1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 Chosen

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

We give thanks to God always for all of you,

remembering you in our prayers,

unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith

and labor of love

and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,

before our God and Father,

knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God,

how you were chosen.

For our gospel did not come to you in word alone,

but also in power and in the Holy Spirit

and with much conviction.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

Giving thanks to God always for all of you, is that not a beautiful image. An image that gently reminds you about all that you do for those you love, for those whom are in your life, for those who once were a part of your life, and for those who are of service in all the many places you go.

Knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. Such a lovely caress... one of those "God shots." Those words that speak deeply to your heart, your memories, and your soul. Reminding us that we were chosen out of His love for us. Reminding us that He is faithful in His watch over us. That as we walk through this life, He will be our strength... our refuge... our defender.

The gospel did not come to us in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit. The blessing of the Holy Spirit.  The power of the conviction that the Holy Spirit is always with us. The Holy Spirit guides, comforts, protects, and takes our needs to our Lord. With much conviction the Holy Spirit will boldly stand for us, with us. We do not walk this path without the Holy Spirit. Such relief in knowing that I do not need to have all the answers.  In fact, I only need to rely on our Lord Jesus and the word of our Father (Abba), in order to have peace even in the midst of my storms. Don't get me wrong, I know... that I know... that it takes much work to proclaim our promises from the word of God.  Faith is not always easy, my trials can cause loneliness, heartache, anger, and a sense of being led astray... being betrayed.  Yet, He has never left me in the dark or abandoned me and not returned with His peace that surpasses all understanding.

There is so much in the world that wants me to get in a place of fear.  There are so many in the world that are trying to shame me into believing that our God, our savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are anything other than purified love.  I will not listen.  I will not watch.  I will not speak. I will believe... I will pray... I will praise with thanksgiving... for I belong to El Shadi my creator!

Today, if you are letting the world in to your life... right now take a moment to shut the door and windows and say... 

Lord, Jesus my faith is in you alone.

Here I am, take my life and do something good with it.

Let me bring a smile to Abba's face.

I belong to you.

Thank you for choosing me.

James 1:27 Faultless

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

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:

to look after orphans and widows in their distress 

and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

Most of us know about tithing from our first fruits (the income from the works of our hands=10%). Many of us tithe back to Lord with donations, thru prayerful discernment we recognize an area that we are drawn to in order to help others. We even tithe with our "free" time by volunteering to help in so many ways. Since I learned that tithing is God's way of blessing us through our willingness to honor our abundance, I have had so many opportunities to give to others. Through that giving, I have been blessed beyond measure in my soul, within my heart, and with in my consciousness. It truly brings a spring to your step and joy that overflows in so many ways.

The area that is one of the hardest to accept and keep is in keeping oneself from being polluted by the world. Standing in faith is a merciful boldness. Being freed from our past is His gracious mercy for all our sins (not one is worse than the other). Yet, once we have made the decision to walk in His will... well that means we turn our back on all things that would not bring a smile to His face or honor to His name. What is of the world? With such wisdom He has given us the book of Proverbs. We are guided by the Holy Spirit to live righteous lives, to think only on that which He wants us to know, to guard our thoughts and our tongues in order to receive the fullness of His will for us.

With today's devotional time, I was so grateful for His reminder that once I take my focus off of my self and my desires... He will unveil the needs of the helpless. With a generous heart and loving willingness, I can be available for those in need. If the world's messages consume my "free" time, I will never be anything more than a loud gong to His ears.

Holidays are around the corner, what would Jesus us want us to be doing? The nations of the world are in desire straights making decisions about power and not lives. The press is all about political gain and "talking" out their wisdom. Our entertainment is dark, moody, and filled with slanderous discussions and lust-filled desires. Have we really become a generation that is easy to program?

Keeping ourselves from being polluted by the world... what does this mean to you?

Romans 4:20-21 How Sweet are His Words

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

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief,

but was strengthened in faith,

giving glory to God, 

and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Romans 4:20-21

The word of God is so supportive, ever reminding us that we are His and we are loved without measure.  And yet, when those days arrive in which you find yourself not being gracious or merciful... well, what do you do with your "yuck" that burdens your spirit?

The Lords Prayer tells us to forgive trespasses against us in order to be forgiven for the trespasses that we have carelessly thought, said, or acted upon. Having a repentant heart is a great "re-start" button.  But, why would any situation get so quickly out of sinc with the word of God?  For me it is all about how much time I spend in the word every day, how much time am I in communication with our Lord, and God knows... how much time am I allowing entertaining "noise" fill up my relaxation time.

In today's devotional there was a quote by Samuel Clarke (Precious Bible Promises) in which he states that biblical promises are:

"...the constant food of a living Christian,

as well as His highest cordials (medicines)

in a fainting hour."

I'm just saying, when I face my less than gracious behavior I experience such emptiness and horror at how quickly I step out of bounds. I can only imagine the depth of what others might feel because of my slippery slide.  Samuel Clarke goes on to say:

"In such a world as this, where duties perpetually demand our practice,

and difficulties and trials are ever surrounding us, 

what can we do better than to treasure up the promises in our hearts?"

Now, let me prove His goodness. Given my last week, given all the stuff that was "bending" my waking hours... here is a "God shot" from my second devotional:

How sweet are Your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!Psalm 19:7-14  

  

"When it comes to spiritual food for our souls, God has given us a variety menu that we can chew on and savor.... 

the historical books, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, and other parts of the Bible strengthen us when we are weak, 

give us wisdom and encouragement, and nourish us for the day's journey (PS 19:7-14; 119:97-104; Heb 5-12).

So what are we waiting for?

The bread of life never gets stale.

Our Daily Bread (September 21, 2014)

So for this day Lord, I have joy down deep in my soul. Your mercy and love endures in-spite of my shortcomings. Your Holy Spirit will continue to lift me up off my knees. Your word will give new direction. Thank you for seeing me through....

Psalm 78:37-38 Merciful is our Lord

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

Though their hearts were not steadfast toward Him,

nor were they faithful to His covenant.

But He, being merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not;

Often He turned back His anger and let none of His wrath be roused.

Psalm 78:37-38

Such a sweet promise, He holds back His wrath and is always merciful and forgiving. Yesterday, I was so happy to see a movie of my youth available for viewing.  The cinematography was unbelievable (especially since it was filmed on Mt. Hood in the PNW).  The songs brought me such joy when I was a pre-teen, that I was joyfully singing along with delight. The characters were some of the best in Hollywood and on Broadway. They were so animated and brought so many moments of laughter. And yet, somewhere before the end of the movie, I was gently reminded why this movie was not something I should have revisited. Sinful ways are not a toy to be playing with. Sin... all sin... is not a door that I choose as my entertainment, let alone invite into my home. How old was I when this type of entertainment became funny, enjoyable, and relaxing? Why now, did this movie regain entrance into life, like a childhood friend that you joyfully greet and willingly invite into your home? Spiritual gardening... a flower from my youth was in fact a weed with nettles... how easy it was for me to forget to be protected and put on my gardening gloves.

So today, I pondered a few truths... at what point in my life did our nation decide that sin would be acceptable entertainment? Once Israel was given back their covenant lands (1957-1958), it seems that it took no time for the United States to remove prayer and bible teaching from our schools (1965-1967). In fact, science and history books were re-written in order to change the shift from the US being a Judeo-Christian nation. Was this the reason for such a drastic shift within our country, our homes, and our entertainment boundaries? Did my beloved movie really have a connection in changing the acceptance level within my generation? Was it a vehicle used to replace moral and ethical principles/standards with a lowered tolerance for a state of "politically correct" acceptance?

Seek the Lord while He may be found,

call Him while He is near.

Let the scoundrel forsake his way,

and the wicked his thoughts;

let him turn to the Lord for mercy;

to our God, who is generous in forgiving.

