guyon
:angel:
Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 1
27 Jul 2011
There are many "RE" words that are packed with hope and encouragement. The word REpurpose is often used today to remind us that many things once discarded, considered useless, and put aside for the trash heap, can be brought back, become useful once again, have value, and take on new meaning.
In the Scriptures we find some wonderful "RE" words that can keep hope and encouragement alive and thriving in our hearts.
REdeem:
Redeem means to be bought back, delivered, ransomed, or purchased. As our Redeemer, God has purchased our freedom in Christ from the slave market of sin, delivered us from Satan's power, and made us His own possession. We have been redeemed from a useless life to a fruitful life; from a life of bondage to a life of freedom; from a life of guilt, condemnation, and judgment to a life of forgiveness, justification, and peace.
I am the LORD...I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments. Exodus 6:6
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 2
29 Jul 2011
REgeneration:
REgeneration is not about reforming a life, but transforming it. REgeneration brings to the heart something that was never there before. Through REgeneration, God makes all things new—new life, new hope, new heart, new goals, new purpose, new love. In REgeneration, the life of God, through the person of the Holy Spirit, enters within you, bringing about a new birth. The life of the Spirit takes you from where you never could be, and brings you into all God created you to be— turning your darkness into light, your emptiness into completeness, your spiritual death into spiritual life.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration. Titus 3:5 NKJV
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 3
01 Aug 2011
REstore:
Restore means that God brings back and gives to us again what was once taken from us or lost to us. God assures us that what was lost can be found, what has ended can begin again, and what is no longer seen can be brought back into view. He can restore a broken relationship, lost health, a lost blessing, a broken heart, a former ministry, or a stolen joy.
I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten. Joel 2:25
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12
For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,' says the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 4
03 Aug 2011
REvive:
Revive means that God brings to life the things that seem to have died. He quickens what is on its last breath and He strengthens what is on its last legs. In our brokenness He makes us whole. He takes the barren places in our lives and brings a new harvest, He takes the dry places in our hearts and turns them into flowing rivers, He takes the empty places in our souls and fills them to the full.
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15
Revive me according to Your lovingkindness. Psalm 119:88
Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake! For Your righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble. Psalm 143:11
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 5
05 Aug 2011 06:48
REnew:
When God renews us He brings about change—new life, new strength, new growth, new fruitfulness. God's life springs up within us like the sprouting grain in springtime, making the winter season of the heart productive once again.
His REnewing lifts us up to new heights, carries us over all barriers, and causes us to behold things we've never seen before.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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mailing@dayspring.com
Day Spring
Bold Scripture & Truth
I am not ashamed of the gospel,
because it is the power of God
for the salvation of everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16
GOD RECYCLES.
He made you out of dust.
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
Share Christ with those around you, and equip youth to share in schools, with these messages featured on Back to School Supplies. Look for them at Walmart and select Christian Stores.
God's Love & My Heart
I know where loves come from-
John 3:16
He has my heart-
Psalm 139:12
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Share Christ with those around you, and equip youth to share in schools, with these messages featured on Back to School Supplies. Look for them at Walmart and select Christian Stores.
Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 6
Posted: 08 Aug 2011
REfresh:
This word gives us great delight! It brings to mind a cool drink on a hot day, or the protective shade of an oak from the midday sun. Sin brings us into the dry, barren place, but refreshing comes when we turn back to the Lord and experience the delightfulness and utter joy of His presence.
The Lord's refreshing also comes to us in our labor and in our service—bringing us rest, lifting our burden, refocusing our vision, invigorating our zeal, clarifying our purpose, quickening our step, and gladdening our hearts as we walk with Him.
Therefore repent and turn back, that your sins may be wiped out so that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
MAY THE Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high [and defend you]; Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh, and strengthen you. Psalm 20:1-2
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 7
10 Aug 2011
REpentance:
Repentance is one of the best words we can hear when we are going in the wrong direction. Repentance means a change of mind which results in a change of direction. Suppose you are in the desert and in desperate need of water. You are walking west, but unknown to you, there is an oasis to the east. The best thing that can happen is to have someone tell you to stop going west, turn around, and head east.
I was once on a highway traveling toward a specific destination. Somehow, without realizing it, I got on the wrong road. I sincerely thought I was moving in the right direction until I came upon a sign that told me I was traveling to a place I didn't want to go. That sign was good news and helped me understand I needed to stop and turn around.
When should we repent? We need to repent anytime our thoughts, our attitudes, or our actions are moving us on a pathway of sin and away from the heart of God. God tells us to repent because He wants us to come back to Him; to walk in His Spirit; to drink of His living water; to come out of the cloud of confusion and back into the clarity of His peace; to make straight paths for our feet. Repentance is the pathway back to the Father's arms, to the robe of righteousness, to the ring of authority, to the sandals of peace, and to the feast of joy.
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT
Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4 NLT
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 8
13 Aug 2011
REceive:
We know that God is not willing that any should perish, but the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ only comes to those who receive Him.
As believers, the psalmist tells us to bless the Lord and not forget all His benefits. God has blessed us with so much, and gives to us over and over again—exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think. God is the generous giver and we are to be the thankful receivers.
How do we receive from God? We receive by faith. Through faith, we take and make our own what God has freely given to us.
In weakness we receive His strength; in conflict we receive His peace; in pain we receive His healing; in uncertainty we receive His guidance; in sorrow we receive His comfort; in heaviness we receive His joy.
In your need, receive His provision. Pray this simple prayer of faith, "Father, in my need today, I receive Your________________________."
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. 1 John 1:12
What do you have that you did not receive? I Corinthians 4:7
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Wonderfully Made
Where something is made matters to us. Look at the tag on most any product and you'll likely see a line like these imprinted on it:
MADE IN CHINA
MADE IN MEXICO
MADE IN AMERICA
And if you could see the line imprinted on your heart,
it would read, MADE IN HEAVEN.
The word made usually conjures up visions of factories and impersonal production lines, but the way heaven creates is entirely different. Every part of you was carefully and intricately crafted by God. Of course, that creation was carried out physically in your mother's womb, but the idea of you started in the heart of heaven itself and He declared it was good....
God longs for His children to embrace the worth and value He's given them and then use it to bless others.
When we know who we are and whose we are, we're free to love, live with joy, and make a difference in the world.
-Holley Gerth
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Created with Love
You're formed by God's hands,
dreamed up in His heart,
and placed in this world for a purpose.
There's no one else like you...
You're one of a kind, irreplaceable.
God has given you everything you need
and created you just as you need to be
to make a difference
in your own wonderful way.
So go for it, friend.
The world is waiting
and heaven is cheering you on.
--Excerpts from the new book God's Heart for You by Holley Gerth
What's your word? "In God's heart I am...(ex: wonderfully made, loved, enough)"
Watch the video above and visit www.InGodsHeart.com to find out more.
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 9
15 Aug 2011
REconciled:
What a wonderful word this is! I experienced the reality of it at the age of 19 when I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. At that time, I had never been to church, didn't understand the Scriptures, and had no idea that the term "reconciled" was in the Bible. However, when I had finished praying, I knew for the first time that my relationship with God was all right and nothing stood between us. My experience was evidence that God had reconciled me to Himself through the death of His Son. I received His mercy. My rebellion against Him was over.
To be reconciled means that a barrier in a broken relationship has been removed; that communication has been established; that a foe has become an ally; that an enemy has become a friend. Through reconciliation, condemnation is exchanged for communion; conflict for agreement; separation for union; hostility for fellowship; enmity for peace. How glorious it is for us to come out of alienation from God, and by His grace, be brought into unity and harmony with Him.
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NKJV
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 10
17 Aug 2011
REsist:
This word is a powerful weapon for victory in our warfare against the enemy. It means to take a firm stand against what the enemy wants to do. It is important for us to know that the Devil can be resisted. We do not have to be deceived by his lies or overcome by his temptations.
The voice of the tempter may say, "Do it now!" "Get it now!" "Be it now!" To resist him means to say "no" to his will and ways, and to say "yes" to God's will and ways. You can let your faith rise up and declare, "I will wait on God's time." "I will do it God's way." "I will take my God given place and be what He wants me to be."
When we resist the tempter we can also declare our devotion to God by saying, "Father, I love You too much to do something that would be displeasing to You."
