O My child, I have loved you with an everlasting love, and with strong cords have I bound you to Myself. In the day of adversity, I have been your refuge, and in the hour of need, I have held you up, and you have found your strength in Me. You have seen My goodness on the right hand and on the left. You have beheld My power, and My glory has not been hidden from you.
I have blessed you out of the bounties of heaven, and have not witheld from you what your heart desired. Yes, and I would do still more. For have I not promised that you and your household should be saved? Wasn't the blood applied to the lintel and the doorposts for the salvation of the entire family?
So know that I am working with you and for you. For surely a light will shine out of the darkness, and the faith you have exercised through the years will be rewarded one hundredfold. So your faith will be turned to sight, for you will see with your eyes and hear with your ears, and rejoice in your heart over what will come to pass.
I will do a wonderful work, and you shall praise and glorify My name. For He that keeps you neither slumbers nor sleeps. The Lord your God is your strength, and in Him is no weariness. He never tires of you coming to Him, and your cry is welcome to His ears, however frequent.
Cast yourself upon His mercies; for His loving kindness never fails, and His grace and compassion are inexhaustible. His faithfulness is extended to all generations.
Frances J. Roberts
Compassion
Lamentations 3:22 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I hope in Him"
I wonder if anyone besides me has noticed that compassion is just not something you see a lot of these days. I think it's probably in part because everyone is so busy. The world has changed a great deal in the time that I've been alive. It seems right is wrong and wrong is right..people are angry and impatient..road rage is rampant..the simple life that I knew growing up is no more. I have actually watched people around me change. I've changed...and I need to remind myself daily who I am in Christ.
He is my portion. He is all that I need. It is literally because of His mercies that I've not been consumed by the challenges of life. When there is no place to run, and no one to run to, I run to Him because He is faithful.
The writer of this passage, Jeremiah, probably saw many of the same things we see today. He was surrounded by sin, and by sorrow..but in the midst of it all, he saw a ray of hope. God's compassions NEVER fail. When all else around you begins to fall apart, He is faithful...and he is good to them that wait for Him, and to the soul that seeks Him.
Compassion is love in action..and God IS love. He willingly responds when we ask for help. His compassion is greater than any sin, and deeper than any ocean of despondency that you may be facing.
Today, my prayer for each of us is simply this..that as we go through our day, we would remind ourselves throughout the day that He is our portion. He is all we need. When we receive bad news of some kind, when we are concerned about what the future holds, when everything around us seems unstable, even when people fail us..He is our portion..and our hope lies in Him. I challenge you today to stand firm in Christ. He will NOT fail you.
I wonder if anyone besides me has noticed that compassion is just not something you see a lot of these days. I think it's probably in part because everyone is so busy. The world has changed a great deal in the time that I've been alive. It seems right is wrong and wrong is right..people are angry and impatient..road rage is rampant..the simple life that I knew growing up is no more. I have actually watched people around me change. I've changed...and I need to remind myself daily who I am in Christ.
He is my portion. He is all that I need. It is literally because of His mercies that I've not been consumed by the challenges of life. When there is no place to run, and no one to run to, I run to Him because He is faithful.
The writer of this passage, Jeremiah, probably saw many of the same things we see today. He was surrounded by sin, and by sorrow..but in the midst of it all, he saw a ray of hope. God's compassions NEVER fail. When all else around you begins to fall apart, He is faithful...and he is good to them that wait for Him, and to the soul that seeks Him.
Compassion is love in action..and God IS love. He willingly responds when we ask for help. His compassion is greater than any sin, and deeper than any ocean of despondency that you may be facing.
Today, my prayer for each of us is simply this..that as we go through our day, we would remind ourselves throughout the day that He is our portion. He is all we need. When we receive bad news of some kind, when we are concerned about what the future holds, when everything around us seems unstable, even when people fail us..He is our portion..and our hope lies in Him. I challenge you today to stand firm in Christ. He will NOT fail you.
Revelation 2:7 "To him who overcomes I will grant to eat of the fruit of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God"
God knows our afflictions, distresses and pressing troubles...and He is with us. He wants us to understand that He is our shelter and strong tower that we can feel safe in, no matter what the circumstances.
It is easy to become discouraged when we are in the midst of a difficult set of circumstances, or when our body is in pain, or when the trial that we have endured seems endless, or when we don't know what the future holds. So, we must do one thing..we must keep our eyes and our hearts FIXED on the Lord. He says that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also...and He lives in our hearts.
We become one with Him as we trust in, and lean on Him. He has said in the Bible that the one who overcomes will receive from Him hidden manna to eat..and a white stone with his or her name written on it. Do not be afraid to overcome, beloved. Do not be afraid to face the storms around you. Do not shrink back in the face of danger. Your God is with you...and He has already overcome the world and its sorrows. It is because of Him that you are an overcomer. The problems in this life will not defeat you..and you will not be consumed..when your heart is fixed on God.
Affliction is not your master. Trouble and pain are not your guides. The Lord is your Master. He is your Guide...and this day, He has given you the power to overcome.
Taken in part from a devotion by M. Chapian
It is easy to become discouraged when we are in the midst of a difficult set of circumstances, or when our body is in pain, or when the trial that we have endured seems endless, or when we don't know what the future holds. So, we must do one thing..we must keep our eyes and our hearts FIXED on the Lord. He says that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also...and He lives in our hearts.
We become one with Him as we trust in, and lean on Him. He has said in the Bible that the one who overcomes will receive from Him hidden manna to eat..and a white stone with his or her name written on it. Do not be afraid to overcome, beloved. Do not be afraid to face the storms around you. Do not shrink back in the face of danger. Your God is with you...and He has already overcome the world and its sorrows. It is because of Him that you are an overcomer. The problems in this life will not defeat you..and you will not be consumed..when your heart is fixed on God.
Affliction is not your master. Trouble and pain are not your guides. The Lord is your Master. He is your Guide...and this day, He has given you the power to overcome.
Taken in part from a devotion by M. Chapian
Mark 10:48 "And many charged him that he should hold his peace; but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me"
Our friend Jeff has preached from this passage at the Boys Ranch a couple of times. It is such a powerful passage of scripture and so encouraging, not only to the inmates, but to me personally. Bartamaeus was blind, and sat by the highway begging. That is how he made his living. Most occupations of that time required some type of physical labor and anyone with a handicap was at a severe disadvantage.
I guess I somewhat identify with Bartamaeus, and the Lord has used the story of what happened to him, to infuse strength and hope into my own life. As Bart sat by the highway, he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming. He began to cry out to Him..and asked Jesus to have mercy on him. Verse 48 says that MANY who were with him, charged him that he should hold his peace..in other words, they were telling him to Be Quiet! I have heard that when a person has a disability, such as blindness, the other senses are much stronger..Bartamaeus could probably hear very well, and knew what the people were saying to him.. Leave Jesus alone. Don't bother him with your needs. But Bartamaeus cried the more, a great deal!
Have you ever had a similar experience? Has there ever been a need in your life that maybe you didn't receive an immediate answer to? Has anyone ever told you that its time to let that go, even though you are not completely convinced that it is? Have you had a dream for your life..a longing if you will..in a certain area, that is unfulfilled..and the crowd of people that surround your life have tried to quiet you?
