Friday, September 30, 2016

Blessed Assurance

What blessed assurance we have in knowing nothing can ever separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord as declared in Romans 8: 38,39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord". 
Every day is a new day God has given filled with fresh mercies and golden opportunities to make it the very best it can be through Christ who strengthens us as He walks with us and works within us, empowering us to be all He created us to be. Acts 17:28 tells us "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring".
What blessed assurance in knowing we are children of the Most High God through our Lord Jesus and in knowing that forevermore I am His and He is mine and there is nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, that can separate me from His love. Before the very moment I made Jesus Christ the Lord of my life, while I was still engulfed in sin, He still loved me with a love beyond all measure, with His unconditional love, having already made every provision necessary to assure me of life eternal through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.
Dear friends, As you go about today, I pray the Love of God will engulf you, wrapping you snugly in His loving arms, making you feel all warm and cozy and that the blessed assurance of knowing He is with you every moment, of every hour, of every day, brings such wonderful peace that you can't help but smile deep within as you feel His love overwhelming you throughout your day. I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends, because God loves you and so do I~~~

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Healthy: Mind, Soul, and Body

When you think healthy, what do you think? lean, trim, exercise, energetic, someone with a healthy heart and a healthy lifestyle, free of ailments? But does that describe what you are currently going through? Are you like many struggling in today's world? Someone who has been wounded physically, Someone who has suffered loss, Someone trying to heal from a broken heart, Someone who needs their faith strengthened? Whatever the circumstance, Jesus has already accomplished the healing from every affliction and every ailment this world has to offer.  It's true- His Word declares it. Isaiah 53:4,5 declares that "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed." 
Because He watches over His Word to perform it quickly, we can remind Him of all the promises in His Word and see His faithfulness to fulfill it. God does not make mistakes and knows exactly what He is doing and always at the right time and in the right manner. He loves us with an unconditional love and with His arms wide open, is always there to welcome us into the warmth and peace of those comforting arms. 
As you go about your day think on the promises within His Word such as Isa 53:4,5 above and reassuring scriptures as 1 Peter 2:24 "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed"; Psalm 103:2-3 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases"; Jeremiah 30:17a "For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord;" Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise"; James 5:15-16 "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven";  Psalm 30:2 "O Lord my God, I cried out to You and You healed me"; Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." 
These promises contained within God's Holy Word are for each of us and are only a few healing scriptures dear to my heart but in times like these, we must guard our minds with all diligence, being mindful of everything we allow our minds to dwell on. So let's think positive as we quote the Word; speaking it aloud as needed over negative circumstances; and allow the peace of God to settle us, to calm us, and to reassure us like nothing else this world can ever offer. Have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends, God loves you and so do I~~~

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Love Beyond Measure

"Finally,brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."(Philippians 4:8,9) Dear friends, As you go about your day, take time to fill your heart and mind with God's Word and start your day feeling refreshed and equipped to accomplish whatever God has planned for this day you have been blessed with. Just as a warm shower refreshes and revives us, allowing time to enter into God's presence and allowing His Spirit to flow over us and through us, refreshes and revives our minds. It's wonderful to feel loved!  God loves each one of us and has blessed us all with different gifts and talents; not to store them up for ourselves, but to share with others; not just gifts to sing and teach but also gifts of love and caring, gifts of health and prosperity, and gifts of kindness so we can meet the many needs of those around us. God's love is inseparable and unconditional. Romans 8:38,39 tells us "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." God's love is unconditional and nothing you or I can ever do-or not do-that will separate us from His love. He doesn't love you any more or any less based upon what you are, what you might become, or what you may be able to do. He loves you for who you are right now! The God of all creation, our Heavenly Father, loves you just the way you are right now. That's right, He loves you just the way you are!!! God is Love in the purest and greatest form of love and we are His children, having been made the righteous in Christ Jesus; joint heirs with God's son, Jesus, unto everlasting life. So as you go about your day I pray you will be mindful of this amazing gift He has blessed you with through His greatest gift to all mankind; Eternal salvation through God's own son, and I pray that you will come to know Him as your Lord and Savior and the dearest and closest friend you will ever have; who loves you beyond measure. Have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends- God loves you and so do I~~~

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Peace Beyond Measure

Surely He has given me a new song that I will sing very early in the morning. For He is my strength and the lover of my soul. "Though a thousand shall fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand; it shall not come near me. Only with my eyes shall I look and see the reward of the wicked because I have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, my dwelling place; no evil shall befall me nor any plague come near my dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over me, to keep me in all my ways. In their hands they shall bear me up lest I dash my foot against a stone. I shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent I shall trample underfoot; "Because He has set His love upon me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he has 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 honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation." saith the Lord(Psalms 91:7-16)
For several weeks now I had battled a virus that had overtaken my airway making it difficult to breath, to talk, to function, or to rest. But through it all, it was amazing to see How God continuously reminded me of His indwelling Spirit and unfailing love; that He was forever with me and I didn't walk alone. I knew within my deepest knowing that I was His and He was mine forever and ever throughout eternity and that no matter what came my way, it was well with my soul. There is no greater peace of mind than knowing that when I draw my last breath on this earth, I shall open my eyes to behold His matchless glory face to face, with all the splendor of Heaven. 
There is nothing more wonderful; nothing more assuring; nothing more amazing than the Love of our Heavenly Father and all He has provided for our well being and peace of mind. So as you go about your day, may you be mindful of His love and allow Him to saturate your life and love on you as only He does best. May the peace of God reign in your minds and bring you joy beyond measure. Have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friend. God loves you and so do I~~~

Monday, September 12, 2016

Supplier of All Your Needs

Wonderful to feel the hand of God protecting and guiding every step I take while supplying all my needs. He tells us in Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." What a glorious promise from our Heavenly Father knowing that He is our protector, our provider, supplier of all our needs, and lover of our soul. "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean of Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand." Truly He sustains us day by day as His Word strengthens and comforts us as we remember to "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in Me."John 14:1.
So many promises of Hope are enclosed within the precious Word of God and yet, we suffer needlessly for lack of knowledge simply because we do not know the Word, nor of the power to claim His Word over that need for our life. God honors His Word that Cannot Lie as He watches over It (Jer 1:12) to fulfill it quickly for all who trust in Him and seek to follow His plan for their life. We must no longer be like earthly children, tossed about with everything that comes and goes; but once redeemed we become God's children: Children of the Most High God; blessed and Highly Favored; having the power through Him to move and think and have our being; as a new creature, recreated through Christ Jesus unto good works. We can no longer dwell on the past, but look ahead one day at a time, with our spiritual eyes enlightened day by day to a new life filled with love, peace, and prosperity. Our Victory lies in staying focused on Jesus and the reality that He holds our today, our tomorrow and every day hereafter in the palm of His hands, so we can relax and enjoy that abundant life He purchased for you and me. 
God walks with us continually and desires to give us all we need for a life filled with happiness and prosperity in Christ Jesus. What better reassurance can we have than to know He watches over us day by day, every step along our way; protecting, providing, guiding and loving us unconditionally as we keep our eyes fixed upon Him and follow His never failing plan for our lives. So 'Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home; When Jesus is my portion, My constant friend is He; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!' How wonderful to feel the Love of God deep within your soul and to know Him and the power thereof? There are no greater promises than those given in His Word, No greater Love than to His Child, and No greater place I want to be than right smack dab in the center of His perfect Will.  I pray you can grab hold of this same assurance and allow Him to supply your needs and guide you throughout your day.
Have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends. God loves you and so do I~~~

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Perfect Conditioning

I was awakened this morning feeling such peace and loving warmth deep within my soul. There's just something about getting an early start to each day while welcoming Holy Spirit to discuss the Word with you. What amazing joy to feel His presence as His loving arms wraps around me and whispers, "I love you" with the knowing that I am His and He is mine forevermore. What inner peace is felt as we communicate early in the mornings. 
John 1:1-5 tells us that, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God! The same was in the beginning with God! All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made! In Him was life; and the life was the light of men; and the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not." 
I find it amazing that Jesus, the very Creator of all Heaven and Earth, walked among His own creation and no one could recognize Him for Who He Truly Was. Wouldn't it be the same with us today? We become so involved in our own cares of life and daily routines that we only see the natural and miss seeing Him walking alongside us. Why do we fail to acknowledge Him or Holy Spirit abiding within us as they long to work all things together for our good? Why... because it's a conditioning thing! Like getting into shape! 
The entire world seems to be buzzing about getting our bodies into shape. It's the new health kick right now and many are changing their schedules to fit exercise programs and nutritional aspects of 'getting healthy' into their daily routines. But what about the need for spiritual enlightenment? On what degree of importance and urgency do we place the spiritual aspect of our life? It's not the outer self God looks at but the inner man, so why are we not as diligent at changing our schedules to fit time alone with Him as we are at changing our routines for the outer man? 
Today is a new day and our new way of thinking should also include scheduling time that would allow God to re-program us throughout; mind, soul and body! We can start by scheduling time alone with the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ! I challenge you to try this: set your alarm 20-30 minutes earlier than normal, grab a cup of coffee or your morning drink, pull out an empty chair and deliberately invite God to join you as you open your Bible and begin your morning devotion; then relax while you enjoy your coffee and time of fellowship together; readjusting your time as needed to really listen as He begins to communicate with you. 
You will never regret time spent alone with God and giving Him the first part of your day. It will only make the rest of your day go so much better! Changing old habits to form good habits always seems odd at first but give it a chance. Don't be in such a hurry-remember God's timing is always perfect. Just as changes on the outside take time and dedication, so will the changes made on the inside; and people around you will usually begin to notice improvements before you do. If done in sincerity from the heart, you will find that spending time alone with God is never wasted time, but the best improvement you will ever make in your life; mind, soul and body!
Have a blessed day, dear friends. God loves you and so do I~~~

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Expectations

Such a beautiful day... Loving the hint of cooler days around the corner as fall approaches and the leaves bring forth their innermost beauty in full display across the mountaintops. Always brings a smile to my face and intense joy to my heart; acts as a reminder of all God's beauty that surrounds us and the multitude of blessings God has granted me and my family throughout dry seasons. No matter the season, There is always something to be grateful for, if only we take time to look.
If you are down and depressed today, take a minute to really look around you and see all the wonders God has given just today. Think back on your past and look at where you were and where you are today- you didn't get here by accident. You may not be where you want to be but thank God, you're not where you were. Life is a process of time and if you look deep within, you will find blessings within your life that may surprise you. Our past makes us stronger and can shape us into a mighty witness of God's tender mercy and unconditional love, if only we see beyond our past and look forward to our future. God has a good plan for your life, so get excited about your future.
Get out of bed each morning, expecting to see as He sees. Look for the good in all that surrounds you. Choose to see beyond what is visible to the natural eye, and see the light of His glory ushering in a new day filled with fresh mercies as His hand reaches out to walk hand in hand with you throughout your day. And then Smile-go ahead, it's not painful- just smile; smile again as you begin to feel His love swelling up within and you enjoy all the beauty of your surroundings. Life is good... and God is Greater!
Enjoy the fullness of this day, dear friends, and be blessed as you bless others. God loves you and so do I~~~~

Sunday, September 4, 2016

It Could Happen Anyday

While walking early this morning and looking up at the skies, I was thinking on our Lord's return. I was thinking how awesome it will be; in that split second to be quickly caught away to be with Him forever in the air. What a day of rejoicing that will be! But it leaves me to wonder, 'are my neighbors, friends and loved ones ready to meet Jesus?' 'Am I being the witness needed to reach lost souls?' and 'Are you?' 
Dear friends, It could be any second, any hour, any day. No man knows the second our Lord Jesus will return in those clouds, but I do know that in the twinkling of an eye we will be gone. I know you're probably already saying, "we've heard this all our lifetime" and we have, but you also have to agree that looking around you at all that is going on in this world today; the signs of the times are in the air as never before so it's closer now than ever before. While we cannot change the events happening around us, we can make sure we are reaching out and spreading the good news that Jesus is the way, the hope of salvation with the promise of life everlasting and free.
I urge you today to be the witness needed as you share the Love of God to one and all and Spread the Good News that Jesus saves. Share that in Jesus there is perfect liberty; freedom from all our sins and all that would try to attack and bind us. He is the One Sure Way, and He is ALL we will ever need. Don't let your loved ones be left behind! It's going to be a glorious time of celebration, so let's take all we can with us on that glorious day.
Enjoy this day the Lord has given; Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad; because God loves you and so do I~~~

Friday, September 2, 2016

He brings Peace

Ephesians 2:4-10 NIV "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Dear Friends, Our Heavenly Father loves and cares for each one of us and every provision has already been made for us to enjoy the abundance of His love now and forevermore, genuine love never ending. His grace is truly sufficient for every need and over every situation. So don't allow the stresses and fears of life over take you. 2Timothy1:7 reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear(which brings on stress and anxiety) but He has given us power, and love, and of a sound mind.
So if life begins to bombard you or stress you out today, just take a simple 'time out' for just a couple minutes and allow His presence to overshadow you. Go ahead-You can do this! Just close your eyes to the cares of this world and take a slow deep cleansing breath. Feel His love begin to saturate your mind as you blow out all those negative and stressful thoughts. Feel the love of God bring that smile back on your face and peace in your mind as you realize God's got this!!! He has it all covered in the palm of His hands!!! Now relax and go about your day in the fullness of His mercy and grace. May the end of this day be better than the beginning as Holy Spirit continues to comfort and guide you and bring you peace throughout this day. Be blessed, dear friends, God loves you and so do I~~~