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  • You are here: Blogs Directory / Devotionals / ><> DEVOTIONALS ~ LOIS J. Welcome Guest
    ><> DEVOTIONALS ~ LOIS J.
           THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH. PS.119:105 ~ ~
          

          

          

    Thu, Jul 31st - 11:33AM



    WE KNOW GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ALL

    HEBREWS 10:35-36 -- Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. V36...For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Kjv

    The most awesome realizations for a believer in Christ Jesus is that God has a plan for your life. He knows you, loves you, guides you, and sees exactly what you should do in every situation. Not only does He have a will for you, but He also makes it possible for you to know what that will is.

    First, God has a moral will. In other words, there are universal truths, such as the Ten Commandments, that apply to every man and woman on earth. Many people pay no heed to these precepts, but ignoring them does not negate them. In fact, people who disregard them actually live in a continuous state of rebellion against the will of their Creator.

    Second, God has a specific, personal will for very individual. His plan for you is completely different than His plan for me. Both are God-given, but tailor-made for our own unique personalities.

    Because each person makes mistakes, we can see that God’s personal will contains some circumstantial qualities. If we step outside of the Lord’s will, does that mean we can never again get on track with Him? No, of course not. Rather, God chooses to work within our lives, guiding us through whatever circumstances we face. When we slip up, He works through that mistake to bring us back in line with His will. His truth never changes, but His methods of bringing us into that truth are modified according to our situation.

    Don’t let troubles keep you from God’s plan for your life. He wants to use your trials to strengthen you for the future.

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (4)

    Tue, Jul 29th - 4:02PM



    PASSION FOR CHRIST

    2 PETER 1:1-4

    Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ:  v2...Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.  3v...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:  v4...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.  kjv

    We must study God's Word it is the essential first step to developing zeal for Christ--we must understand His ways and promises before we can fall deeply in love with Him.  While the Bible creates the first spark of passion, we must continue to add fuel.  Believers described as"on fire" for the Lord practice several principles.

    Like any loving relationship, our intimacy with Jesus requires that we give Him our time.  These quiet moments are meant for worship or meditation instead of working through a request list.  Too often we Christians stretch our our hands, but not our hearts--we rather know Him as the One who answers prayer instead of loving Him for Himself.  To achieve a true friendship, we must talk with Christ as our Friend and listen for Him to speak.

    Passionate believers also seek evidence of Christ's work in everyday circumstances.  He assures us of direction and provision.  If we are on the look out, we will witness the promise in action.  Sometimes events seem too random or tragic to yield good, but continued scriptural study, prayer and patience often reveal God's greater purpose.  We are wise to record the Lord's work as we see events unfold.  When our faith falters, a written testimony outlining His daily divine management of eartly affairs encourages us to trust and obey.

    Fueling passion for Jesus is not a one day affair but rather a life-time pursuit--one that believers cannot undertake without laying aside everything that completes withChrist-centered devotion.  Fueling a passion for Christs brings the believer rewards as nothing else can.

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (4)

    Mon, Jul 28th - 9:03PM



    HOPE FOR A CHANGING WORLD

    ACTS 8: 26-35

    The people of this world are starving for true hope while we who are Christians are filled with hope and  light of God.  It is up to believers to be available so that we can share our message of encouragement with unbelievers.

    There is absolutely no hope in this life or in the life to come, apart from a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.  Because of Christ, we have righteousness before  God and the promise of resurrection..all because Jesus died in our place.  Whatever hope we need for living now and throughout eternity comes though Him.

    According to Romans 5:6, Christ died for the ungodly..each and every person who will ever live.  So what was Jesus' plan for getting His message of salvation to all of these people?  In Matthew 28, He commissioned the saved to share the Good News with the lost.  As a matter of fact, spreading the word of God through people is the only method given in the Bible.  Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (v19).  His disciples went without question.  The Lord is still calling us to go, whether our field is in a faraway country or at our own workplace.

    When God calls us, He doesn't want excuses or pleas to wait;   He wants our obedience.  If we are surrendered to Him, the only thing we can answer when He calls us is  "yes." Could it be that God wants you to lay aside your plan for your life and take up His call..spreading hope to a rapidly changing world?

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (6)

    Sun, Jul 27th - 6:20PM



    HEART FOR GOD

    David a military leader, poet, and musician, accomplished great thing for God’s kingdom. But no doubt his greatest strength was his close relationship with the Lord.

    Before he would become the leader of Israel, David withstood many attacks from Kin Saul. The future king had great confidence on the battlefield, but even greater was his faith to trust in God’s timing for his leadership role.

    In spite of his numerous admirable strengths, however, David wasn’t without his flaws. He was guilty not only of adultery but also of conspiracy, cover-up, and even murder. Once Nathan the prophet confronted him, David was quick to cry out to God for forgiveness and mercy. Maybe it was at this period in David’s life that the former shepherd boy pleased the Lord most: he admitted his sin and began to restore his relationship with God.

    Remember that position, power, and achievement are no substitute for a truly penitent spirit. The great king of Israel learned his lesson and again began walking with the Father--that’s a man after God’s own heart!

    With God’s Love,

    Lois



    Comment (4)

    Sat, Jul 26th - 8:35PM



    IN PRAISE AND THAKSGIVING

    PSALM 100

    To worship means to awaken the conscience to the holiness of God. We know the Lord calls us to adore Him with our hearts, soul, and mind. (Matthew 22:37). So when we open our heart to His love, feed our mind on His truth, and devote our will to His purpose, then we achieve true worship.

    We each worship differently, and no one can tell us a single right way to honor the Lord. One person may sense a need to lift hands while another who is just as worshipful will sit quietly with head bowed. No matter what form of worship we exercise, it must come from a sincere heart or else it amount to hypocrisy before God. It is necessary that we approach the Lord with a spirit of humility and recognition of our absolute dependence upon Him.

    Worship is all about God and not at all about ourselves. In corporate worship, we join with other believers to joyfully praise the Lord together. When we cheerfully adore Him, we sense God’s Spirit in such a way that our negative circumstance lose their heavy weight. By fixing our focus on the Lord, we can see our burdens through His eyes.

    Keeping our attention on the awesomeness of God can also have the result of silencing us in worship. This often occurs during times of personal adoration, when we are praying on our knees before Him. Whether we sing or keep silent, whether we dance or lay prostrate, our praise and worship will be acceptable to God if He has guided us in doing so.

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (4)

    Fri, Jul 25th - 10:25PM



    JESUS IS OUR PEACE

    JOHN 14:27 -- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

    Some people read these words of Jesus and scoff, "Well, that was fine back then, but there is just no way to live free of anxiety today."

    To those who would raise this objection, let me ask: Is Jesus surprised by your troubles?  Do you believe that your difficulties are beyond Jesus' understanding, or that He could not have imagined the stresses in your life?

    The view that any these are possible would certainly limit Jesus' sovereignty and infinite knowledge.  You must remember that Jesus is not in some far..off place called heaven, simply looking down on us and doing His best to understand our lives.  Instead, He stepped down from heaven and walked these streets with us.

    He knows the troubles of this life because He faced them Himself; in fact, He faced more trouble than we could possibly imagine. Hebrews 2:17-18 -- Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the poeple.  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

    Why, then, do we often fail to heed His call of peace, rest, and comfort?  Matthew 11:28-30 -- Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto our souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  It is almost as though anxiety has become a close companion to many people, and the thought of surrendering it brings on even more stress.

    However, if you want to become the growing, mature, joyous believer the Lord has called you to be, then you must lay down your burdens.  Anxiety, quite simply, is the enemy of the peace of God.  As long as we hold on to our problems, we cannot pick up the armfuls of peace that Christ so freely offers.

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (6)

    Thu, Jul 24th - 11:48PM



    WE KNOW GOD HAS A PLAN FOR ALL

    HEBREWS 10:35-36 -- Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. V36...For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Kjv

    The most awesome realizations for a believer in Christ Jesus is that God has a plan for your life. He knows you, loves you, guides you, and sees exactly what you should do in every situation. Not only does He have a will for you, but He also makes it possible for you to know what that will is.

    First, God has a moral will. In other words, there are universal truths, such as the Ten Commandments, that apply to every man and woman on earth. Many people pay no heed to these precepts, but ignoring them does not negate them. In fact, people who disregard them actually live in a continuous state of rebellion against the will of their Creator.

    Second, God has a specific, personal will for very individual. His plan for you is completely different than His plan for me. Both are God-given, but tailor-made for our own unique personalities.

    Because each person makes mistakes, we can see that God’s personal will contains some circumstantial qualities. If we step outside of the Lord’s will, does that mean we can never again get on track with Him? No, of course not. Rather, God chooses to work within our lives, guiding us through whatever circumstances we face. When we slip up, He works through that mistake to bring us back in line with His will. His truth never changes, but His methods of bringing us into that truth are modified according to our situation.

