Category: Encouragement

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Strongly Dependent

You may think the title to this blog is a typo but it’s not. Some would think I meant to say strongly independent but they would be wrong. How can one be strong and dependent, it appears to be an oxymoron.

Many times, circumstances and situations cause us to draw back. “I’m never going to be hurt like that again. I won’t allow anyone to be close enough to betray me and/or steal my ideas, etc.”. So the conclusion is to be independent, a loner, strong enough to stand on my own.

However, that is the attitude and determination that get us into trouble. It separates us from good counsel, loving support and God’s direction.

“The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety” Proverbs 18:10 CEV

David seemed to be alone; he was independent of the army of Israel, when he went out to face Goliath but in reality he was drawing strength from his dependence on the Lord.

“David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel!” I Samuel 17:45-46 NLT

Daniel exhibited the same strength when King Darius sentenced him to the lion’s den. The king had been tricked into signing a law that would condemn Daniel to death for praying. Daniel chose to honor the Lord and stand by his faith and devotion to the God. His dependence on the Lord brought his deliverance from death.

“So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.” 17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night. 19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den. 20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?” 21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.” Daniel 6:16-22 NLT

There were many times during His ministry that Jesus seemed alone, independent of His disciples and certainly independent from the religious leaders of His day. However, He was totally dependent on the Father. He would leave the crowd, independent of their opinion, to spend time in prayer, displaying His dependence on the Father.

“I cannot do anything on my own. The Father sent me, and he is the one who told me how to judge. I judge with fairness, because I obey him, and I don’t just try to please myself.” John 5:30 CEV

And finally, the Apostle Paul is an example of strength through dependence. He wrote over one-third of the New Testament. He was shipwrecked, beaten, imprisoned, stoned, persecuted in nearly every town he visited. He appeared to be completely independent, his own man. But he said this about himself:

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:9-10 NLT

I hope you find these verses encouraging. Maybe you have been trying to handle “it” all on your own. You’ve worked so hard to be independent, free from anyone being able to dictate to you. The Lord promises us strength when we become dependent on Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

When we trust the Lord we will become strongly dependent and there we will find victory!

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A Winner!

Going to talk about exercise for a bit this morning. When we first realize that we “need” to exercise it’s never pleasant. Accepting that we are out of shape and not as healthy as you should be is the first step. When we were kids it was called recess and it was fun but now that we are adults if just seems like work.

The first few days we have a real commitment or at least that’s what we tell ourselves. But then comes day 7 or 8; and it becomes harder to stay committed to the goal. Our muscles hurt, we’re not seeing any results yet, we start making excuses and when we do that we are on your way to failure. I know, I’ve failed many times.

Never once do I ever remember moaning and groaning about going out to recess. There were a number of times that I had to sit on the sidewalk, next to the teacher and miss recess. It was horrible, I wanted to be out playing (ssh, exercising).

Now think back to our childhood days exercise wasn’t a bad word, it was called fun. To be outside with our buddies playing ball, running through the yard playing tag or football. Going hiking to our favorite fishing spot or walking the mile to the swimming pool in the afternoon heat (my personal favorite). It was fun and we were in shape.

Of course you know this is going to have a spiritual correlation.

When we face trials and temptations it is an opportunity to exercise our faith. James tells us to count it joy because we will be developed and end up lacking nothing.

“My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. 3 You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. 4 But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-4 CEV

Facing trials is like building muscle. At first, we see little victories but then to continue to develop a muscle we must increase the weigh, the repetition or both. In walking with the Lord, we’re never left to do this on our own.. We have a great coach who is with us every step. Under His direction and inspiration we come out the winner.

“13 You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted. But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.” I Corinthians 10:13 CEV

Jesus knows what this is all about because He went through every temptation we experience while he was here on earth. Who better to coach us than someone whose been there, done that and emerged as the Champion of Champions!

“We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. 15 Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:14-16 ERV

Thank you Lord for coaching me through life and providing all the help I need to develop and finish a winner!

Time for recess!

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Prayer Warrior

This morning I found myself on the front lines of battle for friends of mine. I was dressed for the offensive, taking back ground that circumstances and the devil have stolen from them.

