The Reason for my Hope by Billy Graham

Billy Graham

ISBN: 9780529105448

Publisher's Synopsis:

The saving message of the Gospel is the heartbeat of this preacher and evangelist. Millions around the world have heard Billy Graham proclaim this unchanging truth. He has never forgotten the transformation of his own life, when he first said yes to God’s gift of salvation, and he has witnessed multitudes turn their hearts to the God of Hope.

 "Hope is a Gift.

Have you ever taken hold of such a prize that leads you out of uncertainty into profound assurance?

When it arrives, despair departs.

An old Scottish proverb says,

'Were it not for hope, the heart would break.'

What is your heart's condition?"

MrsK's Review:

Did you watch this special? Did you discover a new truth? When the opportunity for me to review the book, well I knew that our Lord was asking me to journey deeper into my relationship with Him.

This man's voice resonates deep within. Just his name brings back all of those moments in front of our television. A gathering "snuggled together" listening to what inspiration might feed us for the next few moments... the next few months... the next season. In the introduction, Billy Graham, reminds us that you can "glimpse the glow of hope" simply by lighting a match and burning a candle:

"You will discover that the whisper of its flame brings life to a room,

making the candle useful.

Is your flame alive and making a difference in the world?"

Have I been "nourishing" my soul enough that a flame burns within? Can others see the "glow of hope" in my actions or with my words? If "Hope pierces the darkness," if  "Hope brings comfort," then what am I showing all of you? 

Rescued for Something: What would your story be? With a series of short testimonies about survival from circumstances, physical defeats, or mental anguish there is a "Hope" that comes from being saved.

"For with the Lord there is mercy,

And with Him is abundant redemption."

Psalm 130:7

The Great Redemption: Have you redeemed your free gift? Redemption involves a giver and a receiver. How often have you turned away from someone offering you a gift? These testimonies "brings into focus" moments in which a "redeemed" life-choice may have included a "price to pay" that wasn't thought through. And if you have been redeemed with another chance, do you tell about it?

 "I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against me,

and I will pardon all their iniquities."

Jeremiah 33:8

Sin is In: Self-interest lives that keeps us from obeying God and His word. It impacts our thinking, our actions, and our beliefs. When we walk through life unprotected and without God's word we fall short of divine discernment. As early as 1948 and straight into 1967 our culture was reinvented. History was rewritten. What once was a nation raised up on God's commandments, became a nation of self-interested deceptions. There was a time when sin was considered a terror to be shunned, today there exists a deception that excusing ownership of sinfulness leads to a tolerant mindset of acceptance. This chapter is one of the hardest to explore... it will challenge today's myths. It will open the depths of your soul to the truth of God's word. It will lead you beyond your protected surface.

"Good deeds will not bring comfort to the soul

because the bad and hurtful things we do to others

are ultimately done against the One who created our souls.

Your soul belongs to God.

He is the only One who can redeem your soul."

The Price of Victory: "What was the greatest and most costly battle ever to take place? Who was the victor, and what was the reward?" Have you ever rejected the truth of God's word? Have you turned away from the message of the cross? Do you reject that men and women are sinners who need to live with a repentant heart? When Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross, he "triumphed over all the forces of evil and death and Hell..." he gave us mercy, grace, and the eternal promise of forgiveness. Through grace, hope was freely given:

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through Him might be saved."

John 3:17  

Where is Jesus?: How would you respond to this question, "What is the ultimate Victory of the cross?" Every time we write the date, we proclaim the victory of the cross! Ponder what that victory meant from the third day, through out the ages, and into this century. Deception is blinding the message of the cross. 

"In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...

who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation

that is ready to be revealed."

1 Peter 1:3-5

Defining Christianity in a Designer World: Are you living in a world of your own making? Does your life mirror society's whims and choices? Where is your quest for truth and acceptance leading you? Ultimately, it will be the choices that you have made that will provide a life "tailor-made," is it aligned with God's word or has it become a "relaxed-fitting" life that "fits your needs?"

"The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been watered down to a myth,

causing young and old to doubt the authority of Scripture."

