"However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit,
if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you."
Romans 8:9
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
When asked what I would be doing during the summer break, I knew that this is my season of retreat. My time to learn, to listen, and to be renewed. Although my retreat begins early when I rise and has moments off and on our porch swing and carries over into my evening prayer time, renewal tends to be slower than if I was away from the every day.
With slower and steady pacing I've learned to trust in God's hand at work within me. Come fall, I have experienced an overflowing merciful graciousness that carries me through until my mini-retreats of Thanksgiving and Christmas. My friends, God is good... His plans and will for my rejuvenation is always complete.
So, for this day I walk out into an exploration with family trusting that His blessing for today will bring a gathering of blessed memories in my farmer's market experience.
Holy Spirit, I invite and accept your miraculous confirming
within my mind.
I thank you for aligning it into the
mind of Christ
and revamping my heart to reflect the
heart of God.
Amen unto you, my Lord, my Savior, My God!
Enjoy today, go out and gather those moments of God's hand at work around you,
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
What should have begun with anticipation for my time with our Lord, daily devotion and inspirational teachings quickly turned into a selfish tantrum. Seriously, where do moments like that come from? With humility, confessing that "buttons-pushed" can be so derailing (for everyone in the area). With wisdom from the Holy Spirit it was time to walk away (at least I was listening to the prompting). In the wake of this unrest, I had to repent of my willingness to be derailed and ask: "Lord, what is the target in me that was so primed for such a response? Lord, I rebuke that agreement of self-defense that was made so long ago. Lord, come with me into that agreement moment to bind it and cast it away from my mind, my heart, my spirit, and my soul. Through your authority Lord Jesus, that agreement has no power over me any longer, for it is in Your victory at the cross that has set me free." Alleluia... Alleluia... Alleluia..."
Just for this moment, if you are in need of a "reset" in your day... Sing with me:
This is the day, this is the day.
That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.
We will rejoice, we will rejoice,
And be glad in it, and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord has made.
We are the sons, we are the sons,
Of the living God, of the living God.
We will rejoice, we will rejoice,
And be glad in Him, and be glad in Him.
We are the sons of the living God.
We will rejoice and be glad in Him.
We are the sons, we are the sons
Of the living God.
Matt Johnson (1983)
Of course maybe the Holy Spirit is bringing me back to May 1, 1976...
It's a brand new day,
everything is fine
Though it may be gray,
I want you to know that the sun's gonna shine
And out of that sky, piercing every cloud, is our God on high!
There will be a new heart for every man
like the flowers that bloom in early spring
For every life there is a plan,
no matter what autumn breezes bring
So put away care, let freedom be yours
Joy is everywhere, joy is everywhere!
Let freedom ring, alleluia now
Everybody sing let your voices shout to the mighty King.
Well the heaven's declare in a way so grand
If the skies are fair or windy or gray
it's the work of His Hands
And down on that ground, with never a word
Such a mighty sound
And the morning will see the rolling sun
As he happily rises o'er the land
A messenger on his daily run
Brings news of the Father's guiding Hand
His Law of love, it is wholly wise
Word from above gives joy to my heart and it's light to my eyes
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
2 Cor 9:8
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
With much joy, today is a day that the Internet is working. That meant my daily posts can be sent to all of you. Some times it is all about finding joy in the small things!
This morning has been filled with doing what is there for me to do. What was a take-away from last fall's study, greeted me this summer morning: "Waking up to enjoy the small things." In my journal, there was a page "mapped" with these words: "Grateful and placing value on the small accomplishments/blessings that we can begin our day with... the possibilities are endless!"
Yes, in fact the possibilities are endless. Just for today, what would our Lord wish for me to do? It's all in the seeking (asking), what is His desire of me for this day? Since the 5:00am alarm, my day has been less organized... flittering from here to there. A few moments in the yard and then back in to the computer (of course a snack, a quick cup of tea, the rinsing of dishes, stopping for a brief discussion with little Gabriel Michael, etc). By Noon, this entry had its beginning!
Melanie's study (listed below) taught me that I could be "living with an enthusiasm while embracing where life is right now." Shout out to her for that thought. Seriously, knowing my "right now" can be of use for His purpose. Now that brings renewed enthusiasm!
My initial goal for today... In yesterday's post there had been a brief statement and a link for verse mapping. Thoughts throughout the day kept returning to the lack of details about this form of ordering your learning known as verse mapping. It is a new path for me during my scripture studies, although my journal technique is always evolving this is a deeper form of notation. Here are a few screen shots that might provide some insights about verse mapping.
Every word written in a scriptural journal ensures that those seeds can be revisited and nurtured. Which is another shout of joy, especially when my mind races beyond God's word and/or inspiration shared shared for my harvest. Take time for yourself and check into these resources.
The possibilities are endless...
ISBN: 978-0310081340
Melanie Shankle is a graduate of Texas A&M and lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Perry, and daughter, Caroline. Melanie began blogging in July 2006 when she started her blog, Big Mama. She’s also a regular contributor to The Pioneer Woman blog.
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
Being still and knowing "who" our Lord is has been a "faith-filled" journey this year. Please forgive the long wait between posts. I have been on a journey. A journey that has been wondrously difficult, inspiring, and revealing.
Daily inspirations brought early morning strength. Like many of you, I begin the day seeking His strength, His guidance, and putting on His armor. Given my week's calling in the classroom, there isn't enough time to seek the Lord's teachings with quiet contemplation and moments of listening and pondering. Weekend mornings affords a much deeper retreat, yet those days seem to be a "holy" band-aid for the week to come. It has been in my prayer closet that my evenings are a reflection of my day. Without my evening time, my restorative rest isn't complete. How is your spiritual growth growing? Have you filled up any study journals this season? Are any of you verse mapping your daily scriptures? What I have experienced is a greater depth to "seed planting" the Word of God every moment I make room for a good study opportunity. This year began with a much needed winter break. The weather kept the house wrapped in winter hibernation and my chair, quilt, tea cup, and journal became my Saturday morning retreat center complete with tools for harvesting spiritual fruit of reflection. With a heart filled with gratitude, a shout of joy for the technology that can bring at-home studies into my life, I began my latest journey with a desire to learn how to discern the voice of God. Each word carefully scripted within my journal became my "go-to" wisdom finder, especially when the world around me brought forth stumbling blocks, deceptive observations, and/or the inner doubt agreements that tend to steal my focus from the promises of God's Words. For today, I wanted to share this strength building wisdom... Take time for your spirit and trust that you are a worthy contender! Blessings, MrsK
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
Thank you Lord for loving me so! Thank you Lord for your provision of grace, mercy, forgiveness, and the desire to know you more. With every season of my life, you have guarded and guided me in your ways for your glory, there are no words to express my love for you. With humility I have fallen to my knees, with faith I have sought you, with love I have cried unto you, and with joy I have worshiped your creations. Keep me on your path of truth... show me the way... strengthen my walk for your glory, my Lord and Savior.
There are seasons meant for growing in our understanding. Forgive me for being quiet during this time of growth. I have been on a journey which included pruning the old growth and fertilizing with new understanding. As with any season of growth, learning to shut the door to our past is not necessarily easy but so blessed. Becoming "unchained" from past deceptions, hurts, and oppression's has created openings within my mind... heart... and soul. Areas prepared for new inspirations and stronger "rooting" in God's Will for my life.
Although my journey is not unique, there are so many facets in which our Lord has reached down and ministered to me that I'm overflowing with joy about some of the resources I've used. So here is a few of those that might bless you:
Keep It Shut by Karen Ehman: ISBN: 9780310339649. Okay, this book is all about learning how to have a gracious and kind mouth. A tongue that speaks truth, yet doesn't destroy others. A manual for being unchained from "victim-hood" without being less than Christ like. Have you ever read a book that you have marked up? This book is one of those that you will return to time after time.
To Know Him by Gloria Copeland: ISBN: 9780446511247. As with any resource that is designed to bring you closer to our Lord, Gloria's straight forwarded faith inspires you to put God's words in front of you every morning, evening, and those in-between times. Yet, there is so much more to a relationship with our Lord! It also means rebuking the deceiver; speaking/praying scripture into your heart; learning to obedient to God's word; and listening to His will for every decision in your life. With pen in hand I found my journal filling up with scriptural passages, God's promises, and prayer-filled pronouncements. One section a night blessed my evening prayer.
66 Ways God Loves You by Jennifer Rothschild: ISBN: 9780718087708. Beautifully crafted. Perfected for me, yep, this book is designed and formatted as a quick touch of joy. Just like a pick-me-up snack during your day (if only it replaced food cravings), these two page love reminders will keep you walking in His Love. How would you measure an overflow of loving reminders from our Lord? Beginning with God's first love-promise in Genesis, you will discover the joy of embracing His promises with renewed determination. Every promise comes with an open invitation to embrace, stand on, and re-read these proclamations of His love. A must have for every moment that arises in which you need to hear that you are loved beyond measure.
Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly: ISBN: 9781942611929. Choosing happiness and God's Will for your life. Why is such a simple, Yes... Here I am Lord, so daunting? Feeling overwhelmed is never a good or healthy avenue for me. It leads to a spiral that I just will not accept. I wasn't always that bold, but now there is only one choice when those feelings try to deceive me. That choice is to go back into this book and get re-fueled before I take my next step. Once again this is a book I have marked up with hi-lights, notes, earmarked, and underlined. It has become my "go-to" when I need step-by-step redirection. My favorite "booster-shot" came during Matthew's description about his "Greatest Books" book shelf (thirty-seven books hand chosen for his moments of need). He has placed upon this shelf, books that have had an enormous impact on his life. Books of various formats and areas of study, yet, all of them have been hand chosen and placed "eye-level" on this self because they have provided the greatest spiritual and inspirational guidance during his life's journey. Wow, I know I have those books all over my home and in my classroom, and yet, his decision to have them "at the ready" reminded me that I am not walking through this season on my own. So... guess who is creating that eye level shelf!
Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst: ISBN: 9781400205875. Living loved, what does that look like? The journey within these pages is a "power-walk" in which you become revealed, exposed, and unchained. Only Proverbs has had such an impact upon the "who" God sees in me. Feeling less than and left out has haunted me since forever. Once upon a time I would declare that I was that person who could feel left out in a room full of friends and family (empty church pews and book stores excluded). This book was given to me, hand chosen, for this journey. Becoming free from past hurts, trusting in God's fullness and plans, and seeking His mercy while being pressed, transformed, and messy is uncomfortable... and yet, it is the season of His unending desire to "grow" us up into a newer relationship with Him. This is one of my 37 books upon my book shelf!
31 Verses to Write Upon Your Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs: ISBN: 9781601428912. Transformation begins with the graphing of a new attitude. For me the journey with these verses became my nightly appointment with God. Within my prayer closet, I would re-read the previous learning from my journal. Thanking Him for the ways in which I was strengthened throughout the day. Then came the verse for the day, I would read and hi-light its teaching and begin entering the teaching into my journal, allowing the teachings to take "root" within me as my pencil noted God's passages. Finishing the entry, I found that I needed to write a prayer-filled declaration to our Lord. Wow, insightful and inspiring. This book became a "pass-it-forward" experience to a precious co-worker.
Study Gateway. Link We have a "smart TV" so we have access over our ROKU connection. I have spent every weekend morning in a bible study from this sight (anything Max Lucado inspires me). I have revisited their Women of Faith sessions. Anne Graham Lotz has introduced God's word at a deeper level. Plus those women from Proverbs 31 Ministries have book sessions that will take you beyond their daily posts. Yes, this is a season for change... Yes, it takes time to be changed, improved, and guided... Yes, our Lord is worth even more of my day! I hope you have discovered a resource.... Blessings,
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us,
an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."
Ephesians 5:1-2
Good morning Abba, Good morning Jesus, Good morning Holy Spirit,
This is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad. I can only wonder how this day will unfold. I accept Your will for I know that you will see it through to completion far better than I could. I thank you for all of the ways in which You are guiding me. My heart sings praise unto You for Your loving mercy and grace. I stand on Your promises, upon Your blessings, and with much gratitude I accept all of Your tender pruning.
Walking in love is one area in which I once thought I was doing well. During my absence from this blog, our Lord has been tenderly instructing me in what His love is, how to be humbled by His gracious obedience (guarding my tongue), and in ways of intercessory prayer.
While my faith walk is forever an opportunity to grow, there are times when our Lord calls and all we can do is hold on to His promises. It is a season of learning, a season in which we tuck ourselves under the shadow of his wings and we listen and learn from His word. Thankfully, we live in an age in which there are some amazing resources for our walk. When this season began I was learning how to walk away from shame (Unashamed by Christine Cain). At the same time, I was watching a series about the women in the bible (Twelve More Women of the Bible). With much joy, I had spent some time gaining strength from a woman of faith (The Longing in Me by Shelia Walsh). And then came the revisiting calling to guard my tongue and stand in humility, which leaves one opened to those in control viewing you in what ever judgement they choose (A Lesson a Day and Keep it Shut).
Graciously, our Lord is always merciful. His strength is always available. And, His manifestation of peace and comfort through the Holy Spirit is... always... at the ready! Today is the day that joy overflows. It's a moment in which you sense the seasons changing. They say that a praying warrior (an intercessor) never ceases until the Holy Spirit confirms the break through. Well breakthrough is just one moment away. With much gratitude, those whom have been on this journey with me have been an unbelievably gracious, kind, supportive, and strong. Being a phone call away, gathering for a house church filled to overflowing with hope, and joyfully sharing supporting words of wisdom (God is good... all of the time... and all of the time... God is Good!).
The Word became flesh, and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:14 NIV
This season isn't just about Him... it isn't a few short weeks and then time moves forward. It is season to renew and refresh that amazing moment in which Mary and Joseph saw the face of God. That sweet moment when little fingers touched their hearts.
Consider joining me in this book study...
Let's open our "seasonal" home to the hope and joy together...
Get started with me for this our season of hope.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Gratitude, Compassion, Love
Prosperity, Favor, Mercy
Family, Home, Work
Grace
Fall, a season for cleansing.
Such is a time to prepare for the blessings of new life.
A time to rejuvenate and clear out the overflow.
Moments to gather the blessings of love, laughter, and hope.
Moments to remember the blessings of those who have gone before us.
A season in which life unfolds with memories like snapshots in a photo album.
What have we be given?
What is woven within the folds of our hearts?
What is our comforting warmth?
It is written in Psalm 91 that we are sheltered under the wings of our God. That is love and tender keeping is continuous. That He has placed our charge and keeping with His angels whom will go before us to keep us from temptations and clear our paths unto eternal salvation.
Thanksgiving overflows when we look at all the signs that He is the same today, as He was yesterday, and as He will be in our tomorrows. Gratitude can be breathtaking when we recall the faithful "yes" of obedience that gave us our Savior. Humble strength can be renewed when we look deeply into the eyes of an infant. Joy springs up within our spirit when a little one's laughter of discovery is heard. Comfort is wrapped around us as we light a candle in the darkness, as we snuggle under a quilt, as we feel the warmth of a fire, or as we listen to music in which our souls sense peace.
This season has been such a time of peace and joy. The loving comfort of knowing that all truths about the health of my roots has been lovingly revealed, nurtured, and given a revitalizing renewal. There has been a wealth of joy once His pruning began. The elimination of the branches which were creating diseased thoughts (shame is a deceptive evil spirit). His tender attention and life giving words refreshed my mind, spirit, and soul. Oh what joy is found under His watch!
Being taught "how-to" nourish my foundational roots is giving such energy. An energy in which the Holy Spirit is guiding the works of my hands. This summer has been the least busy, yet the most focused. Spending my days in scripture, slowing down and relishing the ever changing moments of Gabriel Michael, and just letting my days unfold has provided an overflow of peace and... oh, such delight.
As this season comes to a close, I can only hope for His continued nourishment. Allowing me to continue to grow stronger, more gracious, gentler in what I say and do.
Dear Abba, Lord Jesus, and Holy Spirit... guide me and strengthen me so I bring glory to You! For I trust in you. For it is written in your promises:
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD,
He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers,
and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side,
and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the LORD,
which is my refuge,
even the most High, thy habitation;
There shall no evil befall thee,
neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee,
to keep thee in all thy ways.
They shall bear thee up in their hands,
lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:
the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me,
therefore will I deliver him:
I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
He shall call upon me,
and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken,
let us show gratitude,
by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe..."
Hebrews 12:28
He is faithful forever! Open my eyes my Lord. With these last few weeks, I find that my walk is blessed beyond my expectations. Worry and anxiety is bound. Moments in His loving presence nourishes beyond my expectations. Gratitude that I walk as His, ever under His watch.
This year is the time to learn how to walk with gracious dignity. It all begins with living free from the deception of shame. What a truly ugly spirit shame is. What a perfected blessing is His blood covering. His gracious gift of forgiveness brings joy. Yet, His amazing and precious blood covers us in such a way that we are allowed to live free from ugly deceptions like shame.
Gratitude is a reflective heart and mind set that is leading beyond my yesterdays and into my todays.
If you are looking to live free from the ugly deception of shame, join us as we learn how to walk without the cloak of shame.
Shame has no place in the purpose, plan, and destiny God has for us because shame lies to us, robs us of the freedom we long for,
and shackles us in the prison of our past.
In this five-session video Bible study, author and teacher, Christine Caine, weaves examples from her life with those of biblical characters who failed but overcame their shame to show how God heals us and redeems us. In her passionate style, she explains that if we want to change our futures, we have to believe God is bigger than our mistakes, our inadequacies, our pasts, and our limitations. We have to believe God created us for a unique purpose, has a specific plan for us, and has a powerful destiny he wants us to fulfill. God has already won the victory over sin and its shame, and we do need to spend our lives believing the lies of the deceiver. Instead, we can allow ourselves to be defined by God’s truth and choose to see ourselves the way God does—through the lens of his eternal perspective. So join the journey. Stop merely existing and start thriving. Lay hold of the power of Jesus Christ today and step into his future—a beautiful, full, life-giving future filled with purpose. You can live unashamed! Session titles include: Session1: Run, Don’t Hide Session 2: Today is the Day Session 3: Posses Your Inheritance Session 4: God Never Wastes a Hurt Session 5: Highly Unlikely. Join the book study at: http://www.faithgateway.com/unashamed-study-registration
"Ask the Lord for rain in the Springtime; it iS the Lord Who SendS the thunderstorms.He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the fieLd to everyone." Zechariah 10:4
