Consider the lilies of the field… Matt 6:28
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.15.13.NLT
“This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.”
Ephesians 1:1-23 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.1.1-23.NLT
As we celebrate the Birth of Christ Jesus do we know Him as the One that daily walks with us and we walk with Him? Are we walking with Him in the “unforced rhythms of Grace. “
May you find peace, love and joy as you celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas! Jesus loves you! He is a gift to you. You are in the letter written by Paul above.
Jesus is given to you as a gift from God. John 3:16, says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son….Jesus!
Have you ever stood watching water just roll over a Rock and thought about the meaning of your Rock? The characteristics of the nature of your Rock?
“Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from him! Only God is my rock and my salvation— my stronghold!—I will not be shaken. My deliverance and glory depend on God. God is my strong rock. My refuge is in God. All you people: Trust in him at all times! Pour out your hearts before him! God is our refuge! Selah” (Psalms 62:5-8 CEB)
The whole earth seems to be reeling from its axis with wars and rumors of wars. Seemly people are busier than ever and stress and anxiety are the password for the days greetings. Why one might ask? Are we trying to make “happiness” from a false sense of peace like trying to make snow flakes from rain?
Read Psalm 62:5-8 again. Rest in God. Trust in Him at ALL times! Pour out your heart before Him. Selah!
Northern Virginia
“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so I long for you, God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God?”
Psalms 42:1-2 CSB
We may find ourselves at times in tough spots and wonder when can I appear before God? Or, we may be asked to pray for others that wonder where are you God. The psalmist gives us a thought to ponder a visual that reminds us God is as close as a flowing stream and as assesible as a deer that longs for water.
Habakkuk 3:19 “God is my Strength and Shield– When we feel as though our burdens are too heavy to bear, God is our strength.”
Let us sing this worshipful song together as we pray for ourselves, one another, our families and friends.
1- As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after you
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship you
R- You alone are my strength, my shield
To you alone will my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship you
2- I want you more than gold or silver
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
3- You’re my friend and you are my Father
Even though you are my King
I love you more than any other
So much more than anything”
Would you please add Tammy’s friend, Pam for healing to our song and prayers.
As I was focused one day recently on what I believe to be beyond the norm on political election news and worrisome world events the thought occurred to me, what do I know about Jesus the Christ? How much time do I spend with Him? What do I know about Him without googling or other references to see who He is?
I started writing in my journal what I knew about Him and then inviting Him into my day. My attitude of anxiety became peace, hope and Love! How refreshing!
Do you know Jesus?
“Jesus of Nazareth was a baby rocked in a cradle!
Jesus of Bethlehem was a young boy trained and labored as a carpenter.
Jesus Christ of Israel was taught in temple tenants of faith.
Jesus Christ knew the living of having his feet planted in ‘earth soil’ much like you and me.
Jesus Christ knew the struggles of dealing with politicians and the law.
Jesus Christ knew humanity and flaws that are birthed into its DNA!
Jerusalem knew the agony of a suffering man, named Jesus, hanging from a cross.
Jesus knew the divinity of divine purity within a grave, resurrection and ascension all from within the walls of Jerusalem!
The Messiah, Jesus The Christ, reigns over kingdom building both in men and women that have joined His Kingdom. The now and the eternal reign.
Jesus Christ oversees Temple Building that has a foundation laid in Jerusalem and a cornerstone that bears His Name.
Kingdom children of all ages and ages to come will be named and their names carved in stone”
“Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”
—Psalm 33:22 (NRSVUE)
John 13 verses 34, Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment. Love each other just as much as I have loved you. vs 35 extends the knowledge;
“If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”
John 13:35 CEV
“Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. 3) From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. 4)The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens” Psalms (113:2-4)
Many are stressed and anxious about the upcoming election in the USA. Not just Americans but leaders and nations from around the world are wondering and stressed. When we focus on the divisiveness in the USA and among the nations we probably have many reasons to be stressed and angry. I understand! Don’t you?
When I walked out my back door and saw the sun peeking through the trees I ignored it! Yes, I did! I was busy thinking, “this election is a mess.” Yet, as I waited for my precious doggie to return from its run it seemed the sun was dancing among the trees trying to locate me.
Then I realized I was lost in my own thoughts. Not the thoughts of God. I found myself singing with the saints of old even David a shepherd boy and King? “From the rising of the sun to the place it sets the Lord’s Name is to be praised…” What are you singing, the Lords name is to be exalted above all the nations! WOW! My thoughts returned to Gods thoughts for us;
“…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
“O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” (Isiah 25:1)
If you look closely you will noticed her wings are a bit damaged. A beautiful female Gulf Fritillary butterfly. Makes one wonder what happened? We don’t know but the first thought might be a few close calls with a bird or two.
She has chosen to fly and be and do her duty and show her beauty.
All of us most likely have been marred in some way be it physically, emotionally or spiritually. And, maybe all three. I sure have!
Jesus sure understands our hurts. Our needs and even our desires.
“Jesus understands every weakness of ours,…” (Hebrews 4:15)
“… For in him we live, and move, and have our being;..” (Acts 17:28)
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
In Him we renew our strength.
Isaiah 40:31 – but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
“Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” (Matthew 14:27-28)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9)
Fly my friends and do your duty and show your beauty! You are loved!
“Got something funny but sweet to tell you! Yesterday I called, “my Daddy”, age 92, and asked him was he OK or did he need anything before I got home? (I live near by him) I had a pastor (lady) to call me and asked me if I could come to her house and have a cup of coffee and go over some music. Daddy said he was fine and didn’t need anything at that time so I told him what I was gonna do. She lives in the boondocks, so I had no phone signal. He tried to call me after I had been there a while to see if I had left to come home he couldn’t get me. So he calls my daughter and tells her to call me and tell me that I need to come home that it’s late and I can’t see. (I have cataracts on my eyes) She tried to call and couldn’t get up with me but remembered Daddy said I was going for a cup of coffee with someone. She narrowed it down and called Lisa and Lisa told her I was there. She told me what daddy had said, we thought that was so sweet so I left and went by his house, carried him some supper and sat around with him for a while. He was content and went to bed and I left. I just thought I would share that my 53 year old daughter, calling her 72 year old mother to tell her that her 92 year old father said “come home” now! lol”
A sweet story truly! I starting thinking of the caring protective love of an earthly 92 year old father. We may not have an earthly father to call us. Yet, all of us have a Heavenly Father that sent His Son, Jesus, to become a living sacrifice to call each of us to come home for safety. We may have night blindness as well. Maybe with cataracts blinding us from help that is offered to us whatever we may be going through or wherever we may be. “Come Home.”
In 1880, Author, Will L Thomas (1847-1909) from East Liverpool, Ohio penned words to a Hymn that we still sing and share there is HOPE for all! “Come Home” Eternal Hope!
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling for you and for me
See on the portals He’s waiting and watching
Watching for you and for me
Come home, come home
Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling
Calling, “O sinner come home”
Leave a message in comments if you would like to contact Jacque about her CD’s or singing in your church or gatherings.
Tonto got a scrape on his leg . It was beginning to show signs of infection and swelling 🙏🏼 I have his wound wtapped in an infants diaper. Thanks for loving Tonto 🤍Ricky
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations;
I am exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV
I saw this photo of a little town in NC from a few years back. I smiled, ‘a horse and rider’ rode into town for their weeks groceries.
I was also watching TV live from DC area showing a missile attack on Israel being launched from Iran. Lot of tension with hearing this may broading into a much larger conflict with nations and in the earth!
I started thinking about these scriptures, Be Still…know about God…He is exalted in the nations…He is exalted in the earth. His grace is sufficient…keep your mind renewed and you will know what God’s perfect will is. And, these words were also written a few years back and have been found to be true by many over much time.
There are just so many more scriptures that guide and comfort us. I feel so blessed we can easily read, think about, believe, share and encourage one another daily. Just as we are doing. Thanks to each of you!
Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
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