Israel is no stronger than its capital, Samaria, and Samaria is no stronger than its king, Pekah son of Remaliah. Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.” (Isaiah 7:9 NLT)
Lord, I am beginning to wonder....
Yet I am confident I will see the lord ’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. (Psalms 27:13 NLT)
If I insist on being king of my own mind and destiny, I'm in trouble. Because I'm not strong enough.
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NLT)
Even my faith in You is from You. Lord, give me faith to live out Psalm 37. Help me to stop looking for greener grass on my own and just live in faith. Lord, my confidence is in You and You alone. I desire to keep my eyes solely on Your direction. Day by day. Moment by moment. I believe you've placed visions and dreams in my heart. Make me ever conscious that wherever I am in this journey it is Your path toward Your promises.
And I will make my mountains into level paths for them. The highways will be raised above the valleys. – Isa 49:11 NLT
Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the lord will possess the land. Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. The wicked draw their swords and string their bows to kill the poor and the oppressed, to slaughter those who do right. But their swords will stab their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the lord takes care of the godly. Day by day the lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. But the wicked will die. The lord ’s enemies are like flowers in a field— they will disappear like smoke. The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. Those the lord blesses will possess the land, but those he curses will die. The lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the lord holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing. Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. The godly will possess the land and will live there forever. The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path. The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. But the lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial. Put your hope in the lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them! Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. The lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him. (Psalms 37:1-40 NLT)
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Sunday, August 3, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Believe!
And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. (Mark 6:5 NLT)
Lord, may it NEVER be that my unbelief hinders miracles in my life.
I love you too!
❤jj
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Lord, may it NEVER be that my unbelief hinders miracles in my life.
I love you too!
❤jj
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, July 14, 2014
I need You, Lord, I need You. Every hour I need You. Bless me now My Savior! I come to Thee.
Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O lord, they comfort me. I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions. Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are, O lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees. How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me. They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws. lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me! My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled. lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions. O lord, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair. I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments. Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. I pray with all my heart; answer me, lord ! I will obey your decrees. I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws. I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise. In your faithful love, O lord, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations. Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions. But you are near, O lord, and all your commands are true. Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised. lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations. Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word. I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just. I long for your rescue, lord, so I have obeyed your commands. O lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. O lord, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. (Psalms 119:49-56, 81-85, 87, 88, 116-118, 122, 123, 126, 133-137, 141-143, 145-151, 153, 154, 156, 161, 162, 164, 166, 169-171, 174, 175 NLT)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O lord, they comfort me. I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions. Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are, O lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments. I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees. How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me. They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws. lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. Please guarantee a blessing for me. Don’t let the arrogant oppress me! My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled. lord, it is time for you to act, for these evil people have violated your instructions. Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil. Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your commandments. Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees. Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions. O lord, you are righteous, and your regulations are fair. I am insignificant and despised, but I don’t forget your commandments. Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true. As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. I pray with all my heart; answer me, lord ! I will obey your decrees. I cry out to you; rescue me, that I may obey your laws. I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words. I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise. In your faithful love, O lord, hear my cry; let me be revived by following your regulations. Lawless people are coming to attack me; they live far from your instructions. But you are near, O lord, and all your commands are true. Look upon my suffering and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instructions. Argue my case; take my side! Protect my life as you promised. lord, how great is your mercy; let me be revived by following your regulations. Powerful people harass me without cause, but my heart trembles only at your word. I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. I will praise you seven times a day because all your regulations are just. I long for your rescue, lord, so I have obeyed your commands. O lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. O lord, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. (Psalms 119:49-56, 81-85, 87, 88, 116-118, 122, 123, 126, 133-137, 141-143, 145-151, 153, 154, 156, 161, 162, 164, 166, 169-171, 174, 175 NLT)
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Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Firm Faith
Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.” (Isaiah 7:9b NLT)
Lord, You know my heart. There is no lack of faith whatsoever that you CAN rescue me..... But how do I presume upon Your Sovereignty to have faith that you WILL rescue me any time before heaven? Lord if there is any unbelief in me, forgive me. I believe. Help my unbelief.
I love you too!
❤jj
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Lord, You know my heart. There is no lack of faith whatsoever that you CAN rescue me..... But how do I presume upon Your Sovereignty to have faith that you WILL rescue me any time before heaven? Lord if there is any unbelief in me, forgive me. I believe. Help my unbelief.
I love you too!
❤jj
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Make a window!!!
The confinement exhausts you with the endless echo of self-absorption. ~Beth Moore (Get Out of that Pit devo day 4)
Many things can define a pit but self absorption has got to be the shovel for digging it deeper and deeper. Lord, give me a window and the heart to see outside my own disappointments and find ways to not only see others but minister to them.
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
—Colossians 1:27
“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.”
—Isaiah 42:6
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
—Nehemiah 8:10
May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.
—Romans 15:13 amp
Clearly, his word to me today is about looking past myself and being a blessing to those with whom I come in contact. ❤ Yessir. I will listen. I will trust. And I will obey. And I am quite confident I will also find peace.
I love you too!
❤jj
Many things can define a pit but self absorption has got to be the shovel for digging it deeper and deeper. Lord, give me a window and the heart to see outside my own disappointments and find ways to not only see others but minister to them.
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
—Colossians 1:27
“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.”
—Isaiah 42:6
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
—Nehemiah 8:10
May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.
—Romans 15:13 amp
Clearly, his word to me today is about looking past myself and being a blessing to those with whom I come in contact. ❤ Yessir. I will listen. I will trust. And I will obey. And I am quite confident I will also find peace.
I love you too!
❤jj
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
New Clothes!!!! ❤
“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” (Matthew 9:16, 17 NLT)
What "stinkiness" am I accustomed to that I'm dragging around with me without even realizing? Lord, bring it to light today. And help me to let go. First thoughts.... perfectionism? people-pleasing? need for praise (co-dependence)?..... Lord I wanna show off the new clothes you bought me! ❤ Help me to be keenly aware when I'm dragging my old duds outta the dumpster.
As I read Sarah Young's devo, I was astounded at the thought of two things... 1)how I view my circumstances and 2)self-fulfilling prophecy. Lord help me to receive the new clothes you have afforded me. I live this picture you've given me in my mind of you helping me get dressed the way I would help my own small children before they are capable of dressing themselves. Thank you Lord.
November 12
This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth overwith blessings. After plodding uphill for many weeks, you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine. I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment. I delight in providing it for you.
Sometimes My children hesitate to receive My good gifts with open hands. Feelings of false guilt creep in, telling them they don’t deserve to be so richly blessed. This is nonsense-thinking, because no one deserves anything from Me. My kingdom is not about earning and deserving; it’s about believing and receiving.
When a child of Mine balks at accepting My gifts, I am deeply grieved. When you receive My abundant blessings with a grateful heart, I rejoice. My pleasure in giving and your pleasure in receiving flow together in joyous harmony.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
—Psalm 23:5 kjv
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
—John 3:16
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
—Luke 11:9–10
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
—Romans 8:32
Thank you for Your care and concern for me and for covering and clothing me with Your Righteousness!. :')
I love you too!
❤jj
What "stinkiness" am I accustomed to that I'm dragging around with me without even realizing? Lord, bring it to light today. And help me to let go. First thoughts.... perfectionism? people-pleasing? need for praise (co-dependence)?..... Lord I wanna show off the new clothes you bought me! ❤ Help me to be keenly aware when I'm dragging my old duds outta the dumpster.
As I read Sarah Young's devo, I was astounded at the thought of two things... 1)how I view my circumstances and 2)self-fulfilling prophecy. Lord help me to receive the new clothes you have afforded me. I live this picture you've given me in my mind of you helping me get dressed the way I would help my own small children before they are capable of dressing themselves. Thank you Lord.
November 12
This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth overwith blessings. After plodding uphill for many weeks, you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine. I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment. I delight in providing it for you.
Sometimes My children hesitate to receive My good gifts with open hands. Feelings of false guilt creep in, telling them they don’t deserve to be so richly blessed. This is nonsense-thinking, because no one deserves anything from Me. My kingdom is not about earning and deserving; it’s about believing and receiving.
When a child of Mine balks at accepting My gifts, I am deeply grieved. When you receive My abundant blessings with a grateful heart, I rejoice. My pleasure in giving and your pleasure in receiving flow together in joyous harmony.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
—Psalm 23:5 kjv
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
—John 3:16
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
—Luke 11:9–10
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
—Romans 8:32
Thank you for Your care and concern for me and for covering and clothing me with Your Righteousness!. :')
I love you too!
❤jj
Monday, November 11, 2013
Do I REALLY want out?
Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:3, 5, 6 NLT)
What are my excuses/reasons/habits that keep me landing in the same pit? Is my "sacrificing" for my kids a "pit"? Am I shooting myself in the foot by not doing whatever it takes to give to them my time and money? In my mind I can't imagine being happy NOT doing that. But I drain myself physically and financially doing that.
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. (Galatians 5:1, 4, 5 NLT)
Lord help me understand the difference between discipline and ritualistic legalism. Help me live a disciplined life that is truly free from bondage and legalism. Bless me Lors that I may bless others including my children. This isn't even the "pit" I originally thought I'd be confronting but it sure is what's in my face this morning. Lord help me to be truly free. Thank you for the freedom that is mine to be had in You!
I love you too!
❤jj
What are my excuses/reasons/habits that keep me landing in the same pit? Is my "sacrificing" for my kids a "pit"? Am I shooting myself in the foot by not doing whatever it takes to give to them my time and money? In my mind I can't imagine being happy NOT doing that. But I drain myself physically and financially doing that.
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. (Galatians 5:1, 4, 5 NLT)
Lord help me understand the difference between discipline and ritualistic legalism. Help me live a disciplined life that is truly free from bondage and legalism. Bless me Lors that I may bless others including my children. This isn't even the "pit" I originally thought I'd be confronting but it sure is what's in my face this morning. Lord help me to be truly free. Thank you for the freedom that is mine to be had in You!
I love you too!
❤jj
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