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NKJV
Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor's] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 AMP
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Archangel Saint Raphael , medicine of God. Please watchover our friend Judy and intervene on her behalf. Amen
David
Judy we are praying for you.
"RE" Words, Part 11
19 Aug 2011
In today's posting I would like to share two comments I received from the "RE" series. One is from Lynette Morgan and the other is from Deborah Wolf. Lynette had formed her own list of "RE" words from Scripture and passed them along. Deborah is a song writer and had written a song with a focus on the "RE" words of Scripture.
We have been:
Re-born
Reclaimed
Reconciled
Redeemed
Re-established
Regenerated
Re-instated
Released
Renewed
Rescued
Restored
Ransomed (not a RE word, but too good to leave off the list)
All to establish an everlasting Right Relationship between God and us, and us and other people (the two great commandments, Mark 12:29-31) the perfect Right Relationship is seen in the Trinity. –Lynette Morgan
LET US REJOICE/OUR GOD REIGNS
Verse 1
Let us Rejoice in Remembering the Redemption on the cross
And the King who Rescued us from despair
Let us Rejoice in Relationship for we are saved, not lost
Because of the blood of Jesus, we were spared
Chorus
Our God Reigns
Over death and destruction
He is Ruler, He is Refuge, He is Real
Our God Reigns
Over debt and depression
And His Resurrected life Reveals.....
That Our God Reigns
(2nd Chorus add Let us Rejoice for Our God Reigns)
Verse 2
So Let us Rejoice in Restoration and the Renewing of our minds
For the Lord has Reclaimed us from defeat
Let us Rejoice in Repentance and the Refreshment that we find
For His work on the cross was complete
Repeat Chorus
Verse 3
Let us Rejoice when we Respond, and Receive the Reward of life
And Rest in knowing we're Rectified
And as we Resolve to Reflect the Remarkable Jesus Christ
May the Re-Word Rekindle...the fire of Revival
Tag
May it lift our hearts in praise as we Rejoice
Our God Reigns so we...Rejoice
© 2010 Praiseworthy Publishing, Deborah Wolf
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Jesus Calling
I want you to experience the riches of your salvation: the Joy of being loved constantly and perfectly. You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong.
Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, redirect it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My rigtheousness, radiant in My perfect Love.
Ephesians 2:7-8; Hebrews 3:1; Psalm 34:5
- Excerpt from the devotion for July 13th from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, now available as both a devotional book and 365 day perpetual DayBrightener calendar.
Share words of Hope & Encouragement with us and others on Facebook.
Encouraging testimonies and prayer requests are always welcome!
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Roy Lessin
"RE" Words, Part 12
22 Aug 2011
REmember:
REmember, you are the Lord's. He is your Redeemer and the One who has placed His life within you. Remember His mercies that have been extended to you and the kindness that has been shown to you.
Live in hope and with the full assurance of faith that He who has been faithful to you, will be faithful still. Take courage: Remember, all is not lost, He will restore; all is not dead, He will revive; all is not unchangeable, He will renew; all is not dry, He will refresh...and remember, He will never forget about you.
Remember that you were once slaves in Egypt, but the Lord your God brought you out with his strong hand and powerful arm. Deuteronomy 5:15
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips: When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night watches. Psalm 63:5
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Psalm 103:2
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for everyone! Enjoy.
"Wait to Worry"
From Attitude is Everything
by Vicki Hitzges
I used to worry. A lot. The more I fretted, the more proficient I became at it. Anxiety begets anxiety. I even worried that I worried too much! Ulcers might develop. My health could fail. My finances could deplete to pay the hospital bills.
A comedian once said, "I tried to drown my worries with gin, but my worries are equipped with flotation devices." While not a drinker, I certainly could identify! My worries could swim, jump and pole vault!
To get some perspective, I visited a well known, Dallas businessman, Fred Smith. Fred mentored such luminaries as motivational whiz Zig Ziglar, business guru Ken Blanchard and leadership expert John Maxwell. Fred listened as I poured out my concerns and then said, "Vicki, you need to learn to wait to worry."
As the words sank in, I asked Fred if he ever spent time fretting. (I was quite certain he wouldn't admit it if he did. He was pretty full of testosterone-even at age 90.) To my surprise, he confessed that in years gone by he had been a top-notch worrier!
"I decided that I would wait to worry!" he explained. "I decided that I'd wait until I actually had a reason to worry-something that was happening, not just something that might happen-before I worried.
"When I'm tempted to get alarmed," he confided, "I tell myself, 'Fred, you've got to wait to worry! Until you know differently, don't worry.' And I don't. Waiting to worry helps me develop the habit of not worrying and that helps me not be tempted to worry."
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RE" Words, Part 13
24 Aug 2011
REign:
To reign is to rule, to have authority over, and to be triumphant. To reign is to be the head and not the tail; to control and not be conquered; to prevail and not be overcome.
In an amazing way, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we who have received Him, have received from Him, a royal place, and a kingly reign. We will not only reign with Him when He comes (Revelation 5:10), but we reign with Him now, in this life, as we await His coming.
To reign in life does not mean that we must rule a country or be "the boss." It means that we reign triumphant over sin and all unloveliness of heart and soul. We reign in righteousness, we reign in peace, we reign in joy, and we reign in love. We reign in life because the kingdom of God, and the King of the kingdom, reign in us.
...those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 NKJV
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"RE" Words, Part 14
26 Aug 2011
REst:
No list of "RE" words would be complete without the word "Rest." This is a word unique to the Gospel. Jesus said, "Come unto Me" because He is the only one who can give rest for our souls. There is no rest to be found outside of Him, only works, strife, and restlessness.
Rest is the putting down of our burdens and picking up God's peace in its place. We can rest in the Lord because He has carried our burdens. We can rest from our works because He has provided us with salvation through His Son and brought us redemption through the free gift of His grace.
Our rest is a rest of faith. Works (our efforts to save ourselves or keep ourselves) make us weary. Works wear us out; rest brings refreshment. Works bring strain; rest brings ease. Works bring tumult; rest brings quietness. Works bring worry; rest brings peace.
For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: Isaiah 30:15
For we which have believed do enter into rest. Hebrews 4:3
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About this Book
Most people can count on one hand the times in their life when they've heard a story and...could not stop thinking about it! The Butterfly Effect story has been one of those times for many people. In a word, it's AMAZING!
Andy Andrews is considered one of the most talented writers in the country. His books have sold millions of copies. In fact, he's had four different books on the New York Times best-sellers list. But as a speaker...he's one of the best you'll ever hear.
Here's an excerpt from his book, The Butterfly Effect. Enjoy!
From The Butterfly Effect
by Andy Andrews
Not long ago, I finally told the story of when, at the age of twenty-three, homeless and scared, I was given guidance in a most unusual fashion by an old man named Jones.
What the old man told me did nothing less than change my life and my future. He said..."With a little perspective you can live a life of permanent purpose."
When I asked what he meant, the old man answered with a question. "Do you sometimes find yourself unconsciously judging your actions by level of importance?"
I frowned a bit, not certain I understood. "For instance," he continued, "the time you spend with friends is important, but the time you spend with family, is more important. You might rank an hour fishing as very important, thirty minutes visiting a sick friend in the hospital much more important than the fishing, and a sixty second conversation with a convenience store clerk as not very important at all."
I nodded my understanding and he returned to his initial point. "When you know that everything matters - that every move counts as much as any other - you will begin living a life of permanent purpose. A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse, and a more valuable friend. Your productivity and financial success will soar to new heights while the old days of uncertainty, doubt, and depression fade into the past."
Of course, that conversation with Jones changed me. But even more, it became the guiding force that produced the kind of speaker and author I have become. You see, I understand fully that my very value as an author and speaker must ultimately be judged by the success you achieve. And as I consult with companies or speak to organizations and teams, I am keenly aware that much of my client's (your) ability to succeed beyond imagination depends upon my ability to prove this very concept!
When a sales organization sees proof that casual conversations in town matter just as much as an arranged meeting with a major prospect -
When the second string right-guard sees proof that his every action on and off the field, whether he plays or not, is as critical to the team's successful season as everything the starting quarterback does -
When a teenager sees and understands proof that every choice made in leisure today will affect the choices that will be available to him in more pressing times ahead -
When one lives a life of permanent purpose, sales figures soar, team chemistry thrives, and teenage decisions become wiser and more cautious. And these are just a few examples of what will happen...Simply put, when we understand that every action matters, every result of our actions immediately improves!
In these pages, I know you will find hope and direction for yourself, but I am most excited that you will now be equipped to lead others to their own life of permanent purpose! My hope for our families, our places of worship, our businesses, our nation, and our world is an incredible life of permanent purpose that can be achieved when at last we understand: Every move we make and every action we take, matters not just for us, but for all of us...and for all time.
:angel:
Go For It!
With God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26
Go for it!
He's got you covered...
and then some!
Do you know someone who needs encouragement
facing something new today?
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Back To School Encouragement
Whatever
is true
honest
just
pure
lovely
good report
any virtue
praise
Think on these things
Philippians 4:8
May your school year be filled with many good things!
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RE" Words, Part 15
29 Aug 2011
REjoice:
REjoice is a fitting way to conclude the series on "RE" words found in Scripture. To rejoice is to live in daily celebration of the Lord. We are to rejoice, not in the circumstances of life, but in the Lord of life. We are to rejoice evermore because He is forever true, forever holy, forever good.
I love the way the old hymns writers celebrated the Lord through their words and music. Here is a small sampling of what their hearts have passed on to ours as a legacy of praise and rejoicing.
All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice;
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell,
Come ye before Him, and rejoice.
For why? The Lord our God is good,
His mercy is forever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.
-William Kethe
Let every act of worship be
Like our espousals, Lord, to Thee;
Like the blest hour when from above
We first received the pledge of love.
Let every moment, as it flies,
Increase Thy praise, improve our joys,
Till we are raised to sing Thy name,
At the great supper of the Lamb.
-Isaac Watts
Awake, my tongue; awake, my lyre;
With morning's earliest dawn arise;
To songs of joy my soul inspire,
And swell your music to the skies.
With those who in Thy grace abound,
To Thee I'll raise my thankful voice;
Till every land the earth around,
Shall hear, and in Thy name rejoice.
-William Wrangham
His kingdom cannot fail;
He rules o'er earth and heaven;
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus given.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Rejoice in glorious hope!
Our Lord, the Judge shall come,
And take His servants up
To their eternal home.
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
-Charles Wesley
Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith–the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9 NKJV
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NKJV
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Roy Lessin
ALL FOR LOVE
31 Aug 2011
Today's posting is by Bonnie Jensen, senior writer for DaySpring Cards.
If we are constantly awaiting the magnificent, we will miss the miracles in the moment.
My sister recalls a simple craving for orange juice. There were big soul cravings at the time...food to fill her empty cupboards and feed her three children; a way to cover the shut-off notice glaring at her from the tabletop; relief from the weight of so many physical needs slumping her shoulders but having little effect on her contagious smile. A spirit so bright finds an exit point from the body. Her eyes were not dimmed and her mouth refused to frown.
There were those around her who knew of her needs and one who answered when God tapped on the door of their heart. They opened wide and filled her front porch with bags of groceries during church service that Sunday morning. How could they have known that while they were doing, big sis was praying...telling God how good a cold glass of orange juice would taste. Among her countless needs, a small desire whispered.
Tears fell on the porch steps when she saw the gallon of fresh squeezed orange juice, clearly visible from a bag of generosity and answered prayer. She daily held the promise that her needs would be met...but in a smaller act, a Father revealed His love for a daughter in a way that made a deep and lasting impression on her heart.
These are the moments we can't afford to miss. The heart-seeking moments that defy questions, cancel doubts, and defeat fear. The ways God shows His attentiveness in breathtaking, personal exchanges.
I see you—I know you—I hear you. Nothing on this earth can stop His love from reaching us when we need to see and feel it most...and thankfully, nothing will keep Him from showing it.
Bonnie Jensen
The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way.
–Oswald Chambers
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The Future
02 Sep 2011
Jesus is our future. He has called us to follow Him with a heart of faith and a life of obedience. In good times, in troubled times, or in uncertain times, all our times are in His hands. Our future is as bright as the promises of God; as hopeful as the faithfulness of God; as secure as the character of God; as abounding as the grace of God; as abundant as the love of God. He wants us to occupy until He comes.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20- 21 NLT
Roy Lessin
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Encouragement to HOPE
You can hold on to HOPE-no matter what happens
because there's One who's holding on to YOU.
He'll stop at nothing and do anything
to make sure you have everything you need.
I'm waiting in hope with you to see all God will do.
He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all-
how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
-Holley Gerth
Excerpt from one of Holley's new cards, inspired by her new devotional book God's Heart for You.
For more encouraging devotionals from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and subscribe by e-mail.
Encouragement to GRACE
You've got everlasting arms beneath you,
love all around you,
GRACE to see you through,
and enough strength to make it too.
You're supported in ways you can't see,
more than you know,
and the God whose heart beats with love for you
will never let you go.
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
-Holley Gerth
Excerpt from one of Holley's new cards, inspired by her new devotional book God's Heart for You.
For more encouraging devotionals from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and subscribe by e-mail.
:angel:
-Holley Gerth
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DaySpring Cards
When we ask Jesus into our heart
Pray that our sins He will atone
He forgives and we have a new start
Then we know, Jesus loves us so.
He will bless us with love and serenity
When we seek His perfect way
To walk in His footsteps on the path
And pray we will never stray.
We know that God answers prayers
And He keeps us in His care
For us His blessings overflows
Just because He loves us so.
Now we turn to Him in gladness
Everything seems all right
We give Him praise for His mercy
That makes our world so bright.
Jesus gave His life at Calvary
From sin to set us free
And whosoever does believe
Shall eternal life receive.
The Spirit of Jesus is in the world today
His sweet holy spirit leads our way
This He wants the world to know
Because He loves us so.
Jesus holds our hand within His own
He lets us know we are not alone
He comes to us on silent footsteps
And all His promises to us are kept.
We never fear if we trust and obey
Following in His footsteps we never stray
All of our worries to Him we release
And He gives us contentment and peace.
~**~
Glenna. M. Baugh ©Sept 2011
rgbaugh@windstream.net
:angel:
There is hope...
07 Sep 2011
You can turn back to God, because He has not turned His back on you.
You can hold on to God, because He has not released His hold on you.
You can love God again, because He has never stopped loving you.
I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:21-22
:angel:
WOW!
This is very
beautiful. Enjoy!
If you
never felt pain, then how would you know that I
am a Healer?
If you
never had to pray, How would you know that I am
a Deliverer?
If you
never had a trial, how could you call yourself
an overcomer?
If you
never felt sadness, How would you know that I am
a Comforter?
If you
never made a mistake, How would you know that I
am a forgiver?
If you
knew all, How would you know that I will answer
your questions?
If you
never were in trouble, How would you know that I
will come to your rescue
If you
never were broken, Then how would you know that
I can make you whole?
If you
never had a problem,How would you know that I
can solve them?
If you
never had any suffering, Then how would you know
what I went through?
If you
never went through the fire, Then how would you
become pure?
If I
gave you all things, How would you appreciate
them?
If I
never corrected you, How would you know that I
love you?
If you had
all power, Then how would you learn to depend on
me?
If your
life was perfect, Then what would you need me
for?
Love,
Jesus
Please forward this mail
of Jesus to as many friends as you can. GOD is
Great!
Something waiting
God our Father, walk
through my house and take away all my worries
and illnesses and please watch over and heal my
family in Jesus name, Amen.
This
prayer is so powerful. Does God come first
in your life? If so, stop what you are doing
& send it out now. Watch what He
does.
:angel:
God Is Love
Peace
Increased Capacity
09 Sep 2011
For He satisfies the longing soul, And fills the hungry soul with goodness. Psalm 107:9
The potter can take a lump of clay and form it into a vessel that holds a pint of water. The potter can also take the same lump of clay and form it into a vessel that holds twice the amount of water. This is done by the potter's skillful hands as he reshapes the vessel to increase its capacity to hold more.
Do you sense the hands of your Heavenly Potter shaping and stretching you as His vessel? He is doing it to increase your capacity to receive more of His fullness—His life, His love, His strength, His power, His grace.
"The souls which thirst for His promises may evermore be filled from His abundance." -Gelasian
"Not a prayer, not an act of faithfulness in your calling, not a self-denying or kind word or deed; not a weariness or painfulness endured patiently; not a duty performed; not a temptation resisted; but it enlarges the whole soul for the endless capacity of the love of God." – E.B. Pusey
:angel:
National Day of Encouragement
In this great big world, you make a difference.
