Category: Jeremiah

Posted on

Thankful for the Father’s Love

Today is our son’s birthday. Nothing like your children’s birthdays to cause you to reminisce!

Spent a good portion of the morning thinking about our lives with our son. We are blessed!

But then my thoughts wandered, and I began to think about what my heavenly Father thinks about me and so many verses came to mind.

” I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 CEV

My Father has a plan for my future – hopeful and successful.

He has known my days from the very beginning.

“You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. 15 Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, 16 but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. 17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine.” Psalm 139:13-17 CEV

Because of the Father’s unconditional love for us He has never said anything bad about us, never given up on us, never thought anything but the best of us. In spite of our shortcomings and failings we’ve always had His love.

“Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]. 8 Love never fails [it never fades nor ends].” I Corinthians 13:4-8 AMP

Since God is love – this is a description of how He is toward us!

These are the Father’s thoughts toward me, and He will never abandon or desert me – He’s always there with all I need. He’s there to forgiven me when I fail.

“But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.” I John 1:9 CEV

As a parent of adult children and as a grandparent, I hope that my life will always be an example of the Father’s love!

I am so glad that my Father loves me!

Posted on

Face the Future with Hope

You know that I start each day with prayer. This morning is no different. Praying for my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren is a large part of my morning prayer time.

I had a praying grandmother. She and my grandfather would spend hours in prayer. It was such an encouragement to know she was praying, daily and sometimes hourly, for me. When I had children of my own, that comforted me in a greater way.

Now I am the matriarch of our family, and I take my responsibility of prayer very serious. Life has changed tremendously over the last 70 plus years. Things my grandmother could never imagine have come into being and I wonder what the future will be like for my grands.

It doesn’t cause me to fear but it does keep me in prayer.

“ I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will let you find me.’ This message is from the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:11-14 ERV

Each generation has had their search for God. There are no spiritual grandchildren. Every person needs to have their own personal relationship with the Lord. The good news is that when we search for the Father, we find Him, and we find the hopeful future that He has planned for us.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has great mercy, and because of his mercy he gave us a new life. This new life brings us a living hope through Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death. 4 Now we wait to receive the blessings God has for his children. These blessings are kept for you in heaven. They cannot be ruined or be destroyed or lose their beauty.” I Peter 1:3-4 ERV

In Christ, we have a living hope. It’s a hope that grows, giving us strength for each day. Great Is Thy Faithfulness, the favorite old hymn, puts it this way.

“Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine with 10,000 beside

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me”

The Apostle Paul and King David knew this hope long before these words were ever penned.

“ I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

“It may seem that those who are poor and needy have been forgotten, but God will not forget them. He will not leave them without hope.” Psalm 9:18 ERV

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe.” Hebrews 6:18-19 ERV

As I pray for my family, I also pray for you. I pray that God who gives hope will fill you with joy and peace as you face the future!

Posted on

Are You Able?

God, our heavenly Father, is able!

Able means He has the ability to do or complete the task set before Him. He is able to work on our behalf, but He needs us to work with Him.

“…So work with fear and trembling to discover what it really means to be saved. 13 God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him.” Philippians 2:12-13 CEV

Because He is a loving Father he won’t force Himself on us and He won’t force us to take the benefits He has for us. But if we will allow Him to work in our lives we will see His ability working on our behalf.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.

20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. 21 To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:19-21 ERV

When we know God’s love, His power can work within us to bring Him glory.

“18 Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering.” Hebrews 2:18 AMP

He is able to help us immediately when we are being tempted because He was also tempted and suffered.

“God is strong and can (is able to) keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy. 25 He is the only God, the one who saves us. To him be glory, greatness, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord for all time past, now, and forever. Amen.” Jude 24-25 CEV

God is able to keep us! He is able to save us!

“But Jesus will never die, and so he will be a priest forever! 25 He is forever able to save the people he leads to God, because he always lives to speak to God for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 CEV

When we give God permission to work in our lives, He is able to fulfill His plan which is for our benefit and ultimate good.

“ I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Father, today I give you my availability so that Your abilities may work in me, through me and for me!

Posted on

Crazy Stuff

This morning when I opened my computer, I had a notice from “Meta”. I think it was spam and reported it but just in case it isn’t, I would like to ask if you enjoy reading this blog every morning and are blessed by it that you go directly to the website www.arizonakristi.com and go to the blog page and subscribe for the daily emails.

I will continue posting on Facebook for as long as I can but I will not change the message of God’s goodness, grace, forgiveness and unconditional love. He forgives, He loves and He saves! This is the good news the world needs to hear.

“Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20 CEV

This is my world. You are my world. God has called me to teach and this is the platform I have. I will use it as long as I am able and without apology.

“ How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them? 15  And how can anyone tell them without being sent by the Lord? The Scriptures say it is a beautiful sight to see even the feet of someone coming to preach the good news. 16  Yet not everyone has believed the message. For example, the prophet Isaiah asked, “Lord, has anyone believed what we said?”

17 No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ.” Romans 10:14-17 CEV

My goal each day is to build faith in the life of every reader.

God’s goodness cannot be stopped and it cannot be contained. He offers it freely to all, to everyone who will believe.

“ God doesn’t take back the gifts he has given or disown the people he has chosen.” Romans 11:29 CEV

“They replied, ‘Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved!’ This is also true for everyone who lives in your home.” Acts 16:31 CEV

“ no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13  All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 CEV

One of the most famous verses in the Bible is John 3:16

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

Our heavenly Father is an all inclusive God. He always has been, and always will be. Whoever, anyone, who comes to Him and believes in Him and what He provides for us will be saved.

“ I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

In this crazy world the love of God must continue to be preached. I will “go to the world” and you are the world I have been sent to.

Posted on

He Heard Me

Have you ever been speaking to someone and you know they aren’t listening? It happens quite frequently. It’s hard to get someone’s undivided attention. I know I’m guilty of only half listening at times; my mind wanders or I’m distracted with what I’m reading or working on.

Did you know God is never distracted? He listens intently when we talk to Him, He’s there when we cry for help and He’s ready to answer when we ask for His direction and wisdom.

“I will always praise the Lord. 2 With all my heart, I will praise the Lord. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. 3 Honor the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name. 4 I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears. 5 Keep your eyes on the Lord. You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame. 6 I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles.” Psalm 34:1-6 CEV

I’m not sure what fears and troubles are plaguing you today but our Father does.

Ask for His help; He is here to save you from every distress. He is faithful; He can be depended on!

“Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.” Jeremiah 33:3 CEV

He’s listening and ready to help!

Posted on

A Spoonful of Sugar

Now I realize that isn’t good medical advice. In fact, quite the opposite. Too much sugar can be detrimental to our health but what Mary Poppins was teaching is that life needs more sweetness – and it does.

We had friends over for dinner on Saturday night and we were all so blessed with the food, the visit and the laughter. Everyone remarked on the laughter and the joy. One of the men made the comment that laughter is one of life’s greatest healers – and it is!

I think people need a good spoonful of medicine today, but good old fashioned Bible medicine.

” Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.” Proverbs 17:22 ERV

“If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.” Proverbs 17:22 CEV

If we allow ourselves to stay focused on the things in our world, or in our lives that are wrong, evil or contrary, we will be overtaken by the dis-ease of sorrow.

Dis-ease. Now there’s an interesting word. The lack of being at ease. When disease strikes our body, our whole system is ill-at-ease.

But a good dose of the medicine of a merry heart will strengthen us and bring us peace.

“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy the good food and sweet drinks. Give some food and drinks to those who didn’t prepare any food. Today is a special day to our Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong.’” Nehemiah 8:10 ERV

Jeremiah said: “I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Look today not at the circumstances but at our God who changes circumstances and be filled with good medicine.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 ERV

I pray that God will fill your heart with joy and that you will be healed of dis-ease.

On a side note: Dave and I will be on vacation this week in an area that has very weak cell and internet service so I might not be able to post each day. I am praying that your week will be filled with love and laughter! I love you all.

Posted on

Never Underestimate the Impossible

Those are the song lyrics that lulled me to sleep. It was a song that topped the charts in 2002. Here are some of the lyrics:

“Unsinkable ships – sink
Unbreakable walls – break
Sometimes the things you think would never happen
Happen just like that
Unbendable steel – bends
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable
I’ve learned to never underestimate
The impossible”

And with that melody still in my heart this morning I began to think about the impossible things in Scripture.

Noah built a boat to shelter his family from the rain, but it had never rained.

Abraham and Sarah had their first child at ages 90 and 100.

Moses talked to a burning bush that was never consumed and parted the Red Sea with his walking stick.

Joshua saw the walls of Jericho fall flat and all he did was walk around the outside wall for seven days.

David killed a giant with a sling shot and a stone.

Daniel used a lion for a pillow.

Mary, a young virgin, gave birth to a son.

5000 people were fed with five small loaves and two fish.

Water was turned to wine.

Peter walked on water.

Lazarus was raised from the dead.

Jesus ascended to heaven.

“Jesus said to the father, ‘Why did you say ‘if you can’? All things are possible for the one who believes.’ 24 Immediately the father shouted, ‘I do believe. Help me to believe more!'” Mark 9:23-24 ERV

You may be facing the impossible. Don’t be deterred; don’t be afraid. Believe God and His word.

“Then this message from the Lord came to Jeremiah: 27 “Jeremiah, I am the Lord. I am the God of every person on the earth. You know that nothing is impossible for me.” Jeremiah 32:26-27 ERV

Our Father is a creator of miracles. Nothing is impossible for Him!

Posted on

Just Call

How many times each day do we wonder about something? We try to figure out the best way of doing things. We need answers and although friends and colleagues may try to help their assistance is often limited.

That’s why my morning quiet times are so important to me. I talk to the Father about things I know will occur throughout the day, plans I am making for the future and the daily unseen events that interrupt and cause me to make course corrections.

When I’m needing answers to some questions that are past my knowledge I don’t want to be held back because of my ignorance. I get up seeking the Father and His wisdom.

One thing that has been proven over the years, not just in my lifetime but of time itself, is God is faithful and His word is true. He tells us to ask for wisdom and He will give it liberally. When He says ask and it will be given, seek and we will find, knock and the door will open, we can be confident that He will be true to His word!

When we call – He answers!

“Moreover, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the guard, saying, 2 Thus says the Lord Who made [the earth], the Lord Who formed it to establish it—the Lord is His name: 3 ‘Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).’” Jeremiah 33:1-3 AMP

When it seems like we are in prison, the prison of our circumstances or the one caused by our limited knowledge or even an actual physical prison, He reminds us of who He is, His power and His willingness to help.

Call on Me and I WILL answer and I will show you the things that were hidden, the things that you don’t recognize or understand. CALL!

And after we call “Be still and know that I am God.”

“Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.’ 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 CEV

The wonderful work of the Holy Spirit is to teach us.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 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.” John 14:26-27 NKJV

The by-product of God’s wisdom is peace. The Old Testament tells us that we should be led by peace. If we ask for wisdom and it appears we get an answer, but it comes with turmoil and worry that isn’t an answer from God.

“Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do…17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. 18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.” James 3:13,17-18 CEV

You have walked with me as I have asked for wisdom this morning but now, I must take my leave and be still and listen. I encourage you to call – He will answer!

Posted on

Every Day Life

Should be lived with purpose.

“‘I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.’ This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.‘” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

All through the Bible we find the plans and purposes of God. This morning, I was caught up in the story of Ruth. A story with a purpose.

Ruth was a young widow who left her home country and traveled with her mother-in-law, who was also widowed, back to Israel. Naomi, the mother-in-law, returned broken in spirit. She had nothing; Ruth told her she would go to the fields and gather the grain that was left behind on the ground after the harvesters had gone through. That was the plan.

The owner of the field, Boaz, came to see how his workers were doing and noticed this young woman. When he asked who she was, he learned her story and respected how she was taking care of Naomi. He told her to continue to come to his fields and gather grain. Then Boaz gave this instruction to his foreman.

“And when she got up to glean, Boaz ordered his young men, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. 16 And let fall some handfuls for her on purpose and let them lie there for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.” Ruth 2:15-16 AMPC

The story ends with Boaz and Ruth marrying and having a son named Obed.

“And her neighbor women gave him a name, saying, A son is born to Naomi. They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David [the ancestor of Jesus Christ].” Ruth 4:7 AMPC

God had a purpose for Ruth; a kind and gentle young woman became the mother of the grandfather of David, who then became king and was called a man whose heart was for God.

Life had dealt Ruth a hard hand. Widowed at a young age, an immigrant, the companion to an older woman with no means of support.

“ We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” Romans 8:28 AMPC

Just a couple of final thoughts on all things working together for good. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers that was not good. But God worked it for good when Joseph was elevated to pharaoh’s second in command, and he saved his family from starvation during a famine.

“Then Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am not God! I have no right to punish you. 20 It is true that you planned to do something bad to me. But really, God was planning good things. God’s plan was to use me to save the lives of many people. And that is what happened.” Genesis 50:19-20 ERV

Don’t be afraid to follow God. Live life with purpose, His purpose, because His plan for us is good!

Posted on

We Have A Purpose

Each one of us have a gifting and a purpose that no one else has. God created us with individualized skills, abilities and passions.

“ I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you” Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Ask yourself these questions. What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing? The answer to these questions will lead you toward your purpose.

“A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. 5 That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.

6  God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. 7 If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. 8 If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.

9 Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good. 10 Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself. 11 Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord. 12 Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying. 13 Take care of God’s needy people and welcome strangers into your home.

14  Ask God to bless everyone who mistreats you. Ask him to bless them and not to curse them. 15  When others are happy, be happy with them, and when they are sad, be sad. 16  Be friendly with everyone. Don’t be proud and feel that you know more than others. Make friends with ordinary people. 17 Don’t mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others, 18 and do your best to live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:4-18 CEV

That simple instruction comes from the Apostle Paul.

Do what you do best – teach, serve, encourage, lead, give. Be sincere, be loving, be persistent, be joyful, be kind, be forgiving. Be friendly.

All of these characteristics are part and parcel of the gifts of the Spirit. When we put them into practice, we are living like God desires us to live and we reflect Him to the world around us.

When I woke this morning, I had this verse on my mind.

“Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, Lord, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Psalm 19:14 CEV

Dave and I have a big meeting this morning and it’s important that we let the character of Christ shine in us. Our words and our thoughts need to please Him.

We each have a daily purpose and that’s to let the love of Christ shine!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress