5 Promises To Look Forward To In 2014

5 Promises To Look Forward To In 2014

The Lord your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save; 

He will rejoice over you with gladness, 

He will quiet you with His love, 

He will rejoice over you with singing. 

Zephaniah 3:17

1. God will be in with you, in your midst!

  

2. God (the Mighty One) will save you!

  

3. God will rejoice over you with gladness!

  

4. God will bring you peace, He will quiet you with His amazing, never changing, all encompassing, love!

  

5. God will rejoice over you with singing! Some versions say "with loud singing" just imagine that - God singing loudly, His heart full of gladness and love all over YOU! 

I hope no matter the circumstances you are faced with in the coming year, you will lift your cries, your songs, your heart, your everything, up to God.  Welcome Him into your life; to be your Savior, Redeemer, friend, comforter, help, guide, and joy...He is waiting for you to simply ask Him to come! 

God is good!!! I am so thankful for all He's done in 2013, and can't wait to see all He has planned for us in 2014!!  

Be abundantly blessed my friends!!

Happy New Years!  

Blown Away!!

Blown Away!

Have you ever just been blown away with how God orchestrates things?  Here is my latest mind blowing experience with the goodness of God...

• I started the Chronological Bible reading plan from www.youversion.com at the beginning of the year. 
•  Approximately 8 weeks ago I joined a small group ladies Bible study, working through the Beth Moore Bible Study entitled, "A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place".  
• And just 17 days ago, I decided to start another Bible reading plan from www.youversion.com called "Psalms and Proverbs in 31 days".  

So to sum it up...

A year long bible reading plan, a 31 day bible reading plan, and a 10 week workbook bible study...all started at different times and all focused on different goals.

Here is the awesome part...today the ladies bible study referenced at least 3 scriptures that I just read in my other bible reading plans!  God orchestrated all these Bible studies to all work hand in hand, there is no way I could have planned it out any better! 

It is incredible to me that God would desire to, or even take the time to, orchestrate and coordinate the timing of three different studies, so that I could see His goodness in just one more way?    

So humbled and blessed by God's continual goodness...I am totally in awe right now!! 

He's Pleading For You!

Romans 8:34
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 

 

 Here are the definitions I found for t

he word intersession:

1. an act or instance of interceding. 

2. an interposing or pleading on behalf of another person. 

3. a prayer to God on behalf of another.

Jesus Christ 

the only begotten Son of God, who died and then rose again on the third day, and ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of God...this same Jesus intercedes for us!   What an amazing thought!  No matter what is going on in this world we live in, no matter the situations we face...there is hope because we have the very Son of God pleading on our behalf!   WOW!   

God is so good!! 

Standing In The Threshold!

Standing In The Threshold

Over the past month I've been trying to not only read my daily portion of scripture, but to adjust my schedule, and truly spend time with the Lord...waiting on Him, praising Him, and allowing Him to speak to me.  I've found that life gets crazy.  We all tend to be way too busy!! And all too often, we let the stuff on the to do list crowd out our time with God.  It easily becomes just another thing on the list, something we mark off and feel good about.  

As I've taken more time to spend with the Lord, I've come to realize that every minute spent with Him is so precious. Even just a few moments in God's presence will have a huge impact on your life.   The sons of Korah, wrote a Psalm that says it so well!!

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [anywhere else]; I would rather be a doorkeeper and stand at the threshold in the house of my God than to dwell [at ease] in the tents of wickedness.

Psalm 84:10

Time with God, is time well spent!  You may feel like it isn't making a huge difference at the moment.  However, when you take time to get into His presence (into His courts), The power and glory of the Lord will make a huge difference in your life.  Your life will be changed even with the smallest touch of God's presence...the glory and all encompassing power of God, is still so amazing even if you're only standing in the threshold.

Part of my inspiration to start placing more of a priority on spending time with the Lord, is from a great book called, "Secrets of The Secret Place", written by Bob Sorge.  Bob makes a statement about our time with the Lord, that I find so inspiring and true: 

"I never consider time invested in the secret place to be wasteful;

and even if it is, I gladly waste it upon my Lord!"  -Bob Sorge

Even when there seems to be a thousand other things pulling at us, needing our attention...spending time with the Lord is always a great investment, with huge rewards!! 

Today I encourage you to find time, make time, do whatever you have to do...to spend time with Jesus!

Which Way Do We Go???

Which Way Do We Go???

