Romans 15:4 Endurance

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.

John 15:5 With Jesus all things are Possible

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!

Isaiah 43:1-4 Fear Not

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

Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine,

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you,

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

You are precious in my eyes,

and honored, and I love you.

Isaiah 43:1-4 

ESV

Oh my Lord, etch these words upon my heart.  Let me walk boldly through this life on earth with these words resonating with in my spirit.  Allow my words and actions to be a light unto others with this message as my foundation.  Grant me your Grace so that your light will shine through my eyes for all who enter my path.

Although there are so many great insights in my daily walk with the book Spoken For, I will be sharing from the last chapter. My journey with Robin and Alyssa has been such a blessing.  Each chapter has provided a window into the messages that our Lord has said about each of us.  Sweet words: wanted... deeply loved... fought for... delighted in... pursued... secure... protected... held... His... chosen... redeemed... and spoken for.  Talk about being filled to overflowing!

If I, if you, and if our names are priceless to Him... then how much more should His names be to us?  To our daily situations? To our moment by moment worship of Him?

Do you the names of God?  Of our Lord Jesus?  I didn't realize how important names were to God until I began reading His word, book by book.  Have you ever wondered why the names in the Bible were changed once they were willing, obedient, and in agreement with God's calling?  What about those who are baptized, confirmed, married, or ordained... why do they add or change their names?

The name of the Lord is a strong tower.

Proverbs 18:10

God's names speak to His truth... His will... His capabilities...  His promises... His magnificent characteristics:

• Elohim, the God above all gods (Genesis 1:1)
• El-Shaddai, the Almighty God (Genesis 17:2-3)
• El-Elyon, God the Most High (Genesis 14:18-20)
• Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides (Genesis 22:11-14)
• Jehovah Rapha, our God who heals (Exodus 15:26)
• Jehovah Shammah, our God who is present (Ezekiel 48:35)
• Jehovah Yahweh (YHWH), our loving, covenant-keeping God (Exodus 3:13-14)
• Jehovah Ra-ah, our shepherd (Psalms 23:1)
• Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of our peace (Judges 6:22-24)
• Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is our banner, victor, and captain (Exodus 17:16)
• Jehovah Tsidkenu, our God of righteousness (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
• Yeshua, Jesus, our Chirst, our Messiah (Revelation 12:10)
• Jesus, the King of kings, the Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16)
• Jesus, the Lamb of God (Revelation 5:6)
• Jesus, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5)
• Jesus, the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8; 22:13) 

In Our Daily Bread, we are reminded that when unwelcome circumstances threaten us or we feel vulnerable, we can reflect... call on... stand on... and be assured that our God... our Lord... is forever faithful to His name... He remains steadfast and diligent in His watch and keep over us and ours.

The Many Names of God

1 John 4:4 His Answer to Our Prayers

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.

1 John 4:4

Matthew 6:11 Our Daily Bread

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

Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:11

For a few years I have been in a continuous prayer mode with the "Lord's Prayer."  It is true that out of the ashes, our Lord pours forth His blessings to those in faith-filled prayer.  During the time of complete surrender, I took my down time and read the book, Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy.  I know that in the midst of chaos, loss, and holding on to your faith for comfort and strength seems like a bad time to read something so horrifying, so disturbing, and so emotional.  And yet, I found solace.  In the story, the reporter questions how the Amish can be so forgiving in the midst of their tragedy... a response was that they do not just pray the Lord's prayer... they meditate on each verse, each word... all through their day (as they work, as they praise, as they gather).  My response was, Wow... what must that be like?  So... I accepted the gentle nudging and began putting on the Lord's prayer as I drove to work, while I had those moments between students, as I drove home, as I cooked dinner, as my family watched their shows, and as I walked in my garden before bed time.

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This is how you are to pray:

'Our Father (Abba) who art in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

thy kingdom come, 

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from the evil one.'

If you forgive the faults of others, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours."

Matthew 6: 8-14

Our Father provides daily, hourly, minute by minute what we need and what the desires of our heart and spirit requests...  It is in our thanksgiving, our worship of His provisions that we begin to trust... to believe... to stand on His will for us.  His timing, His responses, His mercy and His amazing grace...

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...

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

Lamentations 3:22-24 His Steadfast Love

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 and Hebrews 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!

"Shame off you... Grace on you..."

Robin Jones Gunn

John 8:31-32,36 Truly Free

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

If you live according to my teaching you are truly my disciples;

 then you will know the truth,

 and the truth will set you free.

So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.

John 8:31-31, 36

When I think of freedom I envision two types of joy.  The first would be that little girl who continues to play within my memories.  She loved running with her arms spread out like a bird, darting here and there, gleefully feeling joyous freedom.  Her favorite "freedom run" was at the beach... soaring with the breeze kissing her face, playing with the tide's foam, squishing her toes into the warmth of the sand, and twirling before God almighty with joyous thanksgiving (conversing with her own thoughts and songs).  The second type of joy happens when a parade passes by, when our anthem plays, when taps is reminding me of those who walked before me, and when those who deceive try to weave a falsehood about our country, family, friends, or coworkers.

As we are growing up, there are so many ages of experiences which are our "steppingstones to freedom" (Robin Jones Gunn).  The best freedom moment is when you take that leap of faith and you ask Jesus to forgive you, to help you, to heal you, to love you...  "You are set free from something and to something..." (RJG). His freedom is immediate, it is complete, it is freely given and abundant.

In Spoken For, Alyssa discusses the book of Hosea in which it is witnessed how Hosea's wife, as well as Israel and everyone of us experience God's freedom.  Once free, we are joyful, hopeful, willing to shout and share our excitement and then we... little by little... begin to return... back to our old ways.  Sometimes we become enslaved, held in bondage, and smothered by oppressive thoughts.  Once enslaved, sin begins to raise up in fear, anger, resentment, and even hatred... justifying why it's all about what we deserve.

The amazing Grace of God is always right there... pursuing us in our mess. There's a nagging in your soul, listen to it and simply... re-gift yourself to Jesus' loving embrace...

You have been bought at a price! Do not enslave yourselves to men.

1 Corinthians 7:23