I welcome you with Heartstrings

I pray this day that you choose the Lord God. He will be your protector and sustain you in days of trouble. As you delight in Him, you will find the rich abundance of His grace and love like refreshing shade under the shadow of mighty oak. In Jesus name, amen.

We wonder what comes next don't we? I mean, if you aren't seeing the things going on in this world you'd better take you head out of the compose pile, so to speak. Need a better picture? Don't spend so much time looking in the mirror at your own reflection. Get rid of the junk that distracts you from hearing. Quit wasting time analyzing the garbage. Look into the Word of God and see these things are as His plans go. For our good and His glory. Glory? Yes! You will see how the story ends.

While reading Acts 4 this morning I came across something that struck my heart. Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit and before the rulers and elders of Israel he spoke.

Then being released returns to the church and prays to God with raised voices. They are remembering His greatness. Along comes verses 27-28...and here is where I had to pause.

"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever YOUR hand and YOUR purpose determined before to be done."

Think about this. From the beginning God has always been the One with The Plan. Hasn't He? He can turn a barren waste land like Israel's past into and oasis with fruits and produce that is now going out into all the world. Did you know this? He spoke it, and it came to pass. The prophets spoke the Word of the Lord and it came to pass! Why not choose Him?

Okay. Consider the evil happening openly in our own government. Even in America. There are bills that declare we should choose to follow evil plots and even make them laws. Murder of children. Restrictions when we have constitutional rights. Remember what freedom looks like? Feels like? I sure do and I'm not ready to conform to the world. Read Romans 12:1-2.

Here in our Bible we can see wisdom in the Book of Psalm. I also read Psalm 93 in my devotions this morning. It is very descriptive. 

Verses 20-23 says, "Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, have fellowship with You? ~ They gather together against the life of the righteous, and condemn innocent blood. ~ But the LORD has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge. ~ He has brought on them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; The LORD our God shall cut them off."

Praise the matchless name of the LORD! God's Bible is full of assurances like this. In the last chapter of His story there is complete victory over evil. Both in our news headlines and the ones still hidden in the basement of your neighbor. Some seen, most not.

Put to memory Psalm 91. Establish your heart, soul, mind and strength in loving the LORD God. Stop walking the fence! Either you jump down to one side or the other. You are not the first to be a bit shaken and experience fear. 

Lately, I am clinging to God's promise to Joshua 1:9..."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Amen!

If you are a Believer in Christ, you are filled with His Spirit. What is He speaking to your heart today? About a place, a person or situation to get involved in? It could be just to pray. Did I say, just? No, to pray and certainly before we ever step out in the faith that God has given us. Without ceasing. Put on the full armor of God. Trust in Him with all your heart. Now obey.

Thank you Abba Father for being the One who determines the outcome of every detail. Our world is shaking and the enemy is trying to bring us to fear. But, as 2 Timothy 1:7 says, You have not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. Thank You for choosing us and for Jesus who redeems us back to the You and for empowering us with Your Holy Spirit. In the matchless name of Jesus, Your Son...amen.

Abundance is...He knows my path