I've had such a dream..there has been something that has been on my heart for nearly 20 years that I was actually talked out of many years ago. The person who talked to me made a lot of sense and so I decided it best to let go of the dream..but because after all these years, this dream is still on my heart, I am realizing that it is not only my desire for my life..it is God's desire for me. His desires for us usually become our desires. I wonder how many things I have let go of that God wanted me to have. I wonder what would have happened to blind Bartamaeus if he would have listened to the naysayers..I know one thing..he wouldn't have received his healing..and he may have spent the rest of his life sitting by that highway, begging.
When Bartamaeus called out to Jesus..Jesus heard his call. He stopped..and then He listened to the man's greatest desire..that he might receive his sight. Then Jesus told him the most amazing thing..He said, "Go thy way. Thy faith hath made thee whole"..
I do know and understand that there is a time to let go..but I think far too often, we let go too soon. We listen to the voices of the naysayers more than we listen to the voice of our Lord, who speaks gently to our spirit..we don't pay attention to the desires of our hearts. We are convinced by circumstances, and often people..rather than being led. I don't know about you, but I want to start living by faith. When I believe that God is speaking to me about something, even if it seems impossible, I want to go forward. I want to be the one in the crowd who is crying out, all the more, as Bartamaeus did. Jesus said it was his faith that made him whole.
The Word of God says that His sheep hear his voice, and they know it. My prayer for each of us today is simply that we would allow ourselves to be led, by His sweet Spirit..that our faith would rise, and that we, like blind Bart, would wholeheartedly seek God, despite our circumstances. I have heard it said that sheep are to be led, not driven. May we be able to discern the difference..and follow Him..May each of us be the voice that cries out the more a great deal..Son of David..have mercy. May our determination rise along with our faith. May you all be blessed.
I guess I somewhat identify with Bartamaeus, and the Lord has used the story of what happened to him, to infuse strength and hope into my own life. As Bart sat by the highway, he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was coming. He began to cry out to Him..and asked Jesus to have mercy on him. Verse 48 says that MANY who were with him, charged him that he should hold his peace..in other words, they were telling him to Be Quiet! I have heard that when a person has a disability, such as blindness, the other senses are much stronger..Bartamaeus could probably hear very well, and knew what the people were saying to him.. Leave Jesus alone. Don't bother him with your needs. But Bartamaeus cried the more, a great deal!
Have you ever had a similar experience? Has there ever been a need in your life that maybe you didn't receive an immediate answer to? Has anyone ever told you that its time to let that go, even though you are not completely convinced that it is? Have you had a dream for your life..a longing if you will..in a certain area, that is unfulfilled..and the crowd of people that surround your life have tried to quiet you?
I've had such a dream..there has been something that has been on my heart for nearly 20 years that I was actually talked out of many years ago. The person who talked to me made a lot of sense and so I decided it best to let go of the dream..but because after all these years, this dream is still on my heart, I am realizing that it is not only my desire for my life..it is God's desire for me. His desires for us usually become our desires. I wonder how many things I have let go of that God wanted me to have. I wonder what would have happened to blind Bartamaeus if he would have listened to the naysayers..I know one thing..he wouldn't have received his healing..and he may have spent the rest of his life sitting by that highway, begging.
When Bartamaeus called out to Jesus..Jesus heard his call. He stopped..and then He listened to the man's greatest desire..that he might receive his sight. Then Jesus told him the most amazing thing..He said, "Go thy way. Thy faith hath made thee whole"..
I do know and understand that there is a time to let go..but I think far too often, we let go too soon. We listen to the voices of the naysayers more than we listen to the voice of our Lord, who speaks gently to our spirit..we don't pay attention to the desires of our hearts. We are convinced by circumstances, and often people..rather than being led. I don't know about you, but I want to start living by faith. When I believe that God is speaking to me about something, even if it seems impossible, I want to go forward. I want to be the one in the crowd who is crying out, all the more, as Bartamaeus did. Jesus said it was his faith that made him whole.
The Word of God says that His sheep hear his voice, and they know it. My prayer for each of us today is simply that we would allow ourselves to be led, by His sweet Spirit..that our faith would rise, and that we, like blind Bart, would wholeheartedly seek God, despite our circumstances. I have heard it said that sheep are to be led, not driven. May we be able to discern the difference..and follow Him..May each of us be the voice that cries out the more a great deal..Son of David..have mercy. May our determination rise along with our faith. May you all be blessed.
Everlasting Arms
Deuteronomy 33:27 "The Eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms"
No matter where you are or what is going on around you, you are safe in the arms of God..because He is your refuge..He is your dwelling place. You may be facing the most challenging circumstances you have ever faced..but you are not alone..He is holding you...and His arms never tire of holding you.
Remember that. Remember that the arms of God are everlasting arms. Resting in that awareness of Him will bring you to an even deeper place of trust. He cares for you. He sees your circumstances. He knows your heart. He knows those who would like to hurt you...and He holds you.
Your dwelling place is in His very loving and capable arms. You can trust that the concerns of your heart are held firmly in the provision that He has made for you. He wants you to lean on, trust in, and confidently hope in Him.
Yesterday, we got to spend the afternoon with our precious grandson. He was tired and fell asleep in Ray's arms. I loved the picture..it wasn't just that he was comfortable and confident enough to rest in the arms of his grandpa..it was that his grandpa was fully devoted to holding him, making sure he was comfortable, making sure he didn't fall. We have a God Who is fully devoted to us. He loves us. He wants to carry us through whatever difficult circumstance we face. He will not let go.
Beloved, don't reject His embrace.
No matter where you are or what is going on around you, you are safe in the arms of God..because He is your refuge..He is your dwelling place. You may be facing the most challenging circumstances you have ever faced..but you are not alone..He is holding you...and His arms never tire of holding you.
Remember that. Remember that the arms of God are everlasting arms. Resting in that awareness of Him will bring you to an even deeper place of trust. He cares for you. He sees your circumstances. He knows your heart. He knows those who would like to hurt you...and He holds you.
Your dwelling place is in His very loving and capable arms. You can trust that the concerns of your heart are held firmly in the provision that He has made for you. He wants you to lean on, trust in, and confidently hope in Him.
Yesterday, we got to spend the afternoon with our precious grandson. He was tired and fell asleep in Ray's arms. I loved the picture..it wasn't just that he was comfortable and confident enough to rest in the arms of his grandpa..it was that his grandpa was fully devoted to holding him, making sure he was comfortable, making sure he didn't fall. We have a God Who is fully devoted to us. He loves us. He wants to carry us through whatever difficult circumstance we face. He will not let go.
Beloved, don't reject His embrace.
Return to Me
Isaiah 44:22 "I have blotted out as a thick cloud your transgressions, and as a cloud your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you"
When we confess our sins to God, He is faithful..not only to forgive them, but to cleanse us. Then He goes even a step further..He forgets them. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do the same thing? Wouldn't it be great to go through each day without the pain of failure hanging around our necks?
We often tend to see ourselves differently than the way God sees us. We fail, and instead of going to God, and believing Him, we become judge and jury of our own lives. We see ourselves as hopeless, as backsliders, as pitiful. He sees us as His.
You can never dig too deep a hole, that He can't pull you out. There is never a time as deep as you may have gotten, that He can't find you. Think about who the accuser of the brethren is. Who is it that condemns you? If we are expecting integrity and fair dealings with the prince of evil, we are deceived.
God wants to put you in a place far from the thought of oppression, or destruction. He wants to lift us above guilt and shame, so that sin can no longer be our master. Don't caress guilt as though it belongs to you. Guilt is not your friend. Confess it and be done with it. The Lord will cleanse your heart by His own blood, which pours healing into every wound.
When you are forgiven, you are indeed free. Whom the Son makes free, is free indeed.
When we confess our sins to God, He is faithful..not only to forgive them, but to cleanse us. Then He goes even a step further..He forgets them. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do the same thing? Wouldn't it be great to go through each day without the pain of failure hanging around our necks?
We often tend to see ourselves differently than the way God sees us. We fail, and instead of going to God, and believing Him, we become judge and jury of our own lives. We see ourselves as hopeless, as backsliders, as pitiful. He sees us as His.
You can never dig too deep a hole, that He can't pull you out. There is never a time as deep as you may have gotten, that He can't find you. Think about who the accuser of the brethren is. Who is it that condemns you? If we are expecting integrity and fair dealings with the prince of evil, we are deceived.
God wants to put you in a place far from the thought of oppression, or destruction. He wants to lift us above guilt and shame, so that sin can no longer be our master. Don't caress guilt as though it belongs to you. Guilt is not your friend. Confess it and be done with it. The Lord will cleanse your heart by His own blood, which pours healing into every wound.
When you are forgiven, you are indeed free. Whom the Son makes free, is free indeed.
Have you not known?
Isaiah 40:28 "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary"
Lift up your eyes beloved. Think about your Creator..You were formed by a Master Technician, an artist from Whom all beauty evolves. You were formed perfectly by the Source of all life. There is no way to fathom the understanding of the Lord.
He gives you power when you feel faint. When you have no might, He increases your strength. He causes it to multiply, and brings joy to your spirit, causing strength and might to abound in you. He gives you more strength than you would ever be able to manifest in your human ability. He gives you more energy than that of a skilled athlete who competes in the contest of champions. He gives you all the strength you will need for this moment of your life.
In Him, you have not only physical strength, but strength of character, along with spiritual strength. In Him, your mind is alive and alert. Your thoughts are sound, because they are born of a steadfast heart.
You may have once been a slave to sin and weakness...but you have been made clean by the blood of Christ, and your sins have been blotted out.He strengthens you day by day. Glory in Him, and rejoice with Him every day..His joy is your strength
Lift up your eyes beloved. Think about your Creator..You were formed by a Master Technician, an artist from Whom all beauty evolves. You were formed perfectly by the Source of all life. There is no way to fathom the understanding of the Lord.
He gives you power when you feel faint. When you have no might, He increases your strength. He causes it to multiply, and brings joy to your spirit, causing strength and might to abound in you. He gives you more strength than you would ever be able to manifest in your human ability. He gives you more energy than that of a skilled athlete who competes in the contest of champions. He gives you all the strength you will need for this moment of your life.
In Him, you have not only physical strength, but strength of character, along with spiritual strength. In Him, your mind is alive and alert. Your thoughts are sound, because they are born of a steadfast heart.
You may have once been a slave to sin and weakness...but you have been made clean by the blood of Christ, and your sins have been blotted out.He strengthens you day by day. Glory in Him, and rejoice with Him every day..His joy is your strength
Search me Oh God
Psalm 139:23-24"Search me Oh God, and know my heart! Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Amplified)
When we are going through a time of uncertainty we long for the knowledge and the wisdom of our Savior. When we are in one of these seasons, our eyes don't always see clearly..and it's difficult to hear as well. When we are uncertain, we don't always understand what is the good and perfect will of the Father. When that is the case, it is time to pause from the cares of this life, and spend time with the Lord..it is time to listen to His Spirit.
Allow Him to search and know your heart. Invite Him in to your very mind..to literally permeate every thought. Ask Him to cleanse you..your mind, your thoughts, your heart. Grant Him permission to literally release you from the trap of not knowing, which has kept you bound up.
When you first came to Him, you made a decision for Him. Friend, you are in that valley of decision again when you are in a place of uncertainty..and He is simply asking you to make the decision to trust Him..in order that He may lead you and give you direction.
Because you are His, you don't have to settle for anything that simply pleases the senses. There is a way that seems right to a person, and at times appears to be straight, but a child of God knows not to be hasty or easily swayed. Understanding is a wellspring of life to you...and wisdom and understanding grow as you listen and heed His Word..leaning, trusting, and building confidence in Him.
(Taken in part by M. Chapian)
When we are going through a time of uncertainty we long for the knowledge and the wisdom of our Savior. When we are in one of these seasons, our eyes don't always see clearly..and it's difficult to hear as well. When we are uncertain, we don't always understand what is the good and perfect will of the Father. When that is the case, it is time to pause from the cares of this life, and spend time with the Lord..it is time to listen to His Spirit.
Allow Him to search and know your heart. Invite Him in to your very mind..to literally permeate every thought. Ask Him to cleanse you..your mind, your thoughts, your heart. Grant Him permission to literally release you from the trap of not knowing, which has kept you bound up.
When you first came to Him, you made a decision for Him. Friend, you are in that valley of decision again when you are in a place of uncertainty..and He is simply asking you to make the decision to trust Him..in order that He may lead you and give you direction.
Because you are His, you don't have to settle for anything that simply pleases the senses. There is a way that seems right to a person, and at times appears to be straight, but a child of God knows not to be hasty or easily swayed. Understanding is a wellspring of life to you...and wisdom and understanding grow as you listen and heed His Word..leaning, trusting, and building confidence in Him.
(Taken in part by M. Chapian)
John 3:6 "What is born of the flesh is flesh..of the physical is physical..and what is born of the Spirit is spirit"
Did you know that you have been regenerated by His Holy Spirit? When you are in union with Him, His Spirit molds you into His image..in order that you may inwardly share His likeness. You no longer have to live by the flesh. You now live your life in His Spirit, which dwells in you, and directs your life.
You are different now because though you were born of the flesh, you were reborn of the Spirit of God when you opened your heart to Him. Others around you may not understand that He has made you a new creature in Christ. The world may not celebrate your new nature..but You..as His child..should never stop celebrating!
He is your Lord and Messiah..and you are His child..Not only are you His child..you are now a citizen of the kingdom of God. You are not an outsider or an alien to His kingdom. You are not excluded from the rights of heavenly citizenship. You are different from the world. You now share citizenship with the saints..His own people..consecrated and set apart. You belong to the household of God.
The world around you may groan, fight, destroy, complain, gossip, and hurt..serving satan's purposes..but YOU are different. You are not of the world. You are no longer bound by it's limits. You are no longer a slave to it. You are a child..of the Most High. Celebrate it. Rejoice that you are different. Rejoice that you partake in His divine nature. Rejoice that you are His.
(Taken in part from an excerpt by M. Chapian)
You are different now because though you were born of the flesh, you were reborn of the Spirit of God when you opened your heart to Him. Others around you may not understand that He has made you a new creature in Christ. The world may not celebrate your new nature..but You..as His child..should never stop celebrating!
He is your Lord and Messiah..and you are His child..Not only are you His child..you are now a citizen of the kingdom of God. You are not an outsider or an alien to His kingdom. You are not excluded from the rights of heavenly citizenship. You are different from the world. You now share citizenship with the saints..His own people..consecrated and set apart. You belong to the household of God.
