Tag: TrustInTheLord

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Filled with Promise

Keeping our focus on the Lord’s faithfulness will keep us from being discouraged and depressed.

When Israel faced overwhelming threats and attacks they could confidently call on the Lord for their deliverance. They knew they had a “covenant” with Almighty God. God had promised to be their GOD and to fight for them, to stand with them, to be their protection and their source of supply. As long as they walked in obedience to God’s word all these blessings were theirs.

Remember when Moses told the Israelites that God had set before them life and death, blessing and cursing? Then Moses said choose life.

It was their choice to be a nation of blessed, victorious people. David knew this when he volunteered to fight Goliath – David’s comment, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” Circumcision was a physical sign to the Jewish people that God had made covenant with Abraham and all of his descendants.

You and I are Gentiles but we too have a covenant. The writer of Hebrews said we have a new covenant with better promises because we have chosen to follow Christ.

“But the work that has been given to Jesus is much greater than the work that was given to those priests. In the same way, the new agreement that Jesus brought from God to his people is much greater than the old one. And the new agreement is based on better promises. 7 If there was nothing wrong with the first agreement, then there would be no need for a second agreement.” Hebrews 8:6-7 ERV

“In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.”I Corinthians 11:25 NLT

God the Father is faithful and He made this new covenant for us with Jesus. Neither one of them will fail! Their covenant with us with not fail!

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. 28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Galatians 3:26-29 NLT

When God gave a new covenant of better promises, it wasn’t just for the Jewish people, it was for all of us who are in Christ.

“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?’ Numbers 23:19 NLT

This is what the Lord was reminding me of when I heard the instruction to “Be Still”. Not just be still, but “Be Still and Know that I am God”.

He was reminding me that He has filled my life with promises and He will not break His word!

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Standing Strong

It seems the theme for the last days has been victory. I like that!

I like being declared the winner. I received two trophies in my life; one for most improved bowler when I was in my early 20’s and one for placing 1st at a speech tournament when I was in high school.

But in Christ, I have won!

I’ve been declared the winner, not because of my own talents or great efforts, but because I am on the winning side. My team captain has been called the Champion of Champions. He has defeated death, hell and the grave.

“When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He put his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the one who lives. I was dead, but look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18 ERV

“David did God’s will during the time he lived. Then he died and was buried like all his ancestors. And his body did rot in the grave! 37 But the one God raised from death did not rot in the grave. 38-39 Brothers, understand what we are telling you. You can have forgiveness of your sins through this Jesus. The Law of Moses could not free you from your sins. But you can be made right with God if you believe in Jesus.” Acts 13:36-39 ERV

I hope the verses I shared yesterday are filling you with hope and encouragement. We have been given this power that raised Jesus from the dead.

“ The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead. If the same Holy Spirit lives in you, He will give life to your bodies in the same way.” Romans 8:11-13 NLV

Jesus, the one who spoke to storms, healed the lame, raised the dead and freely gave forgiveness to sinners, is the One who paid for our redemption. His death and resurrection gives us the ultimate victory.

I love this old hymn that was written in 1834.

The Solid Rock

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood

Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found;

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.”

I will not move off my stand on God’s Word! It is the foundation of my life and it has remained true through the ages.

” Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. 25 Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on solid rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 CEV

God’s Word has never failed and it never will! On Christ the solid rock I stand!!

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Victory in Jesus…

…because of the cross!

Yesterday, I ended the blog with this verse: ““The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10 AMP

That my friend is a life of victory!

As a Christian we aren’t promised a life void of conflict or battles, but we are promised to emerge from those battles just like David in his fight with Goliath; we are promised victory. Today, we are going to run our cups over with victory.

“ In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. 38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love…” Romans 8:37-38 CEV

“ I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

“But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory! 58 My dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile.” I Corinthians 15:57-58 CEV

“ Finally, let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11  Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. 13 So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil day comes, you will be able to defend yourself. And when the battle is over, you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13 CEV

“ Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory. 5 No one can defeat the world without having faith in Jesus as the Son of God.” I John 5:4-5 CEV

Jesus said: “The time will come and is already here when all of you will be scattered. Each of you will go back home and leave me by myself. But the Father will be with me, and I won’t be alone. 33 I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” John 16:32-33 CEV

“God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. 15 There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.” Colossians 2:14-15 CEV

The words of the Bible are very plain. We have the victory in Christ Jesus! We have been given the power to stand in the presence of our enemies! They HAVE BEEN defeated by Christ when He hung on the cross.

O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.

That old hymn means more to me today than when I was a child. My life has been filled with victory because of His blood! Oh, victory in Jesus!!

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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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Prospectors Wanted

I wanted you to know that I missed sharing with you yesterday. I was having problems with my computer but they have been remedied. Thank you Jesus!

When we lived in Montana we were less than a thirty-minute drive from Bannock, an historic mining town. We enjoyed visiting there especially when we had family and friends visiting.

The original old buildings, the cemetery, the creek that had been filled with gold and rubies were all intriguing. Our grandchildren, in particular, had fun panning for gold. They actually found some small flakes. The joy was in the prospecting!

Strange how reading Scripture can trigger memories of life experiences.

“ My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do. 2 What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you. 3 Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. 4 Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else. 5 Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lord and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body…13 Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. 14 Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. 15 Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.

16 With her right hand, Wisdom offers long life—with the other hand, riches and honor. 17 Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. 18 Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.” Proverbs 3:1-18 ERV

Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels, better than silver and the finest gold! Wisdom comes from the Lord.

“Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind…17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:5, 6, 17 ERV

The wisdom we gain from God’s word is priceless. The Father is generous and enjoys giving it to all who ask. Reading God’s word is like prospecting in a stream where you can see the golden nuggets from the surface. We just need to reach down and pluck them out.

“His teachings are worth more than pure gold. They are sweeter than the best honey dripping from the honeycomb.” Psalm 19:10 ERV

What do you plan to do today? May I suggest you go prospecting – God is always looking for prospectors. He desires to show you the riches of His good pleasure.

Prospectors are always Wanted!

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Heart to Heart

So many times life gets in the way of truly living!

We get so caught up in all the activities, things and people demanding part of our time. Life happens and it can be demanding. There is a tendency to focus on ALL that HAS to be DONE. Too much pressure and not enough time.

Do you think that God doesn’t know that? He does!

Do you think He was caught by SURPRISE by the events that are clamoring for your attention? He wasn’t!

Problems have surfaced like the waves of a tsunami and you feel like you are about to be washed away. He is the one who speaks to the winds and waves and says peace be still!

“Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? 3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. 6 Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’ Let the light of your face shine on us. 7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4 NIV

I love verse 4 in the King James version:

” Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.”

Commune with your own heart and be still! Search your heart – let God bring peace – Be still!

“Trust in the Lord and wait quietly for his help. Don’t be angry when people make evil plans and succeed. 8 Don’t become so angry and upset that you, too, want to do evil.” Psalm 37:7-8 ERV

Be still and listen!

“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.’ 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

Thank you Lord for having the answers to all my questions and having the solutions to all my problems. I want my heart to commune with You – heart to heart. Remind me that You, the Lord All-Powerful is with me”.

I CAN PUT MY TRUST IN YOU!

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Don’t Look Around – Look Up

Don’t look around, look up!

For years, I have loved looking at the clouds. There’s just something about them that draws me in. The landscape below may be barren and mundane but there’s a majesty in looking up.

There’s a good Biblical lesson in that.

When Daniel was in the lions’ den he wasn’t counting lions, he was looking up to the One who delivers.

When David was facing Goliath, he wasn’t looking around at all the soldiers who weren’t joining the battle, but he was looking up to the Rock of his salvation.

When Peter was on the sea he was looking at Jesus who was walking on the water of his storm but when he looked around at the waves he began to sink.

I’ve been reading through some of the smaller books in the Old Testament, Ezra and Nehemiah. Some Jews had been released from captivity and sent back to Jerusalem with a specific task, rebuild the wall around the city.

Ezra and the Jews faced so many interruptions, malicious reports and threats of danger. They didn’t complete the job, but they made a good start. Enter Nehemiah. He also faced threats. Listen to his advice:

“Our enemies were saying, ‘Before those Jews know what has happened, we will sneak up and kill them and put an end to their work.’ 12 On at least ten different occasions, the Jews living near our enemies warned us against attacks from every side, 13 and so I sent people to guard the wall …14 Then I looked things over and told the leaders, the officials, and the rest of the people, ‘Don’t be afraid of your enemies! The Lord is great and fearsome. So think of him and fight for your relatives and children, your wives and homes!’15 Our enemies found out that we knew about their plot against us, but God kept them from doing what they had planned. So we went back to work on the wall.” Nehemiah 4:11-15 CEV

“…the wall was completely rebuilt. It had taken 52 days. 16 When our enemies in the surrounding nations learned that the work was finished, they felt helpless, because they knew that our God had helped us rebuild the wall.” Nehemiah 6:15-16 CEV

Where’s your focus today? Are you looking around at your circumstances or are you looking up to your Savior and your God?

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created the heavens and the earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble…7 The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

I think we often spend so much time wondering what other people will think, seeking approval or others’ opinions instead of looking up and seeing what the Lord has to say. It’s good to get advice but it should be godly advice.

Don’t look around at the circumstances. Look up and trust the Lord!

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Every Day Promises

Knowing that God is in control and that He is working things out even/especially when you can’t see what’s going on is a great place of peace and comfort.

I’ve been asked why I post this blog every day. My answer is simple; God is an everyday God and His promises are for each day. The people He used in the Bible were everyday people, with ordinary occupations and real-life problems. They had discouragement, disasters, and disappointments.

“Every day, you are kind, and at night you give me a song as my prayer to you, the God of my life…11 Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you, Lord! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.” Psalm 42:9-11 CEV

Even in the most discouraging times, they trusted God and they rejoiced in God when they saw the victory. It was an everyday walk.

I want you to know there isn’t a day or even a moment when the Almighty God isn’t with you and He wants you aware of His presence and His power. He’s your Father and He loves you unconditionally.

He delivered Noah in the flood, David from Goliath, Daniel from the lions, Joseph in Egypt, Paul in prison, the thief on the cross and He won’t quit with you!

“12 Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love him. 13 Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. 14 You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. 15 Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death.

16 My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled about this. 17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:12-18 ERV

Sometimes we get things backwards. Sometimes we say God is testing me or putting me through this trial to see what I’m made of. God doesn’t do that. When the trials, tests and temptations come, they come from our own making or the influence of Satan in the world. God steps in to give us the strength to win the battle.

Let God lead you into victory today and thank Him for all the good and perfect gifts that He has provided.

“The Lord is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.” Psalm 118:6 CEV

I’m still camped out in Psalm 23. I’m learning to sit at the table the Lord has prepared for me, even in the presence of my enemies. The key to peace is keeping focused on Him.

He promises me and you, that He will never leave or abandon us!

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Don’t Be Afraid in the Darkness

I feel this is the message of Psalm 23. Yes, I am still in Psalm 23.

Do you have a loved one, a dear friend, that maybe you haven’t seen in ages and then you get together and catch up on all that has been going on in your life and theirs?

That’s where I have been the past several days by camping out in Psalm 23 with my dear friend, Jesus.

I’ve heard the Shepherd say, “Come lay down in the pasture. Get a cool and refreshing drink. Sleep, rest. Be still. I am filling your life with goodness, up to the very rim and more – I’m running your cup of life over with My love”.

Then my heart has said, “Lord, there are dangerous things happening all around me. Hurtful, heartbreaking situations, physical dangers and emotional unrest”. Then comes this reminder.

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.” Psalm 23:4-5 NLT

King David, before he was king, was a shepherd. He cared for his sheep, and he let his experiences be life lessons to teach him about the loving care of the Good Shepherd.

The Lord knows a lot about dangerous and frightening situations. Just ask Noah (the ark builder), David (the giant slayer), Daniel (the lion tamer), Peter (the water walker), Paul (the shipwreck survivor) and oh yes, Jonah (the fish bait).

These were all everyday people – there was nothing special about them except their willingness to obey God.

“ I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. 19 And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe. It is the same as the mighty power 20 he used to raise Christ from death and put him at his right side in the heavenly places. ” Ephesians 1:18-20 ERV

The last few weeks I have had several people very close to me face some pretty tough stuff. As I was praying for each of them the Lord kept bringing me back these verses in Psalms and Ephesians.

In the darkest valley, don’t be afraid. Know the blessings God has for you. Know the mighty power of God.

“I, I am the one who wipes away all your sins. I do this to please myself. I will not remember your sins. 26 But you should remember me. Let’s meet together and decide what is right.” Isaiah 43:25-26 ERV

The Lord wants us to meet with Him, in the quiet places, away from the distractions where we can remember His power, His strength, His unfailing love. He wants us to be worry-free, completely trusting Him and filled with joy because His love never fails.

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24/7/365

What does your day have in store? We’re going on a short road trip and will spend most of the weekend with friends.

People think that when your retired that you wake up each morning with a blank slate and you aren’t subject to the pressures of the “working class”. However, 9 to 5ers, stay-at-home moms or dads, retirees, students we all have the same 24 hours each day and we need to be good stewards of the time we have.

Almost 50 years ago I found these verses in Proverbs 16 and began to pray God’s Word over my plans for the day. Have I ever messed up and gone off and done my own thing? More times than I care to admit. Have I ever wasted a day selfishly? Sadly, yes!

But I do try to honor the Lord in my busy times and in my quiet, do-nothing times. Sometimes it’s much harder to sit quietly and rest than it is to spend the whole day in strenuous, working activity.

As we all start this weekend let the Lord direct. As He does, we will have good success.

“The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the [wise] answer of the tongue. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). 3 Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.” Proverbs 16:1-3 AMP

Let me ask again. What are your plans today? Give them over to the Lord and let them succeed! We can trust the Lord moment by moment – those little moments lead us to a 24-7-365 lifestyle of faith.

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