Celebrate A Year of Glory!

“At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭119:62‬)

MAY WE TAKE ONE MINUTE AND GIVE THANKS...

As we reflect on this year may we offer up a prayer of thanksgiving and praise for the COUNTLESS blessings and precious promises  our King Jesus has bestowed upon us...

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

‭‭(I Thessalonians‬ 5:18)

Thank you Lord...

“For You formed my inward parts... I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭139:13-14)

Thank you Lord...

For we must "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine...You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me.”

‭‭(Isaiah‬ ‭43:1, 10‬)

Thank you Lord...

“That we may know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power”

‭‭(Ephesians‬ 1:18-19)

Thank you Lord...

For "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

‭‭(Romans‬ 8:28‬)

Thank you...

"O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.”

‭‭(Psalms‬ ‭30:3-4‬)

Thank you Lord...

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God"

‭‭(Job‬ ‭19:25-26‬)

Now "May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

‭‭(I Peter‬  5:10-11‬)

I Cried Out to The Lord...

“I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and LORD, you heard me! 

You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. The mighty waters engulfed me; I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. 

Then I said, ‘O LORD, you have driven me from your presence. Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple." (Jonah 2:2-4)

"One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock." (Psalm 27:4-5)

"For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.‭" (Psalm‬ ‭84:10‬)

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (I Peter‬ ‭1:6-7‬)

His Power + His Promises...

"For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 

By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature. 

For this very reason, adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence and resolution), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence), And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety), And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love. 

For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”
‭‭(2 Peter‬ ‭1:3-8‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

“Finally, brethren...Meditate on these things"

"Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Whatever things are true...
"The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever" (Psalm 119:160)

Whatever things are noble...
"But the noble man devises noble plans; And by noble plans he stands" (Isaiah 32:8)

Whatever things are just...
"The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Whatever things are pure...
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalms 51:10)

Whatever things are of good report...
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)

If there is any virtue...
“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (II Peter 1:3)

If there is anything praiseworthy...
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)

Meditate on these things...

Gift of The Gospel

Gift of The Gospel

Let us praise Him for His gift to us! May we have the same urgency in our service to The King as the shepherds who first knew of Him....and spread the news of His Glorious Gospel to all ears who have not heard!

"When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying one to another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem, and see this [wonderful] thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the Baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known what had been told them about this Child, and all who heard it were astounded and wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these things, giving careful thought to them and pondering them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them."

~Luke 2:15-20~

Bread of Life

Bread of Life

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea..." (Matthew 2:1)

Bethlehem means "house (or place) of bread"...

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

So it was fulfilled, The Bread of Life was born in Bethlehem, the "place of bread!"

Interestingly, the Hebrew meaning of the name Micah is "who is like Jehovah?"

How beautiful that because of the fulfillment of His Word, Purpose and Promises, we have an opportunity for reconciliation with God, to live in His image...become "like Jehovah" and feast on The Bread of Life!

"And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him..."  (Colossians 3:10)

Tabernacle With Us

Tabernacle With Us

We praise You, Lord God, that You sojourned among us in the flesh...so that we, in our flesh today, may also have Your Tabernacle within us.

Thank You, Abba Father, for Your Purpose to dwell within us and that, according to Your Will, we may experience Your Living Word and Your Grace and Truth therein.

Oh Heavenly Father, we love You and we praise You...You are Perfect Love and Glory...You are the same as when Your Light shone into the darkness in the beginning...just as Your Light shines in our tabernacle, our tent of meeting, today.

"Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." (Exodus 40:34)

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." (Genesis 1:1-3)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John 1:1-9)

Send Me!

Send Me!

May we all have the same strength of faith, trust and obedience that Mary modeled when faced with God's will...

Let us boldly stand up and say, "I am your willing servant, Lord, send me!"

Oh, what an immeasurable blessing when His searching eyes find our own heart to be worthy of His command...such a tremendous honor to be called upon as favorable, according to His will!

"Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30)

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him...” (2 Corinthians 16:9)

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying:
“Whom shall I send,
And who will go for Us?”
Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Let Us Have Peace

Let Us Have Peace

True peace is only found through Jesus Christ...it is not something we can understand, but rather something we experience...

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..." (Romans 5:1)

"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

Fulfilled

Fulfilled

Let us thank our Abba Father for fulfillment of His Word...for, by this, we too may be fulfilled.

Let us praise Him, for our souls find their worth through Him and indwelling of The Holy Spirit.

For He was born among us and we are born again unto Him...and He remains steadfastly with us forevermore.

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

A Spirit of Graceful Giving

A Spirit of Graceful Giving

As we are full throttle in this season of celebrating God's Divine Gift to us, let us embrace and exude the true spirit of giving.

Let us give freely with a sincere, cheerful and clean heart...

Let us give with grace, forgiveness and unconditional love...no strings attached for the one who receives...

Let us give with mercy, compassion and forgiveness...

Let us give in a manner that truly reflects The Holy Spirit at work within us and in a way that is Holy and pleasing unto God...

May we all have a grateful and generous heart...a graceful spirit of giving in this season as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior...

And may The Lord God fill and replenish our cups so that we overflow with fruits to gracefully give, in His Holy and Righteous Name.

"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)

He Cares for You

He Cares for You

Pour out your heart to Him...for He longs to know you.

Cling to Him and resist the schemes of the evil one...for He is your tower of strength.

Find rest and protection under His wing...for He is your refuge.

Trust Him at all times and in all circumstances...for He longs to give you comfort, peace and joy.

Drink from His living waters...for He longs to give you refreshment.

Run to Him, seek Him above all things...for He has unlimited resources...He cares for you and longs to spend eternity with you.

"...casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)

"The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him." (Psalm 28:7)

"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)

"...but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)

God's Gift to You

God's Gift to You

No matter where you are today in your life, take a moment to reflect on what God has done for you...

Take time to meditate on the complexity of God's Perfection in His Divine Plan and how He lovingly and deliberately included you in His purpose...

That long ago before the heavens and earth were created, He formed you in His mind and intricately planned your identity and eternal inheritance.

No matter what your circumstances are today...thank Him for what He has carefully constructed, revealed and promised to you...the greatest Gift ever unwrapped...The Mystery of Christ.

"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which[a] is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

From Guilt to Grace

From Guilt to Grace

What a beautiful picture of God's Grace, Mercy and Love for His hurting and wandering children...

When we find our identity in Christ, we need to understand and receive God's Grace and let go of the guilt and shame accumulated in our wanderings.

We can be saved and forgiven, but if we don't allow ourselves to experience His Grace, we are unable to fully receive the freedom and abundant life He desires for us...all of which are blessings that come from truly receiving what He so lovingly longs to give us.

Let us cling to this picture of His essence and character...grace, love, forgiveness and mercy...all of WHO HE IS, given freely and unconditionally to those who believe and receive.

"And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:14-15)

He Was Here...He Still is!

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us" (1 John 1:1-2)

The God of the universe, OUR Savior left His heavenly throne, His perfect heaven and came down from on high to make Himself a tangible human being.  He was touchable, knowable, tangible...

This child we see in a manger on Christmas was the great I AM! Picture this perfect little baby being held by Mary and Joseph now when they kissed their little baby goodnight they kissed the face of God...Our God!

These words we have to read are the very words of God! These accounts are Gods words through those who heard Him speak them as He was manifested tangibly, personally and lovingly in their presence...Thank you Jesus that you came to save us but also that we might know you!

The Big Picture!

"Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken" (Joshua 21:45)

When actors and actresses make a movie, it’s the director who sees the “big picture” and the overall direction.  A lot of times they don't understand everything the director is doing but they trust the director's guidance...knowing he sees the finished picture.

Throughout scripture we can see so many of faithful "characters" not knowing their direction but having a promise of a great "big picture".

Moses could have questioned the big picture as he had 2 million Israelites looking to him to lead them into the Promised Land, Joshua could have questioned while standing with Jericho before him...But they trusted the Directed, the Overseer of their souls.

They both trusted and responded with complete devotion and surrender to His amazing Guide, and Direction and “not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken” (21:45).

We too can abandon ourselves to our Director and rest in His faithfulness, promises and guidance knowing He sees the "big picture" and the beginning from the end!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Godly Jealousy

God's jealousy differs from the sinful jealousy we typically succumb to in our humanity.

God is not envious of nor coveting something that does not rightfully belong to Him.

His jealousy, just as all that He Is, is born from pure agape love...

He is jealous of anything compromising our surrender of our whole heart to Him...something that rightfully belongs to Him anyway, as we were created by Him and for Him.

He is jealous of us placing anything before Him because He is all-knowing and all-seeing...He desires to spare us the danger, misery and sin that follows as a result of not placing Him first in our lives.

He loves us completely, zealously and divinely and His godly jealousy for us is rooted in that as well.

Consider Paul's example, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."

We have ONLY One God, One Master, One Groom...let us prepare diligently for that day and surrender our whole hearts to our betrothed, as we wait in confident expectation and anticipation.

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready." (Revelation 19:7)

"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God..." (Exodus 20:5)

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.." (Colossians 1:16)

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)

Living in His Image

Living in His Image

Let us live a life that truly reflects our transformation in Christ and the character of God, whose image we were created in...

A life that is full of love, grace, peace, mercy, forgiveness, joy and freedom...

A lighted life that clearly indicates to others that there IS a Redeemer and a Savior...a real reason for hope in this shattered, decaying world.

May we live in a way that gives weight to our testimony and shows the regenerating power of The Holy Spirit.

May the unbelievers...the broken children of God...see His light as a roaring fire within us and find their way home to their Abba Father...and join us in Eternity.

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:4)

"But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." (1 John 1:5-6)

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." (Genesis 1:27)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)

True Story

With everything going on all over the world lately it is hard to read bible verses like the ones below and not feel a wave of chills run down your spine. Everything that has been prophesied and predicted in the bible has happened and come true up until this point -- down to the very minute detail (research this very topic and it will blow your mind). So then at some point we (especially nonbelievers) all must ask ourselves the question, "What makes us think the end of the story won't come true?"

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4

I sincerely pray that the acts of terrorism, violence, and everything else that continues to happen around us will prompt all of my fellow sisters and brothers who are lost or questioning their beliefs, to start seeking and searching for answers and light a fire in them that cannot be put out, and to put their faith in the only answer and solution to all of this madness -- Jesus. 

He is our only hope. Brothers and sister.....He is coming back for those who belong to Him and we win in the end. Give your life to Jesus and  keep looking up.

" And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:3

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

by Sarah Armstrong

He Is Holy

Let us honor The Lord with praise and worthy worship that belongs to Him alone...

For He IS Holy!

"Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”

And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke."

~Isaiah 6:2-4~

Filling The Void

Only the One who created our hearts can fill it.

We were designed by God to desire, seek and to ultimately be completed by Him.

We can try to force other things to fill the void, but will always come up empty, as we were created by Him and for Him.

Only God fills the emptiness and the longing in our hearts for something more...

So, let us give God our whole hearts and may we be filled with the full measure of His love and The Holy Spirit...may we know the fullness of God in our hearts until our cups run over!

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." (Psalm 107:9)

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19)

The Lord Is There

The Lord Is There

Let us rejoice and have everlasting comfort because Jehovah Shammah is with us...

He, who is Creator of and is Sovereign over ALL things, is ever present in and with those who believe, trust and obey Him.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, that we only need to look to you for everything we will ever need.

In The Name of Jesus Christ,

Amen.


"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." (Colossians 1:16)

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Intercessory Prayers

Intercessory Prayers

Intercessory prayers reflect the very essence of God's own character, rich in unconditional love, grace and mercy.

Praying for others enables us to look beyond ourselves and increases our compassion for others.

Think about this...who do you want to spend eternity with? Are there people you care about who do not know Jesus? Are you praying for them without ceasing?

Then, consider this...love and pray for your enemies.  This is truly putting on the compassion of Christ and going beyond yourself in interceding for them.

Remember, prayer is sweet smelling aroma that pleases Him (Revelation 5:8). He desires our prayers! Prayer strengthens our faith and increases our intimacy with Him! In it, we are reflecting and glorifying Him!

Let us pray with sincere hearts and without ceasing on behalf of God's hurting children...that they will have a heart change and receive Jesus...that they will share in our eternal inheritance and experience the riches, hope and glory and everlasting grace freely given by our Abba Father!

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

God Knows The Heart

Consider that God may not be as interested in what you've done so much as why you did it. He knows the heart and the intentions behind our actions.

He searches, examines, knows, softens, changes and judges the hearts of men.

So, when we pray for forgiveness of our actions, let us also pray for a heart change...a sincere, clean heart filled with The Holy Spirit...a change that is only possible through a partnership with Abba Father...creator of all hearts.

"He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works." (Psalm 33:15)

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10)

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

"I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:10)

"All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits." (Proverbs 16:2)

Perfect Peace

Trusting God's response to our prayers produces peace regardless of the outcome because we acknowledge and accept that He is in control and all things are according to His Will.

When He answers in conflict to our own desires or preferred timing...we have peace because we know our God and have complete reliance upon Him!

This peace that surpasses all understanding comes from knowing God in a very intimate way...getting into His Word... trusting in His Promises, His Faithfulness, His Immutability, His Perfect Love and His ultimate plan for our future.

The more we know Him, the more we trust Him...and this is perfect peace...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths."
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

"Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
(Isaiah 12:2)

"...but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." (Daniel 11:32)

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

"For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Forever Future

Forever Future

The next time Satan whispers in your ear and reminds you of all those painful past memories and mistakes, remind him of your future...

For those who are believers in Christ, their names are written in The Book of Life and eternal salvation is theirs...

This is eternal victory and your forever future!

Rejoice and live in abundance today, for you are sealed and His forevermore!

"But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:27)

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

"and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." (2 Corinthians 1:22)

"He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels." (Revelation 3:5)

Rooted...

May we become more deeply rooted daily with a fervent faith in our Lord...seek and develop a heightened understanding of the omniscience and majesty of our Creator...and experience the amazing measure of His limitless love, grace and mercy for His precious children!

"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!..." (1 John 3:1)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Immutability...

GOD IS THE GREAT I AM and is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! His Truth, Character, Love and Promises are immutable and endure forever!

All that He Is...Creator, Protector, Healer, Shepherd, Provider, Master, Banner, All Knowing, All Seeing, Self Sufficient, Lord Of Hosts, Alpha and Omega, Holiest of Holies, God Most High of Peace, Love, Grace, Righteousness and Mercy...has no variability and is completely impervious to change!

Just consider what that truly means for us...for Eternity...

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began..." (Titus 1:2)

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)

"But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end." (Psalm 102:27)

"Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." (Isaiah 43:10)

"Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath..." (Hebrews 6:17)

"And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14)

Living Testimony

Consider this....sharing your own experience of God's Glorious Grace may lead another to seek and receive The Marvelous Mystery of Christ!

In Luke 8:38-39, after healing a man of his demons, Christ commissioned him to go tell everyone what He had done for him. Shouldn't we also be spreading the joy, hope and peace we have found in our own deliverance?

