Joyful Expressions

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T07:51:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful morning with a very orange-pink sunrise. God is so good! He is ever faithful.

God's Mercy
“His father saw him - there were eyes of mercy;
he ran to meet him - there were legs of mercy;
he put his arms round his neck - there were arms of mercy;
he kissed him - there were kisses of mercy;
he said to him - there were words of mercy;
Bring here the best robe - there were deeds of mercy;
Wonders of mercy - all mercy!
Oh, what a God of mercy he is!”
Matthew Henry

As we are busy celebrating Thanksgiving today, let’s do it with a thankful heart. If preparing the meal, getting ready for company, having a change in our routine starts to get to you remember to show each other mercy. I think the number one thing I am thankful for today is the heritage dad and mom left us kids of knowing the Lord and how to have a thankful heart.

Colossians 2:7
Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with THANKSGIVING.

Father, we thank you for your love and provisions to us not only today, but every day; help us to have thankful hearts I pray.

by these things men live!

2008-11-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

Last night in church my pastor read some scripture in Isaiah 38 in continuing with his message; however I read a little beyond and it seemed like the scripture just jumped out at me. Here is what I read.

Isaiah 38:16-20
16 O LORD, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.
17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
18 For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.
19 The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
20 The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.

We who are living are able to offer praises unto the Lord. So it would appear to me we need to do that as much as possible, as the day will come when we can no longer offer praise to our loving Father. In addition we need to show love and praise those around us while we have the chance. I no longer want to wait and then after our loved one is gone to say “I wish I would have told them more often what they meant to me.” Now while we are alive give love, and praise freely to each other, and most importantly to God.

Father we thank you for your Word. Thanks that we can read it with understanding. Our HOPE is in you Lord. Our STRENGTH is in you Lord. Our LIFE is in you Lord. How awesome to be your child.

Standing Firm!

2008-11-23T08:03:00.000-08:00

“On a daily basis we’re faced with two simple choices. We can either listen to ourselves and our constantly changing feelings about our circumstances, or we can talk to ourselves about the unchanging truth of who God is and what He’s accomplished for us at the cross. Far too often we choose to passively listen to ourselves. We sit back and let our view of God and life be shaped by our constantly shifting feelings about our ever-changing circumstances.” C.J. Mahaney

Psalms 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brought forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doth shall prosper.

My days go so much better when I stand firm on the Word of God. When I don’t let the circumstances around me surround me, but I hold onto the promises of God, knowing that He is at work on my behalf and will not only see me through the circumstances, but will give me joy, peace, and the strength to come out stronger and victorious. That makes me excited. Sing!

Thanks Father for your love. Thank you that we can come to a place in you that no matter what is swirling around us, we know you will take care of us and we can rest in that knowledge.

What doth the Lord Require of You?

2008-11-21T04:33:00.000-08:00

Deuteronomy 10:12
And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Another way to read this verse is to put your name in place of Israel,

And now, Joy, what doth the Lord thy God require of you? I need to fear the Lord, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, and to serve Him with all my heart, mind, body, and soul. When I do this then I am being obedient to His word and He is able to bless me. The same applies to each of you. God loves us and wants to bless us.

“In Jesus are riches – if you are poor; Honor – if you are despised; Friendship – if you are forsaken; Help – if you are injured; Mercy – if you are miserable; Joy – if you are disconsolate; Protection – if you are in danger; Deliverance – if you are a captive; Life – if you are mortal; and all things – if you have nothing at all.” James Meikle

Thank you Father for showing us what you require of us so we can walk closer to you. Help us to seek you more, praise you more, and share you with others.

Beating great odds!

2008-11-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

“Beating great odds is God’s specialty. It’s one way He proves that He can do the impossible. Don’t accept defeat if what you’re standing for is consistent with God’s Word and His ways. Persevere, believing God. Ask Him to fight for you and show Himself mighty!” P165-Daniel by Beth Moore

God is so awesome. I just can’t get enough of Him. He is everything and all things to me. He gives me the courage to go on when I don’t have the strength. He sends others along to give encouragement. How special to know and feel the tangible love of God.

Psalms 33:18

Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.

Sometimes thoughts and feelings get so full within me that I feel like I am about to explode. To put those thoughts and feelings into written word is a little harder. But to know God’s love, to feel His eyes of mercy upon us, to experience His peace in the midst of the storms of our lives, to walk in the fullness of His joy, is to be fully alive!

Thanks God for filling us with your peace, joy, and love. Help us to extend yourself to all those around us. Love you!

Resting In Him!

2008-11-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

“May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow. May the soft winds freshen your spirit. May the sunshine brighten your heart. May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.”

I may have used this before, but just felt with what several of you are going through that I would remind us that God is enfolding everyone in the mantle of His love. He is ever present and wants to make our burdens light.

Matthew 11:28-30 (AMP)
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

God is just waiting for us to come to Him so He can take our burdens and carry them for us. His desire is for us to rest in Him; knowing that He will work all things out for our good. Yes!

Thanks Father that you love us so much you are willing to carry our burdens and sicknesses yourself. When we come to you, we can lay them down and pick up peace, joy, and rest. Praise Your Holy Name!

Our Tears!

2008-11-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

It is a somewhat sunny morning here on the timber farm. Life is so good. God is great. All is well with my world.

“The poor broken-hearted sinner, going into his bedroom, bends his knee, but can only utter his mournful cry in the language of sighs and tears. Look! that groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God, and put into a vase made especially for tears, to be perpetually preserved.” C. H. Spurgeon

I think the above statement could be made for those who already know God, but are too brokenhearted to know how to pray so they just utter a groan or tears and God interprets it for us. God bottles our tears I have a song “Tears are a language God understands.”

Psalms 56:8
Thou tellest my wanderings; put thou my tears into the bottle; are they not in thy book?

God cares about us so much, He even stores our tears. It can’t get any better than that.

Thanks God for your mercy, grace, compassion, and your unlimited love toward us. Knowing you and loving you is an awesome privilege. I praise your wonderful name.

Have a great day!

God is Good!

2008-11-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

God is so good. You will hear that a lot from me as I firmly believe that God is good.

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

I took a brief respite and went with Sis to take the dogs for a walk. It was very refreshing. Everything smells so clean.

“The measure of a Christian is not in the height of his grasp but in the depth of his love.” Clarence Jordan

Mark 12:20
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment.

In reading the above verse I decided I needed to love the Lord with everything that is within me. In order to love myself or those around me I need the love of God first. When I love Him with my mind, heart, soul, and strength, then He will give me the love I need for those around me.

For me loving God is a way of life. I don’t know any other way. I am thankful that God gave me the desire as a child to love Him and walk with Him. The great thing is no matter how old we are or the things we’ve done, God still loves us.

Thanks Father for loving us. How awesome to bask in your love.

Refuse to be average!

2008-11-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

It is a watery, sunshine morning here on the timber farm. All the trees are shrouded in a misty, mystery cloak. It makes me want to go explore even though it is wet.

Today is a day of remembrance of all the soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom; and to all soldiers who came home. Perhaps we need to take a moment in our day, pause and give thanks to them. If you see veterans give them a hug.

“Refuse to be average. Let your heart soar as high as it will.” A. W. Tozar

“In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth, God is pleased when we're pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker's praise without anxiety.” A. W. Tozar

Psalms 69:34
Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the seas, and everything that moveth therein.

Psalms 96:11-12
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein; then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.

Have you ever been our walking in the woods when the wind began to blow? Did you ever hear the trees sing? I have. I love to stand on my deck in a wind storm and listen to the fir trees praising the Lord. Their branches seem to wave praises to the Father. God has blessed us with so many things to help us enjoy life more than any tree, yet how much of our day is spent complaining instead of praising? Do we really accept what God says in His word when He says to fret not, but to trust in Him? Today I am going to try to be as free as a bird soaring and singing my maker’s praise and not worry about anything.

Father, I thank you for a worry free day. I pray that you would give the same to everyone reading this devotional today. I pray that they will grasp your love, and then share it with others.
Thanks

Have a praise filled day!

A Thankful Heart!

2008-11-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies." Hudson Taylor

“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” Maya Angelou

Sometimes we don’t have the answer, but we can still sing praises to our Father. He delights in the praises we give Him.

Psalms 75:1, 9

1 Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks; for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.

9 But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

Do you ever notice when reading scripture that sometimes He is the God of Abraham, sometimes the God of David, here He is the God of Jacob. Sometimes I put my name in place of theirs.

1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez (Joy) called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him (me) that which he (she) requested.

God delights in blessing us. His hand is on us protecting us, He will keep us from wrong when we ask Him to. We can walk in close fellowship with Him. That just thrills my heart.

Yes God!

Thank you God for your many blessings to us, help us to love and appreciate you more.

Have a great day!

Living Faith!

2008-11-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

Gray skies are not always gray; blue skies are not always blue; but one thing is true, Jesus loves you!

“If my car was inoperative and I went to the mechanic for help, I would have to hand over the keys. That is my action of trust in the mechanic. It is fides vive – living faith. Without doing that, all my talk about the competency of the mechanic results in nothing. And so, without our giving the keys of life over to Christ, we have never really trusted. This is Bible belief simply stated.” Jim Elliff

I know I do a lot of devotionals on faith, however a deep, unmovable faith in God with the absolute assurance that He is in control is what will keep us up and going in victory in the days ahead.

Romans 1:16-17
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith.

In God and thru God, we have the power to believe for the salvation of our families, friends, and whom ever God puts in our sphere.

God loves us and wants only the best for us. That makes my heart sing.

Thanks God for your love and protection. You take such good care of us; even in the midst of troubled times and sickness you are still there taking care of us. It can’t get any better than that. You are a mighty God!

Enlighten our Eyes!

2008-11-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

After I described the morning as being gray and dismal; I got this reply back from one of my nieces.
Damp and dismal; you may see gray with your eyes... close them. What do you smell? What do you feel? What can your hear? It is a glorious morning on the timber farm isn’t it? To which I replied yes!

What we perceive and describe may to another have a totally different view or memory.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

No matter what we do, the most important thing to others is to show them love, and that you care.
When we extend the love of Jesus toward others, then it rebounds back to us. Isn’t that super?

Ephesians 1:18
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,”

Psalms 112:3
Wealth and riches shall be in his house; and His righteousness endureth for ever.

Father, help us when we look at the world around us with our natural eyes, that our spiritual eyes be opened to receive your love and beauty into our hearts.

Have a great day!

My Wish For You!

2008-10-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

If we could just grasp what is being said in the above quote, all of us would be healthier, full of joy, not depressed, able to feel love and be loved. We would go around with a smile on our face and fun in our eyes. Yet isn’t that what Jesus wants for us? He desires us to live above our circumstances not under them.

I Thessalonians 3:12
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men. as we do toward you.

Thanks Father for giving us your Son who loves us beyond our comprehension. He wants to comfort us, to place a deep joy in our hearts. God you want only the best for us. Help us to see that even through the darkest night of our life. Praise Your Holy Name!

Have a great day!
p.s. smile at someone you don’t know today.

Walk by Faith!

2008-10-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sunday on my way to church I got to thinking about faith. I believe in order to have faith in God you have to have absolute trust in Him. Much to my surprise our Bible study teacher was teaching on faith. When pastor got up to preach, his message was on faith. Guess God wanted me to have a faith based day yesterday. The interesting thing we all had different scriptures and thoughts on Faith.
“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” Helen Keller
Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sometimes it is a good thing to use a scripture over again to continue to encourage you to keep the faith. To help you have strength to overcome the things you are struggling with. If you have truly repented of the issues in your life that are not of God, then leave them with Him and have faith He will help you change. God wants you to live a victorious life. The only way you can do that is to have absolute trust in Him. When the enemy comes against you, rebuke Him and praise God. You can make it!
Thanks Father for helping us over come the temptations of this world. Thanks for the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin. Increase our faith. Let us walk worthy of being one with you.
Have a God Blessed Day!

A Rainbow!

2008-10-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

“No cloud can overshadow a true Christian but his faith will discern a rainbow in it.” Bishop Horne

No matter what we are going thru, we need to look beyond it with faith and find the good in it. That is really hard to do, however when a person looks to the Lord for guidance, it helps change the circumstances.

Luke 6:36-37
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven;

Isn’t it awesome that our Father put verses in His word that shows us how to treat others? Whereby, by doing so we ourselves come out winners. His word is amazing. I am finding the more I get into it the least I know. It is an exciting journey to learn from the Lord through His word.

Father I again thank you for your word. Thanks to all the men who were inspired of you to write it so we could have clear written instruction on how to live for you.

Have a super day!

The Keyhole!

2008-10-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

“A Christian is a keyhole through which other folk see God.” Robert E. Gibson

Sometimes we don’t know the number of people watching us to se if we practice what we say about our love for God. If you are saying you love God and your actions don’t show it, pretty soon people will question your relationship with Him. Once that happens I believe they loose faith in whatever you try to tell them.

Psalms 119:15-16
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
I am finding there are a lot of scriptures in the Bible that start with I will. Some of them are God’s promises to us, but most are our commitment to Him. What we will do when we love Him and want to walk in obedience to Him.

Thanks Father for your Word. Thank you that we can walk a victorious Christian life. Help us to be the example to those watching us. Praise Your Holy Name.

Holy Amazement!

2008-10-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

It is another gorgeous fall morning here on the timber farm. Well I took my walk around the farm yesterday morning with camera in hand. I decided to take my dog with me. She did really well until I stopped to take some pictures in the pasture by the pond. The next thing I knew she was swimming. So my picture taking was over. I spent almost an hour giving her a bath.

Makes me think of how we sometimes stray off the path the Lord has us on. At times we end up into the wrong things and God has to clean us back up. I wonder if He gets tired of picking us up, cleaning us off; only to have us slip again. I am so glad He is a loving, patient, and merciful Father.

“We are never nearer Christ than when we find ourselves lost in a holy amazement at his unspeakable love.” John Owen

Psalms 47:6-7
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing ye praises with understanding.

We can never praise God enough for what He has done for us. However, it is awesome to be in His presence through praise.

Thanks God for putting into our hearts the attitude of praise. Help us to put aside grumbling and complaining and to go about with praise on our lips to you.

Have a super day!

Follow The Leader!

2008-10-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful sunny fall morning here on the timber farm. It rained in the night so everything has raindrops and a sparkle to it. I’m going to go take pictures after I do the devotional.

I was thinking in the night about some of the games we used to play as kids, tag, annie annie over, simon says, steal the bacon, follow the leader, and sometimes when some of us was out hiking or playing we would pretend we were lost. One of us would climb a tree and let the others they could see the house and to follow them. They would get us home. It made me think of our spiritual walk. When we think we are lost all we have to do is tell Jesus and He will guide us home. The Bible gives us clear directions on how to be ready to go to our heavenly home. I don’t know about you, but I want to be very sure I know the way home and not end up eternally lost.

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 1:4
In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.

“Jesus Christ is both the most absolute grace and the most perfect law; so that to believe in him is to embrace at once both law and grace.” Alexandre Vinet

Thanks God for giving us your Son to lead us out of darkness and into your marvelous light. It is wonderful to know that you love us and care about everything that goes on in our lives. It can’t get any better than that.

Have a great day!

Ransomed by Jesus!

2008-10-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

“Have questions you want answered? Read the Book with all the answers! BIBLE

“The greatest answer to prayer is that I am brought into a perfect understanding with God, and that alters my view of actual things.” Oswald Chambers

The ladies in our church are having Bible study. I asked the Lord for a Wycliffe Commentary (I had been using this online) and a good Bible dictionary. Yesterday Evelyn gave me both. Isn’t that just like God? He blessed me with other books as well.

You can’t teach something you don’t know. How can you get someone to believe in God if you don’t know what you believe yourself?

God wants all of us to have a personal relationship with Him. He is a loving Father, who delights in our communion with Him.

Mark 10:45
For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Ransom is a price paid to receive a person or thing from one detaining the same.

A ransom is that which is substituted for the party. Jesus did that for us. He gave Himself that we might go free. How awesome is that?

Thank you, Jesus for giving your life as a ransom that we might go free. You are a loving, kind, and super big brother. Praise Your Holy Name.

God's Cake!

2008-10-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.' 'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers. 'Yuck' says her daughter. 'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!' 'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?' 'Mom, those are all yucky!' To which the mother replies: 'Yes , all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! ' God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

Psalms 34:1
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

You cannot complain and praise the Lord with the same breath. It has to be one or the other, but you can’t do both at the same time. I choose (it is an act of will) to praise the Lord.

Thanks Father for the opportunity to be able to praise you and to bless you. It is an awesome privilege to know we can bring a sacrifice of praise to you and you in turn bless us beyond measure.
Have a great day!

Our Crown at what Expense!

2008-10-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

God is so gracious to us. He loves us and wants only the best for us. I know that without the shadow of a doubt. I feel in my heart that there are those of you who need to hear the message of God’s love and acceptance of you until you get it so deeply planted into your heart that the enemy can’t beat you up anymore.
“Christ uncrowned himself to crown us, and put off his robes to put on our rags, and came down from heaven to keep us out of hell. He fasted forty days that he might feast us to all eternity; he came from heave to earth that he might send us from earth to heaven.” W. Dyer
Psalm 118:19-21
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
I am so glad that God made a way for any and all to come to Him; and to know His Son and His love.
Thanks God for the sacrifice you made in sending your Son to the cross that through Him we might live.

Apologies

2008-10-17T19:06:00.001-07:00

Just a note to say I'm sorry for not being obedient in my devotionals. I got a little behind and decided to give up on them. I let the enemy tell me no one reads them anyway. However, regardless of who reads them or doesn't read them, I wasn't being obedient to the Lord who told me to do them in the first place. So with His help I will strive to once again be faithful in my devotional.
In a book by Elizabeth George "A Woman after God's own heart" which by the way is super; I am trying to become one. In order to become a man or woman after God's own heart we have to be in communion with Him. Part of that is thru prayer, reading His word and being obedient when He asks us to do something.
It's not always easy, especially to apologize, but I feel the need to do that so I can move forward into the center of God's will for my life.
Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart will all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
I want the fulness of God in my life 24/7, how about you?

Creation!

2008-09-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

“Before man can work he must have both tools and materials, but God began with nothing, and by His Word alone out of nothing made all things. The intellect cannot grasp it. God “spake and it was done, He commanded and it stood fast” (Ps. 33:9). Primeval matter heard His voice. “God said, Let there be… and it was so” (Gen 1).” A.W. Pink

About 2:30 this morning I was awake so I got up and went out onto my front deck. The stars were so bright, the wind was slightly blowing and the frogs were croaking big time. I stood there, just enjoying all that God has created. My soul was rejoicing so much that it was almost 5:00 before I went back to sleep.
Sometimes I get busy and don’t take the time to enjoy all that God has for us to embrace.

God gave us so much, we need to take time to enjoy it and let Him know we appreciate it.

Psalms 111:3-4
3 His work is honourable, and glorious; and His righteousness endureth for ever.
4 He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

I am so glad the God is gracious and full of compassion toward us. No matter what we do, or how far we have walked away from God. It only takes one step to come back to Him. No matter how much money we have or don’t have, no matter how smart we are or simple, God still loves us. Whether we are tall, short, heavy, or thin, God loves us all the same. That makes my heart rejoice.

Father, I thank you for your creation. Thanks for your love and compassion. I pray your blessings on all of us. Amen

Have a super day!

Dear God, Am I a reflection of you?

2008-09-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

One of the comments in the Dear God book can be applied to all of us:
Dear God,
Am I a reflection of you?
“To be a reflection of God means to be like Him, to show others what He is like. When they look at you, they can see a little bit of Hi,! That’s why we should always act as God wants us to.

Deuteronomy 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto thy God. The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Knowing God loves us, and we are His then the question Am I a reflection of you? Should be an automatic YES! If it is not, then we need to examine ourselves to see where we need to change so we represent God in the fullness of His love and character.

For some it will take more work than others, depending on how your walk with the Lord is, and how close to Him you want to get.

Father, I thank you for your word. I also thank you for all the people who have written books to help us grow in you, and to start the day with a laugh. Laughter is a medicine, so help us take it often.

Have a super day!

Earth’s crammed with heaven!

2008-08-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

God is so good. I just can’t get away from how awesome He is. Not because He supplies my need, or the many times He has healed me, but just because of whom He is. The more I read His Word and spend time communicating with Him, the better I’m getting to understand His love.

“Earth’s crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries.”
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Quoted from the book “The Shack”

I don’t know about you, but I am taking off my shoes, not plucking blackberries and discover some of this heaven on earth. God is everywhere and in everything so we shouldn’t have to look very far to find Him or His handiwork.

Psalms 94:18-19
“When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

Father, I thank you for this beautiful place you made just for us. May we appreciate it. I praise you. You are worthy of all praise. The deer Sis and I saw yesterday are beautiful. Thanks for giving us so many wonderful things to enjoy. Open our eyes to look for your beauty that surrounds us.

Have a great day!

Christian faith

2008-08-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

“There never was found in any age of the world, either philosopher or sect, or law or discipline which did so highly exalt the public good as the Christian faith.” Francis Bacon

I am proud of my country, and I am proud that those before us established this country to believe in God and to walk by faith. It would seem that some of the potential leaders want to change that. To me that would be one of the greatest tragedies in history.

III John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

II John 1:2
2 For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

3Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

I am so thankful God gave us His word, and no matter what happens we can walk in faith knowing that God has everything under control. We can have grace, mercy and peace when we are walking hand in hand with the Father.

Thank you, Father for your love, mercy, grace, and peace that we can have regardless of the stress and stuff going on in this country and the world. Praise your Holy Name.

An infinite God!

2008-08-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

“An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives of Himself as fully as if there were no others.” A.W. Tozer

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God loves you wholly? He doesn’t give you just a small part of Himself; He gives you all of Him. God loves you as much as He loves me. It may be a different kind of love, just as we love our spouse different than our kids; and we love our kids differently, but we still love them.

Psalms 116:5
Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Deuteronomy 10:12
And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

Psalms 42:8
“By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life.”

The Lord is always with us, loving us, teaching us, and preparing us to be His voice to the ones who don’t know Him.