I'm so thankful that one of the many lives
you've touched is mine.
I pray God multiplies back to you
the blessing you are, many times over.
God works through you in every small act of kindness,
and each encouraging word that brightens someone's day.
Your encouragement reveals God's love to others.
Encourage someone today with this message!
In support of the National Day of Encouragement, September 12th, send a FREE DaySpring e-card with a true message of God's love, hope & encouragement.
:angel:
Nothing Is Impossible With God!
The world says,
"can't succeed,
can't change,
can't hope."
God says..."Oh, yes, you can!"
Because He can do anything.
Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.
Luke 1:37 The Message
In support of the National Day of Encouragement, September 12th, send a FREE DaySpring e-card with a true message of God's love, hope & encouragement.
:angel:
Encouragement Through Community
I don't have a lot of friends.
I don't say this to make you get that weird feeling in the pit of your stomach, the one that tastes like pity. It's just a fact. And it's been my choice. I'm an introvert, so it comes naturally.
When I joined the online blogging world four years ago, it was exactly what I needed. I found community. I filled that space in me that craved to be understood and accepted.
Click Here to read the rest of Kristen Welch's story
Why We Need Community on (in)courage.
For the last two years God has brought together an amazing community of women on (in)courage. We invite you to be part of what God is doing on this home for the hearts of women anytime, just as you are. Come and dip your feet in the water and be encouraged.
The Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce hosted the (in)courage bloggers for a long weekend of dreaming, praying, and planning, along with relaxation and fun. Special thanks to them and Resort Rentals of Hilton Head Island for bringing the online beach house to life!
:angel:
Roy Lessin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fret buster #97
12 Sep 2011
My son, My son, why are you striving
You can't add one thing to what's been done for you
I did it all while I was dying
Rest in your faith, my peace will come to you.
-Keith Green
"My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you." John 14:27
We do not fret about self-preservation, for we know "we are immortal until our work is done." We may live from hand to mouth, but it is God's hand...it is blessed so to live." –Vance Havner
But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from the Lord Jesus. Acts 20:24 AMP
:angel:
When your world falls apart ...
Your health is failing ... the bills are piling up ... your spouse, child, or friend has hurt you ... or other painful circumstances continue to beat you down ...
God's love for you remains strong and sure.
And when the falling apart is a result of your own poor choices and sin? God still loves you!
No matter what is going on in your life, God is our Solid Rock!
always remember the love and other unchanging qualities of your loving Savior. Attributes to see you through when your world falls apart.
God bless you!
:angel:
Roy Lessin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where Would We Be Without Jesus
Sep 15 2011
Without Jesus' words we would be witnesses with nothing to say; without Jesus' authority we would be ambassadors with nothing to do; without Jesus' love we would be servants with nothing to give.
"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Know What to Carry
17 Sep 2011
Never put down trust, because that is something God wants you to carry;
Never pick up cares, because that is something God wants you to cast away.
"Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you"
"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward."
1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 10:35
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Prayers
20 Sep 2011
The great and mighty things that God wants to show you are often the answers to prayers that you have prayed. Keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking—answers will come, doors will be opened, promises will be fulfilled.
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3 KJV
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Those Days (without the Lord); This Day (in the Lord); That Day (with the Lord), Part 1
Sep 22 2011
Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:2
In those days we were filled with darkness; in this day we are flooded with light; in that day we will behold His glorious appearing.
In those days we were filled with confusion; in this day we have His peace; in that day we shall dwell with the Prince of Peace.
In those days we lived without the knowledge of the Lord; in this day we have the mind of Christ; in that day we shall know even as we are known.
In those days we lived in spiritual hunger; in this day we dine on living bread; in that day we will feast at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
In those days we were without hope; in this day we are filled with hope; in that day we will experience the blessed hope.
:angel:
Beautiful is a church
With lovely arch and steeple
Friendly is the small church
Filled with neighborly people.
Reverent is the old wood chapel
With centuries of love and grace
Either a stone or wooden church
Can hold an altar of prayer in place.
A church is a holy place
To find peace and to pray
Thanking God for the freedom
To attend a church today.
Now whether it be a rich church
Or a poor church anywhere
It will be a truly great church only
If God is worshipped there.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Answered Prayer
Sep 27 2011
Each of us should carry a thankful heart for every "yes" we receive from God as an answer to prayer. We can also be thankful He doesn't say "yes" to prayers that are not in agreement with His will—prayers that are based on our wisdom and not on His; that would bring leanness to our souls; that would put us in the wrong place; that would make us ineffective; that would bring us into wrong relationships; that would cause our hearts to cool; that would keep us from His highest and rob us of His best.
I know not by what methods rare,
But this I know, God answers prayer.
I know He gives His pledged word
Which tells me prayer is always heard,
And will be answered soon or late,
Though often it is hard to wait.
I know not if the blessing sought
Will come in just the way I thought;
I leave my prayer with Him alone,
Whose will is wiser than my own,
Assured that He will grant my quest,
Or send an answer far more blest.
-Unknown
And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 1 John 5:14 AMP
:angel:
Jesus in the Center
Sep 29 2011
For me to live is Christ [His life in me] Philippians 1:21 AMP
Jesus is the way. He is not only the Way to God, but He is the Way into all that God has for us. He is the Way into our devotions, to our Bible reading, to our prayer life, to our ministry, and to all that we do for Him. In reality, we do not do our work for Him, but He does His work through us. With Jesus in the center of our being, we are no longer victims of our expectations, circumstances, and the things we can't control. We discover that it's okay if people don't meet our expectations, because Jesus is our expectation. Schedules may be good, but they don't produce life within us because Jesus is our life. –Don Lessin
This quote is taken from the booklet "Abba Cry" by Don Lessin. It is available on line from the store at Dayspring.com.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
A Time of Need
Oct 1 2011 04:21
Recently, someone reminded of an encouragement card I had written many years ago for DaySpring. The message on the card is for someone who is going through a difficult time or facing a situation with few answers. Today's posting features that message with the hope that it might help encourage someone today.
What do we do when we face challenges that make us wonder what's ahead? The answers are not always easy, and the direction is not always clear. In these circumstances, our hope is in God alone. Our lives and our times are in His hands, and He assures us that He is the rock we can stand upon through the storm.
Today, may you continue to believe in the wisdom of His ways, in the goodness of His love, and in the assurance of His presence as He keeps you every step of the way.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 KJV
:angel:
DaySpring Devotions
Courageous Living & What Women Fear
Courageous Living - Dare To Take A Stand
I'm praying that my generation will not drop the ball. There is work left to be done. I'm praying that God will raise up giants of the faith. I hope and pray this book will find its way in to the hands of young people pastors, parents, and others who will say,
"By the grace of God, I will make a difference with my life. I will count the cost, pay the price, stand in the gap, and confront the culture."
I'm asking God to give the body of Christ a tenacity that seems to be strangely lacking in this hour.
WE NEED TO MAN UP!
WE NEED TO BE COURAGEOUS!
WE NEED TO DO IT NOW!
Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24
- Excerpt from the introduction to Courageous Living by Michael Catt, executive producer of the movies COURAGEOUS and FIREPROOF.
What Women Fear - Walking in Faith that Transforms
Did God really say you couldn't eat from any tree in the garden? This seed of doubt planted so long ago still bears the fruit of fear on some level every day - the idea that our actions could ruin something beautiful and God might not have control over things.
Whether it's a constant What if? type of worry, being afraid of abandonment or betrayal, fear of trusting God's plan, or many others encountered in the rhythm of our daily lives, we invite you to join Angie's walk through stories of others who have simultaneously loved God and struggled with faith.
Join the Bloom (in)courage book club reading Angie Smith's new book What Women Fear and grow together with weekly online videos and discussion.
CLICK HERE to vist Bloom (in)courage for more!
COURAGEOUS Invitation
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15
I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children.
I WILL love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God as the spiritual leader of my home.
I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God.
I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will.
I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory.
--Excerpt from THE RESOLUTION, featured in the movie COURAGEOUS
From the creators of Fireproof, COURAGEOUS is an exciting new movie with the powerful message that honor begins at home. Invite a friend to watch the movie with this FREE e-card invitation.
Visit www.DaySpring.com/Courageous to watch the tra iler, buy tickets, and for more resources.