The world around you may groan, fight, destroy, complain, gossip, and hurt..serving satan's purposes..but YOU are different. You are not of the world. You are no longer bound by it's limits. You are no longer a slave to it. You are a child..of the Most High. Celebrate it. Rejoice that you are different. Rejoice that you partake in His divine nature. Rejoice that you are His.
(Taken in part from an excerpt by M. Chapian)
MOST PEOPLE DON'T
Good morning everyone..I received this devotion this morning from Dayspring and I thought it was very thought provoking. I hope it ministers to all of you as you begin your week.
MOST PEOPLE DON'T
Those three words ping-ping in my mind over and over like pebbles against a glass window. I pause, "It's true. Most people don't spend so much time sitting in front of a laptop and writing."
And then it comes, "What's the matter with you? Why can't you relax and be more like most people?" You've had these words thrown like stones at you too, haven't you?
Most people don't...wear themselves out in the kitchen because they believe a meal feeds hearts and fills bellies.
Most people don't...throw off their entire schedule because they take time to listen to the stranger in the grocery store having a hard day.
Most people don't...pour over spreadsheets until their eyes are red because they see numbers as sort of an art and a way to bring order to a chaotic world.
Most people don't do what you do, love what you love, feel the kind of passion you feel about that thing. I started thinking about this recently and I realized we're in good company.
Most people don't...build an ark.
Most people don't...lead people through the desert to the Promised Land.
Most people don't...die on a cross to save the world.
But aren't you glad one person did?
MOST PEOPLE DON'T
Those three words ping-ping in my mind over and over like pebbles against a glass window. I pause, "It's true. Most people don't spend so much time sitting in front of a laptop and writing."
And then it comes, "What's the matter with you? Why can't you relax and be more like most people?" You've had these words thrown like stones at you too, haven't you?
Most people don't...wear themselves out in the kitchen because they believe a meal feeds hearts and fills bellies.
Most people don't...throw off their entire schedule because they take time to listen to the stranger in the grocery store having a hard day.
Most people don't...pour over spreadsheets until their eyes are red because they see numbers as sort of an art and a way to bring order to a chaotic world.
Most people don't do what you do, love what you love, feel the kind of passion you feel about that thing. I started thinking about this recently and I realized we're in good company.
Most people don't...build an ark.
Most people don't...lead people through the desert to the Promised Land.
Most people don't...die on a cross to save the world.
But aren't you glad one person did?
The Napkin
John 20:-7 "Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself"
This week I learned something new..maybe I had heard this at some time in the past and forgotten it..but I found out this week that it was a Jewish tradition, when you visited someone's home for a meal, to fold up your napkin and leave it placed on the table when you left. This simple gesture actually made a statement to the host, that you wanted to come back. It meant that the guest had enjoyed the meal, and enjoyed the company, and that he or she very much wanted to be invited back..that they wanted to visit again.
There are so many little things that happened during the life of Christ that mean so much. Nothing that happened was insignificant in any way. Everything points back to Him.
After Jesus was crucified and buried in the tomb, Mary Magdalene came early in the morning on the first day of the week, and found the large stone rolled away from the grave. She ran to get Peter and John, who came back to the sepulchre.. and Peter, upon entering it, saw that the grave clothes were left, as if Jesus had passed right through them..but the head piece..the napkin.. was wrapped in a place by itself. The napkin was left in such a way that it made a statement..especially at that time in history. Jesus was simply saying that He is coming back.
After learning that this week, I have to tell you that I don't know if I will ever look at a napkin the same way..ever again! I have thought about making the folded napkin my own way of telling friends and loved ones that I want to be invited back...but I think more than anything, I am reminded that our beloved Lord and Savior IS coming back. The napkin was just another reminder of that promise. One day, every eye will see Him..and every knee will bow. One day, He will break through the clouds.
Tonight when you are having dinner, may you simply be reminded of His return. May you be confident that He will accomplish all that He has promised. May you know that He is the living Christ..and that you can be certain of your own resurrection because of Him. The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us as well. I will never look at my napkin in the same way again! Praise the Lord!
This week I learned something new..maybe I had heard this at some time in the past and forgotten it..but I found out this week that it was a Jewish tradition, when you visited someone's home for a meal, to fold up your napkin and leave it placed on the table when you left. This simple gesture actually made a statement to the host, that you wanted to come back. It meant that the guest had enjoyed the meal, and enjoyed the company, and that he or she very much wanted to be invited back..that they wanted to visit again.
There are so many little things that happened during the life of Christ that mean so much. Nothing that happened was insignificant in any way. Everything points back to Him.
After Jesus was crucified and buried in the tomb, Mary Magdalene came early in the morning on the first day of the week, and found the large stone rolled away from the grave. She ran to get Peter and John, who came back to the sepulchre.. and Peter, upon entering it, saw that the grave clothes were left, as if Jesus had passed right through them..but the head piece..the napkin.. was wrapped in a place by itself. The napkin was left in such a way that it made a statement..especially at that time in history. Jesus was simply saying that He is coming back.
After learning that this week, I have to tell you that I don't know if I will ever look at a napkin the same way..ever again! I have thought about making the folded napkin my own way of telling friends and loved ones that I want to be invited back...but I think more than anything, I am reminded that our beloved Lord and Savior IS coming back. The napkin was just another reminder of that promise. One day, every eye will see Him..and every knee will bow. One day, He will break through the clouds.
Tonight when you are having dinner, may you simply be reminded of His return. May you be confident that He will accomplish all that He has promised. May you know that He is the living Christ..and that you can be certain of your own resurrection because of Him. The divine power that brought Jesus back to life is now available to us as well. I will never look at my napkin in the same way again! Praise the Lord!
Clothe Yourselves with Kindness
Colossians 3:12 "As God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with kindness"
There is an old story of an elderly man who always carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went, and when he would go through a door that squeaked, he would squirt a little oil on the hinges. If he encountered a gate that was hard to open, he would oil the latch. And so he went through life, lubricating all the difficult places, making it easier for all those who came after him. People called the man eccentric, strange and crazy..but he went steadily on, often refilling his can of oil when it was nearly empty...and oiling all the difficult places he found.
In this world, there are many lives that painfully creak and grate as they go about their daily lives. It often seems as if nothing goes right with them, and they need lubricating with the "oil of joy"..gentleness, or thoughtfulness.
Do you carry your own can of oil with you? Are you ready with your oil of helpfulness each day? If you offer your oil to the person nearest you, it just may lubricate the entire day for him. Your oil of cheerfulness will mean more than you know to someone who is downhearted. Or the oil may be a word of encouragement to a person who is full of despair. Never fail to speak it, for our lives may touch others only once on the road of life, and then our paths may diverge, never to meet again.
The oil of kindness has worn the sharp, hard edges off of many a difficult or hardened life, and left it soft and pliable, ready to receive the redeeming grace of the Savior. A pleasant word is a bright ray of sunhine on a saddened heart. Therefore give others the sunshine and tell Jesus the rest. Be devoted, one to another, in brotherly love.
From Streams in the Desert
There is an old story of an elderly man who always carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went, and when he would go through a door that squeaked, he would squirt a little oil on the hinges. If he encountered a gate that was hard to open, he would oil the latch. And so he went through life, lubricating all the difficult places, making it easier for all those who came after him. People called the man eccentric, strange and crazy..but he went steadily on, often refilling his can of oil when it was nearly empty...and oiling all the difficult places he found.
In this world, there are many lives that painfully creak and grate as they go about their daily lives. It often seems as if nothing goes right with them, and they need lubricating with the "oil of joy"..gentleness, or thoughtfulness.
Do you carry your own can of oil with you? Are you ready with your oil of helpfulness each day? If you offer your oil to the person nearest you, it just may lubricate the entire day for him. Your oil of cheerfulness will mean more than you know to someone who is downhearted. Or the oil may be a word of encouragement to a person who is full of despair. Never fail to speak it, for our lives may touch others only once on the road of life, and then our paths may diverge, never to meet again.
The oil of kindness has worn the sharp, hard edges off of many a difficult or hardened life, and left it soft and pliable, ready to receive the redeeming grace of the Savior. A pleasant word is a bright ray of sunhine on a saddened heart. Therefore give others the sunshine and tell Jesus the rest. Be devoted, one to another, in brotherly love.
From Streams in the Desert
I will hear
Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear"
God knows the desires of our hearts without our uttering a word. Most of us can take one look at our child, or hear the tone of voice, and we can tell if they are tired or hurting, excited or happy...and so it is with our heavenly Father..but to a much greater degree.
So, we might wonder, if He already knows what we need, or what our heart's desires are, why pray?
Because prayer is a time of relationship.
It's a time to seek not only answers, but the Presence of the One who knows. It's a time to rest in the company of our Maker, and to know that He is God. He wants us to come to Him, to call on Him; He longs to hear our voices, and to offer kindness to His children. When someone you love chooses you first when they need help or comfort, it's an honor. God feels the same way.
When someone loves you, do you ever tire of hearing it?
Neither does He.
K Armstrong
God knows the desires of our hearts without our uttering a word. Most of us can take one look at our child, or hear the tone of voice, and we can tell if they are tired or hurting, excited or happy...and so it is with our heavenly Father..but to a much greater degree.
So, we might wonder, if He already knows what we need, or what our heart's desires are, why pray?
Because prayer is a time of relationship.
It's a time to seek not only answers, but the Presence of the One who knows. It's a time to rest in the company of our Maker, and to know that He is God. He wants us to come to Him, to call on Him; He longs to hear our voices, and to offer kindness to His children. When someone you love chooses you first when they need help or comfort, it's an honor. God feels the same way.
When someone loves you, do you ever tire of hearing it?
Neither does He.
K Armstrong
Behold all things have become new
2 Corinthians 5:17 "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new"
The cross assures you of God's acceptance. When you believe in Jesus, God considers all barriers between you and Him to be removed. Full reconcilitation and intimacy of relationship with Him are possible.
God's acceptance and forgiveness of you, and His blessings to you are part of Who God is. He IS love....and because He lives in You..and you have become a new creation, you are also capable of accepting others, and forgiving as well. I recently read the following story and I wanted to share it with you..this is an unbelievable story about the power of God..and forgiveness.
"Early one morning, the telephone rang. It was my older sister with devastating news. My youngest sister, Teri, and her husband, Jay, had been murdered. My four-year-old nephew and 21-month-old niece were now orphans, and our entire family was thrust into the news spotlight because the murderer was a notorious serial killer.
Having heard of similar tragedies across our native South Africa, I often wondered how people coped with such cruel circumstances. Since my husband, Peter, and I had given up our business to start a ministry to our country's impoverished black people, I often prayed that serving others would shield us from such evil.
As my sister's shocking message replayed in my head, I began to cry out to God. Instantly, I felt God's power come upon me and I had a strong urge to pray, "Father, forgive him; he did not know what he was doing." As those words came out of my mouth, I became aware of a river of forgiveness flowing out from my spirit.
Feelings of hatred, anger and unforgiveness towards this man, who had taken the precious lives of my loved ones, threatened to overtake my emotions -- but the strength of the river would not let those feelings take root. The flow of God's forgiving grace was obliterating them.
My initial experience with God's forgiving grace was with my own sin. I had asked Him to forgive me in a prayer of salvation and He extended His mercy to me. I had memorized the Lord's prayer and understood that I must forgive others' trespasses against me, as I am forgiven of my trespasses. But when faced with this seemingly impossible task of forgiving the man who killed my family members, my greatest inspiration came from Jesus Himself. He extended mercy to cruel, godless men -- even as He was dying from the terrible wounds inflicted by those men.
Another source of inspiration for me was realizing that the Father sacrificed his own Son to offer forgiveness to a degraded, dying world -- and to sinners like me. He knew His unfathomable act of grace could empower us to face any crisis in life...if we would open our hearts to receive it.
I could have easily become embittered toward the native South African people after what happened to my sister's family. I could have abandoned the evangelistic and humanitarian relief work that my husband and I had begun, but God did a supernatural healing within me. I forgave and let God's indescribable comfort absorb the shock and pain of losing Teri and Jay.
Instead of "returning evil for evil," my husband and I increased our work of "blessing." Today, our ministry reaches millions of people across Africa. We take food, water, clothing and medical supplies to these impoverished war-torn countries. We establish agricultural projects, drill water wells and build schools. But most of all, we take the transforming message of God's love and forgiveness to hurting people."
When I read this story, I thought of Stephen..who when being stoned, literally cried out to God to forgive those who were literally in the act of committing murder..his murder. Forgiveness is a powerful thing.but God is a powerful God. Today, may each of us be reminded that we are new creatures in Christ..and because of Him, we can extend His love and mercy even in the most difficult situations.
The cross assures you of God's acceptance. When you believe in Jesus, God considers all barriers between you and Him to be removed. Full reconcilitation and intimacy of relationship with Him are possible.
God's acceptance and forgiveness of you, and His blessings to you are part of Who God is. He IS love....and because He lives in You..and you have become a new creation, you are also capable of accepting others, and forgiving as well. I recently read the following story and I wanted to share it with you..this is an unbelievable story about the power of God..and forgiveness.
"Early one morning, the telephone rang. It was my older sister with devastating news. My youngest sister, Teri, and her husband, Jay, had been murdered. My four-year-old nephew and 21-month-old niece were now orphans, and our entire family was thrust into the news spotlight because the murderer was a notorious serial killer.
Having heard of similar tragedies across our native South Africa, I often wondered how people coped with such cruel circumstances. Since my husband, Peter, and I had given up our business to start a ministry to our country's impoverished black people, I often prayed that serving others would shield us from such evil.
As my sister's shocking message replayed in my head, I began to cry out to God. Instantly, I felt God's power come upon me and I had a strong urge to pray, "Father, forgive him; he did not know what he was doing." As those words came out of my mouth, I became aware of a river of forgiveness flowing out from my spirit.
Feelings of hatred, anger and unforgiveness towards this man, who had taken the precious lives of my loved ones, threatened to overtake my emotions -- but the strength of the river would not let those feelings take root. The flow of God's forgiving grace was obliterating them.
My initial experience with God's forgiving grace was with my own sin. I had asked Him to forgive me in a prayer of salvation and He extended His mercy to me. I had memorized the Lord's prayer and understood that I must forgive others' trespasses against me, as I am forgiven of my trespasses. But when faced with this seemingly impossible task of forgiving the man who killed my family members, my greatest inspiration came from Jesus Himself. He extended mercy to cruel, godless men -- even as He was dying from the terrible wounds inflicted by those men.
Another source of inspiration for me was realizing that the Father sacrificed his own Son to offer forgiveness to a degraded, dying world -- and to sinners like me. He knew His unfathomable act of grace could empower us to face any crisis in life...if we would open our hearts to receive it.
