Summer healing...Summer blessings PS 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God;"

PS 46:10

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

Being still and knowing "who" our Lord is has been a "faith-filled" journey this year. Please forgive the long wait between posts. I have been on a journey. A journey that has been wondrously difficult, inspiring, and revealing.

Daily inspirations brought early morning strength. Like many of you, I begin the day seeking His strength, His guidance, and putting on His armor. Given my week's calling in the classroom, there isn't enough time to seek the Lord's teachings with quiet contemplation and moments of listening and pondering. Weekend mornings affords a much deeper retreat, yet those days seem to be a "holy" band-aid for the week to come. It has been in my prayer closet that my evenings are a reflection of my day. Without my evening time, my restorative rest isn't complete.

How is your spiritual growth growing? Have you filled up any study journals this season? Are any of you verse mapping your daily scriptures? What I have experienced is a greater depth to "seed planting" the Word of God every moment I make room for a good study opportunity.

This year began with a much needed winter break. The weather kept the house wrapped in winter hibernation and my chair, quilt, tea cup, and journal became my Saturday morning retreat center complete with tools for harvesting spiritual fruit of reflection. With a heart filled with gratitude, a shout of joy for the technology that can bring at-home studies into my life, I began my latest journey with a desire to learn how to discern the voice of God.

Each word carefully scripted within my journal became my "go-to" wisdom finder, especially when the world around me brought forth stumbling blocks, deceptive observations, and/or the inner doubt agreements that tend to steal my focus from the promises of God's Words.

For today, I wanted to share this strength building wisdom...
Take time for your spirit and trust that you are a worthy contender!
Blessings,
MrsK

Priscilla Shirer

ISBN: 9781462774050

Lifeway Book Study

Psalm 63:8 My Soul Follows

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

My soul follows close behind You;

Your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:8

As with each and every day, today is a new day. This is the day that our Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Such a power-filled statement of faith. What a blessed reminder that we really can, for this moment, walk by faith. We can commit to His will for our journey with complete trust that He has us covered. Thoughts from His promises, once read and spoken, gives us the strength of endurance.

Although we are sinners, we choose to follow our Lord Jesus. We acknowledge with gratitude that it is through His Grace, Mercy, and Love we are consecrated unto Him and Him alone. Nothing ever seems to "look" the same. We can see His hand at work in our lives and the lives of others. We recognize His majesty in the detailed beauty of His creations. We are swept up into His joyous celebrations with praise, song, and laughter. We experience His gentleness in His unfailing corrections as He sees us through to completion. We know the truth of His peace that surpasses all understanding. And we can feel the Holy Spirit's comfort when we are overwhelmed and broken.

Yet, with each new day His word promises that "joy comes in the morning." When my eyes open, like a child, I greet the Holy Trinity with a joyful "Good Morning." My rest in Him, from the night before, brings renewal as I begin my day in praise. No matter how the day unfolds... in-spite of  the obstacles, the pain, the oppression, or the duties... I know my strength comes from our Lord.

Beneath His watchful eye

His saints securely dwell;

That hand which bears all nature up

Shall guard His children well.

Doddridge

(Our Daily Bread)

During this weeks devotions I contemplated the depth of Abba's extended hand unto me. Whether it is a moment of need, or a petition for others, or even those moments of fun... He is always extending His hand unto me. Waiting for me to invite Him into what I am experiencing. Have you ever considered how many moments of quiet, or during a gathering, or in some silly fun... you have forgotten to bring Him along? What about those silly moments when watching a child caught up in joy... or what about moments when you are playing on a beach? In the new testament (2 Timothy 4:7), Paul writes with assurance that he has fought the good fight and finished the race. What would Jesus be doing at the finish line? Take a moment this week to consider how we act when we watch the Olympics, those sport games, concerts, or watching a little one accomplishing something for the first time? I choose to believe that He is just as proud... excited... full of joy... and shouting us on...

He bids us undismay'd go on:

Onward then we gladly press...

Enjoy His abundant life...

Live it "well." 

Psalm 79:13 Giving Thanks Forever

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

So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture,

will give You thanks forever.

