What Is the Source of Your Strength?

Proverbs 24:10 If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small

Faint: a sudden loss of consciousness

Adversity: a state of hardship or affliction; a calamitous event; distress

Strength: the quality or state of being strong; the power to resist strain or attack

Small: of a size that is less than normal or usual; little; minor in influence, power, or rank

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Psalm 18:29 With your help I will run through an army, with help from my God I will leap over walls.

Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.

In our humanness we scream out, “God, I can’t do this!!”, but in such moments we need to take refuge in Him, the One who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think.  God empowers those whom He calls.  He gives strength to those who feel weak.  It is God that enables us to do those things that seem to be humanly impossible to do.  We are capable of being our strongest when we feel our weakest.   

There are some things that come to us in life that really does seem to be humanly impossible—intellectually and physically—but we must remember that all our tomorrows are passing through God’s inspection line today.  And, as long as He deems it necessary it meets His approval, we can go through whatever we are faced with. 

 

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Keeping focus on God in spite of trial or hardship, keeps us from sudden loss of spiritual consciousness. People give up there walk with the Lord because they are too focused on themselves.

Focusing our hearts on the ‘here & now’ is what makes us faint of heart. We must die daily to the flesh, thought-process, and preconceived ideas and instead reach for the One that has all things in His control.

The Lord has not made His army for them to be overtaken, destroyed. He has not made each member of His army to be of minor influence or abnormal. But rather, He is the Commander-in-Chief to an army that will prevail.

Strain, trial, hardships, they come. It is a truly vital part of life. But, it is through Christ that we possess the power to resist the strain or attack that would knock us out of eternal fellowship. No matter what we face, as long as we hold fast to HIM, each of our lives can bring HIM glory.

Our lives can be influential regardless how we live. Bad influence or good influence, wicked influence or godly influence. Which will it be for you? Does the source of your strength lie with you, or with God?

True victory comes to those who persevere. With man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matt. 19:26)

 *****************************

Today would have been my nephew's 18th birthday.  He was involved in a tragic, fiery accident a year ago this past November.  Through a heart-rending series of events in both our lives, we had not seen one another in years. But in my heart he forever remained my nephew (and still does).  His uncle and I separated in 2001, later divorced in 2003.  Within a short time his parents also separated.  So, after these two events I rarely saw him.  Every time I would see him though, he would still call me "aunt".  I cherish his memory and I miss him very much. 

 

Yes, life is hard.  Unfair even.  BUT...God is always good.  It really is through Him that we can leap over insurmountable walls and have the strength needed to breathe in a new day.  Take heart, my friend.  Always Take Heart.    

God So Loved ~and still does

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

Don’t save it all for Christmas Day,

Find a way,

To give a little love every day!

***********************************

Christmas, my child, is love in action…When you love someone, you give to them, as God gives to us......Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas! 
--Dale Evans Rogers

***********************************

JESUS---He is the King of kings. Every day He blesses us. He is our protection and our guide. He shields and He loves daily. He never tires or sleeps. What a mighty God we serve! Angels bow before Him and all His saints adore Him!! He came to us as a babe and never ceased to be all that He ever was—He’s the God of the Universe, Jesus is His name!

Have a BLESSED Christmas!!!

My God Is Able!

Ephesians 3:14-21  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner-man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadeth and length, and depth and height; and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.  Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.

 

Paul asks for several things through prayer. 

1. God grant strength by His Spirit in the inner-man

2. God would dwell in hearts of the saints by faith

3. The understanding of love

4. Know (feel) the love of God

5. Fulfillment to the fullness of God

6. Belief in the Miracle Worker

7. Saints would remember God's glory in the church forever

Most importantly Paul understood that there is power in prayer.  Just think about being strengthened by GOD's great power!  What a wonderful, glorious thought.  God is the Source of strength and endurance for me.  I don't know where I'd be today if it had not been for Him who is on my side.  I dare to think...I'm scared to think...about the possibilities of life without Him and where my life could be if not for Christ. 