I could have easily become embittered toward the native South African people after what happened to my sister's family. I could have abandoned the evangelistic and humanitarian relief work that my husband and I had begun, but God did a supernatural healing within me. I forgave and let God's indescribable comfort absorb the shock and pain of losing Teri and Jay.
Instead of "returning evil for evil," my husband and I increased our work of "blessing." Today, our ministry reaches millions of people across Africa. We take food, water, clothing and medical supplies to these impoverished war-torn countries. We establish agricultural projects, drill water wells and build schools. But most of all, we take the transforming message of God's love and forgiveness to hurting people."
When I read this story, I thought of Stephen..who when being stoned, literally cried out to God to forgive those who were literally in the act of committing murder..his murder. Forgiveness is a powerful thing.but God is a powerful God. Today, may each of us be reminded that we are new creatures in Christ..and because of Him, we can extend His love and mercy even in the most difficult situations.
John 15:1 "And My Father is the Husbandman"
A vine must have a husbandman to plant and watch over it...as well as to receive and rejoice in it's fruit. Jesus said, "My Father is the Husbandman"..He was the Vine of God's planting. All He was and did, He owed to the Father. In all, He only sought the Father's will and glory. He became man to show us what relationship we ought to have with our Creator. He took our place, and the spirit of of His life before the Father is what He continually seeks to make ours, "Of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things"..
My Father is the Husbandman..this is as true of us as it was for Christ. Christ was about to teach His disciples about being branches. Before He ever used the word, or spoke at all of abiding in Him, He turned their eyes heavenward to the Father watching over them...and working in and through them. At the very root of all Christian life is the knowing that it is God who lives in us..Who works through us. Our work is to give, and to leave ourselves in His hands, with the assured confidence that He gives us all that we need. Christ came to bring us to the Father. Jesus, the Vine, points to God the Husbandman. As He trusted the Father, let us also trust the Father.
My Father is the Husbandman..this is as true of us as it was for Christ. Christ was about to teach His disciples about being branches. Before He ever used the word, or spoke at all of abiding in Him, He turned their eyes heavenward to the Father watching over them...and working in and through them. At the very root of all Christian life is the knowing that it is God who lives in us..Who works through us. Our work is to give, and to leave ourselves in His hands, with the assured confidence that He gives us all that we need. Christ came to bring us to the Father. Jesus, the Vine, points to God the Husbandman. As He trusted the Father, let us also trust the Father.
You are my lamp, o Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light
2 Samuel 22:29 "You are my lamp, o Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light"
A lighthouse guides ships in the dark.A searchlight locates survivors.A night light gives children courage at bedtime.A flashlight helps you find your way in a storm.A headlight helps illuminate a curvy road.A stoplight directs traffic.A spotlight directs attention.A porch light welcomes us.Firelight inspires romance.Moonlight guides us when it's dark outside.
Light. It warms, guides, and comforts. It sets a mood and draws us closer. Have you ever really noticed an outside light on a summer evening? It is surrounded by hundreds of insects buzzing around in a frenzy because they are so attracted to the light. When we recognize Jesus as the Light, we start to swarm closer as well. And when that Light resides inside us, it starts a buzz among others who want to know what the fuss is all about. Is it any wonder we read that
"God is light", "Let there be light", and "You are my lamp, O God"
Jesus is the Light of the world. When He calls you, you are irrevocably His! Let His light transform you.
K Armstrong
A lighthouse guides ships in the dark.A searchlight locates survivors.A night light gives children courage at bedtime.A flashlight helps you find your way in a storm.A headlight helps illuminate a curvy road.A stoplight directs traffic.A spotlight directs attention.A porch light welcomes us.Firelight inspires romance.Moonlight guides us when it's dark outside.
Light. It warms, guides, and comforts. It sets a mood and draws us closer. Have you ever really noticed an outside light on a summer evening? It is surrounded by hundreds of insects buzzing around in a frenzy because they are so attracted to the light. When we recognize Jesus as the Light, we start to swarm closer as well. And when that Light resides inside us, it starts a buzz among others who want to know what the fuss is all about. Is it any wonder we read that
"God is light", "Let there be light", and "You are my lamp, O God"
Jesus is the Light of the world. When He calls you, you are irrevocably His! Let His light transform you.
K Armstrong
I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
John 10:9 "I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
In the above passage, John was speaking about the Good Shepherd...Jesus. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from the elements, or from thieves or even wild animals. The sheepfolds were sometimes in caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd generally slept at the opening of the sheepfold, and he actually became the door..the way in, or the way out..Jesus says that "no man comes to the Father but by Me"..
Jesus is not only the door to the Father..He is the door to the sheepfold..and we..you and I..are the sheep. He is still today the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep (us). A hired man would tend the sheep for money. Jesus does it out of love. He owns the sheep and is committed to them. He isn't merely doing a job. He loves us and even laid down His life for us.
Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus has protected us...and nothing can pluck us out of His hand. He came to give you life..in abundance. He knows those who are His. He knows your name. He knows what you may be dealing with. He knows everything about you...and He calls you by your name..He leads you..and even goes before you. You follow Him because you know His voice. Today you can rest in the fact that you are being led and looked out for..by the Good Shepherd.."
In the above passage, John was speaking about the Good Shepherd...Jesus. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from the elements, or from thieves or even wild animals. The sheepfolds were sometimes in caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd generally slept at the opening of the sheepfold, and he actually became the door..the way in, or the way out..Jesus says that "no man comes to the Father but by Me"..
Jesus is not only the door to the Father..He is the door to the sheepfold..and we..you and I..are the sheep. He is still today the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep (us). A hired man would tend the sheep for money. Jesus does it out of love. He owns the sheep and is committed to them. He isn't merely doing a job. He loves us and even laid down His life for us.
Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus has protected us...and nothing can pluck us out of His hand. He came to give you life..in abundance. He knows those who are His. He knows your name. He knows what you may be dealing with. He knows everything about you...and He calls you by your name..He leads you..and even goes before you. You follow Him because you know His voice. Today you can rest in the fact that you are being led and looked out for..by the Good Shepherd.
In the above passage, John was speaking about the Good Shepherd...Jesus. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from the elements, or from thieves or even wild animals. The sheepfolds were sometimes in caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd generally slept at the opening of the sheepfold, and he actually became the door..the way in, or the way out..Jesus says that "no man comes to the Father but by Me"..
Jesus is not only the door to the Father..He is the door to the sheepfold..and we..you and I..are the sheep. He is still today the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep (us). A hired man would tend the sheep for money. Jesus does it out of love. He owns the sheep and is committed to them. He isn't merely doing a job. He loves us and even laid down His life for us.
Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus has protected us...and nothing can pluck us out of His hand. He came to give you life..in abundance. He knows those who are His. He knows your name. He knows what you may be dealing with. He knows everything about you...and He calls you by your name..He leads you..and even goes before you. You follow Him because you know His voice. Today you can rest in the fact that you are being led and looked out for..by the Good Shepherd.."
In the above passage, John was speaking about the Good Shepherd...Jesus. At night, sheep were often gathered into a sheepfold to protect them from the elements, or from thieves or even wild animals. The sheepfolds were sometimes in caves, sheds, or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd generally slept at the opening of the sheepfold, and he actually became the door..the way in, or the way out..Jesus says that "no man comes to the Father but by Me"..
Jesus is not only the door to the Father..He is the door to the sheepfold..and we..you and I..are the sheep. He is still today the Good Shepherd. He cares for His sheep (us). A hired man would tend the sheep for money. Jesus does it out of love. He owns the sheep and is committed to them. He isn't merely doing a job. He loves us and even laid down His life for us.
Just as a shepherd protects his sheep, Jesus has protected us...and nothing can pluck us out of His hand. He came to give you life..in abundance. He knows those who are His. He knows your name. He knows what you may be dealing with. He knows everything about you...and He calls you by your name..He leads you..and even goes before you. You follow Him because you know His voice. Today you can rest in the fact that you are being led and looked out for..by the Good Shepherd.
I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth
Genesis 9:13 " I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth"
I'm curious if any of you happened to look up into the sky Saturday afternoon, about noon. I was outside doing yardwork, and happened to look up. To my amazement, I saw the most incredible rainbow I've ever seen. It was a circular rainbow and it was around the sun! I've never seen anything like this before. I came in and googled "Rainbow around the sun", to see if by chance anyone had taken a picture of it. We tried, and our camera got the outline of it, but you couldn't see the colors in the rainbow. I found out that this is a phenomenon that happens every once in a while, and I had just never seen or heard of it. There were several pictures online that people had taken of these round rainbows that encircle the sun.
Any time I see a rainbow, I always think it's just for me. I have seen a couple of double rainbows..one time when we moved out to the area where we live now, and we were crying out to God for wisdom about the move..we happened to look up, and there was a double rainbow..it was spectacular! As I stood in my yard Saturday, and watched this rainbow for over an hour , I began to think about the splendor of my God. I thought about the events that took place 2,000 years ago..and the fact that Friday was Good Friday..the day on which our Lord and Savior was crucified. I thought about how on that Saturday so many years ago, things must have looked really bleak. The One in Whom so many had put their trust was dead..crucified. The One Who had worked miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead back to life, loved little children, spoke words of wisdom and encouragement, forgave people of their sins, and loved people into wholeness was seemingly gone....but then there was Sunday!!!
I thought about all the people that I know who are dealing with illness and disease, those who have suffered the loss of someone they love, those who have been lied to, those who have suffered the death of a dream. I thought of those who feel they can no longer trust..those who don't know how to get their life back, those whose bodies have begun to fail, those who are struggling just to get through the day. I thought of those who have no direction, those who are barely keeping a roof over their heads, those who simply long to be loved...and I looked again at the rainbow...and remembered the covenant of God..the eternal covenant..the promise of God to never again flood the earth..but there are so many other promises. He promises never to leave us. He promises to love us with an everlasting love. He promises to continue His faithfulness to us. He promises that nothing is too difficult for Him. He promises to bless the pure in heart. He promises the gift of eternal life to those who will receive it. He promises to strengthen us, to comfort us, to lift up a standard against the spirit of fear. He promises to give His angels charge over us, and that His eyes and ears are upon the righteous. He hears their prayers. He promises to give us authority on this earth..over the power of the enemy. He promises to uphold us with his victorious right hand. He promises to hide us in His shelter in the day of trouble. He promises that we shall be far from oppression and terror. He promises a sound mind. He has redeemed us..called us by our name..and told us that we are His.
The rainbow in the sky made me remember the goodness of God..that His promises are all "yes and amen"..that He never changes..that He cannot lie or break a promise..and that for me..and for you..just as it happened nearly 2000 years ago, early on a Sunday morning, when the two women went to the tomb, and found the body of the Lord Jesus was missing because He was RISEN..He had been resurrected..so is He with us now..so does He long to walk with us through our Saturday..and bring us through to Sunday..to a resurrection of sorts in our own lives..to bring new hope when there has been no hope..to bring back to life the dreams that have been dormant in our hearts for such a long time..to teach us once again to trust, and to stand strong..to remember that He IS our Shield..and to hold up our Shield against any and all attacks from the enemy..to heal the broken hearted and to bind up their wounds..to be a constant presence in our lives, no matter what we are facing..to remind us that He is with us in trouble..and that He is our rock...to give us a new direction, and wisdom, to see that weeping may endure for a night, but joy does return in our lives and hearts..to remember that the Lord actually takes pleasure in His people.
Lord, you are the potter and we are the clay. Today, remind each of us that we are the work of Your hand..and in Your hand we safely rest, as we wait on You, knowing that You supply every need.
I'm curious if any of you happened to look up into the sky Saturday afternoon, about noon. I was outside doing yardwork, and happened to look up. To my amazement, I saw the most incredible rainbow I've ever seen. It was a circular rainbow and it was around the sun! I've never seen anything like this before. I came in and googled "Rainbow around the sun", to see if by chance anyone had taken a picture of it. We tried, and our camera got the outline of it, but you couldn't see the colors in the rainbow. I found out that this is a phenomenon that happens every once in a while, and I had just never seen or heard of it. There were several pictures online that people had taken of these round rainbows that encircle the sun.
Any time I see a rainbow, I always think it's just for me. I have seen a couple of double rainbows..one time when we moved out to the area where we live now, and we were crying out to God for wisdom about the move..we happened to look up, and there was a double rainbow..it was spectacular! As I stood in my yard Saturday, and watched this rainbow for over an hour , I began to think about the splendor of my God. I thought about the events that took place 2,000 years ago..and the fact that Friday was Good Friday..the day on which our Lord and Savior was crucified. I thought about how on that Saturday so many years ago, things must have looked really bleak. The One in Whom so many had put their trust was dead..crucified. The One Who had worked miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead back to life, loved little children, spoke words of wisdom and encouragement, forgave people of their sins, and loved people into wholeness was seemingly gone....but then there was Sunday!!!
I thought about all the people that I know who are dealing with illness and disease, those who have suffered the loss of someone they love, those who have been lied to, those who have suffered the death of a dream. I thought of those who feel they can no longer trust..those who don't know how to get their life back, those whose bodies have begun to fail, those who are struggling just to get through the day. I thought of those who have no direction, those who are barely keeping a roof over their heads, those who simply long to be loved...and I looked again at the rainbow...and remembered the covenant of God..the eternal covenant..the promise of God to never again flood the earth..but there are so many other promises. He promises never to leave us. He promises to love us with an everlasting love. He promises to continue His faithfulness to us. He promises that nothing is too difficult for Him. He promises to bless the pure in heart. He promises the gift of eternal life to those who will receive it. He promises to strengthen us, to comfort us, to lift up a standard against the spirit of fear. He promises to give His angels charge over us, and that His eyes and ears are upon the righteous. He hears their prayers. He promises to give us authority on this earth..over the power of the enemy. He promises to uphold us with his victorious right hand. He promises to hide us in His shelter in the day of trouble. He promises that we shall be far from oppression and terror. He promises a sound mind. He has redeemed us..called us by our name..and told us that we are His.
The rainbow in the sky made me remember the goodness of God..that His promises are all "yes and amen"..that He never changes..that He cannot lie or break a promise..and that for me..and for you..just as it happened nearly 2000 years ago, early on a Sunday morning, when the two women went to the tomb, and found the body of the Lord Jesus was missing because He was RISEN..He had been resurrected..so is He with us now..so does He long to walk with us through our Saturday..and bring us through to Sunday..to a resurrection of sorts in our own lives..to bring new hope when there has been no hope..to bring back to life the dreams that have been dormant in our hearts for such a long time..to teach us once again to trust, and to stand strong..to remember that He IS our Shield..and to hold up our Shield against any and all attacks from the enemy..to heal the broken hearted and to bind up their wounds..to be a constant presence in our lives, no matter what we are facing..to remind us that He is with us in trouble..and that He is our rock...to give us a new direction, and wisdom, to see that weeping may endure for a night, but joy does return in our lives and hearts..to remember that the Lord actually takes pleasure in His people.
