Terri's Wellspring

New Mercies

29 01 2015

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

The Lord provides mercy each day and I am thankful. It is a renewed gift every morning that we experience His mercy. His mercy gives us a fresh start and an opportunity to begin again. The Lord shows us compassion and patience that is wrapped in His love for us. His mercy is great and unfailing when I present my life to Him. He sees me; my whole life, the effort, the personal struggles, my hopes and my dreams. He sees the successes and the shortcomings. Yet His mercy is still available to me. I am humbled that His unmerited grace and mercy allow me to begin again with each new day. I am thankful for this day and seek to be a good steward of all that He has given me to move forward in my purpose.

Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.

Psalms 119:76-77

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Tags: Lamentations 3:22-23, New Mercies, Psalms 119:76-77
Categories : REVITALIZATION

Determined

28 01 2015

I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. I Corinthians 9:26-27 MSG

Determination is a mental state. It is place of confidence and strength to keep moving toward our purpose. It is a place of pressing and exerting effort to achieve our goal. At times we may feel like we are not making any headway and so many things can get us off track. But I am thankful to God that He provides new mornings, new opportunities to renew our strength and to refocus. Our goal is to achieve God’s purpose for our lives. Our purpose comes from our Creator. When I align my life with His purpose, He gives me the vision and the strength to move forward. Today is a good day to move with determination toward our goal.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

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Tags: Determined, I Corinthians 9:26-27, Phillipians 4:13
Categories : Uncategorized

I’m Encouraged

27 01 2015

So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. I Thessalonians 3:7-8

Thomas Whitfield is one of my favorite Gospel song writers. The words and melodies of his songs continue to be a source of inspiration and uplifting to me. “I’m Encouraged” is a favorite among favorites. During different seasons in my life, this song was the first song played and listened to throughout the day. It was a mantra that kept my heart and mind focused on the goodness of the Lord and helped to strengthen my faith muscles when I needed it most.

May be you have a song that you keep close to your heart when you need it; a go-to song that helps to remind you of the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. You might have a first morning hymn that gets your heart and mind focused on Jesus. I am thankful for the gift of song and the power of inspirational music that keeps us going and keeps us encouraged. (Please feel free to add your favorite faith song in the comments section)

I’m Encouraged

By Thomas Whitfield

I’m encouraged Yes to stay with Jesus, Jesus I’m encouraged To stay with the Lord

Ohh-ohh-ohh ohh I’m encouraged Yes to stay with Jesus, Jesus I’m encouraged To stay with the Lord

I keep the devil running And I’m so glad I’m offering God The highest praise today

And if it seems like victory’s fading I’m going to trust Him Knowing all things work for good In Jesus name

Now faith is still the substance Of things hoped for I don’t know just what you Want the Lord to do

Because He’s never slacked In His promise Why not trust Him

To restore you with new power And your testimony too

Now I’m going all the way You can’t stop me

Even though I might lose a friend along the way

But because He lives I know I can face tomorrow

And thank you Lord I’m gonna praise Your name today

I’m encouraged, I’m encouraged, I’m encouraged, I’m encouraged, To stay with the Lord

I’m encouraged To stay with the Lord I’m encouraged To stay with the Lord (repeat as needed- out)

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Tags: I Thessalonians 3:7-8, I'm Encouraged
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT, FAITH

Be Ye Holy

26 01 2015

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16 NLT

One description of Holiness defines it as dedicating ourselves wholly to God. My walk with the Lord is an opportunity to reflect on His will and His way that makes my life and living distinct from the world. This dedication is something that I can strive for each day. I can seek to have a better understanding of what I should do and have the wisdom to do it. God’s Word is an open letter to each of us with a description of the higher ground that we should reach for in our lives. I am so thankful for the Gift of His son Jesus and the Holy Spirit that empowers believers to make our walk personal and gives us the strength to walk according to His will. Holiness is surprisingly not a denomination, the ability to dance and shout but truly committing ourselves to God. I know that may sound difficult or create mental images of living like a monk on a hill but we can live a “holy” life right here in our homes, among our families and friends within our communities. It is a necessary dedication for the abundant life that we seek through Jesus Christ.

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” You call out to God for help and he helps – he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living. I Peter 1:15-17MSG

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Tags: Be Ye Holy, I Peter 1:15-17
Categories : GUIDANCE

Think of His Goodness

23 01 2015

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:5-6

My heart is full this morning thinking about God’s goodness. Just thinking about God’s mercy and His unconditional love for me gives me such joy and a heart of gratitude. Since I started this journey in relationship with the Father through His son Jesus Christ, my life has been truly blessed. Even when I have fallen short of my best for Him, He has shown me mercy in ways that I could not imagine. At times, I thought I had “problems” but everything is relative. He has turned those problems into stepping stones of my faith. I am thankful. I have a blessed life. My family is blessed and it is all due to His goodness and mercy toward me. Today, I want to focus on His eternal blessings on my life and keep His joy in my heart and His praises on my lips.

I will tell of the Lord’s unfailing love.
I will praise the Lord for all he has done.
I will rejoice in his great goodness to Israel,
which he has granted according to his mercy and love.

Isaiah 63:7 NLT

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Tags: Isaiah 63:7, Psalms 23:5-6, Think of His Goodness
Categories : GRATITUDE

Refuge and Strength

22 01 2015

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalms 46:1 NLT

Our Savior provides a safe place in the time of trouble. It is a place of peace, protection and rest for our hearts and minds. The stress and pressure of the season can leave us feeling tired and weary. He knows and He cares about His children. During prayer and meditation we can experience respite for our busy minds and burdened souls. The Lord is our refuge. In His presence we are rejuvenated with His strength, infused with His peace and surrounded by His love. We are so thankful for the gifts of refuge, respite and rejuvenation that we have in God.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

Psalm 91:1 -2 NLT

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Tags: Psalm 46:1, Psalm 91:1-2, Refuge and Strength
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT

Ready for His Day

21 01 2015

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 NLT

Are you ready for His day? Did you wake up with gratitude on your heart? Are you feeling blessed and empowered this morning? This is another day that the Lord has made. We can face the day with gladness. You may have a full day planned with lots of tasks ahead. We can take a moment to thank the Lord and reflect on His goodness. Just take a few minutes to think about His grace and mercy that has brought us this far. We can thank Him for His continued faithfulness to be with us. We can invite Him into our day ahead. We can allow the Holy Spirit to direct the details of today; our words and our steps. Peace and joy will permeate our hearts when our focus is on Him. This is the day that the Lord has created for us. We welcome today with gladness and thanksgiving.

Thank you for responding to me; you’ve truly become my salvation! The stone the masons discarded as flawed is now the capstone! This is God’s work. We rub our eyes—we can hardly believe it! This is the very day God acted— let’s celebrate and be festive! Salvation now, God. Salvation now! Oh yes, God—a free and full life!

Psalm 118:21-25 MSG

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Tags: Psalm 118:24, Ready for His Day
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT

Our Trust is in Him

20 01 2015

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

We can put our trust fully in the Lord. Our life allows us to take one step at time, one day at a time to grow, nurture and build our faith. Our Heavenly Father loves us and has a plan for us that is full of hope. We can continue on our path today fully trusting Him.

We put our trust in Him despite the happenings of today or tomorrow. We put our trust in Him even when what we see before us today seems so distant from our prayers. We may be in a place where our faith is small but take your small portion and water it with God’s promises in His Word. Nurture your faith with the testimonies of others on the path. Stay on the pathway of faith. He knows all about our situation. He is able to work all things together for our good. Our trust is in Him.

Therefore, 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

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Tags: Hebrews 12:1, Our Trust is in Him, Proverbs 3:5-6
Categories : FAITH

Only Love can do that….

19 01 2015

The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral,
begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy.
Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it.
Through violence you may murder the liar,
but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth.
Through violence you may murder the hater,
but you do not murder hate.
In fact, violence merely increases hate.
So it goes.
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence,
adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness:
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Tags: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Only Love can do that
Categories : LOVE

Surrounded

16 01 2015

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,

for I am trusting you.

Show me where to walk,

for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8 NLT

We can set the atmosphere for our daily living. I feel like I am at my best when I take the time to set the stage for my day. A good start begins with a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for another day; just taking a few moments before anything else to invite the Holy Spirit into my day. Taking a brief time of thanksgiving and stillness in God to reflect on His goodness and His power makes all the difference. My office and my car are places of peace where I listen to uplifting messages or encouraging music. Inspirational notes and pictures of loved ones adorn my desk that keeps a smile on my face. They are visual reminders of God’s blessings to me. Throughout the day, I can keep soft music or something edifying playing in the background. I want to surround myself with peace and reminders of Him.

I am thankful for this time and this place in my life. I am thankful for the opportunity to surround my life with reminders of His love, mercy and goodness to me. I praise God for another day. I bless His Holy name for a day ahead filled with love, peace and joy that flows from Him.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103: 1-2

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Tags: Psalm 103:1-2, Psalm 143:8, Surrounded
Categories : ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE