Jeremiah 33:14-16 The Days are Coming

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

The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and Judah.  

In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land.

  In those days Judah shall be safe and Jerusalem shall dwell secure...

Jeremiah 33: 14-16

Given the headlines, it can only be for His purpose that Jeremiah 33 is on my heart.  As the daughter of God Almighty... as a Christian whose faith is in our Lord Jesus Christ... as a Spirit filled believer...  we do not know the day or time... we do know the signs.

I have been walking in scripture for a few years and I know, that I know, that nothing in or of this world is balanced.  It is us, His people that continue to witness His goodness.  In every aspect of life, every career, every media source... His goodness and our Thankfulness has diminished or is forbidden.  All of us born in the 50's could not have imagined what the "Age of Aquarius" would do to our future, our families, or our nation. Many of the faithful have been speaking out, even bold, about what changes are coming.  And yet, majority rule has blinded even those who once knew and recognized the truth.  When our Lord was brought before Pontius Pilate, Pilate asked him..."And what is truth." (John 18:38)

With so much confusion in our nation, around the world, and in our work or social environments... How we discern the truth is up to us... if we are to be prepared, watchers for His return... we look to the Word of God to lead us, to comfort us, and to guide us.  I am walking by faith and not by sight....

I will bring them back to this place and settle them here in safety.

  They shall be my people, and I will be their God.  

Jeremiah 32: 37-38

2 Timothy 2:21 Reflection of His Handiwork

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

...if a person will but cleanse himself of evil things he may be a distinguished vessel, 

dedicated and useful to the master of the house and ready for every noble service.

2 Timothy 2:21

 This verse once meant that I was to walk away, turn my back on that which would not please our Lord.  If He is omnipresent, with us always... then what I read, what I watched, what I listened to... might not bring a smile to His face.  He might not think that joke was funny.  He might get up and walk away from that show.  He would be offended with how that actor used His name and then He would look at me with disappointment.... Definitely not my idea of a "blessed moment!"

With today's reading, this verse has taken on a joyful image.  In Spoken For, Robin shared about a "teachable" moment with a young visitor.  This nine-year-old was so down-in-the-mouth.  Her parents would not let her go see a movie with her friends because they did not approve of its content.  She felt that her parents were being "way too over protective."  Does this sound familiar?  I recognize this scene.  Robin was making chocolate covered cherries as she pondered how to respond to this young heart.  With inspiration from the Bible, she asked if her visitor wanted one of the cherries and of course she did... although she commented that she thought Robin was making them for someone special.  "How do you explain to a nine-year-old the blessing that comes from living according to God's standards and not going along with the rest of the world?"  Robin's discussion was priceless, her goal was to demonstrate the unique and priceless value that our Lord sees in each of us.  Robin remembered a dirty paper plate from the BBQ the night before.  She pulled it out of the garbage and picked up one of those yummy chocolate cherries... she proceeded to that disgusting, stained paper plate... when her young visitor stopped her.  "You aren't going to use that dirty plate, are you?"  Robin quickly responded, "I have other plates.  They're special plates.  Clean plates. Plates that I have kept set apart from all the others... You might think I'm way too overprotective of these plates.  I'm protective because these fine china plates are very valuable... I want to keep them clean and set apart... kept from harm and always be ready for me to use to serve others."

Once this unique "teachable" moment had finished, Robin proceeded to write this young ladies name on the back of the plate with the inscription... "You are a fine china plate: 2 Timothy 2:21."  This young lady took her priceless china plate, her blessed memory of a uniquely inspired biblical truth, and her priceless image of herself home.  Once home she hung it up on her bedroom wall as a reminder of that moment in time... her friend Robin's ability to inspire and love her... as a mirror reflecting God's word about how He sees her.  

I have a few china plates on my walls, ones given to me by my great-great grandmother... thanks to Robin's inspiration I now have a Biblical truth to write upon them for my grand-daughters.

So turn from youthful passions and pursue

 integrity, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord in purity of heart.  

Have nothing to do with senseless, ignorant disputations.

2 Timothy 2: 22-23

Matthew 5:16 Letting Good Deeds Pave His Pathway

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

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

I couldn't walk away from today's reading about God working on us.  In my daily devotional there was a witness that prompted two days of contemplation, two days of memories and acknowledging what my life was once like and how my life has been changed.

I have been blessed in a faith walk that began as a toddler.  My time with God began so very long ago that I would not know how to breathe without considering His guidance and teachings.  And yet, there have been so many lessons that have brought me closer unto His ministering hands. Lessons that I will only grasp the full measure of as I walk with Him in His garden.  The most encompassing moment began so many years ago when my youngest walked off a ledge and began drowning... that very day ended with me gasping for breath as I viewed paramedics trying to get me out of my SUV.

From that point on I have been under His designing touch... being reshaped... being fired... being designed... being lovingly crafted.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, 

but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18

As I mentioned above, there was a witness shared that spoke of God's guidance during a brief interchange.  A man approached the writer while he was pumping gas, the man was asking for some money.  The writer ignored the man's request, and at once God began working in his spirit.  The story ended with the writer accepting and following the Holy Spirit's prompting to give that man the money.  It was the reminder of that revelation (money is only temporary but the kindness would open various levels of eternal possibilities) which caused my memories to under go a closer scrutiny.  How often have I followed the Holy Spirit's prompting, how often have I walked away only to go back and change a behavior, and how often have I walked away only to be humbled for my choice.

When we view people and situations as our Lord sees them, we are generous and not in judgement:

Keeping God as our focus + Being willing and obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit = Being His vessel of His design

 

2 Peter 1:2-11

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

If these things are yours and abound,

 you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:8

This process of reading and then writing about the scripture which resonates with my spirit is paving an avenue of peace during my day.  I was unsure of my ability to communicate what a spiritual journey would bring.  I was willing, and yet I was untrained in writing to an audience.  What would you think?  Would you find nuggets of His hand at work in your life through these stepping stones?  Would He be glorified with the words that are being etched upon this blog?

With today's focus, the apostle Peter is tugging at my heart to remember that Christlike living is a process.  Spiritual development increases with the blessed assurance that His word does not come back void. Learning "how" to be a willing vessel means letting go of my mindfulness (control) and nodding acceptance to His work within me, through me, and with hopefulness out to you.  What does His spiritual out pouring look like?  It is promised that  faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love will shine through us so that we may be a blessing to others.  That means a complete commitment to be dependent on Him and His will.

Join me in this process of learning to know our Lord:

Lord, so often we want complete and perfect solutions here and now.

  But You work graciously in Your good time.

  Let Your goodness and patience and virtue shine through us so that we may bless others for You.

Our Daily Bread 

1 Corinthians 7:23 Not Enslaved

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

You have been bought at a price!

Do not enslave yourselves to men.

1 Corinthians 7:23

NAB

In Spoken For, Alyssa writes about her moment of surrender.  Her desire to be free and to live as God intended.  For as long as I can recall, that has been a continuing desire.  Especially when I have been enjoying my moments with Jesus, those seasons in which I know that I have drawn close unto Him.  When I am out of sync, when I have not been faithful in spending time with His word... I step into a dry spell which takes a toll on my inward peace.  With grace, He works in me... reclaiming me... letting me know that He would like me to spend more time with Him.  And so I do.

The NLT of 1Cor 7:23 reads: God paid a high price for you, so don't be enslaved by the world. Are there words for such a deep and all consuming love?  Will I ever completely gain the full impact of those words?  Some how I know that I will when I first look into Jesus' eyes.  Until then, every time I surrender to His tender attention, as He is pruning... as He is sculpting... as He is nourishing me... I know that I will once again emerge into a revised... rejuvenated...  and renewed vessel.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,

 that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

ESV

At the end of chapter six, Alyssa led me to ponder what God's word says about me and what were the lies from the world that I have been accepting?  Walking away from those lies, asking and accepting His saving Grace, Mercy, and Love provides the freedom to walk out His will for my life... with His blessings... in His joy.

How will I stay focused?  Alyssa's words will spur me on...

"Whenever you doubt your value or worth, look to the cross.  

There you will see the ultimate proof that you are His treasure.  

Not because of anything you have done but because of what He did."

Spoken For

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!

Joshua 1:8 Meditate on His Word

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

According to His plan... all three of my morning passages aligned with His word:

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: 

for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 1:8

I was always so concerned about memorizing passages.  To memorize anything has never lasted beyond short term, especially now as I am older, plus that head on collision didn't help matters.  Yet, meditating all day long on what His word is saying to me is like breathing.  With my morning reading, I have been led to follow a prescription for educating my spirit (and claiming that my mind will be renewed):

• Meditate on His word = feeding, nourishing, and building up His storehouse of strength, promises, blessings, and weapons
• Practicing His word = saying it out loud, claiming it as mine, accepting it as a new mind set (James 1:22)
• Giving His word priority = the first and last images, thoughts, and moments are given unto Him (Proverbs 4:20-22)
• Instantly obeying His spiritual directives = checking my thoughts with His word... asking if this is His will... listening for confirmation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 Not necessarily an easy "to-do" list, and yet if so many have spent a life time investing in financial opportunities or going to a gym for their health/body... then I can put in the 10-15 minutes of my mornings and evenings to invest in my eternal future.  Since Jesus invited us into a close, everyday, relationship with him... I will allow Him to see me through to completion:

I am the vine; you are the branches.

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;

apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5  

In Spoken For, I was humbled by the realization that I (myself) can do nothing... God can do whatever He wants; He doesn't need me as a puppet or servant.  He invites me to be a part of what He is already doing.  He values me without my needing to do anything, I can stop trying to make God proud of me. I can live with Him as the vine and me as His branch (Jn 15:4).

You are precious to me.

You are honored, and I love you.

Isaiah 43:4

NLT

Philippians 4:8 Thinking about the Right things

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

... whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; 

if there be any virtue... and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

This morning I was reminded that my thoughts do not always need to be shared.  My thoughts are not always gracious, or of value to the glory of God.  When I was a little girl, my wise and wonderful neighbors on 42nd street were so very gracious.  For what seemed like moments of daily family time to me, I am sure seemed like hours of constant chatter to them.  And yet, they were so very important in my upbringing.  They modeled, they freely accepted, and they planted seeds of kindness, faith, and love.

As a teen, as a young adult, as I was walking my path... would I have discussed the same things with these ladies.  Absolutely not.  Whether it was about a book, movie, person, or fear... I know, that I know, I would not have talked around them the way I did my circle of family,  friends, and coworkers.  So why do I talk of those things even unto my self?

In the teachings of, A Lesson A Day by Chofetz Chaim, "it is with the heart of a child I am always ready to learn... driven by the expectation that each new day would bring new insights and new light ... with a character constantly in the process of refinement."  Today's teaching leads to an awareness about what I speak into being.

One who guards his mouth and tongue, guards his soul from tribulations.

Proverbs 21:23 

Being led by the spirit of God means that you should be able to judge what I think and believe by what I speak.  Oh man, that speaks clearly....  When I am walking in His Grace... this is evident.  When I've allowed the stuff of the world to enter my thoughts, what I watch, and who I am listening to... well a weighted burden oppresses my joy. My attitude gets out of alignment.  My feelings begin ruling what I think and say.  I give away my protection and become an easy target for the darts others are slinging at me.  Being in battle zaps me of strength, joy and peace.  Do you know the song in which the verse proclaims: "You can talk about me all that you please ...I'll talk about you while I'm on my knees.."  That's guarding you tongue in action!

Guarding my tongue begins with wearing the helmet of salvation and protecting my mind from self-discussions. Giving my thoughts to Jesus and claiming the Holy Spirit's of His thoughts and blessings becomes easier every day.  To Him is the praise, joy is so much better!

...out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh

Matthew 12:34

Thinking, fretting, talking unbelief, talking pain, talking suffering = blocking the blessings, the healing, and the joy.  Think on Phil 4:8, put into action the refusal to think about... talk about... stay around... or watch that which steals your blessings. I always told the kids: "If  Jesus lives in you, with you, and through you... then what would He be thinking about what you are saying, watching, doing, or listening to?"  Putting those words into action... yeah it is harder than you can imagine... and yet, living in the blessings because of a choice to guard and protect that which He is giving me... is such a better trade off.

David therefore declares, “Which man desires life, who loves days of seeing good? Guard your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit…”

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Psalm 91: Under His Shadow

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

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91: 1

Finding consolation, locating a place of protection, or seeking refuge... the shadow of God is a constant abiding place.  In those moments when your spirit and heart feel so extremely heavy, I have found safety every time I read this passage aloud (aloud = spirit connected + mind controlled = power over fear).

I once was broken.... I once was lost... I once was so confused... And then, I was guided to the Word of God.  Once I placed His word first in the morning and last before I rest, my journey became focused.  I discovered peace, joy, and most of all a place of refuge.

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice.

Psalm 63:7

Asking Jesus to be your Lord, your Savior, your Shepherd means that you have traded your will in this life for His will... His love... His forgiving Grace... His mercy... His favor... His prosperity... His Joy... His healing... and His protection!  He is diligent in His watch over you, your loved ones, your family, friends and coworkers.  Within the pages of my Bible (Master's Healing Presence Bible, KJV, Benny Hinn) there exists every direction I will ever need for my journey here on earth until I return home when I will hear Him say: Welcome Home!  "Wherever we go, whatever we suffer, whatever our difficulties, temptations, trials, or perplexities may be... we are always under the tenderest care of our Guardian (BH)"

...we spend our years as a tale that is told

Psalm 90: 9

The anointing on you is the vehicle that transports you in your life = faithfulness; keeps you protected; and will always gets stronger for His calling and service.  The anointing in you is seasonal = it stays strong as long as you stay in His word daily; practicing His principles for life.  Because I walk as a wife, mother, granny, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, and teacher... I read aloud Ps 90:9-Ps 92:15.

"We can hide away near His heart, beneath His wings.. 

press closely to the loving heart of our Lord, 

hide ourselves entirely beneath His wings!"

Benny Hinn

John 17:25 Communion with Jesus

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

Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.

I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me

may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

John 17: 25

What does it mean to live in union with Him?  Today's scripture reminded me that I must always leave my heart and mind open to His tender care.  With a malleable heart, he can shape and mold me in order to see through to completion.  I can be attentive to  His voice through the Word of God.  I can choose to spend daily time in His presence... sitting at the feet of my Master.

Sr. Ann Shields teaches that the Holy Spirit is ushered within to bless us with His love.  The promises of spiritual gifts is our Master's design to commune with us.  Consider the following gifts:

• Wisdom = the gift of a relationship with Jesus our savior, Abba our father, and the Holy Spirit which is His love poured out
• Understanding = seeing, knowing, and accepting God's plan in your life
• Counsel = enlightening your conscious
• Fortitude = supernatural strength = imparted hope + courageous perseverance
• Knowledge = true value of life as Abba views us = our preciousness
• Piety = profound confidence and tenderness towards God = extinguishing all attacks
• Fear of the Lord = reverence and desire to draw close unto Him

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another counselor to be with you forever... the Spirit of truth.

John 14: 16

...because I live, you will also live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

John 14:19-20