 If the nation is blending a pick-and-choose, gender-resistant society, then what will put on the brakes for its immoral binge? "What we are seeing is human nature expressing itself without God." Without the Holy Spirit's discernment we are blinded by a designer that is seeking to devour. Believing in Jesus Christ, the truth of his birth... death... and resurrection, and placing priority on Him and God's word, we are assured of salvation from our selves:

"Without Me you can do nothing."

John 15:5

"You can continue searching for some religion that fits your particular lifestyle,
 but your search will never come to a satisfying end.
 Or you can commit your life completely to the Lord,
 who brings true and lasting fulfillment to the human soul who sincerely seeks Him in truth."

We are reminded that being Christian isn't about living for yourself. We must turn away from our "old" lives and begin a new way of living. It's all about a change. Listening and seeking obedience to God's will, His word, and the Holy Spirit's prompting. Humbling yourself before the Lord (daily), stopping to praise and give thanksgiving for all of your blessings, striving to "see" His hand at work in your life and the lives of others, and "asking" Him to show you what you can do for Him.

"He is not going to come in and ignore the chains that bind you to sin.

He is not going to come in and close His eyes to the immorality that governs your relationships.

He is not going to come in and overlook your indifference to His commands.

He is going... to come in...

and overlook your indifference to His commands.

He is... going to mold you and make you new

by changing your very nature."

 With each day we begin are given a new beginning. We can trust that He is with us in every moment. We have been given His blessed assurance that He will provide our needs... and more. Being willing to be "redesigned" is freedom. We no longer have to be the one in control, always planning and dealing with frustrations. Is Christ within you? If so, then are you seeking His will in every decision, every purchase, every conversation, or every thought? Freedom is granted as we begin "just being" His. There is nothing we can do to earn or loose His love. He is love. At the cross our Lord Jesus completed our destination.

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus

have crucified the flesh

with its passions and desires."

Galatians 5:24

No Hope of Happy Hour in Hell: "What do you think about Hell?" Do you believe that all sin is offensive in the eyes of God? Do you believe that God is Holy? Do you believe that during His crucifixion, Jesus cried out to Abba because He had taken on our sin and was separated from Abba:

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice,

 "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"

 (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?").

Matthew 27:46

He Is Coming Back: Is hope rare? What would you want changed? "Still people clamor for hope and change, blinded to evil disguised as good."  If we are looking for Jesus' return, we know that there is hope. The word of God promises that He will return in great glory. All we need to do is stand. Feed on His word daily. Put on the armor of God, and trust that He is returning.

Living Life with Hope: Are you convinced that you truly need Jesus in your life? That you are willing to give up your self-sufficiency and trust in His will for your life? Do you believe in the message of the cross? Are you openly following Jesus? Is God's word your daily nourishment? Is the Holy Trinity your strength? Ask Jesus... He will see you through to completion! 

 "His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

great is His faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

Beautifully written, this book will help your spirit soar, 
MrsK 

"The message of this book is my hope for you.
And my prayer is that you will be filled with the dividends of joy and peace
in believing that you can be rescued from all that hinders,
bringing you into a 'Living Hope of Salvation."
Billy Graham
May 2013 

 Meet the Author:

  Billy Graham

“My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ." 

Billy Graham, world-renowned author, preacher, and evangelist, has delivered the Gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and has ministered on every continent of the world in more than 185 countries. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including Angels, Peace with God, The Holy Spirit, Hope for the Troubled Heart, How to Be Born Again, The Journey, Nearing Home, and The Reason For My Hope.

 My Hope Videos

 

 

Ephesians 6:12 We are not alone...

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

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:12

Do you recognize where the enemy's attacks are coming from? Do you blame circumstances and people? Or are you learning that the enemy lies in wait for the opportunity to separate us from the promises and strength of God's word? There is a difference in our energy level when we are fighting spiritual warfare. Our energy and hope is replaced with fear, anger, rage, confusion, and exhaustion. 