Join us in praying that God will use this film to impact fathers and strengthen families.
:angel:
Let Us Draw Near, Part 1
Oct 4 2011
Hebrews 10:19
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus...
Therefore—the "therefore" refers to the vital truths that have been stated in the preceding verses...because of the new covenant, sealed by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross, your sins have been forgiven, cleansed, and are remembered against you no more.
Brethren— you are now a part of God's family. You are free from the condemnation and bondage of sin because you are a believer in the Gospel. You have been born again of God's Spirit, sanctified, and enjoy unity and fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Having boldness—your boldness comes, not because of performance, but because of what Jesus has done for you. He has made it possible for you to come before God in prayer with full and complete confidence of faith. Nothing needs to keep you back or hold you back.
To enter the Holiest—in the Temple worship, the holy of holies was the place of God's presence and glory. This place could be entered only by the high priest once a year. Here the high priest came to place the blood of atonement upon the mercy seat for the remission of sins for the people.
By the blood of Jesus—Jesus, your High Priest, offered His own blood to make atonement for your sins. His blood is acceptable to God, once and for all time, as the perfect sin offering— your good works, your self-righteousness, your best efforts could never be acceptable before a holy God to solve your sin problem.
10 benefits of the blood of Jesus:
Seals and guarantees the New Covenant-Matthew 26:28, Hebrews 13:20
Gives life-John 6:54-56
Brings redemption-Ephesians 1:7, 1Peter 1:18-19
Makes propitiation (atonement)-Romans 3:25
Justifies-Romans 5:9
Provides peace and reconciliation-Colossians 1:19-20
Brings cleansing and the assurance of forgiveness-Colossians 1:14,1John 1:7
Frees from guilt by purging the conscience-Hebrews 9:14
Makes us overcomers-Revelation 12:11
Gives us boldness and confidence to enter God's presence-Hebrews 10:19-24
:angel:
Roy Lessin
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let Us Draw Near, Part 2
Oct 6 2011
Hebrews 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh...
By a new and living way which He consecrated for us—the old covenant is done away, all its requirements and demands fulfilled and satisfied by the new covenant. You are no longer under the law, but under grace, and His grace has brought a living reality to your heart—a reality of grace, mercy, forgiveness, and the presence of the Lord. You can know God personally and have His light shining within you. This is not a theoretical or a "hope so" way, but a living way. You are alive in Jesus.
Through the veil, that is, His flesh—Jesus' body is likened to the veil in the temple...at the exact moment of His death on the cross the veil in the temple was rent from top to bottom. This means that His death made it possible for you to have access to a holy God. The heavens are opened to you as a believer, and have been to every believer since the veil was rent 2000 years ago. Every spiritual blessing is now yours in Christ—the heavens are not shut, and there is no layer, curtain, or barrier that is keeping you from drawing close to God and receiving from Him.
"The blood of Jesus Christ has transformed the judgment seat into the mercy seat."-J. Sidlow Baxter
:angel:
10/10/2011 7:03:02 AM
Good Things Ahead - Encouragement for a New Week
Good Things Ahead
I open my email. I glance over my to-do list. I look at the appointments on my calendar. It seems like it will be an ordinary week. And yet... Something inside me, something inside you, longs for extraordinary. I tend to think that those kind of moments just aren't part of our day-to-day. What if it's more that I'm not always looking for them? Or that I sometimes rush past them even when they're in my path?
I think of the story of Moses and the burning bush. Moses is in the middle of the desert tending sheep, the equivalent of being in the middle of a work day for us today. Yours might happen in a cubicle in your kitchen with toddlers around your feet, in an airport. And right there in the middle of that ordinary, God shows up. I love what comes next...
"When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush...." Exodus 3:4
When Moses stopped to pay attention.
When he took time to notice the extraordinary.
When he turned aside from his to-do list...God changed everything.
Yes, there are seasons when we're simply called to be faithful, to do the simple and even unnoticed. But you just never know when it's going to be your time for a burning bush moment. You never know when God is going to step in and do the gloriously unexpected. We don't have to make it happen. We only have to be watchful and then willing.
It makes me smile to write these words.
Because our burning bush might be just around the corner.
Maybe today.
Maybe tomorrow.
Let's keep watching, keep waiting--God has more than we can even imagine ahead!
--Holley Gerth
For more hope and encouragement from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and then subscribe by email.
No Matter What This Week Holds
Hello You...
the one welcoming the day and wondering what this week holds.
I don't know.
But I'm certain of this--there's One who holds us.
And He promises nothing is impossible for you.
Not that mountain you're facing.
Not that task you're dreading.
Not that decision you're afraid to make.
He may not tell us the details of what's to come
but He reminds us of what's ours no matter what...
Victory.
A future.
A plan that's as good as He is.
Always.
"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
--Holley Gerth
For more hope and encouragement from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and then subscribe by email.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Let Us Draw Near, Part 3
Oct 10 2011
Hebrews 10:21-22
And having a high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from an evil conscience, and having our bodies washed with pure water.
And having a High Priest over the house of God—Jesus is your High Priest. He represents you before the Father and intercedes for you. He is full of compassion for you because He has been tempted in every point as you, yet without sin. He understands your struggles and temptations and is able to make a way of escape.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith—this is your personal invitation from a holy God to come before Him, not as a fake or with pretense, but in truth. He doesn't push you away, or walk away from you when you seek to draw near. Your faith trusts in what God has said about your forgiveness and justification, and it is your faith that makes you certain that you can come to Him for every need.
Having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from an evil conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water—the blood of Jesus, when it has been applied to your heart by faith, brings to you the greatest of joys—assuring you that you are forgiven, that your conscience is cleansed, and that you have been washed from all that defiles.
It is the deity behind the manhood of Christ which makes the Cross an atonement;
It is the manhood of Christ within the deity which makes it an atonement of us.
J. Sidlow Baxter
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
-Robert Lowry
:angel:
Let Us Draw Near, Part 4
Oct 13 2011
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)
Let us hold fast the confession of our faith (hope) without wavering—the confession of your faith and hope is that Jesus' blood is enough to cleanse and justify you. You are forgiven, you are saved, you are going to make it, you are going to heaven, you will be with Him in His Father's house. Don't doubt it, question it, or walk away from it.
For He who promised is faithful—God is faithful to what He has said, to what He has done, and to what He has promised. He is faithful to meet all your needs. He is faithful to keep you and present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. He is faithful to His promises because of His holiness, He cannot lie! He will not let you down. (Psalm 89:35)
Through Jesus' blood, God, the holy God against whom we have sinned and whose wrath we justly dread, can pardon all your sins, blot out all your transgressions, and take from you the terror of a guilty conscience. His blood cleanses us from all sin. His blood of the new covenant speaks peace and speaks the peace of reconciliation. It removes all dread of condemnation and enables the soul to look up to God. –Octavius Winslow
:angel:
Roy Lessin
-
Let Us Draw Near, Part 5
Oct 15 2011
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Time is short...you need the body of Christ and the body of Christ needs you—come together to pray, to bear one another's burdens, to do good, to stir up, and to build up each other in love. Together, keep pressing into God's heart, and pressing on to faithfully serve the Lord, "occupying until He comes."
I've found a way, through the blood, past the veil
To the Holy of Holies with God...
There in the presence of Jesus I stand,
Glorified Son at the Father's right hand,
There I can plead, I can claim, I can have,
All that He purchased for me. -Paul Rader
:angel:
dayspring.com
-
There is hope...
You can turn back to God,
because He has not turned His back on you.
You can hold on to God,
because He has not released His hold on you.
You can love God again,
because He has never stopped loving you.
I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:21-22
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer
Read more encouraging devotions from Roy on his blog,
Meet Me in the Meadow.
Know What to Carry
Never put down trust,
because that is something God wants you to carry;
Never pick up cares,
because that is something God wants you to cast away.
Cast all your care upon Him because He cares for you.
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
1 Peter 5:7; Hebrews 10:35
-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer
Read more encouraging devotions from Roy on his blog,
Meet Me in the Meadow.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
The Precious Blood of Christ
17 Oct 2011
You were not redeemed with the corruptible things, like silver or gold...but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 NKJV
How greatly blessed and favored you are today because of the blood of Jesus Christ. Without His precious blood your life would be covered in darkness, hopelessness, and despair; instead, your life is flooded with light, filled with hope, and enriched with spiritual blessings.
The blood of Jesus has taken you from the dungeons of slavery, to the highway of holiness; from the cruelty of a harsh taskmaster, to the tender care of your loving Father; from a descending stairway of bondage, to the ascending pathway of spiritual freedom.
The blood of Jesus cleanses you from the stain of sin, releases you from the chains of sin, frees you from the power of sin, saves you from the judgment of sin, and heals you from the pain of sin. The blood of Jesus restores and reconciles you to God. The blood of Jesus has not lost its power (and it will never lose its power) to make it possible for you to begin each day forgiven, washed clean, and clothed in the garments of His righteousness.
:angel:
This is the day the Lord has made
let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Psalm 118:24
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Hebrews 13:7
His love is as gentle
as freshly fallen snow,
His peace is the quiet place
our hearts can go.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
He Holds You
Oct 20 2011
Today's posting is in response to the following request which came to Meet Me in the Meadow from one of our readers.
Today, I went back and read one of your previous devotions "He Holds You." I cannot read this enough sometimes and perhaps someone else needs to hear these same words you previously shared again. We all face difficulties and storms in life, but to know we have a Savior who loves us and cares, is enough to know that we can face our tomorrow. God Bless you! -Donita L.
He Holds You
God never leaves you alone...
He never forgets about you...
He looks out for you and takes care of you.
You are more important than the birds
He feeds and provides for.
Trusting Him means to rest in Him
as your shield, your covering, your provider,
your defender and your friend.
It means freedom from worry, anxiety and fear.
It means peace to your mind and joy to your soul.
Come to Him; He is waiting...
Lean on Him; He is strong...
Talk to Him; He is listening...
Depend on Him; He will never let you down.
He holds you within the hollow of His hands
to keep you close...to keep you safe...
to deliver you from all your fears.
:angel:
Roy Lessin
ALL HIM
Oct 22 2011
Today's posting is by Bonnie Jensen, senior writer for DaySpring. I know her devotionals have been a blessing to many of you whenever they appear in Meet Me in the Meadow.
What is God doing in your life? I like that question. In the mundane and the hectic of our days, He is continuously at work in us. It's good to pause and think about how we're being shaped into His likeness.
I've called this season of growth in my life 'distraction extraction'. Having a job that requires me to pray, reflect, empathize, tap into my emotions, and spend a great deal of time alone, I can't afford to allow anything in my life that distracts my heart and mind from Him. I have a quote on my desk that reads:
"So long as we are occupied with any other object than God Himself, there will be neither rest for the heart, nor peace for the mind." –Spurgeon
Extractions are painful. They are often difficult. But each of us has a purpose that can't stand in the shadow of anything...and the battle begins in the mind. What do you spend most of your mental energy thinking about? Worrying about? For many of us it's simply the task in front of us or the next item on our to-do list. But the quiet time eventually comes. And when it does, the landscape of our minds can be cluttered. Let God clear it out. Give Him full rein. Let Him have the thing you don't think you can 'let go' of. Let yourself be 'occupied' with nothing other than Him....
And the peace will come, the joy will surface, the hope will emerge, the heart will rest. These are the fruits of letting God have control. These are the gifts of focusing on Him. These are the reasons to be thankful He'll extract the distractions from our lives if we let Him.
Bonnie Jensen
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. (Matthew 22:37)
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Live
Oct 25 2011
Live in Him— As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. Colossians 2:6 NKJV
Live through Him— Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NKJV
Live from Him— For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 NASB
Live with Him— Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. Romans 6:8 NKJV
Live as Him— He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:6 NKJV
Live by Him— 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 NKJV
Live for Him— yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6 NKJV
:angel:
Jesus is the Gift
that perfectly fits every heart.
His love is as gentle
as freshly fallen snow,
His peace is the quiet place
our hearts can go.
:angel:
Fret buster # 98
Oct 27 2011
The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." Exodus 14:14 NLT
For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12 NKJV
Therefore thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily. Isaiah 28:16 NKJV
God's peace and calmness is a mark of our walk when the Holy Spirit is in control of us—sanctifying our thoughts, guiding our steps, directing our decisions, prompting us to move at the right time, and assuring us that He goes before us and takes care of all that is behind.
Holy Spirit, Peace divine!
Still this restless heart of mine,
Speak to calm this tossing sea,
Stayed in thy tranquility.
-S. Longfellow
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Jesus, the Only One
Oct 29 2011
Jesus is the only Way to God (John 14:6).
The only Door to enter (John 10:7-9).
The only Salvation to receive (Acts 4:12).
The only Living Bread to feast upon (John 6:35).
The only Truth to know (John 14:6).
The only Light to walk in (John 8:12).
The only Vine to abide in (John 15:1).
The only Life to live (John 14:6).
The only Good Shepherd to follow (John 10:14).
The only Sure Foundation to build upon (1 Corinthians 3:11).
The only Mediator to call upon (1 Timothy 2:5).
The only Lord to serve (1 Corinthians 8:6).
"Look to Jesus for everything...God has simplified our life of faith in His dear Son. Severing us from all other sources, alluring us away from all other dependencies, and weaning us from all self-confidence, He shuts us up to Christ above, that Christ might be all and in all." –Octavius Winslow
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Faith, Part 1
Nov 3 2011
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17 (KJV)
There are two ways that we can walk through a day. One is to walk by sight and the other is to walk by faith. To walk by faith means to walk in a different kind of reality. The Bible tells us that there are two realities (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). One reality is what is seen; the other reality is what is unseen. There are two realities because there are two worlds. One is the physical world; the other is the spiritual world. The physical world is the temporary world; the spiritual world is the eternal world.
Today, as a believer and a follower of Jesus Christ, you live in both worlds. Through your senses you connect with the physical world, and with your heart and spirit you connect with the spiritual world. Your spiritual reality is not based upon wishful thinking or some unknown mystic influence, but upon the truth of God's word, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the life of Jesus Christ.
Faith sees what your physical eyes can never see;
Faith knows what your natural mind can never comprehend;
Faith possesses what your physical arms can never hold.
Faith says "yes" to everything God declares to be true;
Faith stands upon everything God says is certain, it leans upon everything God says is unmovable, and it counts upon everything God says will come to pass.
:angel:
Our Messiah ~
When I look at the blue skies and white clouds,
The meadows and brooks
And everything I touch
I feel Our Messiah looking down at us.
When we call His name
The leaves ruffle in the air,
A light shines from Our Messiah
For He loves us so much,
He really cares.
He gives
The bright sun to warm our face,
Animals and birds that sing.
All throughout the world we see
Bright flowers that smell so sweet,
Love from Our Messiah
For those who can really see.
Look at the beauty and never look at the bad
For Our Messiah wants us to be holy.
That is how God prepared life for us
In Jesus Christ, oh look and find
On the ocean as far as the eye can behold
You will find Our Messiah
Walking on water,
He is all divine.
We are His loved children
If we listen to what He said
And love each other as He has done.
He has died for us
Let us live for Him,
Our Messiah makes miracles,
For everyone.
~ page created 11-1-11 ~
~**~
Linda Ann Henry ©2008
Do you remember me
The people's poet
Linda11231949@aol.com
:angel:
My Master knows all my wants and needs
Hearing my every heartfelt prayer
He has a way or reaching out to me
That lets me know that He is there.
My Master knows each burden I face
In His wonderful caring way
He makes my burdens so much lighter
When I kneel to Him and pray.
I see my Master in a beautiful sunrise
He created all this beauty for our eyes
And He wants each of us to understand
Everything is just the way He planned.
I walk and talk with my Master every day
I trust Him to lead me along the way
When I say my prayers I know He is there
I have complete faith in His loving care.
© 2006 Glenna M. Baugh
Living by Faith
"Believe the Master, God's only Son
and He will take care of you."
~Quote by Glenna~
(in)courage
What Women Fear: Chapter Nine
When Your Child Chooses A Different Way
Here Again...
What Women Fear: Chapter Nine
Nov 4 2011
Can you believe we are almost done with this study. Today we are talking about chapter nine with Trish.
From Angie:
Trish didn't grow up in a home where she was surrounded by people who were convinced about God, and there were plenty of opportunities for her to turn into a completely different person than who she is. I have always admired the strength she displayed by allowing the Lord to use her despite how unlikely a candidate she might have seemed as a little girl. She had a lot of opposition from those around her and moved into a place where she stood firm with Jesus. She knows exactly where she was and WHO brought her out...
