A Panoramic View of Florence from Bellosguardo Painting by Thomas Patch (1725 – 1782)
Good morning, beloved!
13 I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with ·much [L all] joy and peace ·while you trust[because you trust; through your faith] in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15 EXB
I’m going to admit to you, dear reader, that today I need these verses. I need to cling to the God of hope today. I cannot make myself hope and have joy and peace. These promises are found in faith in Him and Him alone. So let’s look at some cross references for these verses from the Blue Letter Bible.
I pray that the God who gives hope…
5 May ·the patience and encouragement that come from God [Lthe God of patience and encouragement] ·allow you to live in harmony with each other the way Christ Jesus wants [or grant you the same attitude with each other that Christ Jesus had]. Romans 15 EXB
16 The Lord ·will roar like a lion from Jerusalem [L roars from Zion];
his loud voice will thunder from ·that city [L Jerusalem],
and the ·sky [heavens] and the earth will shake.
But the Lord will be a ·safe place [refuge] for his people,
a ·strong place of safety [stronghold] for the ·people [L sons; T children] of Israel. Joel 3 EXB
1 From Paul, an ·apostle [messenger] of Christ Jesus, by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope. 1 Timothy 1 EXB
will fill you with ·much [L all] joy and peace ·while you trust[because you trust; through your faith] in him.
Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. ·Trust [Believe] in God, and ·trust [believe] in me[or You trust/believe in God, trust/believe also in me]. John 14:1 EXB
27 “I leave you peace [C the Greek word for “peace” reflects the Hebrew shalom, a typical Hebrew farewell; but Jesus’ peace, in the sense of wholeness, is also a characteristic of the messianic kingdom]; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. John 14 EXB
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through his grace gave us eternal ·comfort [encouragement] and a good hope, 17·encourage [comfort] you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2 EXB
Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
4 And ·patience [endurance] produces[tested and proven] character, and [tested and proven] character produces hope. 5 And this hope will never ·disappoint us [let us down; or put us to shame; dishonor us; C honor and shame were among the most important values in first century culture], because God has ·poured out his love to fill our hearts [or flooded our hearts with his love]. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us. Romans 5 EXB
8 And God can ·give you more blessings than you need [L overflow/abound all grace to you]. Then ·you will always have plenty of everything [L in all things at all times you will have all you need]— ·enough to give to [abounding/overflowing in] every good work. 2 Corinthians 9 EXB
He is sufficient. He is more than enough.
So today, friends, as you face your day, remember, He is enough. He is worth living for, He is still more awesome than we can even imagine. As trials come today, as encouragement comes..whatever you face today, face it knowing that He is more than enough.
My thankfuls:
220. My church family checking up on me, praying for me and loving me and my family.
221. For children who want to spend time with one another and with us.
222. Thankful for my Dad willing to do whatever he can to help.
Prayers for your Pastor and his wife:
Day 18 Pray that your pastor and his wife will be people of prayer and worship, and that they will lead by example—teaching the congregation how to walk in a close relationship with the Father. (1 Thess. 5:17; Acts 1:14a; Matt. 4:10; Mark 1:35; Luke 22:46) Revive Our Hearts
Where can you find peace in this day? As I write, I am praying for God to come and dwell. May His Holy Spirit fall fresh on this house. I love remembering these verses:
35 ·Can anything [or Who can] separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can ·troubles [trials; tribulations] or ·problems [distress; hardship] or ·sufferings [persecution] or ·hunger [famine] or ·nakedness [destitution] or danger or ·violent death [L sword]?36 As it is written in the Scriptures:
“For ·you [your sake] we are ·in danger of death [L being put to death] all the time.
·People think we are worth no more than [L We were considered like] sheep ·to be killed [about to be slaughtered;Ps. 44:22].”
37 But in all these things we are completely victorious through ·God [or Christ; L the One] who showed his love for us. 38 Yes, I am ·sure [convinced] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ·ruling spirits [or heavenly rulers; or demons; L rulers;T principalities], nothing ·now [in the present], nothing in the future, no ·powers [or spiritual powers/authorities], 39 ·nothing above us [or no powers in the sky], ·nothing below us [or nor powers in the depths], nor ·anything else in the whole world[any created thing] will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8 EXB
Nothing can remove His love for us. Nothing. I know a great lies that Satan likes to tell us. Oh, God could never forgive that. Oh, that sin? No way. You haven’t had a quality time with the Lord? No, don’t even try to come back because it is all about your quiet time with the Lord looking like this, this much time, this time of day. You are plagued by fear? Yes, God could never forgive, could never love someone like you.
