My Vote is the Deciding Vote!

Your Faith

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, friend! I enjoy singing songs about the Lord and what He has done in us or for us—songs of faith! Our topic today is faith.

But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ (Matt. 9:22 NKJV) This woman’s faith reached out and connected with the power that was in Jesus, and she received her healing.

Then He touched their eyes saying, ‘According to your faith let it be to you.’ (Matt. 9:29 NKJV) “According to your faith,” you will receive whatever you need or desire if you will connect to a promise of God found in His Word, and simply and sincerely believe it.

Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. (Matt. 15:28 NKJV) Jesus says it quite plainly in this verse: “Let it be to you as you desire.” He said that to her because He was also able to say, “Great is your faith!” Your faith is the hand that connects with God’s power and obtains His blessings.

Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go your way; your faith has made you well.’ And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. (Mk. 10:52 NKJV) This Scripture maintains the Truth revealed in the verse above—that faith obtains the promises.

So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6 NKJV) Jesus is teaching us that it’s not the amount of faith that’s important or the size of our faith, but rather the purity and sincerity of it. God sees the heart and reads its desires perfectly.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom. 10:8-9 NKJV) Faith must reside in our hearts before we can speak it, but speak it we must! When we have faith, we receive boldness to decree it and declare it with our lips.

Speak forth your sincere faith today and receive the blessings of God in your life and circumstances.

An Open Book

2012-01-18T12:35:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: spiroll (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome! Thanks for joining our meditation today.

As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you. (1 Sam. 24:13 NKJV) This verse demonstrates that a person knows what to expect from another based upon their past deeds. The history of known, past deeds will even cause a person to earn a label such as “evildoer.”

Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right. (Proverbs 20:11 NKJV) This Scripture supports the one above by reminding us that we become known by our deeds. Is it likely that what we do will be judged as pure and right?

But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand. (Isa. 32:8 NKJV) This verse shows us that the habit of performing noble (gallant, polite, gracious, or decent) acts will earn us the label of “noble.” This sustains our premise!

See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion. (Isa. 41:29 NKJV) A “false” deed could be something insincere; done from deceitful motives; or something dishonest or even evil. But notice that the people are called false, because their actions are not sincere or honest.

Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God. (Hosea 5:4 NKJV) A person’s deeds can even become an insurmountable barrier to returning to a right relationship with the Lord.

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. (John 3:20 NKJV) We must live an open and “above-board” style of life that will survive any sort of inspection or examination. We, as believers, can only accomplish this through the empowerment of God known as "grace."

. . . I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:20 NKJV) Repentance can also be recognized and judged accurately by studying one’s actions.

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. (1 Tim. 5:25 NKJV) We are back to our original idea that people become known by their deeds. We’re all judged by our deeds: our endeavors; accomplishments; conflicts; and heroic acts!

Let’s determine to live an overcoming life for the Lord and for His Christ, because our lives are an open book, read by all men!

Jesus is the Christ

2012-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: gracey (www.morguefile.com)

Happy good day to you! Today we’re studying a passage from the New Testament that demonstrates a faith-building example for us.

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:38-42 NKJV, emphasis added)

The phrase “day after day” tells us that they didn’t get weary! They steadfastly, persistently pursued this course of action literally every day!

1. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal. 6:9 KJV)

2. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (2 Thess. 3:13 KJV)

When this speaks of “in the temple courts and from house to house,” it gives us a picture of the apostles speaking in public and in private settings. So, wherever they found themselves, they spoke of Jesus. And they never stopped!

• Teaching – To teach means to educate, instruct, or train. They were following Jesus’ example on the road to Emmaus.

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded (explained, enlightened) to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. (Luke 24:27 NKJV)

• Proclaiming – To proclaim means to state publicly, announce, declare, decree, or make known.

o They were making the Truth known to everyone who would listen.

o They did this because they considered what they were sharing to be vitally important and of great magnitude!

• They were sharing the Good News that brought joy to all people. (see Luke 2:10) The gospel is genuine Good News! It brings us the fulfillment of every great and precious promise in the Bible so that we may be partakers of the divine nature. (2 Peter 2:4)

A partaker is a participant, accomplice, accessory, assistant, or contributor! We are God’s accomplices and collaborators!

Signs and wonders are to follow us!

 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues. (Mark 16:17 NKJV)

 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it. (Mark 16:20 NKJV)

Jesus is the Christ—the Anointed One. He is the Savior of the world; He is the promised One that was long awaited by the Israelites. He is the fulfillment of the law (Lk. 24:44) and the door through which we enter His sheepfold (John 10:1-3; 7; 9). He is God in the flesh.

So, here's a short recap of what happened. The apostles, in spite of persecution and suffering, rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the Name of Jesus! May we develop a heart’s desire to teach and preach continuously—with JOY—that Jesus is the Savior of the world!

Self-Image

2012-01-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: imelenchon (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome to my blog and thanks for stopping by! What is your self-image? Is it good and positive, or is it pessimistic and negative? Do you think, believe, and talk negatively?

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7 NKJV) Whatever you think of yourself is what you will become.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:3, 4 NKJV) The Lord wants all men to come to a knowledge of the Truth—that Jesus has redeemed mankind from sin and that God loves mankind. He also wants us to see ourselves as HE sees us!

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25 NKJV)

When we look into the Word of God, we can see ourselves accurately. But we can forget what God says about us, so we must remain in the Word faithfully. We must renew our minds. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

God says that:

• We are His children (1 John 3:2);

• We have mighty spiritual weapons at our disposal (2 Cor. 10:4-6);

• We must cast down imaginations that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:4-6);

• All things are new in the realm of the spirit. (2 Cor. 5:17);

• We’ve been made the righteousness of God in Christ;

• We have the Greater One living in us! (1 John 4:4)

• We are accepted in the Beloved—Jesus. (Ephes. 1:6)

Agree with God, and think these things about yourself based on who you are in Christ. It will turn your life around!

Seeing by Faith

2011-12-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: gracey (www.morguefile.com)

Hello! Pull up a chair and a favorite beverage and we’ll meditate together upon God’s Word.

Then He touched their eyes saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” And their eyes were opened. (Matt. 9:29, 30NKJV) Jesus touched their eyes, and made this wonderful statement that they would receive according to their faith! Clearly, we must view ALL of life’s circumstances through the eyes of faith. So allow your faith to be strong and bold! Allow YOUR eyes to be opened to God’s love, mercy, and goodness.

. . . to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ (Acts 26:17, 18 NKJV) We are sanctified by faith in Jesus, and we are sent to help others to open their eyes of faith so that they may receive abundantly from the Lord. We can’t receive what we do not “see by faith.”

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? (Gal. 3:1 NKJV) Before our very eyes, in Bible accounts and through portrayals (plays, re-enactments, skits), Jesus has clearly been shown to have been crucified. He is the Messiah, and we must be able to grasp that truth. We need eyes that SEE clearly.

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” (Rom. 1:17 NKJV)

But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” (Gal. 3:11 NKJV) “Living by faith” is actually “seeing by faith” all of the mighty promises of God fulfilled in your own life and in the lives of others!

May God’s grace be poured out upon you today to empower you to SEE the impossible fulfilled in your life! (Matt. 19:26; Mk. 10:27; Lk. 1:37; 18:27)

Light-Bearers!

2011-12-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: mensatic (www.morguefile.com)

Merry Christmas, everyone! This is a beautiful time of the year, when people decorate their homes and businesses with multi-colored lights. It’s a time for giving and sharing—for family gatherings and parties.

This is all generated by the celebration of the birth of Jesus—the true Light of the World.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV) As we follow Him and His teaching, we have the Light of Life.

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19 NKJV) We, as children of God, prefer the light and have no fear of the Light, because He is our life. (John 1:4) Our deeds don’t need to shrink from the light because they’re motivated and powered by the Holy Spirit.

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. (John 12:46 NKJV) Because we believe in Jesus, we become people who prefer the light and have a desire to lead others into His marvelous light. (1 Pet. 2:9)

. . . that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world . . . (Phil. 2:15 NKJV) We are light-bearers! Because we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor.3:16; 6:19), we shine His light into our world. Rise—shine, for your Light has come! (Isa. 60:1)

Known by Our Actions

2011-12-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: clarita (www.morguefile.com)

Happy birthday to everyone born on December 19th! Welcome to today’s meditation.

Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right. (Proverbs 20:11 NKJV) Our actions communicate worlds of information to people! What do you want your actions to tell others about you?

Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present. (2 Cor. 10:11 NKJV) Paul is saying that his actions line up with his words and with what he teaches. Can we say that about ourselves?

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. (Titus 1:16 NKJV) This is a challenge for us to examine our lives, and to ask the Holy Spirit to show us how and where to make changes in ourselves.

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. (James 2:22 NKJV) Our deeds can have a conclusive impact upon our faith!

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18 NKJV) This is reminding us that our love for others must be manifested through our actions, so that the TRUTH of our love will shine brightly in its genuineness!

The Good News Really is GOOD!

2011-12-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: paulabflat (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings! Here we are—eight days before Christmas—and many of us are furiously engaged in holiday cleaning, shopping, and decorating. What a special time of the year!

We celebrate the birth of our Savior and remember His humble birth during this season.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 NKJV)

But for many people, alongside of the bustle and cheer, is an underlying sadness and pain. It may be that they have no family with whom to celebrate, or that the relatives that they do have are of the abusive or argumentative variety. It may be that they have financial problems, depression, anxiety, or health problems that seem insurmountable.

But, wait a minute. Doesn’t the Scripture above say that Christ’s birth was Good News of great joy to ALL people? Jesus came for ALL: the burdened, the bound, the outcast, and the imperfect! His salvation is a gift of good news to ALL people because Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled all of the requirements of the law, and obtained ALL of the blessings of the law for ALL who would believe on His Name.

Whatever the source of people’s pain, we owe it to the world around us to share the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Share the love of God with all of those around you, my friend. Tell them about Jesus!

His Watchful Care

2011-12-11T14:19:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of: phaewilk (www.morguefile.com)

I’m thinking today about how much God’s cares for us, and I’m so happy you’ve joined me!

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Ps. 18:2)

In the Bible, God is telling us in this verse that He is our stabilizer and safe place, and that He will deliver us from trouble. Knowing that He is on our side and that He is the One that we can always trust gives us strength and stability. He will save us!

The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. 16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. 19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. 20 The Lord preserves all who love Him . . . (Psalm 145:14-20a NKJV – underlining and emphasis added)

This passage of Scripture shows that the Lord is with us to help us when we need help, and when we are burdened by our cares and our emotions. It reminds us that the Lord satisfies the desire of every living thing! The Lord is near to us when we call upon Him, and he hears our cry. He saves us. He preserves ALL who love Him, praise God!

Preserve means to protect, defend, save, care for, and sustain. God loves us and watchfully (attentively, vigilantly) cares for us as a result of His great love. Think about His watchful care for you today.

Persevere to Your Inheritance!

2011-12-03T10:35:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of: lisasoloynko (www.morguefile.com)

Hi! Thanks for looking in today! We’re thinking about what the Bible says about perseverance.

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (Rom. 8:25 NIV)

Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1 Tim. 4:16 NIV)

By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. (Heb. 11:27 NIV)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12 NIV)

From the passages shown above, we can see that perseverance is an important quality to God, so it should be important to us!

The word persevere means to persist; keep at it; keep trying; endure; or be steadfast. In the context of our spiritual life, where or how do we exercise perseverance?

This is not a complete list, but some of the areas where persistence pays off are:

1. In having confidence toward God and His Word—to continue in our trust toward God. (Rom. 5:3-4; 8:25; Ephes. 3:12 NIV)

2. In prayer. (Ephes. 6:18 NIV)

3. In faith. (Hab. 2:4; Matt. 9:22; 17:20; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11 NIV)

4. In justice and mercy. (Matt. 23:23 NIV)

5. In the Word, the Scriptures. (Rom. 10:17 NIV)

6. In love. (1 Cor. 13:2; Ephes. 3:17 NIV)

7. In thanksgiving. (Ps. 9:1; 107:1, 8; 118:21; Col. 2:17; 1 Thess. 5:18 NIV)

Because we are a people who are given many great and precious promises, (2 Pet. 1:4) we must live in such a way that we inherit (take possession of) these very same promises! (Heb. 6:12) They are yours--receive them. God bless you!

"Word Wisdom"

2011-11-29T11:15:00.001-08:00

Hello! I hope all is well in your world today!

He who HAS knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. (28) Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. (Proverbs 17:27-28 NKJV – emphasis added)

V. 27 The person with godly knowledge speaks sparingly (infrequently), and the man with God’s anointed understanding has a calm spirit. A wise person will speak little but listen much! He or she will operate from a peaceful, calm spirit. They will not be motivated by fear or pressure to act.