Lord, you are the potter and we are the clay. Today, remind each of us that we are the work of Your hand..and in Your hand we safely rest, as we wait on You, knowing that You supply every need.
Thanks be to God who gives us the victory, through out Lord Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 15:57 "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory, through out Lord Jesus Christ"
O My child, have I ever failed you? Have I ever turned My back on you or forsaken you? Have I not been your refuge and your strong defense?
I have protected you and kept you in sickness and in health. Yes, I am with you to help you now. Fear not. My purposes will be fullfilled in and through your life and you need only to rely on My strength.
Count on Me. Count on My righteousness. I do not work only in cases where there are no obstacles; but I glory in overuling the prevailing circumstances, and I take pleasure in bringing victories in those places where there is no victory in sight.
Count on My coming. Know that whenever faith brings Me on the scene, everything is changed. Darkness is turned to light. Grief is turned to joy. Sickness to health. Poverty to My sufficient supply..doubt to faith..anxiety to trust.
No negative force can occupy the same place as My Spirit. When My Spirit comes in, all other things must and SHALL go!
Ask for the victory. I will come and bring it. Don't look for that victory..look for ME..and you will see the victory that I bring with Me.
Frances Roberts
O My child, have I ever failed you? Have I ever turned My back on you or forsaken you? Have I not been your refuge and your strong defense?
I have protected you and kept you in sickness and in health. Yes, I am with you to help you now. Fear not. My purposes will be fullfilled in and through your life and you need only to rely on My strength.
Count on Me. Count on My righteousness. I do not work only in cases where there are no obstacles; but I glory in overuling the prevailing circumstances, and I take pleasure in bringing victories in those places where there is no victory in sight.
Count on My coming. Know that whenever faith brings Me on the scene, everything is changed. Darkness is turned to light. Grief is turned to joy. Sickness to health. Poverty to My sufficient supply..doubt to faith..anxiety to trust.
No negative force can occupy the same place as My Spirit. When My Spirit comes in, all other things must and SHALL go!
Ask for the victory. I will come and bring it. Don't look for that victory..look for ME..and you will see the victory that I bring with Me.
Frances Roberts
And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power
1 Corinthians 6:14 "And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by His own power"
Today's word of encouragement is very simple. As we, on this Good Friday, think about the events that took place over 2,000 years ago in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, may each of us fully consider the Man, who was also God..Who..being completely innocent of any wrongdoing..loved. He loved you enough to become sin..knowing full well everything about you..every thought you've ever had..every word you've ever spoken..every sin you've ever committed..and then laid down His life..so that you might live.
So often, when I think of the cross, tears well up in my eyes, as I consider the love that was shown me..and all I have to do is receive that love. Some day, we will be with Him. I don't know about you..but I long for that day. I can't wait to see Him..face to face. I can't wait to thank Him..not only for taking my sins away, and dying on the cross..but also for carrying me through in this life...for putting a hope in my heart that no problem that I face, no trial that I find myself in..can quench. I am thankful for the joy that He has given me, for His peace, for the power and strength to live each day for Him. Most of all, I am thankful for the love. I will leave you today with the words to a song that we often sing at the Boys Ranch. We actually sang this last Sunday, as the presence of God filled that place, and the young men in that room considered what these words actually meant in their lives. I hope you will do the same.
"I'm forgiven because You were forsaken.I'm accepted. You were condemned. I'm alive and well. Your Spirit lives within me..Because You died and rose again.
Amazing love! How can it be?
That You, my King would die for me?
Amazing Love! I know it's true..
And it's my joy to honor You..
In all I do..I honor You."
May we honor Him in all that we do. It just doesn't seem enough to simply say, "Happy Easter"..so I will say, Remember His Resurrection. Remember that God has both raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by His own power.
Today's word of encouragement is very simple. As we, on this Good Friday, think about the events that took place over 2,000 years ago in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, may each of us fully consider the Man, who was also God..Who..being completely innocent of any wrongdoing..loved. He loved you enough to become sin..knowing full well everything about you..every thought you've ever had..every word you've ever spoken..every sin you've ever committed..and then laid down His life..so that you might live.
So often, when I think of the cross, tears well up in my eyes, as I consider the love that was shown me..and all I have to do is receive that love. Some day, we will be with Him. I don't know about you..but I long for that day. I can't wait to see Him..face to face. I can't wait to thank Him..not only for taking my sins away, and dying on the cross..but also for carrying me through in this life...for putting a hope in my heart that no problem that I face, no trial that I find myself in..can quench. I am thankful for the joy that He has given me, for His peace, for the power and strength to live each day for Him. Most of all, I am thankful for the love. I will leave you today with the words to a song that we often sing at the Boys Ranch. We actually sang this last Sunday, as the presence of God filled that place, and the young men in that room considered what these words actually meant in their lives. I hope you will do the same.
"I'm forgiven because You were forsaken.I'm accepted. You were condemned. I'm alive and well. Your Spirit lives within me..Because You died and rose again.
Amazing love! How can it be?
That You, my King would die for me?
Amazing Love! I know it's true..
And it's my joy to honor You..
In all I do..I honor You."
May we honor Him in all that we do. It just doesn't seem enough to simply say, "Happy Easter"..so I will say, Remember His Resurrection. Remember that God has both raised up the Lord, and will also raise us up by His own power.
Peace I leave with you
John 14:27 Amplified "Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Do not allow yourself to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourself to be fearful and intimated, or cowardly and unsettled."
My heart is large enough to hold your hurt, as well as your joy. I am with you in tears, as well as in laughter.
You may be tempted to wonder if I have left your side..but I have never left you or forgotten you..and I do not love you less when things go wrong. My love for you is from everlasting to everlasting. My love for you is perfect...powerful.
I have called you to walk with me. This is a walk of faith. It is a higher walk than the world walks. It requires more than perfect relationships in your life. It requires a living relationship...with Me...every minute of every day, no matter what the circumstances may be.
This is a walk that may not always be easy or smooth...but I am always with you. And, I am always at work in you, so you will choose Me and trust in My purposes for your life. Let Me comfort your hurts and your heart. I Am the Great Physician...and I live IN you..I am yours..and you are Mine...forever..and that's a very long time.
M. Chapian
My heart is large enough to hold your hurt, as well as your joy. I am with you in tears, as well as in laughter.
You may be tempted to wonder if I have left your side..but I have never left you or forgotten you..and I do not love you less when things go wrong. My love for you is from everlasting to everlasting. My love for you is perfect...powerful.
I have called you to walk with me. This is a walk of faith. It is a higher walk than the world walks. It requires more than perfect relationships in your life. It requires a living relationship...with Me...every minute of every day, no matter what the circumstances may be.
This is a walk that may not always be easy or smooth...but I am always with you. And, I am always at work in you, so you will choose Me and trust in My purposes for your life. Let Me comfort your hurts and your heart. I Am the Great Physician...and I live IN you..I am yours..and you are Mine...forever..and that's a very long time.
M. Chapian
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)