Thank you, God for your mighty love you have for each of us. Help us to understand your love and to embrace it. Praise Your Holy Name.

Have a super day!

Worship is the submission of all our nature to God.

2008-08-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

An excellent sunup to you,

Life is super great this morning here on the farm. God and I are ready to face the day!

“Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by his holiness, the nourishment of the mind with his truth, the purifying of the imagination of his beauty, the opening of the heart to his love, the surrender of the will to his purpose.”William Temple
Psalms 16:8
“I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

1st John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

When we allow ourselves to really worship God, giving Him praise in all situations then we come into His presence. In His presence is life, and joy forever more. God loves us and desires our praise. When we offer our praise to Him, we open the windows of heaven to receive all He has for us, but more importantly we feel the very heart of God.

Thanks God for your love. It is almost overwhelming to understand how great your love is toward us. I am so thankful for all the blessings you send our way every day. Thanks!

Have a super day!

His divine power!

2008-08-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got a couple of replies regarding the devotional I would like to share with you.

This one was from Aunt Delores. “Just this morning I read in 2 Peter1:3&4 NIV along the same thought. The line," His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness", witnessed to my spirit. How I praise Him for His Word!!”
Corrine said “Your devotional was very good today only last week I was talking to Don about the same thing. If we believe, and I think there’s a big meaning in the word believe. I need to do some studying on that word.We have everything we need if we can learn to activate it.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 in the Amplified Bible
3 For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
4 By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
Isn't it awesome how our spirits bear witness with each other?
Father, I again thank you for your Word. It’s awesome!! We thank you that our spirits can bear witness with each other and you on the meaning of your Word. It is wonderful to be able to share with others and know that we learn from each other more of how to walk with you. Praise Your Holy Name.
Have a super day!

Worry eats you when you’re alive!

2008-08-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a terrific morning here on the farm.

I read this in a book “The Jewish have a saying” “”Worms eat you when you’re dead. Worry eats you when you’re alive.’ Worry erodes the machinery of our lives. Faith and trust are the grease that keeps it running smoothly.”

My pastor preached last night, he made a comment that has set me to thinking; his comment was everything is already in us. God knew us from before the beginning of the world. He put within us love, faith, trust, and all the things necessary to live a life filled with not only Him, but everything we would ever need.”
All we have to do is reach out to God to have Him help us reach inside ourselves and accept what is already there.

Gal 3:11b
The just shall live by faith.

2 Cor 5:7
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

I don’t know about you, but I want to not only walk closer with the Lord; but I want to tap into what God has already put into my inner most being and begin to walk in a newer, more fulfilled life. God has given us all the tools necessary to do that. We just have to begin to work with them.

Father, I thank you for giving us the tools and wisdom necessary to not only know and love you; but to be able to accept what you have already given us. Help us to begin to live with a newer understanding of who you are and what you have already blessed us with. All the blessings you talk about in your Word are already ours. I accept them today by your grace and love.

Have a God Blessed Day!

“Ask what I shall give thee.”

2008-08-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

God has made a beautiful morning here at the farm. I stood and watched a doe and her twins enjoying the evening. God sure created some beautiful animals (some ugly ones too).

I Kings 3:5
In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, “Ask what I shall give thee.” Most of us know the story of how Solomon asked God for an understanding heart to judge God’s people; so God gave him a wise and understanding heart. God then gave him both riches and honour.

I wonder if God came to us in a dream and said “Ask what I shall give thee” how we would respond.

Proverbs 2:1-6
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

I have read these verses almost every day for the past two weeks. It is like a prayer. God give us wisdom and understanding in this day we are living in. Help us to know your Word. Help us to seek you and not give in to fear.

Thanks God for your Word. Thank you that we can trust you. Help us to encourage each other; to help each other and to love each other the way Jesus loves us. Praise you Holy Name!

Have a super day!

A coincidence is a small miracle

2008-08-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

“A coincidence is a small miracle where God prefers to remain anonymous.”

Corrine and I were talking about this very thing the other day. Neither of us believes in luck or that something just happens. All things are sifted out and come to us thru the will of God.

A couple of years ago when I got my dog Princess from the Humane society I had to take her to the vet within three days to have her checked out. I told Dr. McGuire that it just happened she was the dog for me. He replied “she didn’t just happen to be the dog for you, it was meant to be.” He told me he didn’t believe in things just happening or luck that there was a higher power at work.

When I think about the above statement it makes my heart sing, knowing that God is sending small miracles to me at all times. He is sending them to you as well.

Psalms 106:2 (AMP)
Who can put into words and tell the mighty deeds of the Lord? Or can show forth all the praise [that is due Him]?

Thanks, God for all the small miracles you send our way daily. Help us to appreciate them, and to give you praise.

God Does The Impossible!

2008-08-03T07:58:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

Thank you, Father for such a gorgeous day you have blessed us with; not only here on the farm, but everywhere.

“My job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible.

Psalms 9:10
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

When you are following behind a truck, tractor, or some other slow vehicle and the driver motions you around you trust your life and the lives of others to a stranger. We all do all we can and then must trust even the smallest details of our lives to the care of God. He is a loving Heavenly Father. How comforting to know He can always see exactly what’s ahead! He will take care of us.

Thank you, God for taking such great care of us. Thanks for the roof over our heads, a good place to sleep, food on the table, and shoes on our feet. Sometimes we take even the little things for granted. Help us to be thankful in all things. Amen

Have a super day!

Satisfaction

2008-08-01T10:23:00.001-07:00

“Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God's motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.” Joni Eareckson Tada
Psalms 90:14 & 17
14 O satisfy us with Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning [now, before we are older], that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
17 And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us; confirm and establish the work of our hands--yes, the work of our hands, confirm and establish it.
Folks we need to be living our lives so that others will know we have someone we can depend on. We need to go about our days rejoicing not complaining. God is a Sovereign Father who knows what He is doing. If we are really trusting God then we should be rejoicing. We need to let the beauty of Jesus shine thru us.
Father, we thank you for your Word. Help each of us to let your beauty and love shine from us. Confirm and establish us in your work we are doing for you. Let us know that we are here to serve you by serving others. Thanks, Father.
Have a great day!

Reading the Bible!

2008-07-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a beautiful morning here on the farm. The Lord has given me eyes to see the sunrise, ears to hear the birds singing, and other senses to enjoy all the things around me. It makes me really feel blessed.

“The more you read the Bible; and the more you meditate on it, the more you will be astonished with it.” C. H. Spurgeon

Sometimes when I am reading my Bible a scripture will just pop out at me. When that happens I not only ponder that scripture, but I read the ones before it and the ones after it; as well as cross reference it to see if there are more like it. To some people reading the Bible is boring so they don’t read it; but if you ask the Lord to open your mind before you begin reading you will be surprised at how much easier it is to understand.

Psalms 95:6-7
6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Today as you go about your work, studies, or whatever fills your day, take a moment to read the Word, and to communicate with our maker.

Father I thank you for this day. I give you all praise and honor. Help each of us to enjoy and appreciate all you have blessed us with. Amen
Have a super day!

TEXAS Bar Sues Church !

2008-07-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24.
“God saved us to make us holy, not happy. Some experiences may not contribute to our happiness, but all can be made to contribute to our holiness.” Vance Havner

Sis sent me a email that the more I think on it the more I decided to put it in today’s devotional.
Strange isn't it!! How would you like to be the Judge?
TEXAS Bar Sues Church
In a small Texas town, (Mt. Vernon) Drummond's bar began construction on a new building to increase their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground. The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means. The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court. As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork. At the hearing he commented, 'I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not.'

I wonder how we share with people about God answering prayer. Are we vocal? Then back down in embarrassment when others hear us talking. Are we ashamed to share with others that we have been praying for them? If someone calls us and asks us to pray for them, do we stop what we are doing and pray with them on the phone; and then continue to pray for them when we hang up?

Father, I pray you help us to become bold in our prayers and witnessing to others.

Have a great day!

Wake Up!

2008-07-25T20:48:00.000-07:00

“If society is to be awakened one day from its deep slumber, it will only be done by Christians who have first woken up themselves to the full splendor of their privilege and who have taken seriously the call to live wholly and entirely for God.” Maurice Roberts
Mark 13:33
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

Every place I go I hear people talking about the change in things and how fast things are happening, like floods, earthquakes, rising prices, all of it is pointing to God’s Word about His return. I not only want to be watching and ready, but I want to help others to watch and be ready.

Father, I thank you for your Word. You have given us all the instructions we need to be watching for you. Help us to be ready.

What is Faith?

2008-07-24T19:15:00.000-07:00

What is Faith?

It is trust beyond all doubting
In God who rules above!
It is obedience without question.
It is resting in His love.
It is smiling through the teardrops
It is struggling through each test.
It is the firm belief our Father
Is a God who knoweth best!
It is knowledge He will give us
Light for each step of the way;
Grace for problems we encounter
And strength for each new day.
Lois Mae Cuhel

I saw this in a book I was reading and thought I would share it with you.

God is our answer in this turbulent world we are living in. We need to focus on the positive things and quite looking on the high price of gas and groceries. God is our source.
Psalms 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not WANT!

Praise the Lord, we are not in this alone, and we just need to be established in the Word and prayer.

Thanks, Father for your love, and faithfulness to us, even when we forget you are our source. You are always just a whisper away. Praise Your Holy Name.

Bible Reading!

2008-07-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a glorious morning here in Virginia. We had a super thunder and rain storm last night. I love to smell the air after a heavy rain. It smells so clean and fresh.

Topic for Today: Bible Reading
"Read and read again, and do not despair of help to understand the will and mind of God though you think they are fast locked up from you. Neither trouble your heads though you have not commentaries and exposition. Pray and read, read and pray; for a little from God is better than a great deal from men." John Bunyan

Sometimes I can read the same scripture over and over and each time I read it I find something new or a different way to look at it. One thing I know is the Word of God is real. It will give us insight into the heart of God when we read it with an open mind.

Ephesians 4:23-24
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Reading the Word and praying are two ways to renew the spirit of our mind. When our spirit is renewed everything looks different. It is easier to get thru the day when the mind has been renewed in the Lord.

Father, I thank you for this day. Help me to renew my mind in your Word and prayer as I encourage others to do the same. PTL

Have a great day!
Joy

Prayer and Praise!

2008-06-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

“Prayer and praise are the oars by which a man may row his boat into the deep waters of the knowledge of Christ.” C.H. Spurgeon

Psalms 80:1-2
1 Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.

I believe when we give God our praise before asking Him for this and that, He is pleased. I know we are to pray and ask Him for things don’t get me wrong; however, I believe that we should begin our communion with Him with praise and thanksgiving, and then pray. I believe we need to end our prayer by giving thanks for answering us. The more I praise, the stronger I feel to face life’s trials.

Father, you are an awesome God. I thank you for your Word that gives us clear understanding of how we can worship you and grow in our Christian walk. Praise your Holy Name.

Be Blessed!

Gratitude!

2008-06-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe that in just a few hours I will be flying thru the air on my way to Virginia. It always amazes me how far technology has developed in just my lifetime. I am glad I don’t have to travel all that way by horseback or covered wagon. Although a little part of me thinks that would have been an adventure.

I am thankful for all the things we have to make things easier for us.

“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” A.W. Tozer

Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sometimes it is extremely hard to give thanks when you don’t feel good, your out of a job, your children are sick, your marriage is falling apart. Etc. but when you begin even through your tears to offer praise to the Father, something inside of you changes. Your circumstances didn’t change right away, but the way you look at them did.

Father, we thank you for this day. Thank you that no matter what we are going through, that it is nothing that YOU and we can’t handle together. Praise you Holy Name.

Be Blessed!

LOVE!

2008-06-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

I was thinking last night as I watched some of the little kids at church and afterward at McDonald’s play together how they would be playing fine one minute and upset with each other the next. Are we that way with the Lord? As long as things go our way and He answers us just the way WE think He should we are fine. Let Him answer differently and we (or I sometimes) get upset. Yet when we look at His way it is so much better than what we thought we wanted.

“When love is felt, the message is heard.” Jim Vaus

John 13:35
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

I believe love is probably the greatest emotion we could have. Children and animals can sense and feel whether we love them or not. If they feel anger or whatever from us they will not respond to us like they would when we show love.

Father, help us to be loving and kind to each other. Help us to reach out to those who seem unlovable showing them your love.

Be blessed and know you are loved!

Assurance!

2008-06-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Topic for Today: Assurance
“None have assurance at all times. As in a walk that is shaded with trees and chequered with light and shadow, some tracks and paths in it are dark and others are sunshine. Such is usually the life of the most assured Christian.” Ezekiel Hopkins

I read this quote last night. It made me think of the walk around the springs. There was a section by the springs that was shaded. In that section we never saw birds, animal tracks, or anything. The kids always said it was haunted. Most of the walk was in the sunshine, but not that part of it. Sunlight filtered through, but you didn’t even hear birds singing.

Sometimes it seems in our Christian walk that we are walking through a dark tunnel. We feel like the Lord isn’t there. Jesus said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrew 13:5b

Hebrews 13: 8
Jesus, Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

It encourages me to know that whatever Jesus did while He was here on earth, He can still do today. He can and still does do miracles, healings, and anything else we need. Praise His Name.

Thank you, Father, for giving us the same love, miracles, and all the other things Jesus did for people while on this earth. Thank you that He lives in us. We move and breathe because of Him.

Be Blessed!
Joy

Eyes of our Heart!

2008-06-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

“You wake up one day to realize that you are busier than you've ever been, but no deeper in the things of God than you were years ago.” Author Unknown

How true this quote seems to be, I seem to be busier than ever, but have to work at making sure I spend time in the Word and with the Lord each day. It is necessary in order for me to grow in the Lord and to know Him better.

It seems like everything is speeding up until a person wonders if they are spinning out of control.

Ephesians 1:18-19
18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),

19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,

God’s Word is full of instruction. When we dig into it, then we can have our hearts flooded with light, and understand the hope He gives us.

Thanks, Father for your mighty Word to lead us and guide us as we go about this journey you have placed us on. May we strive to know you more each day.

Blessings!

2008-06-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

It is a beautiful morning here on the farm. It brings me joy to watch God’s little critters chasing each other and having fun. I love to wake up to the birds praising the Lord. Makes my own heart sing!

“When we bless God for mercies, we usually prolong them. When we bless God for miseries, we usually end them. Praise is the honey of life which a devout heart extracts from every bloom of providence and grace.” C.H. Spurgeon

Psalms 107:1-2
1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

It is wonderful to know the effect our praise has on getting rid of the trials in our life. The more we give God praise, the quicker they end. God is so awesome. He is a RIGHT ON TIME GOD! It may not look that way to us, but when we really look at things, we see God’s hand in it; and he’s always on time. Praise the Lord!

Father, we thank you that you know the whole plan for our lives. Thanks for not showing it to us all at once. It would overwhelm us. I am so glad I only have to live one day at a time. I’m glad that you help me live in you one day at a time as well. Praise your Name.
Have a SON-shine filled day!

Blessing The Lord!

2008-06-10T06:07:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a wet, cloudy, and a cool 40* here on the farm this morning. I will be glad anyway.

“Eternity will be too short fully to recount His praise. Let us not shorten our joy by neglecting to begin on earth.” Henry Law

Sometimes it is harder for me to praise the Lord than others, do you ever feel that way?
When I am full of energy, things are going great, bills are paid, the list goes on; and then it is easy to praise the Lord. When I don’t feel good, short on funds, things like that, and then it is harder to praise Him. I find though that when I really praise the Lord from my heart when I don’t feel like it is when I get the greater blessing.

Psalm 34:1-2 (KJV)
1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
I sometimes have to work at blessing the Lord at all times, and praising Him continually; although the more I do it then it becomes a good habit. I really enjoy praising the Lord. I don’t do it because I have too! I do it because I love the Lord and want too! How about you? Why do you praise the Lord?
I give you praise, honor and glory this morning Father. Thank you for your love, provisions, mercy, and kindness. Bless my family and friends. Thanks.
Be blessed!
Joy

Setting an Example!

2008-06-09T18:23:00.001-07:00

“I agree with Matthew Henry when he says, “They that pray in the family do well; they that pray and read the Scriptures do better; but they that pray, and read, and sing do best of all.” C.H. Spurgeon

I read this and thought of daddy and mom setting an example for us kids with their praying, reading the Word and singing praises wherever they were. They led by example. They didn’t tell us to live one way and they lived a different way, but they both loved the Lord first and foremost.

1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

When we teach our children to love the Lord and be an example then the things in this world will change. I think it is so super to see the parents, their children, their children’s children, and so on living for the Lord.
Father, I thank you for the parents who have set an example to their children, grandchildren, great grand’s, etc. who have set an example of praying, reading the Word and singing praises to you. I pray that if someone doesn’t know you, they will desire you and begin to set that example to their families. Praise your Holy Name.
Be Blessed!

Hymns to Grow By!

2008-06-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a beautiful morning here on the farm watching the sunrise.

Last night I was feeling a little lonesome, so I got out some Hymn books and started looking to see how many songs I knew. These led me to the understanding of how many (some people say “old songs”) are still very much a part of my life and give me strength when trials come my way.

Sweet By and By
Kneel at the Cross
O Say but I’m Glad
AT Calvary
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
O How I Love Jesus
Never Alone
I Know Whom I have Believed

The list goes on, but one thing about the “Oldies” they have staying power. I want that staying power, so when the hard things come I can say with ASSURANCE the Lord is my helper, He will uphold me. The super great thing is He will do the same for any of you. He is our strength.

Nehemiah 8:10b
For the joy of the Lord is your strength.

It seems like when we feel really good, and feel strong that we can conquer mountains, or anything that comes our way.

Father, I thank you for the people who gave us a legacy of songs (old and new) to worship you.
There is a special strength that comes to us when we offer praise to you. Help us to always remember to sing!

Have a praise filled day!
Joy

God Ordained our Days!

2008-06-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

“The fact that God ordained our days for us should also give meaning to every day, not just the special or exciting days of our lives. Every day is important for us because it is a day ordained by God. If we are bored with life there is something wrong with our concept of God and His involvement in our daily lives. Even the most dull and tedious days of our lives are ordained by God and ought to be used by us to glorify Him.” James Hufstetler

I read this quote and thought how appropriate to put it in this morning’s devotional. It should remind us that all our days are ordained by God. There is nothing we can do to change what God has planned for us that day.

Psalm 16:5-6 (King James Version)
5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

I am so thankful that God takes care of us, no matter how we feel health wise, or emotionally, God takes care of us with all His love and attention. Sometimes when you are talking with someone do you feel they are partially listening or not listening at all? Yet, when we go to the Father, He always listens, understands us, and answers us. How awesome is that?

Father, we thank you that you always listen to our prayers. Sometimes you answer the way we pray, and sometimes you answer differently. Help us to remember you always answer. Praise Your Holy Name.

Living Life To The Full!

2008-06-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

“If Christ came that we might have joy (life to the full), if the Holy Spirit is at work in us to produce joy, then it is a contradiction of God’s purpose for us when we are not joyful.” Jerry Bridges

John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

When we are in the presence of the Lord, then His joy is within us. We need to learn how to remain in that joy and live life to the full.

Seed for Solution!

2008-06-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a gray overcast morning here on the farm. In the dictionary the other word for gray is colorless. I started to put that in place of gray; however, in looking out the window things are far from colorless.

God is so awesome. I just can’t get over how good He is to us. He just keeps on heaping blessings on us, even when we haven’t asked for them. Now isn’t that awesome.

“Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds.” --Norman Vincent Peale

When you plant seeds and take care of them, they come up what they are supposed to be on the packet. If you don’t take care of them and keep them weeded then the weeds will come up and choke out the good plants. When we don’t take care of our minds and allow everything in it but the WORD then pretty soon the good thoughts are rooted out be ugly thoughts.

I don’t know about you, but I want my thoughts to be upright before the Lord. To know He is taking care of my problems. Praise the Lord.

Matthew 13:8
But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

When you go through problems and sow the seeds of the solution God give you then you will reap the benefits.

Father, I thank you for your Word. Thank you for your many blessings. Help each of us to turn our problems over to you and expect you to show us a seed of solution.

Have a wonderful day!
Joy

Integrity 2

2008-05-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

I am still thinking about integrity; some of the words similar to it are:
Honesty, truth, truthfulness, honor, veracity, reliability, uprightness, completeness, and wholeness

Looking at the above words I think of daddy. He exhibited all of those qualities. I remember when daddy or any (or any of us) could walk into the bank ask for a loan and walk out not more than 10 minutes later with the loan. The contract was your word and a handshake. What happened to that trust? When did people lose their integrity?

Colossians 2:10
And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.

Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

I wonder what would happen if each of us put our name in place of Epaphras, so it would read like this:

Joy, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Father, I ask you to help each of us to be concerned about each other. Help us to pray, and encourage each other every day. Thanks, Father.

Integrity

2008-05-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings,
It is overcast, but a nice morning here on the farm.
Sis and I saw a sign on a church reader board saying the sermon was going to be about integrity. We began to discuss what it was and if people even knew the meaning anymore.
“One’s mere word should be as trustworthy as a signed agreement attested by legal witnesses.” Curtis Vaughan

Integrity
1. possession of firm principles
the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering to high moral principles or professional standards
Psalms 7:8
8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
Psalms 26:1 & 11
Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

Prov 20:7
7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.

What would happen if every “Christian” decided to walk in integrity? How would that affect those around us? When did we forget what it meant to hold a high moral standard or principles? How do we get back to walking in integrity? I believe as we read the Bible, and get into communication through prayer that God will show us and guide us to walk in integrity.

Father, please help each of us to walk with you, to walk in honesty, completeness, and wholeness in you; whereby, we will then walk in integrity. Thank you, Father.

Have a super day!

Attitude!

2008-05-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Good morning,
It is overcast, but a beautiful morning nonetheless here on the farm.
“Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitude toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it.” Charles R. Swindoll
Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalms 104:34
My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.
When we begin to understand the impact of our words and to realize that out of our innermost being flow either blessing or cursing when we speak; I wonder how many of us would become more aware of the words we speak, especially to others.
When are words that come out of our mouth is acceptable to the Lord, then they will be pleasant to all those around us. I will be glad in the Lord and strive to speak blessings to all I come into contact.
Father, we thank you for your Word. Help us to read it with understanding. Let our words be uplifting and strength to all. Help us to rejoice always, no matter what we are going thru.
Thanks Father.
Have a super day!
Joy

His Words are sweeter than honey!

2008-05-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Did you know it is daylight by 5:30 AM? I am up getting ready to go to Baker City with Lori. We are expecting to have a lot of fun as well as my ministering in our church there Sunday.

God is so awesome. He is worthy of all our praise.

“The longer you read the Bible, the more you will like it; it will grow sweeter and sweeter; and the more you get into the spirit of it, the more you will get into the spirit of Christ.” William Romaine

Ps 119:103

103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! KJV

Jer 15:16

16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. KJV

One super great thing about eating the Word of God is you will never put on even so much as a physical ounce of weight. However, you will get spiritually FAT!

Father, help us to desire your Word and Spiritual food more than we desire physical food. Thank you for your love and your Word. Praise your Holy Name.

Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus!

2008-05-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning singing “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus”

This so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise’
Just to know “Thus saith the Lord.”
Jesus, Jesus how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more.

Topic for Today: Grace

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace. Jerry Bridges

I am so thankful for God’s Word. In it are answers for all of life’s struggles, verses to help overcome anger, fear, despair, disappointments, and the list goes on. There are also verses to show you how to pray, praise Him, and to walk a life pleasing to God. The KEY is you have to open the Word and read it to know what is in it.

Father, give all of us a greater desire to know you and to read your Word I pray. Thank you, Father for your Word. It is life to my soul.

Fruitfulness

2008-05-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Topic for Today: Fruitfulness
“I would put it to you, my dear hearer, have you been fruitful? Have you been fruitful with your wealth? Have you been fruitful with your talent? Have you been fruitful with your time? What are you doing for Jesus now?” C. H. Spurgeon
Colossians 1:10-12
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Our desire should be to be fruitful in all areas of our lives. I saw some of this yesterday in the waiting room of the ICU ward. I saw people offering encouragement to others while waiting on the news of a loved one. Others were sharing a smile or a hug. Sometimes it is the small things that help a person through the tough times.
Today where ever you are look around you and see if someone needs a smile, a kind word, help putting groceries on the checkout belt. Any thing that could make someone feel just a little better, a little special. That is being fruitful.

Father, how I love to give you praise. You are so loving and kind to us. I feel we are so blessed to have you in our life. Praise your Holy Name.

Poverty or Riches?

2008-05-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

I've heard many messages on the "Christian" being neither rich nor poor. Sometimes I wonder which is better?
Proverbs 30:7-9
7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. KJV
This was a prayer by Agur, as far as I can tell this is the only time he is mentioned in the Bible. He knew God and wanted to know that he didn’t want to lie or be full of pride. He also felt to be rich would keep him away from needing God; to be poor might cause him to steal and destroy his relationship with God. I wonder how many people today would find themselves better off praying this prayer.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with wealth if a person knows how to be a good steward, and not forget God.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prosperth.
I believe this is the KEY that our soul has to prosper so we can not only prosper, but be in health.

Finding the Good in rough times!

2008-05-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

I was asking the Lord what good could come from feeling so rotten; or what I could learn from it. This is what I have so far:
First I pray that when someone calls me or emails me for prayer that I will pray like I hope people have been praying for me; with FAITH believing that God will heal me, and second not giving up until I am healed. My prayers will change to not just be a minute one sometimes, or pray once and then forget that person, but get hold of the throne of God until they are healed, have their financial miracle or a mate or whatever their request was.
Second for those of you who don’t know what a wonderful friend Jesus can be in the midnight hours when you are unable to sleep that you find Him. He is a wonderful sounding board. I love the way He wraps a warm blanket of love around me, stills the horrible cough and allows me to rest in Him.
Third and perhaps the most important is my heart goes out to all the people who are suffering in one form or another. To all those who endure horrible pain all the time. I don’t know how they stand it. I trust God gave me a new compassion and empathy for all those in need of physical healing, emotional healing, financial healing and anything else they need.

Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
It doesn’t matter the need, my God is able to supply it according to His riches in glory by Jesus. What a wonderful promise to hold on to. God can and will meet our every need when we go to Him, or others go to Him for us FAITH believing that He will do what we have requested of Him.

Thank you, Father for reminding me of your promise and for all those who have been upholding me in prayer. Help us to uphold each other in prayer, love and caring. Praise your Holy Name.

Climbing Your Mountain!

2008-05-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a beautiful morning here on the farm. Maybe spring has sprung!

“If the mountain were smooth, you wouldn’t be able to climb it.”

Sometimes we want God to remove all the trials and illnesses from our life, not realizing that those things are what make us grow and become the person God created us to be. It’s through the tough times we really begin to know who God really is and how much He loves us.

1 Chronicles 23:30
And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even:

Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant [steadfastly] in prayer;

When I don’t feel good is when I get lonesome the most. Yesterday I was struggling to rejoice, because I just felt rotten. It would have been easy to give in to self pity and despair, but I tried to remember to rejoice. Then God sent someone my way with some cans of V8 juice (which is what I wanted) and later with hot fresh grilled hamburgers (with the trimmings) and potato salad (just made); I think He did it just to remind me that I am never really alone out here on the farm. Not only is He with me (us) at all times, He has others watching out as well. Can’t get any better than that now can it?

Father, thank you for you many blessings; thank you that you care about every detail of our lives. Praise you wonderful name.

Have a super day!
Joy

Starting over? No continuing on!

2008-04-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

I am apologizing again for dropping the ball on my daily devotions. I thought about just giving up since I missed so many days, but decided God doesn’t want me to do that. So I will just try to do better in the future.

My niece sent me an email with this word:
The Lord gave me a word and I want to share because it's for the Holbrook’s as well as my family. I extend her word onto you as well.
“A line is drawn, one of Blood over this family. No curse shall ever touch us. We are covered by His Blood and he is restoring us.”
Yesterday I got blessed with the Joyce Meyer Everyday Life Bible Amplified version. I haven’t got to read much of it yet, but it is good.

Mark 4:39
And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).
Joyce Meyer says this:
“You cannot rebuke the storms in your life if you have a storm on the inside of you. The disciples could not rebuke the storm because they lost their peace and were as “stormy” as the storm. But when Jesus spoke out of His reservoir of peace for the wind and waves to be still, immediately there was calm.”

Father, we thank you for this day. Thank you for this word that lets us know we need with your help to calm the storm on the inside so the storms of this life don't swamp us. Praise your Holy Name. Let us also know more about your blood line and how to use it to cover and protect not only us, but our loved ones and friends. In Jesus Name amen

Have a Power filled day.

If you don't see it, it's not happening!

2008-04-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

The sun came up this morning here on the farm.

“If Christ came that we might have joy (life to the full), if the Holy Spirit is at work in us to produce joy, then it is a contradiction of God’s purpose for us when we are not joyful.” Jerry Bridges

I Peter 1:8
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

A lady last night put her hands over her eyes and told Sis. Bristow to eat whatever she wanted to, since if she couldn’t see her it wasn’t happening. I disagreed with her, I said just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean nothing is going on. It got into a discussion of faith, and believing for things that you hope for, but can’t see.
Sometimes it’s that way with experiencing joy, even though you might be having a tough time of it, God can still give you an inner joy that doesn’t go away. I am so thankful that He loves us and wants only the best for us, even when we don’t know what the best is, He does.

Father, I thank you for your joy. I am so grateful for your love, and all the hidden things you do for us, even when it seems like nothing is happening when we pray. Thank you anyway!

Have a super day!
Joy

Childlike Believer!

2008-04-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

“A cry for help from the heart of a childlike believer is sweet praise in the ears of God. Nothing exalts Him more than the collapse of self-reliance which issues in passionate prayer for help. “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Ps. 50:15). Prayer is the translation into a thousand different words of a single sentence: “Apart from me [Christ] you can do nothing” (John 15:5). John Piper

Doesn’t it just fill you with joy to know God? I think it is wonderful how God inspired men to write His Word. He (God) has put everything in there so we could live for Him and have fellowship with Him.

We are to come to Him as a child, believing that He will do what He has promised. Coming to Him with a childlike faith is sweet praise in the ears of God. When we come to the Father with praise, we bless the Father’s heart. It should be all our desires to get to know the Lord more each day.

Thank you, Father for your love, compassion, grace, and deliverance. It is so wonderfully awesome to know you, to love you and to walk with you in the stillness of the midnight and hear your gentle voice whispering “All is well”. Praise your Holy Name.

Have a super day!
Joy

Promises of God

2008-04-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

Topic for Today: Promises of God"
"They are a foundation of our faith, and we have them as such; and also of our hope. On these we are to build all our expectations from God; and in all temptations and trials we have them to rest our souls upon." Matthew Henry

2 Peter 1:3-4 (KJV)
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

I am so thankful for the promises of God. They are the foundation of my faith. One of the catches to knowing this, is you have to read His Word to understand and accept His promises. The promises are also our hope. We know that what God's Word says it TRUTH and on His Word we build our expectations and can rest upon them in tough times.

I don't know about you, but it excites me to know that I can live my life with godliness. I can partake of His divine nature. I don't have to submit to the things of this world. Jesus made a way for us to walk in God's divine nature. Praise His Holy Name.

Father, I thank you for providing us with your promises that we can live for you. Thank you for the hope you have placed in our hearts to know we can walk in your divine nature and not submit to the things of this world. Thank you, Father, for your Word and the knowledge to understand it. In Jesus Name, Amen

Witness!

2008-04-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

“The upright soul is constant in his profession, and changes not his behavior according to his companions. Oh, that I might never through shame or fear disowns Him who has already acknowledged me!” George Swinnock

Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
With everything going on in this world we need to take heed that we do not fear or disown our Lord and Savior.

2 Peter 1:10-11
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I believe that the only way we will survive in the coming years, is to have a deep, steadfast, unmovable faith in the Lord. If we can’t talk about Him now, or live for Him with every ounce of our being; how will we stand when things get worse? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to find out. I want to be so established in the Word and prayer that nothing will be able to separate me from the love of God. What about you?

Father, help us to wake up now before it’s too late. Help us to form a three strand cord that won’t easily be broken. Help us Father, to get deeper into your Word, and communication with you and your precious Holy Ghost. Thank you, Father.

In His Presence!

2008-03-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

I was just thinking about being in the presence of God; the kingdom of God is within us. Therefore, no matter where we go we take God with us. God is not in the four walls of the church his presence in essence is not there when we’re not there because we bring the presence of God with us when we come to church.
Therefore, we should always be prepared, no matter where we are to be used of God and to be an example of him regardless of our circumstances.

We sing a song
Surely the presence of the lord is in this place
I can fill his mighty power and His grace
I can hear the brush of angels’ wings
I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the lord is in this place.

This place is within me! He abides and dwells in the very innermost part of my being.

Psalms 16:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Psalms 95:2
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

I am so thankful I know the Lord and that He lives within me. He is my everything. I know I could not make it in this world without Him. He is!

God Bless You!
Joy

Quietly Waiting!

2008-03-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

Isn't it so awesome how God speaks to us through other people, His Word, His critters and just the earth itself?

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting system through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” George Washington Carver

Lamentations 3:24-26

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.

The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly waith for the salvation of the Lord.

I have to work at waiting quietly for the Lord to show me His plan for my life. I trust the Lord, however, sometimes I think He is taking too long so I want to jump in and fix everything myself. When I wait paitently and quietly for the salvation of the Lord, He does a super better job of it than I tried to do.

God is so awesome. I just can't praise Him enough!

HE Cometh!

2008-03-28T07:35:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

John 9:4-5
We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

Jesus wants us to work for Him. He told us in Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
It is our duty as "Children of God" to tell others about Him and to pray with them the prayer of salvation.

I believe the verses in John 9:4-5 are a direct command. We must do the work of the Father. It also says we need to do it while it is day, because night will come and then it will be too late.
There is an urgency sweeping the land, as I believe the Lord is going to send His Son back very soon. There needs to be a cry go out HEAR YE! HEAR YE THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH!

The question many "Christians" need to ask themselves is am I ready to meet Him?

Only By God's Permission!

2008-03-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Good morning,
Anne Ortlund in her book “Disciplines of the Heart inserted this statement by Hannah Whitall Smith said:
“[No action] can touch us except with [the Father's] knowledge and by His permission. It may be the sin of man that originates the action, and therefore the thing itself cannot be said to be the will of God; but by the time it reaches us it has become God’s will for us, and must be accepted as directly from His hands.
No man or company of men, no power on earth or heaven, can touch that soul which is abiding in Christ, without first passing through His encircling presence and receiving the seal of His permission. If God be for us, it matters not who may be against us; nothing can disturb or harm us, except He shall see that it is best for us.”
Anne goes on to say “Only if this is true does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 make sense:
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I now understand Romans 8:28 better as well:
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.
Nothing can touch us except by the Father’s knowledge and permission. So instead of getting upset, angry, or bitter about what is going on in our life, we should rejoice because the Father is turning it around for our good. Praise the Name of the Lord!

Mind & Heart!

2008-03-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Luke 10: 27
And He answering said, Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.

I was reading this verse this morning and thought to myself, what if all people began to read, and follow just this one verse of advice. How would our world be changed if everyone were to love the Lord our God with everything that is within us? What if we were to love Him with all our heart, all our soul, our all strength and all our mind? What if we were to love our neighbor as our self? For some of us that would be easy, because we love our self, but what of the people who do not like themselves let alone love themselves.

I think sometimes we people who call ourselves "Christians" don't love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, strength and mind. I think sometimes we just go through the motions. I don't know if at times we really know what the word "LOVE" really means. I am seeking God to know His love better; but also I want to know how He wants me to love Him more.
I pray as we encourage each other in the Lord, we will come to know "Agape Love" and to love each other as Jesus loves us.

God Bless!
Joy

He's ALIVE!

2008-03-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EASTER!

To many people Easter is just another boring day. But, to many, many people it is a special day! Because of what Easter means we have HOPE! LIFE! PEACE! and JOY! just to name a few words that describes how we can feel, because of the BIRTH, DEATH, and RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD!

You see His birth was not enough, His birth and death was not enough, His birth, death, and Resurrection were not enough. It took all of these and His ascension into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father to be complete. Thru the life blood of Jesus, He gave us redemption from our sins. When we ask Him to forgive us of our sins and strive to live for Him, that is the true meaning of Easter.

Matthew 28: 6
He (Jesus) is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the LORD lay.

HALLELUJAH!
Because of Jesus' love for us, His death was the supreme sacrifice for our sins. Just makes me want to shout!

Today as you go about your day remember this comment by Billy Graham

"Jesus Christ died on a rugged cross for our salvation. We do not worship that cross; we worship Christ, who is alive. Yet among all the emblems of the world, the cross is admired with awe and wonder."

Father, as we go about this special day, may we keep in mind the suffering Jesus went through for our salvation. Let us remember to take time to give you praise. Because, without Jesus dying on the cross and rising again we would have no hope of spending eternity with you. Thank you, Father. Bless and keep each of us and may we experience your love for us in a fresh way I pray.

Have a most blessed day!

Joy

God's Hand!

2008-03-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

God is so good. I just stand in awe sometimes as to how good He is to us. Nothing in particular, just a feeling inside of me that rises up and needs to be released. I want everyone I come into contact with to know Jesus lives in me, and blesses me beyond measure. He can and will do the same for you as well.

Isaiah 59:1
Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither Hi ear heavy, that it cannot hear.

I am so thankful that our Lord will hear us when we call unto Him. He will save us and be with us throughout our life if we let Him. He is a merciful God. He loves us more than anything. No matter what we go through, God is there with us, upholding us and giving us strength to carry on. Praise His Holy Name.

Isaiah 58:14
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

I don't know about you, but I want a change in my life. I want to ride upon the high places of the earth, and to feed on the heritage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I can only do this if I delight and spend time with the Lord. I do this by reading His Word and praying.

Father, I would ask you today to help each of us grow in prayer and reading your Word. Help us Lord to desire to spend time with you. Help us Father, to delight ourselves in you. Feed us with the heritage of Jacob, I pray. Thank you, Father. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Seek His Face!

2008-03-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

2 Chronicles 7:12-16 (King James Version)
12 And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice.
13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

I don’t know why, but I always thought these verses were for the sinner to come to the Lord; however in discussing them Tuesday evening at a ladies meeting at my church, a woman brought out that they were written for the Christians. That almost blew me away. I don’t know if I have had my head in the sand like the ostrich or have on rose colored glasses, but I never thought about Christian’s having wicked ways.

God tells Solomon that there are four things in verse 14 that are REQUIRED in order for Him to hear their prayers.
1. Humble (feeling or showing respect and deference toward other people) yourself.
2. Pray
3. Seek His face
4. Turn from their wicked ways
Then He will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.
I believe verse 15 gives us His promise. He says His eyes shall be open, and His ears attuned to our prayer.

Christians in America (and the world) need to get these verses down into their very spirit. They need to begin to act on them. If we want a change in our schools, our kids, and neighbors, I believe this is the answer. Get the sin and crud out of our life that is hindering our communication with the Father. Then He will be able to do that which He promised.

2008-03-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark. --George Iles

I was thinking about the above quote, which led me to think about the Three Hebrew men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, now those three men indeed walked by faith.

Daniel 3:17-18
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Think about this for a moment, these three men told the king they would not bow to the image the king had made, knowing that if they didn't they would surely die; however, they stood firm in their faith that God would deliver them. They also believed that if He didn't, everything would still be ok. They were bold in their talk to the king to say BUT IF IT BE NOT, we still will not serve his gods; they knew they would be home with their God. However, it was not time for them to go to heaven. God was not through with them here on earth. They had a work to do for Him that only they could do.
Each of us has a work to do for God that only we can do. Can you say like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we will not bow down to idols, or things that pull us away from the TRUE, LIVING GOD?
Father, I thank you for this day. I thank you for the opportunity you have given me to share your word and my thoughts with these thy people. Bless them and cause your face to shine upon them I pray. Thank you, Father. In Jesus Name I pray.

Joy-Peace-Hope!

2008-03-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

It is an awesome morning here on the farm. I woke up praising the Lord. So no matter what comes my way today, it is nothing that the Lord and I can't handle together.

Topic for Today: Gospel
The gospel makes some people sad, some mad and some glad. It is better that people should go out of church mad than merely go out, neither sad, mad, nor glad. Vance, Havner

"Take time every evening you can to view with wonder the spectacular event we know as a sunset. This is your heavenly Father's gift to you, filling you with gratitude for a day well spent with Him, the sweet sleep He will now give to you, and the hope and expectancy of spending tomorrow with Him."

I went into Bible Gateway to copy the scripture I wanted to share with you and it was their verse for the day. How awesome is that?

Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

I am so thankful that our God is full of hope and will fill us with all (CORE MEANING: a grammatical word used to indicate that the whole of a particular thing, amount, group, or area is involved or affected). God doesn't just give us a little joy and peace. He gives us all He has, the whole amount. He gives us so much that we overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now I don't know about you, but I want to be so full of joy, peace, and hope that it oozes out of every pore in my body.

Father, thank you the you will fill us with ALL joy, peace, and hope. I pray that as we begin to really grasp this knowledge you have given us that we will CHOOSE to ask you to have the Holy Spirit overflow us with hope. As the Holy Spirit overflows us with HOPE, help us to pass it on to others that seem to have lost their hope I pray. Thank you, Father. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Have a joy, peace, and hope filled day.

Joy

Bible - Influence and Power

2008-03-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

WOW! What a service we had yesterday at church. We didn't even have our "normal" Sunday school. We started with a couple of worship songs and then the Holy Spirit took over. Was a wonderful time of sharing the Word and the Lord ministering to us. I'm so glad that we are not stuck in a rut where everything has to be the same O same O.

Topic for Today: Bible - Influence and Power
The Word of the Lord is a light to guide you, a counselor to counsel you, a comforter to comfort you, a staff to support you, a sword to defend you, and a physician to cure you. The Word is a mine to enrich you, a robe to clothe you, and a crown to crown you. Thomas Brooks

Isn't the above quote so true. The Word of the Lord has all the answers to any situation we may face. Praise the Lord for giving us such a detailed "Book" to lead us and guide us on our journey through life.

II Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

God is so awesome. His Word is true. When we approach it with an open heart, asking the Holy Spirit to open our spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear what the Holy Spirit reveals to us about the Word then it is easy to understand. I believe the KEY is to dig into it on a daily basis.

Father, thank you, for you Word. Thank you Father, for giving us the Holy Spirit to quicken our hearts to understand your Word. I know it will guide us in the way you would have us to go. Praise Your Holy Name. Bless each of us and help us to grow in you and in your Word. Thank you, Father.

Have a great day,
Joy

Standing in the Gap!

2008-03-16T08:48:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a beautiful morning here on the farm.

Topic for Today: Christian
A genuine Christian should be a walking mystery because he is surely a walking miracle. Through the leading and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Christian is involved in a daily life and habit that cannot be explained. A.W. Tozer

Isn't it cool to be thought of not only as a mystery, but a walking miracle. I know that I am a walking miracle. God has protected me and kept His unseen hand on me so many times, sometimes I feel the angels have worked overtime protecting me. I am so thankful they have, as I feel I have a lot more of God's work to do before I go home.

Are you thankful for God's protection? Are you willing to stand in the gap for someone else?

Ezekiel 22:30
And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

I trust when God looks down on America and says to His Son, I can't tolerate their sin any longer, wipe them out. Jesus will say "Father what if there is someone who will intercede in prayer on their behalf?" Are there ones who will begin to fall on their face and plead for God to spare our great country?
Have we as Christians become so complacent that we are not seeking Him for America?

I believe Christians need to arise and begin to beg God to deliver our land and bring us back into right standing with Him.

Father, this country I love is really on my heart today. I ask Father, that each of us begin to bind together in pray for America. I ask Father, that you find us worthy to come before you in prayer that each of us would be able to stand in the gap; to make a hedge around our beautiful country. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Take a moment today to enjoy our great land.
Joy

God Our Strong Hold!

2008-03-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

"God will help me feel safe and warm,
He shelters me from all kinds of harm."

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.

I am so glad that our loving Father, takes such good care of us. When we are weak, He is our strength. He takes care of us when trouble comes. At night you can sometimes hear Him whisper "it's ok I am hear don't be afraid." He knows who trusts in Him. His Word says he will be there with us holding us when bad things happen. The super thing is He is there when good things happen as well. His Word says "He will never leave us or forsake us." Thank you, Father for that promise.

Father, I would ask that you reveal yourself to each of us. That we will know not only that you love us, but that you take care of us. Thank you for strength when we don't seem to have any left. Thank you, for being our strong tower and a shelter from the storms of life. Praise your Holy Name.

Give God Praise!

2008-03-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Well I am up early and on my way to Drain for a District Board Meeting, so not sure what the weather will be, but probably rain. Silly me, I guess I thought if it was dark I wouldn't know if it was raining or not. Well guess what the dark doesn't have anything to do with it; it has rained and stormed all night and is still coming down.

The Lord is so good. You may get tired of hearing me say that, but get used to it as I intend to proclaim God’s goodness until Jesus comes.

Psalms 30:10-12
10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

These scriptures say exactly how I feel. When I call upon God to have mercy on me, then when He turns things around I need to sing praise to Him. This is the year of WORSHIP! The year of new beginnings. This is the year to give praise in everything. What a wonderful year to be living. I don’t know about you, but I am excited about what God is doing and going to do. It’s not just for me, but for everyone. Praise His Holy Name.

Father, please help each of us to not only praise you more, but to lift each other up. Help us to encourage each other. Let us be your hands, feet, and mouth to share your love to all those we come into contact. Thank you, Father.
Have a terrific day!
Joy

Sing to the Lord!

2008-03-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a rainy, wet day here on the farm this morning. I was going to take my dog for a walk, however, I'm not sure I want to. I suppose I could get out my hip boots, winter jacket and golf umbrella and make do to take her. (Just kidding as my buddy Caleb says to me)

God is good. He is so good to me, sometimes I just stand in awe of the way He provides for me. How about you? Does God provide for you? Can you think of anything this week that He has done for you? Did you stop to give Him praise?

Psalms 119:169-172 says
169 Let my mournful cry and supplication come [near] before You, O Lord; give me understanding (discernment and comprehension) according to Your word [of assurance and promise].

170 Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word!

171 My lips shall pour forth praise [with thanksgiving and renewed trust] when You teach me Your statutes.

172 My tongue shall sing [praise for the fulfillment] of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteous.

I just can't get over how much God loves us and when we cry out to Him, He really does listen to our heartfelt cry. His ears are open to us. He gives us understanding and the promise that everything will be ok. Even before God answers, we should be giving Him the sacrifice of praise. I was looking for a scripture "The Lord inhabits the praise of His people." I looked it up in several places so not sure it is a scripture or I just think it is. Anyway, my point is God loves it when we give Him praise no matter what we are going through. Praise His Holy Name.

Father, help each of us as we go about our day to remember to give you praise. It doesn't matter what we are going through, your Word says to praise you continually, so help us Father, to learn to do that. Praise your Holy Name.

Have a super day,

Joy

Standing Taller!

2008-03-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a damp, cloudy day here on the farm at this moment. It still is beginning to feel like spring. If I keep saying that one day it will be.

I was talking to Fawnie on Monday, her grandson is in the hospital and several of us have been praying not only for him, but the family as a whole. She told me that Sunday she got up feeling taller, like a heavy load had been lifted. Her daughter called her that day and let them know Nicholas was doing better.
I told her we sing a song in church "I'm standing taller than I've ever stood before"
The words to the chorus are
"I'm standing on the rock Christ Jesus
The gates of hell shall not prevail
and when the winds begin to blow
I'll not be moved O Lord I know
Cause I'm standing taller than I've ever stood before."

Isn't it wonderful to know that when we are standing on the Word of God, Christ Jesus that no matter what comes our way, we can stand taller, and not be moved. Jesus is waiting for us to know Him more than ever before.

Psalms 92:7-8
7 That though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to be destroyed forever.
8 But You, Lord, are on high forever.

I am so thankful that the Lord is on our side. He will lead us and guide us into all truth. In Psalms 96 it tells us to SING unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless His name: shew forth His salvation from day to day. That is my desire to sing a new song unto my Lord and Savior.

Father, bless and keep your hand upon each of us today. Lord may we learn to sing a new song unto you. Father, help us to get out of the rut or box of religion and to come to know you in a new way. Help us to be free to worship you with our hearts and not just from our lips. Thank you, Father.

Have a super day!
Joy

My Heart is not my own!

2008-03-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

What a wonderful morning to wake up. It is a super bright day here. The SON is shining down on the farm and into my heart.

Topic for Today: Christ
Since He looked upon me my heart is not my own. He hath run away to heaven with it. Samuel Rutherford

Deuteronomy 7:9

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.”

I John 3:1-2
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Isn't it wonderful to know that when God came into our heart, he ran away to heaven with it. God loved us before we were even born. He made a covenant of love not only to us but to a thousand generations. WOW! That is hard for me to imagine. We are the sons/daughters of God. He has prepared everything for us, both here on earth and in heaven. Just makes me want to SHOUT HALLELUJAH! THANK YOU JESUS!

Father, thank you, for this beautiful day you have made just for us. Thank you, for your many blessings you give us each and every day. Thank you, for your love. We praise your Holy Name.
Have a great praise filled day!
Joy

God will hear you!

2008-03-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

"God, you promise to come to my rescue. When I'm in trouble, I just need to trust you."

Psalms 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Isn't it absolutely super wonderful to know without the shadow of a doubt, that we can call upon our merciful God when we are in trouble. Knowing He will deliver us so we can give Him the glory. I believe the last part is the KEY. When He has answered us and delivered us then we have a requirement of Him. We are to glorify Him. Too many times we forget to even thank Him when He fulfills His promises. We are quick to run to Him when trouble strikes, but what about running to Him at all times. What about beginning our mornings when we first wake up in praise to Him. I don't know about you, but when I begin to give Him praise before I ever get out of bed, my whole day goes better.

Sis. Bristow at church said "I want to just love on the Lord. I want to just wrap my arms around Him in a big hug." I decided that is the way I want to begin my day and end my day to just to love on the Lord.

Father, thank you for your love for each of us. Thank you that when trouble comes all we have to do is call upon you expecting you to deliver us. Help us to learn to just love on you and to wrap our arms around you. Thank you for healing for our loved ones as well as ourselves. Praise your Holy Name!

Love in Christ,
Joy

God Listens!

2008-03-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

Good morning,

It is a wonderful morning here on the farm. There is a beautiful sunrise.

"God, you know I have lots to say - Thank you for listening to me today."

Have you ever tried to talk to someone, only to realize they really aren't listening to you at all? Sometimes they appear to be listening, and other times you know they are miles away. God is not like that.

Psalms 116:1-2
1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

God always listens to us. He loves us and cares about us. No matter what we do, God is only a whisper away and will hear us, even when we haven't talked to Him in a while.

Father, Thank you for always hearing us and listening to us. Thank you for paying attention to every detail of our life. Bless each of us today with extra strength, joy, and love for each other I pray. Thank you, Father.

Have a great day!

Triumph

2008-02-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

I have been struggling since just after 7:00 am to get my computer to cooperate with me so I could do the devotional. I think I was being tested to see if I could keep a good attitude and not let petty things begin to ruin my day.

"Triumph is just "umph" added to try."

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Have you ever felt "stabbed in the back" while doing good? Withdrawal is often our first temptation, but with a creative and loving God, Who continually inspires us, we just can't quit!

Father, may each of us keep on doing that which you have called us to do. When we get tired, strengthen us I pray. May each of us walk in the liberty of your love. Give each person an extra measure of energy I pray. Thank you, Father.

God bless!
Joy

Refueled!

2008-02-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

"You have to take time to get spiritually refueled. If you don't the only thing you have to give out are the fumes." Joy Durham

I have been getting refueled. It was awesome to be involved with a group of spirit filled women this past weekend ministering to each other. What an intense weekend of being in the presence of the Lord.

Acts 17:27-28
That they should see the Lord if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us;
For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, for we are also his offspring.

I am so thankful he is not far away, but lives in my heart. He is my friend, my husband, my provided, my healer, He is! Praise his wonderful name.

Who or what is your God?

2008-02-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

Who or what is your God? We all worship something! What are you worshiping? What do you do either just before getting out of bed or right after you get up? Do you begin your day with a talk with the Lord, turn on the TV, or complain to your spouse? How we begin our day pretty much determines who or what our God is. Do you worry about your finances? Do you pinch each penny in case you won't have funds for later on? I'm not talking about being a bad steward, I'm talking about our worrying about down the road on how we will get by. What or who is your God?

I have been thinking on this after I decided to begin each morning reading my Bible and praying. Then the first thing that I noticed is I found the Hallmark channel on TV and they show "Little House on the Prairie, and Touched by an Angel." Two of my favorite shows. Now there is nothing wrong with either show so don't start jumping to conclusions that I am putting them down. It's just that all of a sudden I was turning the TV on even though I never watched them before and before I knew it I was spending most of my morning in front of the TV instead of reading my Bible or talking to God.

Psalms 119:1-5
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
These verses are my prayer. That I strive each morning to begin my day visiting with the Lord. To get into His Word so I will know His commandments. I pray I will follow His commandments once I know them. I know that I love the Lord, however, for me that is not enough. I want to know Him.
Father, I pray you instill not only your love into our hearts, but that you would help each of us to want to put you first. May we begin to understand the path and the plans you have for each of us. Thank you, Father.

Have a super day in the Lord.
Joy

God's Hands Extended!

2008-02-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

It is dry here at the farm this morning. There is still plenty of snow. I measured 15-19 inches in my yard yesterday afternoon. I hope to be able to get my car out so I can go to church. I need the fellowship.

God is so awesome. I talked to John (Kathy's husband) yesterday. He is home and improving all the time. He told me "he didn't know there was so many family members who cared; he said they just kept coming out of the woodwork."
He felt that was one of the reasons he was getting better just having so many people care.

It is one thing to tell someone you will pray for them and it is something totally different when you put action to those prayers by helping out.

I John 3:16-18
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
John saw the compassion from both his family and Kathy's family and felt loved. His whole life changed because people took time to care. Isn't that what a lot of the Word of God is about, loving, caring, and helping each other?
Father, may you instill in each of us the desire to reach out more in love. To take time from our busy lives and schedules to help others who are struggling. May we be your hands extended, reaching out to those who are oppressed, and alone. Thank you, Father.
Have a beautiful day!
Joy

Sometimes, even if you lose, you win!

2008-02-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

It is a misty morning here on the farm. Lots of snow left to be just plain messy. I just looked out the window and it is snowing.

"There are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win." --Elie Wiesel

I read this a few minutes ago; I felt it just fit my thoughts regarding my missions trip. I didn't receive all the funds needed to go this time. I learned some valuable things. Even though I was disappointed, I am still able to rejoice. You see God didn't let me down or not answer my prayer, He wants me to wait awhile. So even though to some it seems God didn't answer and I lost out, I really won. My faith is stronger than ever.
II Samuel 22:20-25
20 He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
21 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
22 For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
23 For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.
24 I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.
25 Therefore the LORD hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.
I read these verses yesterday and felt they were not only for me, but for you also. As long as we stay in the ways of the Lord, and don't depart from the truth, then God will not only meet my needs, but will grant me the desires of my heart as well. The key is it has to be in God's timing not mine.
Father, May each one of us seek to know you better. To be able to know without the shadow of a doubt that you not only love us, but have our best interest at heart. I give you praise for each one reading this devotional. I ask a special blessing on their life today. Thank you, Father.
Have a super fun filled day. Take just a little time to be a kid today, laugh, eat an ice cream cone in the snow, whatever, just enjoy the day.
Joy

Putting God First!

2008-01-31T20:14:00.001-08:00

I think I am doing ok and then I slip up again. It seems if I don't do my devotional first thing after I get up, that somehow my day gets away from me and I either am too late to get it to you, or it's late when you read it.
I am understanding why David said in Psalms 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning; O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
In Matthew 6:33 it says But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
I am learning that God, and His righteousness is more important than anything else in my life. Getting to know Him is like going on a long journey. Sometimes I have a clear map of where I am going and other times it's hazy until I seek His Word for clear directions.
I have to remember
day by day
step by step
choice by choice
yes by yes

God Does Not Change!

2008-01-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

WOW! I got up to 7 new inches of snow on the ground this morning. Everything is dressed in bridal white. It is absolutely beautiful with the sun just peeking through the clouds. What an awesome show God put on for me.

I was thinking through my tears yesterday about my walk with the Lord down thru the years and when I have felt closest to Him. You know what I discovered? During the hardest times when I cried out to God has been some of my best times.

Which led me to analyze why this was and I came to this conclusion.

First I spent more time in fellowship with Him.

Second God says in Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not. Therefore any changing that was done in my faith, peace, joy ect. I did not God.

Third It was believing the enemy in thinking God had forgotten me or didn't answer my prayer. He DID and has answered every prayer I have ever prayed. The key here is sometimes I didn't like His answer, so I threw a little fit thinking He would change His mind. God does know the plan He has for my life. If I would quit trying to change that or take control I believe my walk thru this life would be so much easier.

I'm sure I am not the only one who tries to help God do what is best for us (to our way of thinking.)

God does not change and His Word does not change, so the only ones who change is us. We have to decide if we are going to get closer to God when the tough times come or if we are going to use that as an excuse to walk away from Him. I don't know about you but I choose to walk closer to Him.

Father today I would ask you to open the spiritual eyes and ears of each person, let them know you and your love in a new and fresh way I pray.

God bless you!
Joy

Faith Looks Up!

2008-01-27T08:18:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

"Sorrow looks back.
Worry looks around.
Faith looks up."

Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I don't know about you, but I intend to go around looking up. I pray "Lord increase my faith."
It is easy to get our eyes off Jesus when things are going wrong; but that is when we need Him the most. I am so thankful He doesn't get upset, or decide to forget about us when our faith begins to waiver a little. He is still a whisper away. He will give us strength and joy as we look unto Him. Praise His Name!

Lord, my prayer for each of us is to increase our faith.

Have a great day!

Joy

p.s. I don't know what kind of a day weather wise it's going to be on the farm, however inside my heart the SON is shining.

Singing Praises to His Name!

2008-01-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

It is a gray, overcast morning here on the farm. One of those mornings to snuggle either beside a warm fire or a snuggly quilt and read a good book.

I was looking at the Bible I use the most at home to read from it is a Kings James version and I got it in 1972 by winning a Sunday school contest. It wouldn't be so big if I cleaned it out. Every time I find a verse I want to remember I not only try to mark it, but I put something in place to find it again. I have string, paper, coupons, receipts, sticky notes, hat pins, bookmarks, and invites to some of Jason's birthday parties just to name a few. I really enjoy sitting down and just thumbing through some of the places I have marked to remember why I marked it in the first place.

Most of them are in Psalms but not all. Today I would like to share a couple with you.

Psalms 135:1-3
1 PRAISE THE Lord! (Hallelujah!) Praise the name of the Lord; praise Him, O you servants of the Lord!
2 You who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God,
3 Praise the Lord! For the Lord is good; sing praises to His name, for He is gracious and lovely!
I thank the Lord I had a dad and mom who loved to praise the Lord. They were good examples for all our families. Daddy taught my boys to know what it meant to praise the Lord by being an example to them. What kind of an example are you being to your families?
Father, I ask you to help each of us be a good example to our families. To show love, compassion, and to reach out in your love to help each other, and our neighbors. Thank you Father.

Eating God's Word!

2008-01-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

What a glorious day this is going to be! I am excited! Good things are happening in our families. What wonderful news that God is on the move; Or maybe I'm on the move for God which makes the difference.

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them; and Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.

I am finding the more I am into God's Word, the sweeter they become; not only are they sweeter but they are making sense. I am so glad God's Word makes me feel joyful and my heart rejoices. I am called by His name. Which means I need to walk worthy of the name of God. How about you, do you eat the words of the Lord. The SUPER GREAT THING about eating the Word of God is there are no calories, fat, sodium, sugar or anything else that we strive to watch in our daily lives to help our physical bodies. That right there makes me want to eat more of the Word.

Father I would ask today that you enlighten each heart that reads this devotional to your Word. May they develop a desire to read your Word, and to apply it to their heart so they will experience the peace, and joy that comes only from you.
Thank you Father.

Have a great praise filled day.
Joy

May The Lord Bless You!

2008-01-23T08:40:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

It is a beautiful, sunny, and crispy day here on the farm. I love to go walking when it is a morning like this, not that I do it as often as I should.

Psalms 115:13-16
13 He will bless those who reverently and worshipfully fear the Lord, both small and great.
14 May the Lord give you increase more and more, you and your children.
15 May you be blessed of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth!
16 The heavens are the Lord's heavens, but the earth has He given to the children of men.
Have you ever thought about how many scriptures in the Bible could be used as a prayer? I've heard people say they really don't know how to pray. Guess what all you have to do is open your Bible and find a scripture; (especially the Book of Psalms) it seems like most of those are prayers David prayed to God.
I was reading the above scriptures this morning and thought I would put them in as my prayer to you today. May God give you increase more and more to you and your children, and to their children. Thank you Lord.
May you have a great day!
Joy

Be Prepared!

2008-01-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

It is a beautiful crisp morning here on the farm. I enjoy looking out my office window which faces east and wonder is this the morning Jesus will return on the clouds?

I went to church last night even though it was a chilly night and had the potential for slick roads on the way home. It seemed to be cool in the church, so I picked up a lap robe and put it over my legs. Yes I had an appropriate length skirt on. It was well below my knees ( I could hear some of you saying she should wear a longer skirt.) My pastor (Bro. Bristow) at different times has called on someone to preach at the last moment (he feels this gives them practice.)
Anyway I often wondered what I would do if he did that to me. Well last night I found out what I would do, because just when I got comfortable he called on me to come preach.

I thought I would be a nervous wreck, but you know I just walked up behind the pulpit and God dropped some scripture and words of encouragement into my heart that I felt he wanted me to share. It is so amazing to me how God is always there to help us and to use us (whether behind the pulpit) or just going about our daily walk he can use us to minister to others. I want you to know when I finished with what I felt the Lord wanted me to say I certainly was not cold.

II Timothy 2:15
Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

I realized last night the benefit of taking time to study the Word of God. You never know when you are going to need it. I'm not talking about just being ready to preach in church; but what about being able to reach out to your neighbor? Someone in a crises that you are put in there midst to help them. What about your family? There are many ways and opportunities to witness, sometimes without even saying a word.

I also realized there is a difference between reading the Word ( a few scriptures here or there) and really studying the Word. I don't want to face a test and come up short on knowing what to do. I believe God's Word handles any test we will ever face, the thing is we have to get into it to know where the answers are located.

Have a great day!
Joy

Increase our Faith!

2008-01-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

Good morning,

It is a chilly, but sunny morning here on the farm.

The Lord has been so good to me. I can't give Him enough praise. He is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.

When it's time to breathe a prayer of thanks, don't hold your breath.

I have been sitting here trying to get a feel of what the Lord wants me to share with you this morning. I can't seem to get away from the thought that when you have prayed for something or someone, to remember to give God praise. I thought about the ten lepers who came to Jesus, saying "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." Jesus healed them, only one returned and glorified God. Jesus asked where the other nine were, they could not find them, Jesus told the one "Arise, go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." Luke 17:12-19 I sometimes wonder did the other 9 get to keep their healing, or did they loose it by not taking time to thank Jesus for what he did. If you look at verse 19 Jesus says it was the man's FAITH that made him whole. It would appear that our FAITH has a lot to do with whether we receive what we pray for.

Mark 11:23-24
23 Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him.
24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].
I love sharing with you guys, because it is the Lord speaking to my heart first so I can share with all of you. I need to increase my faith.
Love
Joy

How to be Prosperous and Successful

2008-01-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

It is a beautiful white morning here on the farm. There is about 2 inches of fresh snow on the ground. The sun is just beginning to shine, makes everything so fresh and pretty.

Do you want this year to be different? Do you want it to be better? Do you want to prosper? If you do here is how to do it.

Joshua 1:8
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

My desire is to get to know the Lord like I've never known him before. To know without the shadow of a doubt that he loves me and cares about every detail of my life. To walk in fellowship with him every second of every minute of every hour of every day for the rest of my life.
May you desire to know God in a whole new way is my prayer for you today.

God Bless You!
Joy

Does God Hear Our Prayers?

2008-01-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

It is liquid sunshine here this morning. Maybe next week we will get some dry weather which would be nice.

I was talking to an older man from my church this morning. I have been trying to reach him for several days as he hasn't been to church for awhile. I thought maybe he had fallen or was ill; he told me he there are days he just doesn't answer his phone.

That set me to thinking about my relationship with the Lord. Are there days He would just not want to be bothered with my prayers? Are there days He is too busy with someone else's needs to be concerned with mine. Does He ever feel like I am constantly bothering Him? Do you ever feel any of those things I have mentioned above. Do you feel God is to busy to be concerned about you?

Romans 8:31-32
31 What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]
32 He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?
I am so thankful that no matter where I am, time of day, day of week or anything else keeps me from communicating with my Father. He is always there and listening to anything I say to Him. In fact He knows my thoughts before I do. Now that I think about that, that's almost scary. He does know what you are going through and wants you to know He is going through it right along beside you.
Have a blessed day!
Joy

2008-01-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings from Joy,

It is indeed a joy to greet you in the mornings, and to share scripture with you.

It is a wet, rainy morning here on the farm. Most of the snow is gone for this time anyway.

I am on my way to the District office in Drain today so pray I have a safe trip.

Psalms 115:1-3

1 NOT TO us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name give glory, for Your mercy and loving-kindness and for the sake of Your truth and faithfulness!
2 Why should the nations say, Where is now their God?
3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.
Does God really do as he pleases? When we pray does God listen to our pleas and answer the way we want or what pleases Him? The bible tells us "For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]." Mark 11:24
So then it must please God for us to pray, ask, and believe for things, and He gives it to us. I believe it pleases God, and blesses Him when we sing praise unto Him.
Have a great praise filled day!