V. 28 Even a fool will be considered wise if he closes his lips! He might even be thought to be perceptive!! Guard your mouth in HOW MUCH you say, as well as the nature of what you say! Then you, too, will be considered sensitive, insightful, and observant! God bless you.

Bless YOUR World!

2011-11-26T11:05:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of NASA.

Welcome! I hope you've had a blessed week.

He who heeds the Word wisely will find good. And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning. (Proverbs 16:20-21 NKJV)

This passage speaks to me strongly about how important wisdom is, and that obeying God is always wise. When I live my life trusting God, I shall be happy! The wise in heart are prudent: cautious, careful, sensible, discreet, or far-sighted. This means that when we exhibit any of these qualities just mentioned, we’re using wisdom!

Then this passage goes on to conclude that sweet words (engaging, appealing, attractive, kind, thoughtful, considerate, pleasant, gentle, caring words) increase what we learn. Wow! That’s a surprise. How can they increase what we learn?

I think that sweet words please God, and teach us to release grace into our daily lives—not only to those around us but to ourselves, too! From the overflow of our own heart, our mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34, Luke 6:45)

We should endeavor to impart only grace to those around us according to Ephesians 4:29. I want to speak life-imparting words, and this sounds like one of those wonderful ways to begin! Bless YOUR world with your words, my friend, and increase your learning!

Agree With Your FAITH

2011-11-23T20:40:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of: rdnzl (www.morguefile.com)

Thanks for stopping by to share our meditation.

I recommend you read 2 Kings 4:18-37 which is the story of the Shunammite woman who miraculously conceived and bore a son. The prophet, Elisha, had given her a prophecy that she would have a son and it was fulfilled.

Read how the woman guarded her words when this beloved son became ill and died. Imagine her great anguish and sorrow over the death of this longed-for son. However, she spoke no evil report to her own household or to Elisha’s servant.

When she spoke to Elisha, she only implied that something was grievously wrong. God then sent the prophet to her son, and Elisha miraculously raised him from the dead! What an answer to prayer! How mightily God fulfilled the dearest desires of this lady’s heart!

I believe God rewarded her for guarding the words of her mouth, and for speaking in agreement with her faith—not her fear. Her faith brought victory to her household.

Your faith and your agreement with it will do the same for you!

Tree of Righteousness

2011-11-11T11:18:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of: taliesin (www.morguefile.com)

Good day, and welcome!

To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3 NKJV)

We’re intended to be God’s “trees of righteousness.” The tree as an object lesson is interesting because it can be used to convey various ideas! How do these facts about trees reveal a parallel in the spiritual realm? Trees:

• reach out and grow new branches;

• may denote hierarchy or ranking;

• may have other things hung upon their branches;

• may grow to varying heights;

• may produce fruit, and will have some sort of leaves;

• are strong and straight and stable;

• produce seeds that are carried on the wind;

• do not wander; and

• grow deep roots.

This verse reminds us that we are the planting of the Lord, and He is the “farmer” who planted us. He cultivates (nurtures) and watches over us, providing water and sunlight as we need it.

He is our very life and our support. He is concerned that we grow straight and strong in order to fulfill our purpose on the earth. Put down deep roots in Christ and thirst for Him alone, my friend. Remember that we're made in His image, so He is the original "Tree of Righteousness."

Consolation

2011-11-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: taliesin (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome, friend!

To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3 NKJV)

Worship-filled praise casts off oppressive works of darkness. The garment of praise wraps or covers us, leaving NO OPENINGS through which hostile elements or evil spirits may penetrate.

When distressed—BE DRESSED—with praise!

Are You Distracted?

2011-10-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: alvimann (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome, and thanks for stopping by! Are the stresses and responsibilities of life distracting you? Do you barely have a desire to pray, read your Bible, or praise the Lord? Do you feel disturbed by your own attitude?

Then I’m here to encourage you to look into the spiritual realm! You’re under ATTACK! Fight back with the weapons you’ve been given!

Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:18, 19 NKJV) When the cares of this world consume all of your attention, you’re under attack. The enemy wants to choke the Word and its power in your life. Resist him! (James 4:7)

. . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NKJV) Jesus is our example; He didn’t allow Himself to be distracted, but He focused on the joy that awaited Him. We must focus upon Jesus, who is our joy!

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds . . . (2 Cor. 10:4 NKJV) The weapons that God has given to us are mighty and able to demolish strongholds! Here are some of the weapons at your disposal:

• JOY: Put joy in place! The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

• THANKSGIVING: In Matthew 15:36, Jesus gave thanks for the loaves and the fish, and miraculous multiplication followed! (Jeremiah 30:19; Philippians 4:6-7) Thanksgiving brings increase! Give God praise and thanksgiving today and change your circumstances.

• REMEMBERING: Remember that God is your rock and the Most High your Redeemer. (Psalm 78:35)
      * Call to mind God’s marvelous works and miracles. (1 Chron. 16:12; Psalm 105:5; 111:4; 143:5)

     * Recollect the multitude of God’s mercies. (Psalm 106:7)

     * Remember that Jesus has been raised from the dead and is now interceding for you at God’s right hand! (2 Tim. 2:8; Rom. 8:34)

God wants you to THRIVE—not just survive! Rise up and live an overcoming life. You are the Redeemed!

Are You in a Dark Place?

2011-10-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: emlyn (www.morguefile.com)

Hi, friend! Are you in a place that feels like you’re stuck in quicksand on a dark and stormy day? Do you feel alone and hopeless?

In the 21st chapter of Luke, Jesus describes difficult times for the Jewish people and treacherous times on the earth when humanity is fearful and in distress. Notice what He says next!

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:28 NKJV)

In just such difficult and fearful times, your deliverance is right at hand! But now, at the time when salvation draws near to you, don’t give up your hope! Don’t abandon the Light that is yours.

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned. (Matthew 4:16 NKJV) Jesus is the Light that has dawned. Don’t close your eyes to His Light; don’t turn your back on the One who can deliver you.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NKJV) This is a promise that Jesus gave to all who love Him and follow Him. It’s only as we focus upon Jesus and upon the Scriptures that these promises come to pass in our lives.

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:11, 12 NKJV)

CAST OFF the works of darkness! Stop looking at what’s wrong in your life, and begin looking at Jesus! Begin meditating upon the Word of God and His promises to you!

Lastly, put on the armor of light. Put on Christ—He is the armor of Light! Fear and despair will be replaced with faith and hope, and you will experience joy in living boldly for Him!

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27 NKJV)

To Whom Shall We Go?

2011-10-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: taliesin (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings, friend. Today, we consider hope and help from our only Source.

Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:67-69 NKJV)

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

For He will deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper. (Psalm 72:12 NKJV)

These verses remind me, when things are tough and my heart is heavy, that there is no one—other than the Lord—who is my help.

I have said to the Lord, many times, “Lord, to whom shall I go? There is no one to help me except You.” But, oh, what a Helper He is! He is a “very present help” in trouble. That means that He is right in the midst of the trial or the tragedy with us. It means He is working to bring us help, deliverance, comfort, and salvation! Glory to God!

Remember that the Lord loves you TODAY. He is with you; He is for you; He is your help and your protection. He is your comforter. Turn to Him and tell Him what you need. He will not fail you for you are His beloved.

Blessings for You

2011-10-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: Jason Hensley

I’m so happy that you’ve chosen to join me, friend!

But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. (Psalm 37:9 b NKJV)

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:3, 4 NKJV)

Who is the man that fears the Lord, Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. (Psalm 25:12 13 NKJV)

The Lord preserves all who love Him. (Psalm 145:20a NKJV)

Those who fear the Lord (Ps. 25:12) and wait upon the Lord (Ps. 37:9b) shall inherit the earth.

When we trust in the Lord (Ps. 37:3); feed on His faithfulness (Ps. 37:3); and delight in Him (Ps. 37:4), He gives us the desires of our hearts.

When we fear and love the Lord, He saves and preserves us. (Ps. 145:19, 20) These are all blessings that flow out of our relationship with the Most High God! Take advantage of your benefits today!

Yearning for Safety?

2011-09-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to this haven of meditation upon the Lord and His Word! I’m so glad you’ve joined me.

“Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.” The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:5b, 6 NKJV)

The Lord is the One who provides safety for man. His Words are our assurance that we’ll receive exactly what He has promised because His Words are pure. The Word of the Lord is proven. (2 Sam. 22:31) That means that His Word has been tested, and it's reliable!

"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, [Who] shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders." (Deuteronomy 33:12 NKJV)

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8 NKJV)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "[He is] my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." (Psalm 91:1, 2 NKJV)

The Lord has promised to make us dwell in safety. The image in Deuteronomy is that He carries us! We live in the shelter of His shadow. Take hold of the safety which has been provided for you through Jesus, your Savior. Glory to God!

Alignment

2011-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

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Greetings! I hope your day has been blessed.

He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. (Daniel 2:22 NKJV)

He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. (Daniel 2:29b NKJV)

Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7 NKJV)

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2: 9, 10 NKJV)

. . . which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. (Ephesians 3:5 NKJV)

. . . the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. (Colossians 1:26 NKJV)

The secret things belong to God, and He alone can reveal them to us. He delights in hiding things FOR us!

These Scripture passages demonstrate and verify that God reveals secret and hidden things to His people. He knows everything, and light dwells with Him. His light drives out the darkness.

When we receive revelation knowledge, it will drive out any misconceptions; pre-conceived plans; or erroneous ideas. Subject your thoughts and opinions to the light of God’s Word, and allow it to bring everything into alignment with the Kingdom of God.

Mighty Things

2011-09-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

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Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV)

“Mighty things” in Hebrew means inaccessible things! It may also mean incredible things or things that are difficult for man to understand.

Deuteronomy 29:29 tells us that: The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

So, something that may be inaccessible becomes accessible (available, reachable, or open) to us when the Lord gives us revelation knowledge and wisdom! When the Lord shares the secret things with us, they become available and open to us. Hallelujah!

Diligence Produces!

2011-09-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

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Happy day and thanks for stopping by!

. . . the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. (Proverbs 13:4b NKJV)

. . . the hand of the diligent makes rich. (Proverbs 10:4 b NKJV)

The hand of the diligent will rule. (Proverbs 12:24a NKJV)

. . . diligence is man’s precious possession. (Proverbs 12:27b NKJV)

Diligence promises wonderful rewards, and is a positive character trait according to God’s Word!

Diligence means: industry; attentiveness; thoroughness; or conscientiousness.

Are you passionate about doing a great job? Do you like people to consider you a self-starter? Are you committed to doing a job well or not at all? If these describe you, then you are a diligent person who is in the pathway of blessings! Enjoy!

We Have Nimble Feet!

2011-09-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

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Hello and welcome to our meditation.

He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. (2 Samuel 22:34 NKJV)

He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places. (Psalm 18:33 NKJV) This animal (“deer”) is a type of mountain goat that’s able to move from one precarious spot on a mountain or hillside with ease. It is sure-footed.

These animals can stand on such small areas and move from one level to the next, higher level with ease. They appear, from a distance, to be standing upon nothing!

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. (Habakkuk 3:18-19 NKJV)

To “joy” in the Lord means to: rejoice, be glad, dance for joy, leap for joy, spin around with intense emotion!

We rejoice in our God because He is the one who makes our feet like deer’s feet. The mountain goats appear to be standing upon nothing because of the way God designed them. We, too, appear to be standing upon “nothing” when “all” we have to rely upon is God’s Word! But God causes His Word to be our foundation, our Rock, and our deliverance! His Word is alive and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)

He gives us the grace to move from one level on the mountain of faith to the next, higher level. Trust the Word of God today, friend, and receive your answer to prayer!

Encourage Yourself

2011-09-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

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Good day to you, friend! I’m so happy that you’ve stopped by.

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:6b NKJV)

David reminded himself of past battles and victories. (testimonies) He fed on God’s past faithfulness, delighted in the Lord, and the Lord gave him his heart’s desires.

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:3-4 NKJV)

When you allow yourself to be encouraged by the past victories that God has given you, you’re feeding on His faithfulness.

When you remember the miracles, provisions, and answered prayers, you’re stirring up your faith, and meditating upon the nature of God. You’re reminding yourself that He is good; that He is FOR you; that He loves you and provides for you under all circumstances. This faith action will attract ALL of the power of the Kingdom into your situation! Try it and see!

Our Teacher Will Never Neglect Us

2011-08-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

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Welcome and good day! We are the blessed of the Lord and we shall never be neglected or abandoned!

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord, and teach out of Your law. That You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not cast off (abandon) His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance. (Psalm 94:12-14 NKJV)

He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths. (Micah 4:2)

All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. (Isaiah 54:13 NKJV)

And they shall all be taught by God. (John 8:45 NKJV)

The Lord teaches and instructs us through His Word. He calls us “blessed” because He is our teacher, and He has empowered (enabled) us to prosper.

Through His teaching and His wisdom, we are able to access the rest that He has provided for us. Only He can give us rest from the days of adversity—and He desires to give us that rest. If you really want to receive this, then you have to learn the lessons that He wants to teach you. Are you willing to sit at His knee and learn?

When the Lord chastens us, we shouldn’t despise the correction, for whom the Lord loves, He corrects just like a father with the son that delights him! (Prov. 3:11, 12; Heb. 12:5-7) Part of learning is correction by our teacher or mentor. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, and He uses the Word of God to correct us.

We are the Lord’s inheritance and He will never forsake us! Praise the Lord!

Your Future is GOOD!

2011-08-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: click (www.morguefile.com)

Thank you for looking in! We’re putting on our optimist glasses today, and viewing our future through the lens of Truth–the Bible.

In mercy the throne will be established; and One will sit on it in truth, in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking justice and hastening righteousness. (Isaiah 16:5) Jesus is the One who will judge, and who accelerates the establishment of righteousness! Jesus said: I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) Because He is the Truth, His judgment shall be established. Glory!

On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old. (Amos 9:11 NKJV) The “tabernacle of David” may represent a number of ideas. One that I enjoy pondering is David’s revelation of a personal, intimate relationship with God, and his understanding of the importance of praising God, singing unto Him, and dancing before Him. All of these things are very much a part of the New Testament experience, but David had a revelation of this future reality. He pulled that reality into his own, everyday experience. Because he did that, he was a blessing to his nation, his own generation, and all generations that have followed! We will see the tabernacle of David—an intimate relationship with Jesus—reestablished.

“Behold the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it.” (Amos 9:13 NKJV)

Commentary on Amos 9:13: Such shall be the abundance that the harvest and vintage can hardly be gathered before the time for preparing for the next crop shall come. Instead of the greater part of the year being spent in war, the whole shall be spent in sowing and reaping the fruits of earth. (Jamieson, Robert; A. R. Fausset; and David Brown. “Commentary on Amos 9.” Blue Letter Bible, 19 Feb 2000. 2011. 18Aug2011)

Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: 16 ‘After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; 17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things.’ 18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works. (Acts 15:14-18 NKJV)

The Lord’s purpose in rebuilding the “tabernacle of David” is so that ALL of mankind may seek Him and know Him—and know Him intimately! Hallelujah!

OUR FUTURES ARE BLESSED AND OUR HOPE IS SECURE IN JESUS!

We Are Betrothed!

2011-08-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: mensatic (www.morguefile.com)

Good day to you, and welcome!

"And it shall be in that day," says the Lord, “that you will call Me ‘my Husband’ and no longer call Me ‘my Master.’” (Hosea 2:16 NKJV)

God has betrothed us to Himself in righteousness, justice, lovingkindness, faithfulness, and mercy. (Hosea 2:19, 20) We have a destiny as the Bride of Christ. God wants us to know Him intimately.

We must seek Him and pursue Him. (See 8-13 posting titled His Mighty Wonders) We must spend time with Him and hear, as well as listen for, His voice.

The Scriptures tell us that God is a jealous God. He yearns for us jealously. (Exodus 20:5; James 4:5) The Lord doesn’t want us setting up idols in our lives. (pretender gods) He wants our worship for Himself, alone. (Exodus 3:14)

He desires our focus and attention, our trust and faithfulness. He says, "Oh taste and see that I am good; you are blessed when you trust in Me." (Psalm 34:8)

Release That Burden Today!

2011-08-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

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Howdy! Thanks for stopping by.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22 NKJV)

It shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil. (Isaiah 10:27 NKJV)

Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? (Isaiah 58:6 NKJV)

As Christians and children of God, we’re not supposed to carry burdens! We should cast every burden upon the Lord, and He’ll release us from that yoke. Praise the Lord! The only weight we should carry is the weight of His GLORY upon us!

The yoke is destroyed by the anointing, and every believer has been anointed by the Holy Spirit. (Ps. 28:8; 92:10; 2 Cor. 1:21) So, allow yourself to flow in the anointing—in the Presence of Almighty God. God, alone, looses the heavy burdens and sets you FREE.

You, in turn, as His servant and representative on the earth, should then go forth and destroy burdens, set the oppressed free, and break EVERY yoke of the enemy that’s upon other people. We must enforce the will of God on the earth even as it is enforced in Heaven! (Matthew 6:10)

His Mighty Wonders!

2011-08-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: scarab (www.morguefile.com)

I’m happy you joined my meditation today! Welcome!

How great are His signs, and how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation. (Daniel 4:3 NKJV)

. . . the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. (11:32b NKJV)

I will betroth you to Me forever; in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord. (Hosea 2:19, 20 NKJV)

God’s signs and wonders are incomparable and mighty! His Kingdom is everlasting and His dominion from generations past to ALL future generations!

One of the ways that we can learn about the Lord and understand Him is to pay attention to His works: His creation of the earth and nature; His miracles, signs, and wonders; His sustaining power for man and all of creation, to name a few.

God has betrothed Himself in righteousness, justice, lovingkindness, mercy, and faithfulness to His Bride—US! God states that we “SHALL KNOW THE LORD.”

In order to obey this verse, we must pursue (seek) Him. There are many Bible verses that instruct us to SEEK THE LORD! (1 Chron. 16:10-11; 22:19a; 28:9; 2 Chron. 15:2; Psalm 9:10; 14:2; 27:4&8; 105:3&4; Proverbs 28:5; Isaiah 55:6; Lament. 3:25; Hosea 10:12; Amos 5:4; Zeph. 2:3; Zech. 8:21, 22; Acts 15:17; 17:27)

When we KNOW God, we shall be strong and courageous, and do great exploits to bring Him glory, honor, and praise!

FORGIVENESS: A Circle

2011-08-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: taliesin (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome to today’s meditation! We’re looking at the topic of forgiveness.

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. (Matthew 6:12 NKJV)

If you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14 NKJV)

Who can forgive sins, but God alone? (Mark 2:7 NKJV)

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained. (John 20:23 NKJV)

. . . bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (Colossians 3:13 NKJV)

It can be so difficult to forgive someone close to us who has hurt us deeply. When a spouse injures their marriage partner or a child injures a parent, or a friend injures a friend—the injured party feels devastated. Depending upon the nature of the offense and the closeness of the emotional tie, a person could feel betrayed, forsaken, and rejected.

Nevertheless, the Lord wants us to forgive those who offend us. He wants us to emulate Him. He desires us to bring Him glory by acting like He does!

You may say, “What? WHY should I forgive this person who has hurt me more deeply than anyone else ever has?” The Lord replies: “Because I forgave you! I set my love upon Adam and Eve, but they betrayed Me, and turned over their earthly authority to satan! Yet, I still forgave them completely.”

The Lord isn’t asking us to do anything that He hasn’t already done! He wants us to love and forgive others by faith through grace. Grace is the supernatural ability to do something which we couldn’t have done otherwise. That’s how we bring God glory, honor, and praise. Take part in this divine circle of forgiveness which demonstrates to God our obedience, love, and faith in Him.

He Did It All For Me!

2011-08-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: orchid (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings, friend! Personalize this teaching. Make it your very own, and soar in your heritage today!

2 Cor. 5:21 NKJV Him who knew no sin, He made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Righteousness means the ability to stand in the presence of the Father, demons, sickness and disease, without the sense of inferiority, condemnation, or of sin-consciousness. Those who live righteously, who know by the Word that they’re the Righteousness of God in Christ, are absolute masters over circumstances, demons, and diseases.

Romans 8:1, 33 KJV There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. 33Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? Who is he that condemneth? It is God that justifieth.

We’ve been set free from the law of sin and death. Since sin can’t have dominion over me, disease can’t lord it over me, because they come from the same source. The nature and Life of God that has come into me gives me life and health. We’re promised a LONG LIFE! (Ps. 91:16)

John 15:5 KJV I am the vine, and ye are the branches.

The life of the vine is in the branch. As soon as the branch is wounded, the vine pours life into it so it can heal and go on bearing fruit!

Jesus’ triumph over satan is my triumph. Jesus’ victory is my victory. He did nothing for Himself. It was all FOR ME. Today, I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me! (Rom. 8:37)

• Jesus became sin that I might become Righteous. (2 Cor. 5:21)

• He went to Hell that I might go to Heaven. (Ephes. 4:9, 10)

• He was made weak that I might be made strong. (2 Cor. 12:10; Heb. 11:34)

• He became poor that I might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)

He took my place, met every need, satisfied every claim of Justice, and set me free! I am free indeed! I am free to soar!

Who Will Turn It Back?

2011-07-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: Robb (www.morguefile.com)

So glad you’ve stopped by! Welcome! Are you feeling powerless, hopeless, and helpless? If so, I hope this will cheer you up and encourage you powerfully!

For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? (Isaiah 14:27 NKJV, emphasis added)

Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. (Joshua 21:45 NKJV)

Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it. (Isaiah 46:11 NKJV)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. (Matt. 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33 NKJV)

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. (2 Corinthians 1:20 NKJV)

Who is strong and mighty enough to stop the Lord’s plans? Who can prevent Him from fulfilling His own Word? NO ONE!

Believe God’s Word today, and continue to trust in the promises that He has made to you. He’s not a man that He should lie! (1 Sam. 15:29; Numbers 23:19)

God’s Word stands FOREVER! (Isaiah 40:8) It’s a sure foundation.

The way for you to win and to be victorious is to focus upon God and upon His Word. Believe God’s Word and trust Him. Persevere in faith and don’t give up! The Lord will NEVER give up on you!

An Encouraging Word

2011-07-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

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Hi, friend! I’m so glad that you’ve joined me, because the Lord has given me an encouraging message for you.

“Learn of Me,” says the Lord. “I am the God who is love. I love you and accept you unconditionally. I’m the God of abundance—of more than enough. You cannot deplete My supply nor empty My storehouses! There is NO END to My provisions for you.

“I’m the God who is with you. I’ll never leave you. I’ll never betray or disappoint or forsake you. My Word is faithful and true, because I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

“I am your Healer. My healing power makes you spiritually, physically, and emotionally whole. Every illness and disease bows to Me, and departs at My Word. I even heal relationships!

“Everything I am, I am in you! Everything I am, I am for you—and through you. You are My body on the earth, and I will use you to bring glory to My Name.

“Recognize Who I Am. See Me and serve Me in Spirit and in Truth. As you focus on Me—as you meditate on My unending, unbridled love for you, you will be changed. You will be transformed to live courageously and boldly as My ambassador on the earth.

“Just remember that I’m with you, and I’ve set angels around you to guard you and protect you in all of your ways. I am in covenant with you; I am married to you.”

Overcoming

2011-07-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: gracey (www.morguefile.com)

Thanks for looking in today! Welcome!

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4 NKJV)

The "world" includes:

• all that is opposed to keeping the commandments of God, or

• draws us off from God,

• including our flesh, on which the world's enticements or threats act, and

• Satan, the prince of this world.

Our relationship with Jesus Christ has given us victory over all of these. And the victory that has already been won, that has already been obtained, and is already established is FAITH!

It’s by believing: that we’re made one with Jesus the Son of God, so that we partake of His victory over the world, and have dwelling in us One greater than he who is in the world (satan).

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NKJV)

Our faith is a gift from God, so that no one will be able to boast! (Ephesians 2:8-9) Let us thank God for this precious gift which has carried us into victory!

A Perfect Way

2011-07-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: gracey (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings and welcome! I hope you’re enjoying this season during which so many people take a vacation or a rest. Here's something to meditate upon before you return to the “daily grind.”

2 Samuel 22:33 (NKJV) - God [is] my strength [and] power, and He makes my way perfect.

Psalm 18:32 (NKJV) - [It is] God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect.

In these passages from the Bible, the writer is describing God’s help and the blessings of their relationship. This is how our relationship with our Father God, through Jesus, blesses us: God gives us -

1. Swiftness to pursue or elude our enemies;

2. Strength;

3. Protection; and

4. A firm footing!

A “firm footing” is very important under all circumstances. But you can well imagine how vital a firm footing is during battle! Firm ground upon which to place your foot during battle can mean the difference between winning and losing.

These precious promises are for you and me, friend. The Lord gives us His strength and power; His counsel and protection in battle; and makes our feet secure! This is His recipe for victory in every area of our lives! Glory to His Name!

Muse on the Work of His Hands!

2011-06-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

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I trust you are blessed and prospering in the Lord! Welcome!

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse (reflect) on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. (Psalm 143:5, 6 NKJV)

In this passage of Scripture, the psalmist is speaking to the Lord. This gives us a peek into the intimate relationship the psalmist had with God. He thought about God; he thought about the past in God’s presence. He meditated and pondered the works of the Lord.

And lastly, the psalmist confessed that he longed for the Lord like a thirsty land longs for water! That’s an image of intense intimacy and dependence!

This paints a picture for us of a very close relationship between God and man. This is a good model for us to copy in our own lives. Stop and think about the Lord and what He has done for you in your life, in your moments of great need, and in the lives of your family members! And then express your great love and thankfulness to Him. It will bless you mightily!

Anointed for Service

2011-06-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: mimiliz (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings, and may your day be blessed in every way. I’m so happy you’ve looked in.

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God . . . (2 Cor. 1:21 NKJV)

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. (1 John 2:20 NKJV)

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (1 John 2:27 NKJV)

We, as believers of Jesus Christ, have been anointed by God; and we carry His presence with us everywhere.

The anointing we carry is the power of God to break bondages; heal the sick; raise the dead; set the captives free; and initiate supernatural, miraculous events.

And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:7-8 NKJV)

God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit . . . (Hebrews 2:4 NKJV)

When signs and wonders follow us, God is bearing witness to the word of His grace granting signs and wonders to be done through our hands. (Acts 14:3) EXPECT God’s miraculous power, operating through the anointing upon you, to be in evidence in your life!

Host His Presence

2011-06-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: mmsz (www. morguefile.com)

Thank you for looking in on today’s meditation, and welcome!

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV)

And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV)

. . . teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NKJV)

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV)

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NKJV)

These Scripture verses remind us that God is with us, that He is IN US, and that He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us! What a beautiful reality upon which to meditate!

Because we carry the living God within us, and we are His temple (1 Cor. 6:19), it is our privilege to “host the Presence” of the Lord as we live our lives. It’s our honor and duty to give people an encounter with the living God who dwells within us. This should always be a LOVE ENCOUNTER! God’s presence is the best evangelistic tool!

Allow His love to flow through you. Introduce God’s love to the world with exceeding great joy!

A New Point of View

2011-06-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: NASA

Hello, and welcome! Today we’re considering a new way of looking at others.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV)

Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. (2 Cor. 5:16 NKJV)

In these verses, we’re reminded that God knows our hearts and regards each of us according to His unique, all-encompassing point of view.

In second Corinthians, the writer admits that even though he used to regard Jesus from a human point of view, he does so no longer. Why is this important?

I think one of the reasons this is important is because God sees us as we truly are in our redeemed spiritual state, and His perception of each one of us is accurate--more accurate than even our own!

God’s TRUTH (His Word) says that we are:

• Set free (Romans 6:18, 22)

• Redeemed (Luke 1:68; Gal. 3:13)

• Made strong (Acts 3:16; 2 Cor. 13:9)

• Healed (1 Peter 2:24)

• His seed (Romans 11:1; 1 John 3:9)

• His representatives (Matt. 28:19;John 8:31; 13:35)

See yourself the way God sees you, and it will revolutionize your life!

Thirsty?

2011-05-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: alvimann (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome to our meditation!

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:2 NKJV) We need to recognize our inner longing and need for God, expressed in this verse as “thirst.”

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1 NKJV) We are so thirsty for God’s presence, because the world in which we live ignores or denies Him.

I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. (Psalm 143:6b NKJV) The figure of “spreading out our hands” to God is an image of supplication (appeal) and surrender. It is good to seek God and to yield to His Lordship and Kingship.

“. . . 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 NKJV) In Jesus, we have open and welcome access to our Father God. Jesus’ work has restored us to a right relationship with God, and purchased for us all of the benefits and blessings of salvation, including eternal life. We are restored to peace with God.

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 NKJV) Jesus’ promise to us here is based on the illustration of abiding in the Vine (John 15:1-8). All that we need—food, water, health, provision, healing, sustenance, and support—comes to us through our Savior. We need never hunger or thirst again!

And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:6 NKJV) The work of salvation is completed. Drink freely from the fount that will never run dry. Glory to God!

ALL of the blessings of salvation are ours (2 Peter 1:3); and every promise God has given in the Word is answered “YES” to us, His children (2 Cor. 1:20). God is with us always and forever (Hebrews 13:5). Through Jesus, we are completely SATISFIED!

Remembering the Lord & His Works

2011-05-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

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A blessed and good day to you! Glad to have you join me!

Then they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer. (Psalm 78:35 NKJV)

He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. (Psalm 111:4 NKJV)

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse (ponder) on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. (Psalm 143:5, 6 NKJV)

These Bible verses remind us to REMEMBER God and to remember His works among us and for us. God has actually made His works to be remembered! Does that surprise you?

God wants us to remember Him; to talk of His works; to speak of His ways and His goodness; to share our testimonies that we may encourage others. When we do share our testimonies, we’re prophesying blessings over people!

Testimonies are pregnant with impartation! Let’s make sure that we are excellent witnesses of God’s goodness and miracles in our lives. Give God the glory that He so richly deserves. Speak up and share what you know freely and frequently!

Lean on God

2011-05-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: danielito (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome! I’m so glad you’ve joined me.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:32 b NKJV)

His secret counsel is with the upright. (Proverbs 3:32 b NKJV)

These passages from the Bible advise us to lean on God, and not upon our own understanding of our situation and circumstances. Why should we lean upon God? Because His secret counsel is FOR the upright!!

How do we obtain God’s secret counsel? We seek Him; we meditate upon His Word; and we invite Him to speak to us in the quiet of our hearts and thoughts. Open yourself to God’s voice, and He will speak clearly to you. Open your heart and your spiritual ears.

Secret counsel is especially designed for the person who needs it most. It’s a secret because it’s something that must be sought and pursued—yearned for. When we hunger for God’s solution and seek His face, He is pleased and will respond to us rapidly! He will be found by us! (1 Chron. 28:9b; 2 Chron. 15:2b; Proverbs 7:15)

The Lord loves to deliver His people! (1 Sam. 17:37; 23:4; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalm 18:2, 19, 48; Psalm 22:4; 34:4; Colossians 1:13)

A Personal Note

2011-05-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, my friend! Thanks for looking in!

Here’s something UNUSUAL: just a personal note from me to you—not a teaching!

Photo courtesy of: Jason Hensley (CO)

Thanks for following along with me, and sharing my interest in learning more about God and His Word. Thanks for your interest in drawing closer to Him.

I appreciate your being patient with me when I’m busy or out of town, and as a result, I don’t post as frequently as I’d like to!

I was recently out of town for 4-1/2 days so that I could attend our oldest daughter’s graduation from Bethel Supernatural School of Ministry (BSSM) in CA. When I returned home, I had a lot of work (for the ministry and for my family) to catch up on! You know what that feels like, right?

So, now you have an idea of why I haven’t posted an article since May 6th! I do hope to have a new teaching up within a few days. Be blessed and keep on enjoying your faith-filled walk with God!

By Faith: Give LIFE

2011-05-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: clarita (www.morguefile.com)

It’s good to fellowship with you. Thanks for stopping by! You’ve heard that the “just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17 NKJV) We’re considering a very important facet of a life of faith in this meditation.

If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11 NKJV)

When we speak, we must speak in faith (as a prophet of God) and with God-given wisdom. We learn wisdom by meditating upon and feeding upon God’s Word.

As we minister, we understand that we’ve been given ability and the anointing to minister by the Lord. So, it is God’s GRACE that carries us all along the way—a gift from God.

. . . who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Cor. 3:6 NKJV)

The Holy Spirit gives life. This must be our guideline and our measure, that ALL we share and minister to others gives LIFE! Only then will God be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Rest Your Hope Fully Upon Grace

2011-05-02T14:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings in Christ, and welcome!

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:13 NKJV)

"Gird up the loins" means to gather your long robes with a belt to prepare for action; but this is talking about the mind being prepared for action. We’re to be sober which means temperate, restrained, serious, thoughtful, calm, and unruffled.

The revelation of Jesus has occurred! His work is finished! Praise God!

Lastly, we’re to rest our hope (confident expectation) upon the grace brought to us at the revelation of Jesus, our Savior. We’re so blessed to be among those who have received this revelation! We may rest confidently upon His grace.

You may rest, knowing that your salvation was paid for fully by Jesus. There is no work or striving you need to do, but just live your life for Him by the grace that He provides.

Rule Yourself

2011-04-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: kconnors (www.morguefile.com)

Thanks for visiting our blog! Today, we meditate upon self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23 NKJV)

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. (Proverbs 25:28 NKJV) If a person has NO self-imposed limits, he’s out of control! Like a city without walls, it makes one an easy target for the enemy.

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God . . . (2 Tim. 3:2-4 NKJV) Evil will flourish in and fully corrupt a person who lacks self-control as revealed by the Scripture shown above.

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. (2 Pet. 1:5-7 NKJV)

This passage in 2 Peter teaches us the methodical, steadfast way in which the Holy Spirit will mature us and develop our character. We must begin our walk with the Lord with faith, followed by virtue and knowledge, and then self-control. Self-control is a key ingredient in this progression of spiritual development. And all of these things occur as we diligently study the Bible, obey the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and flow in the grace that the Lord provides to us moment by moment.

Diligently pursue living with all of the fruit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and you will achieve God’s plan for you!

How Do We Win in Life?

2011-04-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

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Blessings upon you! Thanks for stopping by!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:57) According to this, we’ve already won! Victory belongs to every believer! (John 16:33)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4) When you’ve heard from God, doubts will inevitably come to snatch the Word away. But persevere in faith, and victory will be evident in your life.

Your pride might say: “It’s all up to ME!” But that’s a lie. Rely upon the Lord and upon His Word. He will NEVER fail you; His love will NEVER fail you. (Zeph. 3:5; 1 Cor. 13:8)

. . . that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (Philemon 1:6) Every good and perfect gift is given to us by God the Father in whom is no variation or shifting shadows. (James 1:17) As we recognize every good gift and the abundant life which is in us in Christ, the sharing of our faith becomes more and more effective! (See John 10:10) Hallelujah!

God has good plans for you—plans for a prosperous future. (Jer. 29:11) We are in position as royal children of the King of Kings—not slaves! We’re seated in heavenly places! (Ephes. 2:6)

Know who you are! (Rom. 3:23-24; 2 Cor. 5:17; Ephes. 2:13) Think about this bonus: we inherit NO generational curses through our Heavenly Father! We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us! (Rom. 8:37)

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 Tim. 2:2 NKJV) Take these things that you’ve learned from the Scriptures and from lessons taught by faithful witnesses, and share them with others who will also be able to teach! This is our charge in life—to share the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Part 3: Why Should We Value God's Word?

2011-04-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

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Hello, beloved of God! This is the final portion of our meditation upon the value of the Word of God.

Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom will ascend like dust; because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 5:24 NKJV) If we do not cherish the Word of God and trust in it, it’s the same as despising and rejecting it in God’s sight.

He who despises the word will be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13 NKJV) Those who respect and honor (fear) God’s Word will be rewarded with blessings!

The law of the wise is a fountain of life to turn one away from the snares of death. (Proverbs 13:14 NKJV) One of the purposes of God’s Word is to point us away from death and INTO LIFE!

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 NKJV) Jesus is the Word of God in the flesh! He embodied the nature and the will of His Father when He was upon the earth.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV) This verse reminds us that God’s Word is full of power and able to be wielded as a sword! This is a powerful and effective spiritual weapon used in obedience to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Let’s not abandon or risk undervaluing one of our most important spiritual tools!

Part 2: Why Should We Value God's Word?

2011-04-08T15:22:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: gracey (http://www.morguefile.com/)

Welcome back! We’re meditating on reasons for placing value upon the Word of God. If we look at Psalm 119, which expounds upon God’s Word, we can learn much, and be blessed as a result. I challenge you to read this Psalm today!

Here are only some of the blessings of God’s Word (See Psalm 119):

• By walking in (obeying) the law of the Lord (His Word), we’re kept undefiled; and it brings us blessings. (verses 1, 2)

• We’ll never be ashamed when we live by the Word. (verse 6)

• We’re revived by the Word. (verse 25)

• We’re strengthened by the Word. (verse 28)

• We’ll walk at liberty when we seek God’s precepts. (verse 45)

• The Word gives us hope. (verses 49, 114)

• The Word gives us comfort and life. (verse 50)

• God’s Word is our song! (verse 54)

• God’s Word sustains us in affliction. (verse 92)

• The Word makes us wiser than our enemies, and it remains with us. (verse 98)

• The Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths. (verse 105)

• God upholds us according to His Word, and gives us safety. (verses 116, 117)

• We receive direction from God’s Word. (verse 133)

• The Word gives us peace, and prevents us from stumbling. (verse 165)

• Deliverance comes through the Word. (verse 170)

So many blessings will be poured out upon us when we exalt God’s Word in our lives and obey it.

Part 1: Why Should We Value God's Word?

2011-04-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

Hello, and thanks for checking in! We’re beginning a meditation on the value of the Word of God. Here’s a small portion of what God says about His Word.

God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)

. . . ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. (Joshua 23:14 KJV)

The Lord therefore hath performed His word that He hath spoken . . . (2 Chron. 6:10a KJV)

Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it. (Jeremiah 1:12 KJV)

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4 KJV)

In these verses from the Bible, God not only says that He performs His Word and ensures that it comes to pass, but He tells us that it should be as necessary to us as bread!

The Scriptures should be magnified in our hearts, our thoughts, and our lives. For a believer, whatever God’s Word says on a subject should be the constant meditation that carries us through to victory in every circumstance! Make a choice to place God’s Word above every other thing, and observe how your life becomes brand new!

God's Glory in Us!

2011-03-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: anitapatterson (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings in Christ, and welcome! We’re meditating upon God’s glory in US.

“For I,” says the Lord, “will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.” (Zechariah 2:5 NKJV)

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1 NKJV)

The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the Lord will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. (Isaiah 60:19 NKJV)

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one . . . (John 17:22 NKJV)

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor. 3:18 NKJV)

You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. (Hebrews 2:7 NKJV)

All of these Scriptures remind us that the Lord has shared His glory with us. The Lord says that:

• His glory is risen upon us;

• That God, Himself, IS our glory;

• That Jesus shared His glory with us;

• That we’re being transformed into the glorious image of the Lord; and

• That we're crowned by God with glory and honor.

Are you aware of God’s glory surrounding you and inhabiting you? Have you realized that God is a wall of fire around His people? Are you walking in the identity of a child of the King, and a representative of His Kingdom?

Stand tall; walk in the authority that Jesus has given you; and expect victory in all of your life situations. You march under God’s banner of Love, (Song of Solomon 2:4) and you host His glory!

A Jealous God?

2011-03-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

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A happy good day to you! Can God really be jealous?

Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?” (James 4:5 NKJV)

For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God . . . (Exodus 20:5b NKJV)

. . . for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God . . . (Exodus 3:14 NKJV)

For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24 NKJV)

The word “jealous” has a lot of negative connotations:
envious; covetous; suspicious; etc. But I don't believe that when God uses this word, He intends to imply those negative meanings to us.

God is GOOD, (Matt. 19:17; Mk. 10:18; Lk. 18:19) so He can not have a quality that is evil.

“Jealous” can also be defined as:
desirous; protective; or watchful. It can indicate a sense of yearning, as when James 4:5 says that the Spirit of God yearns (desires) for us. He is protective of us, watchful to guard and guide us, and desirous of our hearts and affection.

He also desires that the good plans He's made for each one of His children will come to pass. Additionally, He yearns that our relationship with Him will be full and complete—where we fully live in and through Him and He fully lives in and through each one of us.

God is love. (1 John 4:8) He loves us, and He wants us to respond to Him completely, wholeheartedly, and sincerely. His banner over us is love! (Song of Songs 2:4) Appropriate and enjoy His love today, dear friend.

The Fruit of Righteousness

2011-03-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: cohdra (http://www.morguefile.com/)

It’s good to fellowship with you. Thanks for stopping by!

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:18, underlining added) James is talking about the harvest (fruit) of sowing the seed of righteousness in peace. The seed is the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and it’s meant to be sown in peace by those who make peace. The end product of such work is always peace: peace with God and peace among human beings.

The Bible says that the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. (Ephesians 5:9) The harvest of the Spirit—that which it brings to life—is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth because the seed itself is righteousness and the end product is always good, holy, and wise.

We are filled with the fruits of righteousness which are through Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God. (Philippians 1:11) Our very lives are filled with the blessings (fruits) of righteousness, thanks to Jesus Christ, because they come to us and bear fruit in us through Him. This fact also brings praise, glory, and honor to God!

Lastly, we know that chastening from the Lord produces the peaceable fruit of righteousness for those who’ve been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11) Once again, we see the involvement of “peace” with the idea of the “fruit of righteousness.” Peace and righteousness are intertwined because salvation confers both of these upon the believer. And a true child of God submits to His Father’s chastening because it produces maturity, holiness, and victory. Its object is always to bring about what’s best for us, and bring us to peace.

A believer allows himself to be trained by righteousness: strengthened, prepared, and transformed by it. Righteousness is a precious gift from God to us! Glory to God!

Our Sufficiency is from God

2011-03-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

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Greetings! You’re always welcome here! We’re meditating upon our “sufficiency”—another way of saying our: adequacy; competence; or capability.

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6 NKJV, emphasis added)

But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:29 NKJV, emphasis added)

These verses from the Bible inform us of our position as believers, as children of God, and as ministers of the new covenant. Every believer is a minister of the new covenant.

The Lord tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 that our competence comes from Him; and that He has MADE us capable as ministers of the new covenant by the Spirit because the Spirit gives life. A by-product of ministry directed by the Holy Spirit is always L-I-F-E!

In Romans, we can see the proper attitude for us to have as we minister to those who are desperate and hurting: that we minister in the fullness of the blessing of the good news of Jesus Christ! Carry this in your heart as you minister and the presence of God shall pour forth as streams upon a thirsty ground!!

No Longer Foolish, Poor, or Despised!

2011-03-11T15:36:00.000-08:00

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How are you? I trust that you’re blossoming in your walk with the Lord.

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh should glory in His presence. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NKJV)

Listen my beloved brethren: has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? (James 2:5 NKJV)

All of us were foolish, poor, and despised before Jesus saved us. He has shared with US the wisdom of the Holy Spirit; the riches of His own inheritance; and the love that He so freely receives from His Father.

God created a plan of salvation that is supernaturally wise, and its unfolding is a continuous miracle in every dimension. God’s plan confounds man’s so-called wisdom because it must be spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Now we are rich in faith and joint heirs of the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus. (James 2:5)

We are ambassadors of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! (2 Corinthians 5:20)

We have ALL that pertains to life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)

We are seated in heavenly places. (Ephesians 2:6)

We’re DAILY loaded down with the benefits of salvation! (Psalm 68:19) We are no longer foolish, poor or despised! We are blessed and highly favored. Hallelujah!

Don't Do Without "Any Good Thing"

2011-03-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

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Hello! Good day to you!

But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. (Psalm 34:10b NKJV)

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NKJV)

. . . 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 . . . (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV)

These powerful passages from the Bible remind us that God has provided everything that we need. Literally . . . everything! Our responsibility is to trust God, and have confidence that He keeps His Word.

If there is anything you need, “Ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach,” and it will be given to you.

Lastly, draw near to God and acquaint yourself with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. (Isaiah 65:1; Romans 10:20) The more you come to know the Lord, His will, His nature, and His character, the more faith you will have and the more miracles you will see! Hallelujah!

TASTE & SEE!

2011-03-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: featherwolf (www.morguefile.com)

Thanks for looking in on us! Welcome!

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! (Psalm 34:8 NKJV)

. . . as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (1 Peter 2:23 NKJV; underlining added)

We’re instructed by God's Word to taste and see that the Lord is good. A taste refers to the testing of good by the means of the sense of taste. From the primary sense of physical tasting, this eventually developed into the idea of sampling things, other than food, in order to evaluate them.

When we have good food to share, we’re eager to invite friends and family to have a taste. When we have found a service that is excellent and fairly priced, we freely share the name of the company with those we hold dear. After seeing a particularly good movie, we can’t wait to discuss it with and recommend it to others.

We may do the same thing with the precious gift of salvation! We can invite those that we hold dear to taste and see the blessings of salvation. Share how YOU have tasted and seen that the Lord is good! Give testimonies of what God has done for you.

Offer to pray for and with your loved ones about a need in their lives, and watch as the Lord demonstrates His extravagant love for them. Hallelujah!

The Sun of Righteousness

2011-02-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: cohdra (www.morguefile.com)

It’s good to fellowship with you! Thanks for coming by.

But to you who fear My Name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves. (Malachi 4:2 NKJV)

The Sun of Righteousness is the Lord Jesus Christ, who bore our pains and sorrows, so that we could receive salvation! (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24) His salvation includes: abundant life (John 10:10); strength; financial blessings; supernatural healing; reconciled relationships; deliverance from trouble; and the fulfillment of every other need you may have.

The Bible clearly states that the Lord has given us ALL that pertains to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue! (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV) Draw near to the Lord Jesus Christ and learn of Him. Become well acquainted with Him and His personality; and you shall have all that you need for life and godliness. Glory!

PROTECTION

2011-02-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: rachjose (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome, friend! We’re studying God’s protection of His people.

So shall they fear the Name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19 NKJV)

Do you feel like you’re engulfed in difficulties or troubles? This passage of Scripture will encourage your heart, for the Lord says at just such a time, HE lifts up a standard against the devil. Look to the Lord Jesus for deliverance. Expect His salvation to come to you through an unexpected avenue; and rejoice in His salvation NOW! When your prayers are answered, give God all the honor and praise by sharing your testimony with others and encouraging their faith.

No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. (Proverbs 12:21 NKJV) The word “overtake” means to take by surprise; sweep over; or assail.

This promise from the Word of God anchors us to the truth that we ARE the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21) So stand on this promise of God to you!

In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. (Proverbs 12:28 NKJV) In the pathway that God has created for His people, there is only life and blessing forevermore. (Deuteronomy 30:19) Cling to this lifeline in faith, and rejoice in your standing as a child of God!

Mediator & High Priest

2011-02-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

Hello! Good day to you.

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus. . . (Hebrews 3:1 NKJV)

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (Hebrews 4:14 NKJV)

But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. (Hebrews 8:6 NKJV)

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:11, 12 NKJV)

For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us . . . (Hebrews 9:24 NKJV)

Jesus is our Mediator and High Priest. With His blood, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place in heaven and poured His blood upon the mercy seat for us. Now He appears in the presence of God for us, representing us before the high court of heaven!

He is the High Priest of our confession, and the Scriptures tell us to HOLD FAST to our confession. I recommend that you make sure your confession agrees with the Scriptures so that you give Jesus material that’s trustworthy and eternal to use on your behalf!

Remember that He’s the Mediator of a better covenant based upon BETTER promises, so make sure to use those great and precious promises!

Perseverance!

2011-02-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks for checking in with us, friend! Welcome!

. . . that you do not become sluggish (lazy), but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:12 NKJV)

This verse encourages us to imitate people of strong faith who persist (persevere) in their trust in the Word and in their trust in the Savior, thereby inheriting the promises. Hallelujah!

. . . knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (James 1:3 NKJV)

When we must persist in faith, standing upon the Word to receive one of the blessings of salvation, this testing of our faith actually produces more patience in us. (a fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22, 23) These experiences deepen our relationship with the Lord and mature us as believers by strengthening our faith. We acquire a spiritual backbone, so to speak! So, enjoy the journey, friend!

Your Words Are Exceedingly Important!

2011-02-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: garrygraham (www.morguefile.com)

It’s good to fellowship with you. Thanks for stopping by!

Our words are VERY important to God, and if we only knew it—to ourselves! Our own words can paint a life of victory or defeat for us—the choice is ours.

This choice involves the use of self-discipline (a fruit of the Spirit). Without self-control and the grace of God, we can’t tame our tongues. (See James 3:2-9) Our tongues speak spiritual realities into existence.

For we all stumble in many things, if anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect (mature) man, able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:2 NKJV - definition added)

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver. (Proverbs 10:20a NKJV)

The lips of the righteous feed many. (Proverbs 10:21a NKJV)

The mouth of the righteous is a well of life. (Proverbs 10:11a NKJV)

The mouth of the upright will deliver them. (Proverbs 12:6b NKJV)

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. (Proverbs 12:14a NKJV)

The angels listen for the “voice” of God’s Word so that they may DO His Word! (Psalm 103:20)

It’s always our greatest blessing to trust in God’s Word; to agree with it; and to declare it for ourselves and on behalf of those to whom we minister. We must allow the angels to hear the voice of God’s Word coming from our lips. Our words are important. Let’s be mindful of them, and use them to bless many!

Do You "Reason" With God?

2011-02-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: ppdigital (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome, friend! Do you have a need in your life? Then, it’s time to “reason” with God!

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted. (justified) – Isaiah 43:25, 26 NKJV

The Lord wants us to “put Him in remembrance” and to reason with Him (Isa. 1:18) and state our case for receiving the blessings of salvation. Forgiveness and justification have been provided to us through Jesus, our Savior. All of the blessings of salvation are ours through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Take words with you, and return to the Lord; say to Him, “Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips." – Hosea 14:2 NKJV

We are to “take words” with us to the Lord—His own words! He desires that we offer the sacrifices of our lips (praise) to Him. (Heb. 15:15) He is pleased when we trust in His Word and rely upon it.