As I type those lies, maybe they are the lies whispered to you. Your lies may sound a little different, but these are the lies that we listen to, we believe and we ingest. Why is it easier to believe the evil one’s lies then believe God’s truth, God’s Word?
Mindy McCready believed the lies of the evil one last night. Her life was plagued by problems, by pain, by sadness. The whispers of the enemy..are powerful. Yet, they are no match for God’s love. I can imagine those last moments…I can imagine what life will be like for her two sweet boys she leaves behind. Anger, depression..
Yet God’s word says we can be completely victorious. Have you faced this? You, I, are loved. Satan’s lies cannot separate us. You may try to build a wall to Jesus but He is there. He is waiting. He is also whispering…
neither death,
The German military cemetery in La Cambe, Normandy. Picture taken in the summer of 2003. The cemetery is the resting place for about 20000 German soldiers. Photo by Bjarki Sigursveinsson.
Nor life,
A two minutes old newborn-baby girl with her midwife in a delivery-room in Jerusalem. Photo by משתמש כבד
Nothing now! Nothing in the future! No powers! Nothing above! Nothing below!
Nor anything else in the whole wide world!
His love is..
17 I pray that Christ will ·live [make his home] in your hearts by faith and that your life will be ·strong in love and be built on love[L rooted and grounded in love]. 18 And I pray that you and all ·God’s holy people [T the saints] will have the power to ·understand [comprehend; grasp] the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is ·greater than anyone can ever know [beyond comprehension/knowledge], but I pray that you will be able to know that love. ·Then [L …so that] you can be filled with the fullness of God. Ephesians 3 EXB
How do we do this? How do we grasp? We live in the truth. We hear the whispers of the enemy and we say NO.
186. My Bible that has nearly 10 years of writing…
We pray for others, we focus less on ourselves and more on the hurting world around. We lift up our pastor and his wife!
Pray that your pastor will be a man of prayer and worship, and that he will lead by example—teaching the congregation how to walk in a close relationship with the Father. (1 Thess. 5:17; Acts 1:14a; Matt. 4:10; Mark 1:35; Luke 22:46)
Ask God to provide for the financial needs of your pastor and his family. Pray that your
pastor’s wife will be a wise steward in caring for her family and using funds entrusted to
her care. Pray that her heart will be turned away from selfish gain and worthless things.
(Phil. 4:19; Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:11; Ps. 37:25; 119:36-37) Revive Our Hearts
We keep His word in our minds to do battle! Notecards. Songs that extol His Word.
Rose Island Suspension Bridge Photo by Vaido Otsar
Good morning, beloved,
I followed Ann Voskamp’s 25 Point Manifesto for Sanity yesterday. It flows so very well with my other routines I have begun. One thing that was an amazing reminder for me was a lit candle. Here’s her response:
Now, I’m sure you don’t have anyone in your house that bends toward the dramatic. I have no idea where one in my household would view this type of personality. Ahem. One of my blessings woke up grumpy and it deteriorated from this point. I kept looking to the light. Remembering who lives in me and in this grumpy gus. I finally was pushed to the brink and I gave in. I went to hide in my room to calm down. and I remembered our verses we are memorizing. “He does not slander with his tongue…” and “5 Love is not ·rude [disrespectful], is not ·selfish [self-serving], and ·does not get upset with others [is not easily provoked/angered].”
And I walked back down into the chaos. The child came to me and asked for forgiveness. The frustration broke within me, within my blessing. We began anew, focused on the brightness of the flame. Remembering our verses, we started again.