We look forward to your thoughts!
Love,
Ang and Jess
When Your Child Chooses A Different Way
Sometimes our children choose a path that seems to wind and twist and loop back on itself. It seems sometimes they prefer to walk right along the edge of the cliff, where the limestone crumbles away beneath their feet with every step they take. They teeter on the precipice – their arms outstretched, refusing to heed our calls to come back from the edge or to take a different path or to choose the road we highlighted for them on the map.
Our hearts beat fast and our hair turns gray and we wring our hands as we watch them tempt fate. They laugh at us, or wave us off, or maybe they don't even turn to look in our direction. We toss and turn at night and then fall asleep at stop lights in broad daylight.
We write laments in journals. We submit prayer requests and we sign them, "Anonymous" because the story doesn't just belong to us. We pray and give up praying. We cry and shout and whisper and grow silent, and our hearts sit heavy in our chests. We hold our breath.
I'm only telling my own story here. I'm offering it up in case there is another someone out there who has tried everything she can to fix it, or to make it right, or to call her child back from the edge. I just want to tell you, you are not alone.
And I want to tell you, God's got this. He does. So go ahead and breathe.
I don't say that lightly. It's hard to breathe when every phone call makes your lungs stop cold. And if you remember to breathe today, by tomorrow you might forget again.
One day I sat breathless before God. My gut was twisted in a knot, and I couldn't even look in His direction. My hands fell open in my lap and I whispered, "What am I supposed to do?" And just as quickly as I asked the question, one word slipped its way into my heart: "Love."
"I can do that," I thought to myself. "I can love. But what else, God?"
"Just love," He breathed into my heart. "I'll do the rest. I've got this. All you have to do is love."
Here Again...
Here Again...
"Regardless of the outcome, my current attitude isn't doing any good," I commented, laughing at the truth of that statement. The funk that had clouded the recent past was not helping the situation. The kicker was, the situation was the same situation as it had been for quite a while. It was just the funky attitude that had reared its ugly head–again.
The high-achieving, high-performing aspect of my personality leaves quite a bit of room for self-reliance. And we all know where that leads–no place good.
The hope of a possible change shed light on the grumpy areas of the current situation. But rather than focus on the God-desired outcomes for the potential future, I started to pick apart the current reality.
Funky attitude + self-reliance + critical eye = no place good.
I like the logic of math, and this math is rather ugly. Payoffs for long days of hard work give opportunity to praise God. Layers and layers of payoffs for that work led to the ugly reality that I am not so humble.
So here He and I are–again. Looking at the payoffs. Taking a breath. Getting over myself. And finally seeing the Light, the miraculous timing of all the pieces that had to come into place at the exact moments so that the accomplishments could be possible. The many players involved in the work from a number of areas, who were all primed for the change that led to the outcomes that brought the payoffs. I was not the magic. I just got to be part of it.
It would behoove me to stand here awhile–and admire His work–humbled at the thought that He would allow me to take part.
An amazing thing happens from this locale: the funky attitude dissipates, the gratitude for God's provision pours forth unhindered, and contentment reigns in my soul where, minutes before, there was agitation.
I like that He is willing to stand here with me–again. I like that He is never done teaching me–even when I am tired of learning. And I like the peace in my heart when I step back and recognize His hand throughout the process.
Here we are–again–marveling at His glory. I like it here.
By Jennifer Cook, from groundswell ministries
:angel:
Roy Lessin
Faith, Part 2
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Hebrews 11:1, 6 (NLT)
Your faith in God today is your lifeline to His heartbeat. Faith is the hand that reaches up and takes hold of God's promises and gathers in the spiritual treasures that are found in Christ. Faith sees the sunshine of God's face, even when there are dark clouds all around.
When the things that you are experiencing don't make sense, faith says, "God knows what He is doing."
When your resources don't match your need, faith says, "God is my provider."
When you are fearful to take the next step, faith says, "God will not fail me."
When you're not sure what to do next, faith says, "God will guide me."
When you are in a situation that seems impossible, faith says, "Nothing is too hard for the Lord."
What things are possible for you today through faith? All things are possible, because your faith is in the God who knows no impossibilities.
:angel:
God is in our Midst
Amid the turmoil and woe of our world today
When so many troubles seem to exist
And our spirit sinks low along the way
Remember this, God is in our midst.
Things always seem darkest at night
And we think we are more at risk
Looking up we will see a bright light
Then we know God is in our midst.
God's love and goodness will prevail
He will forgive our sins and assist
Us in believing His mercy never fails
We can trust God is in our midst.
© 9-27-06 Glenna M. Baugh
Living by Faith
"God is in our midst night and day
and He hears us when we pray."
~ Quote by Glenna ~
:angel:
H A P P Y A U T U M N!!!
The 7 Ups!
1. Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day.
"This is the day
the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up ...
put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to
improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things
man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
so He must have meant for us to do
twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul."
Proverbs 13:3
4. STAND UP
. . . for what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."
Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!
. . to the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me".
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!
. . for something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him,
and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!
. . your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
A POSITIVE THOUGHT
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem;
not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
Face it, He's crazy about you.
I thought this was mighty special, just like YOU.
Pass this on and brighten someone's day, and remember . ...
God answers
Knee-Mail!
Wishing you a Blessed day!!!
:angel:
Stars We Cannot Count
There's a hole up in the universe
They can see within it now,
It was thought to be a hole
But, imagine what they found.
Trillions more galaxies
More stars we cannot count,
Oh yes, our God is so much greater
Than we can ever know about.
And there in Genesis, we read
One line- "He made the stars",
Yes, just...., "He made the stars"
What wonder He imparts.
~**~
Soft Whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Nov 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from The Heart
God - so big, the universe wherein He dwells
is beyond imagination, whether near and far..
yet so gracious, beautiful, He will come
to live within our heart.
~blossoms ~
:angel:
Work for God
Most of us will not become famous
Nor be listed in Who's Who
Each one of us great or small
Has work for God we can do.
God wants to assign a job to us
Unimportant it may seem
But work for God will be rewarding
And bring reality to our dreams
God gave each of us a talent to use each day
Work for God will be blessed in every way
He loves us and wants our attention
Doing our very best is His intention.
Doing work for God is never wrong
Telling others about Him makes us strong
God is watching over our work from above
Blessing us with strength, courage, and love.
© 2006Glenna M. Baugh
Living by Faith
Let the words of my mouth, and the
meditation of my heart, be acceptable in
thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer
Psalms 19:14 KJV
You Make a Difference
Hello Friend!
I'm thinking of you this morning, wherever you are, and of the difference you're making.
You might think it's small.
You might think no one really sees.
You might think you should do something bigger, better, more spiritual.
But lean in and listen close...
The best gift you can offer this world is you.
And that's what you're doing--
just putting messy, glorious, imperfect, made-new you out there.
In your home, your family, your office, your community, your world.
We'd miss you if you weren't there. It just wouldn't be the same. And no one could take your place.
So keep it up, my friend. Keep giving and loving and living right where you are.
It matters more than you know, more than you see.
{And you do too.}
--Holley Gerth
For more hope and encouragement from Holley, visit Heart to Heart with Holley and subscribe by email there to receive her free devotionals.
:angel:
You Have a Defender
You have a DEFENDER who knows your name,
who fights on your behalf,
who protects your heart.
He surrounds you with love,
fortifies you with favor,
keeps you in His care.
The battles rage,
and yes, in this fallen world,
sometimes we are wounded.
But with Him on our side
we can be sure we will never be defeated.
You are not alone as you face this battle - many prayers and much love are with you.
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
--Holley Gerth
:angel:
Counting My Blessings
Counting my blessings from God is a pleasure
Many have become my greatest treasure
God's blessings are special, you see
And each one brings peace to me.
God sends new blessings each day
His blessings are received in mysterious ways
Every joyful blessing He gives is free
And I pray my eyes be open that I may see.
All blessings from God are everlasting
They cover the world in every place
Every blessing speaks of His mercy
And He sends them with loving grace.
God's blessings of love He does bestow
Only He knows what our future will be
His blessings will continue we know
Because He loves you and me.
Glenna M. Baugh © 2007
Living by Faith
"May God be merciful unto you
and may His blessings bring peace"
~Quote by Glenna~
:angel:
The Gift Of Hope ~
Hope is a gift to grasp
A gift that we can give,
Hope is a very special treasure
To grant us strength to live.