And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand. – Isaiah 51:16a, b NKJV

Here the Lord says He has put His words in our mouths, and has covered us with the shadow of His hand. As we remind Him of His Word, and tell Him that we know it's true and we're relying upon it, He takes pleasure in our faith and hope in Him. As we speak God’s words by faith, He provides all that we need in every area; and He protects us under His sheltering hand. Glory to God!

Receive Healing During Communion Service

2011-01-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings! Today we’re thinking about expecting God to heal us of physical ailments and pains during the Communion Service.

1. We take part in the Communion Service in remembrance of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice because Jesus instructed us to do so, and because REMEMBERING God’s works and wonders pleases Him, and helps us to access His salvation. (Luke 22:19, 20; Psalm 77:10-15)

2. We bring to the Communion Service our helmet, the “Hope (or Expectation) of Salvation.” Our expectation is STRONG since God’s love for us is an undefeatable benevolence and an unconquerable goodwill that always seeks the highest good of the loved one without considering his/her worth! God’s love is the greatest force there is in time and in eternity! It’s undefeatable and unconquerable, and WE are the objects (receivers) of that marvelous love!

3. Jesus is on our side. Jesus is our intercessor, mediator, perfector, and High Priest. (Isa. 53:12e; Heb. 7:24, 25; 8:6) Jesus asks on our behalf, and since we are perfected based upon His atoning sacrifice, we have assurance that we receive ALL of the blessings of salvation that Jesus died to give us. He is the intermediary between God and man, the High Priest over the house of God so that we may hold fast the confession of our hope (EXPECTATION) without wavering (being double-minded), FOR HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL (reliable). – Hebrews 10:23

4. According to Matthew 8:16, 17, Jesus took our infirmities and bore our diseases AWAY! Healing is an integral (essential & vital) part of the atonement, and it is a finished work; nothing else needs to be done. All that’s required is receiving what we need by faith. 2 Corinthians 6:2 says: “…behold NOW is the day of salvation.”

The next time you share in the remembrance service of Communion, respectfully focus on Jesus, alone. Open your heart to Him; focus on His goodness, mercy, and compassion; and imagine that you are “touching the hem of His garment.” Reach out to Him with EXPECTATION in your heart. Allow the healing river of life that flows from the very throne of God to flow into you. Praise the Lord!

Operating in God's Love?

2011-01-23T18:16:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: cohdra (www.morguefile.com)

Good day! Thanks for stopping by.

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. (Proverbs 10:12 NKJV)

He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends. (Proverbs 17:9 NKJV)

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 NKJV)

These three passages from the Bible talk about love. They’re commenting upon God’s kind of love—the unconditional love that covers sins. God’s love is very powerful. His love sent salvation to the whole world. (John 3:16) It covers sins; provides salvation from and reconciliation with Him; and blesses the object of its affection. Hallelujah!

The people who KNOW their God shall be strong and do exploits, (Daniel 11:32) because they have come to experience and understand (as a reality) the love of God for them. They have been so empowered and transformed by God’s love that they become enabled to love people just as Jesus does.

Are you walking in the love of God? You’ll know when you are; because it empowers you to forgive others, bless them, and “cover their transgressions.” Hallelujah!

On the High Places in Christ

2011-01-20T12:01:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: penywise (http://www.morguefile.com/)

Welcome, friend! Did you know that once you accepted Jesus as your Savior, He empowers (authorizes, enables) you to do things that you never thought you could do?

The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills. (Habakkuk 3:19 NKJV)

He makes my feet like the feet of deer and sets me on my high places. (Psalm 18:33 NKJV – see also 2 Samuel 22:34)

In these passages, the Lord is showing us that He enables us to walk upon “high places” where we would otherwise be unable to walk simply because there is no secure surface upon which to stand. But faith in God’s Word and in His salvation keeps us steady and secure. To those observing, it might even seem like we are able to stand upon air—even as it appears that mountain goats are standing upon nothing! But we are actually standing upon the reality of His Word! He makes our feet like hind’s feet!

. . . which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:20, 21 NKJV)

. . . and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus . . . (Ephesians 2:6 NKJV)

We have been created to be with Christ, in heavenly places—above all principality and power and might and dominion! Jesus has made us new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17), clothed with glory and honor, sent to impact nations! (Psalm 8:5) He has truly set us in high places!

God's New Thing!

2011-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

A happy good day to you, friend! Thank you for looking in!

Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19 NKJ – emphasis added)

God is launching a fresh, miracle-filled season in the earth. NOW is its launching time! God is telling us, His friends, about it now because He wants us to know what He’s doing. Verse 18 of this chapter exhorts us to FORGET the past things—don’t consider them at all.

God is making a road, a pathway, in the wilderness—in a rough, uncharted territory or unknown area. God is the builder and planner of this pathway, so He has made the decision on the direction of His new “road.” The Lord has planned the road to take us to the destination that He has chosen for us! We can’t get lost on God’s road.

The Lord makes rivers in the desert! He’s watering the parched places: spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially. He’s pouring out blessings upon us so we will prosper in every regard.

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. (Isaiah 58:11 NKJV – emphasis added)

God is saying: “Get ready! Get ready! Get ready!” Hallelujah!

Pursue the Knowledge of the Lord

2011-01-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: taliesin (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings in Christ! Could it really be important to pursue knowledge of the Lord? What does the Bible say about this?

Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth. (Hosea 6:3 NKJV)

As children of God, we’re instructed to PURSUE the knowledge of the Lord. This is most pleasing to the Lord when we seek to know Him.

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:6 NKJV – underscoring added)

According to the Jamieson, Faussett & Brown commentary, the phrase knowledge of God used in Hosea 6:6 means experimental and practical knowledge, not merely theoretical knowledge. God is rich in mercy (Ephes. 2:4), and according to this passage, He was more interested in mercy than in the sacrifices that His people offered to Him. He wants us to have knowledge of Him more than He wants dead works or a legalistic mentality. The term knowledge of God implies an experiential (untried or investigational) coming to know God. Are you “launching out into the deep” in your relationship with God?

Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3-4 NKJV)

Those who truly KNOW God serve Him from a heart of love, and a desire to please Him. This heart attitude produces an unforced obedience to God’s Word and will. Meet with the Lord today in a quiet and peaceful setting, and launch an investigation into God’s nature. You will harvest rich and satisfying treasures as a result! God bless you.

Part 2: God's Good Pleasure

2011-01-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: imma (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome back! We’re continuing to investigate what gives God pleasure.

For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. (Psalm 149:4 NKJV) This Scripture tells us that God gets satisfaction and enjoyment from His relationship with His servants—who are also His children. (John 1:12; Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:2) And He will actually beautify those who are humble enough to RECEIVE His salvation!

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32 NKJV) Jesus said this to His disciples and to us! It gives our Father God great delight and joy to give US the kingdom with all of its blessings! Hallelujah!

. . . for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13 NKJV) The Lord, the Holy Spirit, works in us to motivate us to live for the Lord and to actively serve Him. In this way, the Lord assists us to be in a position to receive blessings and to fulfill our purpose in life. (Exodus 23:25; Luke 12:37; Acts 3:26) The resulting blessings that we receive give God great gratification and pleasure!

Because of His great love for us, God enjoys (takes pleasure in) BLESSING US!

Part 1: God's Good Pleasure

2011-01-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hello, and thanks for checking in. What do you suppose gives God pleasure?

Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” (Job 36:11 NKJV) This verse says the Lord takes pleasure in the success and prosperity of His servants! This is good news for us, isn’t it?

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11 NKJV) This passage reminds us that there are pleasures available to US in the presence of God. So, this motivates us to spend time with Him, seeking Him, and getting to know Him better daily.

They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. (Psalm 36:8 NKJV) The Bible tells us here that the Lord has a “river of pleasures” or good things that He owns, and that the servants of the Lord are satisfied from that very same river! Glory!

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. (Psalm 147:11 NKJV) Our Father God actually enjoys it when we show Him reverence and respect, and when we put our trust in Him and in His mercy.

Waterfalls of Blessing

2011-01-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: emlyn (www.morguefile.com)

Good day to you, and Happy New Year!

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’ (John 7:38 NASB)

Rivers of water speaks of an ongoing, plenteous supply. The words living water refer to everlasting or eternal life. Since water is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit, this is also a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 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 4:13, 14 NKJV)

Thirst represents any profound human need, longing, or desire. A person who has such a thirst is seeking relief, and the Lord provides intense relief from every need. Here are several Scriptures that demonstrate God’s generous provision for His people:

• But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. (Psalm 34:10)

• The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. (Proverbs 10:22)

• But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You. (John 11:22)

• And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)

• And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1 John 5:15)

Fresh Manna

2010-12-29T11:03:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: alvimann (www.morguefile.com)

In Exodus 16, the story of manna (bread) from heaven is told. Exodus 16:15 recounts: So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, 'What is it?' For they did not know what it was, and Moses said to them, 'This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat.' And the Lord told the people to gather the manna, every day, according to each one's need. So they gathered fresh manna every morning. On the day before the Sabbath, only, were they allowed to gather enough manna for two days, so that they could rest on the Sabbath.

According to John 6:32-35 (NKJV): Then Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. (33) 'For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.' (34) Then they said to Him, 'Lord, give us this bread always.' (35) And Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'

Jesus is the true manna from heaven. When I seek Him every day ACCORDING TO MY NEED I never hunger or thirst--I'm never wanting or lacking anything. I don't have any troubles!

I know for sure that I need fresh manna every day. I need to spend time, daily, in God's presence, glorifying and praising Him for salvation, grace, mercy, and provision. The greater my need, the more time I spend with my Lord, focusing on His beauty, meditating on His attributes, and feeding on His faithfulness. This is the life that Jesus gives to the world. This is the manna that produces faith which moves mountains. Jesus is the Bread of Heaven and I need Him every day.

Rooted in Love

2010-12-27T21:50:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: clarita (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome! I’m so glad you’ve decided to check out this blog! We’re continuing to study the wondrous love of God.

. . . that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19 NKJV) In this verse, the Holy Spirit is instructing us to be rooted (fixed in; implanted; entrenched) and to be grounded (fixed, caught, trapped, wedged) in the love of God!

Why would He encourage us to be unshakable in the love of God? Because being lodged in God’s love MAKES US unshakable, stalwart, and resolute! When we are firmly convinced that God loves us personally, we become steadfast in our faith. This kind of faith can withstand and overcome any attack of the enemy.

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me. (Isaiah 49:16 NKJV) The Lord has carved us on the palms of His hands, therefore, we are ever before Him, and ever important to Him!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV) The Lord has already given us victory through Jesus Christ, and He desires that we seize the victory forcefully – by faith. (1 John 5:4)

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. (John 15:9 NKJV) Our Father God has demonstrated His love to us through Jesus Christ. Jesus loves us! And He asks us to abide in His powerful, extravagant love for us!

“Abide” means to inhabit, stay in, or dwell in. Let us learn to inhabit and dwell within the LOVE of God. As we abide in His love and use the unshakable faith that results, the mighty power of God shall operate in our lives. Our fellowship with our Savior King will be sweet and mighty enough to move mountains!

Merry Christmas, With Love!

2010-12-23T22:32:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: luisrock62 (www.morguefile.com)

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! May your Christmas be warm and merry, and may your New Year be bright with promise! God loves you, dear one!

The message of the cross is summed up in John 3:16—God’s LOVE. God’s love motivated Him to GIVE.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor. 1:18) As we mentioned in our last blog, when we understand and experience the love of God personally, our faith becomes effortless because we TRUST in God based upon His love.

When we’re rooted and grounded in the love of God, we can come to a full realization of the width, length, depth, and height of God’s extravagant love for us. (Ephesians 3:17-19) Has He not been with you and supported you in the depths of life’s sorrows? Has He not accompanied and sustained you throughout the entire width and length of your life thus far? Have you not been carried to the heights of His love during blessed seasons of your life – or during praise and worship?

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord’s love for you! (Proverbs 21:30 NIV) Nothing . . . nothing . . . NOTHING can separate you from God’s love for you! (Romans 8:38, 39) During this special season that honors the birth of our Savior, celebrate God’s love for you! Give it some serious meditation, and then lift your voice in thanks and adoration.

Merry Christmas with Love . . . from your Father God.

God's Overflowing Love

2010-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: penywise (www.morguefile.com)

Hi, friend! Thanks for joining me as I continue meditating upon God’s great love for us.

The definition of “overflowing” is: abundant, generous, brimming, plentiful, copious, or profuse. These are very accurate words to describe God’s love for us! His love flows to us moment by moment, day after day, without ceasing.

All that is left for us to do is to RESPOND to His love—opening our hearts, welcoming it, and returning His love. We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

We need to be so ROOTED and GROUNDED in the knowledge of God’s love for us (Ephesians 3:17) that we come to a place where we’re filled with ALL the fullness of God! (Ephesians 3:18-19) That means that we become filled with the power of God!

