The Spirit of the Lord

The Spirit of the Lord remains closer than the Exodus Cloud

More approachable than the Jordan-crossing Ark

Nearer than the Jerusalem Temple

For the Spirit of the Lord resides within me

Constantly in fellowship with the Three

Ever-connected ~ one with Thee

Less Is More

Abide in Christ.

Nothing less.....

Nothing MORE.

I'm one that tends to lean toward the "doing" ~ as if my spiritual condition depended on me.

There are times when I feel inadequate and ineffective; as if I'm falling short of some imaginary standard. Thinking I just need to try harder. "Be this..... think that..... feel the other." My brain races in a tug-of-war.

Is my chief aim to labor in changing my flaws for God or to merely abide and allow Him to produce the desired Fruit of His Spirit?

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Not self-absorbed but Christ-absorbed. Oswald Chambers writes; "Self-awareness continually produces a sense of struggling and turmoil in our lives." How very true!

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When all else fails, consult the Manual. What did Jesus say?

"Then they asked him,

"What must we do to do the works God requires?"

Jesus answered, "The work of God is this:

to believe in the one he has sent.""

[Jn 6:28-29]

Jesus told the rich ruler to follow him when he asked; "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"

It's precisely in these moments when we dig deep for the word stored up within our hearts and minds. Remembering to take captive every thought and abide. Andrew Murray penned; "Abiding in Christ means abiding in the heavenly places and in all the spiritual blessings God has given us in Him."

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us in the heavenly realms

with every spiritual blessing in Christ."

[Eph 1:3]

Key phrase being "in Christ". I then apply faith to the fact that I have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing. The over-achiever in me can relax and rest in the work Christ has already accomplished.

I'll leave these mental battles to Him. Rejecting turmoil - opting for His peace. For it is written: "that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."


My Prince of Peace; I thank you for completing the work of salvation on the Cross for all mankind. I need you every minute, every hour, of every day to bring truth into my life and remind me of Your great love for me. Thank you for the blessedness that comes from abiding in You and remaining in God's Word. Praising Your Glorious Name, Amen.

"but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness,

has not attained it. Why not?

Because they pursued it not by faith

but as if it were by works."

[Rm 9:31-32a]

Trusting God's Answers

"I'd like some toaster strudel, please," mumbles a sleepy voice. I had fresh scrambled eggs and cinnamon toast in mind.

He was asking for the frozen, store-bought, mass-produced. I was offering something more nutritional and prepared by loving hands.

Oh how this resonates with my prayer life! God always has something better in store for us; meanwhile we're asking (possibly demanding) for something far less.

My son, half-awake, was thinking of something he could make for himself and not something I could provide. I often ask God for the immediately available. My mind unaware of better options and refusing to allow Him to generously provide something better.

I'm often seeking something temporal and material while He has the eternal and spiritual in mind. Guaranteed to be far more valuable, significant, meaningful, and purposeful. Do I believe Him for it? Do I trust Him for it?

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread,

will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

If you, then, though you are evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father in heaven

give good gifts to those who ask him!"

[Mt 7:9-11]

Every good and perfect gift comes from a loving Father who desires and delights in blessing His children from the depths of His love and goodness.

There is truth in Beth Moore's quote; "Any "No" an earnestly seeking child of God receives from the Throne is for the sake of a greater "Yes."

In my limited understanding, often times I know not what to ask nor do I know the best answer to my requests. Something to remember the next time I want the worldly over the heavenly.

The LORD is graciousand compassionate,

slow to anger and rich in love.

The LORD is good to all;

he has compassion on all he has made.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD upholds all those who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you,

and you give them their food at the proper time.

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

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The LORD is righteous in all his ways

and loving toward all he has made.

The LORD is near to all who call on him,

to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;

he hears their cry and saves them.

The LORD watches over all who love him,

but all the wicked he will destroy.

[Ps 145:8,9;13b-20]

A String of Hosannas

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice. [Ps 97:1]

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name. [Ps 97:12]

O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?
You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you. [Ps 89:8]

Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures. [Ps 119:90]

Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. [Ps 105:3]

Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness. [Ps 115:1]

You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you. [Ps 118:28]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Freedom in the Spirit

One of the things I admire about David is the transparency in his approach with God. His relationship with God was authentic and real. He expressed his thoughts and emotions honestly, trusting God completely with them.

In reverence he approached God with freedom and confidence in God's grace. How much more confidence should those in Christ now have with the Holy Spirit within? Freedom to be real with Him - unhindered by the debt of guilt.

"In him and through faith in him

we may approach God with freedom and confidence."

[Eph 3:12]

Faith in the truth that Jesus, by the Spirit of power, remains in me as I remain in Him transforms my attitude before God and man; as evidenced by the countless examples of the confidence and boldness of the once terrified disciples after receiving the Holy Spirit.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit
of the Lord is, there is freedom."

[2 Cor 3:17]

The Spirit infuses freedom from timidity, fear, and insecurities then expresses itself in the Fruit of love, gentleness, kindness, goodness, and patience.

"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold."

[2 Cor 3:12]

Dear Holy Spirit of Power; Help me to realize the freedom I have in Christ before God by Your annointing. Drive out all insecurities that I might be bold in love before God and man. In Jesus holy name, Amen.

Applying Wisdom

RUN! RUN!

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BACK, BACK, BACK!

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Two different coaches.

Two different calls.

Which voice would my son heed?

In little league baseball the choice is of little consequence. Not so in the arena of folly.

"Let all who are simple come in here!"

she says to those who lack judgment.

[Proverbs 9:4,16]

Here in verse 4 and 16 of Proverbs 9 both wisdom and folly are shouting out the same invitation. Both vying for our attention - any one's attention. The same call but with opposite effects.

How do you distinguish them? Same words, same approach; how can you tell the difference?

"The fear of the LORD

is the beginning of wisdom,

and knowledge of the Holy One

is understanding. "
[Proverbs 9:10]

Wisdom has prepared a feast in her mansion with attendants and bids us to join the celebration. Folly, on the other hand, invites you to sin and join her guests in the grave. It takes a trained ear to decipher the call of wisdom from folly. Trained by the Word. Like baseball, it takes training, practice, and listening to the coach.

This reminds me of the parable Jesus told of a wedding banquet [Mt 25:1-13]. Only half of the virgins going to meet the bridegroom used wisdom. When the time came for his arrival the foolish ones were not prepared and missed out on the banquet and were later denied entry. How I want to be found in the wisdom camp. There are days, however, when I answer the voice calling the fool.

Due to my insufficiency, I will allow the words Solomon penned for God to conclude this thought on instructions for gaining wisdom:

My son, if you accept my words

and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom

and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight

and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver

and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom,

and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright,

he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for he guards the course of the just

and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right

and just and fair—every good path.

[Proverbs 2:1-9]

Omniscient God; I want to hear Your voice of wisdom. Enable me to recognize calls to foolishness. Bestow upon me discernment and a heart yearning to understand and apply Your Word. Prepare me for the Bridegroom's arrival. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Fatherly Response

Psalm 32, considered a penitential psalm, teaches much about the effects of sin, benefits of confession, and God's forgiveness.

When I read this Psalm as worship through the spiritual lens of my relationship with God it becomes so personal.

Under the weight of sins shame and from the depths of guilt and remorse, the only place to turn is to God. Now satan, of course, will try to convince us otherwise; preferring we remain separated under its burden and in the dark.

I view verses 8 through 10 as God's gracious and merciful response. He speaks intimately and personally as a Father (verse 8; "I") and makes four assuring promises.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.

1. To instruct with wisdom, reason, and insight
2. To teach, guide in the right direction
3. Advise as to plan and purpose
4. Keep His eyes and presence upon me
   

What an incredibly loving and gentle response - filled with a promise to discipline. He adds the comfort of being present; lends wise advice, and goes on to add a firm warning.

He graciously accepts the honest confession of his child and promises to help so that a right relationship is restored and maintained.

Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you
righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
[Ps 32:11 ]

A celebration of His unconditional love expressed! An appropriate response of worship and obedience. The conclusion re-enforcing the opening verses of the blessedness of the forgiven.

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose

sin the LORD does not count against him

and in whose spirit is no deceit. [Ps 32:1-2]

Loving Father of all mercy; The joy in Your forgiveness is indescribable! Thank You for accepting my humble and sincere confessions, for granting such freedom, and restoring my heart to a state of righteousness. Teach me prudence and understanding that I might not behave as a stubborn beast, but to come to You of my own free will, trusting You. Thank You for the blessedness of not counting my confessed sins against me and covering them with the purifying blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In the Name of my Savior, Amen.


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Stunning photo compliments of LilGoldWmn

A String of Hosannas

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;

proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;

he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,

but the LORD made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;

strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations,

ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;

bring an offering and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth.

Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns."

The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;

he will judge the peoples with equity.
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.

Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;
they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,

he comes to judge the earth.

He will judge the world in righteousness

and the peoples in his truth.

[Ps 96]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Near Misses

"MISS!" Enemy boats surrounded on every side yet nary a hit.

Close did not get me the victory.

It just gave me another peg to add to a sea of white pegs. Reminders of all my other missed calls. Hopefully they will prevent me from repeating the same errors.

Yet another defeat - thankfully it was just a game of Battleship!

Make every effort to live in peace with all men

and to be holy;

without holiness

no one will see the Lord.

[Heb 12:14]

Can the same be said of living a holy life? Thankfully God gives us grace for our failed attempts at godly living. How can I avoid the near hits that fall short? Here's what I found:

1) Reverence for God

"Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God." [2 Cor 7:1]

2) Obedience to God

"This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." [1 Jn 5:3-5]

3) Reliance upon God

"The men of Israel were subdued on that occasion, and the men of Judah were victorious because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers." [2 Chronicles 13:18]

Reverence ~ Obedience ~ Reliance. All three help to ensure a hit in the holiness department everytime. Now if I could only find that Patrol Boat - "J1!"

Most Holy Father; I praise You Jesus, the Holy One of God, for You are our holiness. Give me wisdom to fear You, strength to obey You and faith to trust You. Holy Spirit, perfect holiness in my life and grant me aid to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen

Prayers of the Saints

"O THOU to whom I owe the gift of this day's life, give to me also, I beseech Thee, the spirit to use it as I ought. Forbid that I should stain the brightness of the morning with any evil thought or darken the noontide with any shameful deed. Let Thy Holy Spirit breathe into my heart today all pure and heavenly desires. Let Thy truth inform my mind. Let Thy justice and righteousness make a throne within me and rule my errant will. Let Christ be formed in me, and let me learn of Him all lowliness of heart, all gentleness of action, and promptness in the doing of my Father's will.

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O Thou who compassest the whole earth with Thy most merciful favour and willest not that any of Thy children should perish, I would call down Thy blessing today upon all who are striving towards the making of a better world. I pray, O God, especially --

• for all who are valiant for truth:


• for all who are working for purer and juster laws:


• for all who are working for peace between the nations:


• for all who are engaged in healing disease:


• for all who are engaged in the relief of poverty:


• for all who are engaged in the rescue of the fallen:


• for all who are working towards the restoration of the broken unity of Thy Holy Church:


• for all who preach the gospel:


• for all who bear witness to Christ in foreign lands:


• for all who suffer for righteousness' sake.

Cast down, O Lord, all the forces of cruelty and wrong. Defeat all selfish and worldly-minded schemes, and prosper all that is conceived among us in the spirit of Christ and carried out to the honour of His blessed name. Amen."

John Baillie ~ A Diary of Private Prayer

A Series of Prayer Quotes

Matter of Standard

nu·tri·tion [noo-trish-uhn, nyoo-]
–noun. The act or process of nourishing or of being nourished.




The Nutrition Facts Label read all zeros.

0 ~ ZERO

According to "them" the contents contained no nutritional value.

Now, what if I told you the label was on a bottle of water?