" My brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Ephesians 6:10

  

When we are walking by faith, we are proclaiming the power of God. We are taking our stand and choosing not to let any aspect of the attack steal our peace. We serve a God, El Shaddai our creator who is sufficient for all of our needs. Jehovah-Nissi the one who goes before us to clear our paths or right our ship in the storms. Jehovah-Jireh our provider are strength. When we are in God's word and reading it aloud, we are declaring His power in our reality, circumstances, and over all of our love ones... it's our covenant with our Creator and Father (ABBA). When we move out of the grey zone and we choose to draw a line against principalities, we are entering the prayer room of faith for divine intercession. Jehovah-Shalom will immediately pour forth His anointing oil upon us, His strength, His hope, His grace, His mercy, and His peace that surpasses all understanding. Our Lord Jesus goes into action...

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.”

Surely he will save you

from the fowler’s snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.”

Once we are strengthened... then we must boldly declare our promised victory by suiting up with the armor of our Lord. Every morning speak your protection over yourself, your family, your finances, your home, and the works of your hands:

Dear Lord Jesus, it is written in Psalm 91 that me and mine are protected under the shelter of your wings.

I stand your promise in Isaiah 54:17, that no weapon formed against will prosper in any facet of our lives.

I put on the armor of the Lord as you directed in Ephesians 6:10:

I  gird my loins with your truth protecting my soul,

I put on the breastplate of righteousness protecting my heart and spirit,

I shod my feet with the preparation of peace so as not to stumble,

I pick up the shield of faith in which no weapon formed against me and mine will prosper,

I put on the helmet of salvation protecting my mind, my eyes, and my ears,

I pick up the sword of the Holy Spirit... guarding my tongue and proclaiming God's word and victory!

And I stand...

On watch...

For your hand at work in my life... through me... with me... and in me!

In your name Lord Jesus, I sing... Amen, Amen, and Hallejulah!  

For this reason... Colossians 1:9

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

For this reason,

 since the day we heard about you,

 we have not stopped praying for you.

 We continually ask God to fill you

 with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.

Colossians 1:9

Today I have been reminded that there have been many whom walked before me that were faithful prayer warriors. They chose to pray for me and mine for all of eternity. They knew the truth of God's words. They experienced the forgiveness of our Lord. They chose to  walk by faith and not by sight. They honored our Lord's passion, mercy, and grace by giving their life and will unto Jesus. And then... they became a prayer warrior for all of us... for all of eternity! 

"...because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him."

1 Chronicles 5:20

  

 

"As you help us by your prayers. 

Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."

2 Corinthians 1:11

With a heart overflowing with love, I can proclaim the goodness of our Lord. Sometimes life presents opportunities in which we can choose to "cling" to the promises found within scripture. Sometimes the unexpected can cause us to feel faint. Sometimes we are confronted with news that pushes us to our knees. In all circumstances we can choose to bring it before our Lord. We can reach out and ask for prayer so that we are not standing alone in the battles that we face.

As is always His way, a gentle touch from our Lord can give us peace during the storm. His assurances are real. His strength can carry us through every obstacle and attack. He is so diligent in His watch over us... and yet we must be the ones to "cry" out for his helping hand and power.

As we walked down the corridor to the hospital, I was watching my feet and praying. I was aware of the path that Jesus walked for us on the Via Dolorosa  and was pondering His faith as He was taking each step to the cross. I was encouraged in His promise that He freely chose to walk that path for me... for mine... and for us. I pondered the precious gift of His blood. I grappled with the horror of what man's denial and abuse cost Him for our souls. I was reminded of the mockery from those who chose to be His tormentors. I could see the crown of thorns piercing not just his head but His heart. And through it all... I could hear His eternal promise...

 "But those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength;

 they will soar on wings like eagles;

 they will run and not grow weary;

 they will walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

Today has been a day of thanksgiving. A day in which blessings have covered my family. Today is the day of new beginnings. The old has been made new. The past is forgiven. And by His grace, through His mercy, and with the fullness of His blood... we are given this day to rejoice and be glad...

Thank you for your prayers of intercession...  As for me and my house we will praise our Lord Jesus Christ... now and forever!

 "Yeshua said,

 “Behold, it is finished.”

 And he bowed his head and gave up his Spirit."

John 19:30

Psalm 19 True and Purified Freedom

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

The law of the Lord is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

and all of them are righteous.

Psalm 19:7-9

With joyous wonder, I have embarked on a journey within my soul. Through my daily devotional time, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to draw nearer to our Lord. That, oh so gentle, nudging that receives confirmations in what you are reading... what others might say... what you hear from your church. Have you ever considered what true and purified freedom feels like? Has your heart ever been touched so profoundly that you feel as if it will break? What about those times when you sit quietly and you just are... no thoughts of anything in particular... just quietly sitting and listening to the sounds of life?

When I hunger for those moments of deep, satisfying, peace and joy... I find myself experiencing a heaviness that brings forth shadows from the past. Oh, it could be just a whispering or it might crush my chest with a type of heavy sorrow. Our soul is separate from our spirit. God's word promises that once we ask Jesus to save us, His eternal mercy and grace seals our spirit unto Him. Yet our soul can keep deep secrets hidden even from us. Within our souls toxic thoughts, weaknesses of doubt, hurts, faults, and choices linger. I once read that your soul harbors resentments and when you come before our Lord with a repentant heart, asking Him to cleanse and free you from your thoughts, actions, and choices... you can feel the difference by placing your hands upon your stomach as you are in prayer (you can!). 

  But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

Psalm 19:12-13

My journey is about asking our Lord to "repair" my soul, my heart, my mind, and my will. Cleansing, renewing, refreshing, and setting me free to live within His will... joyous of His diligent watch... blessed by His tender pruning... and filled to overflowing with His life-giving waters.

Thank you for walking with me, 

May we continue our walk together,

Blessings as we journey on...

His words will provide my sustenance as I ponder His goodness in cleansing me:

John 4:10

John 4:14

John 5:30

Matthew 11:25-30

2 Timothy 2:20-23

John 7:37-39

John 8:36

Matthew 5:6-9

John 15: 1-17

1 Peter 5:6

 

From Kellie Copeland Swisher and Gloria Copeland (August 10-21), I received a beautiful prayer:

"Jesus, I ask you for living water and I believe in your gift for me. 

I believe that I receive your love and grace.

Lord fill me with living water from you.

Make me a well for others to drink from your goodness,

your presence,

your grace and love."

From my Sunday missal:

"Dear Jesus, I love you with my whole heart,

my whole soul, and with all my strength.

May the love of your own Sacred Heart fill my soul and purify it

so that I may die to the world for love of you,

as you died on the Cross for love of me.

My God, you are all mine;

grant that I may be all yours in time and in eternity."  

One of my favorite songs to ponder is "In The Garden" by C. Austin Miles:

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses . . .

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!

He speaks and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that he gave to me,
Within my heart is ringing . . .

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!

And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known! 

Psalm 119:47 Inward Joy

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

"I will delight myself in thy commandments which I have loved."

Psalm 119:47

For the last few weeks, whether I was on our patio... watering our plants... putting together a puzzle... or cutting up old "cherished" dresses for quilting... I found myself in an unusual frame of mind. There were many moments in which my soul seemed so burdened, actually heavy with grief. There were moments when I was "talking" to our Lord that I felt an inner peace, yet my mind was troubled. Then there were times when I was so "tired," I felt as if my strength had just been syphoned out of my body and I would crumble to the ground.

"Then shall my heart have inward joy,

And keep my face from shame,

When all thy statutes I obey,

And honour all thy name."

Abraham Lincoln's Daily Devotional

What was my spirit trying to awaken in me? Oh what, my Lord, had grieved my soul and the Holy Spirit? Lord show me what I must do? As the weeks passed, I had opportunities to speak with many who are hurting for various reasons. Our nation has made grievous decisions for all Americans. They choose to believe it is progressive thinking. They speak of hate crimes... yet, these rulings are in a "false-relationship" with a deceiving "hateful" spirit. Lines are being drawn, voices are raised in judgements, an human spirits are either being broken... entrapped... held hostage... or disintegrating.

    

"Therefore judge nothing before the time,

until the Lord comes,

who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness

and reveal the counsels of the hearts."

1 Corinthians 4:5

    What do we know about each other? What are our individual "secret" sinfulness? Do we know anyone's battle against sin? Do we know the strength of the evil that has caused a loss of hope and opened the door to the sinful nature our world appears to have accepted?  Is God your creator (El Shadi)... your father (ABBA) in Heaven... or is He a god of your understanding (willingly choosing to pick and choose what parts of the Bible you want or don't want to live by? Jesus Christ did not come to change the "old testament"... He came to add His blood atonement for our sinful self-serving choices, decisions, actions, and speech.

If we are Christian... we know that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. We believe in the Word of God. We have freely chosen a freedom like nothing this world could offer. We also have chosen the truth about our "sinful nature." Therefore we accept His commandments as our spiritual "thermometer."  Our Lord, and He alone, will be our eternal judge. We are to keep watch. We are to have a repentant heart, and as we are blessed with His merciful forgiveness... we are to be forgiving. Nothing we say or do is directly of our own intellect... we are designed by El Shadi our creator... we are led by the Holy Spirit... we are saved by His Grace!

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

Mother Teresa  

In the Garden

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

"Don't be afraid, because I'm with you;

 don't be anxious, because I am your God.

 I keep on strengthening you;

 I'm truly helping you.

 I'm surely upholding you with my victorious right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Oh the joy of being cleansed! That sense that all things have been made right. A clarity that makes everything look unbelievably clean, crisp, and crystal clear. When no negative can touch the joy that is flowing within. The anticipation that He has you covered!

Sometimes when life slows down, there seems to be a distancing... a "what now" void. That's when I realize that it is time for me to "run" back into a mindset, a choice to get closer to our Lord through discussions with the Holy Spirit. A time spent just "being still" in my surroundings. Seeing without contemplating... Listening without asking... Sensing without acting...

What is it our Lord wishes to express and imprint upon my heart, spirit, and soul? Could it be an overflow of His love? Could He be tenderly touching me with His hands of healing? Is there an area that needs weeding from my harvest that He is asking me to surrender and be made new? What if He just wants to spend time with me and just "be" together?

On my patio, walking in my garden, I will visit with him... I will let His presence renew and refresh all of me.

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known. (Refrain)

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

(Refrain)

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

(Refrain)

Words & Music: C. Aus­tin Miles, March 1912:
I read…the sto­ry of the great­est morn in his­to­ry: “The first day of the week com­eth Ma­ry Mag­da­lene ear­ly, while it was yet ve­ry dark, unto the se­pul­cher.” In­stant­ly, com­plet­ely, there un­fold­ed in my mind the scenes of the gar­den of Jo­seph….Out of the mists of the gar­den comes a form, halt­ing, he­si­tat­ing, tear­ful, seek­ing, turn­ing from side to side in be­wil­der­ing amaze­ment. Fal­ter­ing­ly, bear­ing grief in ev­e­ry ac­cent, with tear-dimmed eyes, she whis­pers, “If thou hast borne him hence”… “He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their sing­ing.” Je­sus said to her, “Mary!” Just one word from his lips, and for­got­ten the heart­aches, the long drea­ry hours….all the past blot­ted out in the pre­sence of the Liv­ing Pre­sent and the Eter­nal Fu­ture.

Genisis 1:31 His pleasure in us

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

 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good...

 Genisis 1:31

When we stop long enough to look at the glorious sunrises or sunsets, we marvel at the colors. When springtime emerges, we feel excitement as each plant is awakened and begins to bloom. When fall begins, oh the thrill of colors and crispness in the air. Just about every young animal causes us to smile. Each newborn begs us to embrace its new life.

 The LORD your God is in your midst, 

a mighty one who will save; 

he will rejoice over you with gladness; 

he will quiet you by his love; 

he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

When our heart resonates with His love, we know it. We feel it. We smile, sing, or share the overflow because it is too much for us to hold inside. So why is it that in a heart beat we can be consumed with doubt about our self worth? Those moments when a look of disappointment causes us to stumble. Sharp edged words can cut through us as if we are unworthy or less than the group. A coworker can create chaos with a few well placed words. A loved one can cast us aside.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

 plans for welfare and not for evil,

 to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11  

God promises to take our broken moments, our rough edges and beginning creating us into the image of His beloved son... Jesus. His passionate love is so perfect that His will is to create in us His masterpiece of perfected love. With all of my heart I have ventured forth into His pruning, re-shaping, and polishing. My goodness, this is not always a comfortable place to be. Allowing His will for my life to be my everything instead of my will for myself. Just the word "my" screams that I want control. It is an ongoing determination to stay put in His will. How much I long for the simpleness of a bird who has no concern about leaping into flight. The joy of a flower as it opens and reaches out to the morning's light. The happiness of a seal tumbling playfully in the surf.