Isaiah 55:6-7 

Through His mercy and grace our Lord Jesus Christ suffered a horrific and humiliating death. He willing took our sinfulness in order for us to have a way to regain a loving relationship with Him and our creator El Shadi (Abba). Through His precious blood we can humbly bring our sinful thoughts, actions, and deeds before Him. Knowing full well, He will be merciful and forgiving. Knowing that He is always ready to interceded on our behalf. Knowing that Papa God (Abba) loves us so much that Their diligent watch over us is a longing that remains eternal. We can run to them and ask for forgiveness, we can be made new, and we can walk away strengthened in our relationship with Them. The Holy Spirit is always "gently" reminding us about what we see, hear, say, and do... are we listening?

For today, I will renew my commitment to being yours my Lord.

 Forgive me the sinful nature of being deceived and accepting of that which is in this world.

 Cleanse me from that which entertains my mind,

 protect my heart and soul by closing the doors to any other temptations,

 and fill me to overflowing with Your thoughts and goodness.

In your name Lord Jesus I pray...Amen, Amen, and Hallelujah!     

Isaiah 58:6-7 Pleasing God

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

Is this not the fast that I have chosen:

To loose the bonds of wickedness,

To undo the heavy burdens, 

To let the oppressed go free,

And that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

When you see the naked,

that you cover him.

And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Isaiah 58:6-7

For bible study, I pondered what was our Lord teaching me through Isaiah's prophetic word? Once we have made Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, what is the way in which He would want us to walk? What is my witness if it is not in my actions or words? Is my repentance and acceptance enough to bring a smile to Abba's face?

If you keep my commandments,

you will abide in My love,

just as I have kept My Father's commandments

and abide in His love.

These things I have spoken to you,

that My joy may remain in you,

and that your joy may be full.

This is My commandment,

that you love one another as I have loved you.

John 15:10-12 

Even though Jesus gave us His new commandment to love as He loved, He never said that the Old Testament Commandments were to be forgotten. Instead, He reminded us that as He walked with us here on earth... He kept His father's commandments:  

So why is the world so willing to "assume" that God's commandments are no longer a requirement?  Why would God's love and guidance be so "offensive" to others that all must keep quiet about Jesus' truth? The Mosaic law has remained a compass for generations, thousands of years, and yet within the last few decades "the world" has slowly "chipped" away that which was meant for man's safety, joy, and freedom.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit,

 but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,

 for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

 By this you know the Spirit of God:

 every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 

 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God.

 This is the spirit of the antichrist,

 which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

1 John 4:1-3

Testing the spirits, using our system of checks and balances... what does God's word say? Is what the world wants, what we should be accepting? Does today's society measure up to God's will or are the scales being tipped by what the world's "truth" is designing as an acceptable way to think and act? Who does the world say Jesus is?

Every day it seems like freedom is not free any longer. So what can I do to bring a smile to Abba's face?

 Then the King will say to those on his right,

 ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father;

 take your inheritance,

 the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 

 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,

 I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,

 I was a stranger and you invited me in, 

 I needed clothes and you clothed me,

 I was sick and you looked after me,

 I was in prison and you came to visit me.

 Matthew 25:34-36

Proverbs 22:6 His Seed

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

Train up a child in the way he should go;

and when he is old,

he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Our greatest assignment! Often, though, this is one of the most difficult tasks to "muddle" our way through. So many if only I had.... 

God is good all of the time! He is diligent in His watch over my children, grandchildren, and every child that comes across my path. Proverbs is a manual for all things in life. It can be a daunting mirror about our-self, it is a good source for what will align our thoughts with His will, and it reveals what a true Christ-like life should be.

Trusting in each seed we plant in our little ones is one of the greatest "leaps of faith" I have ever taken. It is a path of persistent prayer. It can be humbling. It can be painful. It can bring the most endearing moments of joy.

Being aware that our children, all children are watching and listening is a good thermometer for knowing how "well" we are raising our future generations. The world tells us not to offend... Our Lord demanded us to "train up" our children, His children:

Let the children come to me and do not forbid them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. 

Matthew 19:14

Gosh, how I pray that I help in raising up His precious children (no matter what their ages). That one day I will hear Him say, "Well done." That what I have planted pleases Him. That what I have failed to do will be forgiven. And that, what I can make right will bring blessings upon those I have misguided.

"Planting Godly seeds, will one day bloom into Godly plants."

Jay Stone 

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!

Psalm 62:7-8 Pour Out Your Hearts

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

In God is my salvation and glory,

my rock of strength;

in God is my refuge.

Trust Him at all times, O people.

Pour out your hearts before him,

for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:7-8

Loving the Lord, our God with our whole heart, mind, spirit, and soul is a blessing beyond anything in or off this world. It is in awe that I ponder the depth of His love for me... for me a sinner... for me a person who can be so undeserving. This summer's journey has been an inspiring path. God's calling has led me to new revelations in what my "walking in faith" can be. Surrendering your will can be a huge leap of faith... and yet, it is such a deep relief to know that I belong to my Creator.

His goodness is all around us... you can see it in every tiny aspect of our life... you can see it by simply looking up at an evening sky. You can sense it in the gentleness of a breeze... you can hear it in the purity of a toddler's giggle... you can see it in the spectacular artistry of each season. He is in the touch of an infant... He is in the comfort of a compassionate listener... He is in the thrill of a new adventure.  He is in all things concerning our life!

Trusting in Him at all times, can I turn over my control and let Him be my guardian? Do I trust in Him for the all of those little aspects in my daily walk? The big "ticket" trust is always a prayerful cry, yet what about those little aspects of life? His word demonstrates that He is always awaiting our notice of His presence. He is always diligent, patient beyond my understanding, and so ready to hear from us. He will put His angels on assignment for us when we are in danger, so why would He not be interested in our joys, sorrows, and frustrations of every day living? The other day, my hand could not unscrew a jar lid... you know it... I did ask Him for strength to get that lid off... and He provided! There He was in the littlest of things.

Pour out your hearts before him, am I willing to take all... all... of my concerns to Him before I "speak" anything to others? I have been on a quest in guarding my tongue and it, for sure, is not an easy task. You know those moments when some situation or someone has just offended you... you feel the "need" to defend yourself, well, I've learned to be submissive at that moment since I am immediately in prayer... asking our Lord to "deal" with them while He is "guarding" my mind and heart. The hardship is in "guarding" my tongue and allowing Him the room to work in my heart and thoughts. It is so much easier to "tell" someone of the "offense," to seek their support or their help... some what like a release valve that needs to vent. God's fifth commandment speaks to us to honor our parents... does this not also mean to honor anyone who could be trying us?  We can find strength in these moments by remembering that our Lord Jesus stood before others without speaking in His own defense... Jesus knew that nothing had power over Him unless it had been given by Abba. I know that I serve the only true and living God, no one and no principality has any power over me, for El Shadi (Abba)... His son my Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are my defenders... I answer only to them.

Today is a day that began with three amazing deer in my front yard, the sun rising in spectacular colors, and my daughter and granddaughter making waffles and egg biscuits with me. My morning was blessed to overflowing... So, for the rest of this day, I choose to look for Him to free me from my concerns and enjoy this day as His gift of "goodness"....

To God be the glory... for He is good... all of the time... and... all of the time... He is good!

My God's not dead...

Ezekiel 36:25 Cleansed and Renewed

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

I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

Ezekiel 36:25

The cleansing power of water... What would we do without it? It runs so freely here in America, just like electricity... or freedom of speech... and opening a Bible...

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence,

And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,

And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,

And sinners shall be converted to You.

Psalm 51:10-13

His promises for those whose choose Him and His son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I wonder, what do we do on a daily basis that "teaches" God's ways (not what the media, political, or social network enforces), His way... His teachings... His words (taking it to the Bible)?  Do we share what we have learned from our closeness with our Lord?  When others are debating, do we witness His truth (think WWJD)? When others are standing in judgement, being critical, and overpowering someone with their "worldly" beliefs, do we speak out in support of God's word?  Why do so many believe that their "personal faith" needs to be "quiet" and not shared? Our Lord, His apostles, and Christians all around the world... are not quiet!  Why is shame... silencing our calling?

I heard that a preacher asked, "If at some moment you heard that the social media networks were rounding up everyone who has posted and received information of God, Jesus, and or the Holy Spirit... would you be chosen?"