You can't live without it. The body is made up of 70% water, requires a couple quarts a day and can't survive longer than 5 days without it.

How can something you can't do without be of no nutritional value?

It depends on the standard of measure. Water may not have any nutritional value according to the standards of the science of nutrition but it is life-giving and crucial to good health.

I have conflicting opinions with many standards set by man in this world.

Something else that is life-giving and vital to good spiritual health that man may not agree with is church involvement. Some think regularly attending worship and Bible study is not of major importance. I differ with that -- as does Jesus.

To grow and thrive and remain faithfully healthy is to be actively involved in a body of believers -- in worship, study, fellowship, service and relationships of accountability. It lends to the soul what water lends to the body.

I'm hoping the label is just as misleading on the Brownie package - you think?

Dear Lord Jesus; I give thanks for You offer an endless well of living water to refresh, cleanse and nourish. Help me to measure the value of things according to Your Word and with an eternal perspective. I pray more will taste and see Your goodness and thirst for more. Amen.

A String of Hosannas

Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD from the heavens,

praise him in the heights above.

Praise him, all his angels,

praise him, all his heavenly hosts.

Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all you shining stars.

Praise him, you highest heavens

and you waters above the skies.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for he commanded and they were created.

He set them in place for ever and ever;

he gave a decree that will never pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,

lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

stormy winds that do his bidding,

you mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars,

wild animals and all cattle,

small creatures and flying birds,

kings of the earth and all nations,

you princes and all rulers on earth,

young men and maidens,

old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for his name alone is exalted;

his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

He has raised up for his people a horn,

the praise of all his saints,

of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the LORD.
[Ps 148]

A Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Thrill in the Word

Great are the works of the LORD;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.

[Ps 111:2]

Scripture connections. Do you know the thrill and delight of it? Connecting pieces that give you new understanding.

A couple of "pieces" of Scripture connected for me tonight. I learned something new and gained fresh insight. I just love when that happens!

So, here's the scoop. This week I've been reading through the book of Judges. I finished up the final chapters this morning. This evening I chose to read through Philippians. Here are the verses that created the ephiphany.

From Judges chapters 20 and 21:

On that day twenty-five thousand Benjamite swordsmen fell, all of them valiant fighters. But six hundred men turned and fled into the desert to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months. The men of Israel went back to Benjamin and put all the towns to the sword, including the animals and everything else they found. All the towns they came across they set on fire. [20:46-48]

Then the Israelites asked, "Who from all the tribes of Israel has failed to assemble before the LORD ?" For they had taken a solemn oath that anyone who failed to assemble before the LORD at Mizpah should certainly be put to death.

Now the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites. "Today one tribe is cut off from Israel," they said. "How can we provide wives for those who are left, since we have taken an oath by the LORD not to give them any of our daughters in marriage?" [21:5-7]

The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a gap in the tribes of Israel. And the elders of the assembly said, "With the women of Benjamin destroyed, how shall we provide wives for the men who are left? The Benjamite survivors must have heirs," they said, "so that a tribe of Israel will not be wiped out. We can't give them our daughters as wives, since we Israelites have taken this oath: 'Cursed be anyone who gives a wife to a Benjamite.' [21:15-18]

From Philippians 3:

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. [vs 4-6]

The Paul and the Benjamite connection.

Six hundred Benjamite lives were spared and a nation preserved, providing the line of Paul's heritage. In this dark hour God shone a spark of light in the hearts of these men for it to occur to them what their actions could potentially cause.

Even in their wickedness the Lord God was able to turn this terrible act of the Israelites into something good. Had the entire tribe of Benjamin been wiped out who would have authored the books of Paul?

Yet another example of God's sovereignty. His plans for His church will not fail regardless of mans atrocities.

I strongly suggest that you read both chapters of Judges; there is a lot going on there and I only used selected excerpts due to space and to make an observation briefly. We can learn a lot from the Israelites and the grave error; "everyone did as he saw fit."

God has so much to teach me and I have so very much to learn. One of the best ways is time spent in His thrilling Word.