My husband and I have been walking through a time of planning and preparing, only to stop at the wait and see.  We have seen door after door closed and are hoping one will open soon for our dreams to become a reality.  As we've walked through this journey together God has taught/reminded us of many things.  

1. He is in control of all things.

2. Everything has a season and a purpose

3. God's timing is always better than ours.

4. No matter what the situation, we can, and should, always trust that God is at work for our good.

5. If you ask Him, He will answer!!

Over and over again we find ourselves praying for God to give us direction, guidance, and wisdom. Especially of late, we find ourselves praying this more and more...and this morning God answered...

As I read my daily Bible reading for today, this scripture just popped off the page, and I knew God was
speaking it to us!

"I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."  Psalm 32:8

If you are walking through a situation and you just need some help, guidance, direction, or wisdom, go to God!  He is so faithful, and His goodness is beyond words!! 

Psalms 91

Psalms 91

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”

I love this chapter! God is mighty to save us, protect us, and provide for us.  Not only is He more than able, He wants to do all of this for us.  

Today, I am so thankful that when we place our trust, and hope in God, choosing to take refuge in Him and Him alone, dwelling daily in His presence...all of the promises in this chapter become ours!  

God is so good!! 

Legacy of Love!

Legacy of Love!

Do you ever think of what kind of legacy you will leave behind you when you finish your days on this old earth???

Well, the other night as I was thinking over my life, I thought of all the blessings God has given me,  I thought of all the people I have loved during my journey so far, I looked back over my successes, and also over my failures.  

As I took this walk down memory lane, I felt deep down in my spirit, the desire to work, aim, and  strive to live out God's love everyday of my life.  

I know there have been times in my life, when I didn't act in love.  Maybe you were someone who felt as if I judged you or over looked you...If so, I am terribly sorry!  I can honestly tell you that I never planned to hurt anyone with my actions, words or attitude.  But I know that sometimes we do things in-spite of ourselves...and I know that I am not perfect, in fact I am far far from perfect!  But I know that even though I am imperfect, God's love and mercy has always been my constant companion. 

 Proverbs 10:12 says, "Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins."  

I have seen first hand how God's love covers all sin.  I am so thankful for God's love, grace and mercy!!  And I believe that as Christians (meaning to be like Christ) We should do just that...be like Christ!  We should be God's hands extended, we should love others out of the overflow of God's love that He so generously pours into our hearts and lives.  

What would happen if all of us were to love others as Christ loves us? 

What a difference it would make in the world around us!!   

Though I am sure I will fail and fall many times in my endeavors to follow Christ and love as He loves...I am going to do my best from this day forward...I want to leave a "Legacy of Love".  How about you?

If God Is For Us, Who Can Stand Against???

If God Is For Us, Who Can Stand Against???

Exodus 14

The Red Sea Crossing

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea.3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ 4 Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

5 Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” 6 So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him. 7 Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them. 8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. 9 

So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, 

and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. 

So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 

11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”

13 And 

Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.

For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

15 And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. 18 Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

19 And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the 

Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.

22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

24 Now it came to pass,

in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. 25 And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty;

and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” 27 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 

Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh 

that came into the sea after them. 

Not so much as one of them remained. 29 But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

30 So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.

I absolutely love this chapter!! I have read this story of the great exodus out of Egypt many times, but as I've read through it this last week or so, I could not help but focus on this chapter!  

I can't get past how God lead them to a place where they couldn't continue without His help. And then God used the situation to not only show the Israelites His might, power, and authority...but He also brought down the Egyptian armies and all their chariots and horses in one fell swoop.  

Most of the time when you hear this story the focus in on the parting waters and walking across on dry ground...but there is a lot more that God did, than just part the waters...He shielded the Israelites from the Egyptians with the pillar of fire and the cloud...so that the Israelites had light, and the Egyptians had only darkness.  God cause confusion in the armies of the Egyptians, and He took the wheels off of their chariots.

God in His great goodness, worked such an amazing miracle here, I just can't even comprehend what it must have been like for the Israelites.  It is clear in this passage that they were fearful, and not sure that God would come through.  But that didn't stop God from working on their behalf.  I believe the same is true for us today...God will guide us in the path that is best for us, even when we question why, and don't see how it could work out for good.  God has a plan, and when we can't continue on our own, when we are stuck with no way to go back and  no way forward...The Lord says that same thing to us today as He did to the Israelites, through Moses,  "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today....Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."  

God will make a way, and I believe with my whole heart, when He does, His power and glory, His mighty hand in our lives will be so clearly evident, no one will be able to deny it!! 

So thankful to be a child of God!

What a joy and a privilege to be counted among the sons and daughters of the Most High God!

The Hedge Around Job

The Hedge Around Job

Job 1:6-12

6 "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.  
7 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?”

So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”

9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord."

When I read this portion of scripture I notice a couple things...

1. God pointed out Job to Satan.

2. Satan then had to request God's permission to do anything to Job, because of God's protection.

3. God allowed Satan to bring hardship and trials into Job's life.

4. God drew a line..."12 And the Lord said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.'”

I can't say that I completely understand the exact reason behind God pointing out Job to Satan...but this is what I do know.   God knew Satan's nature, and God also knew Job; as well as the fact that Satan could do nothing to Job without God's approval.  From the beginning of the story to the end of the story...God watched all that took place, and God allowed only so much to happen to Job.  Not once did God say, "Hey Satan, Did you notice my man Job? Oh, you think he won't trust and serve me if I remove my protection?!?! Oh, okay then, have at him. he's all yours!"  No way, God always set boundaries, and when all was said and done, not only did Job and all of his friends learn a valuable lesson that was then passed on to all of us through the written Word, but God also restored all Job had lost, plus some. Because God won't ever just replace what was lost...God always goes above and beyond to bless us beyond what we could ever ask for or think of. 

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," 
Ephesians 3:20

Job may have had to deal with a lot of trials and hardships, but when everything was said and done...God's plans to give Job a future and a hope all came to pass.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11

God has this same plan for all of us...we all will face different trials and we will all have hard times...But we can always know that God is in control...God will work everything out for good

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

I am so thankful for God's hedge of protection around my life.  I would not be where I am today without it.  God has been faithful to lead and guide, protect and provide.  

God is good! God is faithful! God is more than enough!! 

Happy 2013!!

Happy 2013!!

As I think about the year 2012, there were so many good times, I am so thankful for all the great memories and fun times with family and friends.  And also, for the way I've seen God work in all of our hearts and lives.  Though 2012 was overall a good year, we had those hard times that come unexpectedly.  Heart breaking, cry like a baby, and lean on God's strength, type of times...the times where you can't get through on your own.  Yeah, we had some of those times too.  But through it all God was faithful.  

God is so good!! 

So, now here we are at the start of a new year...2013...and I can't help but wonder what God has in store for us this year!  I am sure that if we continue to trust in Him and follow His leading, our lives will be full and over flowing with so many blessings, we won't be able to contain it.  There will be times of joy, and maybe some filled with sorrow...but I am so thankful to know that no matter what, God will work everything out for our good!  We can trust Him with every area of our lives, our hearts, our relationships, our needs, and our desires...the good and the bad...because God is faithful, He'll make a way, even if there seems to be no way!  

Hallelujah! 

Giving Thanks!

Giving Thanks!

Sunday at church our Pastor shared a message about giving thanks and the reasons we all, as believers, have to give thanks and praise to God. 

The text was from Psalm 100...Such a great psalm to think on as we all gather together to give thanks this Thanksgiving!

Psalm 100 (NKJV)

A Song of Praise for the Lord’s Faithfulness to His People

A Psalm of Thanksgiving.

1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

2 Serve the Lord with gladness;

Come before His presence with singing.

3 Know that the Lord, He is God;

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

The True Vine - John 15

John 15 (NKJV)

The True Vine

1“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 

3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 

4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 “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. 

6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 

7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 

8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Love and Joy Perfected

9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 

10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 

13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 

14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 

15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 

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. 

17 These things I command you, that you love one another.

The World’s Hatred

18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 

20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 

21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 

23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 

24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 

25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

The Coming Rejection

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 

27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

I love this chapter, did you know that it is the inspiration for this blog?!?!  God is The Vine, we are the branches. We live and breath and move in Him, apart from Him we can do nothing!   I am so thankful for God's provision!!  He didn't have to enable us to connect to Him and grow in Him...but He loves us so much, that He gave His Son's life to make it all possible.  As a mother of two, I cannot imagine ever giving up one of my children to save anyone, much less a world full of people who have shown a history of rejecting, denying, and abhorring the love so freely given.  I am amazed at the love of God, it never changes, it never fails, God's love is unconditional, steady, and so great we can not comprehend the expanse of it all.  

I do not claim to know or understand everything.  But I do know my Heavenly Father, and I know that when things in life don't make much sense, when we can't figure out the heads and tails of it all...God is in control, and if we will lean on Him and trust Him...He will work it all out for our good! My God has never failed me yet, even thought I've failed Him many times...yet His love and provision, mercy and grace are always more than enough!! 

God is so good!!

He Will Rejoice Over You With Singing!

"The Lord your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.” 

Zephaniah 3:17


As I read this scripture this morning, this promise stands out to me.  I cannot fully describe all the feelings and thoughts that I have as I read it, but I can tell you that it is as if I heard singing...not quite audible, and from a far off...but it was beautiful, deep, robust, like the sound of a thousand different men singing in harmony, only this was one voice.  The song I heard was brief, but left me longing to hear more.  And suddenly, I am overwhelmed with the thought that God rejoices over me.  God rejoices over me with singing!  When He looks at me, He is so filled with joy, that he can't help but sing over me!  The love of God is so amazing! I am so unworthy, and yet He loves me anyway!  

In Whom Do We Trust?

In Whom Do We Trust?

This week people all across the United States of America are celebrating Independence Day.  As American's we all have been privileged with the freedom and security found in a nation founded on biblical principals...a nation whose money states "In God We Trust".  

So my question today is this...In whom do we trust? Are we trusting in God?  When life has different twist and turns? When life is great and all seems right with the world? or when life as we know it seems to be crashing down around us?  

Who is it we are turning to?  Who do we look to be our healer? Provider? Shelter? Strong Tower? Shield of defense? When we've gone as far as we can go on our own, and there's nothing left to give...Who is it we are really trusting in? 

I've found in my life, that even those times when my faith falters, and I stumble and fall...God is Good, and He always Always ALWAYS is right there beside me just waiting for me to call out to Him.  

Here is a great Psalm that gently reminds us, that our help doesn't come from the hills...you see in Israel the high places, or hills, is where the idols and man made gods where placed.  The Israelites would go up to the hills and high places to worship and burn incense to the false gods.  Here in this Psalm the psalmist is reminding us that nothing man made, nothing set up on the high places in our lives will ever help us or save us...it is God, the creator of heaven and earth, He is the one we should look to for help in every circumstance or situation.

Psalm 121

New King James Version (NKJV)

God the Help of Those Who Seek Him

A Song of Ascents.

1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

From whence comes my help?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

Who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;

He who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, He who keeps Israel

Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper;

The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

6 The sun shall not strike you by day,

Nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;

He shall preserve your soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in

From this time forth, and even forevermore.

A Mother's Love!

A Mother's Love!

The love between a mother and child is so wonderful...it doesn't matter that yesterday you got frustrated and had to put yourself in timeout...it doesn't matter that the house is a disaster...it doesn't matter that your hair is a mess, or that you're still in your pj's at 4 pm...you are mom and your kids love you.  No matter how many times you have to ask your children to pick up their toys, or to eat their veggies. No matter what, when your kids make mistakes, fall down, and find themselves in the midst of disaster, you still love them.  There is nothing quite as sweet as the sticky kisses of a two year old, or as precious as the hugs you receive from a mud covered 4 year old as they run in from playing outside.  And their is nothing more comforting than a kiss and hug from mommy when they are hurt or feeling sad.

The love of a mother and child is unconditional, and without end, it is a gift from God!!

It is tough to find something to compare with this gift from God,  there is only one love that we can compare it to.  A love that is strong, unconditional, and  never-ending...that is the love of God towards us.  

I am overwhelmed by God's love...there are not words to describe His love.  God gave us a special ability, as mother's, to love our children and to see first hand just how much God loves us..it is only after having your own kids, when you feel the indescribable love that fills your heart for that child, that you get a true glimpse of just how much God loves you.  

I remember once when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, I was getting ready for work, and talking with the Lord about how excited I was to get to see this babies face, to get to know her personality, and I remember telling God that I just could not imagine loving the child more, and I had not even met her yet.  As I  reached up to put a curl in my hair, the Holy Spirit, spoke to me...like a gentle whisper, "I love you even more!"  All of the sudden, the truth in those words, hit me, and I was blown away!  His love is so strong it and so amazing, the realization of it was enough to bring me to tears, as I stood there with the curling iron held up in the air, I sobbed like a baby!  

It's not everyday, that God whispers sweet words of love in our ears, but He tells us everyday that He loves us, through His Word, through the gifts and blessings He pours out into our lives, and by giving us the greatest gift of all...His Son, on the cross, then in the tomb, and now at the right hand of the Father...Jesus conquered death, He holds the keys to Hades, and He has given us victory in every situation.  

As a Mother, you are a very special gift to your children, God has given them to you so that you can shine Jesus' light and love into their lives.

This Mother's Day, I pray that you will be blessed by all the little gifts being a Mother can bring, but also, that in the rough times, when things aren't going as planned...I pray that those times help draw you closer to your Heavenly Father, and that through your weaknesses, God's strength will be made perfect, and the light of His love will shine through you.  

Proverbs 31:28 

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:30

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Good Morning Holy Spirit - Chapter 4

Good Morning Holy Spirit

Chapter 4: Person to Person

1. Are you ready to meet the Holy Spirit personally? How can you do this?

If you do not know that Holy Spirit personally, please take this time to ask Him to come and show you who He is.  You don't have to do anything more but be honest and open and willing to learn all He has to teach you.

2. Just what does "being filled with the Holy Spirit" really mean?

Being filled with the Holy Spirit, is something that happens when we accept Christ as our Savior- Jesus then sends His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) to dwell in us.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; 

and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:19-21

And then there is the infilling of the Holy Spirit which is evidenced as speaking in a heavenly prayer language.  

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, 

as the Spirit gave them utterance" 

Acts 2:3-5

But don't stop there...make it a priority to get to know the Holy Spirit personally...He wants to be your friend, companion, teacher, and much more.

3. List the ways in which you could think of the Holy Spirit as a personal friend.

When I think of the Holy Spirit I am filled with a deep love and desire to be with Him always.  He is here for me when I don't have the words to express the way I feel, and He understands.  He always says the right thing, at the right time.  He helps me when I just don't know what decision I should make, and He loves me even though I fail Him often.  He is everything a friend should be and more, He is closer than a brother, loves me more and my mother or father, and never steers me the wrong way. He is the best friend anyone could ever ask for.

4. Where is the Holy Spirit: in heaven or on earth? What is the scriptural basis for you answer?

The Holy Spirit is here on earth!

Jesus Promises Another Helper - John 14:15-18

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

5. Explain the Rapture. What is its significance to you?

The rapture is when Jesus Christ returns for His church (those who believe on Him for Salvation).  The significance of the rapture is that someday all believers will be caught up together with Christ...this earth is not our home, and someday soon we will all get to go to heaven, our real home!

6. Why is the Holy Spirit called the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God the Father and God the Son. He is Holy, because He is God and God is Holy.  What better name could he have than Holy Spirit - it describes Him perfectly!

7. The Holy Spirit is the one who __________,  who ________ with me.

The Holy Spirit is the one who communes, who fellowships with me.

8. Is it proper to think of the Holy Spirit as the greatest teacher? Why?

Yes, The Holy Spirit is the one who inspired and wrote the entire Bible...who better to teach us about the Word of God than the very author? 

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 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.13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13

9. What does the author say is the greatest sin against the Holy Spirit?

Grieving the Holy Spirit - When we deny His power and presence we grieve Him, we step out of God's will. When we do this God's favor and blessings are no longer allowed to come into our lives - God does not take this sin lightly.  It is important to know the Holy Spirit and to follow His leading - to honor Him and give Him all the praise and glory...When we do, we will also bring Honor and glory to God the Father and to Jesus the Son.

His Timing Is Perfect

God knows the past, He knows the present but more importantly He knows the future.  Sometimes we do things or put things off, not knowing why, it just seems right, or it is just what works at the moment.  But Today I am reminded that God plans it all out.  It all comes together to fit perfectly in His plans.  

Let me give a little example...

I signed up for some free online bible classes about 3 or 4 months ago.  The lessons are great, and I was really enjoying them and keeping up on them.  Then the new year came, and I started the Unshakable Faith Study for this blog and it was just to much to keep up with.  There were times when I would think about the lessons waiting for me, but I just didn't have the time to read them and study them thoroughly. So I kept putting it off.  Today I finally sat down and worked through a session from my online classes, and it spoke directly into an area of my life I was not going through earlier in the year. Had I read it sooner, I might have overlooked something I really needed to get! And then to top it off, today's reading out of my Bible reading plan covered the very scripture the lesson was all about.  