I knew it was going to be that kind of morning because each time I woke up during the night the lyrics of the song, Prayer Warrior, were going through my mind and settling in my heart.

We may see her in the grocery with her children
Or in the city nine to five each working day
She’s a mother or a teacher or a woman all alone
But she’s someone else entirely when she prays

She’s a prayer warrior down on her knees
Wrestling with power and principalities
Standing in the gap for others
For her sisters and her brothers
Reaching heaven with her heart – prayer warrior

We don’t see her lonely nights of intercession
Or that tear she shed with every whispered name
We may not see the simple things hidden in her heart
But the eyes of God are watching her with care

Bridge: And we’ll never wholly know the debt we owe her
For we’ll never know the evil we’ve been spared
Many nights she’s crushed through Satan’s strongholds
Reaching heaven with her prayers

Yes, prayer warriors! When someone tells me they are praying for me, it strengthens me. I honestly believe there is nothing more powerful that we can do than pray. When we pray, we take our need into God’s throne room and He provides the help we need.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Prayer is getting God involved; using the power He has given us in His word and we have His promise that His word does what it is sent to do.

““The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT

We have specific instruction from the Apostle Paul on what we need to do when we are facing battle whether it be spiritual, physical, financial, emotional or relational.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:1-18 NLT

Our command is to pray all the time, on every occasion and for all believers everywhere. I hope you never say, “well, all we can do is pray”. That makes it sound like prayer is a last resort – we’ve done everything else so we might as well pray. No, prayer is an offensive attack on the enemy.

Put on your armor. Join me and become a prayer warrior!

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Bump In The Night

Have you ever been in a situation when you knew there was something out there – something out there in the dark – and you were afraid? But then, in the light of day you saw that it was really only a tree branch or a strange rock formation or a small animal, something insignificant. Maybe you didn’t wait till light of day but instead you got out your spot light or turned on the flood lights on the porch – when you could see things clearly, it wasn’t scary at all.

Living rural we hear things that go bump in the night quite frequently.

Not so long ago, Dave and I were awaken in the dark of night by a loud thumping on our bedroom wall. What in the world?! Dave pulled back the curtain and found he was looking eye to eye with a deer. This buck had stuck his head into the bushes out side our window for a midnight snack of supple leaves and berries. Really? Dave tapped on the window to get him to run off but he was determined to stay until Dave opened the window and yelled through the screen.

Bringing things into the light gives us a true perspective.

That’s how I feel looking at things through the light of God’s word. It tells us that the Lord is our light and our salvation, whom shall I fear? When we let God light our circumstances we will see that His light is bigger than our problem and we can trust Him and not be afraid!

“You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me,
and I have no fears. 2 Brutal people may attack and try to kill me, but they will stumble.
Fierce enemies may attack, but they will fall. 3 Armies may surround me, but I won’t be afraid; war may break out, but I will trust you.

4 I ask only one thing, Lord: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple. 5 In times of trouble, you will protect me.
You will hide me in your tent and keep me safe on top of a mighty rock. 6 You will let me defeat all of my enemies. Then I will celebrate, as I enter your tent with animal sacrifices and songs of praise. 7 Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer.

8 My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face, 9 so don’t hide from me.
I am your servant, and you have helped me. Don’t turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe. Don’t reject or desert me. 10 Even if my father and mother should desert me, you will take care of me. 11 Teach me to follow, Lord, and lead me on the right path because of my enemies. 12 Don’t let them do to me what they want. People tell lies about me and make terrible threats, 13 but I know I will live to see how kind you are. 14 Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” Psalm 27 CEV

Don’t let fear cause you to hide. Turn the Lord’s spot light on your circumstances today!

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Home Again

Dave and I travel quite a bit. Last night we returned Home Again. This time we were in the Phoenix area and we were only gone 6 days; we had a wonderful time. We saw our oldest daughter and her husband, spoke at a friend’s church, and then spent the remainder of our time with our youngest daughter, her husband and two grandchildren. Before we left our newest grandchild was born and we were able to love on her too.

As much as we enjoy going – visiting family and friends, it’s always nice to come home again.

Last night we were sitting on the couch watching an English program on television. Some of the characters were involved in a play of the Wizard of Oz. One of the most famous lines came at the end when Dorothy clicked her heels together and said “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home”. That’s how I felt.

Home again.

And then as I was waking up this morning, later than normal, I heard those words again and thought of Jesus. He left his home, came to earth; some loved and accepted him but others rejected and hated Him. He knew when He left heaven what life would be like on earth and yet He came anyway.

“Now Jesus turned to the people again and told them this story: “A man planted a vineyard, leased it to tenant farmers, and moved to another country to live for several years. 10 At the time of the grape harvest, he sent one of his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers attacked the servant, beat him up, and sent him back empty-handed. 11 So the owner sent another servant, but they also insulted him, beat him up, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 A third man was sent, and they wounded him and chased him away.

13 “‘What will I do?’ the owner asked himself. ‘I know! I’ll send my cherished son. Surely they will respect him.’

14 “But when the tenant farmers saw his son, they said to each other, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ 15 So they dragged him out of the vineyard and murdered him.

“What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do to them?” Jesus asked. 16 “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others.”

“How terrible that such a thing should ever happen,” his listeners protested. 17 Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what does this Scripture mean?

‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’

18 Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.”

19 The teachers of religious law and the leading priests wanted to arrest Jesus immediately because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the people’s reaction.” Luke 20:9-19 NLT

Jesus knew. He knew what was in the hearts of those around Him. He knew. But His heart was filled with so much love that He was willing to face the consequences of hate filled and evil men to rescue us from a life of sin and separation from the Father.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” II Corinthians 5:21 NLT

He was willing to go through it all because He was looking ahead and could see that there was coming a time when He would return to heaven but this time He would be making it possible for us to be with Him.

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. 3 After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together.” John 14:1-3 CEV

Home Again.

God, the Father, in his great love has made a place for us in heaven. He has adopted us and He is overseeing the preparations of our home. As much as I love my earthly home I can hardly wait to get to heaven, see my Father and my heavenly home!

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Surrounded

Some of you are getting up this morning knowing that going to work means you are facing the enemy. Co-workers or even a boss that have been fierce in their dislike of you can make work seem like a battlefield.

It’s possible that your enemy is even closer than that. It may be a neighbor that is intent on making your life miserable or it could be someone living in your own home. You might be living with the thoughts of past failures and disappointments. You could be your own worst enemy.

Before David was anointed king of Israel, Saul tried to kill him time after time; he was pursued relentlessly through the deserts of Israel.

II Samuel, chapter 22, is a song David wrote and sang after he had once again escaped Saul’s pursuit. I encourage you to take time to read the whole chapter – David’s heart is one of praise for all God has done. I believe that David’s daily experiences are so much more intense than any of ours could ever be and so we can learn from him.

“He makes me free from those who hate me. You lift me above those who come against me. You save me from the man who wants to hurt me. 50 So I will give thanks to You among the nations, O Lord. I will sing praises to Your name. 51 With great power He saves His king. He shows loving-kindness to His chosen one, to David and his children forever.” II Samuel 22:49-51 NLV

All through the Bible we see examples of the Lord delivering His children from their enemies. Sometimes the Lord took them out of the danger, sometimes their enemies were destroyed in battle, and sometimes the Lord kept them safe in the midst of the danger. In each and every situation God could be trusted.

“He is the God Who punishes those who have done wrong to me. He puts nations under my rule. 48 He saves me from those who hate me. Yes, You lift me above those who rise up against me. You save me from those who want to hurt me. 49 So I will give thanks to You among the nations, O Lord. And I will sing praises to Your name.” Psalm 18:47-49 NLV

You may feel surrounded, like there’s no way out but there is.

“The Lord your God is with you, a Powerful One Who wins the battle. He will have much joy over you. With His love He will give you new life. He will have joy over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLV

Give thanks today – not for the persecution but for the deliverance from the attacks of evil and violent men.

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Full of Confidence

I’ve always been an optimist. Never really seen things half empty, have looked at the best in people and the situations that I find myself in. I believe that God the Father and Jesus were/are the ultimate optimists! They see us as new creatures in Christ – we are forgiven, sins blotted out and created in their image.

It is vital to our daily walk with the Lord to see ourselves in the same way as God, the Father, sees us. Without that understanding we will be void of boldness. Look at these verses today and see the fullness that God has blessed us with.