Dear God of history; Your plans fail not and I ask that You continue to teach me through Your life-giving Word. Forgive me my sin of doing things independent of Your truth and Your ways and keep on the straight path. For Christ sake, Amen.

To our God and Father be glory

for ever and ever. Amen.

[Php 4:20]

God - The Beat of My Heart

In devotion to the God of all creation, give wings to my words of praise; resounding in the heavens among the angel-song to alight upon Your ever-listening ear.

I marvel at your resplendence. Your brilliance so great as to illuminate all eternity.

Your eminence enthroned as King Most High; Providential, Sovereign Lord of my life.

I absolutely, positively, utterly, and completely adore You. I declare praises, O Lord, for You inspire endless wonder and amazement.

Your immense power drives every force of nature - restrained from exacting wrath. Your righteousness thankfully tamed by mercy.

Perpetual provision toward all You have made is showered upon us from the depths of Your goodness and love.

I give thanks for this worship that keeps the rhythm of my heartbeat.

Accept my feeble worship that falls far short of your excellence. Accept my frail offering as the only true treasure in possession of this peasant - made rich by the gift of Your salvation.

A Grand Design

“There was no one to rescue them
because they lived a long way from Sidon
and had no relationship with anyone else.
The city was in a valley near Beth Rehob.” [Jgs 18:28]

Being in a delicate position is no where to be alone. Being in a dark place without relationships can most definitely seem like the deepest valley.

How critical the fellowship of believers is to our spiritual growth, health, and encouragement. God is faithful to provide and in His great wisdom He knew we would need the body of Christ, His Church.

From the first day on Pentecost until the end of time He is gathering His people - uniting them into a family of God.

I cannot express how thankful I am to have been surrounded by His beloved church in the depth of crisis. Their love, support, encouragement, and prayers made all the difference to me, my family, and the strengthening of my spirit to keep from getting discouraged. Far worse - discouraged in the faith.

For within the saints of God is the heart of Christ and the love of His Spirit that spills forth to bless the needy. A sort of Balm of Gilead to soothe, heal, and nourish.

Note the fellowship of the early church in Acts 2:42 and the admonition of the Hebrew writer in 10:25.

God rescues and grows one to reach out and minister to others and grow the Body.

Reflect on a portion of the same verse referenced above in a different translation:

“The leaders of Laish had not even asked nearby towns to help them in case of an attack.” [CEV]

Don’t allow pride to keep you from asking for support or you may find yourself vulnerable to attack.

With Christ as the Source and Head of the church, He has provided a community for us to thrive in His Name and accomplish His will. In His generous grace, He blesses us immensely for being faithful to the role He has designed for each member and surrounded us with the love we so often need.

Those that choose to invest in and build relationships in the fellowship will find themselves in the valley from time to time, but among the people that He can use to walk with to the other side.

Dear Lord Jesus; You are the Head of this magnificent body, Your infallible church. Give us the same mind of Christ - the same love, the same purpose - that we may serve one another in love according to Your design. Open our eyes to recognize the needs of others and give us compassion and humility to minister and serve in Your grace and to Your glory. Bless those in church leadership with Your wisdom and power to meet the challenges before them. May they be filled with an abundance of Your Spirit to preach and teach with all boldness, courage and truth. Amen

To My Defense

Judges 9 offers a glimpse into God as Defender. Here we see the antithesis of all the judges in Abimilech, a self-appointed king and son of Gideon. He treacherously abuses power and murders his 69 half-brothers. He rallies the citizens of Shechem to join forces with him to exact further acts of violence. God was their King and they were His people. God avenged Gideon’s sons and Abimilech met his doom.

God did this in order that the crime against Jerub-Baal's seventy sons, the shedding of their blood, might be avenged on their brother Abimelech and on the citizens of Shechem, who had helped him murder his brothers. [Jgs 9:24]

Have you ever suffered at the hands of injustice and felt unable to defend yourself? Ever because of your faith? Receive these words of Jesus:

"Blessed are you when people insult you,

persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil

against you because of me." [Mt 5:11]

I praise God, our Defender and take to heart what He has said.