    Don’t let troubles keep you from God’s plan for your life. He wants to use your trials to strengthen you for the future.

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (6)

    Wed, Jul 23rd - 11:52PM



    JOHN 1: 1-18

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2. The Same was in the beginning with God. 3. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. 4. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

    6. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that light.

    9.That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; 13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake , He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. Kjv

    The introduction to John occurs in two cycles of three points each--the message, the messenger, and the hearers. The key idea is the WORD, In the Old Testament Creation was by the Word of God: And God said, Let there be light..The Scriptures are also called the Word of God.

    1:1 -- In the beginning, with God signifies the perfect fellowship between God the Father and God the Son in eternity. The Word was God: Jut as the precious expression, it emphasizes distinction in the Godhead, this phrase stresses the essential unity. In the Greek text of this verse, God is a predicate adjective, appearing without article and preceding the Word, thus emphasizing Jesus’ divinity. John could not have expressed the full divinity of Christ more completely. Made by him: Compare Colossians 1:16 and Hebrews 1:2.…Life…light, in John’s writings, life represents salvation and deliverance through Christ, and light denotes Jesus’ revelation of God which call men to accountability. Lighteth every man means that God’s revelation is universally available.. It does not signify universal salvation. Knew, The world did not acknowledge or recognize Him as the true Light. Unto his own, He came to His own, that is, the world, His Own received him not, His own people, the Jews did not receive Him. Jesus was rejected by His own world in general, and by His own people in particular. Received him, emphasizes appropriating Jesus Christ, taking Him as Savior. Power literally means, authority. Even to them that believe is explanatory of receive. To believe on his name is the same as taking Him as Savior.

    Born, This follows the thought in the previous verse of becoming a son of God. Born implies a birth, and verse 13 explains how it takes place. Blood is literally “bloods.” One’s family lineage or national heritage does not bring about the New Birth. But of God: The New Birth is not of human origin. Rather, it is spiritual and supernatural. Made flesh indicates the incarnation of God the Son. The use of flesh contradicts the Gnostic heresy that God could not be united with human flesh, which was seen as evil.. Dwelt among us, John uses the word for “tabernacle,” here translated “dwelt.” The Old Testament tabernacle was where God dwelt among the Jews in the wilderness. In this context, God is dwelling in the person of Jesus Christ. We beheld his glory, perhaps John refers to the shekinah glory which appeared in the tabernacle of the Old Testament. The expression signifies the visible manifestation of God. John later uses glory to refer to Jesus’ life (2:11), death, and resurrection 12:23).

    After me, Jesus came into this world about six months after John (for human chronology, see Luke 1: 56,57. He was before me, Jesus existed in eternity, so had precedence over John in authority. Fullness, Col.1:19, Here the fullness looks back to verse 14, “full of grace and truth.” Grace for grace means “grace heaped on grace.” Grace is evident in the Old Testament, but not in the fullness now experienced in Jesus Christ. Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward sinners for their salvation, Eph. 1:8,9.… No man hath seen God, That is, no one has ever seen God in all of His essence, since God is Spirit (4:24; 1Tim.6:16) . Only begotten Son: Some manuscripts read “only begotten God.” He hath declared him: Although no one has seen God in all of His essence, people have at least seen God in Jesus Christ (14:9).

    With God’s Love,

    Lois



    Comment (0)

    Tue, Jul 22nd - 12:55AM



    GROWING IN GRACE

    2 PETER 1:5-11

    And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith viture; and to virtue knowledge; 6. And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7.And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  9. But he that laketh thee things is blind, and cnnot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 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 ministred unto you abuntdantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. kjv

    1:5-7.....in this of the above, Peter urges his readers to grow to spiritualy maturity.  Add to your faith indicates the areas of growth that follow after salvation.  Virtue is moral excellence.  Knowledge is spiritual truth. Temperance is self-control.  Patience is endurance.  Godliness is Godlikeness.  Brotherly kindness is brotherly love.  Charity is (Gr. agapen) is volitional love.  This process is a lifelong cycle of spiritual growth for all believers.......1:10-11 ---Ye shall never fall:   The author is not referring to falling from salvation but to failure in Christian living.  The everlasting kingdom refers to the eternal realm of God where Jesus is the undisputed Ruler.  It is synonymous with heaven. Thus, the one who acquires the virtues of verses 5-7- will have a rich inheritance in heaven.....

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (6)

    Sun, Jul 20th - 11:18PM



    BEARING ANOTHER’S BURDEN

    GALATIANS 6:2-5

    Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Kjv

    As we know our quite presence during someone else’s time of pains says much more than any words of advice. A grieving widow, for example, doesn’t need to hear our own tale of loss; she needs an arm around her shoulder so she realizes she is not alone.

    Think about the times we bring our burdens to the Lord in prayer. Simply experiencing His presence lifts the weight off our own shoulders. God’s response to our pain is a clear demonstration of how important it is to make ourselves available and listen to our neighbors. No matter how inadequate we might feel, we all can share a burden by spending time with a friend who is enduring hardship.

    The Holy Spirit will show us the right moment to speak, if words are necessary. That is our opportunity to share how God worked in our life during a painful period. When we give the Holy Spirit total control, He etches feelings deeply into our emotional system so we can genuinely minister to others. Hurting people grab onto kindred stories as if to a lifeline--it give them hope to reason that since God shepherded one person through a valley of darkness, He will surely be faithful to shepherd another.

    Our Spirit-developed compassion may require us to give our burdened neighbor other types of help--even material aid. It’s easy to pray for a friend or share our story with a church member, but we can not limit ourselves to those things. If we are willing to be used by the Father, we must be open to His leading about how to offer assistance.

    With God’s Love,

    Lois



    Comment (6)

    Sat, Jul 19th - 10:21PM



    SOME HAVE WAVERING FAITH

    JAMES 1:2-8

    The first chapter of James teaches about responding appropriately to trials. In hard circumstances, the heart if purified and faith strengthened. However, in order to formulate a proper response, we must ask for the Lord’s wisdom. James then slips in a principle: “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind”. In other words believers shouldn’t vacillate between certainty that God will respond as He has promised and fear that He will not. Wavering faith hinders the Lord’s plan.

    Unacknowledged sin is often a cause of wavering faith, as is our tendency to focus on circumstances rather than on Christ. But uncertainty can frequently be traced back to our own weak prayer life. Far too many believers present unspecific requests: “Lord, You know what’s going on with me and what I need. Please give me what I need.” When a believer is unsure of what he is requesting, he cannot be confident the Lord will answer.

    Sometimes our need is obvious, and we can ask God for it by name immediately. In other circumstances, we must seek His will before we can know how to petition Him: “Father, You promised that if I trusted You and did not lean on my own understanding, You would direct my path. So, I am expecting to receive clear direction from You. “ Since God longs for His children to make right choices, He is divinely obligated to show us His will when we ask. Whatever He impresses upon your heart, begin to pray specifically.

    With God’s Love,

    Lois



    Comment (4)

    Fri, Jul 18th - 10:46PM



    PSALM 1:1-6

    BLESSED ARE THE RIGHTEOUS

    BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful..2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night...3.And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;  his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper...4.The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  5.Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous...6.For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. kjv

    The key word in the psalm is the word blessed.  It serves here as a pronouncement upon a man--but a certain kind of man.  In essence, the psalm is teaching that the blessed or happy man is the righteous man.  The happy man avoids evil influences, deeds, and attitudes.  He delights in God's word, therefore, God causes him to prosper.  On the other hand, the ungodly is worth no more than chaff, and his destiny is judgment. Finally the evaluation by the Lord Himself is described v6.  There is an ellipsis which is understood with both clauses in verse 6:  For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous (and it will be blessed).  But (He also knows) the way of the undoldly ( and it ) shall perish.  The psalm forms an appropriate introduction to the Psalter since it sets before the readers the three characters who will figure mostly in the psalms:  the righteous, the ungodly, and God.

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (2)

    Thu, Jul 17th - 10:09PM



    1THESSALONIANS 5:16-24

    Rejoice everymore.....Pray without ceasing....In every thing give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you....Quench not the Spirit.....Despite not prophesyings.....Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil....And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;  and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ....Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it......kjv

    BECAUSE HE LIVES...I CAN FACE TOMORROW

    When I wake up in the morning, I awake in the presence of Jesus, knowing that He will walk with me every step of the way.

    I know that whatever I need, my Lord and Savior will provide.  Whatevr hurt I have, He is here to help me through it. And while I may be lonely, I will never be alone........Thank You Jesus!

    With God's Love,

    Lois



    Comment (4)

    Wed, Jul 16th - 11:26PM



    THE LORD HEARS THE RIGHTEOUS

    PSALM 34

    I will bless the Lord at all time; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name to gather. I sought the Lord , and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were ligtened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all is troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivered the. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lion do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto ; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

    What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivered them of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivered him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord redeemed the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. KJV

    The historical background of this acrostic psalm is related in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. It bears the marks of the testimony of one who narrowly escaped death, just as the passage in Samuel describes. As such, it contains the praise and testimony of the one who was redeemed. V. 1-10 and the seasoned instruction that can stem from such deliverance v.11-22.



