Forgiven

We’re forgiven! We’re free! Let’s worship the Lord as we await His coming. (D. Roper)

How blest is he whose trespass,

Has freely been forgiven.

Whose sin is wholly covered,

Before the sight of heaven.

When we are forgiven, no record is kept of our failures.

[Matthew 24:35

 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

[read Ps130] God bless you, Billie

That Good Part

That Good Part

Luke 10:38-42

³⁸ Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus  feet and heard His word. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
⁴¹ And Jesus^[b] answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. ⁴² But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

That Good Part,

When we are seeking “the good part” other things must take second and third place. The business of the world is an enemy of our soul, and knowing Christ intimately. Jesus Himself said, “ I do only what the Father tells me.” . John 5:19

  He knew the danger of getting involved with things of the world when we are  serving  God; He is our leader and guide

Mark 10:21

When asked by the rich young ruler, what must I do to be saved? He answered;

²¹ Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

That “Good part” comes from laying aside everything that captures first place in our lives, and seeking Christ

Trust your ways to God

Trust  your ways to God

1 Corinthians 13:12

 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known

      Our vision of life is limited by our humanness;

pr.16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

 But we can trust ourselves to the One who has an unlimited view.

Isaiah 55:6-9

6 Seek the LORD while He may be found,   Call upon Him while He is near.

       7 Let the wicked forsake his way,  And the unrighteous man his thoughts;

      Let him return to the LORD,  And He will have mercy on him;

      And to our God,  For He will abundantly pardon.

       8“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts,   Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.

       9“ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,  So are My ways higher than your ways,

      And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Jer29:11 says, “I know the thoughts that I have of you, says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

There’s so much now I cannot see,

My eyesight’s far too dim.

But come what may, I’ll simply trust,

And leave it all to Him.---(Overton)

Women's Ministry

Women’s Ministries




It doesn’t matter if you are 18 years old or 85 years old, God wants to reveal His love through your life! Many times, we overcomplicate this idea by thinking public ministry, like teaching a class or serving in an orphanage, is the only way to fulfill that calling. However, I believe each of us finds incredible fulfillment when we allow God’s love to flow through us in practical ways every day—impacting the people around us.

I myself have been dealing with this for about three years now, ever since losing so much of my hearing. I thought, I will just wait on the Lord to open up a door of ministry for me. After about two year I felt that I should move into the only avenue I could think of ministering without having to hear; Computer!

Since then I have started a blog for my site and joined FB Blogging and notes with encouraging devotionals.

God has called me to be an encourager, the anointing for this ministry has been on my life since 1983 and I thank God for it. I am still open for more but it will be God’s calling and not mine. Also, I have met people from all over the united states that I would never have met without them reading my blogs, I made them public for that reason.

For those of you who are stay at home mothers, God has a calling to ministry on all of your lives; Just open up and allow God to love and minister through you when you can.

He doesn’t expect more from you than He has equipped you for.

I found that there is no excuse for not ministering, just open up and start looking for what God can do through you.. ”



It is all about proximity. We simply need to ask ourselves, Who has God placed in my life? Your family? Friends? Neighbors? Maybe even Co-workers? We can be certain God wants us to minister to our families, but we can also be confident He wants us to positively influence other women! Each of us shares the same call—to minister to the women in our life.

Ministry to women is relational! As we live in full devotion to God, He will give us opportunities to reveal His love in life-changing ways. Who are the women God wants you to connect with—, your neighbor, your hair stylist? It can be as simple as writing an encouraging note to a struggling friend, spending an hour getting to know someone’s story, or helping an aging neighbor with a household task.



Know that God will reveal His love through you! You can make a difference in the lives of the women around you as you give them the simple gifts of presence, understanding, compassion, conversation, and example. God has given you an assignment to relational ministry. As you allow God’s love to flow through you, you will meet the needs of others and at the same time discover the fulfilling life you were intended to lead!

God bless you and your ministry,

Exciting faith

God, Forgive Me Lysa TerKeurst

(Proverbs 31) web site
“…and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 (NIV)

Have you ever seen the social injustices of the world and felt they were too big for you to make a difference? I have felt that way. So instead of doing something—even something small, I did nothing.

Recently, several friends and I spent almost a week living at the Dream Center in Los Angeles. The Dream Center is a converted hospital run by Pastor Matthew Barnett and his church, Angelus Temple. It is a 700 bed facility that is a homeless shelter, a drug rehab, a healing place for those rescued from sex trafficking, an education facility and a ministry hub for over 120 outreach programs to help people in need.

I went as a woman in ministry. I went to help meet needs. But I quickly realized I was there as a woman in need.

A woman who needed God’s reality to fall fresh and heavy and close and real and too in my face to deny.

Because sometimes I find myself talking about God so much He becomes an identity marker but not an identity changer in my life.

Having God as an identity marker is nothing but a label, a language, and a lifestyle. I’m a Christian. I talk like one. I act like one.

But having God as an identity changer is something so much more. It’s lavish abandon to who God is and who He’s made me to be. Holding nothing back.

