Feeling Excited In Christ Jesus

"Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice! Let Your gentleness be known to ALL men. The Lord IS at hand! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus! Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:4-9).
Paul encourages us to Celebrate Jesus all day, every day. Not just casually but to really celebrate Him! To make a joyful noise as "God is working for us, God is on our side, He has overcome, Yes He has overcome; we will not be shaken, we will not be moved; Jesus you are here! Carrying our burdens, Covering our shame, He has overcome, yes He has overcome, we will not be shaken, we will not be moved, Jesus you are here! I will live, I will not die, the Resurrection Power of Christ, Alive in me and I am Free in Jesus' name!" 
Joyfully we sing within our hearts and allow our praises to shape our worry into thanksgiving; and as we praise and rejoice before Him, a sense of God’s wholeness comes and settles us down. No longer are we filled with worry and despair, but enjoying the peace and joy that comes from just speaking Jesus' name! What a Savior! What A Lord! How wonderful it feels as Christ displaces worry with His joy and peace!
As we take heed to guard our thoughts through Christ Jesus and to meditate on those things which are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of a good report ; our minds become stayed on Him and we focus on the Best, not the worst; the Beautiful, not the ugly; things to be praised, and not on things to be cursed.
As we put into practice those things we have learned from the Word and things we have heard and seen, we develop a new found Peace in Christ Jesus that no man can destroy or steal away!
It's in knowing 'Who He is' that is fighting for us, that we rejoice and sing aloud in the worst of times that We will not be shaken! We will not be moved! Jesus, You are Glorified! It's in this state of mind that God, who makes everything work together, will work in us His most excellent harmonies, united through His Grace and in His Love!
I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day because God loves you and so do I~~~

WALKING IN GRACE

"Amazing Grace, How sweet the sound; that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see. 'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear and Grace, my fears relieved; How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed. My chains are gone! I've been set free! My God, my Savior has ransomed me! And like a flood His Mercy reigns! Unending Love, Amazing Grace!

The Lord has promised good to me; His Word, My Hope Secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, as long as life endures. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow; The sun forbear to shine; But God, Who called me here below, Will be forever mine! My sins are gone! I've been set free! My God, My Savior has ransomed me! And like a flood His Mercy reigns! Unending Love, Amazing Grace!"

Such powerful lyrics to a powerful song! Such a life-changing experience brought about by the Blood of the Lamb! A new life no longer bound by Sin and Despair! No longer bound with gloom and agony! No longer bound by sickness and disease; but Free to walk in the Liberty of God's Amazing Grace! Redeemed by the precious life changing Blood of Jesus, our Redeemer! Through faith in our Lord Jesus, the Chains of death are gone and we are set Free! Praise God, Jesus my Savior has ransomed me!

What Freedom He empowers! What Boldness He instills; as we stand and declare, I'M FREE! So blessed to feel Him smiling upon us knowing we are His and He is ours, forever and ever throughout eternity! What Love! What boundless Love that reaches down and touches you and me as we come to Him, and He lovingly wraps us in His arms, and loves on us; eager for us to cast all our cares upon Him so He can wipe away our tears and take away our fears as only He does best; Oh what Love He bestows!

Allow Him to comfort you and give you peace as He removes the grief and cares you've been carrying that are too heavy for you to bear. He wants to restore you and love on you because He cares so very much for you and all that affects your life. This world holds too many obstacles and can be too devastating to keep your worries hidden inside. He waits with open arms to comfort you as you lay your burdens down at His feet and come into His loving comforting arms. He is our Father who can make ways where there seems to be no ways(Isaiah 43:19); and He is a good good Father who is Forever Faithful and True!

Won't you accept His amazing grace and lay down your cares at the Savior's feet so you can enjoy a wonderfully blessed day, dear friend? God loves you and so do I~~~

Understanding The Wait Is Worth It All

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all"(Psalm 34:9).
Been praying and searching the Word regarding circumstances in life that can become discouraging as they linger longer than we think is bearable. Seems they can be a constant struggle to just stay focused on God's promises to deliver as we attempt to survive day by day; 'keeping our heads above water' so to speak. But the assurance that our GOD sees all, knows all, and has a Perfect Plan for each of our lives(Jeremiah 29:11) which includes 'Only The Best' for our lives is a Fact that helps us tread through each day until deliverance arrives.

Staying focused can be tough as pressure is applied from outside sources and our spiritual eyesight begins to weaken as we become overwhelmed with what to do next. Circumstances leave us weary and worn and our peace begins to deplete. We feel our prayers seem to be going 'no higher than the ceiling' and we feel frustrated not seeing answers in the near future; stressed, overwhelmed and tired from struggling to get by, and it makes you want to just 'throw in the towel'.

But God! I'm here to tell you on the authority of God's Word, to "Stay The Course!" "Be Still, and Let God Move;" Don't you dare give up!" "Don't waiver, Don't be doubtful, Don't be discouraged! Your deliverance is just around the corner; right through the next door to be opened if you just don't give up!" Trust God! Trust His Word, Trust His Love; and know that He's working on your behalf; Working ALL things for your good! He Will come through for you so Don't Give Up!

Get in His Word daily and find the promises declared in His Word regarding your circumstance and begin to speak His Promised Word out loud over those circumstances! Get His Word out there in front of your Eyes so you can see them clearly! Plaster them throughout your house, on your job, in your car! Don't just read the Word silently; but Speak it out loud! Boldly declare His Word over and over again, until it becomes Alive down deep in your soul! Even tho' you feel you're 'going down with the ship' and have no strength left within you,determine that if you're going down, it will be spent speaking the Word of God out loud with your last breath; and I assure you on the Promised Word of God that He Will bring you back up- Revived and Restored In Him! When All Hope is gone,The Spirit of God Delivers; time and time again! You will be Empowered with Strength from on High and Deliverance will be yours for the taking!

Yes, the wait is tough! Yes, It's even beyond rough! and Yes, It's really Real. But it's during 'the wait' that God's BEST comes shining through! It's during 'the wait' that we are refined like gold! It's during 'the wait' that our faith is renewed, and it's during 'the wait' that we are refined and purified as diamonds: Sparkling in His Light, Walking in the boldness of our faith, Trusting in His Word, Leaning not unto our own understanding, but in all our ways Acknowledging Him as He directs our path(Prov. 3:5,6). Deliverance will come! But how are you responding during the wait? Are you still praying to Him? Still talking to Him?Still giving Him thanks? Still worshiping Him? Still praising Him with your whole heart in spite of it all?

It's in 'the wait' that He's preparing us, equipping us, empowering us, and molding us into His likeness. When God promises something, He doesn't give details on how it will come about, or even when it will come about! He is fully aware that His ways are not our ways, and our ways are not His ways(Isaiah 55:8,9); But He always keeps His promises! His Word never returns to Him void as He declares in Isaiah 55:11 "So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it".

God is faithful and in the right time and in the right way, He will bring it all to pass and you will be much the better as the Light of His Promises come shining through with an abundance of blessings! God wants you to know that His love for you has not changed; He changes not! He loves you unconditionally and is working all things out for your good! So trust Him today even tho' the wait may be longer than you feel is justified; and He will surely bring those things to pass! 

Enjoy a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends, knowing God loves you and so do I~~~

Enduring The Storms

As the rains continue this morning, my heart goes out to all those who have weathered the storms with loss of power from fierce winds and torrential downpour of rain; and even now the high rising waters are flooding the lands, and robbing them of their homes. I admire all the dedicated men and women who work so diligently, fighting the elements of the storm, to restore power and safety to those in need.
It makes me think about how we go through devastating storms that come against us so strong they literally knock us off our feet as we suffer loss beyond measure. It's wonderful to see how God uses dedicated men and women who diligently pray to share love in ways needed until the needy can finally see light shining through the darkness, and their faith in humanity and in God is restored.
Jesus knew we would go through devastating storms in our life so He sent us a Helper, Holy Spirit, to restore and refresh us in time of need. He continues to work what is needed deep within to restore all that is needed to help us rise above and beyond those storms. He doesn't want to just bring us out of the storm, but He wants to empower us to be "more than over comers" during the storm. He wants to make us strong and bold enough to witness of His forever faithfulness and amazing deliverance through all those storms!
It's while we are going through the storms that we are made more than over-comers from all those encounters and no one is exempt. Everyone has trials, everyone messes up, everyone makes mistakes, and everyone stumbles sometime since not a one of us is perfect! The amazing outcome of it all is that with each test, we have a testimony and with each mess-up, we have a message to share with others. Learning to trust God to lead and guide us through it all, and knowing He will even pick us up when needed, builds an empowerment of His faithfulness forever in our life.
As we trust in His ability within us, with Holy Spirit enabling us, helps us  become more than we could ever dare to be. We become Strong! We become Victorious! We become Overcomers! We become Sons and Daughters of the Most High God! It is in Christ Jesus, We Become! So no matter what your storm of life may consist of, rain or storm, flood or fire, insurmountable debt or unfathomable disease; God is right there with you in the midst of it all; working within you all that is needed to see you through! He will never leave you but be forever with you as long as it takes to raise you up from your struggle into His glorious light, if only you Trust Him and allow Him to work His will, in His way, and in His time!
I pray you have a victorious day, dear friend, because God loves you and so do I~~~

The Comforter Has Come!

Are you weary from the cares of life that try to oppress you and keep you down? Having tough times trying to adjust to the current situations in life? Feeling as if the doors keep closing around you and you can't find a way of escape? So overwhelmed that you're unable to enjoy that abundant life in Christ Jesus you read and hear about? Well, don't feel alone because so many are having the same issues and in desperate need of Divine Intervention; and I can tell you of a fact, that The Answer is on its way! 

As Jesus walked and talked with His disciples, they too became weary trying to understand the unknown. They could not understand why Jesus was telling them He had to go away, and had begun to foretell of unimaginable things to come. They had just found this amazing young man, their Messiah, and surely didn't want to lose him now, nor let anyone cause Him harm. Yet here He was telling them how He was going to be mistreated but it would be okay because it was all for our Righteousness sake? Come on! Why would anyone allow this cruel and inhuman treatment happen when this Messiah could raise the dead, cause the blind to see, and work so many miracles before their very eyes; and yet He was going to allow these things happen to Him? So yes, they were very troubled in their minds trying to understand it all. 

But Jesus knew their frustrations and their fears so He tried to comfort them by telling them of the promised Comforter to come as noted throughout John 14 and in v. 26-27 He tells them, "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."(John 14:26-27). And so He continued trying to comfort and assure His followers that this was all in God's plan; even tho' it was so much greater than man could ever imagine or conceive in their mind. 

Jesus consoled His followers and told them He did not want them to be anxious or troubled about their future without Him present; but He could not be with every one of them every where, all the time; so He told them by Him going back to the Father, the Comforter could come and abide Within each one of them and within very believer, and they would never be alone without Him. The Comforter, Holy Spirit, would continue to teach and guide them in ALL their ways! So being faithful to their Lord, their Messiah, they continued walking and talking with Him until the day came that He was arrested and crucified as He had foretold; then having witnessed His burial, His Resurrection, and His Ascension back into Heaven, His followers returned to Jerusalem to the upper room as Jesus had instructed them; praying in one mind and one accord until His Promise was fulfilled.  

In Acts 2:1-4 we see it come to pass,"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and It filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Just as Jesus had promised, His Spirit descended from Heaven and filled each believer in that upper room and they began speaking in tongues unknown to them. And the devout Jews out of every nation who were dwelling outside became confused as they heard 'the noise' from the upper room and they said to one another, "Aren't all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our own native language?"(Acts 2:7-8)

Others standing nearby looked on confounded; some even mocked them, declaring them to be drunk; but then Peter boldly began to speak with such convicting power, reminding them that this same Jesus whom they had crucified, God had raised up and made Him Lord! The Spirit had empowered him with such boldness and convicting power that many that heard Peter speaking, were so pricked in their hearts they repented of their sins and were baptized; and they all continued daily in One mind and One accord, praising God and sharing the Good News of Jesus; and God added to the church daily those who were being saved.(paraphrased from Acts 2:14-47).

Today this same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead and fell upon Jesus' believers causing them to speak in unknown tongues continues to work within the hearts of each believer today! Holy Spirit continues to empower and teach all things pertaining to Christ Jesus and His Righteousness! He still pricks the hearts of those who don't know Jesus so they can believe and receive Him into their hearts today as He still brings to mind all things necessary to make us more than over-comers in our world today! 

He is your answer to whatever is troubling you today! No matter where you are, No matter what is troubling your mind, No matter the day or the hour; Holy Spirit wants to help you through it all! All you need to do is Talk to Him! Pour it all out before Him! and then listen as He prompts you on what to do regarding your problem. He is the Best Counselor, the Best Comforter, The Best Guide, and The Best Friend you will ever need! With Him working inside you, He will comfort and guide you into All truth! He brings peace like none other, so let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid, because He is with you!

I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friend. Rest In Him knowing that God loves you and so do I~~~

A Finished Project Delivers

Finishing a project is never easy but oh the joy and pride that rises up within you as you step back and view the finished results. All the struggles you endured, all the time required to get it just right, now are deemed worth it all as you breathe out a sigh of relief as the end result is exactly as you desired. The more difficult it was to complete, the more you shout aloud, "It's finished!" with satisfaction from deep within! Now you can smile with 'bragging rights' as you show off your finished product and begin telling everyone about this great accomplishment. It's like an old saying my parents taught us that goes, "Anything worth doing is worth doing right" and over the years I find that to be so true. 
Having just celebrated Easter, I just wonder how proud Jesus felt when He had accomplished His life changing project of Salvation for all mankind. I wonder what He was thinking about during the struggles, the mocking, the persecution, the torture, and even during His painful journey to be crucified among known criminals; I wonder if satan tempted Him to call it quits knowing that at anytime He could have refused to go through all the pain and torture and return to His Father... But then I realize that during all His pain and torture, He saw me! And He saw you! And He knew the rewards were greater than His enduring all the torture required to buy our pardon so we could go Free. And so He continued the project of Deliverance up Golgotha's hill; and when He allowed them to nail Him to the cross, I was on His mind! 
All my sins, All my diseases, All my sicknesses, All my weaknesses, All the set backs I would endure on this earth was nailed with Him to that old rugged cross and as His life-changing blood drained from His blood stained body, Everything was accomplished for my Salvation and Freedom from every thing that would ever try to bind me on this earth. And so His project was completed as He cried out, It is finished" and forevermore I am Free In Him through the works He accomplished!. 
"It Is Finished!" Those three Words that have brought about such a complete life-changing deliverance in the hearts of so many! Having completed everything required for us to be Redeemed, once and for all time sake, Jesus completed His project of Salvation that set us free forevermore!.No longer would man be required to offer sacrifices year after year but because of Jesus' Supreme Sacrifice, the wall of sin that separated God and man was torn away and we are now free to go before God's throne in the name of Jesus, and repent of our sins with full assurance that He hears and forgives us through Christ Jesus' works, as noted in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Jesus completed a life changing project that brought Liberty and total Freedom for you and me forevermore! 
As you go through our day, let's remember to thank Him for not giving up on us and as we encounter someone who needs a little tolerance today, let's be sure and treat them with the same Love and Patience Jesus has for us! Enjoy a wonderfully blessed day dear friends. God loves you and so do I~~~

Casting Our Anchor

Thinking on the message Pastor brought yesterday regarding our need for an Anchor in these perilous times as spiritual storms rage against us, and the need to know that it is in Christ Jesus that our Anchor Holds Firmly in Place; Dottie Rambo's song came to mind and I'd like to share it with you. 

"Where do I go when there's nobody else to turn to? Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen? Who do I lean on when there's no foundation stable? I go to the Rock, I know He's able, I go to the Rock. Where do I hide 'til the storms have all passed over? Where do I run to when the winds of sorrow threaten? Is there a refuge in the time of tribulation? When my soul needs consolation, I go to the Rock. I go to the Rock of my salvation, I go to the Stone that the builders rejected, I run to the Mountain and the Mountain stands by me, When the earth all around me is sinking sand, On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand, When I need a shelter, When I need a friend, I go to the Rock."  

We've all been advised to have an emergency plan and place of safety prepared for times of Severe Storms that come upon our homes, but more than ever is the need to have a place of safety and an Anchor for the spiritual storms that come our way when we least expect them. "In times like these, you need a Savior, In times like these, you need an Anchor, Be very sure, be very sure, your Anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock. This Rock is Jesus, Yes He's the One, This Rock is Jesus, the only One; Be very sure, be very sure, Your Anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock." 

It's in times like these we need an anchor; a good secure anchor. So we need Christ Jesus as our Rock, our Sure Foundation; then no matter what comes our way, He will be there to protect us as our Anchor Holds Firmly in Place. As our Lord and Savior, He is always present through our every storm; whether to listen, to wipe our tears, to love on us, to pick us up when we fall, or to carry us when the storm has hit us so hard we cannot stand; God is forever faithful. 

Jesus told His followers in John 16:33 that while they were in this world they would have tribulations(that troubles and storms would come their way) but He told them not to fear because He had overcome the world. When we battled the storms of life, one after another through the darkest of nights, and we feel so battered and worn that we cannot stand; and we just need a safe place to rest away from the storms; Jesus is there! He is there to secure us until the storm passes over. He is there to walk beside us, to work within us, to  empower us to be more than conquerors through the storm; and He is there with outstretched hands to hold us close to Him when we need rest from those storms. 

He is our Deliverer, our Protector, our Comforter, our Teacher, our Companion, and our Closest and Dearest Friend. He is a Friend Who gave His Life for you and for me to be Safely Anchored through life' storms. No one has ever cared for us like Jesus. He's a Savior in Whom we all can rely; and as we cast out our anchor through the storm, He will surely catch it and lead us safely Home!

I pray you have a wonderfully peaceful and blessed day knowing that God loves you; and so do I~~~

Building Your Relationship

"Each step I take my Savior goes before me, and with His loving hand He leads the way; and with each breath I whisper, "I adore Thee" Oh what joy to walk with Him each day. Each step I take, I know that He will guide me, To higher ground He ever leads me on; Until some day my last step will be taken; each step I take just leads me closer Home. I trust in God no matter come what may, For life eternal is in His hand; He holds the key that opens up the way, that will lead me to the promised land. Each step I take, I know that He will guide me, to higher ground He ever leads me on; Until some day my last step will be taken; Each step I take just leads me closer Home."
These words are pretty much my testimony of God's Divine Love and Amazing Grace that dwells within me; saturating All that I am, with full assurance that forever and ever, I am His and He is mine! There is no greater love, no greater feeling, no greater security than to know He's walking beside me, working within me, growing me into the woman after His Own Heart He predestined me to be. The more I learn to begin and end each day talking with Him and growing our relationship; the clearer I hear His voice and feel His presence. 
I cherish my relationship with the Lord so I start and close my day being thankful that He is with me no matter what may come my way; so I allow time for Him to whisper back to me as I offer up praise and my needs before Him. It's wonderful to know He hears me and to feel His loving warmth envelope me, bringing awareness that I am not alone, not ever! Even though I have no physical companion walking beside me that I can reach out and touch, or hold their hand, or lean on in times of need; I know that I Always have Him walking beside me, holding my hand, with assurance that I can lean on Him whenever I feel the need and that brings me peace and comfort beyond measure!
I pray that as you continue your day, you will take time to build your relationship with the Lord so He can bring you peace in all your ways! Have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends. God loves you and so do I~~~

Extending A Hand Of Hope

"Touch through me, Holy Spirit, touch through me; Let my hands reach out to others, touch through me; There's a lonely soul somewhere needing just one friend to care; Touch through me, Holy Spirit, touch through me. Love through me, Holy Spirit, Love through me; I will be my brother's keeper, Love through me; Hearts are bleeding deep inside, Love can dry the weeping eyes; Love through me, Holy Spirit, Love through me. Flow through me, Holy Spirit, Flow through me; Like a river in the desert, flow through me; Springing fountain healing stream, Living water pure and clean; Flow through me, Holy Spirit, flow through me. My hands will be Your hands reaching out to others; My lips will not be slothful, Lord, to speak; I will be that good Samaritan to someone else's need; I will be Your house to dwell in, live through me. Flow through me, Holy Spirit; Love through me, Holy Spirit; Touch through me, Holy Spirit, Touch through me!"
Today is a new day filled with fresh mercies and fresh opportunities to be God's hands extended to a lost, hurting, and hopeless generation desperate to find the eternal Hope that's only possible in Christ Jesus! We cannot let this day go by without sharing that Hope to all we meet. We can be that vessel unto His honor by allowing Holy Spirit to touch, to flow, and to Love through us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus (John 3:16) ... Jesus so loved that He surrendered His will to the Father and laid down His life for you and me (John 15:13) ... Holy Spirit so loves that within each of us He continually works to comfort and guide us in being the best we can be (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)... So why shouldn't we give God our all?
It only takes one person reaching out in love with just one special touch of kindness, to share God's love and save a soul lost in despair; and it starts in you and me. Won't you consider being that hand of hope today? It cost Jesus such a great price, and yet to us, it was freely given. So as you think on this, I pray you feel the Hope growing inside and as you have freely received, you freely give. Have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friends. God loves you and so do I~~~

Singing Forth His Praise

Today I am filled with such amazement of our Lord Jesus and His many miraculous blessings in my life and praises sing forth; "O Lord, my God, When I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder; Thy power throughout the universe displayed; Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art; Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, How Great Thou Art!
And when I think of God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art; Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; how great Thou art, how great Thou art!
When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation, and take me Home, what joy shall fill my heart; Then I shall bow with humble adoration, and then proclaim, "My God, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art; Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou art, How great Thou art!"
"There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come; No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye; All is peace forevermore on that happy Golden Shore; What a day, glorious day that will be. There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear; No more sickness, No pain, No more parting over there; And forever I will be with The One Who Died for me; What a day, glorious day that will be. What a Day that will be when my Jesus I shall see; and I look upon His Face, The One Who Saved me by His Grace; When He takes me by the hand and leads me through the Promised Land; What a day, Glorious Day that will be!"
"Sing the wondrous Love of Jesus, Sing His Mercy and His Grace; In the Mansions bright and blessed He'll prepare for us a place. When we all get to Heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see JESUS, We'll sing and shout the Victory!"
"I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today; I know that He is with me, whatever men may say; I see His Hand of Mercy, I hear His Voice of Cheer, and just the time I need Him, He's always near; He Lives, He Lives, Christ Jesus Lives Today, He walks with me and talks with me, along life's narrow way; He Lives, He Lives, Salvation to impart; You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my Heart!"
"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice!"(Philippians 4:4). Rejoice in the Lord and be exceedingly glad for He is worthy of All our praise. Have a wonderfully blessed day, knowing that God loves you and so do I~~~

Making The Day The Best It Can Be

What a Beautiful day the Lord has given!!! Even though it's a bit chilly outside this morning, my heart is warmed with His fresh tender mercies and the awareness of great things just ahead. Such a refreshing of mind, soul and body and I give God all the praise. He is so good, All the time....and All the time God is good!!! 
Just as spring brought about new beginnings in the fields surrounding us; the flowers and trees blooming now; the chirping of each beautifully decorated bird; and the scampering around of each little squirrel; God's divine spirit seeks to revive, refresh, and create a new beginning within each of us through His divine power working within the very depths of our soul. I often hear our pastor say, "the Best is yet to come!" and "we won't leave here like we came in Jesus' name". And this is God's will that we don't leave this day the same as we found it but that we make it different; make it better; make it the very best it can be; because the best is yet to come!
Let's make sure others see Jesus in us by our words and actions as we go through the day. Let's care more about our brothers and sisters in this world than we do about ourselves and leave this place better than we found it; in Jesus' name. It's the little things in life that make our lives complete.....the joy we share with others; the kindness shown to those in need; the way we treat perfect strangers with His great Love; these are but a few ways that help shape us into being God's very own children; by the love we share one to another (John,13:35).
So Let's be all we can be for the kingdom of God and love our neighbors as our self(Mark 12:31). Let's be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another; even as God for Christ' sake has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32). Let's adorn our life with His Love while bringing joy and smiles to others so at the close of this day, we can sense a warm filling of His love deep inside and peaceful assurance that, "It is well with my soul!" Enjoy this beautiful day God has given, dear friends, and be blessed. God loves you and so do I~

Sensing His Will For Our Future

My word to you today is, "Never Give Up!"  Weeping may endure for the night, but Joy comes in the morning(Psalm 30:5). Sometimes it seems ya just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and you begin to wonder about the future; but no matter what you're going through; whether physical challenges, emotional challenges, or those horrible 'mountains' that just won't move, remember Who you serve and Whose you are! You are child of the Most High God and there is Nothing too hard for Him! 
Our God is able to do 'exceeding abundantly above' all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us(Ephesians 3:20)! And Philippians 4:19 tells us, "my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." He declares in Jeremiah 32:27, "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind! Is anything too hard for me?" Absolutely Not!!! So Never give up, but look up; because God's got it all in the palm of His hands! The same Power that quickened Jesus' body and brought Him forth from the tomb is the same power that works within each of us to accomplish God's purpose here on earth.
Circumstances come and circumstances go, but the Word of God remains unchanged forevermore. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore; He changes not! (Hebrews 13:6, Malachi 3:6). God is not human that He should lie, not a human being that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?(Numbers 23:19)  No, No, a thousand times No! What He says, He will do; and if He did it for one person in the History of His Word He will do it for you and me because God is not a respecter of persons(Acts 10:34).
So today I encourage you to 'Look up with things grow dim; Hold on to God's Unchanging Hand' and no matter what comes your way "Never, Never, Never Give Up!" Stand fast in what He has promised and He will supply ALL your needs in His perfect Timing because nothing is too hard for Him! He holds the Universe in His hands and your Father God loves you beyond measure. When you see unexpected changes coming your way, realize that God is just redirecting you to that brighter and better future He has for each of us as noted in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."So often our closed doors lead us to those Open Doors of His Blessings prepared for us, if we keep our trust and focus on Him and His Will for our life today, and for our tomorrows! 
Sensing God's Will for our future takes the trust of a little child in their loving and caring father; knowing their Father wants only the best for his little child. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose Hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."(Jeremiah 17:7-8). 
So dear friend, keep on keeping on! Keep on witnessing of God's great love and guidance over you and your future and you will see His glory manifested full scale over every circumstance that comes your way. God has declared in His Word good things for you and your life and He will bring them all to fruition as you continue steadfast in your faith! I pray you can feel Him loving on you today as you continue to stand firmly planted in His care as He works ALL things out for your good! All in His will, His time, and His perfect plan. You are going to be amazed at His plan for your life, because He wants only the Best for you! God loves you and so do I~~~

Learning To Trust God In The Midst of It All

"So many times I've questioned certain circumstances and things I could not understand. Many times in trials weakness blurs my vision and my frustrations get so out of hand. It's then I am reminded, I've never been forsaken; I've never had to stand one test alone; As I look at all the victories, the Spirit rises up in me; And It's through the fire my weakness is made strong. He never promised that the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb; He never offered our victories without fighting, But He said help would always come in time; Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision, and the adversary says give in; Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again. I know within myself that I would surely perish, but if I trust the hand of God, He'll shield the flames again, again; He never promised that the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb; He never offered our victories without fighting, But He said help would always come in time; Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in; Just hold on, our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again." 
This song by The Crabb Family reminds us that when the fiery trials of life come upon us, all we have to do is Hold On, and God will take us through the fire time and time again! No matter what comes against us, when all hope seems gone; if we just hold on to God's unchanging hand, He will bring us through victoriously, without fail! There is nothing too difficult for Him to handle; no storm too great He cannot calm! The words of the psalmist, filled with confidence writes, “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed” (Psalm 107:29), then in Mark 4:39 we find Jesus being awakened by the disciples, fearing they would drown as the stormy waters were overtaking their boat; so Jesus arises and rebukes the storm, telling it to be quiet; and the winds subsided and the waves became calm, stilling the storm to a mere whisper! 
Our God is always on time, supplying the need, and we find that we are made stronger because of them. So don't be afraid of life's storms that arise in your life, but simply learn from them. Allow your storm to become a lesson that helps to grow your faith! Call on God for help in your time of need; anytime -anywhere; and in any given situation. You will find that He is ever present and more than able to calm every storm and bring you peace and calm assurance. Psalm 46:1 reminds us "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." As God's children, it is His desire to 'Father us'; to watch over us and to pour out His love upon us as only He does best, as we trust in Him. Jesus reassures us in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." 
So when it seems the storms of life are attempting to take you under, just reach up and take hold of God's hand. I assure you that He will latch on to you and never let you go. You can rest assured, be secure in the safety of His hands. He will keep you safe, even if He has to swoop you up in His arms and carry you! It's in those valleys of decision that we learn to trust God and hold on as He restores our soul, refreshes our spirit, and revives us from deep within. Trust God to calm the storms of your life and have a wonderfully blessed day, dear friend. God loves you and so do I~~

Continuing To Share The Hope

Having just celebrated Resurrection Sunday and acknowledging the fact that Jesus is alive and lives forevermore, let us hold fast the confession of our Hope without wavering, for He who has promised is Faithful. Now that the day is past, let's not allow the celebration of Hope to grow dim, but continue to teach those we encounter day by day as Paul was noted in Colossians 3:12-17, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you; and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace; and be thankful. Let the world of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom; and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." 
Let us not grow weary in our work of Love but rather draw strength from Him more and more as our days continue; for it is in our weakness that we are made strong through the power of Holy Spirit, who resides within each of us! And let us be mindful that we are often the only Bible some folks read so if we talk the talk, then we must walk the walk as we share the Hope in Christ Jesus to a lost and dying world. When someone offends us, we must not allow it to take root and fester, causing bitterness to separate us, but rather let's be determined to forgive quickly as God has forgiven us; while keeping His amazing Grace and unconditional Love fresh in our minds. As Solomon taught in Proverbs 4:23, we must "guard our hearts with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life." As we go about our day, may we always be mindful of the great sacrifice Jesus paid for our salvation and strive to live in love and peace as much as lies within our ability to do so(Romans 12:18); that we bring glory and honor to His holy name!
I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day knowing that God loves you and so do I~~~