Fervent and Consistant

"Then I set my face toward the Lord God

to make request by prayer and supplications."

Daniel 9:3

Communicating with our Lord. No safer place on earth. This season ushers in the desire to be in communication for a transformation within my spirit, heart, and mind. As life gets more contrary to God's word, I tend to get more thirsty. That type of thirst that never is quenched and produces disquiet and a heaviness within my heart.

Daniel prayed fervently, consistently, for the will of God. He came before our Lord seeking communication that would usher in a peace... that would strengthen his resolve... that could refresh and renew his thinking. Yes, oh yes... I seek such freedom. Being His vessel to the point that joy bubbles forth into all aspects of my life. Strengthened to the point that my tongue is controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit. Renewed and refreshed in a way that every day is a-washed with possibilities and balance.

Just for this day...

"When we learn His purposes and make them our prayers,

we are giving Him the opportunity to act."

S.D. Gordon  

Surrendering All

Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

 Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--

his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

When I have been on my knees, praying about an out-of-control situation... Our Lord is merciful and washes us with His peace that surpasses all understanding. Yet, the minute I leave that moment in His presence... something creeps in and my mind replays the scenario that brought me to my knees in the first place. 

When you have prayed and you can't hold onto the peace... You know you just can't be a part of the agony any longer... A radical surrender usually follows! Surrendering all to God means all, even those conversations within your mind. Putting on the armor of the Lord (Ephesians 6:13) leaves me covered while binding and rebuking those thoughts that hinder the gift of His peace.

In Shelia Walsh's book, The Longing In Me, she reminded me that "giving up your attempts at control, letting the person do his or her worst, and seeing what God will do..." is far greater than speaking to others or doing anything on my own. Trusting and letting God do His will in our lives/situations is His role... He is my vindicator!

Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me your law.

Psalm 119:29 

Remembering "whose" we are... what our standard is... what our calling is... and who is in control, leads us not only into a place of peace but allows us to live freely, in the meantime, while God is at work.

Choose to live freely in His will. Refuse to give into the world and what is deemed tolerant, acceptable, or contrary to God's word. As a Christian be supportive by offering prayer. As a Christian, the words "I'm not comfortable with this conversation," is a complete sentence that should lead the gossip away from shredding another's name.

Dear Abba, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit... lead me in ways everlasting! Amen

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) 

Romans 11:33-36 Experiencing our Lord

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

Mark 1:35 Solitary Time

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

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark,

Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place,

where He prayed.

Mark 1:35

A solitary place, where He prayed... Jesus needed alone time.  A time to be strengthened, a time to listen, a time to turn His thoughts and our needs over into the hands of our father, His father...Abba. These are some of the sweetest words in the Bible. It reminds me that Jesus was human and missed the ease of conversing with Abba. In taking time away from those around Him, He would be in a solitary place of communion with El Shadi. All distractions of the world would be "shut out" and His mind, heart, and soul would be rejuvenated... refreshed... restored in order to get back to business (for us).

Do you have a special place to retreat to? Have you created a special environment that is just for your time with our Lord (Bible, a daily devotional, a comfortable setting)? My retreat spot changes with the seasons, and oh... how I have valued my time on my patio. Do you have a certain area in nature where you feel He is walking with you? I have the Pacific Ocean as my nature destination, the "release" of the world begins as soon as the sky opens up along the crest of the evergreen tree line, there is just something in my spirit that senses the sea, the horizon, the waves crashing on the shore... a peace that is as wide as I can see.

Quiet and introspective time, alone with Jesus. Moments to rest in His presence. A time to communicate with Him, completely free from all the "stuff" of daily life. Allowing Him to bring restoration to my senses, my mind, my heart, and my soul. Spiritual serenity is such a lovely gift... it is in those moments that I am strengthened within my "foundational core" of faith. It is in His presence that I find love. A love so deep that it overflows for those in my every day moments.

My Lord, my God, I love you!

Joshua 1:8 His Instructions

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

...You shall meditate on it day and night.

That you may be careful to do according to all

that is written in it...

Joshua 1:8

Such perfect timing my Lord. Yesterday was a day that had wonderful moments of joy (talking to my only living Aunts= 89+). Their wisdom, their joys and sorrows, their connection to my life as I was being raised... pure joy when I listen to their voice... much strength when they share.  

God's word creates that same joy, wisdom and strength. It wasn't until I began searching and reading the Bible that I knew how much His word would guide everything in my life.  His word makes my life worth living... worth battling that which comes against me and mine... worth stopping to "see" what His blessings are.

In the morning, O Lord, 

You will hear my voice.

In the morning, 

I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.

Psalm 5:3 

In the morning, O Lord... Such sweet words. I am at the end of this daily blogging journey. The school bells will be ringing and it will be just enough time to greet my day with the Lord and get on the road. When the seasons begin changing, I must admit that I get "giddy" with each new "palate" of color. Abba's creation is truly a splendor "unfolding" before our eyes. In the morning I read, I pray, I praise and then I "eagerly watch" as His day dawns. When we are seeking answers to prayer, sometimes we want to rush before He has given us the confirmation to move. Just for today... well maybe every day... 

I will place my prayers before Him and eagerly watch for His answer!

Luke 23:32-43 Forgiven

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

Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. 

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, 

one on the right and the other on the left. 

But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." 

And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 

And the people stood by, looking on. 

And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, 

"He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One."

The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,

and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!"

Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"

But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? "And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."

And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"

And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Eternally grateful... what does it mean for us to be grateful for our Lord's passionate desire for us to come and follow?  How do we repent for that which has separated us from Him?  How can I accept His amazing love, grace, and mercy?  As for me, today I will be walking in contemplation what His "forgiveness" is worth...

Three silhouettes were etched upon the barren sky.
The sun was high, yet turning black as if to mourn.
Suspended there between the worlds of life and death,
With every breath I cursed the hour that I was born.
 
I starred upon the crowd that scorned my agony,
Along with me, each one of them could be condemned.
Yeah hanging there and suffering much more than I
The man beside me whispered father forgive them.
 
How could he ever forgive them,
Why he would want to I did not know.
Who was this man who could love them,
After the way that they hurt him so.

Without a word he bore the mocking and the pain,
And then I came to his defense to my surprise.
And when I turned and asked him to remember me,
I suddenly saw paradise within his eyes.
 
How could he ever forgive me?
Why he would want to I did not know.
Who was this man who could love me?
After the way that I hurt him so.
And then, I knew, he was who he claimed to be.
Only one could forgive and make us free.
 
Forgiven, forgiven for all of the past.
Forgiven, forgiven forgiven at last.
 
Forgiven, forgiven,
Forgiven, and free.
Forgiven, forgiven eternally!

Silverwind 

Forgiven.mp3 Play   Download

Forgiven .mp3 album: Silvewind - A Song In The Night lovesongchristianchurch.com

Colossians 1:29 Joyous Energy

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

To this end I strenuously contend,

 with all the energy'

 Christ so powerfully works in me.

Colossians 1:29

Joy is amazing, renewing, refreshing, and difficult to hold on to... in so many ways it can be like trying to hold water in an open hand.  You know when you are experiencing joy, and you know when you have been emptied of your supply of joy.

Dictionaries will describe joy as,“the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.”

With the online visual dictionary, you can view so many of the terms that are related to joy.  The Bible speaks of joy when facing adversity, during trials and struggles, when an enemy is pushing in on you, and when we see our Lord's victory ever before us.

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. 

Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. 

Philippians 4:4-5

Joy ushers in that calming warmth that echoes within our spirit to be "quiet and know."  Once we accept and allow His joy to fill us, there is an instant bubbling forth of joy.  Your eyes shine it... your smile proclaims it... and all things appear clearer, beautifully vivid, and so pleasing.  Joy is contagious, I have not met anyone who doesn't stop to share in a toddler's giggle.

You make known to me the path of life;

 you will fill me with joy in your presence,

 with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

 Psalm 16:11

For today, I will sing unto the Lord:

Joyful, joyful, we adore thee,

God of glory,

Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before thee,

Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day.

Henry Van Dyke   

Luke 10:20 Rejoice

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

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions,

 and over all the power of the enemy:

 and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you,

 but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Luke 10:19-20

When our Lord says, "Rejoice,"  I imagine Him smiling and His eyes are shining with such endearing love that all you want to do is bask in the depth of His joy.  I can close my eyes and instantly there is a "joyfulness" that begins to bubble forth... gloriously creating a pureness of  song and a desire to do a little "jig" of happiness.

I never considered that we should not focus on the victory over evil.  I can't help but to "shout" when evil is failed and placed into submission.  I'm pretty certain that when Jesus touches down... there will be a roaring "shout" of rejoicing.  So what is this passage teaching us?

It is so much easier for me to "Rejoice" in the promise that my name... our names... are written in Heaven!  That's an eternal promise!  He knows me, He loves me, and I am His!  This isn't a temporary thing... this is an "eternal" promise....

 

Lord of the Dance

"Dance, then wher-ever you may be;

I am the Lord of the Dance," 

said He, 

"I'll lead you all wher-ever you may be, 

I will lead you all in the Dance,"

said He.

Akiane Kramarik

http://www.akiane.com/about

 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;

 Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.

 Let them praise His name with dancing;

 Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. 

 For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;

 He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.…

Psalm 149:2-4

Lord Of The Dance

Sydney Carter

 1915-2004

I danced in the morning when the world was young
I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun
I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth
At Bethlehem I had my birth

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced for the scribes and the Pharisees
They wouldn't dance, they wouldn't follow me
I danced for the fishermen James and John
They came with me so the dance went on

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame
The holy people said it was a shame
They ripped, they stripped, they hung me high
Left me there on the cross to die

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

I danced on a Friday when the world turned black
It's hard to dance with the devil on your back
They buried my body, they thought I was gone
But I am the dance, and the dance goes on

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

They cut me down and I leapt up high
I am the life that will never, never die
I'll live in you if you'll live in me
I am the Lord of the dance, said he

Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he

Revelation 19:1-2; 6-7 Let Us Rejoice

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

"Hallelujah!  Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are His judgments…Hallelujah! 

For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory!" 

Revelation 19:1-2, 6-7

As I was reading my mail, I discovered a message from Anne Graham Lotz.  She was asking for us to stand united in prayer for the first 7 days of each month.  She has provided meditations and prayers of repentance and thanksgiving to our Lord, our Savior, Jesus.  On the 7th day, she is calling us to a 7 hour fast.  I am answering that call and I have added a link for our use in the menu of pages listed above.

The 7 hour fast begins with worship.  The shout of "Hallelujah!" resonates within my spirit.  It instantly places before the throne of God...  I love this place of peace and joy.  It will be the fulfillment of His promise, my spiritual home.  When scripture describes having a longing for home, my spirit opens my heart to a desire to be in His overflow of peace and joy.  When scripture describes David as one of His children, he is described as being a "man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22).  Tommy Tenney describes it as being a "God Chaser." 

O Father, thou hast loved me and sent Jesus to redeem me;
O Jesus, thou hast loved me and assumed my nature,
            Shed thine own blood to wash away my sins,
            Wrought righteousness to cover my unworthiness.
O Holy Spirit, thou hast loved me and entered my heart,
            implanted there eternal life,
            revealed to me the glories of Jesus.

Anne Graham Lotz