Remember, there is no testimony without a "test" and your healed scars are proof to others of the redemptive and restorative power of Jesus. All who are in Christ Jesus have something useful thing to share! Partner with Him and He will transform your former "mess" into a powerful message!

May you share your story in Christ's Name, for His Glory...and The Son will also acknowledge you before The Father in Heaven.

"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul." (Psalm 66:16)

"Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 10:32)

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." (Revelation 12:11)

Living a Transformed Life!

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope.
Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.
Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.
Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people.
And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil.
Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Romans 12:9-19, 21

The Sweetest Word!

How sweet are Your words to my taste!

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. *Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. Establish Your word to Your servant, Who is devoted to fearing You. *And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love.

Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.*Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.*Let my soul live, and it shall praise You!

Princes persecute me without a cause, But my heart stands in awe of Your word. I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure!

Psalms 119:103, 11, 37-38, 47, 89,133, 175, 161-162

Strong Tower

Lord God,

You are our Fortress and Tower of Strength...Lord over all and King of kings...

Fill us with Your everlasting peace...give us strength of endurance to fight the good fight in Your Holy Name...

Oh, how we need You today and every day!

Your Will be done and Your Kingdom come...

In Jesus Christ's Holy and Righteous Name,

Amen.

Meekness of Mind

Blessed are those who are slow to anger, practice self control, who live in quiet submission and service to The Lord...and surrender the battle to God.

Blessed are those who show restraint in the face of adversity are not tossed about the waves of the storm.

For, those who remain steadfast and true are blessed with peace in their souls and an abundant, restful life.

Blessed are the meek, patient and long suffering, for they are joint heirs with Christ, citizens of Heaven and a new Earth.

"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." (Psalm 37:11)

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" (James 1:19)

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;" (Ephesians 4:2)

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29)

"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:17)

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 3:20)

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea." (Revelation 21:1)

Empty Promises!

"The devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
Matthew 4:8-9

Just the same as Jesus was offered everything, all the kingdoms in the world, we too can be offered everything, all the promises in the world or under the sun.  Then if we are not careful we can get caught up doing everything to have those promises fulfilled-to work for whoever promised us, to live for whoever made those promises, and we become a slave to that thing, those promises or the person who promised. Unknowingly we have now made the promise or the one who promised our God...and if the one who promised is not the Faithful Promiser- God Almighty Himself then we are at risk of worshiping the wrong lord..."For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve."

However, in the same way Jesus rebuked the devil and his empty promises by the word of God, we too can boldly say with confidence, "Away with you Satan!..Then the devil left Him and behold angels came and ministered to Him." (Matthew 4:10-11)

Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

As many hurry along through this weekend shopping and heading into the business of the holiday season let us continue in the Spirit of Thanksgiving! Giving praise and glory to our King!

After all, "He is the Reason for the Season!" Let us continue to worship Him in psalms and prayer...

“Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to Him with thanksgiving.

Let us sing psalms of praise to Him. For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. The sea belongs to Him, for He made it. His hands formed the dry land, too.

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care. If only you would listen to His voice today!”

-Psalms 95:1-7

I Love You Too Much to Let You Wander...

“They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the LORD’s sight.”
(Psalms 106:39)

I love you too much to allow for divided loyalties. My covenant calls for single-minded worship. I am like a husband who gets angry when someone else competes for the heart of my wife or when her heart trolls for other lovers.

So you must not commit adultery against me. Don't let your heart turn from me and go after other lovers in this world. Whatever lures your affections away from me with its deceptive attractions will not love you well. It will strip you bare and cut you in pieces.

As you forsake all other gods, cleaving only to me and living for my honor, you will find that my jealousy is not a threat but a comfort. You will rest in knowing that anything and anyone who threatens your good will be opposed with my divine power.

Lord, my heart is prone to wander. But as I begin to understand your passionate commitment to me, my heart becomes more tightly bound to yours, and all other lovers in this world lose their appeal...

-Abundant Life

The Real Reason for Thanksgiving!

Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State