Psalm 91 God's Provincial Protection

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

A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you...

 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble;

 I will rescue him and honor him."

Psalm 91: 7, 15

Good morning America, Happy Independence Day!

Many devotionals are made readied for this day in our history.  They look for the right scripture.  They ponder and write words that they hope will provide inspiration to all.  That desire, all hope for all in our nation, is how we became an Independent Republic with a governing democracy.

"Of the fifty-six men who signed this document, the final to pass away was Charles Carroll, who died at the age of 95. Before his passing, New York City asked him to inscribe his final thoughts on a copy of the Declaration. On it he wrote that he was "Grateful to Almighty God for the blessings which, through Jesus Christ Our Lord, He has conferred on my beloved country in her emancipation." Significantly, this Founding Father, in looking back over what had occurred as a result of the Declaration, wanted to specifically thank Jesus for what had happened with America." David Barton

"The two signers of the Declaration to precede Charles Carroll in death were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Both had been on the committee to draft the Declaration, and both died on the 50th anniversary of that document - on July 4, 1826." David Barton

Psalm 91 is a promise of Divine protection.  It is sometimes known as the Soldier's Psalm.  General Washington prayed it, quoted it, and spoke it over his command every day. "He was the recipient, a witness, to God's supernatural protection so much so that he became known as the "soldier who could not die."  The Founder's Bible: The Origin of the Dream of Freedom, David Barton

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance.

Psalm 89:15

Today we enjoy the abundant life that our Founding Fathers and every soldier for the last 238 years stood for.  Our Lord Jesus, also suffered and stood on the Word of God.  Jesus promised:

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

The Bible teaches that God gives us abundant mercy (Numbers 14:18), abundant provision (2 Chronicles 11:23), abundant kindness (Nehemiah 9:17), abundant pardon (Isaiah 55:7) and abundant peace (Psalm 37:11). Journey: Your Daily Adventure with God by David Jeremiah

In today's world, truth is a mask for hidden agendas and personal gain.  Our National independence can only be safe-guarded by our recognition and acceptance of our spiritual dependence... pray often!  Standing united with God's truth is our calling for our children, family, friends, and co-workers.  You have heard the "Freedom is not Free," so what can we do to stay free... we pray, we stand, and remain in His word.

I am the vine, you are the branches.

 He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;

 for without Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Learn more about America!

Articles from WallBuilders:
Thomas Jefferson and Religion at the University of Virginia 
The Founders And Public Religious Expressions
4th of July Article
"A Response to the Critics" at thejeffersonlies.com
1825 sermon and an old 1825 oration from our library about the Fourth of July that you might enjoy reading.

Deuteronomy 4:39-40 Living Long and Strong

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

Know therefore this day and consider it in thine heart,

 that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

  Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments,

 which I command thee this day,

 that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee,

 and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth,

 which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Deuteronomy 4:39-40

His blessings... I often heard of blessings, yet I never knew that blessings were ours to accept and claim.  I always thought that if you were deemed "good enough," you would be blessed.  What is truth?  Abba, El Shadi, is our creator... He has already deemed us to be "good enough," we are made in His image.  He sent His son to die for us!  He has conquered death... We are to be His for eternity!  

Of course there is that one little step of: 

• Asking His son, Jesus, to be our Lord and Savior
• Then there is confessing it before others and being baptized by water in the Holy name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• Asking and receiving the Holy Spirit as our comforter, our spiritual guide, with all of His fruits and gifts
• Walking by faith, in His word daily = believing + claiming + speaking + thinking = witnessing.  
• Letting His statutes, principles, and commandments guide our thoughts, mind, and actions.  

Wow, this seems like such a list of demands. How could I ever make such changes?  Well, that's just it... I can't!  Through the Trinity, all power of His becomes renewed, rejuvenated, refreshed within me... every day, every hour of the day, every second in which I am willing to focus on Him.

During one of my Bible studies, I was given some passages for living long and strong.  I am so thankful that I don't have to find this path on my own... we are truly blessed beyond measure for we live in a day that all access is at our fingertips... it's up to us to decide what nourishment we will be digesting on this day... at this moment...  Walking by faith meant taking a leap of faith and letting His word guide me.  All I could give in return was my beginning and ending moments of my day, a willingness to follow His lead, and the desire to never walk alone and in darkness again....

It is with hopefulness that these passages will be a light unto your path as they are mine...

• Walking the Word = Proverbs 4:18-22
• Live Worth Living = Proverbs 3:13-16
• Living Long = Ephesians 6:2-3
• Length of Days = Proverbs 3:1-2
• Enjoying Life = Deuteronomy 4:39-40
• Faith by Hearing = Romans 10:17
• Wages of Sin = Romans 6:23
• Blessings or Curses = Deuteronomy 28
• Blessed Health = Isaiah 46:4

Living long and strong... I can't do it without Him... and I can't walk it without you!

Ruth 1:16 Thy God my God

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

...for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge;

 thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.

Ruth 1:16

The book of Ruth, once read becomes a sweet letter from "Papa God."  It's a book of love, devotion, and redemption.  It's a story of promise, hope, and obedience to our calling.  It's a reminder to honor those who have walked His walk and are willing to mentor us on our faith path.

I cherish this book, as I do the book of Esther.  If you wonder why was Ruth so important... she is the great grandmother of David... whose blood line leads us to our Lord Jesus.  A very important convert!

Ruth's honor for Naomi, her mother-in-law, witnesses an inner beauty.  A heart set on following after the qualities modeled from a woman whose spirit was God centered and devoted to living His truth in all things.

• Resolved = determined to follow God (Ruth 1:16) with a heart that is truly His (2 Cor 12)
• Hopeful and Bright = looking for the blessings and promises and not living off of the past (Ruth 2:2)
• Worker = prayed and did the work in order to open the way for Him to bless the work of her hands (Ruth 2:17)
• Grateful Heart = didn't think that anything was owed her... every morsel was a blessing of His goodness (Ruth 2:10-13)
• Placing Others First = put a spiritual law into action by sowing: obedience + willing heart = harvest of blessings (Ruth 3:10)

 The Lord recompense thy work

and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel,

 under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Ruth 2:12

Ruth never abandoned the one who was good to her.  Working out of gracious thankfulness for a woman who loved her, nourished her, inspired her, and witnessed a life devoted to God's will... treasures of truth honored.  Once Ruth stood on her promise to follow Naomi and her God... Ruth walked out her commitment and was richly blessed for her faithfulness and obedience.

Once you read Ruth... then read Esther... then you might want to know the portrayals of these women by reading or watching the following:

Hadassah: One Night with the King by Tommy Tenney is the story of Esther.  Beautifully written and inspiring.  A must read for any woman following after God's will....

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