I am fortified, built up, toughened aka strengthened by God and His infinite grace!  For this cause I bow my knees unto Him...if not outright physically....it definitely is in spirit and heart.  I bow daily.  It is not of mine own strength and endurance that I face each new day.  God grants me each breath I breathe.  He grants the energy needed for each task I perform.  

I know a love that I can not totally comprehend.  Jesus.  His love surpasses all my understanding.  But I understand enough to know that HE LOVES.  I understand enough to know that He is faithful.  I understand enough to know that He is all powerful and that He is a miracle worker.  I understand enough to know that He works every minute detail...and He does it all for my good. 

Always He is good!

I'm thankful that I'm wrapped in the cradle of His arms.  He's a loving Father. 

Today, my mind has been thinking alot on the children.  And right now I'd like to insert a quote from Stormie Omartian:

Help my child to know the beauty and simplicity of walking with a sweet and humble spirit in obedience and submission to You.

*******

Lord, please protect and keep her always. Wrap her in the cradle of your loving arms. Truly, Lord, You are the Father to the fatherless.  You are hope for the broken.  You are a refuge in trouble.  Your love is what keeps us renewed and soaring above all our struggles. You strengthen us and give us patience to endure all our tribulation.  We love you and we very much thank you for your faithfulness.  Amen.

 





He Was Born

Luke 2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. 

Babies bring a sense of newness to us all.  They bring a feeling that 'life will go on'.  Babies bring a sense of delight, wonder, and new beginnings.  We can’t help but smile when we look at them.  And, we post announcements and pictures letting everyone know about “the new arrival”.

Well, the grandest announcement ever made happened over 2,000 years ago.  This arrival was a great joy for all the world.  Our Savior was born!  He came to be sacrificed for our sin.  He is the Savior who is Messiah and Master of all. 

 

And, a bright and shining angel announced his birth. 

 

The angel said, “This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

There is a carol that says:

Do you see what I see, way up in the sky, little lamb? 

A star, a star…with a tail as big as a kite. 

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, Do you hear what I hear? 

A song, a song, high above the trees with a voice as big as the sea.

The announcement should still ring far and wide.  Jesus is the Savior! Jesus brings us goodness and life.  Evil is present in this world, but GOD is forever good. 

 

The announcement of our King isn’t shoved into some “junk drawer” somewhere, it is not filed away in a cabinet never to be seen again for a long while, but it shines ever brighter unto that great day.

 

Jesus is the best!!! And His name rings forever in the hearts of whom have made contact with Him!

I’m so thankful that He came!  I’m so thankful that He loved me this much!  His name is the sweetest name I know. 

 

Now go share Jesus with someone today! 

Power In The Name of Jesus

II Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of sound mind. 
Psalm 18:47-49  It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.  He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.  Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, amongst the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

Truly the Lord is a refuge for us! 

The spirit of fear does not come from Him.  In time of trouble He is the One to go to. 

I am so glad to know the power in the name of Jesus.  There is healing in the name of Jesus.  Power in the name of Jesus.  Hope in the name of Jesus.  And, so much more. 

Live carefully but do not live in fear.  Speak the name of Jesus.  Believe in the power of HIS name.  All fear shall flee.  In Jesus name!  

The 3 Characteristics

Romans 12:12 (NIV)  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer

I read this verse yesterday.  It spoke a great deal to me.  Then today I got on two different (random) sites and the same scripture pops up.  I believe He's speaking. I pray I'm listening well. 

Yes, no matter the way it seems...or the way it looks...or the way it sometimes feels around here....

I want to fulfill my duties with joy, patience, and faithfulness.

I am so very, very blessed!  Life is good.  Because I serve a God who is good! 

I want to look for the Master in each and every day I am given.  Thinking on Him is sure to make a heavy heart, light.  I am so thankful for the positive vibes I get through this scripture.  I am so thankful that I get the opportunity to grasp hope.  I am so thankful that I have a Friend I can talk with no matter time or day.  Jesus is my bestie.  :) 

And I can't think of a better scripture to celebrate this day 12.12.12 than with this one.  This date will never come again in my lifetime.  I want to serve Him well in it. 