It may seem as if it could be just coincidental, but I don't believe it was a coincidence for a moment! I believe that God has orchestrated it all just right. So, that I read and studied the very thing I needed, right when I needed it.  And He also used it to show me in yet another way, just how good He is! I am so thankful for God's grace, goodness, mercy, and love...Where would I be without Him? Where would you be? 

His timing is perfect.  Trust Him.  He will work it all out!

Unshakable Faith - Day 50: From Babylon To Abraham

Unshakable Faith

Day 50: From Babylon To Abraham

1.  Like Abraham, are you willing to leave everything you have to seek the Lord's will in unknown places?

Yes, It is not an easy road to travel.  Trusting God and obeying Him when you are scared to death,  the road long and the future seems unclear.  I have learned over time, that no matter how scary it is to step out in faith, trusting God for His guidance and provisions...it is far scarier to try to do your own thing, outside of the will of God.

2. Are you walking in a manner worthy of your calling? Believing God, obeying Him?

I certainly try! And I believe with God's help, grace, forgiveness and love, I am able to continue living for Him, believing Him, and obeying Him.  When I fall or fail, He picks me up, dust me off, and sets my feet back on the right path.  Without God's hand on my life, I could never walk in a manner worthy of my calling, but Jesus paid the price and bridged the gap, so that I can walk each day with the assurance of my salvation!

3. Are you doing all things for the sake of His gospel and letting the love of Christ control you?

The love of God is amazing! When we allow Him to come fill us up with His love it sets us free. Free to love, free to give, free to receive.  A life filled with and controlled by God's love will do everything for the sake of the gospel! Because the gospel is what has made them secure enough to be who God created them to be.  It is the gospel of Jesus Christ that has made their life worth living.  Everything they do becomes a testimony of God's goodness, love and grace...Other's see God working in them and are attracted to it.  The testimony we live out everyday, is the most effective type of testimony!

Unshakable Faith - Day 49: The Covenant

Unshakable Faith

Day 49: The Covenant

1.Have you ever entered into a covenant that was one sided? How did it turn out?

Not that I can think of...The definition of a covenant is "an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified" -dictionary.com.  So having a one sided covenant doesn't really work to well.  I would imagine it would end with one person being controlled by the other, and not really a happy ending for either parties.

2. Are you living as a son or daughter of the Almighty God?

Yes, I am so thankful to be grafted into the family of God! What an honor it is to be the daughter of the most High King.  To have a personal, loving relationship with the creator of the universe.  WOW!

3. If you love Him enough to want to obey Him, do you believe that He will give you the provision so you can walk in obedience?

Yes! God is faithful. God is love. God is good. When you love Him and desire to obey Him, He promises to make the crooked paths straight, He will bring you out of the miry clay set your feet upon solid ground.  When we seek Him, we will find Him. When we knock, He will open the door.  We need to trust Him enough to be obedient even when our physical eyes can't see the way, He will light the path, giving us guidance for each day!

Unshakable Faith - Day 46:Walking With God

Unshakable Faith

Day 46:Walking With God

1. Have you accepted your invitation to draw near to Him?

Yes, I so long to be close to my Heavenly Father...I hunger for more of His Word and His presence in my life...I spend hours studying, and getting to know Him...I also talk with Him and spend time just listening to Him as He speaks to me...I love the Lord more than anything...He is my everything!

2. Have you sacrificed all of the things that distract you from becoming closer to Him?

I have given up many things that were distractions to me, but I sense the Holy Spirit nudging me telling me that there are other things in my life, that distract me from spending time with Him, and growing in my relationship with Him.  You see, God already knows everything about each one of us.  He made us, and He knows our every thought and even the number of hairs on our heads.  We are the ones who need to learn more about Him, and to draw near to Him...If there is something in our lives that keeps us from doing what we need to, to get to know Him and spend time with Him, we need to sacrifice it, let it go, give it up, the trade off is always worth it.

3. "There is nothing that says we cannot walk with God to the point that He just takes us up like He did Enoch. Could this in fact be what the rapture really is?"

I would love to walk that closely with God! WOW!!  And I agree that there is not anything in God's Word that says it is not possible, if one man could do it, any of us could...but I believe that the rapture of the church is when Jesus returns for His Bride (the whole church,  all Christians)...Not just a few christian's who grow close enough to God that God takes them.