“I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

So many battle with insecurity and timidity. These verses are part of Paul’s prayer for the Christians at Colossae and so it is a prayer for us as well. It’s for Christians of every generation and all around the world.

“I want them to be strengthened and joined together with love and to have the full confidence that comes from understanding. I want them to know completely the secret truth that God has made known. That truth is Christ himself.” Colossians 2:2 ERV

“And we have a great priest who rules the house of God. 22 Sprinkled with the blood of Christ, our hearts have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. So come near to God with a sincere heart, full of confidence because of our faith in Christ. 23 We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised.” Hebrews 10:21-23 ERV

God welcomes us into His presence, not as beggars, but as His children. We come to Him with confidence because of what Christ has done on our behalf. We should never be held back by a guilty conscience that focuses on our actions, our sins are forgiven and so we have confidence in His grace and forgiveness.

Abraham was a man who had walked with the Lord for many years. God had blessed him greatly however, there was one promise that God made that hadn’t been fulfilled yet. Abraham waited to see that promise, the birth of his son, fulfilled for twenty-five years. Abraham was confident that God was able to keep His promises and we need to be too.

“But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. 21 Abraham was certain that God could do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21 CEV

We can be fully persuaded, full of confidence, full of faith, full of hope because we are complete in Christ!

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Starting to Sink

A couple days back I shared with you the story of Peter going overboard. You remember, he saw Jesus walking on the water in the middle of the night and thought it was a ghost. Peter questioned Jesus and asked if it was really him; Jesus said yes. Then Peter said well then let me come to you on the water. Jesus said, ok.

“Just before the light of day, Jesus went to them walking on the water. 26 When the followers saw Him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, “It is a spirit.” They cried out with fear. 27 At once Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take hope. It is I. Do not be afraid!”

28 Peter said to Jesus, “If it is You, Lord, tell me to come to You on the water.” 29 Jesus said, “Come!” Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid. He began to go down in the water. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 At once Jesus put out His hand and took hold of him. Jesus said to Peter, “You have so little faith! Why did you doubt?”

32 When Jesus and Peter got into the boat, the wind stopped blowing. 33 Those in the boat worshiped Jesus. They said, “For sure, You are the Son of God!” Matthew 14:25-33 NLV

There’s more to this story than just Peter walking on the water. The first thing we should notice is that everyone in the boat was afraid. They were on the sea in the middle of the night and they thought they saw a ghost coming on the water.

Fear had gripped their hearts. The first thing Jesus wanted to do was calm their fears so he spoke words of encouragement to them. “Don’t be afraid.” We all have a tendency to fear during life’s darkest hours. Perhaps that ghost of failure shows up in your dreams in the middle of the night when you are most vulnerable. Can you hear Jesus? He’s there and He says don’t be afraid.

Peter is embolden by Jesus words so he says “if” it’s you Lord tell me to come. What’s Jesus to say? “No Peter, don’t try this or Yes Peter, it’s me but stay put.”

Jesus says come and Peter went.

His eyes were on Jesus and he walked on the water! But then something happened. Peter began to look around, maybe thinking “hey, boys do you see this?”. He took his eyes off Jesus, saw the waves and felt the wind (external circumstances) and he began to sink. Fear came back and he was going down. I’ve often wondered how does one begin to sink. But in that split second of beginning to go down, Peter cries out, Jesus reaches out and they walk back to the boat together! And the winds ceased.

Do you feel like you are beginning to sink? Maybe you feel like you’re going down for the third time? You’ve felt like you were doing exactly what God wanted you to do, what He called you to do, you heard him say “come” and now the waves and the wind are bigger than you thought and you are going down.

Call out. Jesus is there. He will rescue you and the two of you will walk back to the boat together. Hand in Hand. Once they were safely in the boat, the others who were there realized that Jesus truly was God’s Son and began to praise Him.

I remember one other incident when they were all in the boat and ready to sink in the storm. Jesus stood up and said “Peace, be still”. You know we relate the “peace, be still” to Jesus talking to the wind and the waves but I think that Jesus may have been saying “peace to you disciples who are so fearful” and “be still” to the storm. Just a thought.

In closing I want us to look at a couple verses in Psalms.