Only lavish abandon to God can do what I saw at the Dream Center.

It’s what changed the ex-gang member with eight bullet hole scars into a Jesus loving servant. So gentle.

It’s what changed the ex-prostitute into a counselor for girls being rescued from the streets. So pure.

It’s what changed the ex-drug addict into a loving father teaching his son how to be a godly leader. So integrity filled.

What in heavens has been holding me back?

Seriously. What has been stopping me from absolute lavish abandon to God? I need to know.

I’m desperate to figure it out.

So, I asked Pastor Matthew—a man who lives this lavish abandon, “Aren’t you afraid sometimes? You run a facility where you have to raise half-million dollars a month—a MONTH! Do you walk around with the weight of that on you all the time?”

And his answer cracked my heart wide open. “No. When you experience God the way I’ve been experiencing God for 17 years, you stop being afraid. I’ve seen too many miracles.”

Oh. Tears. The woman who doesn’t cry was flooded with a crack in the dam of her soul.

My. God. That. Is. It.

Pastor Matthew lives our key verse from Isaiah 58:10. He spends himself in behalf of the hungry and oppressed. And honest to goodness I’ve never seen someone so happy, so positive, so on fire for the things of God. Like our verse, his light rises in the darkness.

He sees the miracles therefore he dares to be part of them.

I can’t say the same about myself and I’m challenged by this.

I’ve stopped positioning my life for miracles. In an effort to never make God look bad, I’ve sought only that which I can carefully measure and predict and manipulate into being.

God, help me. God, forgive me.

If I truly want to be a woman who lives by faith, I must live a life that requires a little bit of faith. Fresh faith. The kind that changes everything. The kind the Dream Center is built upon.

I want to be part of the miracles happening at the Dream Center. And I’d love to invite you to join me. Dare to dream sweet friend…read more about this simple but profound opportunity below.

Dear Lord, I want fresh faith. The kind of faith that positions my heart to experience you. I don’t want to be held back. Even if it’s in a small way, I want to be available and willing to help those oppressed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Having God as an identity marker is nothing but a label, a language, and a lifestyle. I’m a Christian. I talk like one. I act like one. But having God as an identity changer is something so much more. It’s lavish abandon to who God is and who He’s made me to be. Holding nothing back.



Isaiah 58:6-8, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.” (NIV)

Hard times

(Ex. 14:1-3).
Inexplicably,(unexplainably) the Lord told Moses to take the people back toward Egypt and camp with their backs to the Red Sea so Pharaoh would attack them The Israelites thought they were going to die, but God said that He would gain glory and honor for Himself through Pharaoh and all his army, “and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord” (Ex14:4,17-18).

When we simply cannot understand why God allows circumstances that threaten to overwhelm us, it’s good to remember that He has our good and His glory in mind. If we can say, “Father, please enable me to trust and honor You in this situation,” then we will be in concert with His perspective and plan. —David McCasland

Once again we are faced with the decision; Will I trust God in this?
Give up and let God, when we can do this we have taken the "right" turn at the cross-roads.

http://matthewwills.com/2010/07/30/cicadas-part-i/

http://matthewwills.com/2010/07/30/cicadas-part-i/

We walk by faith, not by sight


“The Just (the ones justified) shall walk by faith.” Rom1:17

So, where do we get this “faith to walk by?

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

God never meant for us to walk alone with no help in this evil world; No, He gave us the

Word of God which contains everything, (promises for every test) we will ever have, to walk in a victorious way.

God does not want you to walk in a way that you are just “surviving”, He wants you to be

“more than conquerors” and we do that by believing and trusting Him at all times.

Staying so full of the word of God till it automatically is the first thing that comes out of our

Mouth when the devil comes to you with a new thought.

Just remember that the word says, Eph 3:20; He (God) is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think,”

You are not told to “cope” with the devil; We are told to “resist” the devil; when we resist him

The word says, he will flee from us. James 4:7.

That’s just one of thousands of promises we have for a victorious walk.

Death is necessary

When I read this I thought, this would be so helpful to a lot of people as well as myself. Did you ever have a hard time explaining to a child (or even some adults) How a person can be in heaven and still be in a casket? This little poem is one of the best explainations I have ever heard; and so simple.

"Since our bodies weren't created
to just fly away through space,
He had to leave his body here,
to see God face to face.

The part of him that loved us,
will live on in memory.
He now no longer lives in pain
He's as happy as can be.

Please try to understand that
Almost from the time of his birth,
He loved others right up close,
and loved God from the earth

Now he loves God right up close
I think he's having fun
He's hanging around the Throne
just talking to the Son.

Everything works for us

\
This was so good I wanted to share with my friends on facebook; ENJOY

The Unexpected
Our Daily Bread is hosted by Les Lamborn
READ: Proverbs 16:1-9

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9

Toni was looking for what wasn’t really lost, and she found what she wasn’t looking for. As a result, a group of people got a spiritual boost they weren’t expecting.

Toni, who conducts a Bible study in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic in Alaska, was looking for her husband’s missing driver’s license. As she retraced his steps from the previous day, she visited a hospital. The missing license wasn’t there, but a Christian high school chorale was, and Toni was touched by their worshipful singing. She asked the director if the teens could sing for her Bible-study group that evening. They could, and they did—bringing hope, joy, and God’s love through music and post-concert conversation to some folks trying to put their lives back together.

Oh, and that driver’s license? Toni found it on a chair when she got back home. Apparently, the only reason she went out that day was so God could direct her to hear a bunch of teens who could minister to her rehab group.

When God guides us (Prov. 16:9), He works in ways we can’t predict. He can use even our inconveniences to bring honor to His name. When we face a seeming nuisance in our day, perhaps we should look not just for what we think we want but also for what God has for us that day. —Dave Branon



Between the circumstance and me,

A Father’s loving hand



Is working all things for my good—

All moves at His command. —Anon.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God is behind the scenes and controls the scenes He stands behind.

wesome is our God

Awesome is our God

For the LORD Most High is awesome;

He is a great King over all the earth. [ps47:2]



How long has it been since you heard someone use the word “awesome”? Some people us the word carelessly.

Awesome is a descriptive word and is used by us to describe something that is too great to be

described in our everyday language.

The word here from the bible says that our Lord is “Awesome”. Indescribable!

Websters dictionary says it like this. Awesome is; ”deeply reverent” “dreadful” “awful”

When I think about, knowing the Creator who sustains the universe every second of every day, and still knows each of us personally and hears every prayer, That is truly Awesome to me.

Have a great day, Billie

Faith needed

Faith needed


James 1:5-8

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.



Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.



Jude 1:3

[ Contend for the Faith ] Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.



Galatians 2:16

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified

God's strength is ours

God’s strength is ours (how it works)


“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)



The world’s philosophy says, “What can’t be cured must be endured.” Our key verse says the opposite. What can’t be cured makes us dependent on the power of God. In that dependency, His power is given and we are made strong. I’ve come to learn this truth myself. God doesn’t always remove me from my painful circumstances, but He supports me in them. This strengthens me like none other.



Want strong faith?

Something amazing happens when we faithfully cry out to the Lord in our weakness and believe in His perfect care. We experience His super-natural power and peace. Our faith suddenly becomes stronger than our fear, and our trust becomes a strong witness to others. Go ahead and be weak when the crisis comes. His strength and grace are sufficient.





Dear Lord, thank You for Your strong grace when my circumstances look bleak. In my weakness, I cry out in utter dependence on You. Make Your power known to me. Be my hope, my peace and my strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (taken from Proverbs 31 Ministries)

Empowered for service

Empowered for Service

Luke 4

18 “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,

Because He has anointed Me

To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,[a]

To proclaim liberty to the captives

And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed;





Mark 16:14-16

New International Version (NIV)

14 Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned



2 Corinthians 5:18

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation

Obedience is the principal thing

Matthew 21:28-32


New King James Version (NKJV)



28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”

They said to Him, “The first.”



Have you ever “not felt like” doing something that you knew you should do? Something that you knew in your heart was the right thing to do? These are the times when we have to remember that, we are called to obedience whether we feel like it or not.

1 Samuel 15:22

But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

John 8:31

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in (stay in,obey) My word, you are My disciples indeed.

Obedience, Love, Forgiveness are what we all are called to.

sharingtheloveofChrist: sharingtheloveofChrist: Bib, or Apron?

sharingtheloveofChrist: sharingtheloveofChrist: Bib, or Apron?

sharingtheloveofChrist: Bib, or Apron?

sharingtheloveofChrist: Bib, or Apron?: "Have you ever considered the people around you in church? Are they wearing a spiritual bib or a spiritual apron? A SPIRITUAL BIB is: ..."

Bib, or Apron?

Have you ever considered the people around you in church? Are they wearing a spiritual bib or a spiritual apron?




A SPIRITUAL BIB is:

For people who only want to be fed.

For those who are not yet ready or willing to feed themselves.

For those who are more interested in being served than in serving.

For those who insist that the church exists for them and their needs.

For babes in the faith, those who haven't caught God's vision for their lives.



A SPIRITUAL APRON is:

For those who know that they are the church.

For those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.

For those who have a heart to serve others in Jesus' name.

For those who take the time daily to feed their spiritual hunger.

For those who are growing in faith, and desire to help others grow.



A survey was taken some years ago that asked, "What do you think the church exists for? Eighty-eight percent said, "The church exists to serve my needs and the needs of my family." In other words, 88% of Christians in America are still wearing bibs.



On the night when he was betrayed, just hours before he was crucified, Jesus, the very Son of God took off his outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist to form an apron, and washed his disciples feet. When he was done he said, "I have just given you an example to follow." In other words, Jesus called his disciples to wear aprons, not bibs.

Clean before the Lord

Clean before the Lord




Matthew 5:8

8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.



Being cleansed is a requirement to get into God’s presence; God is not hiding from us, but anything that is not clean before God will block us from being able to come into His presence.



Mark 11:25 (King James Version)

25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.



Unforgiveness is just one of the things that will block us from getting an audience with God. Jesus said, first go and make it right with your brother, then come to God.

Matthew 5:23

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Matthew 5:24

leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.





Ps24: 3Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.



David prayed

Psalm 51:10

10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Only God can cleanse us this way; We must humble ourself and ask for cleansing;  that means not trying to hide anything from Him.

I clean heart is one that has nothing in it but the love of God.



How many times have we come before the Lord in prayer with with hard feelings against someone?

Had you ever thought that that very thing would keep God from hearing us?

These are some new thoughts that have come to me this morning.

Our heart is something that we may hide the intents of from man, but nothing in it can be hid from God.

Matthew 9:4

But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?

Thoughts 4 today

Some assurances to look at for today






Life is a coin, you can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.



Do not miss an opportunity to tell your friends and loved ones you care.





God makes miracles out of what seems insignificant: fragile faith, a little kindness, and ordinary people. —Julie Ackerman Link



In all the setbacks of your life as a believer, God is plotting for your joy. —John Piper



May You Have a Blessed Day, Billie

Knowing Him

Knowing Him




Jn.17:3, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

It takes time and fellowship to get to know someone. Remember your best friend when you were in school? Every hour that you could possibly spend with them, you did.

You shared plans and hopes and the best kept secrets were between you and your friend.

Most of us still keep in touch with our best friend.

This gives you an idea of how we get to know the Lord. To know Him you must spend time with Him and talk to Him.

sharingtheloveofChrist: The heavens speak of God's glory

sharingtheloveofChrist: The heavens speak of God's glory: "The heavens speak of God’s glory . 'The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they po..."

The heavens speak of God's glory

The heavens speak of God’s glory


. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world" (Psalm 19:1-4).

The beauty of creation is crying out daily for you to see and to worship the Creator in response. Live life on a different level today--a higher level.

Have a great day, God bless; Billie

Let Down Your Hair

Let down your hair 

John 12:3-5

3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.



Let down your hair; Some people get nervous when people get too loud or exuberant in their praise, but not Jesus.

Remember Paul and Silas who were thrown in jail? At midnight they “let down their hair” so to speak;

The other prisoners “heard them”, Suddenly there was an earthquake!! God had heard them too!!



Acts 16:25-26 (New King James Version)

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

The Bible tells us to, “make a joyful noise to the Lord” (ps. 100) Sometimes what is joyful to the Lord may not be joyful to the normal ear.

You have to have a spiritual ear to enjoy the sound of praise.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

sharingtheloveofChrist: Encouragement #2

sharingtheloveofChrist: Encouragement #2: "Encouragement John 8:11 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and[a] sin no more.” Jo..."

Encouragement #2

Encouragement


John 8:11

11 She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and[a] sin no more.”



John 1:47

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”

JESUS used words to make people feel worthy as illustrated in the verses above.

To question peoples word or, put them down for what they do or say is totally the opposite of encouragement. It’s just impossible to encourage someone after we have used words to discourage them. Words are something that can never be taken back once they are spoken.

however, words of encouragement will build peoples self esteem and encourage them.

Words can make people feel worthy or unworthy. Words can make people feel like a winner or a loser. No wonder the word of God cautions us to be careful what we say.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Let loose and let God

The Lord has promised that we will never fail when we look to Him for help


And encouragement and strength.
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Isaiah 41:13
13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Our life is God's plan

Our life is God’s idea, it’s His plan,


I want to stick with the plan He has.



Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.





1 Corinthians 2:16

For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?”[a] But we have the mind of Christ."
with this mind we can know what He has for us.





Ephesians 2:10 (New King James Version)

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.



Php2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.





You’re not out for a stroll, you’re going somewhere.

He calls you, and as you step out and obey Him He reveals His will step by step.

Remember, it’s not your plan and you can’t do it alone.



Psalm 138:8

8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;

Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;

Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Get Ready

Ecc.12:13-14; Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:


Fear God and keep His commandments,

For this is man’s all.

14 For God will bring every work into judgment,

Including every secret thing,

Whether good or evil



God gives to us the gift of time

To use as best we can.

To live each moment in His will,

According to His plan.



Life is short, live for God

Eternity is waiting each of us; our life here on earth gets us ready for eternity.

Only one life,


Will soon be past,


Only what’s done


For Christ will last.

Best Friends

Jn 15:13-15; Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.




Do you have a best friend?

To become best friends with someone you have to spend a lot of time with that person, confiding in him and sharing some of your deepest thoughts, fears, and desires. It’s a relationship built on trust, honesty, and loyalty. Your best friend may be the only one who knows certain things about you.

In the scripture here Jesus calls His disciples his best friends; and He wants us to be His friends also.

How does it make you feel to know that “He gave up His life so we could be His closest friends”?

He only asks that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not for Himself, but for our good. Who could ask for a better “Best friend”?

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Having a close relationship with Jesus will give us rest , comfort and encouragement and inspiration in His presence just as you find with your best friend.

Have a good day,

Billie

Awake and live in righteousness

As I read this devotional this morning I felt the Holy Spirit moving in me and letting me know just how important this is if we want to live a victorious life. Hope is blesses you as it did me.

"Awake to righteousness, and sin not."


(1 Corinthians 15:34)



every day of your life on this earth-- Satan is going to try to convince you that you don't have any right to the things of God. He's going to try to bring you into bondage again to sin in order to control your life. But he won't be able to do it if you'll reawaken yourself every day to who you really are in Jesus.



Here's a prayerful confession to help that revelation come alive in you:



"Father, I confess anew Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior today. Lord, You are the head of my life. I completely yield myself to You. My will is now Your will. My plans are now Your plans.



"As a new creation in Christ Jesus, I accept the gift of righteousness and all that gift includes: health, prosperity, peace, joy and life abundant. I put aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets me. I now look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith.



"According to Your Word, I can now reign in this life as a king. The power of sin and death in my life has been overcome. No longer am I ruled by the forces of evil but by the God above all gods. I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.



"I determine today to walk conscious of my right-standing with You, Lord, and with every step to draw closer and closer to You. Thank You for the gift of righteousness. Because of that gift, I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.



"In Jesus' Name. Amen!"

Knowing the Creator

Knowing the Creator


Romans 1:20-" For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, (NKJV)

The greatness of our God is seen

in sky and sea and forest green.

And living creatures great and small

Reveal the God who made them all__D. De Haan

All creation sings God’s praise.

Why does man try to find out how creation was started other than," In the beginning God?"

They are robbing themselves of the greatest relationship they will ever have, knowing the creator personally.

Right Answers

Right Answers


2 Peter 2:9 B-.So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. ...



Psalm 1:6

6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

But the way of the ungodly shall perish.



Do you need direction?

After reading the above scriptures I realized that there is no better place to go for direction and answers than God. He not only “knows” but He also desires for us to make the right choice.

Jer. 29:11;

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Every scripture lets us know that, God has the answer.



Genesis 41:16

So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

Today

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:2b




"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" NKJV





Dwight L. Moody was perhaps the greatest evangelist of the latter part of the 19th Century. On October 8, 1871, Moody was preaching in Chicago a message entitled, "What will you do with Jesus?" His sermon was in two parts over two Sundays and he ended this first part by stating, "I wish you would seriously consider this subject, for next Sunday we'll speak about the cross. Then I'll ask you, 'What will you do with Jesus?'"



The service was ended with a hymn; however, before the completion of the hymn, the roar of fire engines could be heard. The terrible 1871 Chicago fire swept through the city that night and nearly destroyed the entire city. Moody's 2nd part of his sermon on the cross was never preached --- at least not to those who were present on the day of the fire.







D.L. Moody would often say in the years to follow, "I have never since dared to give an audience a week to think of their salvation." Moody often thought of those who were present during the October 8 service who may have died in the fire and never had another opportunity for salvation.







We have lived this type of situation many times on the mission field. The one that stands out is a service we were holding at a Tuberculosis/HIV/AIDS facility. The director was enthusiastic about our coming to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ. But cautioned us that everyone of the sixty patients would be invited but don't expect more than 10% to show up. We prayed and knew we were sent here for a purpose.







Two hours later we stood in front of every patient. They showed up --- the Holy Spirit had a plan. The salvation plan presented and everyone came forward to receive Christ. Later the director was shocked that everyone showed up and stated, "All 60 are terminally ill and within 6 months will be dead."







We had a choice to make --- like D. L. Moody said, "I have never since dared to give an audience a week to think of their salvation." We could have been discouraged when the director said only 5 or 6 will show up after traveling 12,000 miles to get there --- but the Holy Spirit prompted us nearly a year before to put this event on HIS schedule.







I often smile when I think of those 60 patients who like the thief on the cross at the last few moments of their lives grabbed on to Jesus.







Prayer: Father help me to never second guess your assignments. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Knowledge of God

Knowledge of God




Proverbs 2:3-5

3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,

And lift up your voice for understanding,

4 If you seek her as silver,

And search for her as for hidden treasures;

5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,

And find the knowledge of God.



This knowledge has very little to do with our head knowledge.

Heart knowledge is knowing God, it’s an intimate relationship with God, spending time with Him and in His Word, gains us the knowledge of God.
We begin to sense things the way God does.



2 Peter 1:3

as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,



Proverbs 1:7 (New International Version)



7 The fear (reverence) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools[a] despise wisdom and instruction.



The world calls us “weak and without understanding” because we trust in God.

They say that God is a “crutch” for us.



They “stumble” over spiritual things. While falling into satan’s traps.

Draw near to God

Draw Near to God




Scripture: Matthew 10:27

"I tell you these things in the dark, but I want you to tell them in the light. What you hear whispered in your ear you should shout from the housetops." NCV



The young man had lost his job and didn't know which way to turn. So he went to see the old preacher. Pacing about the preacher's study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally he clenched his fist and shouted, "I've begged Jesus to say something to help me. Tell me, Preacher, why doesn't Jesus answer?"

The old preacher, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply -- something so hushed it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. "What did you say?" he asked.

The preacher repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher's chair.

"Sorry," he said. "I still didn't hear you."

With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more. "Jesus sometimes whispers," he said, "so we will move closer to hear Him."

This time the young man heard and understood.



We all want Jesus to triumphantly appear with the answer to our problems. But Jesus is the still, small voice --- the gentle whisper.



Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. A whisper from Jesus means I must stop ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His. And then --- as I listen --- I will find my answer. Better still, I find myself closer to Jesus.

Prayer: Father thank you that as Jesus whispers I'm ready to hear. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Trials

Exodus 15:23-27 NKJV

23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.(24) And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” (25) So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.
There He made a statute(law)and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them,



ã Have you ever wondered why God led the Israelites “through”

The wilderness instead of around it?

Why didn’t He take them directly to the land He had promised them?

ãThey were not ready (prepared) to take possession of their promise yet.

Testing and trials build character, and prepare us just as it did them;

God is perfecting us and preparing us for the promised land just as He did them.

We have to learn to walk by faith and not by sight.



2 Timothy 3:16 {reminder}
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.



ßGod always provided for their needs even when He was testing them; water, food and shelter were always there for them.

It’s when we lust for “other things” that we get into trouble.



Ex.15:27
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters. Abundance supplied.



We shrink from life’s challenges

we plead For watered pastures never touched by pain;

But God will often let us sense our need

Before He sends His cool, refreshing rain. __Gustafson



The more bitter the desert experience, the sweeter the water of the oasis.

Beneficial Trials

Exodus 15:23-27 NKJV


23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.(24) And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” (25) So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.
There He made a statute(law)and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them,



ã Have you ever wondered why God led the Israelites “through”

The wilderness instead of around it?

Why didn’t He take them directly to the land He had promised them?

ãThey were not ready (prepared) to take possession of their promise yet.

Testing and trials build character, and prepare us just as it did them;

God is perfecting us and preparing us for the promised land just as He did them.

We have to learn to walk by faith and not by sight.



2 Timothy 3:16 {reminder}
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.



ßGod always provided for their needs even when He was testing them; water, food and shelter were always there for them.

It’s when we lust for “other things” that we get into trouble.



Ex.15:27
27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.              Abundance supplied.



We shrink from life’s challenges

we plead For watered pastures never touched by pain;

But God will often let us sense our need

Before He sends His cool, refreshing rain. __Gustafson



The more bitter the desert experience, the sweeter the water of the oasis.

God's protection

The story is told of a US Marine during World War II that got separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and crossfire he had lost touch with his unit. Alone in the jungle he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed. As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, please protect me. Amen." After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy beginning to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him --- all the while the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave. "Hah, he thought. What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor." As the enemy searched closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout deep inside the cave. He watched as the enemy systematically checked and cleared each cave. As they came to his he readied to make his last stand. Rifle at the ready and three hand grenades within reach. Suddenly to his amazement the enemy glanced at his cave and walked away. Then it quickened him that the spider web over the entrance looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. "Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall." We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget what Jesus can work in our lives --- sometimes in the most surprising ways. And remember with Jesus --- a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection. Prayer: Father thank you for your protection in my life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! (Chriatian Cyber Ministries)

Testings

Testings


Esther 4

1 When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry. 2 He went as far as the front of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth. . 5 Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was. 7 And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s treasuries to destroy the Jews. 8 He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people. .
10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai: 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days.” 12 So they told Mordecai Esther’s words.
13 And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. 14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!”
17 So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.[a]



The 4th chapter of Esther has only 17 verses, but contains one of the greatest challenges anyone could face. It also shows us that if we step out with God, there is nothing that can overcome us.

All of us who serve God face challenges whether big or small; what we do and how we handle them makes all the difference.

Esther knew that even though she was a queen, she was not guaranteed safety. She also knew that if she didn’t step out, no one else would, and her people would be slaughtered.

Did she step out or back off? She stepped out but not alone; her and her people petitioned God to intervene and protect her.

There may be times when a test may come to you, (and there will be) that you know that you alone cannot do it; God is not trying to take you down, He is trying to teach you to rely on Him. Courage is not the lack of fear; it’s fear that has said its prayers.

For life’s adventure Lord, I ask

Courage and faith for every task;

A heart kept clean by high desire.

A conscience purged by holy fire.__McDermand

Free Indeed

Free indeed


I just read a recap about a men, after being held hostage for 13 days

And released, with a broad smile on his face, announced, “I feel more alive now than I have in my entire life!”



For reasons hard to understand, it is more exhilarating, being “freed” than being “free”.

For those of us who enjoy freedom every day, reading about

this is a good reminder of just how blessed we are.



For the christian we have a twofold reason to celebrate; (Jn8:36 tells us)

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.



If freedom in Christ has become (ho-hum, boring) to you, call to remembrance the former days; remind yourself of what God has promised you as a believer. Stir up your faith.

Celebrate your freedom in Christ by taking the time to thank God for the things you have and are able to do as His servant.

John 8:36
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.






The sinful flesh in which we dwell

Makes living righteously

Impossible without the Lord

Who died to set us free ___SPER

LIVING FOR CHRIST BRINGS TRUE FREEDOM

opportunities

Opportunities


The story is told of a young man who wished to marry the farmer's beautiful daughter. He went to the farmer to ask his permission. The farmer looked him over and responded, "Son, go stand out in that field and I'm going to release three bulls, one at a time. If you can catch the tail of any one of the three bulls, you can marry my daughter."

The young man stood in the pasture awaiting the first bull. The barn door opened and out ran the biggest, meanest-looking bull he had ever seen. He decided that one of the next bulls had to be a better choice than this one, so he ran over to the side and let the bull pass through the pasture out the back gate.

The barn door opened again. Unbelievable. He had never seen anything so big and fierce in his life. It stood - pawing the ground, grunting, slinging slobber - as it eyed him. Whatever the next bull was like, it had to be a better choice than this one. He ran to the fence and let the bull pass through the pasture, out the back gate.

The door opened a third time. A smile came across his face. This was the weakest, scrawniest little bull he had ever seen. This one was his bull. As the bull came running by, he positioned himself just right and jumped at just the exact moment. He grabbed --- but the bull had no tail!

Life is full of opportunities. Some will be easy to take advantage of, some will be difficult. But once we let them pass (often in hopes of something better), those opportunities may never again be available.

The same thing is also true of opportunities to serve Christ. God often opens doors -- opportunities to speak up for Him, opportunities to minister to someone who is hurting or in need, opportunities to make an influence in the world around us. If we allow them to pass (perhaps because we are waiting for something easier to come along), we may miss out on them altogether.

Prayer: Father help me to clearly recognize and act on the opportunities to share your Good News with the ones you place before me. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Oh God You are my God

Oh God You are my God


Psalm 63:1-8

1 O God, You are my God;

Early will I seek You;

My soul thirsts for You;

My flesh longs for You

In a dry and thirsty land

Where there is no water.

2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,

To see Your power and Your glory.



3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,

My lips shall praise You.

4 Thus I will bless You while I live;

I will lift up my hands in Your name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,

And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.



6 When I remember You on my bed,

I meditate on You in the night watches.

7 Because You have been my help,

Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.

8 My soul follows close behind You;

Your right hand upholds me.



We can’t ignore God’s only son

He is the Lord, the Holy One;

He is the source of life and grace

The One who died and took our place.––Fitzhugh

He is a fool who ignores God: Ps14:1 “The fool has said in his heart, “there is no God;”

finding God

Finding God


Ps139: 1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me;

12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,

But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.



2 You know my sitting down and my rising up;

You understand my thought afar off. 3 You comprehend my path and my lying down,

And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue,

But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before,

And laid Your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.



7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall[ on me,”

Even the night shall be light about me; 12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,

But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.



13 For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;



How many of us have felt like God has abandoned us, when we are going through a hard time?

Or we feel like He is far away when we need Him? If you will just turn to this psalm you will see that not only is he Near, but, you can’t get away from Him.. You are the most unique being that He ever made; He made you in a very special way, so that we could communicate with Him. He loves us and we have the special ability to love him in return.

So don’t be afraid that He will leave you or forget you, there’s not a chance of this happening. We are in His image and He has His eyes on us . He cares for us.

Touching Jesus

Mark 5:25-34 (New King James Version)




Touching Jesus is all that matters

25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?”

31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’”

32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”



As I read this scripture this morning it seemed that two very important insights came forth.

#1- I have often pondered the, “why” are some people healed, while another person in the same group or same family are left unhealed. And;

#2- Is Jesus’ real reason for healing based on a far greater need inside us? A healing of the soul>



About #1, this woman was seeking Jesus because she knew without a doubt that He could and would heal her if she could just “touch Him.”

How many of us are more interested in “touching” Jesus than anything else? Is that the only reason for us following Him?

There is an old song that tells it all; “Touching Jesus is all that matters, then your life will never be the same.”

#2-When Jesus asked, “Who touched me?” The woman knew that she was the one; timidly she fell to her knees and confessed what she had done, and what had happened. She was trembling, why? She probably thought that He would reproach her, maybe even call her a thief! But Jesus actually called her “daughter” and even more He commended her faith! Suddenly the physical healing wasn’t quite so important to her,; As all her doubt faded away, years of anguish and hurt fell away, she had received inward healing.

Now she had a real reason for living.

I love the song that says, “He is my reason for living, He is my everything.”

Have a great day, blessings on you.

Through eyes of faith

Through eyes of faith


Perspective (a particular evaluation of a situation or facts, especially from one person's point of view )



When something happens that concerns us , what is our perspective? It’s not what we see but how we see it that reveals our attitude. If we look at life through the lens of our powerful and good God, we will trust Him instead of fearful worrying. When our perspective is right, we can see God and His faithful provision.



Mt 6:25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.



When fear and worry test your faith

And anxious thoughts assail,

Remember God is in control

And He will never fail.--Sper

Worry is a burden that God never meant for us to bear.

Practice putting God’s word between you and your problem,,

The problem will get smaller immediately



Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. “Trust Him”

Joy is strength

When you think of being, “joyful and glad” what do you think will make you joyful and glad?


Is it “things”? Is it “people“?

Is there any situation in which we cannot experience the joy God gives?

Rom 5:5, says, ”Because

God’s abounding love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”

Happiness is the result of outward situation, while Joy comes from within.

Pain and sorrow are always going to be a part of our life. Yet the Holy Spirit is our source of joy, bringing us the richest treasures man can wish for. Nehemiah 8:10B, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” The devil knows that as long as you keep the joy of the Lord in you that, he cannot get to you.

The Apostle Paul said in 2cor 6:10,”As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; As poor, yet making many rich;

As having nothing, yet possessing all things.” Paul knew that “things” are not what makes us strong,, it’s the joy of th Lord.

Thank you Lord;
 have a great day, God bless you with the Joy of the Lord, Billie

We walk by faith

We walk by faith

I know that this devotion is almost like  one I did a few of days ago, but, It has a new angle that explains the walk of faith so well that I couldn't resist sharing it.


Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. —Psalm 119:105
     I’ve always thought that I could get through just about anything if the Lord would tell me what the outcome would be. I believe that “all things work together for good” in the end (Rom. 8:28), but I’d do a lot better in dark times if I knew exactly what the “good” would look like.



But God usually doesn’t show us where He is taking us. He just asks us to trust Him. It’s like driving a car at night. Our headlights never shine all the way to our destination; they illuminate only about 160 feet ahead. But that doesn’t deter us from moving forward. We trust our headlights. All we really need is enough light to keep moving forward.

God’s Word is like headlights in dark times. It is full of promises we need to keep us from driving our lives into the ditch of bitterness and despair. His Word promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). His Word assures us that He knows the plans He has for us, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give us “a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11). And He tells us that our trials are there to make us better, not bitter (James 1:2-4).

So the next time you feel as if you’re driving in the dark, remember to trust your headlights—God’s Word will light your way. —Joe Stowell
The Word of God provides the light
We need to see the way;
It shows us what we need to know
So we won’t go astray. —Sper

You won’t stumble in the dark if you walk in the light of God’s Word.

something to think about

Wise men’s Gifts
How could they know all of this about Jesus? probably, studying the word, huh?




Gold is the gift you give to Kings. In days of old, tribute was paid by bringing gold to the king. It was the most precious metal of the time and so the wise men are presenting it as a gift to the king.



Frankincense was a kind of incense, used to worship God in the temple. So the wise men are saying this baby, Jesus, is not only king, he is also God. He is worthy of being worshipped.



Myrrh was a spice used to embalm the dead. Now that's an unusual gift for a baby: the spice put on a dead body before wrapping it in linens. So the wise men, by their gifts, acknowledged that Jesus is God Incarnate, he is king, and he is going to die. Jesus is the savior of the world and he has come to die for our sins.



Even before Jesus said his first word, it was known that, 'This is the Savior who will die for the sins of the world.' King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Only Jesus can satisfy the soul

Romans 13:14


14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.



1 John 2:15

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.



Some look at this as if God is saying, “Don’t enjoy anything of the world.” and they decide they just can’t live for God because they would have to give up everything that they love and depend on.

They don’t understand that God wants us to enjoy the best of everything . The best homes, the best cars, the best food, etc.

Look at Solomon, he was the wisest and richest man of his time, yet God was the one who gave him all the best of everything. It was only when Solomon began to put “things” ahead of God that he sinned.

That’s what the word means when it says, “Do not love the world or the things of the world,”

Let’s take a look at how the scripture describes what is sin .



1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world



Notice the words, lust, pride;

Desire is not a bad thing as long as we keep God in His rightful place, (First)

Desire becomes lust only when we want something more than wanting to please God.

Anything can be sin if we let it become the passion of our life, the thing that motivates us.



Jer.9:23 Thus says the LORD:
“ Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight,” says the LORD.

The Greater One

The greater One




Who is the greater one?

The Holy Spirit



1Jn.3:24; Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.



1Jn4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”.

The One who is in you (the Holy Spirit) is the greater one.



There is no shortage of things to worry about; no shortage of things to hurt and distract you, and even destroy you.

Soooo What can we do?

Scripture: Mark 10:27
Jesus was blunt: "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it." MSG



In our own power we can do nothing; (except) make the decision to give it All to God and let Him tell you what moves to make to overcome. He has the power and the knowledge that we need.

One thing He doesn’t have is your will!

The instant you decide to turn it all over to Him, it becomes His problem to solve, not yours. And He is the Greater One.