Tag: GodIsGood

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What Today May Bring

Have you ever heard of a “blessing basket”?

They were given on special occasions from one neighbor to another. It may have been a birth or a death, a marriage or a new home. They were expressions of love – always filled with good things. Food, candles, spices, wine, warm clothing…

I sat quietly for a long time this morning. Praying for family, friends, life’s circumstances and wondering what today might bring.

Do you ever do that? Just sit and wonder how it will be today?

After about an hour the Lord began to fill my mind with His word and He said give your readers a blessing basket.

“Always remember what is written in that book of law. Speak about that book and study it day and night. Then you can be sure to obey what is written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do. 9 Remember, I commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid, because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 ERV

“God’s blessing makes life rich; nothing we do can improve on God. 23 An empty-head thinks mischief is fun, but a mindful person relishes wisdom.” Proverbs 10:22-23 MSG

“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 ERV

“The Lord is my shepherd. I will always have everything I need. 2 He gives me green pastures to lie in. He leads me by calm pools of water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me on right paths to show that he is good.” Psalm 23:1-3 ERV

“Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Psalm 119:105 ERV

“ We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world.” II Peter 1:3-4 CEV

“ Jesus then asked his twelve disciples if they also were going to leave him. 68  Simon Peter answered, “Lord, there is no one else that we can go to! Your words give eternal life. 69 We have faith in you, and we are sure that you are God’s Holy One.” John 6:67-69 CEV

I don’t know what the day may bring but I do know that the Lord will lead us and when we follow Him we will take the right steps, have words of life, avoid fear, and have renewed strength.

God’s blessing are rich! Enjoy the blessing basket.

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Start the Day Right

A new month, a new day but our Father is always the same!

His love is everlasting, His faithfulness endures to a thousand generations, His peace bypasses all our understanding and His promises never fail!

Start the day knowing that you are blessed and you have angels around you to protect and help you today.

“This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear (reverence) Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him” Psalm 34:6-8

“But I will sing about your strength. I will rejoice in your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come. 17 I will sing praises to you, my source of strength. You, God, are my place of safety. You are the God who loves me!” Psalm 59:16-17 ERV

“ We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through his grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end.” II Thessalonians 2:16-17 ERV

“Praise the Lord because he is good! His faithful love will last forever!” Psalm 118:1 ERV

“My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is! 3 He forgives all our sins and heals all our sicknesses. 4 He saves us from the grave, and he gives us love and compassion…But the Lord has always loved his followers, and he will continue to love them forever and ever!” Psalm 103:2-4, 17 ERV

“I will sing forever about the Lord’s love. I will sing about his faithfulness forever and ever!
2 I will say, ‘Your faithful love will last forever. Your loyalty is like the sky—there is no end to it!” Psalm 89:1-2 ERV

I don’t know about you, but I think this is a great way to start the day and the month, focusing on the eternal, unfailing, everlasting love of God!

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Running Over

When our children were young, they would get to go and spend the night with Grama and Grampa quite frequently.

Our son, in particular, was an early riser. When he woke up, he was always hungry and so he would wake up Gram and tell her he needed breakfast. After a few incidents like this, Mom came up with a plan.

She poured a bowl of dry cereal and put it on the kitchen table. Then she poured a small pitcher of milk and let it in the refrigerator. She told our son that he could pour his own milk when he got up and have his cereal without waking anyone else up. Perfect plan – almost.

The next morning son followed the directions to a “t”. He got the milk out of the refrigerator and dumped it into the bowl. You know what happened, right? Yes. As the milk went in the cereal came out, leaving a mess on the table. His bowl runneth over!

That’s the picture I have in my mind’s eye every time I read Psalm 23.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. 2 You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3 and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths.
4 I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me,
and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe.

5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23 CEV

My cup overflows!

In the darkest of times – when I can see death and my enemies surround me – He fills my cup (my bowl) to overflowing. He fills it with His kindness and His love. And it isn’t just a one-time thing. The Lord continually fills my cup all the days of my life.

He protects and He provides. Jesus said that He came to give us a life of abundance.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 ERV

Life with the overflowing presence of God Almighty.

My mom had to clean up the table and the floor because of the overflow of the milk but God isn’t concerned about what spills out. His love and goodness are never wasted. They never run out.

“On that day Jesus stood up and said loudly, “Whoever is thirsty may come to me and drink. 38 If anyone believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from their heart. That is what the Scriptures say.” 39 Jesus was talking about the Spirit. ” John 7:37-39 ERV

The Spirit of God fills our hearts to overflowing with the character of Christ. That overflow is evidence to the world that God’s love is everlasting.

As I finish up this morning, a children’s Sunday School song, began to run through my mind. “Running over, running over, my cup is full and running over.”

I pray that you let the love of God fill your cup to full and running over.

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No Matter Where

I love how you can see God’s work all around – each day there are new reminders of His amazing love. The songs of the birds at the ocean are different from the ones in the desert but they are sweet just the same.

The sound of the waves coming to the shore is as exciting as the sight of the sunrise or sunset that captivate me each day at home.

The earth is truly filled with the glory of God!

