Hello Heartstrings family

"Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! Let al men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]." Philippians 4:4-5

Right now you may be thinking with all the cruelty, evil plots and wars between people how can this be a time of rejoicing? Read on for the answer. I had to read this a couple of times and slowed down to not pass it by. 

I found myself doubting my salvation. I asked Holy Spirit to affirm  that I am really saved and in the Beloved. I grew up in church, knew the songs, even helped out as I got older. But, until a couple of days ago did I really get a look at the heart of my doing and going and joining. My motives were not all pure. 

There was always a worry or something to get me off track so I couldn't honestly praise the Lord. I know He walked with me like He promised. He kept me from the terrible. Yet, somehow I was blinded to the reality of His hand in my life. 

I repented. For the first time it is as though the clarity of heaven with Him and the joy is clean. Free. All those things I have read in my Bible and shared with you. The journey has been long. I don't know how much time there is before I meet Him. I do know my desires have narrowed down to knowing Him above all.

My thought life is renewed and my peace restored. As I read this portion of scripture this morning I knew you would be encouraged too. 

I am reading from the Amplified; Philippians 4-8..."Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants know to God."

In Ephesians 6 where Paul exhorts us to put on the whole armor of God, he doesn't forget to add to "Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)."

More and more I want that peace of heart and mind! Do you? Of course you, as believers, know to come to the Lord at anytime, anywhere, regardless of your circumstances. Call on Him.

Finally, knowing I am assured of my salvation, I want to have my mind renewed and empowered to make right decisions in what I view and listen to. My best place is just what Paul says in Philippians 4:8.

"For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them.]"

Whatever...a rather loaded word. I have watched some things finally turned it off because it caused anxiety. Even some so called Christian movies. I believer God's Spirit is refining me to spend eternity with Him. I will not be perfect until Jesus appears but then, I will be changed and worthy to face Him without fear or shame. 

If you feel bombarded with all the news media, the supposed places to find retreat and entertainment, turn first to God's Word. The things of this world will pass away. Ask Holy Spirit to help you separate the precious from the worthless. Your time. Your spending. Your soul worship. Set the idols down and walk away. You won't regret it. Together, we will pray for the day when Jesus says, "Enter into my presence where there is fullness of joy!"

God bless and keep you all as together we look for His Appearing!

Abundance is...rejoicing always