Blessings to all on this clear, cold, crisp day! :) 

Little Among Thousands

Though Thou Be Little Among Thousands…

Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting

 

The prophecy was spoken.  The prophecy was fulfilled. 

Bethlehem—not a place of prestige, not a place where you would think a King would be born—this was the birth place of Christ.  Bethlehem was considered the “runt of the litter”, to the eyes of humanity, not a first pick kind of place for the Ruler of the world. 

But, Behlehem was the place! 

It was no coincidence that Joseph and Mary found themselves there that Holy night.  It was fulfillment of prophecy.

From Bethlehem came the Leader who would rule Israel, even the whole world!  This leader would not be considered a pretender, but his family tree was very distinguished.  Jesus stood tall in His rule by the strength of the Spirit. 

 

Jesus is the very center of majesty.  He is God-revealed!  Jesus is the safe home in which our soul can dwell. 

The whole world should hold Him in respect.  He is our PEACE and in His presence is fulfillment of JOY.

Carol of the Day:
 O Little Town of Bethlehem
 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

My Source of Peace

Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength

JEHOVAH: the eternal, self-existant, unchanging God

So lately I've been quite concerned...ok, worried...about several issues.  The other night I went to God's Word and found this scripture passage.  In short, A God-thing! 

I think about God all the time, but sometimes my trust level is a bit off (or shadowed).  I admit, I do have trust issues.  I'm embarrassed to admit that, but it's nevertheless true.  I have to constantly remind myself that though a lot of circumstance (and people) have let me down in life, God is never changing...He's trustworthy...He's always going to "be there" for me. 

I'm so thankful I read God's Word.  When I read this passage I thought, "so...it's not about me thinking of Him, but it is all about my trusting in Him".  The Bible--it is my source...my weights, so to speak...the source which builds not only my character, but my spiritual strength.  His Word enlightens my darkness.  His Word lifts my spirts. 

COMPLETE peace can only come into the lives of those that put there trust in the Lord. Truly He is everlasting strength to those who put their trust in Him. 

JESUS is the REASON

Luke 1:35  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shalt come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

 

Around this time of year we hear phrases like, “get in the spirit of the season”, and I am very grateful (o, so grateful) that the Spirit, the HOLY ONE, did come!!!  I am thankful HE lived, died for my sins, rose again that third day, and is now preparing a glorious eternal home for us all!  He is the REASON for the SEASON. 

I don’t know exactly when He was born, but I sure am glad that there is still a day in which we can freely celebrate His birth and that He did come into the world as our Deliverer.  Oh, what glory divine!!  What a miracle!  What a birth! 

There is no greater gift than this—A Savior for eternal souls.  God robed Himself in flesh, came to be our sacrifice…and still works miracles in our daily lives.  He provides and works out situations for our benefit.  What a good, good God!!

 

Allow the Holy Ghost to come upon you today.  Be overshadowed by His power.  Let Him work a miracle for YOU.  My friend, He makes things that look impossible, possible.  The I Am makes it all possible.  Instead of looking at all the overwhelming impossibilities, look to the One who can fix it all.  He works in such powerful, mysterious, miraculous ways.  Look at your life from a different angle today.  The I Am is present to help.  He is near.

Bask in your relationship with the REASON :) 
SONGS OF THE DAY:
 "First Noel" artists: Josh Grobin/Faith Hill
"Gloria" artist: Michael W. Smith
"Mary's Boy Child" artist: Harry Belafonte

A Baby Changes Everything

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

Whether you “believe” in Christmas or not, by reading the scriptures we know that the Christ-Child was born to save the world.  In my opinion this scripture is one of the best One-God scriptures there is. 

Because HE came my soul now has a home.  I love Emmanuel more today than ever before.  He is my reason for living.  He is my reason for giving.  He is the King of all kings.  Nobody can hold a light to Him, He is the light of the world!  A baby really did change everything!

I can’t help but wonder how it really must have been for Mary.  How scared she and Joseph must have been…

We seem to over-look the human-ness of the story most of the time.  We don’t really think about what life must really have been like for them through this life-changing experience.  Scholars say Mary was probably only 14 years of age.  She was unwed and a teen.  What?!  Scandal.  I’m sure being pregnant with Jesus was the biggest trial of her life, but was also the biggest blessing of her life. She most assurredly withstood a lot of ridicule.  Yet, she was willing to be a servant of God anyway.  Joseph was too! 

Our human mind says, "what a strange way to save the world", yet our heart tells us, "God can do anything! " He could have chosen to appear with out going this route, but He chose Mary…and Joseph…and allowed them a far more exceeding eternal weight of glory.  And we all got benefited! 

What would you do if an angel came to your bedside and said you were pregnant when you know you hadn’t done anything to get that way??!  Talk about having to get over what people say about ya!  Mary and Joseph sure must have! 

There is a song out now called, “Joseph”.  Jason Crabb sings it.  If you ever get the chance to listen…listen to the words of this song!  Also, Mark Lowry penned words so well when he co-wrote the song “Mary did you know”.  I encourage you to listen to it as well. 

The Blessing in Gifts

" Our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of another praying for us."

 

Luke 6:37-38 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Your hardship is not being ignored. God sees…and so do others. 

In time, because of the witness of your tenacity in the hardness, blessings will come to you. Judge not, especially those that do not understand. Condemn them not. Instead, forgive. 

Don’t jump on the failures of others or their lack of understanding, don’t pick on them, or criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. 

Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang.

Be kind, gentle, forebearing one another in love. You’ll find that life is a lot easier when you do this. Choose to give! Give away your life; you’ll find life given back to you—given back with bonus and blessing.

The Gaither Vocal Band sings a song called: Give It Away

If you want more happy than your heart will hold

If you want to stand taller if the truth were told

Take whatever you have, and give it away

If you want less lonely and a lot more fun

And deep satisfaction when the day is done

Then throw your heart wide open and give it away

He was workin' in his garden when I happened by

He waved me over with that look in his eye

And he started breakin' off some ears of corn

Here boy, today this corn is just right

Just boil it up for your supper tonight

I've learned it's true what my pappy used to say

Nothing's quite as good 'til you give it away

(repeat chorus)

There's been a lotta water go over the dam

Since the day in the garden with my Uncle Sam

So I hope you'll hear these words I have to say

There are two kinds of folks-takers and givers

There's gripers and complainers and big hearted livers

It depends on how we choose to spend our days

We can hoard up all we've got, or give it all away

 

None of us get through this life alone—not a one of us, not even the most beggarly of souls. For even the dumpster-divers get their meals from what is thrown out by another. And if that’s all you can do to get a meal…well, keep diving…one day it will pay off and ‘a giver’ will invite you to their table, or pay for you a hot meal. J Aren't you glad that the Giver came to your heart's door?  Aren't you thankful He gave you the gift of eternal life? :) Give Him your faith, your love, your very life.  I promise...you will lack for nothing!
   

Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity

 

 

The Lord Will

Psalm 29:11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.

In the midst of the storm God shows up!  He shows forth His power and might, and gives strength to those who have none. 

We have the option to fight our battles alone, but when His children depend on Him, He does not allow them to fight all alone. 

His love is real. 

Right in the midst of pain, suffering, struggle and heartache He helps us and stills our hearts so that we may know that He is God! 
 
He rules and reigns forevermore! 
He is Emmanuel. 
He is the HOLY One and His name is JESUS! 
He is Healer, a mender of the broken. 
He is Counsellor, instructing us on our way as we walk the pathway of life. 
He is the Light of the world, lighting our darkest nights, guiding us through to triumph. 
Jesus is God with us. 
Always with us!

Just Think...

Ecclesiastes 3:1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.

Here's wishing you the start of a 'Holly Jolly Season'!!! :)  It is my wish that you find snippets of joy in every day of this month. 

Now, here is a little message written by DaySpring co-founder, Roy Lessin.  I hope it will encourage you today.

Just Think...

You're here not by chance, but by God's choosing.

His hand formed you and made you the person you are.

He compares you to no one else--you are one of a kind.

You lack nothing that His grace can't give you.

He has allowed you to be here 

At this time in history

to fulfill HIS special purpose

for this generation.