Detours and Rest Areas

5 10 2015

IMG_2082Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NLT

Sometimes we get off track for achieving our life goals. We may have been making good progress on our commitment to our health, our work and our prayer life and a crisis or some other distraction arrives and we suddenly lose focus on what we were doing. It can easily happen when we live in a world where many are tethered to their smart phones and breaking news arrives on the bottom of our TV screens. It is easy to get off track. Others may be still on the same path to progress but weariness has set in. Gathering enough strength to keep moving forward seems too difficult. In either case, whether you are on a detour or if you are parked at a rest area, it is time to get moving on the right track. It is time to refocus on what the Lord has called us to do. We can unpack any distractions that keep us from returning to the right path. We need resiliency and stamina to run the race before us. If we need direction or strength, the Lord will provide. We can step out on faith today and get back on track.





Source of All Comfort

2 10 2015

II Corinthians 3_5





My Help Comes from the Lord

1 10 2015

March 2013 Picture IPhone 323I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.    Psalm   121:1-2

Dear Father –

My help comes from the Lord.   You are my source of strength and power.   I thank You God for all that You do for me.  You sustain me with Your goodness and love.  My confidence is in You to continue to provide for my needs.  I thank You God for Your faithfulness to my life.  Your promises never fail and Your love is everlasting.  I give You honor and praise for Your many blessings.  My help comes from the Lord.

Amen

 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.  Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.  From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos,and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1-7





Let it Grow

30 09 2015

James Scripture





Prayer Changes Me

29 09 2015

2014-08-24 20.02.01My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.  Psalm 5:3

A dedicated time of prayer and fasting brings change. For me, that change starts in me. My prayers of gratitude and praise help me to acknowledge who God is in my life. He is my provider. He is Peace. He is love. He is my healer. He is my Savior. Meditating on these truths brings solace and conjures strength even during the most difficult situation. I can start a prayer in a harried, hurried mode but when I enter a time of reflection and meditation of who the Lord is my countenance changes. When I begin to think about God’s power, mercy and grace, my issues pale in comparison. During prayer changes occur from weak to strong, wounded to healed, fearful to peace, downcast to uplifted. I am so thankful that we serve a living God that we can talk to and God can talk to us. With an open heart, we can approach the Lord and talk to Him. He is always listening. He is always available and I am thankful.

Always be joyful.  Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18





Today’s Thanksgiving

28 09 2015

DSC03705Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. I Chronicles 16:34

With praises on my lips, I can approach a new day. I give thanks for the steps of my journey that has brought me thus far. Today is a new day. The Lord has been faithful to keep me, to love me and to strengthen me to keep moving forward. My heart is full of thanksgiving for His goodness to me. My posture of praise and gratitude opens my soul to recognize just how good the Lord is in my life. God is good. God is merciful. God is love. Today is a new day and I am thankful.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalm 103:2





Endurance

25 09 2015

Romans 5_4_5





The Good Things

24 09 2015

Muwin-Estates-OrchardLet all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. Psalm 103:2

We live blessed lives and often beyond measure. We could take it for granted that we live in this place, at this time with the people who love us. But when I think of the miracle of my life with the abundant experiences of love, peace and joy, I am thankful. We often think of tangible things, when we picture God’s benefits. I am also thankful for God’s provision and so thankful for peace in my mind and soul that allows me to know that I am blessed. I am thankful for all the good things that our Heavenly Father provides.





Leave it in His Hands

23 09 2015

Newport_Sun_Set3Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  I Peter 5:7

Our heavenly Father is concerned about us. It is amazing to me that our awesome God has intimate knowledge about my life. God knows first-hand about my concerns, my problems and even the desires of my heart. Whatever we are facing today – I am so thankful that we can take it to Him and leave it in His hands.

Dear Father-

I am so thankful that You care for me. When I think about the greatness of the universe, I appreciate the attention You give to my life. You are a mighty God and it is a privilege that with every difficulty that You are there for me. No matter how big or small the problem, You are only a prayer away, ready to listen and to help. I appreciate Your complete love and concern for me. We give You honor and glory for this blessing. I thank You for You care for me.

Amen





He is Among Us

22 09 2015

Zephaniah 3_17