Working Together for Our Good!

Philippians 4:6-9

The Message (MSG)

^6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
^8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Romans 8:28

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁸ And we know that God causes everything to work together,for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

When we study Gods' Word and something is repeated, then we know it is of utmost importance. In the scriptures above there are many truths but the one I want us to focus on is this, "everything coming together for good, making everything work together, and causing everything to work together for good". For OUR good! It took many years and life changing events for me to see and believe that this scripture is so true. As I look back over my life, I can see where things happened that I completely didn't understand and I would question God about it. Not seeing at the time, but now understanding with all the twists, turns and roadblocks how He was leading me closer to Him.  You know not everything that happens to us are the choices we make, other people are making choices to that will affect our lives, either good or bad. But when we believe this powerful truth, God will use it for our good is somewhat mind blowing! He uses every detail! Some of you may be saying that is not possible. Well, read the story of Joseph as starters, then go on to Paul. From the beginning to the end of Gods' Word, we are shown how Satan, the enemy of God and ours, complete mission is to destroy us and make sure Jesus would never come. And every time, the purpose and intent of God prevailed. No matter what you or I go through, whether it is choices we make or the result of others, He will use it somehow for our good. And as you study to be transformed in His Glory, you will have that peace and grace that is promised. You will know in your heart that a plan is being worked out and will bring you to where He has promised. But you have to be expectant then the worry that is in you will begin to dissipate, because you know the truth.

I pray for you as you read this, that whatever you are going through, you realize you are not alone. God is forever with you, not judging, not condemning but gently and patiently, loving you. May His grace rest deep in your heart.

Blessings to you my sweet friends!

 

 

The Focus of His Love!

Ephesians 1:3-6 ( The Message translation)

3-6..How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

Do you see the excitement that God had when He was planning our very existence? Can you feel the love pouring out from this scripture? Listen, if no one has told you lately that you are special to God and that He loves you unconditionally, then you need to read these verses again! It is true! God's Word is true and you can depend on Him. Blessings up blessings with words that I cannot describe is what love God has for His children. That is you and me. It is very important that we grasp what God is trying to show us. We will all face, if we aren't already, situations that will break our heart and threaten to destroy us. It  is vital that we know and understand not only what God has done for us, but who we are in Him, and what we are entitled to. Just this morning we heard of a baby that is now in Heaven. What utter despair this family must be going through, our hearts just cry out to God for a special comfort and peace for them. And, we can be assured that He sees those tears and He will give them what they need. You see, God created us, He made us, He knows our needs and He supplies all of them. No matter what we go through, just stop and remember who He is and then remember those blessings that are yours and mine. He will take care of us just like He promised! He will see us through those valleys when life doesn't seem like it is worth living.
Please be encouraged today! We serve a living God who loves us to the point of watching His own Son die. Just for us! Also please pray for this family, they will need the love of God shown to them.
Thank you for stopping by! I love your comments and am anxious to come visit you.
Be Blessed!
I am linking up with Spiritual Sundays, link follows:
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/03/welcome.html

Plans of Hope and a Future!

I was pleasantly surprised to find my favorite scripture was also my devotional for today! I am not sure how many years it has been since this promise to me has been so important. I just know at my lowest times of self doubt and wondering why and for what reason I am here, I have embraced this Word in my heart and hung on for dear life. And I am still hanging on to it, believing every word and every promise. We have to have hope, without it life is senseless and there is no future. We have to believe that God does have plans for us, He does love us and He would never harm us. When we are going through the fire, it is hard to stay focused on the only One who can deliver us, but sweet friend, He will be with us, He will not leave us alone. Please be encouraged by this wonderful scripture and hang on to it and many others you will find in His Word. Accept what has been done for you and then just rest! You will find peace in Him.

If!

Philippians 2:1-2 (The Message)

1-2. If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.

If we are following Christ this will be our personality! This will be our behavior and the words that we speak will be uplifting and encouraging to others. This is the deepest desire of my heart, to be more like Him! And if we truly have had an experience with Jesus Christ, then this will be our life! We all will come to a place where we will make a decision to follow Christ, and then next it will be a series of choices the rest of our life. Remember our decisions today will determine our destiny! I pray this is your hearts desire also! Lets really love our friends and family and pray for them! Have a blessed day!

Pray and Pray Some More!

Ephesians 6:13-18 (The Message)

13-18. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Are you still standing? Is the battle around you in full force? What about your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are they in warfare for their very life? I can say the battle has been stepped up! Our enemy, the old deceiver and liar would like for us to believe we are at the end of our rope! He wants us to grow weary and just quit. Well I have news for him, We will not quit the fight, we will not give up our faith. I know when I am tired and fall behind, there are some very sweet friends and hubby of course that are praying for me, and I can assure you, I am praying for you (as you read this) and others that I know are weary. Listen, I read the last of the Book, and I can tell you, WE WIN! Praises to our Father God! We Win! Please don't give in to the enemy, just keep praying and seeking God with all your heart! Rest in Him and He will give you peace!
( there is a link on the sidebar to Spiritual Sunday, go over and be blessed by these sweet ladies that love the Lord!)
Have a Blessed Lords Day!

Refresh Tired Bodies!

Jeremiah 31:25 (The Message)

25. I'll refresh tired bodies;
I'll restore tired souls

Do you ever just get "plum" tired? Yesterday was one of those days for me, just tired in my body, but not in my soul. My bible study is amazing, as I had stated last week, no one that I have heard can open up the Word like Beth Moore. The Book of Esther is being revealed to me in a way that I have never experienced. What means more to me than anything in the Book is how, even when we can't see Gods plan being carried out, He is there with His breath all over it! Wow! revelation time for me! Now back to that tired body, as some of you know my sister and I had polio when we were children, so we both now have some problems with our health. This "tired" body, can only go for so long, and then its time out. I didn't even make it to church last night ( I don't like to miss church), but did enjoy the rest. There are times when I can rest and then there are times when it is not possible. This is when I call upon my Heavenly Father for this rest and strength that can only come from Him. This supernatural rest that gives such peace, nothing can interfere with it. I am praying for you as you read this that God would graciously empower you with His peace and rest, and that you would become strong in His might. Have a Blessed Day! (please pray for me to)

Thank You, Lord!

Psalm 147:7 (New Living Translation)

7. Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
sing praises to our God with a harp.

Well, I hope we are still praising God and being thankful to Him for being so good to us! In this countdown to Thanksgiving Day, I am overwhelmed with being thankful! Maybe we should all be thankful more often! It brings victory in our life, and a peace that cannot occur from anywhere else. The Bible says God inhabits our praise! As you begin your weekend, remember your Savior and all that He did for you. Be blessed and safe!

Peace Promised for Us!

Psalm 29:11 (New Living Translation)

11 The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.

Do you need peace in your heart today? What do you do when everything seems to be turning upside down? We sure can't look to our government, or our jobs! There is no assurance or hope there! There is no security in anyone or anything except God and His ways. It isn't hard to find this peace, we just go to Him and confess our needs. This scripture (and many others in the Word) are filled with promises and absolutes. We can claim them because they are meant for us, the children of God! God is faithful and His love for us is forever! That takes care of the time involved, doesn't it? I pray for you today to experience this blessed peace and be calm in His presence knowing your life is hid in Christ! Have a wonderful Friday

You are My God!

Psalm 63:1 (New International Version)

1. O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Oh God, You are my God! Can you say that with passion coming from the deepest part of your being? Do you know God in such a way that you earnestly seek for Him? This should be our hearts desire to know Him more and more each day. This is when we have a peace in our soul that can't compare with anything else. Nothing else in this world should come before Him, and if there is, then we have erected idols, because we have put someone or something else before our Lord. God in His mercy has given us another day to glorify Him, let's not waste it, God loves you and me, lets spend some time with Him and be thankful for what He has done.

Praying for You!

Hebrews 13:20,21 (New Living Translation)

20. Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— 21. may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

As we begin another week, this is my prayer for you that you will experience peace and joy in knowing you are in the will of God. We are going through times of testing in our country like we have never seen before. Everyone has an opinion, but no one has the answers, that is, except our Heavenly Father. He knows and is not surprised at what is taking place, that is why He tells us not to worry. He really does have everything under control. This is where our faith comes in, when no matter what we see with our eyes, we can still say to someone (and to ourselves) "Please don't be troubled, God loves you, He has a plan for your life, and He will take care of you." Read the prayer again, and then believe it is meant for you. He is more than able to bring us through victoriously! Have a Blessed week as you look to Him!