Romans 4:20-21 How Sweet are His Words

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief,

but was strengthened in faith,

giving glory to God, 

and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Romans 4:20-21

The word of God is so supportive, ever reminding us that we are His and we are loved without measure.  And yet, when those days arrive in which you find yourself not being gracious or merciful... well, what do you do with your "yuck" that burdens your spirit?

The Lords Prayer tells us to forgive trespasses against us in order to be forgiven for the trespasses that we have carelessly thought, said, or acted upon. Having a repentant heart is a great "re-start" button.  But, why would any situation get so quickly out of sinc with the word of God?  For me it is all about how much time I spend in the word every day, how much time am I in communication with our Lord, and God knows... how much time am I allowing entertaining "noise" fill up my relaxation time.

In today's devotional there was a quote by Samuel Clarke (Precious Bible Promises) in which he states that biblical promises are:

"...the constant food of a living Christian,

as well as His highest cordials (medicines)

in a fainting hour."

I'm just saying, when I face my less than gracious behavior I experience such emptiness and horror at how quickly I step out of bounds. I can only imagine the depth of what others might feel because of my slippery slide.  Samuel Clarke goes on to say:

"In such a world as this, where duties perpetually demand our practice,

and difficulties and trials are ever surrounding us, 

what can we do better than to treasure up the promises in our hearts?"

Now, let me prove His goodness. Given my last week, given all the stuff that was "bending" my waking hours... here is a "God shot" from my second devotional:

How sweet are Your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!Psalm 19:7-14  

  

"When it comes to spiritual food for our souls, God has given us a variety menu that we can chew on and savor.... 

the historical books, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, and other parts of the Bible strengthen us when we are weak, 

give us wisdom and encouragement, and nourish us for the day's journey (PS 19:7-14; 119:97-104; Heb 5-12).

So what are we waiting for?

The bread of life never gets stale.

Our Daily Bread (September 21, 2014)

So for this day Lord, I have joy down deep in my soul. Your mercy and love endures in-spite of my shortcomings. Your Holy Spirit will continue to lift me up off my knees. Your word will give new direction. Thank you for seeing me through....

Psalm 78:37-38 Merciful is our Lord

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

Though their hearts were not steadfast toward Him,

nor were they faithful to His covenant.

But He, being merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not;

Often He turned back His anger and let none of His wrath be roused.

Psalm 78:37-38

Such a sweet promise, He holds back His wrath and is always merciful and forgiving. Yesterday, I was so happy to see a movie of my youth available for viewing.  The cinematography was unbelievable (especially since it was filmed on Mt. Hood in the PNW).  The songs brought me such joy when I was a pre-teen, that I was joyfully singing along with delight. The characters were some of the best in Hollywood and on Broadway. They were so animated and brought so many moments of laughter. And yet, somewhere before the end of the movie, I was gently reminded why this movie was not something I should have revisited. Sinful ways are not a toy to be playing with. Sin... all sin... is not a door that I choose as my entertainment, let alone invite into my home. How old was I when this type of entertainment became funny, enjoyable, and relaxing? Why now, did this movie regain entrance into life, like a childhood friend that you joyfully greet and willingly invite into your home? Spiritual gardening... a flower from my youth was in fact a weed with nettles... how easy it was for me to forget to be protected and put on my gardening gloves.

So today, I pondered a few truths... at what point in my life did our nation decide that sin would be acceptable entertainment? Once Israel was given back their covenant lands (1957-1958), it seems that it took no time for the United States to remove prayer and bible teaching from our schools (1965-1967). In fact, science and history books were re-written in order to change the shift from the US being a Judeo-Christian nation. Was this the reason for such a drastic shift within our country, our homes, and our entertainment boundaries? Did my beloved movie really have a connection in changing the acceptance level within my generation? Was it a vehicle used to replace moral and ethical principles/standards with a lowered tolerance for a state of "politically correct" acceptance?

Seek the Lord while He may be found,

call Him while He is near.

Let the scoundrel forsake his way,

and the wicked his thoughts;

let him turn to the Lord for mercy;

to our God, who is generous in forgiving.

Isaiah 55:6-7 

Through His mercy and grace our Lord Jesus Christ suffered a horrific and humiliating death. He willing took our sinfulness in order for us to have a way to regain a loving relationship with Him and our creator El Shadi (Abba). Through His precious blood we can humbly bring our sinful thoughts, actions, and deeds before Him. Knowing full well, He will be merciful and forgiving. Knowing that He is always ready to interceded on our behalf. Knowing that Papa God (Abba) loves us so much that Their diligent watch over us is a longing that remains eternal. We can run to them and ask for forgiveness, we can be made new, and we can walk away strengthened in our relationship with Them. The Holy Spirit is always "gently" reminding us about what we see, hear, say, and do... are we listening?

For today, I will renew my commitment to being yours my Lord.

 Forgive me the sinful nature of being deceived and accepting of that which is in this world.

 Cleanse me from that which entertains my mind,

 protect my heart and soul by closing the doors to any other temptations,

 and fill me to overflowing with Your thoughts and goodness.

In your name Lord Jesus I pray...Amen, Amen, and Hallelujah!     

Isaiah 58:6-7 Pleasing God

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

Is this not the fast that I have chosen:

To loose the bonds of wickedness,

To undo the heavy burdens, 

To let the oppressed go free,

And that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

When you see the naked,

that you cover him.

And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Isaiah 58:6-7

For bible study, I pondered what was our Lord teaching me through Isaiah's prophetic word? Once we have made Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, what is the way in which He would want us to walk? What is my witness if it is not in my actions or words? Is my repentance and acceptance enough to bring a smile to Abba's face?

If you keep my commandments,

you will abide in My love,

just as I have kept My Father's commandments

and abide in His love.

These things I have spoken to you,

that My joy may remain in you,

and that your joy may be full.

This is My commandment,

that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 15:10-12 

Even though Jesus gave us His new commandment to love as He loved, He never said that the Old Testament Commandments were to be forgotten. Instead, He reminded us that as He walked with us here on earth... He kept His father's commandments:  

So why is the world so willing to "assume" that God's commandments are no longer a requirement?  Why would God's love and guidance be so "offensive" to others that all must keep quiet about Jesus' truth? The Mosaic law has remained a compass for generations, thousands of years, and yet within the last few decades "the world" has slowly "chipped" away that which was meant for man's safety, joy, and freedom.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit,

 but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,

 for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

 By this you know the Spirit of God:

 every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 

 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.

 This is the spirit of the antichrist,

 which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

1 John 4:1-3

Testing the spirits, using our system of checks and balances... what does God's word say? Is what the world wants, what we should be accepting? Does today's society measure up to God's will or are the scales being tipped by what the world's "truth" is designing as an acceptable way to think and act? Who does the world say Jesus is?

Every day it seems like freedom is not free any longer. So what can I do to bring a smile to Abba's face?

 Then the King will say to those on his right,

 ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father;

 take your inheritance,

 the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 

 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,

 I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

 I was a stranger and you invited me in, 

 I needed clothes and you clothed me,

 I was sick and you looked after me,

 I was in prison and you came to visit me.

 Matthew 25:34-36

Proverbs 22:6 His Seed

Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,

Train up a child in the way he should go;

and when he is old,

he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Our greatest assignment! Often, though, this is one of the most difficult tasks to "muddle" our way through. So many if only I had.... 

God is good all of the time! He is diligent in His watch over my children, grandchildren, and every child that comes across my path. Proverbs is a manual for all things in life. It can be a daunting mirror about our-self, it is a good source for what will align our thoughts with His will, and it reveals what a true Christ-like life should be.

Trusting in each seed we plant in our little ones is one of the greatest "leaps of faith" I have ever taken. It is a path of persistent prayer. It can be humbling. It can be painful. It can bring the most endearing moments of joy.

Being aware that our children, all children are watching and listening is a good thermometer for knowing how "well" we are raising our future generations. The world tells us not to offend... Our Lord demanded us to "train up" our children, His children:

Let the children come to me and do not forbid them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. 

Matthew 19:14

Gosh, how I pray that I help in raising up His precious children (no matter what their ages). That one day I will hear Him say, "Well done." That what I have planted pleases Him. That what I have failed to do will be forgiven. And that, what I can make right will bring blessings upon those I have misguided.

"Planting Godly seeds, will one day bloom into Godly plants."

Jay Stone