Luke Manor Park by Valeo Otsar
7 And God’s peace, which ·is so great we cannot understand it [transcends/surpasses all comprehension], will ·keep [guard]your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 [L Finally; In conclusion; or Now then] Brothers and sisters, ·think about [focus your thoughts on; fill your minds with]things that are true and honorable and ·right [just] and pure and ·beautiful [lovely] and ·respected [commendable]. If there is anything that is ·good [morally excellent] and worthy of praise, ·think about [focus your thoughts on; fill your minds with]these things. 9 Do what you learned and received and heard ·from [L in] me, and what you saw ·me do [L in me]. And the God ·who gives [L of] peace will be with you. (Philippians 4 EXB)
God’s peace. So great…surpasses all comprehension…
Rõuge Parish, Võru County, Estonia. by Valeo Ostar
We were watching an episode of Drive Thru History yesterday and my kids were struck by the costume, outfit of the Roman Soldier..
Roman soldier in lorica segmentata
God’s peace protects, guards, keeps your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. My heart. Your heart. My mind. Your mind. Look at the protection given to this soldier. God’s peace is better. His Son’s blood…gift.
When our minds begin to focus on our rights, (how dare he be human? why can’t she be perfect like me?) we have such a battle! We are in the midst of the battle. Fill our minds. Fill…powerful to remember love. Cry out for His peace.
A girl pouring cold water from a plastic bottle with a blue lid.by Clementia
Here’s the list. Fill our minds with:
true:
…· 24become [put on; clothe yourself with] the new ·self [L person; or Man; C become like Christ]. That new person is created ·to be like God [or in God’s image; L according to God]—truly good and holy [or in the righteousness and holiness that comes from truth].
25 So you must stop telling lies. ·Tell each other the truth [L Let each one of you speak truthfully to his neighbor; Zech. 8:16], because we ·all belong to each other in the same body [L are members of one another]. Ephesians 4 EXB
honorable:
18 Pray for us. We are ·sure [convinced] that we have a clear conscience, ·because [or and] we always want to ·do the right thing [act honorably]. 19 I especially ·beg [urge; exhort] you to pray so that ·God will send me back [L I may be restored] to you soon. Hebrews 13:18 EXB
right [just]:
7 The ·path [way] of life is level for ·those who are right with God [the righteous];
·Lord [or Upright One], you make the way of life ·smooth [straight; level] for those people. Isaiah 26:7
pure:
3 And all who have this hope in ·Christ [L him] keep themselves pure, just as ·Christ [L he] is pure. 1 John 3 EXB
5 Be wise in the way you ·act with [behave towards] people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity.6 When you talk, you should always be ·kind [gracious] and ·pleasant [winsome; engaging; or wholesome; L seasoned with salt] so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. Colossians 4 EXB
worthy of praise:
5 So do not judge before the ·right [appointed] time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light things that are now hidden in darkness, and will make known the secret ·purposes [motives] of people’s hearts. Then God will ·praise[give appropriate commendation to] each one of them. 1 Corinthians 4 EXB
Focus your minds. I think of this picture:
Canal tunnel
Where will your focus be as you travel through the tunnel? Will it be, as you are steering, to look back? To look up? To look to the sides? No way, we need to focus on what is ahead. The light. And as Christians, we place our focus on the Light. Focus on the truth that one day these trials, temptations will be aside and we will be forever in the Light.
We are in the week of Thanksgiving. How did we get here? As I roam around Facebook, watch the news, read the news, I realize that the greatest thing I have to be thankful for this year and all the years in the past and the years to come is salvation.
When Satan comes prowling, I believe the lies I am most willing to accept are lies about my salvation. Stay with me here. We know we have been saved by Jesus’ blood. Yet when we are in the midst of life, our problem is two-fold.
1. We gloss over the sin. Try to forget the sin. Hope God forgot too and shove it under the carpet. Somehow, we have convinced ourselves that certain sins are not really sin. We lie to ourselves, to others and we call it white lies. We judge so often we forget that is what God calls it. How we look at people, judge their character, discern things that we have no business meddling in. We want revenge, think it is just to think this way. In essence, we ask God to move out of His spot in our lives and take over. Do we consciously do this? no.
2. We forgot the power of salvation and all that it includes. I’m going to include a chart from Precepts Ministries International that has been rocking my world. I’m thinking of tattooing it on my arm.
There is so much GIFT in this table. I love it! I’ve been staring at it for two days now, reveling. Let’s take it apart.
Tense
Free From Sin’s
When
Doctrine of
Past
I have been saved
Penalty-by His death
Romans 3: 21-24
Dominion-by my death
Romans 6:3-7
When I receive Christ
Justification
In the past, you and I were saved from the penalty of sin by one death. One life.
Romans 3:
21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets,
22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction,
23 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory which God bestows and receives.
24 [All] are justified andmade upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,
God’s righteousness was your gift the moment you said. I believe. I trust. I am going to confidently rely on Him. We all fall short.
YET, here’s the beauty we are all made upright. We all are in right standing with God. Not because of anything we did but by His unmerited favor and mercy..thru redemption ( a releasing effected by payment of ransom. ) Jesus payed our ransom. We are redeemed!
Tense
Free From Sin’s
When
Doctrine of
Present
I am being saved
Power-by indwelling Holy Spirit Romans 8:2-14
As I walk in the Spirit
Sanctification
Now, today, right now, breathing, we are being saved. Constantly, without fail, because of the gift of the Holy Spirit. His indwelling Spirit in our lives, as we walk in the Spirit, we are being saved.
Romans 8:
2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.
3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [[a]the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [[b]subdued, overcame, [c]deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],
4 So that the righteous and just requirement of the Law might be fully met in us who live and move not in the ways of the flesh but in the ways of the Spirit [our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit].
5 For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and[d]pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and[e]seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit.
6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that [f]comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].
7 [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot.
8 So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.
9 But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God].
10 But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness [that He imputes to you].
11 And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, [then] He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.
12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, but not to the flesh [we are not obligated to our carnal nature], to live [a life ruled by the standards set up by the dictates] of the flesh.
13 For if you live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the [Holy] Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the [evil] deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever.
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
Receive that truth, friends. Thank You, Lord for this beautiful gift of the Spirit!
Tense
Free From Sin’s
When
Doctrine of
Future
I shall be saved
Presence-by redemption of my body Romans 8;22-25
When I get a new body
Glorification
What hope we have, no matter what our present circumstances, we also can look forward to the day when…
Romans 8:
22 We know that the whole creation [of irrational creatures] has been moaning together in the pains of labor until now.
23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves too, who have and enjoy the firstfruits of the [Holy] Spirit [a foretaste of the blissful things to come] groan inwardly as we wait for the redemption of our bodies [from sensuality and the grave, which will reveal] our adoption (our manifestation as God’s sons).
24 For in [this] hope we were saved. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For how can one hope for what he already sees?
25 But if we hope for what is still unseen by us, we wait for it with patience and composure.
Paul knew, this wasn’t the end of the story. Suffering, hard times, persecution..this wasn’t the end. No matter how bleak your circumstances appear, this is not the end of the story. We place our hope, our faith in what is to come.
Heaven.
Romans 8:
28 We are assured and know that [[j]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was [k]aware and[l]loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.
30 And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being].
31 What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]
Let your faith arise. Let your hope swell. Lift up your hands and praise God, for He is faithful God. Always.
Watching Sunset, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. When is covered with water the Salar de Uyuni reflects sun light. Here as it looks like at sunset. Luca Galuzzi
Good evening, dear friends, Today has been a rough day, physically, for me. I woke up very early and began praying for all the prayer requests I could think of…I’m not sure why I didn’t think of this earlier! I do not ponder my own circumstances when I focus on the King and the concerns that have been shared with me. I am deeply honored to have someone divulge their requests. I then turn them over to my God of the Angel Armies. I have been so blessed by this song, I’m including it again.
Prayer is so powerful. We have such power to stand behind each word we utter in prayers to our loving God. Can you grasp it? You are stressed about your circumstances, your finances, your …. and someone shares their request with you and all of a sudden the focus is off yourself!! Hold onto the promises of God and pray them back to Him.
A storm at Pors-Loubous, Plogoff, Finistère, France by Henri Camus
“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 AMP
Friends, if you are praying on behalf of others and also for your own needs..what room can Satan have if you are in the throne room of God? If you are praying for the people in your life that drive crazy, steer yourself to the King. Lift up the election. Lift up the President. The leaders of our country. Your church. Your pastor, his wife..the persecuted church. In this season I am in, I finally understand this idea that Paul shares:
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always);Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly];Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be happy in your faith…happy? For some reason that word, happy, makes me wonder so I looked it up in the Strongs Concordance..check this out..
1) to rejoice, be glad
2) to rejoice exceedingly
3) to be well, thrive
To be well, to thrive in your faith..think of a seedling, planted well, watered accurately, sun pours down…that plant is going to thrive! So how can we be thriving in our faith? Paul gives us some ideas.
Tuft or pencil of light rays are a phenomenon of atmospheric optics, which is caused by the occlusion of the sun by atmospheric haze.by böhringer friedrich
Have a glad heart continually..to me, this is a huge challenge when I hit days that are hard right now. And this is where Paul says, be unceasing in prayer. Pray perseveringly..what word is that? adialeiptōs-without intermission, incessantly, without ceasing..To me, that means, to have joy is to be in constant communication with our Father who art in heaven. That brings joy.
Another that brings joy, in everything, give thanks! Give thanks for this head stuff? Yes. Give thanks for the challenges? Yes, because ultimately it will work out for God’s glory and our joy. Does it make sense logically? Maybe not. Yet we are told this is God’s will for our lives. And God’s will put His Son on the cross, why? For our deliverance, our salvation, our joy..did God like doing this? Of course not, He doesn’t like to see His children suffer, but we see only part of the tapestry. He sees the whole.
Give thanks, He has the whole world in His hands. Remember that kids’ song? He has it all.
Jesus revealed that will in His life here on earth. We can be glad…we can pray…we can give thanks..and somehow our world doesn’t look so bleak.
w:Transit of Venus.The image was taken with a home-made solar filter from baader solar film. The camera was placed on a very steady tripod that is operated by using a remote control. A few consecutive shots were stacked, using freeware RegiStax 6 Never look at the sun directly. You may go blind. Here is a video of the transit made by NASA. Enjoy! Brocken Inaglory
Good morning, beloved,
So good to be here this morning! The sun is streaming through the trees, the trains are running smoothly (without the banging on horn), our kids are up, Noah is praising the Lord with loud music…giving thanks. Giving praise to God today. A theme through this whole week has been forgiveness and salvation. Every time I turn on Moody or turn on a podcast, it has been all about these two very, very important topics.
On Wednesday, as we drove we listened to Erwin Lutzer. The car was mesmerized. And I thought of people in my life who needed to hear the truth of this message. How can I be sure of my salvation? How can I know I am going to heaven? To tempt you even further to listen to this message, Mr. Lutzer actually says, “that rocks!” in a sentence. The kids had a good laugh. Find out how! Please listen, even if you are sure, you can be an encouragement to others. You can give hope and life to someone who desperately needs life everlasting.
1 Peter flows with truth and wisdom for our daily life. As I mark out the key words in the text I am finding so much to live by. This first week of study, as I mentioned previously, is reading 1 Peter over and over.
To start off with, the verses of the day fit perfectly:
16 So that [we may even] preach the Gospel in lands [lying] beyond you, without making a boast of work already done in another [man’s] sphere of activity [before we came on the scene].
17 However, let him who boasts and glories boast and glory in the Lord.
18 For [it is] not [the man] who praises and commends himself who is approved and accepted, but [it is the person] whom the Lord accredits and commends.
Our approach to the Lord always should be humble and without pride. We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works..we are created. We are formed by a Master Hand. Pottery cannot make itself beautiful, it cannot shine, it must be crafted by a Master Potter. God be praised in all things. I have chips and cracks yet the Lord and I can look at each step in my life and know it is to His glory and every step I cry out and ask that I can look more like Jesus.
3 Praised (honored, blessed) be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)! By His boundless mercy we have been born again to an ever-living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 [Born anew] into an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change and decay [imperishable], unsullied and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are being guarded (garrisoned) by God’s power through [your] faith [till you fully inherit that final] salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time.
6 [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations..
Don’t keep your eyes on your circumstances. We can’t do this. Instead, His boundless mercy has been extended to us. If you have asked the Lord to be Lord in your life, then you have been born again to an ever-living hope! Think about that. Ever-living, always alive a hope! Jesus did it. If your past haunts you, and you have asked for His forgiveness, then do not allow Satan to taunt you with God could never forgive. He could never love a sinner like you. I think of that saying..when Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. Call on Jesus! Call Him, His blood has garrisoned you and me. God’s power surrounds you. Whether you ‘feel’ it or not..trials and temptations haunt your life…claim His blood.
