The beauty and power of God’s Word! It will NOT return void and He watches over it!
Jeremiah 1: 12 The LORD said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”
I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. (Deuternomy 30:19)
Choices can be a powerful thing. In Deuteronomy 30, God told the children of Israel that if they made certain choices, they would experience poverty, destruction and death. On the other hand, if they made different choices, they would get prosperity, blessings and life.
What was true for the Israelites then, is true for us today. Our choices often determine the consequences and circumstances of our lives.
It’s time for a self-check. Are your choices giving you life or are they killing you? The answer is important, not only for you, but also for the generations that come after you. The choices you make today could determine your children’s future.
The best choices aren’t always painless. However, to choose anything less, could mean physical and/or spiritual death. Seek God’s wisdom as you navigate through the daily choices and decisions you have to make. He will help you choose life every time.
Blessings,
Joyce
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
While I have had to wash dishes by hand most of my teen’s years and adult life. It hasn’t been until last 3 years that I have been using a dishwasher. Well, now that it’s not working right, and in need of repair I realize that washing dishes is not something I enjoy doing by hand any longer. As I reached my hands in that hot soapy water a great humbling revelation came to me and that is; we sometimes must have things broken in order for things to be repaired and completely restored. I was quickly reminded that our walk as a Christian is like that at times, until we come to the Lord broken and contrite (definition: showing sorrow, remorse for sin or shortcoming) we cannot be repaired or restored. All too often we cannot move forward until the broken areas of our life are revealed to us in order that restoration and healing can come. I am now willing to place my hands in that hot soapy water so that the cleansing water can flow. Washing dishes has taken on a whole new light. I love how quickly things can be revealed to us and in a moment true change comes with a heart that is willing to be obedient.
Dear Lord I thank you for searching my heart and knowing what I need most, especially when I do not see it for myself.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light
(Matthew 11:29, 30)
Lord Jesus, as I enter this work place, I bring your presence with me. I speak Your peace, Your grace and Your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office. I acknowledge Your Lordship over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and accomplished.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gifts you have deposited in me. I do not take them lightly but commit to using them responsibly and well. Give me a fresh supply of truth and beauty on which to draw as I do my job. Anoint my creativity, my ideas, my energy, so that even my smallest task may bring You honor.
Lord, when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energize me. Lord, when I am burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit. May the work that I do and the way I do it, bring hope, life and courage to all that come in contact with me today.
And, oh Lord, even in this day’s most stressful moments, may I rest in You. In the mighty Name that is above all Names, in the Name of my Lord and Savior Jesus, I pray, Amen.
-Anonymous
Blessings,
Joyce
1 Peter 1:8,9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
My mother in law said something so profound recently and that is; we become believers as young Christians, but to be a knower is something so different. Just think about that for a moment! A knower! We love God, we believe in God and though we do not see Him we are filled with His ultimate peace and joy, an unshakable, unwavering faith. Just knowing that our walk with the Lord is not based upon what we see, but what we know to be truth. Knowing this truth is what makes us free!
This truly takes a knower to live out; 1 John 5:20 states; And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Isn’t wonderful to know the love of God! Be blessed today with this pearl of wisdom.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. (Psalm 118:8-9)
Economically speaking, things are looking pretty crazy around the world. They may be looking the same way in your life, too. However, if they are, this is the time to look at your situation through spiritual eyes.
Your peace, joy and hope do not depend on your circumstances. They do not depend on your job situation. They do not depend on politicians. The only true source for peace, joy and hope is in the Lord God Almighty. When you place your confidence in Him, no matter what your circumstances look like, you can know the peace that surpasses all understanding.
This day, choose God over man and princes. Then watch your confidence for getting the victory rise.
God will do what His Word says He will do!
Blessings,
Joyce
Psalm 91:1, 2 He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Placing our hopes, dreams and life in the hand of our Lord and Savior is of the utmost this year, but most importantly to remember is abiding under His shadow will bring comfort and complete peace. Today I must say that this is one thing we know as believers, but to walk in it is completely liberating.
May the Spirit of the Lord; our refuge and strength bring you peace in the midst of any circumstance you may be enduring. Remember to trust Him completely this year with your all, for He cares for you.
The beginning of a new year brings excitement for many people. It’s an opportunity to begin again, start over.
The Bible talks about the importance of the new.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5)
God is doing a new thing! He loves new and He created us new when we became followers of Jesus. We are brand new with a new heart and desire to follow Him.
Whatever you went through in 2008 is over and done. You have the opportunity to begin anew! That doesn’t mean that all of your problems will just majically disappear. However, it does mean that you can choose this very moment to trust God to get you through whatever your circumstances may be. The same way you became a new creature when you accepted Christ, your circumstances can be made new, as well.
God’s Word says that He makes everything new. 2009 is a brand new year with more opportunities for Him to do a new thing. Open your mind and heart to the possiblity of something new happening in your life. Stand on the promises of God.
Blessings,
Joyce