    Comment (0)

    Mon, Jul 14th - 10:57PM



    A PERSON NEEDS TO GUARD THEIR FAITH

    We know that false teachers are great at planting seeds of doubt in the minds of believers.  This can take the form of questioning a particular Scripture passage, updating God's Word to suit today's cultural preferences, or even fictionalizing biblical history for entertainment.

    Unfortunately, some Christians are unprepared for such situations because they have not studied the foundational truths of the faith.  While Pastors fulfill a very important role in teaching the Church, followers of Jesus must take responsibility for their own  Spiritual knowledge by digging into the Bible as the source of truth.

    Every believer needs to know with certainty that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.  Doubt and compromise are subtle tricks of the enemy, but be encouraged, the more familiar you are with the truth, the easier it will be to identify and stand against false teaching.



    Comment (6)

    Sun, Jul 13th - 11:33AM



    THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

    PSALM 23

    The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pasture: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemy: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. KJV

    The psalm has been a favorite of God’s people through the ages and with due reason: it expresses as simply and clearly as any the role of God as our protector and provider in life. The charm of the psalm rest on two figures of speech: the Lord is compared to a shepherd and the believer to His sheep: then the Lord is likened to a host with the believer as the guest. The image of the Lord as shepherd is a frequent one in both the Old Testament and the New. Believers are never pictured in Scriptures as mighty lions, independent and self-sufficient; rather, they are sheep who are dependent on their Shepherd for His provision and protection. The believer is more than a dependent sheep, however; he is also like an honored guest, since the Lord prepares a table for him. Connected with this honored position is abundant provision, vindication before one’s enemies, and eternal celebration of God’s goodness.



    Comment (8)

    Sat, Jul 12th - 12:07AM



    PSALM 111:4


    HE HATH MADE HIS WONDERFUL WORKS TO
    BE REMEMBERED: THE LORD IS GRACIOUS
    AND FULL OF COMPASSION. kjv



    No matter where we are in this World, when
    we look around us, we see God's wonderful work
    everywhere. It is no wonder that the twenty-four
    elders before the throne of God praise Him and
    say, "THOU ART WORTHY, O LORD, TO RECEIVE
    GLORY AND HONOR AND POWER: FOR THOU HAST
    CREATED ALL THINGS, AND FOR THY PLEASURE
    THEY ARE AND WERE CREATED."
    ( REVELATION 4:11 )

    Have you ever taken the time to enjoy a
    beautiful sunrise or sunset? Ever noticed the
    beauty of a rose? Ever looked at the mountains
    or the ocean with awe? Ever spend time just
    looking at the beautiful clouds above, or at a
    rainbow after a storm?

    God's beautiful creation, and His great Love
    surrounds us when we take the time to notice.
    For, "HE HATH MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL
    IN HIS TIME." ( ECCLESIASTES 3:11 )
    So why not stop for a moment today, and look
    around, savoring all the beautiful sights? You
    will find that a great peace will fall upon you
    when you do!

    Now may the peace of God that surpasses all
    understanding, be with you now and always,
    as you enjoy your Heavenly Father's wonderful
    works!



    Comment (4)

    Thu, Jul 10th - 11:42AM



    "FEAR NOT" 

    ISAIAH 41:13 -- FOR I THE LORD THY GOD WILL HOLD THY

    RIGHT HAND, SAYING UNTO THEE, FEAR NOT; I WILL HELP THEE. kjv



    We often face troubling times in our lives that
    cause us to worry, and lose sleep. As a child of God you
    have Him at your side, holding your hand, and guiding
    your pathway through those times. For, THE LORD IS
    GOOD, A STRONGHOLD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE;
    AND HE KNOWETH THEM THAT TRUST IN HIM.
    ( NAHUM 1:7 )

    He will never abandon HIS Children, throughout
    their entire lives. For He is always with us no matter
    what we may face, as He further promised: WHEN THOU
    PASSEST THROUGH THE WATERS, I WILL BE WITH THEE;
    AND THROUGH THE RIVERS,* THEY SHALL NOT
    OVERFLOW THEE: WHEN THOU WALKEST THROUGH THE
    FIRE;* THOU SHALL NOT BE BURNED; NEITHER SHALL
    THE FLAME KINDLE (SCORCH) UPON THEE. ( ISAIAH 43:2 )
    [*Rivers and *Fire in the verse represent difficulties in our
    lives]

    FEAR THOU NOT; FOR I AM WITH THEE; BE NOT
    DISMAYED: FOR I AM THY GOD: I WILL
    STRENGTHEN THEE; YEA, I WILL HELP THEE; YEA, I WILL UPHOLD THEE
    WITH THE RIGHT HAND OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS.
    ( ISAIAH 41:10 )

    So the next time you face troubling times, do as Jesus
    said: "LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED; YE
    BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME." (JOHN 14:1)
    Then WHEN THOU LIEST DOWN, THOU SHALL NOT BE
    AFRAID; YEA, THOU SHALL LIE DOWN AND THY
    SLEEP SHALL BE SWEET. ( PROVERBS 3:24 )

    Now have a great day walking hand and hand with God!


    Comment (4)

    Wed, Jul 9th - 10:31AM



       JESUS SAITH TO HIM, THOMAS, BECAUSE THOU HATH
     
    SEEN ME, THOU HAST BELIEVED:  BLESSED ARE 
      THEY THAT HAVE NOT SEEN,  AND YET HAVE
      BELIEVED
                              (JOHN 20:29 ) KJV


       
           Not seeing and still believing is what being a true
       Christian is all about.  FOR WE WALK BY FAITH,
       NOT BY SIGHT.  ( 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 )

           Now walking by faith my dear friend, is believing with
       all of your heart, mind and soul that God will Guide you
       and Protect you.   Also believing that He is there to
       Comfort, Bless and Love you, and knowing that He is
       here performing Miracles all over the Earth each and
       every day as well.


           Further, by believing that if you ask God to take control
       of your life and will, your life will vastly improve!  It is by
       seeing the beauty that surrounds us in this World, and
       how perfectly everything works together, and knowing
       that all of this could not have happened by accident!


       THROUGH FAITH WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE WORLDS
       WERE FRAMED BY THE WORD OF GOD, SO THAT 
       THINGS WHICH ARE SEEN WERE NOT MADE
       OF THINGS WHICH DO APPEAR.  ( HEBREWS 11:3 ) KJV

           No, we can't see God standing on the street corner
       touching lives, healing people and caring for them, but
       those with faith know that He is there!  So don't ever be like
       doubting Thomas, instead know that God is watching over
       you right know!   Therefore, have a wonderful
       day knowing that you are in good hands indeed!

       With God's Love,

       Lois



    Comment (6)

    Tue, Jul 8th - 11:43PM



    THE HOLY SPIRIT

    ROMANS 8:26-30 -- Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. V27...And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. V28...And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. V29...For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. V30...Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Kjv

    When we are saved(at salvation) (He) the Holy Spirit gives us new life and sets us apart as children of the heavenly Father. While we are from then on God’s family members, who bear His name , our character still reflects old habits, thought patters, and priorities. We are infants who need instruction and guidance in order to become spiritually mature.

    Our sanctification, which is the process of becoming like God’s son, is another aspect of the Holy Spirit’s mission. He has been entrusted with the responsibility of teaching us the truths of Scripture as well as the ways we can apply biblical principles to our lives. He seeks to weed out ungodliness, to prune us for greater fruitulness, and to encourage wise decision making. Through His efforts and our cooperation, we will please our Father and bear an ever-increasing resemblance to our Lord Jesus Christ. And not only are we called to exemplify Christlike character, we are also summoned to a life of active service in accordance with God’s plan for our life. It is for this purpose that we were made new creations in Christ. (Ephesians 2:10 -- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.)

    The Spirit’s mission, in fact, has another component: to reveal the work the Father has planned for us and to provide what we need in order to accomplish it.

    How can you know that God’s Spirit is working in your life? Look for evidences of spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23 -- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, v23.. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law) deeper understanding of Scripture, and effective service for the kingdom. Salvation, sanctification, and service are all under the authority of the Holy Spirit. Are you yielding to HIS control?

    With God's Love,

    Lois



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    About Me

    Name: Lois J.
    ChristiansUnite ID: loie
    Member Since: 2006-04-10
    Location: , Alabama, United States
    Denomination: baptist faith
    About Me: Hello everyone, this seems like a good place to fellowship with others. I am a born again believer in Christ Jesus. Have been working in His vineyard for several years, enjoy it more every day. My husband and I minister in songs, where ever the Holy ... more

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