“The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. 2 Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. 3 They don’t speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. 4 Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world. In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun. 5 It rises like a bridegroom and gets ready like a hero eager to run a race. 6 It travels all the way across the sky. Nothing hides from its heat.

7 The Law of the Lord is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people. 8 The Lord’s instruction is right; it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly, and they give us light. 9 Worshiping the Lord is sacred; he will always be worshiped. All of his decisions are correct and fair.

10 They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb. 11 By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded. 12 None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sinwithout knowing it.

13 Don’t let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault.” 14 Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalm 27 CEV

May your day be filled with seeing the Lord’s majesty and filling your heart with wonder, No matter where you are!

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Heartfelt Thanks!

This morning I have a personal note of gratitude for all of you who join faithfully each day to experience the Good News of God’s love!

Nine years ago this month, my friend encouraged me to post a morning blog. I didn’t know the first thing about setting one up but he did. He sent me a sample of what he had done and Kristi’s Morning Devotional was born.

I have enjoyed sharing the Scriptures with you day by day. It was a slow start but God has been faithful to build the readership.

“ Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin,” Zechariah 4:10 NLT

In the first few months readership was very low, less than 3500 reads over a total of 5 months. The Lord has been faithful and readership has now grown to over 8000 per month. What a joy to know the Lord is reaching these people through His word.

I am humbled and blessed because it is you who have shared the blog with your family, friends, Bible study groups and Facebook/Linked-In pages.

“I pray that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! 3 Every time I think of you, I thank my God. 4 And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. 5 This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it. 6 God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won’t stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns. 7 You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work God has given me, ” Philippians 1:2-7 CEV

Let me encourage you. If the Lord has given you a dream, a purpose, a talent, use it for His glory. You’re never too young to start or are you ever too old. This ministry started when I was in my 60’s.

“Don’t despise small beginnings”. I have heard that in my heart several times a month for the last nine years. I am so blessed when I read your comments of how the Lord encouraged you through the morning’s writings. Your prayer requests are not taken lightly. I lift them to the Father’s throne room.

” For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 NLT

Thank you for being a part of my mornings and in turn, a part of my life!

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Don’t Be Discouraged

Wow! That’s easier said than done, right?

I read something the other day that said, “God is never late. He doesn’t wear a watch but He’s always right on time”.

We have our set schedule, our time frame and expectations on how things should be done and how long it should take but rarely, is that the same time frame that God uses. He wants us living in the moment, in His presence, regardless of the circumstances.

We used to sing a hymn, nearly every Sunday evening. Our church let people request the songs we sang those evenings and inevitably someone would request “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”. And then they would share a testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision. I particularly like verses two and three.

“Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.” verses 2 & 3 of What a Friend We Have in Jesus by Joseph Scriven

Never be discouraged – take it to the Lord in prayer. Listen to these words that the Lord spoke in the Old Testament to Joshua and Isaiah.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NLT

“Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua told his men. “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord is going to do this to all of your enemies.” Joshua 10:25NLT

“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side!” II Chronicles 32:7 NLT

No matter the circumstances, no matter the obstacles, no matter the enemy we have God’s promise to never leave us or abandon us. Keeping our hearts set on this promise will keep us from being afraid or discouraged.


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Start Out Right

I normally wake up pleasant. Greeting the day with a smile, a prayer and a cup of coffee. But last night was one of the worst night’s of “unrest” that I’ve had in years. Up and down all night – confusing dreams – leg cramps – too hot – too cold.

Oh my. I hope I didn’t keep Dave awake.

But here’s the bright side. I can decide and have already decided that I’m not giving my day over to Grumpy. I’ve made an attitude adjustment! I’m not selling out my entire day.

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” I Peter 5:7 AMP

I’ve given the Lord my bad attitude and begun to give praise. Praise for having a bed with a roof over my head, praise that I got 2 good hours of sleep instead of none, gratitude for the cup of coffee that helps me greet each morning.

Praise God that I don’t have to go through the day the way I started out!

“ Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits— 3 Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; 5 Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!” Psalm 103:1-5 AMPC

Praising the Father for a day of victory instead of a day of defeat is the best way to start out right!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Psalm 34:1-3 AMPC

Join me!

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Bright Hope

Every night the stars and the moon come out and every morning the sun comes up. To some that may seem like a monotonious repetition but to me that’s hope!

Hope that God is faithful to bring the end to one day and to bring new life to start the next. Without God’s presence we can be without direction and purpose or worse yet we try to become our own god and that means that we are responsible for making everything happen, making everything work out right and it’s simply not in our power to do so.

The sunrise and the sunset are God’s examples of His faithfulness.

“We are still alive because the Lord’s faithful love never ends. 23 Every morning he shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal! 24 I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my God, and I trust him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 ERV

When we give up living for ourselves and find our life in Christ we can have rest from this vicious cycle of dependence on self. In Christ, we are promised a new and abundant life; life filled with joy, peace, love, forgiveness and grace.

“But we know that no one is made right with God by following the law. It is trusting in Jesus Christ that makes a person right with God. So we have put our faith in Christ Jesus, because we wanted to be made right with God. And we are right with him because we trusted in Christ—not because we followed the law. I can say this because no one can be made right with God by following the law…I died to the law so that I could live for God. I have been nailed to the cross with Christ. 20 So I am not the one living now—it is Christ living in me. I still live in my body, but I live by faith in the Son of God. He is the one who loved me and gave himself to save me.” Galatians 2:16-20 ERV

Each day is a new opportunity to receive God’s mercy and strength, to be wrapped in His love. Each evening we are given an invitation to rest securely.

“I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 CEV

Great is the faithfulness of God; He is faithful to a thousand generations.

“Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.”

In Christ we have new life and in Him we have the power to live a life of purpose and a bright hope for tomorrow.

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It’s Just A Tent

Today Dave and I are headed out for ten days of camping. Most of you know that we purchased a Jeep last summer and added a roof top tent in the Spring. We have it all decked out with everything we need – a kitchen, generator, winch, electric fridge, memory foam mattress and all the little things necessary.

As the Lord prompts me, I will be posting but I might not post everyday. It will be a time to rest and reflect on God’s goodness.

When our kids were younger we did quite a bit of camping. It was relaxing, fun and inexpensive. It was a nice tent and as comfortable as a tent could be but still it was just a tent.

I had my camping boxes that went on every trip. Each box had all the necessities prepacked. The only thing we really needed to think about was filling the ice chest with food and drinks. We could be ready to go in less than an hour’s time. Now that we’re older it takes a little longer to prepare but it’s just as much fun.

The adventures of wild animals in camp, canoe trips, floating the river, good friends, and the one time we brought everything but the tent. I know…but it happened.

No matter how much fun we had and how beautiful the camp site, it was always nice to come home. A comfortable bed, dry clothes, and a warm shower. Awwww.

In my reading today the Apostle Paul is talking about tent camping. Yes, tent camping!

“We know that our body—the tent we live in here on earth—will be destroyed. But when that happens, God will have a home for us to live in. It will not be the kind of home people build here. It will be a home in heaven that will continue forever. 2 But now we are tired of this body. We want God to give us our heavenly home. 3 It will clothe us and we will not be naked. 4 While we live in this tent, we have burdens and so we complain. I don’t mean that we want to remove this tent, but we want to be clothed with our heavenly home. Then this body that dies will be covered with life. 5 This is what God himself made us for. And he has given us the Spirit as the first payment to guarantee the life to come.

6 So we always have confidence. We know that while we live in this body, we are away from the Lord. 7 We live by what we believe will happen, not by what we can see. 8 So I say that we have confidence. And we really want to be away from this body and be at home with the Lord. 9 Our only goal is to always please the Lord, whether we are living here in this body or there with him.” II Corinthians 5:1-9 ERV

Life on this earth is like camping in a tent. The HoIy Spirit equips us with what we need but it’s not as comfortable as Home. Going home is something to look forward too with great anticipation.

However, while we’re in this tent we need to enjoy our surroundings. It’s an adventure but it’s just a tent. Our heavenly home awaits!

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Clouds, Fire & AI

For the last several months I have noticed a change in my morning computer searches. It used to be when I would search on a topic or key word all sorts of irrelevant information would appear. But now, the top searches generally include Scripture verses and Biblical references.

I chuckled and said to myself, “I finally got my computer saved”.

Let me share with you what I found in my search this morning when I typed in “pillar of cloud”. And I quote, ‘The pillar of cloud by day was a visible manifestation of God’s presence that guided, protected, and assured the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.‘

The reason I did that search is because I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you from 4th of July. We woke up to a refreshing cloud cover. Each of the neighbors we spoke with said the same thing – it was so nice to have the clouds, it just seemed cooler and the sun wasn’t as menacing. That made me think of the Israelites and their journey out of Egypt.

There was no Google Maps or Garmin, no GPS of any kind to lead them to the Promised Land and there was no A/C or heating for their tents.

But there was God!

“The Lord led the way. During the day, he used a tall cloud to lead the people. And during the night, he used a tall column of fire to lead the way. This fire gave them light so that they could also travel at night. 22 The cloud was always with them during the day, and the column of fire was always with them at night.” Exodus 13:21-22 ERV

The cloud and fire were directional devises for sure but they were also used for climate control. The cloud protected them from the harsh rays of the sun and the pillar of fire would keep them warm in those cold desert nights.

“Depend on the Lord for strength. Always go to him for help. 5 Remember the amazing things he has done. Remember his miracles and his fair decisions…The Lord spread out his cloud like a blanket. He used his column of fire to give his people light at night. 40 They asked for food, and he sent them quail. He also gave them plenty of bread from heaven. 41 He split the rock, and water came bubbling out.  A river began flowing in the desert!” Psalm 105:4-5,39-41 ERV

Our heavenly Father is practical. He is supernatural, omniscient, and omnipotent in all His ways but He is also concerned about our day to day lives. We can depend on Him for our strength.

He is our Savior, our Shepherd, our Shield. He is our pillar of cloud protecting us from the harshness of the days and our pillar of fire to bring us warmth, comfort and light when the nights are cold and dark.

And if you need a reminder of some of His great miracles go to His word; it’s better than AI.

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