We do not know its worth
Until our joy is lost,
We do not understand its power
Nor what its loss will cost.
When we are burdened down
With pain that is too great,
Then hope alone inspires our faith
That God rejuvenates.
There's much beyond our sight
We cannot comprehend,
But, God is working with design
And loves us as a friend.
He has a very special way
To bring His plan about,
If we have hope just like a child
His love will work it out.
~**~
Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Nov 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from The Heart
I beseech you do not treat
God's promises as if they were
curiosities for a museum;
but use them as every day sources of comfort.
Trust the Lord whenever your time of need.
~Charles Haddon Spurgeon~
:angel:
Gift Of Prayer ~
You bless me with your gift
Your gift of interceding prayer,
The tears of love, compassion
Reveal how much you care.
This is a gift from God above
And though you do not see,
He's working through your heart
To bless the heart of me.
In your soul you do not know
What God's accomplishing,
But, as you pray and praise and sing
My life is strengthening.
God unfolds His deepest thoughts
In a special way to you,
And I am over-awed
By how you know what's true.
He grants you real perception
Within your normal day,
You have a gift from heaven above
In knowing what to pray.
~**~
Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Nov 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from The Heart
"God hears prayer, God heeds prayer,
God answers prayer,
and God delivers by prayer."
~E. M. Bounds~
"The lover of silence
draws close to God
they talk to Him in secret
and God enlightens them"
~John Climacus~
"Prayer does not fit us
for the greater work,
prayer is the greater work"
~Oswald Chambers~
"Rich is the person with a praying friend."
~Janice Hughes~
:angel:
Following The Light
We pass across the bridge of life
Where swirling waters flow,
Walking with eyes ahead
Because it's dark below.
We keep our sight uplifted
To see the blazing light,
That shines forever brighter
When onward is our flight.
We raise our hands to Jesus
That He forever clasps,
To draw us to His sunshine
That on our face is cast.
We turn from every shadow
While tears may course on down,
Believing in His promise
That joy in Him is found.
We pluck the pretty flowers
That grow upon His path,
To breath life giving fragrance
Sweet within our heart.
We're guided by each burning lamp
Lit only on His way,
To follow in His footsteps
That lead to heaven's day.
~**~
Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Nov 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from The Heart
He is a Father who loves us more
than we could ask to be loved.
God, the creator of the universe,
the one who made all things out
of nothing, loves us.
He wants to care for us,
share His divine life with us,
and bring us to a perfect union
with Him for all eternity.
We know with our mind
that God loves us,
and we must also be convinced
in our hearts so that we can
respond to His great love.
~D. Rosage
:angel:
Whoever came up with this one must have had some Divine guidance!
Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of 'Camp Complaining'
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To 'thank' is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xaulting God most high
Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
'I AM Too blessed to be stressed!' The shortest distance between a
problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace
be with you forever, Amen.
PS: GOD LOVES AND HAS BLESSED YOU . . . PASS THE WORD ON TO MORE FRIENDS
AND ASK THEM TO CONTINUE TELLING OTHERS THAT GOD LOVES THEM, TOO.
JUST THINK OF HOW MANY PEOPLE THAT COULD BE REACHED OUT TO AND BLESSED
WITH THESE WORD
:angel:
Love Remembers
She turns with sweetest grace
Her minds eye flickers yet,
She knows there must be more-
Where love is always best.
Oh, yes, she can remember
Her innocence renews,
The memory of loveliness-
When love was good and true.
She ponders on the thought
It flickers, starts to flame,
Ice melting in her spirit-
On the wind she hears her name.
Her heartbeat now a flutter
Could love return, to be
More than just a notebook-
A mere fond memory...
A little warmth, a whirling
Of hope, she sees it now,
It whispers very softly-
A very gentle sound.
Oh Jesus, heal me and arise
My heart to beat again,
Turn my eyes to heaven-
To You, my Dear and Loving Friend.
~**~
Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Nov 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from The Heart
God brought me here.
It is by His will that I am in this place.
In that fact I will rest.
He will keep me here in His love
and give me grace to be His child.
He will make the trial a blessing,
teaching me the lessons.
He intends for me to learn
and working in me
the grace He will bestow.
In His good time
He can bring me out again.
How and when, He knows.
So let me say in Him, I'm here. ~Andrew Murray
:angel:
December's CHRISTmas
Oh 'tis here, oh such delight
December joy has come
Now you and I have a month of days
To share our Christmas love
And if together we can be for Christmas
What a wonder it will be
With our hearts as one in praise
To sing so prettily
In a glorious love to share
With all from here to there
Oh, may our time be so wonderful
With so much loveliness to share
God bless our celebration of His joy,
Our families, our hearts
May this time bring glory to His name
In all that He imparts
God bless December
In all the wonder you remember
Soft December whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©2008
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry From The Heart
May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope;
The spirit of Christmas which is peace;
The heart of Christmas which is love.
~ Ada V. Hendricks ~
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~
Merry CHRISTmas
:angel:
War!
War - in thought and action
War - in word and deed,
But, can we drop our weapons
So we can be free.
War - in striving, fame
War - in grasping, greed,
But, can we drop contending
So we can be free.
War - in competition
War - in scorn, contempt,
But, can we love each other
And thereby safely rest.
War - in discontentment
Wanting for ourselves,
But, can we think of others
For our country's health.
War - in disagreement
War - from different ways,
Can we celebrate the difference
In things we do and say.
But, through history nothing healed
But by our Saviour's love,
Wounds stay deeply festered
Until we look above.
God alone can change a heart
Make it soft and sweet,
God alone can melt down weapons
So we can be free.
~**~
Soft whispers from
Derry's Heart Poems ©Nov 2011
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Poetry from The Heart
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
since as members of one body
you were called to peace-
and be thankful.
~Colossians 3:15
He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
~Isaiah 2:4
:angel:
Tis the Reason for the Season
Santa lives at the North Pole.
JESUS is everywhere.
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind
and walks on the water.
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS is an ever- present help.
Santa fills your stockings with goodies
JESUS supplies all your needs.
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks
and then enters your heart.
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.
Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is
"Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did.
Not only does He know our name,
He knows our address too.
He knows our history and future
and He knows how many hairs are on our heads.
JESUS has a heart full of love.
JESUS offers health, help and hope.
Santa says "You better not cry"
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me
for I care for you.
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts,
repairs broken homes and builds mansions.
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.
While Santa puts gifts under your tree,
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put CHRIST back in CHRISTmas.
"Jesus is still the reason for the season"
May the Lord Bless and Watch over you
and your loved ones this CHRISTmas
And may He prosper and bless the work
of your hands in the New Year
Merry CHRISTmas
:angel:
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN WE PRAY?
This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen and is so true:
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section". Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed." How is it that there is no work going on here? ' I asked.
"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments"
"How does one acknowledge God's blessings? " I asked..
"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord. "
"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.
"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. "
"And if you received this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness .. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day. "
"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world."
"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."
"If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare."
"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair......."
Ok, what now? How can I start?
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are
ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.
"Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it. "
If you have read this far, and are thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not send it on ??? ? I thank God for everything, especially all my family and friends
:angel:
Good News
There's really no such thing as impossible for you,
because all things are possible with God.
There's no mountain too high,
no valley too deep,
no trial too wide to stand in His way.
He's with you, for you,
working on your behalf today.
And many who care are praying with you
and standing beside you-
until we see the impossible come true.
With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
--Holley Gerth
Find this message and more like it in the Heart with Holley card line and her devotional book God's Heart for You: Embracing Your True Worth as a Woman (great for the new year!).
For more encouragement, visit Heart to Heart with Holley, and subscribe by email there to receive her free devotionals.
Press In, Press On
Press in, press on,
and never give up.
You've got what it takes
because you know the One who gives.
You've got everything you need
because you belong to the One who has it all.
He's got a plan for you, and it's good...
It will unfold step-by-step, day-by-day,
and He will go with you all the way.
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs. Isaiah 58:11
--Holley Gerth
Find this message and more like it in the Heart with Holley card line and her devotional book God's Heart for You: Embracing Your True Worth as a Woman (great for the new year!).
For more encouragement, visit Heart to Heart with Holley, and subscribe by email there to receive her free devotionals.
:angel: