At a time when so many people are hurting and searching for an answer, Believers have the one thing that can help them — Jesus Christ. Do you struggle to share the gospel with those in need? Sometimes I do, but I’ve come to understand over the years that the Holy Spirit always helps me when I step out in faith. I’m encouraged when I remember the Christians from the first church.

The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ” ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:1-20)

How can we not share Jesus with those who may need Him most? My prayer daily is that the Lord will give me a spirit of boldness to tell others about Him so that they too, can be saved. God’s been too good to me for me not to share the gospel with those who need to hear it. I love Jesus with all my heart and I want to take as many people with me to meet Him one day. Consequently, I have no choice but to be bold for Christ.

Blessings,

Joyce

Thinking upon cave experiences one would think of a cold dark dreary place, but in Elijah’s story it is a sort of refuge, a place to find rest and safety. A prophet in his time Elijah was sure he was the only one left and those who rejected God were trying to kill him. Yet in the moment of stillness came the voice of the Lord.

 (1 Kings 19:9-18  There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”  The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”  Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”)

       The Lord is rendering and preserving a people who will also not bow down to Baal’s of this generation. God is seeking a people set apart for His work and those who will do His will. Are we ready to go and reach out to those around us and share the good news of faith. Are we like Elijah at times, hiding in a cave and not stepping out to hear the voice of the Lord.

     At times we may want to hide in a cave and spend a night just to rest, but there is so much more to life than being a cave dweller. Its time to take hold of Gods promises, stand firm, press on and believe for the best. God is preparing a people for His work… Will you stand today and pray? Believe for the best!!! God is Able!

When times of intimacy with the Lord have taken a shift then its time to evaluate, seek His face and pray. A closer walk with the Lord is what we should desire, but until we are willing to lay everything at His feet and forsake all we cannot draw from the well of Living Water. Determining to follow completely and unreservedly is what is needed most, surrendering all and seeking His perfect will in everything we think, say or do. All too often we seek the advice of another when God is waiting for us to ask, seek and knock. Being persistent in prayer and petition will allow us to develop close fellowship with God.  

Luke 11: 9-13 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” 

Often times our feeble efforts to try and make things work on our own lead to heart ache, but God is waiting for us to be preserved with Him. There is a song whose words are as follows:

Jesus be Jesus in me,

No longer me but Thee;

Resurrection power,

This very hour;

Jesus be Jesus in me.

• Will you surrender your all to Jesus today?
• Will you come to the wall and draw close to Him so He may draw close to you?
• Who will you determine to follow today?

Surrendering all, laying it down for the Lord is most needed today~

Go to the wall of prayer and seek Him

Praise His Holy Name!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

It’s the beginning of a new year and everybody’s talking about fresh starts, new beginnings and “this is gonna be my year!” But, maybe you’re still facing the same problems, circumstances and situations you had last year or the year before that. If so, I have some good news for you. God had a plan before you had your problem.

Nothing that happens in our lives is a surprise to our all-knowing Father. Remember that He is the one who knew us before we were formed in our mothers’ wombs. He has numbered each strand of hair on our heads. He sent His son to die for us. Never make the mistake of believing that your problems are a reflection of God’s lack of caring about you.

The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has plans for your life, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Even in the midst of problematic circumstances, His plan for you is still in effect. Not only that, but He knew that you would be right where you are today before this day even came.

In our human and finite minds, we may not understand why we go through the things we do. However, never forget that every trial we go through should drive us ever closer to God. He uses the circumstances of our lives to bring glory to His name and to draw others to Him.

Whatever your circumstances, whatever your problems, trust in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5 says that you are to, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” God’s working things out for you according to His plan. No matter how things look, keep your eyes on Jesus.

Blessings,

Joyce

Life can offer various trials, circumstances and triumphs! It is in the trial that triumph will come…

Jesus tells us in this passage; Luke 12:7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

When trials come our way we must not doubt the loving kindness of our God. We are so valuable to Him. He really loves us and cares about everything we are experiencing daily, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. If you find yourself in a place where you are beginning to doubt Gods love and plan for your life, just place your confidence in Him. He will remove all doubt and fear. If He can take the time to number the hairs on our head then this alone demonstrates the worth of your life in His sight. He loves you and cares for you.

Place your burdens and cares at His feet today. Trust Him completely…

Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 Reminds us; there is a season for everything, and a time and purpose for all under heaven.

Dear Lord, we thank you that you are in control of every situation even when things seem to be so out of control. Thank you for taking the time to show us how much You love us and how we are so much more valuable than the sparrows. You Oh Lord are dear to our hearts today! May the truth of your Word sink deep in our hearts today, and may we know Your love in a rich pure way… In Jesus Name I ask, Amen

The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)

So often, we get into the habit of spending our prayer time focused on asking God to do this or that. We go before Him with our lists of needs, wants and desires and expect Him to deliver them all. Our Father welcomes our petitions, but He also wants to have a personal relationship with us. The kind where we don’t do all of the talking, but listen for what He has to say.

Are you spending time developing your personal relationship with God? How much time do you spend in real conversations with Him? When you’re having a conversation with someone, you allow them to say what’s on their mind and heart. God wants that, too.

Today, go before the Lord wih no agenda, no lists and no requests. Be still and listen for His quiet voice. If you listen, He will speak. Maybe not audibly. Maybe you’ll feel His presence. Maybe you’ll feel a sense of peace. Maybe He will direct you to a particular scripture. No matter how He does it, if you take the time to listen, you will clearly hear the Lord and His will for your life.

Blessings,

Joyce

1 Thess 5:11 Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.

Determined to stay on course and not neglect the things of God is a goal for this year, and as I pondered two different devotionals this week it seems to have taken a different turn. This is a letter of encouragement filled with scripture to all who may be weary and heavy laden.

• Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest.

As I ran into a dear friend this morning it seemed her need for encouragement was as sure as the day has light. It impressed me to write a few scriptures to all who may read Prayer Spa today, this week or this year. Knowing the love and faithfulness of God is so important when one is experiencing deep pain and sorrow. The kind and pain that only Christ can bring healing too:

•  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

As I carry the pain of my friend’s family to the prayer closet I know the Lord will sustain them in this trial they are facing. To all who may be experiencing a trial and suffering know that the Lord sees your heart and hears your cry.

Trust in Him to see you through it all

•  Psalm 61:2-4 From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.
• Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
• Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
• Psalm 43:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
• John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Blessings in the name of the Lord!

For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness. (Psalm 107:9)

I recently read a survey in Today’s Christian Woman newsletter that asked the question, “Have you ever been addicted to any of the following?”

The survey listed: food (21%), cigarettes (17%), shopping (11%), alcohol (8 %), sex (8%), binging/purging/starving yourself (6%), pornography (5%), drugs (5%), shoplifting (1%), other (5%), no (13%). You can see that addiction to food was number one in the survey.

Personally, I’ve struggled with over eating for as long as I can remember and I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve used food to relieve stress, anxiety, discouragement and disappointment. However, God never meant for us to use food this way. It can not fill the empty places that belong to Him.

It can be so easy to use food as a source of comfort, however, that comfort can also turn into bondage. We can not eat enough food to fill the empty places of our hearts, even though we may try. God is our Creator and He created us with a desire to have fellowship with Him.

•He wants us to spend time with Him

•To talk with Him

•To ask for His advice

•To look to Him for comfort when we’re hurting, stressed out or anxious

Our Heavenly Father wants us to have a desire to feed our spirits as well as a desire to feed our stomachs. However, eating physical food will not fill spirits, only Jesus can do that.

Luke 1:53 says that God fills the hungry with good things. Therefore, we should go to Him when we’re tempted to use food to fill our broken and empty hearts.

And remember the words of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Blessings,

Joyce

Thinking of the word ‘Sanctuary” it can be a gentle reminder of safe haven feeling we get when entering the solitude of our homes. It is a shelter, a solitary place, a refuge, a temple, a church, a tabernacle, a consecrated area, an altar just to name a few. In the scriptures there are many verses that correlate with the word Sanctuary!

The Wilderness Journey was a type of Sanctuary as we read in the book of Exodus when God told Moses to tell the people;

Exodus 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them”

The temple in Jerusalem was referred to as the Sanctuary.

1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your mind and heart to seek The Lord your God. Arise and build the Sanctuary of The Lord God, so that The Ark Of The Covenant of The Lord and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a House built for The Name of The Lord.”

The Promised Land is a type of Sanctuary.

Exodus 15:7 Thou wilt bring them in, and plant them on Thy own mountain, the place, O Lord, which Thou hast made for Thy abode, the sanctuary, Lord, which Thy hands have established.

As we enter a new year with new beginnings, new dreams, and a renewed hope we can take time daily to worship God. The Psalmist David wrote:

Psalm 15:1, 2 Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

May we find the Sanctuary of God present in our daily lives as we worship Him today! A peace that passes all understanding in the midst of wilderness journeys as we sojourn in 2010!