Well, please, please listen to this message. Pray on. Pray on.
Godavari Bridge Image taken using Ramesh Ramaiah’s Samsung camera.
Good morning friends,
It has been one of those lazy mornings where I pray a neighbor doesn’t stop by cuz I’m still in me pjs. LOL. Course if they did stop by, my kids would open the door and welcome them in and they’d see me as I truly am so…bring it! (or maybe I’ll go get dressed…) Joshua and the two olders are helping over at Gages Lake Bible Church. Luke, Ella and I have had a glorious morning of watching one of our favorite movies and cleaning up a bit. I was able to have time to talk to a dear friend who now lives in Texas. I love how the Lord times things exactly when I need them. I needed fellowship this morning. God knew how much…
I was wondering if you could be praying for my Mama? She has a terrible sinus infection and has not been sleeping for nearly a week now. I’m praying and praying for God to release rest and peace over her body. Would you join me? I would so appreciate that. I’m trying not to worry, but she’s my best friend…and the worry is a love transmitted into constant thought and prayer.
I think about that and wonder about God’s will in that suffering. Not sleeping is horrible. Not being able to breathe right…yuck. Where is the glory of God in suffering? His perspective is what I look for today. And the verses we are looking through are perfectly timed…
21 Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?
23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].(practice lawlessness..)
24 So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.
25 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.
27 And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it.
These verses are full of contrasts. Those who do the will of the Father and those who disregard His will. Those who listen and obey and those who do not…
…he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Let’s look for some more verses that “flesh” out the will of the Father..
Romans 12: 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Which might be suffering, pain, loss…yet God’s will is eternal and our lives, if found in Christ, are eternal bound.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice,4 That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor,5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will,
1 Thessalonians 5: 18 Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
I give thanks that Mom can pray at all hours. I give thanks that she is with me and is so devoted to my family. I give thanks that she has been married to my Dad for forty some years. I give thanks that she can continue on, and that God will heal her, it may not be until she looks into the eyes of Jesus, but my Mom doesn’t complain. I’m amazed. I’m pretty honed at the art of complaining and there will be days when I get off the phone with her and realize..I never asked how she was doing…sigh.
Hebrews 13:21 Strengthen (complete, perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you and accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it).
So we are getting what His will is, right? By no means a complete list, but a good start! Now let’s look in depth at “Practice lawlessness).
Practice (ergazomai): practice is in the present tense which denotes continual action. (p.115, SOTM, @Precept Int’l)
1) to work, labour, do work
2) to trade, to make gains by trading, “do business”
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness
To work for, work out contempt for the law, violating the law, to work for wickedness…gag.
I do not want to be known as a foolish woman. I want none of that, thank you very much. Lord, I want to build my house on the rock. I’ll ask the Lord…help me stand! Please listen to this song..I’ve included the lyrics:
wake up to another day
I don’t know if I can face
All the fears, that is tearing me down
Yea, I’m trying to be brave
But I’m afraid, about to fade
I wanna stand but I don’t know how
I look up and all I see is Your love holding me
When I feel like giving up
When my heart is hurt too much
Feels like I’ve reached the end
No, I won’t turn and run
This battle will be won
When I’ve done all I can
I stand stand stand
I stand stand stand
Some days I lose my place
It’s a fight to keep my faith
But You are with me, I am not alone, no
But all around my work is late
Toss like an ocean wave
You are my rock and the storm clouds blow
I look up and all I see is Your love holding me
When I feel like giving up
When my heart is hurt too much
Feels like I’ve reached the end
No, I won’t turn and run
This battle will be won
When I’ve done all I can
I stand stand stand
I stand stand stand
On Your promise, I will stand
Oh look the ground is sinking sand
On Your promise, I will stand
Oh look the ground is sinking sand
Sinking sand oh who woooh
It’s sinking sinking, yea ye
When I feel like giving up
When my heart is hurt too much
Feels like I’ve reached the end
No, I won’t turn and run
This battle will be won, yea yea
So I’ll stand stand stand
I stand stand
I’ll stand stand stand http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/brittnicole/stand.html
Let’s look at one more word as we finish this beautiful study by Precept Ministries International. How I thank God to finish this study! Such encouragement…lets look at this..the affect it had on the crowds…
1) to strike out, expel by a blow, drive out or away
2) to cast off by a blow, to drive out
a) commonly, to strike one out of self-possession, to strike with panic, shock, astonish
3) to be struck with amazement, astonished, amazed
Literally, the crowds were blown away! Astonished! How about you? How does it feel that you love the greatest Teacher EVER? The crowds were struck! You can be filled with the Spirit of God causing you to walk in wisdom and light and truth. How I wish I could hold your hand and show you what He has shown me over these past few years of pain and suffering that it was all worth it to know Him. And I don’t even pretend to know Him well…So imperfectly do I follow my King! Yet, His love is so powerful so filling!
Love you all, can’t wait to meet you in heaven…:) Pray on. Pray on. Oh, and btw, I’m starting up 1 Peter with Precepts on Monday..join me?
Rock’s tree peony (Paeonia rockii). The plant is grown up in a garden. Ukraine. by George Chernilevsky
Good morning, friends,
Well, another weekend has begun and with it a gaggle of children. Noah had some friends sleep over last night and Ella had a friend with her as well. As I reflect on the week, so much blessing came this week. I have prayed for the duration of our time here that our house would be filled with happy children and that I could begin to open my house to others and this week they came in packs. It made me very happy to hear laughter ring through these walls. So long it felt like only tears, frustration and fear reverberated off these walls. It has been as if all the windows have opened, the sunshine broke through and spring is finally here. Praise God!
“Thus says the Lord Who made [the earth], the Lord Who formed it to establish it—the Lord is His name: Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).” Jeremiah 33:2-3AMP
Dust sunbeams through tree by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos”.
25 Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life?
28 And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.
29 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these.
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?
Sunbeams by Fir0002/Flagstaffotos
31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?
32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all.
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries andanxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
God’s specific instructions:
Don’t be worried about your life: eat, drink, clothes
Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness
Do not be worried about tomorrow
Seek first His kingdom…
Seek (zēteō)..
1) to seek in order to find
a) to seek a thing
b) to seek [in order to find out] by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into
c) to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after
2) to seek i.e. require, demand
a) to crave, demand something from someone
kingdom (basileia)..
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom
b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah
c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah’s kingdom
2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king
3) used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah
With these definitions in our back pocket, we can find some answers! Crave, demand, seek in order to find His royal power, kingship, dominion and rule in your/my life. How about it? Beginning your day with the cry out prayer of asking for Him to guide you in seeking first His kingdom, asking His Spirit to fill you, guide you and move you towards His purposes for your life.
Promises in Matthew 6
Your Father feeds the birds of the air..are you not worth more than they?
If God clothes the grass of the field..will He not much more clothe you?
Your heavenly Father you need all these things
Let’s look through some other verses that encourage our faith and trust!
Philippians 4:19And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
God will give you all you need. Christ Jesus’ glory and riches will give you all you need.
Philippians 3:7 But whatever former things I had that might have been gains to me, I have come to consider as [one combined] loss for Christ’s sake.
8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as losscompared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),
9 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him,not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law’s demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired),but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.
His kingdom, His glory, His riches:
a priceless privilege of knowing Jesus
becoming more deeply and intimately recognizing and understanding Him clearly and fully
winning/gaining Christ
righteousness comes by faith in Christ
truly right standing with God..by saving faith in Him!
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to beholdand gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.
5 For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock.
6 And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; have mercy and be gracious to me and answer me!
8 You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].
Oh, Lord, I love this!
seek so that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life
to behold and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
instead of fearing: I will offer sacrifices and shouts of joy, singing praises to the Lord
38 Now while they were on their way, it occurred that Jesus entered a certain village, and a woman named Martha received and welcomed Him into her house.
39 And she had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching.
40 But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to You that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and do her part along with me]!
41 But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things;
42 There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.
if we look at what Mary was doing: who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was listening to His teaching. Look at the word: feet (pous),It is used in phrases expressing subjection, 1Cr 15:27, RV; of the humility and receptivity of discipleship,Luk 10:39; Act 22:3; of obeisance and worship, e.g., Mat 28:9; of scornful rejection, Mat 10:14; Act 13:51. Washing the “feet” of another betokened the humility of the service and the comfort of the guest, and was a feature of hospitality…
Mary was seeking first His kingdom and Jesus was commending her on her choice.
A hot air balloon being inflated before air trip over Cappadocia, central Turkey, as seen from inside. by Benh LIEU SONG
Good morning, beloved,
This picture and this song came together this morning:
I woke this morning to a feeling. A dread and I had to work through my mind how untrue the dread is in my life. Yes, I leave behind Joshua and my three cuties for a few days. I dread that. I don’t like leaving my kids to take Daniel to the hospital. It has been a long time since we’ve had to do this. Yet, God has shown a path, I pray, that we can see to the end. When I go to the hospital, this time, I’m asking God to use me. I want this time to count for the kingdom. I can’t leave Daniel in his room. God can do miracles with the time. More than that, I’m praying that God will show us more of what He knows of His precious boy. So we can help him more. We’ve waited a long time for that.
These two songs mean a lot to me this morning, friends. How about you? We need Jesus. We need His Word to transform us and move us. Today’s verses of the day from biblegateway.com come and refresh my soul:
Ephesians 3: 19[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
Blooming rapeseed (Brassica napus). by Jörg Hempel
20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]—
21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
A flower in water by Patrick Heusser
So my feeble thoughts, my prayers, my desires, thoughts, hopes and dreams of the week to come are nothing compared to the amazing God we serve who can do superabundantly, far over and above all!! Yes, I needed that today! His love which is past mere knowledge.
Lord, fill us this day..to my toes, to my fingers, to the top of my head and please fill me with the fullness of God!
Image of a flower covered in ice after a winter storm closed the main highways in San Antonio, Texas in January 2007. by Peter Rimar
I want the richest measure of YOUR divine Presence.
I want to become a body wholly filled and flooded with You completely.
Drüsiger Wasserdost (Ageratina adenophora) – Buds by Ixitixel
This next week of study will be an interesting one. I’m looking forward to jumping in. Today. I need to get people moving. This is our last day together for a while.
Sipping my iced coffee from my home brew, yum-o, and looking around for some ideas and surfing the web, as it has been said. Yet, my study calls me back. I’m not very far in reading the Journals of Jim Elliot, one idea that calls to me, this passion for studying the Word. I love Jim’s passion for the Word. He writes frequently of His love of the Word and I’m wishing he would give me context for his ideas that he gathers from his study. He comes up with (listen to me as if he is in the same room with me) these very intriguing thoughts about Abraham and others but come back to the Hebrew, come back to the context, can you support what you are saying, Mr. Elliot?
I am getting out my Bible and my blb.org to read along in my next time with his journals. Friends, when we read books, listen to messages, hear ideas, however great they sound, bring it back to the Bible, to the context of the verses surrounding and the original words in Hebrew and Greek. Now, I’m in no way suggesting Mr. Elliot was off base, he was learning and I just am very careful to use filters. I want to encourage you to do the same.
I’d like to finish my day in my study, so join me, won’t you? We were at a splash park today with our friends today. MELTING. So , now, air conditioning and with the aforementioned drink in hand, lets dive in. Please read this morning’s post first and then join us if you haven’t already.
10 Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
11 Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.
12 Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you.
The reasons for this persecution are:
for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right)
also saying false things against you on MY account
being a prophet who was before you
The persecution upon Christians is a blinded, angry attack fueled by the roaring lion satan. None of the persecution is justified, it is because you are a child of the King, yet you should not be surprised by these persecutions. Jesus says what to those who are persecuted:
27 Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel).
28 And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponentsand adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.
29 For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ’s sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf.
30 So you are engaged in the same conflict which you saw me [wage] and which you now hear to be mine [still].
18 If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.
20 Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours.
12 Indeed all who delight in piety and are determined to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand]
8 Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake, but [with me] take your share of the suffering [to which the preaching] of the Gospel [may expose you, and do it] in the power of God.
We know we have been saved by Jesus’ blood. Yet when we are in the midst of life, our problem is two-fold.