Psalm 79:13

In America, the day of Thanksgiving was set aside as a day for gathering and giving Thanks to God Almighty our creator for all of His blessings.  In 1777, our Congress issued the first Thanksgiving Day Proclamation:

" ...for solemn thanksgiving and praise; 

that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, 

and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; 

and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, 

they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, 

whereby they had forfeited every favor, 

and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, 

through the merits of Jesus Christ, 

mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; 

that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings..."

 Our first President, George Washington, knew the divine providence (the hand of God Almighty) and how His protective covering was in need of our gratitude and thanksgiving, therefore, in 1789, he wrote our nation's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation:

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God,

 to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;

 and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me

 "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer,

 to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God,

 especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government

 for their safety and happiness."

 In 1863, President Lincoln declared this Thanksgiving Day Proclamation.  From those founding fathers, we have continued our National day of Thanksgiving. 

King David knew what it was to be humbled before God Almighty with a grateful heart:

It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

 And to sing praises to Your name,

 O Most High;

 To declare Your loving kindness in the morning, 

And Your faithfulness every night.

Psalm 92:1-2

His many Psalms have been given unto us for our relationship with Abba our creator, with His only begotten son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and our comforter and guide the Holy Spirit:

• God's righteousness and holiness - Psalm 7:17, 30:4, 48:10, 71:16, 24, 99:3
  
• All God's marvelous works - Psalm 9:1, 66:3-7, 71:16-17, 72:18, 92:4-6, 105:5, 111:2-4
  
• Your body - Psalm 139:14-16
  
• God's guidance and instruction to you - Psalm 16:7, 48:14, 71:17
  
• The hope God has given you - Psalm 16:9
  
• Salvation - Psalm 16:9-11, 71:23, 92:1, 96:2
  
• The joy God gives you in His presence - Psalm 16:11
  
• God is great and worthy of praise - Psalm 18:3, 48:1, 96:4, 145:3
  
• When you were in trouble, God heard your cries for help - Psalm 18:6, 22:24
  
• Deliverance - Psalm 18:49, 54:7, 68:20
  
• Mercy and kindness - 117:2 , Psalm 18:49, 31:21, 57:10, 86:13, 100:5, 106:1, 108:4, 145:8-9
  
• For not staying angry with us and not giving up on us - Psalm 30:5
  
• God's blessings and benefits - Psalm 68:19
  
• God's laws and commands - Psalm 19:7-8, 48:11, 112:1
  
• God's judgments and the warning they have provided to you - Psalm 19:9-11, 119:7, 119:164
  
• God's power - Psalm 21:13, 29:3-10
  
• Faithfulness - 71:22
  
• For preserving our ancestors - Psalm 22:4-5
  
• For the strength and confidence God gives you - Psalm 27:1-6, 28:7-8, 29:11, 56:4, 11, 138:3
  
• For listening to your prayers - Psalm 28:6, 66:20, 116:1-2
  
• God's Word - Psalm 56:4, 56:10
  
• For being truthful - Psalm 33:2, 57:10, 117:2
  
• For filling the earth with His love and goodness - Psalm 33:5
  
• Creation of the stars? - Psalm 19:1-4
  
• God's thoughts, many and deep - Psalm 139:17-18
  

With love and blessings in all of our travels, in every home, at every table, and  within every heart and soul... may we continue our prayers of Thanksgiving unto our God Almighty.... with love from our family to yours...

"All through this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for You...

through the words I speak, the prayers I breathe, the letters I write, and the life I live."

David Roper (Our Daily Bread) 

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!     

Psalm 62:7-8 Pour Out Your Hearts

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

In God is my salvation and glory,

my rock of strength;

in God is my refuge.

Trust Him at all times, O people.

Pour out your hearts before him,

for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:7-8

Loving the Lord, our God with our whole heart, mind, spirit, and soul is a blessing beyond anything in or off this world. It is in awe that I ponder the depth of His love for me... for me a sinner... for me a person who can be so undeserving. This summer's journey has been an inspiring path. God's calling has led me to new revelations in what my "walking in faith" can be. Surrendering your will can be a huge leap of faith... and yet, it is such a deep relief to know that I belong to my Creator.

His goodness is all around us... you can see it in every tiny aspect of our life... you can see it by simply looking up at an evening sky. You can sense it in the gentleness of a breeze... you can hear it in the purity of a toddler's giggle... you can see it in the spectacular artistry of each season. He is in the touch of an infant... He is in the comfort of a compassionate listener... He is in the thrill of a new adventure.  He is in all things concerning our life!

Trusting in Him at all times, can I turn over my control and let Him be my guardian? Do I trust in Him for the all of those little aspects in my daily walk? The big "ticket" trust is always a prayerful cry, yet what about those little aspects of life? His word demonstrates that He is always awaiting our notice of His presence. He is always diligent, patient beyond my understanding, and so ready to hear from us. He will put His angels on assignment for us when we are in danger, so why would He not be interested in our joys, sorrows, and frustrations of every day living? The other day, my hand could not unscrew a jar lid... you know it... I did ask Him for strength to get that lid off... and He provided! There He was in the littlest of things.

Pour out your hearts before him, am I willing to take all... all... of my concerns to Him before I "speak" anything to others? I have been on a quest in guarding my tongue and it, for sure, is not an easy task. You know those moments when some situation or someone has just offended you... you feel the "need" to defend yourself, well, I've learned to be submissive at that moment since I am immediately in prayer... asking our Lord to "deal" with them while He is "guarding" my mind and heart. The hardship is in "guarding" my tongue and allowing Him the room to work in my heart and thoughts. It is so much easier to "tell" someone of the "offense," to seek their support or their help... some what like a release valve that needs to vent. God's fifth commandment speaks to us to honor our parents... does this not also mean to honor anyone who could be trying us?  We can find strength in these moments by remembering that our Lord Jesus stood before others without speaking in His own defense... Jesus knew that nothing had power over Him unless it had been given by Abba. I know that I serve the only true and living God, no one and no principality has any power over me, for El Shadi (Abba)... His son my Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are my defenders... I answer only to them.

Today is a day that began with three amazing deer in my front yard, the sun rising in spectacular colors, and my daughter and granddaughter making waffles and egg biscuits with me. My morning was blessed to overflowing... So, for the rest of this day, I choose to look for Him to free me from my concerns and enjoy this day as His gift of "goodness"....

To God be the glory... for He is good... all of the time... and... all of the time... He is good!

My God's not dead...

Ezekiel 36:25 Cleansed and Renewed

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

I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

Ezekiel 36:25

The cleansing power of water... What would we do without it? It runs so freely here in America, just like electricity... or freedom of speech... and opening a Bible...

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

And sinners shall be converted to You.

Psalm 51:10-13

His promises for those whose choose Him and His son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I wonder, what do we do on a daily basis that "teaches" God's ways (not what the media, political, or social network enforces), His way... His teachings... His words (taking it to the Bible)?  Do we share what we have learned from our closeness with our Lord?  When others are debating, do we witness His truth (think WWJD)? When others are standing in judgement, being critical, and overpowering someone with their "worldly" beliefs, do we speak out in support of God's word?  Why do so many believe that their "personal faith" needs to be "quiet" and not shared? Our Lord, His apostles, and Christians all around the world... are not quiet!  Why is shame... silencing our calling?

I heard that a preacher asked, "If at some moment you heard that the social media networks were rounding up everyone who has posted and received information of God, Jesus, and or the Holy Spirit... would you be chosen?"

Psalm 26:2-3 Search My Heart

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

Examine me, Lord, and try me.

O test my heart and my mind.

Your mercy is before my eyes,

and I walk according to your truth.

Psalm 26: 2-3

Examine me, Lord. There are times when I say these words and I feel blessed without any reservations.  There are those times when I say these words and I feel faint.  Since our Lord knows all things, nothing is hidden. Then why are there times when these words cause me to feel "faint of heart?"  He knows my ways.  He hears me when I ask for His help while I lift up my negative thoughts and feelings.  He hears and blesses me when I have turned over those thoughts, He places His hedge of protection around my heart, my mind, and my soul... keeping that which is not of Him from taking root within me.  Maybe these words are an engaging action? In freely choosing His will and guidance, there is a humbling of self before His mercy.  These are "cleansing" words of a commitment unto Him.

O test my heart and my mind. Yep, these words are surrendering unto His ways, His thoughts, His mercy and grace.  I have no control over His decisions, His blessings, or His power.  How do I submit unto you, O Lord?  How do I get out of your way and accept with complete trust that which you will choose for me?  For me walking by faith means surrendering myself... allowing Abba to provide.  That action, that willingness is not for the "faint of heart."  It takes courage... it means your heart and motives must be as clean as a toddler's.  I guess that is indeed the season in which I journey.  His lamb... forever in search of His presence, His provision, and His place of refuge.  Will I ever be more than His lamb following Him... with His grace I will not.

Walking according to Your truth. This is a bit more simple to grasp.  Don't get me wrong, it is not a simple or easy path.  It is not a path that today's world honors.  Yet, it is a beautiful and joyously free path.  There is nothing more uplifting, nothing more pleasing, and truly nothing more valuable than knowing God's word, His ways, His statutes... for it is in His ways I get to see His handiwork.  The scales are removed from my eyes and I glimpse His beautiful creation.  I sense His mercy, love, and joy.  I find His favor and provision.  I know the depth of His love for me... for me! Wow, nothing compares... It's like that snuggle of an infant... pure, complete, and forever.

Psalm 145:8-9 Gracious and Merciful

Good afternoon Abba, Good afternoon Jesus, Good afternoon Holy Spirit,

The Lord is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and of great kindness.

The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.

 Psalm 145:8-9

Wow, just think our Lord is compassionate toward us, our works, and all of our human facets.  He is of great... great kindness, oh yes he is. His hand provides and He answers all of our needs.  Most of the time I can see His hand at work in my life, as well as the lives of those around me.  Most of the time, I can see and know that He has answered prayers.  Most of the time, when I am asking for myself... well that's when His will and/or permission takes patience.  His timing is not mine.  So, I must have mighty prayer warriors who will "see" and confirm that which is my answer or direction.  We are so blessed to have each other...

The eyes of all look hopefully to you,

and you give them their food in due season;

you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

Psalm 145:15-16

He answers, He gives, He provides, and He satisfies the desire of every living thing.  I know, that I know, that I know this.  So why do we walk in such "silliness" of blindness.  The birds fly without a second thought.  The animals move about in all seasons without doubt.  Why with all of our blessings, why with all of our knowledge, do we not trust and enjoy every day as it is blessed..  satisfied with His watch and keep?

The Lord is just in all His ways and Holy in all His works.

The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,

to all who call upon Him in truth.

Psalm 145: 17-18

Walking by faith... trusting in His goodness, His provision, and His works means we are walking in dependence of His timing, His gracious supply, and His amazing love.  Surrendering our control over and into His loving hands of goodness for us,  now that's the day by day... moment by moment... walk of faith!

Psalm 119:103-105 How Sweet are His Words

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

How sweet are thy word unto my taste!

yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth.

Through thy precepts I get understanding:

therefore I hate every false way.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:103-105

This is the day that our Lord has made... Thank you my Lord for this glorious day, your sun is pouring forth rays of warmth... your sweet breeze is gently reminding me that you are with me.  Your birds are twittering and playfully darting amongst our garden.  Though many are blessed with travels throughout your world, my travels today are in your word... in our garden.  I sing unto you joyous song!

This passage has refreshed my spirit.  Think upon these words.  How sweet are His words...sweeter than honey... playing upon my tongue as I speak them in my own sing-song way.  Just like the very first berry of summer or that first sweet taste of an ice-cold sip... His words can tingle a newness within me beyond my taste buds.

Right now, many of you are at an amazingly beautiful spot.  Your eyes can see His handiwork before you.  Your mind replays memories from other travels.  Your senses are renewed with peaceful surroundings, sounds of life, and renewing joy.  As you settle in for the evening you are feeling that tugging of joy that tomorrow is another day of freedom.  That day of freedom is His light unto your path.

Today, I will walk with you on your journeys... as I am in my garden... I too will be savoring this day! 

Psalm 51:10 A Clean Heart

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

Create in me a clean heart,

O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Wow, when struggles... people... behind-the-back gossip... and crazy unforeseen obstacles pop up... I gotta find a way to get those negative thoughts out of my head!  One silly song from long ago chimes... I'm so dizzy my head is spinning... like a whirlpool it never stops... Well my mind gets going and almost instantly my heart constricts, which then engages my emotions.  Talk about being in a "Yuck" zone.  I hate how an evil spirit can "sling" a dart that creates such inner turmoil!

The blame game is part of self-defense, yeah I don't think so... it's part of accepting your innocence and their guilt... it only leads to justified homicide of your own dignity and God's grace.  Therefore, I just gotta get out of my mind when the negative begins nagging at me....

Psalm 51:10 and Psalm 27 helps my spirit to rise up with confidence and walk away from the tormenting thoughts and/or emotions.  In these moments, I choose what I will feel or think... I almost always get a vision of Jesus' words:

...shake the dust off of your feet...

Matthew 10:14

Luke 9:5

Mark 6:11

Cleansed... Renewed... Rejuvenated... Refreshed and Readied to move forward into His will with His promises and strength...

Psalm 19:1 Reassurance

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

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Psalm 19:1

In Gifts from my Garden by Harriet E. Crosby, my spirit was lifted with her words:

"I am instantly reassured that God's creation is good. One day, the darkness will be banished once and for all. Beauty and virtue will abound. My garden tells me, again and again, that God has defeated every foe."

Whether it is in my garden or "falling" into the stars at night, I see the goodness and beauty of His creation.  I can take those moments to walk with Him and talk with Him.  I don't need answers... I only need to be immersed in His goodness.  His goodness has a way of "putting away" any thing within me and refreshing me with hope and joy.  When a toddler first finds joy and has that "overflowing" giggle of delight you can hear the pureness of joy... their joyous delight pouring out from a heart that is happy and freed to enjoy that one moment in time.

Now it would be odd if we spent every moment in that "child-like" joy... and yet that is how I feel when so many moments are freely given for me to stop... and live... experience... and tuck away into my soul of treasured memories.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 

What can lift my heart, in an instant, above any daily trial or feeling?  It's the understanding, the reassurance that my God is a trustworthy God... eternally diligent in His watch over me and mine... unchanging even in this world's chaos.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.

Amen

Matthew 6:13

In my daily devotional, Journey by David Jeremiah, he reminded me to use the final words of the Lord's prayer to bring me into an ever-deepening and more-trusting relationship with God... an I trust You, Lord... freedom. 

O God, the ugliness of evil cannot overcome the goodness of your light.

Let my garden declare the power and beauty of Your word.

Amen 

Harriet E. Crosby 

Psalm 37:4-5 Delight in the Lord

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

Take delight in the Lord,

and He will grant you your heart's requests.

Commit to the Lord your way;

trust in Him, and He will act.

Psalm 37:4-5

This is one of those mornings in which my body seemed overly tired.  When I answered the early ringing of the phone, I must admit I was seeking refuge from answering it.  Early morning calls are not how you wish to awaken.  Although God is faithful and there is no limit to His grace... I felt so distanced from the joy of the Lord.

This passage reminded me to not stay complacent, that there is in fact a higher way of thinking that I could embrace.  I could seek to put forth the energy to contemplate His words, given to me this morning, and seek to understand.  I could choose to draw nearer to Him:

Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.

James 4:8

I read that God never leaves us where we are... and with every effort we make to draw near... we are promised He will come close to us. He not only will come close to us... but He will become our heart's desire (Let's Pray by James Banks).

Today is a day... it began slow... I don't know where it's leading... The joy of the Lord is deep within me and I will seek to bring it to the surface... today is a day for me to draw near to our Lord... I am choosing to walk closely with Him in our garden...

Psalm 31: 25 Stouthearted

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

Take courage and be stouthearted, all you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:25

Oh my Lord, stouthearted?  Your word provides directions for every avenue, every season, every moment of every day.  Experience within those moments provides a new level of understanding the depth of your love, the layers of truth, and facets in which to view this life you have created for us.

Stouthearted.... strength-courage-stability... in you, my Lord?  In me? In us?  Allowing God's word to work in you will open your heart to acceptance of who you are in Him.  Daily reading of God's word will remove the scales from your eyes giving you a way out of the darkness and into His will for your life.  Nourishing your mind, heart, and soul with God's word leads to finding your purpose.  Knowing God's word gives you armor for walking through life.  

I know, that I know that I do not have to walk through life's struggles... battles... or disappointments alone.  Instead of gritting my teeth through what ever comes my way, I can choose to locate a passage and speak it into being.  I know I can ask Him to take the burden of my heart and replace it with His strength, peace, and joy.  I know you are there as mighty prayer warriors, standing guard.  I know that proclaiming God's word out loud binds all evil formed against me and that reminding every evil that "...it is written in God's word that..." has the most immediate control over all evil forces, principalities, and spirits.  And, I know that "...in Jesus' name and through the blood of Christ..." seals the deal!

Being stouthearted = knowing that there is His joy, hope, and peace in every struggle, pain, or threatening situation.  There are so many passages in the old and new testament for this trio of His promises... His blessings upon us.

• Joy in God: Psalm 5:11
• Joy in Christ: Philippians 3:3; John 16:24
  
• Joy in the Holy Spirit: Romans 14:17
• Joy in the Gospel: Psalm  89:15
• Joy in the Atonement: Romans 5:11
• Joy in the Scriptures: Jeremiah 15:16
• Joy in the Sabbath: Psalm 118:24
• Joy in Faith: 1 Peter 1:8; Psalm 32:1-2
  
•  Joy in Hope: Romans 5:2
• Joy in Godly Fear: Psalm 128:1-2
• Joy in Obedience: Psalm 119:47
• Joy in Communion with God: Psalm 4:6-7
• Joy in Prayer: Isaiah 56:7
• Joy in Salvation: Psalm 20:5
• Joy in Mercy: Psalm: 90:14
• Joy in a good Conscience: 2 Corinthians 1:12
• Joy in Tribulation: Romans 5:3-4
• Joy in Divine Protection: Psalm 63:7
• Joy in Sorrow: Psalm 30:5
• Joy in Duty: Psalm 32:11
• Joy in Abiding: John 15:11
• Joy in Death: Luke 2:29-30
• Joy in Heaven: Matthew 25:21

 Let's take these passages into our daily walk, thoughts, and discussions...

Psalm 51: 1-2 A Clean Heart

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

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness:

 according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

  Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalm 51: 1-2

I thank you my Lord, my God for your Mercy and Grace.  For it is through you, with you, and in you that I can come before you to be cleansed as soon as my spirit convicts me accordingly... by your principals... precepts... and commandments.  You know my heartfelt pleadings just as you knew Davids.  My repentant heart humbles me... the precious blood of the lamb, your son, my Lord Jesus washes over me... my prayers are heard and fulfilled according to your will... in your perfected timing... with the fullness of your Mercy and Grace.  Thank you for cleansing my reputation and restoring my destiny in you, my Lord... my God.

Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

 Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51: 8-10

Strength, serenity, and hope.  Cleansing brings a refreshing newness.  If you garden, you can "see" how a fresh spring rain makes all the flowers bright, every leaf is greener, and birds are chirping with such joy.  There is a song by C. Austin Miles, "In the Garden:"

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.
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.

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.

Make time today to walk with Him, to talk with Him, and to let Him love you...

Psalm 46:1 God is our Refuge

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

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

This morning was one of those seasonal moments in which I felt out of step with the calendar.  The fog has covered the hills, the mist has done my watering, and all of my senses spoke an illusion of "fall."  It was such a comfort to open today's reading with His promise that He is our refuge, our strength... I regained joy in knowing that there is summer sun shining above this fall illusion.  I was gently reminded that He is my provider and I just might have needed this type of a morning to "be" slowed down and simply listen for His daily teachings.

Our Daily Bread  reminded me that it is "Our Savior who helps us with His grace to endure, His Word sustains us, friends encourage and pray for us, and His blessed assurance lies within our confidence that He will ultimately work it all together for our spiritual good."

That depth of confidence is freeing.  I can be about this day as planned, blessed beyond measure to let the work of my hands (and hopefully my tongue) bring a smile to Abba's face by the end of this day.  This day is also a present from Abba, one in which I have the opportunity to leisurely un-wrap it and discover those moments to do good around me...

Let us not be weary in well doing: 

For in due season we shall reap if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9

What, oh what will this day bring... Joy in knowing that He is walking with me!