Something Beautiful

 

Five days until Christmas 

It is hard to believe

It feels as though the year has flown by

As I prayed yesterday -

As I petitioned the LORD, and said ‘speak LORD, your servant is listening’, this verse dropped in my spirit:

‘I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD; plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11

It doesn’t always feel that way - especially if you are facing situations and circumstances which are so far beyond your understanding that they boggle the brain.

Yet, His Word is every bit as true as when He first spoke those words. His plans are good plans. And they never fail - no matter what it looks like to our feeble minds.

Every year when I decorate for the holiday season, there is inevitably a point I reach where I wonder if it will come together the way I envisioned it. 

If I am honest, there are times when my plans just don’t come to fruition. 

Last year was one of those years. Sick in my body, in the midst of a Lupus flare up and experiencing neurological issues, still trying to get my bearings and help my son recover from being struck by a drunk driver; nothing was as I planned. And I eventually abandoned my efforts to get things done exactly as I planned - resolving that it was as good as it was going to get because I just didn’t have the strength to complete my plans.

Life will sometimes crush your best intentions - 

     But not so with the LORD.

I am so glad that God is not us - that He is not me

He never sleeps or slumbers. He is all-powerful, always working and faithful to keep His promises. He always finishes what he begins.

‘God is not man, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?’ Numbers 23:19

‘The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.’ I Thessalonians 5:24

‘Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.’ Hebrews 10:23

‘He will never slumber nor sleep; He is the Guardian-God for His people … Yahweh himself will watch over you; He’s always at your side to shelter you safely in His presence.’ Psalm 121:4-5

‘And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.’ Romans 8:28

This season - this morning - if you still have breath in your lungs … know that the good LORD is still developing the beautiful picture that is your life.

He is making something beautiful!

It will all come together before your eyes just as He planned it from the beginning.

Keep Trusting Him & Have a Blessed Day!

What a Love …

Happy Thursday!

I am not certain anyone will read this - 

     But that is ok

I think I truly write for myself

Even still, I have not written in quite some time

     No time or need to go into why

But today, after working all day, I decided to relax 

So, I have been watching romance stories this evening 

Whether it is on the screen or in real life;

I love a good love story - 

There’s something almost magical about it

     Makes me smile every time 

And the celebration of one of the greatest love stories of all time takes place this weekend

Some of my coworkers are taking off work tomorrow

So, some took the opportunity today to extend early wishes for a Happy Easter. And that is when one of my coworkers sent this: ‘Chag Pesach Sameach’

I responded by wishing her a Happy Passover!

She is Jewish - and I have a Jewish Savior

So, we’re not that far apart when you think about it

She celebrates when Yahweh protected the Israelites by allowing death & destruction to pass by (Passover)

And I celebrate that Yahweh sacrificed His Son - and Jesus freely gave His life - so that death and destruction would by pass by all of humanity.

That is not to say that death and destruction do not still occur - but they have, from an eternal perspective, lost their sting

We are no longer separated from the Father. And, we have an overwhelming and empowering confidence that we shall be with Him forever.

FOR THE LOVE OF CREATION - 

God so loved the world that He gave;

He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. He loved us that much. With no regard for His own feelings, He gave His all, His everything - just so that we could be reconciled to Him; so He could be with us.

He wrote such an amazing love story

And He brought it to life through His Living Word, Jesus Christ .. so beautiful 

May You Have a Good Friday, a thought-filled Passover and a Blessed Resurrection Sunday!

Speechless Love

 

“Look at God … being God … and stuff!”

Yes - that is a direct quote from a conversation earlier today 

A dear friend received some absolutely amazing news!

She got a new job - 

One that pays substantially more than what she’s currently earning

And as she gave God glory for His indescribable gift,

     She found herself tripping over her words

She could not find the right words - she was speechless 

I am celebrating with and for my sweet friend 

I just love when God shows off!

He went so far beyond her expectations 

His love for us is absolutely overwhelming

And that is something to smile about 

‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.’

Amen

Love so beautiful

 

‘God so loved the world that He gave…’ 

John 3:16

Oh, the love the Father bestowed upon us!

There will never be a love so beautiful - 

Not anywhere in creation, not in a million years

So, so beautiful 

“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

Presence of Prayer

‘Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.’ 

Luke 18:1 NIV

The presence of prayer - 

I had a discussion the other day

A dear friend was talking about his relationship;

He was noting how important communication was and how he and his girlfriend talk openly about everything - even difficult conversations. He noted how they made an agreement to be completely honest with one another - even if it might be hurtful at first glance.

Scripture notes that, ‘wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.’ Proverbs 27:6

It is all about relationship - 

Direct communication can be difficult 

Yet, those challenging discussion are eased when you are able to focus on trusting the intention of the one you are in relationship with.

Prayer is that simple

The presence of prayer is vital

It is vital in maintaining an open, honest and meaningful relationship with the LORD

And when you have a relationship like that, you will be surprised what you can endure - and what you can accomplish together.

‘Men ought always to pray and not to faint.’

Luke 18:1 KJB

Presence of Promise

 

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

THE PRESENCE OF HIS PROMISE 

His promise to be with us is solid

His promise is more dependable than rocks of old

Even mountains can be blasted into rubble 

Yet, there is nothing … absolutely nothing… that can cause one of the LORD’ promises to fail.

Therefore, we can celebrate before we see it

We have assurance as soon as He speaks it

It will come to pass 

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.

II Corinthians 2:14

Presence of Peace

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27

Jehovah-Shalom 

The LORD is peace …

The LORD who is the embodiment of peace,

     He gives us a special gift -

He gives us the gift of peace, the gift of Himself 

Throughout history, there have been many who have strived for peace. Yet, there has only ever been One who actually is peace.

And that One promises to never leave you or forsake you.

That is a comforting thought …

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”

John 14:27 NLT

Presence of Stillness

BE STILL

‘Be still and know that I AM God …’

‘Be still and know that I am God …’

‘Be still, and know that I am GOD …’ 

                                          Psalm 46:10

Be Still …

The Presence of Power

 

‘So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.’ Isaiah 55:11 AMP

‘ … not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you…’ Joshua 23:14

The word of God is a mighty thing - 

     His spoken word is a surety;

Which is why it is vital to know what He had said concerning us

‘For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.’ Hebrews 4:12

The sword in today’s picture is in its sheath on the third floor of my home. Yet the Word, my Bible, in the picture with it is more powerful and more useful in guarding and protecting my life. That is a thought to truly ponder … and to be in wonder.

The Word is listed as the one offensive weapon when discussing the full-armor of God in Ephesians chapter six.

There is power in the word of God!

The Presence of Power - Found in the Word of God

It is simply amazing …

‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ II Timothy 3:16-17

The Presence of Process

‘I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD;

‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

Plans to give you a hope and a future.’

Jeremiah 29:11

The purpose and the plans of God are an awe-inspiring thing 

We are all born with potential - 

Yet, our potential and the plans of God for our lives generally involve a process before they come to fruition.

I was listening to an old message yesterday and started with this quote:

‘Potential can only be revealed if process is embraced’ 

Bishop Tony Miller

Jesus was born as a man with the potential to be Savior of the world. Yet even He had to embrace the process.

He had to embrace the process of His walk through life, the process of betrayal and/or abandonment from those closest to Him, the process of public humiliation and crucifixion, the process of separation from the Father, the process of death and ultimate resurrection to life in order for His potential to be realized and actualized.

It has been my experience that the LORD will never initiate a plan for my life which does not require my involvement and participation.

It is in submission to His plan and His process that His purpose is revealed in my life.

The great thing is I have the opportunity to choose - 

We have the opportunity to choose.

‘If you are willing and obedient,

          you will eat the best of the land.’ Isaiah 1:19

‘I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.’ Deuteronomy 30:19

Have a Blessed Day!

The Presence of Purpose

 

‘I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.’ 

Isaiah 48:10

‘I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD;

‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

Plans to give you a hope and a future.’

Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible; But with God, all things are possible’ 

Matthew 19:26

He has a plan and a purpose for your life;

It was designed before you were ever a thought in the hearts and minds of your parents

He loves you with an everlasting love …

Trust His plans & purpose for your life

Presence of Praise

 

PSALMS 150

Let All Things Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in His sanctuary;

Praise Him in His mighty firmament!

Praise Him for His mighty acts;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;

Praise Him with the lute and harp!

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;

Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!

Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!

Wonder of His Presence

 

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

    to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created all things,

    and by your will they were created

    and have their being.” 

Revelation 4:11

His Daily Presence …

 

In the newness of the morning, great is your faithfulness , LORD JEHOVAH! Lamentations 3:23

The LORD can always be trusted to show mercy each morning. 

Presence

Psalm 101

A psalm of David.

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord.
    I will praise you with songs.

I will be careful to live a blameless life—
    when will you come to help me?
I will lead a life of integrity
    in my own home.

I will refuse to look at
    anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
    I will have nothing to do with them.

I will reject perverse ideas
    and stay away from every evil.

I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
    I will not endure conceit and pride.

I will search for faithful people
    to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach
    will be allowed to serve me.

I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house,
    and liars will not stay in my presence.

My daily task will be to ferret out the wicked
    and free the city of the Lord from their grip.