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7 NLT

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” 11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” Psalm 46:10-11 NLT

Be encouraged because it’s God who says “be still, I AM God”!

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Cure for Discouragement

Do you have times that you get discouraged and struggle when things aren’t going right?

For years I have been putting God’s word into my heart and mind. It brings hope, courage, peace, healing and joy. Many years back I shared some of my favorite Bible verses with you and as I was reading through them I knew it was time to share them again.

I look at Scripture verses like multivitamins. We don’t just take them one time and have them strengthen our physical system for years on end. No, they are called daily vitamins for a reason. Bible verses are better than vitamins. Once they are truly absorbed in our system they can strengthen and encourage for years on end.

“You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the Lord, and he rescued you.
20 By the power of his own word, he healed you  and saved you from destruction. 21 You should praise the Lord for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.” Psalm 107:19-21 CEV

God’s word brings the cure for any ailment.

I want to share a few of my favorite verses with you from the Amplified version of the Bible. I praise God for those who have been called to the work of translating the Bible, not just in foreign languages, but into versions that make it easier for us to use and understand. There are many modern translations and I like using the Amplified version because it gives a greater understanding to some phrases.

These verses have really helped me and I hope that there are one or two that provide what you need!

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR LET ME DOWN! GOD WON’T LET GO!
“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

WHEN CHRIST RULES, PEACE REIGNS
“And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].” Colossians 3:15 AMP

HE TAKES MY WORRIES & MY CARES
“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” I Peter 5:7 AMP

I HAVE AN OVERFLOWING LIFE
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10 AMP

GOD CAN’T LIE! “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good and fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19 AMP

MOSES AND I HAVE THE SAME GOD, THE GREAT I AM!
“And when that time comes, you will ask nothing of Me [you will need to ask Me no questions]. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that My Father will grant you whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]. 24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete.” John 16:23-24 AMP

MY FATHER’S WORD GIVES ME CONFIDENCE
“And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. 15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.” I John 5:14-15 AMP

God’s word is filled with the power to change our lives. It never fails!

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer  and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT

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Looking Up Makes Me Smile

I saw a sign that I really like

“No matter how tall I get I will always look up to my Dad”

That’s how I feel about the Father – I will always look up to Him. We have so many things that cause us to look down. Working on my laptop this morning I am looking down; most of society is engrossed in looking down at the screen of their phone or tablet. And some of the more critical around us look down their noses at others, they look down on the little people or they are like Eeyore and look down because their hearts are aching and they feel lonely or depressed.

LOOK UP!

When Daniel was in the lions’ den he wasn’t counting lions, he was looking up to the One who delivers.

When David was facing Goliath he wasn’t looking around at all the soldiers who weren’t joining the battle but he was looking up to the Rock of his salvation.

When Peter was on the sea he was looking at Jesus who was walking on the water of his storm but when he looked down at the waves he began to sink.

Where’s your focus today? Are you looking down at your circumstances or are you looking up to your Savior and your God?

“I look to the hills! Where will I find help? 2 It will come from the Lord, who created the heavens and the earth. 3 The Lord is your protector, and he won’t go to sleep or let you stumble. 4 The protector of Israel doesn’t doze or ever get drowsy. 5 The Lord is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. 6 You won’t be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. 7 The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” Psalm 121 CEV

I look up to my Father. He created the heavens and earth – there is nothing that happens in my world that He can’t control or have a solution for. I look up and see His strength and His love. I look up and see His kindness and mercy. I look up and find His grace to help in time of need.

“ Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 NLT

After the great flood, the Lord put a rainbow in the sky and told Noah that every time he looked up and saw it, the rainbow would be a reminder that God would never destroy the earth again with a flood. We can’t see the rainbow if we don’t look up. We won’t see the stars, the sunrise, the sunset, the clouds in their beauty if we don’t look up.

Looking up reminds us of the Father’s greatness.

“When I look up and think about Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in their place, 4 what is man, that You think of him, the son of man that You care for him? 5 You made him a little less than the angels and gave him a crown of greatness and honor. 6 You made him to rule over the works of Your hands. You put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and cattle, all the wild animals, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and all that pass through the sea. 9 O Lord, our Lord, how great is Your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:3-9 NLV

Look up and see the Father’s loving face!

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