 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 

1 Chronicles 16:34

His passionate love for each of us is meant to fill us to overflowing... let us brighten someone's day with a touch of His love...

Just for today...

Just for today...

With so many challenges and opportunities to feel weak, I wanted to post an inspiring word that brought me through these past few days:

Click on the above logo for more daily devotionals

 © 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

Trust Him to Deliver You

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.... There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. – Psalm 91:7,10

Naturally speaking, this is a terrifying world we’re living in today. A world that staggers from one disaster to another. Almost daily we hear about wars, about the dangers of nuclear weapons and chemical warfare, about oil spills and earthquakes and floods, about diseases on the rise and crime sweeping through our cities. But in the midst of it all, God is promising to be a refuge and a fortress to those who will trust and dwell in Him. “But, Gloria,” you might say, “He made that promise thousands of years ago when things weren’t in as desperate shape as they are today!” That may be so, but you know what? That promise is right up-to-date. It was made for our generation. Just think about it. Back when Psalm 91 was written, man hadn’t even invented weapons that could destroy 10,000 people at once. We’re the generation that did that. So when He said, “No evil will befall you,” He was including us. No evil will befall you. My, what a statement! You need to catch hold of it and believe it today. Believe that God wants to be God in your life. He wants to be your protection. He wants to be your security. He wants to be the first Name you call when trouble comes your way. He wants to be the One you trust in and look to, to keep you safe. And if you’ll do that, He’ll never, never let you down. He can handle all the dangers that surround you. I don’t care how bad they are, He can handle them! He proved that with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They were bound and thrown into a fiery furnace that was so hot that the men who threw them in were killed by the heat. Now you can’t get in any more trouble than that. But God brought them through and when they came out, they didn’t even smell like smoke. Hallelujah! So, no matter how terrifying things around you seem to get, trust God. He’ll always be faithful. He’ll never be out doing something else when you need help. He’ll be right there to deliver you from any problem, any catastrophe, any kind of devastation. Let Him prove in your life what He proved in the lives of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego: No other can deliver like He can!

Isaiah 42:9 Declaring the Glory

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

Behold, the former things are come to pass,

 and new things do I declare:

 before they spring forth I tell you of them.

Isaiah 42:9

For a few days I have been pondering this passage. Early in the mornings, I rise to do some learning with our Lord. It is truly my favorite time of the day. A fresh cup of tea, my daily devotional, my bible, and my life-preserver (an iPad with KCM). There was a time I kept a spiritual journal, yeah, that didn't work so well... since I tend to hi-light and make notes in my bible or which book I'm reading (sometimes I'm organized... sometimes not so much). Valuing God's word and the teachings for my days is something I never trust to my memory, I'm always in the mode of a student... note-taking is how I can go back into the word and discover deeper understanding.

So for today, there were many moments in which I discovered a glimmering hope... a new insight in declaring the Glory of the manifestation of God's word.  It seems so simple and yet my tongue forgets what my spirit is crying... Isaiah 42 offers the blessing of newness. We can declare the Glory of the manifestation of: the Presence of God; the Power of God; the Goodness of God. Imagine the blessings that we can be living in... right now... every moment of every day!

 Hear the word of the LORD,

 O you nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say,

 He that scattered Israel will gather him,

 and keep him, as a shepherd does his flock.

Jeremiah 31:10

Declare His word and He will keep us as a shepherd does his flock. Declare... Declare... Declare! Beginning at home, speaking it into being over our family, our homes, our health, and our finances (Psalm 103:20). Declaring it with others outside of the safety of our homes: Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful works among all peoples (1 Chronicles 16:24-25). We can live in His manifestation at all times for He has charge over us and what we declare (Hebrews 1:14).

Today I sense a calling to give God's word a chance to prove His promises, His goodness, His power, and know His Presence at work in my life... today. Today I will declare God's assignment... I will give voice to His word!

 So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth:

 it shall not return to me void,

 but it shall accomplish that which I please,

 and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

 Isaiah 55:11

Kenneth Copeland Ministries - Declare God's Glory

Ecclesiastes 7:20 In clarity and truth

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

 For there is not a just man on earth, that does good, and sins not.

 Ecclesiastes 7:20

 Today's journey is about His revealing the truth in my sinful nature. In one of my daily devotionals, it was talking about the light shining through the window and revealing the dust particles in the stream of light. Wow, how true is this. That once we begin our journey within God's precious and holy word... we begin having moments of clarity about our sinfulness. 

Sometimes those recollections of words spoken are "washed and made new" once I ask forgiveness. Sometimes I must journey to an act of reconciliation with the person I have wronged. With other sinful choices, I have fallen on my knees and asked our Lord to forgive me and make me clean. Renewed, refreshed, and strengthened with resolve to "go and sin no more."

It is in those moments when Christ's light exposes our sin He is "pruning away" the dead branches. He is weeding out that which has caused us to stumble or fall short of His blessings. He is as a potter, molding us into His vessel. Although the clarity and truth of our sinfulness can cause us to "gasp" in despair, He is loving us through to completion for His glory. He is tending to our every need. He is providing His mercy and grace in the form of repentance and reconciliation.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23  

With humility and childlike trust, we can turn our sinful nature over and into His loving hands. We die to our selfish pride... we acknowledge that we can do nothing without Him. We joyously accept His will... and we strive through prayer, reading His word, and meditation to walk with Him in all things and ways.

"Woe to me!" I cried.

 "I am ruined!

 For I am a man of unclean lips,

 and I live among a people of unclean lips,

 and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.

Isaiah 6:5
 

Trusting in His goodness, walking by faith, our Lord Jesus promised:

"I have come into the world as light,

 so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness."

John 12:46

"It is good for us that we feel unworthy as we draw closer to God, for it humbles us to rely on Him alone."

Lawrence Darmani

Our Daily Bread

Psalm 23: A Shepherd's Love

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

"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.    

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

He leads me beside quiet waters,   

He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 

 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.  

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Psalm 23

This is the day that our Lord has made. With one of my daily readings, I began thinking about Psalm 23 and how do I pray these words to our Lord. This is truly a "song" of love.  A love between our creator, our Lord Jesus, and through the manifestations graciously given by the Holy Spirit.

 "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

Something once written still resonates within my heart. What do I want as a gift? The fullness of this passage leads me to a place deep within that says: I have no need, I lack nothing, for my Lord provides all of my needs, wants, and desires. How joyfully freeing is this line. It bears fruit within your spirit. My Lord, let me walk free from that which is of this world and fill me to overflowing with your love which is more valuable...

"He makes me lie down in green pastures,"

Comfort and safety, all wrapped up into His daily blessings. A promise that He has all things under His control. As He created and provided in the beginning... how much could He be doing for us if we accepted and was content with all that He has prepared for us? In my hour of torment, through the weight of a burdened heart, when my control can not keep my loved ones safe and joyous... words that speak to His attention over them provides rest in His assurance that I can "lie down" within the most tenderest of care. Thank you, my Lord, for all that you do for me and mine. I know that you are diligent in your watch over us, I accept your gracious goodness in every detail of our lives. I trust that you will see us through to completion and it will be "perfect" according to your goodness.

"He leads me beside quiet waters, 
 He refreshes my soul."

All of my senses begin bubbling with excitement, that type of joy that I once knew as a child. The "sparkling newness" of exploration and anticipation of something un-discovered. My spirit views His canvas before me, my eyes "soak" up the colors and designs from His creative palette, the sounds of life slide in a spiral as if a recording is beginning a symphony within my mind, and the fragrance of the moment reminds me of His love, His goodness, and the graciousness of those I have known. My Lord, how wondrous are your ways.

"He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."

For His glory... He guides me and mine. We are created for His glory! So many emotions rise up with this truth. An awe as to the truth that He "tends" to me and mine... watching over every detail of our existence. Collecting every tear, battling every evil, healing every suffering, and standing back... waiting on us to ask for His assistance with each of our decisions. Then humility begins "pealing" away the layers of falsehood about my decisions, my actions, the negative seed harvest of my tongue. My spirit "quakes" as I view those selfish moments, in which, I was being "me" without Him. Walking without concern about being His "name sake." With a fear of anguish... my heart, mind, and soul cries out to Him... My Lord, My Father, Holy Spirit... forgive me! And.. with the fullness of His gracious love... this little lamb is once again wrapped with in His embrace. Oh, how amazing His grace is!

 "Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;"

With each step I take... There are those precious moments when I watch my feet approaching His altar. I ponder the steps of our Lord and Savior, Yeshua (Hebrew names of God). Those images of His passionate walk of love along the Via Dolorosa rebirths in me the renewal of my loving acceptance and commitment in giving Him my heart, mind, body, spirit and my soul (my everything) for His will and glory. My choice to trust in Him, in Him alone... releasing me to live my life for Him, with Him, and in Him.

"Your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Waves of comfort, joy, and peace wash over me when I wrap my mind and spirit into these loving words. As I close my eyes, and sense His embrace, the shelter within His words... His wings of protection (Psalm 91). My Lord, here I am... nourish me, strengthen me, manifest your goodness within me... I am yours.

  "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

These words cause me to feel so "unworthy" so aware of my "sinfulness." As my Lord reveals His love for me, I understand the truth of my human-ness and how I truly am not worthy of His blessings. And yet, I feel a child's joy at seeing a celebration with a chair being pulled out and an inviting hand beckoning me to come, sit, and enjoy the goodness planned for me. Finally, I feel the overflow of gratitude that He loves me so much... that even though I have nothing to offer... He welcomes me as His own. Therefore, no weapon formed against me and mine will prosper (Isaiah 54:17) for we are sheltered, consecrated, and sealed as His... His alone. My Lord, thank you! Make tender the hearts of those who come against us... and protect our hearts, minds, and souls in order for anger or resentments to have no power over us (Ephesians 6:10-18).

 "You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows."

Answering His calling, being chosen as one of His flock. These words remind me that I said "Yes, Lord." I freely accepted His gift of His eternal salvation. I was baptized with water and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. My name is written in His book of Life, the Book of the Lamb, now and forever. With a willingness in my heart, for my soul... my spirit repents and seeks forgiveness. It is through Jesus, and Him alone that my salvation is sealed. Through is Grace, I have been given the blessing that I belong to Him. He is my Shepherd... I shall not want!

"Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

 

His Love knows no boundaries... He reaches out for each of us... Will you remember to take His hand?

  Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. 

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 

Love never ends. 

As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

  For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only Son, 

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, 

Christ died for us.

 Romans 5:8

  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 For I am sure that neither death nor life,

 nor angels nor rulers,

 nor things present nor things to come,

 nor powers, nor height nor depth,

 nor anything else in all creation, 

will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39

 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

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

 who loved me and gave himself for me.

 Galatians 2:20

  See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God;

 and so we are.

 The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

1 John 3:1

  Owe no one anything,

 except to love each other,

 for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

  For you were called to freedom, brothers.

 Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh,

 but through love serve one another.

 Galatians 5:13

 With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Ephesians 4:2

  Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love,

 love one another earnestly from a pure heart.

1 Peter 1:22

  Beloved, let us love one another,

 for love is from God, 

and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
 you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
 and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
 Psalm 23:5-6

 Make your face shine on your servant;  save me in your steadfast love!
Psalm 31:16

 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
Psalm 63:3

 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Proverbs 10:12

  A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
 Proverbs 17:17

  Set me as a seal upon your heart,
 as a seal upon your arm,
 for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave.
 Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.
 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it.
 If a man offered for love all the wealth of his house, he would be utterly despised.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7

 With all humility and gentleness,
 with patience,
 bearing with one another in love,
 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3

  Complete my joy by being of the same mind,
 having the same love,
 being in full accord and of one mind.
Philippians 2:2

 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18

  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48

  “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:24-25

   And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Mark 12:28-30

  Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”  Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him,  “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.
 John 14:21-24

 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.  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 be in you, and that your joy may be full. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
 John 15:9-17

 

 

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