Faith works through love. (Galatians 5:6) When we understand and experience God’s love for us as a reality, our faith becomes effective—even effortless. Once love is assured in our hearts, we trust the person who loves us implicitly. So we must do with our relationship with God, the Father. Trust and rest in His love. Rejoice and celebrate God’s love.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 says . . . putting on the breastplate of faith and love . . . Faith and love together form a mighty shield (breastplate). Because of God’s love for us, He sent a Savior to earth to reconcile us to God. (John 3:16) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Cor. 1:18)

The message of the cross is summed up in John 3:16—God’s LOVE. The understanding of the love of God for us IS the power of God in our lives! To activate your faith, receive God’s love; and live in POWER!

His Astounding Love

2010-12-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: imelenchon (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings! I’m happy to have you join us! I’m captivated by the love of God and want to think about it with you.

Astounding can be defined as: amazing, astonishing, surprising, outrageous, or beyond belief. The love of God for us is “too good to be true” . . . however, it IS TRUE!

In times of worry or trouble, the Lord is with us, and He comforts us (quiets us) with His love. (Zephaniah 3:17) His love covers ALL of our sins. (1 Peter 4:8) The love of God for us makes us complete and gives us peace in our hearts. (2 Cor. 13:11)

God’s love for us was revealed in the fact that He sent His beloved Son to pay the penalty for all of our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

We are SAFE to believe God’s love for us (1 John 4:16); because His love for us will NEVER end! (1 Cor. 13:8)

These are central truths of the GOOD NEWS of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and they’re worth celebrating continuously!

His Unfailing Love

2010-12-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: Schick (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome and thanks for stopping by! We’re going to consider the unfailing love of God, the Father, demonstrated through the saving work of Jesus Christ powered by the Holy Spirit.

The love of God has:

• Taken us out of bondage and given us liberty. (Galatians 4:3; 5:1)

• Cleansed us from empty works (Hebrews 9:14)

• Set us free from sin (Rom. 6:18, 22)

• Removed our loneliness because He never leaves us. (Hebrews 13:5)

• Washed us in forgiveness (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 2 Pet. 1:9)

• Become our fortress (Psalm 144:2)

• Surrounded us with peace (Philippians 4:7)

• Given us grace (John 1:16, 17)

• Given us a solid foundation (Romans 8:38-39)

• Come to live in us (Ephesians 2:22)

• Become our dwelling place (John 15:9-10)

God’s love is beyond compare, and it is our privilege to glory in it, and to live in the glow of it!

Learn to Remember

2010-12-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings and good day to you! Remembering is not something that we should do only at the end of the year, but something we should do always. What do I mean? I’m referring to the remembering that is important to God.

Remembering is of great consequence to God! That’s why He instructed the Israelites to pile up stones in places where He did mighty works on their behalf. It was a device used to help them REMEMBER.

Remembering and meditating upon: 1) the attributes of the Lord; 2) the miracles and blessings we’ve received from Him; 3) God’s Word; and 4) God’s personality deepens our relationship with God, and nurtures our faith.

1. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt. (Deut. 5:15) Remember where you came from—what situation you have escaped by God’s grace and mercy.

2. Remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt . . . (Deut. 7:18) Remember what the Lord did to your enemies; remember His deliverance. Continue to be thankful and grateful for what He has done for you and that God is your deliverer.

3. Remember the Lord your God, who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant . . . (Deut. 8:18) Remember God, and that all of your blessings and finances have come through Him. He desires to bless you, because He loves you.

Spend some time today ministering your thankfulness to the Lord and remembering all that He is and all that He has done FOR YOU! His love is unfailing and that motivates all that He does for you. (1 Cor. 13:8)

An Example of Faith in God

2010-12-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: sssh221 (www.morguefile.com)

Hi, friends! Merry Christmas!

In the spring of 1982, our son was born, which was a very precious blessing in our lives. In the month of December, 1982, I was considering what it was like for Mary to give birth to HER Son, Jesus. That Christmas, I understood--in a very tangible way--what joy and overflowing love she must have felt concerning her Son.

My thoughts then turned to what Mary must have felt when she saw her beloved Son accused unjustly, tortured, and crucified. Not only did God, the Father, sacrifice His Son for mankind; but Mary also sacrificed her Son.

Mary had yielded and submitted to the will of God in saying to the angel: Let it be to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38) Mary loved and nurtured Jesus, and pondered the things that were told to her according to Luke 2:19.

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:40)

Mary did her part. She gave birth to a Son who would redeem mankind from its sins. She was a faithful mother to Him, and must have eventually shared with Him the story of His birth. And when the time came for her to watch her firstborn Son suffer and die, she yielded to the perfect will of God, and supported her Son by loving Him, and standing with Him to the end.

May we be thankful for the faith and obedience of Mary, who became a partner with God in His plan of salvation. May we all follow her example of ministering God's LOVE to those around us and living by a trusting, childlike faith in God.

Part 2: About Our Weapons

2010-12-05T12:35:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: loneangel (www.morguefile.com)

Hi, friend! I’m so happy you’ve stopped for a few minutes to meditate on the Word with me. We’re continuing our study from the last posting about our spiritual weapons.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds; casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 NKJV)

We must decide to agree with the Word of God against every high thing that exalts itself against (sets itself in OPPOSITION to) God’s will. His Word IS His will. Satan uses circumstances; peoples’ opinions; doctors’ diagnoses; physical symptoms; human vehicles/agencies; lawsuits; lying wonders; and visual stimuli to try to persuade us against God’s Word and will.

Stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has set you free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1) Stand on the Word; breathe it; meditate it; cling to it like the lifeline it truly is!

Philippians 4:8 tells us to think on, ponder, and meditate upon whatever is: true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, or praiseworthy.

Meditate upon God’s qualities, goodness, nature, attributes, power, majesty, etc., etc. Meditate upon His miracles performed in your life, and His gifts and blessing poured out upon you. Meditate upon the loved ones, family, and friends that God has given to you and upon the fact that He clothes, houses, and feeds you and your family. He sustains and supports your very life! The list of good things upon which we may meditate is truly endless because God is an eternal being who loves us extravagantly!

This is one of the spiritual weapons we may use to bring every thought into captivity and submission to the Father.

Part 1: About Our Weapons

2010-12-01T21:18:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesty of: earl53 (www.morguefile.com)

Good day to you! Today we’re studying our spiritual weapons.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds; casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5 NKJV)

These spiritual weapons:

• Are not in us! They’re not fleshly, and they don’t emanate from us.

• Are mighty (full of power; titanic; robust; forceful; invincible)

• Exist IN GOD and operate out of a vital relationship with God—one in which we are yielded and submissive to the Holy Spirit. John 15:5 says: I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. As we ABIDE in Him, His power flows to and through us.

• Pull down strongholds (fortified places; fortifications; bunkers of the enemy). A stronghold is a place where you’ve spent some time, and may feel safe and even comfortable there!

• Cast down arguments (reasoning; intellectual deduction or analysis; logic)

• Cast down EVERY high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (arrogant, rebellious ideas) – In Judges 6:25, the first task God gave to Gideon was to tear down the altar of Baal and the wooden idol beside it. These were all built on “high places.” In 1 Kings 12:31 & 32, Jeroboam built shrines on the “high places” and installed priests to make sacrifices to idols and imitate the feasts of the people of God! In our lives, those “high things” and imaginations can be “familiar” ideas or bunkers of ours. They can be pride, doubt and unbelief, intellectualism, reason, logic, fear, inaction, lust for food, lust for wealth, hard-heartedness, unhealthy relationships, or any number of other things.

• Bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ—EVERY thought! If you control your thoughts, you control your actions! We think about a thing before we act upon it. The phrase “obedience of Christ” signifies attentive hearing; to listen with compliant submission and agreement with God, the Father.

May we turn an attentive ear with compliant submission to the voice of our loving Savior.

SATISFIED!

2010-11-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: rollingroscoe (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome! I’m so glad you want to join me! Are you feeling “satisfied” these days, or do you feel like you’re missing something? The Lord has made promises to us, as His people, to satisfy us! Did you know that?

I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord. (Jeremiah 31:14 NKJV) WE are priests unto God, and WE are His people, so WE are those that the Lord says He will “satiate” or “fill to the full; satisfy” with abundance! Glory to God!

. . . I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV) Jesus facilitated the delivery of the gift of ABUNDANT LIVING to us! Hallelujah!

. . . 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. . . (2 Peter 1:3 NKJV) Can you doubt that our Father God has given us whatever we need after reading this verse? These blessings come to us “through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” So, GET BUSY, and become acquainted with the God who loves you so extravagantly! Through knowledge of Him, you receive blessings in abundance.

. . . and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:6 NKJV – See also, Revelation 5:10) This verse verifies that WE are made kings and priests to God. We are called to rule on this earth as kings on behalf of the Kingdom of God; and we are called to minister as priests first, to God, and secondly, to one another.

Join me in pursuing godly escapades into the knowledge of God, friend! Joy!

Love Produced Salvation

2010-11-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of: ladyheart (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings! Hope you’re having a wonderful day, so far. Our meditation today concerns God’s love for mankind.

. . . just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before Him in Love. (Ephesians 1:4 NKJV – emphasis added)

He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest (revealed) in these last times for you . . . (1 Peter 1:20 NKJV – emphasis added)

God was motivated by His perfect love for us. His love for US produced His plan of salvation!

His plan, established before the foundation of the world, lovingly makes it possible for us to be justified, to live a holy life, and to have relationship with God. We have been given reconciliation with God, and brought into the family through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hallelujah!

Rejoice in your identity as a child of God today--chosen to receive His extravagant love for you!

Life Without God?

2010-11-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: clarita (www.morguefile.com)

Blessings upon you! Thanks for stopping by! What is life without the Lord? Where is significance, purpose, or value without Him inside the equation? I believe that we receive ALL of these things through life in Christ!

2 Samuel 7:22 Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Psalm 16:7, 8 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

According to these verses, the Lord gives us counsel, instructs us when we sleep, and is near to us. His presence in our lives brings a richness and a dimension to life that is missing without God.

Exodus 9:16 But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.

Surely, at least ONE purpose for our lives is to show forth God’s power and love in this earth so that His Name may be declared and glorified in the earth! Hallelujah!

Part 5: God's Name is GENEROUS!

2010-10-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: pp digital (www.morguefile.com)

Hi, friend! Glad you took time to join me. We’re completing our meditation upon the nature of God, specifically, His generosity. Psalm 13:6 Says the Lord has dealt bountifully (generously) with us!

But a generous man devises generous things, and by generosity he shall stand. (Isaiah 32:8 NKJV)

Because WE are made in the image of God, we have the spirit of generosity abiding within us. Once we accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord, we became NEW creatures, and the very nature of God came to abide in us in our spirits.

We GIVE because generosity is our true nature—our essence. We are FREE to be generous with every asset and possession in our “physical and spiritual portfolios”:

• Finances (the least of the things we steward)

• Time

• Mercy

• Peace

• Forgiveness

• Compassion

• Skills, talents, gifts

• Encouragement (let’s be VERY generous with this!)

• Joy

• Every good gift and every perfect gift (James 1:17 NKJV) Let’s be generous with every good and perfect gift given to us!

I encourage you to meditate upon the generous nature of God by studying these Bible verses shown throughout this study. It will inspire, uplift, and bless you to meditate on the generous nature of our Redeemer God, and to realize that you have the same nature!

Part 4: God's Name is GENEROUS!

2010-10-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: cohdra (www.morguefile.com)

Good day! We’re continuing our meditation upon the nature of God, specifically, His generosity. Here are more gifts that Our loving God has poured out upon us.

1. The blessing of Abraham (Gen. 27:28; 28:4; Deut. 28:11, 12)

2. Good gifts (Matthew 7:11)

3. Rest (Matthew 11:28)

4. Keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19)

5. Life (John 10:10)

6. The knowledge of salvation (Luke 1:77)

7. Light to those that sit in darkness (Luke 1:79)

8. Power over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19; 9:1; Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7)

9. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter (Luke 11:13; John 14:16)

10. The Kingdom (Luke 12:32)

11. Wisdom (Luke 21:15)

12. Jesus, the gift of God (John 3:16; 4:10)

13. Living water (John 4:10)

14. Eternal (everlasting) life (John 4:14; 6:27; 10:28; 17:2)

15. Power to become the sons of God (John 1:12)

16. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Cor. 4:6)

17. The Name of Jesus (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11)

These gifts demonstrate God's love for us. His heart is turned towards us every moment of every day. Meditate upon His love for you, dear one.

Part 3: God's Name is GENEROUS!

2010-10-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: cohdra (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome to my blog! We’re continuing our meditation upon the nature of God, specifically, His generosity.

The Word of God says that He has given us WHATEVER we need, and that He has given us ALL THINGS! Wow! Those are “blank check” promises from God Almighty!

John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that WHATEVER you ask the Father in My Name He may give you.

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely GIVE us ALL things?

What a privilege and honor to serve such a beautiful, giving, and loving God!

Part 2: God's Name is GENEROUS

2010-10-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: anon (www.morguefile.com)

Hello and a happy good day to you! We’re continuing our meditation upon the nature of God, specifically, His generosity.

As I mentioned, the word “generous” means “GIVING.” God is a giving God! Here are just some of the things He has given to us:

1. Sound wisdom for the upright (Proverbs 2:7)

2. Peace and sleep, and causes us to dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8; John 14:27 - peace)

3. Surrounded us with favor as with a shield (Psalm 5:12)

4. His secret counsel is with the upright (Proverbs 3:32b)

5. The blessing of the Lord makes one rich and He adds no sorrow to it. (Proverbs 10:22)

6. The wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous (Proverbs 13:22b)

7. A place of refuge (Proverbs 14:26)

8. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore! (Psalm 16:11)

9. The Lord arms us with strength and makes our way perfect. (Psalm 18:32)

10. The one who trusts in God is surrounded by His mercy. (Psalm 32:10b)

11. By Jesus’ stripes, you were healed! (1 Peter 2:24)

Part 1: God's Name is GENEROUS!

2010-10-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: ppdigital (www.morguefile.com)

Greetings and good day to you! We’re thinking about God’s nature today.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (Psalm 51:12 NKJV) In this verse, the spirit of God is described as generous so it is true of God, Himself.

Dictionary definition of GENEROUS = liberal; openhanded; benevolent; bountiful; unsparing; GIVING (on ongoing state or continuous action).

El Shaddai is a name of God that is used in seven different places in the Bible . It means ample, plentiful, generous, or more than enough.

Genesis 28:3 says: And El Shaddai (God Almighty) bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people . . .

This name has been interpreted to mean: God who completely nourishes, satisfies, and supplies His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Its meaning denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing.

Everything created in right order GIVES! Sun gives heat; leaves give oxygen; chickens give eggs; and cows give milk. The nature of creation is that it gives just like its creator.

In Exodus 6:3, the meaning for El Shaddai is: God, the dispenser or pourer-out of gifts. For God so loved – that He GAVE. (John 3:16) God loves to pour out His gifts upon mankind.

Let’s meditate on how much God’s love is demonstrated to us through His generosity!

Have a JESUS CELEBRATION!

2010-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: nasirkhan (www.morguefile.com)

Hi, friend! I’m so happy you’ve stopped for a few minutes to meditate on the Word with me.

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. (Luke 1:14 NKJV) God has given us joy and gladness! We have the opportunity to live a continual celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. (Luke 1:47 NKJV) Allow the joy in your spirit to spill out into your physical world!

. . . rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh . . . (Philippians 3:3 NKJV) This is an ongoing rejoicing in Christ and resting in the GRACE that He gives us continuously.

Let us make life a continual “Jesus Celebration”! Jesus IS a celebration! According to Hebrews 1:9, Jesus was anointed with joy above all of His companions. He was in awe of His Father. Jesus was exuberantly happy!

Jesus said that He DID what He saw His Father doing. Because Jesus LIKED what He saw His Father doing, He wanted to duplicate it here on earth! We have the honor and privilege of doing the same thing that Jesus did. Hallelujah!

If we cooperate with God, we can give people an encounter with the love of Jesus. Let's stay excited and stay in love with God and in awe of God, and we'll see people saved, healed, delivered, and have an encounter with His LOVE. Have a Jesus Party!

Children: A Blessing from God - That Means YOU!

2010-10-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Good day to you! Today we’re studying the Bible concerning children. This includes YOU because YOU are someone's child!

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of thy youth. Psalm 127:4

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Psalm 127:3)

Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. (Psalm 128:3)

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. (Proverbs 17:6)

If you have children of your own, these verses will be very meaningful to you. God has given us children as a reward! They will be our crown in old age! Hard to imagine, huh?

This applies to YOU, as well, because you are the child that God gave to your parents as a reward! Have you thought about yourself as a reward?

Parents have a responsibility to God to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) Our children serve as arrows in our hands as we “shoot” them forth into the future. If they’re raised godly, they will raise their children to serve the Lord. This can create an ongoing, ever-increasing impact upon our world for the Kingdom of God! Hallelujah!

YOU are someone’s child. You have been “shot” into the present day (by God) to accomplish wonderful things for Him! He takes pleasure in you. He enjoys everything about you because He created you for Himself.

If you didn’t have godly parents, the Lord will parent you and direct you so that you may accomplish ALL that He has ordained for YOU! Live large for Jesus on this earth, friend! God has given you all of the giftings, GRACE, and talents you need to fulfill your destiny!

Praise is Good for You - Try It!

2010-09-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: wherever i am (www.morguefile.com)

Welcome, and thanks for visiting.

While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. (Psalm 146:2 NKJV)

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 NKJV)

Rejoice always . . . (1 Thess. 5:16 NKJV)

Praise ye the Lord: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely. (Psalm 147:1 KJV)

All of these verses recommend praising God regularly . . . even continuously! Psalm 147 tells us that praising God is GOOD, pleasant, and comely. I enjoy good and pleasant activities, don’t you?

“Comely” means good-looking. So the Holy Spirit says that praise looks good on us! I believe that as we live a life of praising God and thanking Him for all of our blessings, it will invigorate us, cause us to sustain our youth, and help us to maintain our health. Give it a try – you'll discover a lot about yourself! Blessings upon you.

Know What You Have Received

2010-09-07T22:52:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: cohdra (www.morguefile.com)

How are you today, friend? I believe you're growing in the knowledge, wisdom, and grace of God!

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Corinthians 2:12 NKJV)

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13 NKJV)

The Holy Spirit has been given to us to teach us about ALL of the precious gifts and blessings that have been freely given to us by God. As we read and study the Bible, the Holy Spirit will enlighten our understanding and reveal hidden mysteries to us in the Word. Pursue this knowledge with all of your heart, so that you may share the love of God with everyone whom your life touches.

Mercy for Others

2010-09-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: emlyn (www.morguefile.com

Welcome to our meditation, friend! Glad to have you with us.

Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you? (Matthew 18:32 NKJV)

This is the story in the Bible where the master had forgiven his servant of a HUGE debt. The servant did not extend the same mercy to a fellow servant who owed him a small amount, but had him put in jail. The master became very angry when he heard this, and reversed his earlier decision to forgive the debt and had this merciless servant put in jail, too.

God forgave each one of us of ALL of our sins, and has instead clothed us in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. He wants us to forgive others just as mercifully as we have been forgiven. Freely you have received . . . freely GIVE! (Matthew 10:8)

Clothed With Power

2010-08-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: mzacha (www.morguefile.com)

Hello, beloved of God! I'm so glad you've stopped by! Would you like to be clothed with power? Let's see what the Word of God says on this subject . . .

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalm 62:11 KJV) All power belongs to God. A person can be removed from power by God.

But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of justice and might . . . (Michah 3:8 NKJV) The prophet was stating that he had received his power from the Spirit of the Lord, as well as justice and might.

So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 4:6 NKJV) There is no power on earth that is greater than the Holy Spirit!

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. (Matthew 10:1 NKJV) Jesus was conferring His power and authority upon His disciples . . . and upon us!

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. (Luke 4:14 NKJV) Jesus walked in the power of the Spirit. So do we, whether we realize it or not.

Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. (Luke 9:1 NKJV) Here again, we see Jesus conferring power and authority upon His disciples.

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NKJV) When the Holy Spirit anointing comes upon a person, they receive POWER from God. If you are a born-again, Spirit-filled believer, then you have the power of the Holy Spirit available to you.

Rise up, people of God, and take your rightful place as Heaven's powerful enforcers, bringing forth the will of God upon the earth as it is in heaven!

Receive God's Rest!

2010-08-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: click (www. morguefile.com)

Greetings, saints of God! Do you feel weary, discouraged, tired, or stressed? Today we're thinking about the rest provided to us by our Father God.

And He said, "My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)

Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest. (Exodus 34:21 NKJV)

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. (Psalm 37:7 NKJV)

Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. (Psalm 116:7 NKJV)

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 NKJV)

The word "rest" has various meanings such as "ease" or "reclining." It may also mean refreshment or cessation from activity. It may also mean: "to pitch one's tent, lodge;" which is also translated "shall rest." (Strong's Concordance, number G2681)

In Matthew 11:29 (above), Christ's "rest" is not a "rest" from work but IN work; "not the rest of inactivity but of the harmonious working of all the faculties and affections--of will, heart, imagination, conscience--because each has found in God the ideal sphere for its satisfaction and development." (J. Patrick, in Hastings' Biblical Dictionary)

So, from these notes we see that God's rest takes various forms to suit our need and our situation. At times, it is the rest FROM all of our activities; and at others, it's a harmonious sense of skill, affection, and satisfaction AS we work. It's a refreshing of every part of our being: our spirit, soul, and body.

The meaning I especially like is to "pitch one's tent, lodge." I have pitched my tent in God, and He has pitched His tent in me. He "lodges" within me and gives me His peace which passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7) All glory to Jesus!

We Are Kings & Priests

2010-08-21T22:50:00.001-07:00

Photo courtesy of: kconnors (www.morguefile.com)

Good day, friend! Thanks for stopping by. God has made each Christian a king and priest!

He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous; but they are on the throne with kings, for He has seated them forever, and they are exalted. (Job 36:7 NKJV) The righteous (through faith in Jesus) are enthroned with kings according to this verse. This means that we have authority to decree things and see them come to pass! Glory!

For the king trusts in the Lord; and through the mercy of the Most High, he shall not be moved. (Psalm 21:7 NKJV) A wise king trusts in the Lord. Since HE is the one who has decreed that we are kings, it's only sensible that we would trust the One who gave us our kingly authority and position.

The One who gives salvation to kings, Who delivers David His servant from the deadly sword. (Psalm 144:10 NKJV) God is the ONLY provider and author of salvation, and only He has the power to declare someone a king. So the only way to receive power, dominion, and authority is to yield (submit) to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

. . . and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:6 NKJV) A king has dominion and authority in his domain (sphere of influence). A priest ministers to God and to the people--but to God first. We function in both of these roles, and must know when to operate as a king and when to operate as a priest.

And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. (Revelation 5:10 NKJV) We shall reign on the earth in the future, but we are also to reign on the earth NOW as heaven's enforcers--enforcing the will of God on earth as it is in heaven! Take your rightful position in God's hierarchy, today, friend!

Prophetic Word: God's Love

2010-08-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: imelenchon (www.morguefile.com)

You are My beloved children, and My love is upon you always. Run to Me and allow Me to wrap My love around you. Wear My Presence and My love like a mantle, and as you do, you become acquainted with My rest.

Only through a relationship with Me can rest and peace be experienced. Turn to Me daily. As you become more and more sensitive to My Presence, your life will become sweeter and sweeter.

As you rest in Me and My love for you, I become larger in your sight and your problems appear as they really are: INSIGNIFICANT!

My love for you and My relationship with you is eternal, holy, and empowering. Lay aside everything that concerns you--surrender it to Me. Inhale the freedom that is yours right now, and shake off those shackles that hold you to limited, earthly thinking. With Me, NOTHING is impossible!

Dream Kingdom dreams with Me, my dear children.

Run to Me, and experience a love encounter with Me! Come away with Me, My bride!

Healing in His Wings

2010-08-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of: click (www.morguefile.com)

Hello! Thanks for joining our study today. How can we receive the healing that God has already provided for us through Jesus?

But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves. (Malachi 4:2 NKJV)

. . . who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV)

We died to sins when we accepted salvation through Jesus Christ, and we were given the righteousness of Christ. We were given a new life. It was an exchange--Jesus bore our punishment so that we could receive ALL of the blessings for which He qualified! God wants us to live and walk in the righteousness that He has provided for us through His Son.

God has forgiven our sins, and Jesus has paid the penalty for ALL of our sins: past, present, and future. Jesus bore all of our shame and punishment. We now stand under God's continuous waterfall of love, blessings, and forgiveness. It's a continual, moment-by-moment cleansing process. This waterfall cleanses us from sin and reminds us that we are loved and accepted through Jesus. (Ephesians 1:6) We are empowered to prosper in every sphere of life.

Once we are ASSURED of these truths, our faith in the Word of God blossoms and it empowers us to receive all of the free gifts that God has for us, including physical healing, emotional healing, and stability. Reach out by faith today, friend, and receive God's healing for every area of your life. God has given you His free gift of grace to empower and enable you.