Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit...
In a world that is tilting... a time of confusion and unknown... take our hands and lead us...
If you have read or studied the book of Revelation... you might be hearing whispers to draw nearer into God's Holy Word. If you read the Left Behind series... you might be looking up in wonder. If you are watching for the signs... Know that you are not alone.
I remember being told that wisdom came with an education (college and job experience). I was told that every time I opened a book... I would be my own teacher. I was told to respectful of those who have gone before me. I was told that God was my creator and only He could judge anyone else.
I believed that we all had the thumbprint of God within us. That we were watched over (night and day). I believed that we learned by our mistakes, we asked for forgiveness, and we prayed for others.
Wisdom... Lord does our world need more wisdom. Rationality about each other. A balance between the past and present. Hope for the future!
We are all walking this path... world-wide lock downs... oppressors and deceivers twisting untruths for power and personal gains. Where do we look for wisdom... How do we model wisdom for those younger than us?
and from the North even unto the East shall they run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord,
and shall not find it.
Amos 8:11-12
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
It is written that in the day of confusion you are our present help. When our hearts are burdened. When our spirit cries out. When we need Your loving guidance... How do we hear you?
Listening to your word: My Lord, enable me, through Your Holy Spirit, not to be lead astray. As it is written in Eph 6: 7-24, my Lord remove the scales from my eyes. Open my ears so that I may hear Your guidance. As I put on Your helmet of Salvation, bless me with the clarity of mind so that the voices of this world are silenced.
My Lord, open the eyes of my heart so that I might search for Your truth. There are so many voices of the world tempting, deceiving, and misguiding us. As our Shephard, Lord Jesus, we are guaranteed that You will find Your lost sheep. Once found, open our ears so that we may hear Your truth about what shape our heart is in. Your light cannot shine in our eyes with out Your loving guidance. Pour forth Your Holy Spirit, for clarity of Your word.
My Lord, guide me and mine in Your ways everlasting. As we look unto You, we thank You that it is written in PS 91 that You have placed Your angels on assignment to guide us away from the deceivers and worldly tempation. When we seek Your truth, there are always voices that are willing to lead, to guide, and to walk with us. Lord, help us to hear your guidance. What is right for all? What is your truth for us? Where are we heading as a nation?
How can we check the "fruit" on the tree of those in our government? Which voices are providing hope that aligns with Your word. Which voices are worldly deceivers, those that speak a false hood as if their morality aligns with Your Word? Pour forth your Holy Spirit with discernment about when an official is speaking truth or lies...
My Lord, say the word that will clear our path unto Your only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and His eternal salvation... to you be the glory!
"He that loveth his brother abideth in the light..."
1John 2:10
My Lord, forgive us. Our Nation, our families, our friends... are seeking Your perfection with Your help. Many have decided that is my "our" might that Your peace will be achieved. Many feel that they are owed recompense for ages gone by. They have decided that "man's" needs are more important than Your Will. Hardness of the heart has become a "truth" for many. Our Nation is divided, becoming calloused and indifferent toward those who do not agree with their "truths." Without a "rebirth" through Jesus, we speak falsehoods and "social" gospels. Without "redemption" we are not truly sensitive to the needs of others.
God's Redemption is the only truth. Everything else is a shadow. A falsehood. Divine love shines down into our hearts before it ever radiates out. We must accept the Holy Spirit's outpouring of God's compassion... not that which comes from man.
I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!”
Ps 91: 1-2
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
This year has been a year filled with struggles, disillusions, heart-ache, and extreme daily pressures. When I take time to "sit" with you, my Lord, your peace that surpasses my oppression always provides the very breath of Heaven to surround me, as if... a shawl is placed around me... and I can breathe in Your presence.
My Lord, my Shepherd, I know that when apart from You... I get distracted... I tend to bound in all directions... I get snared by others... I even get so close to the edge that You must come and scoop me up into Your protective arms. At those times, my Lord, I can do nothing of lasting value for You. This Thanksgiving... Lord Jesus, extend Your had of renewal upon me and mine, upon Your faithful, and upon our nation... our world. Open our eyes to see our reliance with thankfulness for Your great Passion. Guide us to the end of self and lead us into Your Will, take the reins of our lives for You alone created us. Amen---Amen---Hallelujah
"The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking;
He rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins."
Good morning ABBA, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
Today is the glorious celebration of Your Holy gift of a comforter and spiritual guide. How do we put into words Your loving endowment? In what ways, Holy Spirit, could someone like me honor my Lord, my God? How could I be of use to God Almighty the greater of all... of Heaven and Earth... of everything living... of everything "good?" Oh my Lord, pour forth Your blessings in us...
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,
they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,
and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,
and began to speak with other tongues,
as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Acts 2: 2-4
In You, my Lord... Through You, my Lord... For You, my Lord...
Strengthen us, O Lord... for the time such as this...
Help us walk in Your Truth, proclaiming Your Goodness...
For these times are filled with deceivers, destructive choices, and spiritual warfare...
Let us lift up our eyes and fill us with Your overflowing Love, Peace, and Joy...
That Your Truth is found in Your only begotten Son... Yeshua... our Lord Jesus Christ...
"And afterward will I pour [a]out my Spirit upon all flesh:
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy:
your old men shall dream [b]dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
And also upon the servants,
and upon the maids in those days will I pour my Spirit.
And I will show [c]wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
Thank you Lord for loving me so! Thank you Lord for your provision of grace, mercy, forgiveness, and the desire to know you more. With every season of my life, you have guarded and guided me in your ways for your glory, there are no words to express my love for you. With humility I have fallen to my knees, with faith I have sought you, with love I have cried unto you, and with joy I have worshiped your creations. Keep me on your path of truth... show me the way... strengthen my walk for your glory, my Lord and Savior.
There are seasons meant for growing in our understanding. Forgive me for being quiet during this time of growth. I have been on a journey which included pruning the old growth and fertilizing with new understanding. As with any season of growth, learning to shut the door to our past is not necessarily easy but so blessed. Becoming "unchained" from past deceptions, hurts, and oppression's has created openings within my mind... heart... and soul. Areas prepared for new inspirations and stronger "rooting" in God's Will for my life.
Although my journey is not unique, there are so many facets in which our Lord has reached down and ministered to me that I'm overflowing with joy about some of the resources I've used. So here is a few of those that might bless you:
Keep It Shut by Karen Ehman: ISBN: 9780310339649. Okay, this book is all about learning how to have a gracious and kind mouth. A tongue that speaks truth, yet doesn't destroy others. A manual for being unchained from "victim-hood" without being less than Christ like. Have you ever read a book that you have marked up? This book is one of those that you will return to time after time.
To Know Him by Gloria Copeland: ISBN: 9780446511247. As with any resource that is designed to bring you closer to our Lord, Gloria's straight forwarded faith inspires you to put God's words in front of you every morning, evening, and those in-between times. Yet, there is so much more to a relationship with our Lord! It also means rebuking the deceiver; speaking/praying scripture into your heart; learning to obedient to God's word; and listening to His will for every decision in your life. With pen in hand I found my journal filling up with scriptural passages, God's promises, and prayer-filled pronouncements. One section a night blessed my evening prayer.
66 Ways God Loves You by Jennifer Rothschild: ISBN: 9780718087708. Beautifully crafted. Perfected for me, yep, this book is designed and formatted as a quick touch of joy. Just like a pick-me-up snack during your day (if only it replaced food cravings), these two page love reminders will keep you walking in His Love. How would you measure an overflow of loving reminders from our Lord? Beginning with God's first love-promise in Genesis, you will discover the joy of embracing His promises with renewed determination. Every promise comes with an open invitation to embrace, stand on, and re-read these proclamations of His love. A must have for every moment that arises in which you need to hear that you are loved beyond measure.
Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly: ISBN: 9781942611929. Choosing happiness and God's Will for your life. Why is such a simple, Yes... Here I am Lord, so daunting? Feeling overwhelmed is never a good or healthy avenue for me. It leads to a spiral that I just will not accept. I wasn't always that bold, but now there is only one choice when those feelings try to deceive me. That choice is to go back into this book and get re-fueled before I take my next step. Once again this is a book I have marked up with hi-lights, notes, earmarked, and underlined. It has become my "go-to" when I need step-by-step redirection. My favorite "booster-shot" came during Matthew's description about his "Greatest Books" book shelf (thirty-seven books hand chosen for his moments of need). He has placed upon this shelf, books that have had an enormous impact on his life. Books of various formats and areas of study, yet, all of them have been hand chosen and placed "eye-level" on this self because they have provided the greatest spiritual and inspirational guidance during his life's journey. Wow, I know I have those books all over my home and in my classroom, and yet, his decision to have them "at the ready" reminded me that I am not walking through this season on my own. So... guess who is creating that eye level shelf!
Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst: ISBN: 9781400205875. Living loved, what does that look like? The journey within these pages is a "power-walk" in which you become revealed, exposed, and unchained. Only Proverbs has had such an impact upon the "who" God sees in me. Feeling less than and left out has haunted me since forever. Once upon a time I would declare that I was that person who could feel left out in a room full of friends and family (empty church pews and book stores excluded). This book was given to me, hand chosen, for this journey. Becoming free from past hurts, trusting in God's fullness and plans, and seeking His mercy while being pressed, transformed, and messy is uncomfortable... and yet, it is the season of His unending desire to "grow" us up into a newer relationship with Him. This is one of my 37 books upon my book shelf!
31 Verses to Write Upon Your Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs: ISBN: 9781601428912. Transformation begins with the graphing of a new attitude. For me the journey with these verses became my nightly appointment with God. Within my prayer closet, I would re-read the previous learning from my journal. Thanking Him for the ways in which I was strengthened throughout the day. Then came the verse for the day, I would read and hi-light its teaching and begin entering the teaching into my journal, allowing the teachings to take "root" within me as my pencil noted God's passages. Finishing the entry, I found that I needed to write a prayer-filled declaration to our Lord. Wow, insightful and inspiring. This book became a "pass-it-forward" experience to a precious co-worker.
Study Gateway. Link We have a "smart TV" so we have access over our ROKU connection. I have spent every weekend morning in a bible study from this sight (anything Max Lucado inspires me). I have revisited their Women of Faith sessions. Anne Graham Lotz has introduced God's word at a deeper level. Plus those women from Proverbs 31 Ministries have book sessions that will take you beyond their daily posts. Yes, this is a season for change... Yes, it takes time to be changed, improved, and guided... Yes, our Lord is worth even more of my day! I hope you have discovered a resource.... Blessings,
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."
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable His ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord
or who has been His counselor?
Or who has given the Lord anything
that He may be repaid?
For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things.
To Him be glory forever...Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
Today in church, I was pondering the depth of our Lord. Just what do I need to understand or accept for my daily walk with Him? His ways are not always my ways. So many prayers have I sent to Him, asking Him to help... and yet, I tend to provide Him the solution. Is this what He is saying, "...who has been His counselor?" How deep is my acceptance of His will for my life, as well as His will for all of those I pray for. Is my wisdom more than His? Is my knowledge of Him more than His knowledge of me?
"...who has given the Lord anything that He may be repaid?" With all that is in me, I believe that I have been ransomed by my Savior, my Lord Jesus Christ. I was purchased by His precious blood. My sins are forgiven, my chains are broken, I belong to Him. But, is there anything form this world that I could repay Him with? All I can give is my desire to be His... my faith in Him... my acceptance of His will for my life... and my willingness to walk with Him in faith. All of which is not anything from this world, it is from my heart, with full consciousness of my mind, and with the grace within my spirit... my free will!
"For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things." How sweet are these words? He is my provider, He is ever with me, and I have been spoken for by Him. What must I do? When our Lord Jesus spoke these words:
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Luke 23:34
Was He asking our Father (Abba) to continue letting their presence be with us? How much do I value the opportunity of being with Him, in His presence? Do I make time every day to just be with Him?
For today, I will sit and listen.
I will be quiet and know.
I will experience my Lord.
For I will sit with Him. I will breathe in His peace and goodness. And I will pray...
To Him be the glory forever...Amen, Amen, and Alleighlua
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
And
let him return to the LORD,
And He will have compassion on him,
And to
our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth.
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:7-9
It is an amazing moment when you view a show, a performance, or a movie and your spirit just jumps into "high gear." You want to shout, your smile can't be disturbed by anything negative, and you keep replaying the moment in which God's truth "zaps" you free from that which is in this world.
And so it happened last night...we rented the movie "God's Not Dead." It is difficult to consider how many viewers were "touched" by the works of these courageous few. As an educator, I know that what we teach can inspire, degrade, or ignite a life-long quest for truth. Yet, there are so many who have their own agendas, their own life struggles, and their own truths that can influence so many. We always want to believe that we are prepared and stronger than what ever our instructors teach...that's just not true. If our "here and now" culture continues to "rewrite" history in order to "correct" what once was truth, we will have internal battles with what man should know as truth.
We do not have to walk through this life alone, yet we are called to walk bravely and with confidence. Walking with the confidence that there is a creator, a designer, who is diligent in His watch over us. We must not back down when the world seeks to diminish, mock, or condemn the passion and victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. How do we "stand" against what the world chooses to believe?
For me, I must be reading God's word on a daily basis. Truth is in His teachings, it is my "owner's" manual for living. I must be in communication with our Lord Jesus... all day...in all things...with praise always flowing from my heart and mouth. I put on the armor of God every morning and every time the enemy begins a threat of attack. I am diligent and consistent with my choices in what I will watch (books, TV, movies, performances, etc)... in what I listen to (music, discussions, news, entertainment, and even sermons), and what I will put my name to (what I say, write, and text). Does this seem excessive? Does it seem like a liveable solution? Is it even worth the agonizing change? I am convinced that my soul, and the souls of those in my life are more valuable than anything this world has to offer. If that is truth...then how much more am I willing to do in order to protect that which has such value?
My weeding out of the "negative" in my garden (my life's harvest) began with a head-on collision. Even though I would be considered the "victim" on that day, I was the blessed... for God heard my cries. I recommitted my life to His will... I had just made the first of many leaps of faith... I hungered and thirst for His direction... and I have tried to remain obedient to His plan, His ways, His prompting, and most of all His loving goodness... grace... favor... and prosperity. Is this walk of faith easy... it was never promised to be easy... it's a walk of faith!
I never walk alone. There are those who will pray with us and for us...24/7...365 days...year after year. There are primary sources (Bible, biographies, blogs, movies, and every moment of the day there is always music, the radio, and gifted writers). Wherever two or more are gathered... I am so thankful to writers, musicians, actors, producers, newscasters, and those who are taking on the fight in our media. It truly makes your heart soar when there is God in what is available for entertainment, allowing you the freedom of choice about what enters into your home, mind, heart and soul.
Our phones, Internet, iPads, computers, and televisions are broadcasting around the world, across our Earth, and throughout the galaxy and beyond... we have the ability to "shout" for the Lord with courage and joy!
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends:
With the Lord a day is like a thousand years,
and a thousand years are like a day.
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise,
as some understand slowness.
Instead he is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9
As I walk this path, I find that these scripture passages lead me to a place of cleansing. A deeper freedom from that which continues to rise up and cause me to falter, fall, and in need of some "help" in starting over. It is such foolishness that I feel ashamed or filled with abandonment at these moments. Completely shunned or an out-cast that doesn't measure up. It's one thing to stumble around because of the choices you are making, the feelings that are controlling you, or even those misunderstandings of self-pride. It is even more foolish to be "knocked down" or "bowled over" by someone else and their choices. Why does my heart ache when someone else is making destructive decisions? Why do I put on a "cloak" of shame that should be theirs to wear? Why does living become heavy laden? Once upon a time I was taught that these feelings and thoughts were of an enmeshment that was labeled "dysfunctional." In a way that can be true. Now, however, I'm seeing that it could be my level of patience and acceptance with those who are perishing from their deceptive thoughts, pain, endurance, or choices. My immediate "button" of un-forgiveness gets pushed because somewhere a long the line they have not "cared enough" to apologize for the destruction, danger, or harm done to others.
Don't we become mighty prayer warriors for these sons and daughters of God? Don't we ask for prayer for them, and prayer for us to be strengthened and guided? None of us would wish another soul to perish, so why does it seem so "slow" in coming to a place of repentance with our thoughts and emotions when they are "connected" to those who are suffering? I know that Abba knows what is best for them... and for me. Yet, I am always brought to a place of realization that sometimes when I am in a spiritual warfare, I am also in a place of "un-forgiveness" and am very "slow in my understanding," towards those that have brought the enemy to my door (heart).
It is never difficult to bring all my struggles to the cross of our Lord Jesus. It is never difficult to receive new understanding (revelation). It can be extremely difficult to focus on my changes while "letting go" of their "fall-out."
Patience, understanding, and repentance for them... for me... for our Lord's will to be done....
My Lord help my repentant heart to accept and embrace your continuing forgiveness for me and them.
Thank you for your diligent watch over us.
Thank you for keeping your promises.
Bless us with eternal trust in you, the Holy Spirit, and Your will for each of us.
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
Commit thy works unto the Lord,
and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:3
As we pause to contemplate this passage of wisdom, I wonder... Why would I not want to let our Lord guide me and bless the works of my hands? With a re-sounding leap down deep in my soul, I commit unto His will. Yet, do I bring everything to the Lord for all direction? Do I ask for His blessing and guidance... only to end up doing my way? What do I do about those "nagging" emotions that keep me wavering in my decisions?
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him,
and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Yes, I trust in the Lord with all of my heart, mind, spirit, and soul. Yes, I acknowledge Him in the blessings and in the struggles. Yep, I have learned to listen for His direction in all things (or have I?). Oh, oops... that is the human-sided pause... lean not unto my own understanding. Have you ever thought that you knew the whole scenario only to be humbled by your own misunderstanding of the situation? Have you ever stood on an opinion only to find out years later how off base you were?
I am hoping I'm not alone in this human-sided stumble. I walk freely from "nagging" thoughts when I am in His word daily. His words and any form of worship songs will linger and resonate within me as my day progresses... as long as I am reading His word aloud and listening to Christian songs... filling my need for His guidance with praise stabilizes my mind and my emotions. I do check with the Lord about so many "itty-bitty" thoughts and concerns... I do check with the Lord for any financial spending, as well as proclaiming His blessing upon each penny I spend (since my head on collision it has all been about His prosperity and favor not my money). I have learned when I need to give a "shout-out" for prayer (especially if my pride could be directing my thoughts).
Here's the "human-side" that trips me up... With so many in my life, I just am always saying too much. Golly, that self-control over my tongue is a moment-by-moment endeavor. I am so grateful that our Lord loves me regardless of my-self! He is always willing to allow me to stumble, or to "muck" things up, and then He is right there to help me get back up when I've fallen on my knees in forgiveness.
Establishing my thoughts... leaning not unto my own understanding... I am so glad I am not walking on this path by myself!
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Matthew 3:8
What joy it is to walk through your garden. Stopping here and there to admire the beauty, to gaze at the fruits of your labor, to speak strength and nourishing words over those plants that might need some extra TLC.
To ponder over the blessings that have been freely given to us through His graciousness. The fruit of the work of our hands, our calling, our talents, and our gifts. I know, that I know... my heart and my mind must remain free from all shame-guilt-negative words or actions. How can I ever make up for those negative thoughts, actions, or words I've spoken?
Within in my spirit, I remain in training with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He continues to guide my spirit in what is pleasing to the Lord and what is not of the Lord. Discernment of the truth, God's word, and the spirits can be gently tugging me or can instantly "Bam!" my inner core. That's when I stop... I find a place to be with Him... I humbly listen for His direction.
Yep, I was humanly in the wrong.
Yep, I should not have said that, forgive me my Lord and bring healing and blessings to ____.
Yep, my heart, mind, and soul did not need that seed planted, forgive me for watching/listening/partaking in ______, shut those doors and windows and place a hedge of protection around my heart and mind keeping me safe under the shadow of your wings, for it is written no weapon formed against me will prosper.
I want the garden of my life to be a place that will bring a smile to Abba's face. I want to walk freely with my Lord. Free from anything that would cause even one tear to form in His eye. I've done that, been there, and do not ever want to touch His heart with my sinful ways... not anymore.
Holding tight to Him with a repentant heart ushers me into His presence. I can have that "bounce" in my step, my eyes can reflect His love to everyone, my patience is strong, my joy overflows, and maybe... just maybe you notice Him instead of me.
Today I am pondering the words of Harriet E Crosby (Gifts from my Garden):
"I want my life to bear its own kind of fruit.
As I follow God,
I pray that my heart will become a kind of spiritual orchard,
providing a harvest of love, forgiveness, and generosity."
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
This morning greeted me with a blessed cool breeze. Some moments it's all about discovering His hand at work in the simplest of ways. As we had our morning tea, we watched the starlings zooming and gliding so gracefully on the soft summer breeze. I found myself filled with joy as my spirit soared... darted... and became joyfully playful. I was informed that they were not really playing, that they dive to get the early morning bugs which are flying just above our heads. Now this was a moment of choice and I chose to accept my original joyful and playful flight of fantasy.
These little birds, hand crafted by our Lord might not be majestic eagles... but they have the exact same daily blessings from our Lord. They fly with out being weary. They do not faint in mid-air just because another approaches their goal. Nope... they soar, they dart, they call out warnings, and they continue towards their goal.
The blessings from my garden is always overflowing. Today it was these starlings, yesterday it was the territorial dance of the hummingbirds and their butterfly bush, the day before that it was a beautiful butterfly stopping by.... tomorrow... well I will wait with anticipation for that discovery.
If a little starling can soar with a courageous heart... how much more can we soar with our Lord's words of promise and hope?
This is the day.... to enjoy, to be free, to explore....
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,
so that through endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4
God's word is nourishment all thru my day. I adore those moments when God's word confirms a newly revealed truth. It provides an inner hope in which my life will be full according to His plan, His timing, and with His love. Is my walk an exciting adventure? Is my daily walk with Jesus producing a joyful spirit?
Oh my Lord, guide me into accepting your will for me. Free me to embrace each of these days with a joyful spirit, with an adventurous spirit, and with the discernment of the Holy Spirit to know your designed pathway. I choose to place this day into your loving hands, here I am Lord... I trust in you.
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
...apart from me you can do nothing,
John 15:5
This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it... my spirit, heart, and mind can be singing these words as I awaken, as I am moving through the day, as I am cooking... watering... or doing laundry. Yet, how deeply do I trust every moment of the day to Jesus' care? Do I fully realize and accept the depth of Jesus' love?
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.
John 15:9
Throughout the bible, God's word proclaims His love for each of us. Jesus' words and actions bids us to "come," to "learn," and to "follow." He cautions us not to do anything apart from Him. Yet, with that caution we also know of His promise that we can do all things through Him. He is our strength, our strong-tower, our intercessor, and our friend.
There are so many moments that I wrestle with the "why's" of my life. The biggest struggle for me is: "Why, if I know... that I know... that all good things comes from Him... I still try to force my will or agenda rather than just peacefully walk out my daily chores?"
I thirst for His joy, down deep in my soul... I hunger for His gracious peace to just be... I long to be filled to overflowing as a quiet witness of His work in a life of a servant and prayer warrior. Hmmmm... a servant of His that is under construction!
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 John 4:4
Once saved... these words echoed His amazing depth of love... guarding me and mine... an eternal covenant... being sealed and pronounced to all principalities, weapons, curses, plagues, and evil intentions (spirits) that they will not have any power over me and mine.
Therefore, I shall walk by faith and not in fear. I know this is deep within my soul, heart, and mind... and yet... walking it out, for me, means that I must put into action His word, even if it means claiming it a loud. Standing on His promises (bible passages), claiming that Jesus is my shepherd who is diligent in His watch over me and mine, and claiming no weapon formed against me and mine will prosper... for Jesus proclaimed on the cross... "It is finished," that means He has victory over all things and it is mine!
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.
1 John 4:1-6, 17-19
Yesterday I posted about the "Lord's Prayer," in today's reading there was a question which provides a thought for the day. Think on it, ponder the truth for you and yours, and share what is inspired (those "what if" moments).
What if we really started living "as if" the most-repeated prayer in Christendom has actually been answered?
That God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven....
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
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...
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
great is you faithfulness,
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him."
Lamentations 3: 22-24
With the sun rising, the garden was bustling with the newness of the dawn. Soaring with every robin, I was in a place of gratitude. You know that place... where everything "feels" right, balanced in its own timing... no before and no after. Hopeful, cleansed, peace-filled.
Today's readings unveiled a truth about my "feelings," I have always stumbled with others when I would feel compassion and tell them... "I'm sorry." Those who look for weakness would take this statement and create a stronghold for accusations against me... they recognized my weakness... my sense of failure and shame. Relearning a statement that is compassionate, simply stated, and "guilt-free"... well I still am walking out this learning. What was the compassion or empathy I was really trying to say... I'm sorry you are experiencing that... I'm sorry you that you are feeling so alone... I'm sorry they hurt you...
Today, I'm looking for those words which would be healing, loving, and supportive... I'll pray.
"We were free in Christ because He had forgiven us and broken off our shackles of guilt and shame" (Robin Jones Gunn).I choose to take my "wrongs" before the Lord. Quickly before they set into my heart, spirit, or mind. "Forgive me, my Lord. I should not have said... I was weak and did... That was sinful minded..." Then I receive His forgiveness with praise.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
Instead of shame or guilt... I am choosing to "put on:"
His Grace: Job 10:12 andHebrews 4:16
His Sufficiency: Philippians 4:13
His Prosperity: Joshua 1:8
His Fulfillment: Matthew 5:16
His Blessings: Deuteronomy 28:2
Today I am choosing to run to Jesus... He delivers...freedom!
"Ask the Lord for rain in the Springtime; it iS the Lord Who SendS the thunderstorms.He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the fieLd to everyone." Zechariah 10:4