For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." [Hb 10:30]

As the Lord said to Jeremiah regarding the plight of the Israelites with the Babylonians; “Therefore, this is what the LORD says: "See, I will defend your cause and avenge you;” [Jer 51:36] He says the same to us today.

I can be sure that, in His time, He will defend according to His word.

While it can be of great comfort to know in this way God will deal with our earthly enemies, I am most strengthened by the fact that He will defend me with my greatest foe. Satan, the Accuser of the Brethren, makes it his aim to accuse me before the Father. I can have joy in knowing the end of the story.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. [Rv 12:10]

Paul informed Timothy; “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.” [2 Tm 4:14] His best advice in a situation of this nature is to be on guard [vs 15]. By maintaining a clear conscience and living a holy life, I eliminate the accusers arguments. False testimony has no advantage against me before the All-Knowing, All-Seeing God.

I must carefully weigh into consideration the admonition of Christ not to judge the motive of others, for only He knows the heart. It could be that I then become my own worst enemy.

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." [Mt 7:2]

It is imperative that I follow His teaching to bless those that curse me and then leave the rest, in complete trust, to God.

The two aspects of this particular trait of God that offers comfort and encouragement is this:

1) The only way to reconcile the abominable acts of injustice exacted upon the innocent is to know that God will avenge wrongful acts of senseless and horrific violence.

2) I have peace with my standing before God that the attacks of our spiritual enemy will fail. I am to remember who I am in Christ, His beloved child;

worthy of His love;

worthy of the life of His Son;

worthy of the holiness and dignity of His Son;

and worth defending.

My Defender and King; That you would defend a guilty sinner as me is beyond reason. I am grateful for Your honor and thank You for fighting a battle I cannot win. Help me to rest in Your intervention, safe and secure in Your presence. Write on my heart that it is not mine to judge or avenge, but to trust these matters to the One who is Able and who gave His Life that I might be seen as blameless in Your sight. Empower me to fight the good fight and live in a manner that pleases You. In Christ Jesus Name, Amen

O righteous God,

who searches minds and hearts,

bring to an end the violence of the wicked

and make the righteous secure.

[Ps 7:9]

The Jesus Paradox

Jesus embodies the epitome of paradox.



He possesses several qualities that, to our standard, appear conflicting:

• Fully God and yet fully man


• Sinless yet carrying the sin of all humanity
  
• Born of the Spirit


• The Great High Priest that never served in the Holy of Holies


• Mighty yet meek


• King yet servant

Like Father like Son, for isn't God also a Gracious Judge? Sounds like an oxymoron, but in all reality is actual fact. God is fully Loving and Merciful yet Righteous and Holy.

It is beyond all reason and explanation - it's simply a matter of faith.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;

the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is thephilosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.""

[1 Cor 1:18-31]

Photo source: Lost Seed

A String of Hosannas

Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised. [Ps 113:1-3]

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; [Ps 96:11-12]

Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. [Ps 63:3-4]

To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. [Jude 25]

Weekly Posting of Praise from Scripture

Praying a Psalm for America

I have selected the 85th Psalm as a prayer for our nation this 4th of July.

I am sure you would agree that our country is in dire need of prayer. Yes, prayer for us; but more so by us. A prayer for a great awakening to God’s truth; recognition of God; submission to His word, His will, and His ways.

More than intercession we need humble and sincere prayers of confession, revival, repentance, thanksgiving and praise.

Believe me, I pray these things for myself on a regular basis but this day I choose to focus on a rich nation in poverty and need.

I am comforted by the fact that there are many Christian Americans interceding on her behalf already. I am blessed to know several personally. Fine men of great faith pleading for God’s bountiful mercy and grace to be upon our land.

As we enjoy the great freedoms and privileges from generations past accomplishments, I also believe we are enjoying the fruit of the prayers of our forefathers.

Moses and Abraham interceded for Israel with unprecedented honesty and boldness. These stellar prayers pleased God and spared their nation the very wrath of God.

I am thankful for this land I call home but I do hope there may come a day when we would celebrate the 4th more as Dependence Day – upon our Sovereign and Almighty Lord who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Lord, you poured out blessings on your land!

You forgave the guilt of your people—

yes, you covered all their sins.

You held back your fury.

You kept back your blazing anger.
Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.

Put aside your anger against us once more.

Won’t you revive us again,

so your people can rejoice in you?

Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,

and grant us your salvation.
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,

for he speaks peace to his faithful people.

But let them not return to their foolish ways.

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,

so our land will be filled with his glory.
Unfailing love and truth have met together.

Righteousness and peace have kissed!

Truth springs up from the earth,

and righteousness smiles down from heaven.

Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.

Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.

Righteousness goes as a herald before him,

preparing the way for his steps.

[Amen]

NLT - Adapted for purpose of prayer

Spiritual Communion

"After he [Jesus] had dismissed them,
he went up on a mountainside
by himself to pray.
When evening came,
he was there alone,"
[Mt 14:23]

Solitude. Where there is richness in emptiness - fullness with less.

To be alone with God is the single-most blessed place.

To taste and see if something is good, to get it’s true flavor, it must be tasted by itself; not mixed in with a spoonful of something else.

It’s easy to confuse being alone with God with loneliness. Hara Estroff-Marano in Psychology Today stated; "Loneliness is marked by a sense of isolation. Solitude, on the other hand, is a state of being alone without being lonely."

How can we be one with Him if we can’t be alone with Him?

Granted, there is a certain vulnerability there. And, to be sure, satan will use every distraction tactic in his arsenal.

It is resting in Him I find strength. A spiritual workout when I do nothing (my kind of workout!).

I show up with my Bible, determine to clear my mind (more than once), and He does the rest. Sabbath - any day of the week.

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you,"

[Jn 17:3]

That verse says so much! To know Him is to experience eternal life. Here, now? Why wait?

To deliberately withdraw is to gain better perspective. To detoxify worldly contaminates. Debrief from counter-kingdom truth.

Jesus purposefully and frequently spent time alone with God. Removed from chaos for prayer where He received strength to meet the challenges of His high calling. A time of refreshing, remembrance, worship. Hearing the voice of God speak truth, promise, encouragement.

I think of Paul and the time he had alone with God at the end of his life. Not by choice but blessed nonetheless.

"At my first defense, no one came to my support,

but everyone deserted me.

May it not be held against them.

But the Lord stood at my side

and gave me strength,

so that through me the message

might be fully proclaimed

and all the Gentiles might hear it.

And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.

[2 Tm 4:16-17]

While alone on Patmos, John received a vision of revelation from God to share with all mankind.

Events have occurred in my life where God has orchestrated times for just the two of us. Times I may not have known, by my choosing, otherwise. In the worst of times, they have been the best of times.

I encourage you to plan time to take your Bible - the Holy Word with which He speaks - and find a place of rest underneath the shade of He who longs to be with you. He will meet you there - wherever that may be - for we truly are never alone.

Alone with One I love to retreat
Away from the noise, a place of peace
Contentment complete with the Holy Trinity

Ever-present God; I long to dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God, in whom I trust. [Ps 91:1-2]. I praise You, my Great Reward, for when I seek You, I find You. I give thanks for our times of communion. You are enough, I need look no further for fulfillment nor companion. Alone in Your presence, show me great and unsearchable things, grow me to new heights in You - always in You. In Christ Jesus, Amen.

Free Photo compliments of Lost Seed

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Seeing the Invisible

Can you see the wind?

Look closely.

Movement.

Notice the rustling branches in the trees. Leaves dancing on air.

Birds soaring on waves of wind.

Now can you see it?

Notice the wind in nature, God’s creation.

See the Creator in His creation.

Majesty, beauty, splendor, wonder.

Look closely.

God - the invisible - made visible.

Look closely.

Movement.

Notice the church grow, serve, love?

See Him now?

By faith we understand

that the universe

was formed at God's command,

so that what is seen

was not made out of what was visible.

[Heb 11:3]