Dear Heartstrings family,

I'm not sure how you came to be here with us today. I only pray that the Holy Spirit has brought you.

Do you know the heart of God for your life? I know the testing is hard. But I believe even in these trying times, God is speaking. If we will listen and trust Him with all our heart.

I want to pray like I see David pray. He had a heart for God. He was honest before Him and wasn't playing games. God sees all hearts and knows us intimately.

Resort to prayer. Psalm 109 spoke several scriptures that settled into my heart. Although the weather is fierce and we find ourselves at a great loss, we must look to God Who is in control of all things. Though you are sick in body or soul, you can find the peace of God through relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are struggling financially, look to Jesus as your provider for all you need. I know this season is to be joyful. Regardless of the circumstances, we can rejoice in all situations because we know Who we trust in.

I am thinking today of those who are broken hearted because of family choices or loss of a loved one. Do you know who you can turn to? I agree, it is not easy. But we must press on in faith.

Psalm 109:21-22, "But You deal with me and act for me, O God the Lord, for Your name's sake; because Your mercy and lovingkindness are good, O deliver me. For I am poor and needy and my heart is wounded and stricken within me."

You are not alone. I pray we can continue to be a light in the darkness around us. Only Jesus can shine through all of this.

Verses 26-27..."Help me O Lord my God, O save me according to Your mercy and loving-kindness! That they may know that this is Your hand, that You Lord, have done it." 

Help me rejoice even in this O Lord.You do bless and are able to keep me from falling.

Verses 30-31..."I will give great praise and thanks to the Lord with my mouth; yes, and I will praise Him among the multitude. For He will stand at the right hand of the poor and needy, to save him from those who condemn his life."

Do you hear David's words? Do you think it was an accident that we have this in our Bibles? It was inspired and kept for us today by the Holy Spirit. Only believe. Trust in, rely on and cling to the Lord of All.

This is a scripture I take personally. Isaiah 46:4. "Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you."

God wants us to remember in trying times these things. You're never alone. Nothing takes Him by surprise. When you're weak, HE'S STRONG. He's the GOD of new beginnings. His Love never gives up on us.

Well, guess what? God can speak to us at any time in any way. This card came back to me, after my dad died. All the cards I sent to him were returned to me. And, wouldn't you know this one came at just the right time. So don't be surprised by the surprises from God's own heart. It is meant for good not evil.

Today, there are sirens, chain saws and all kinds of helpers trying to get power back to over 30,000 people. Ours came back after a long day of darkness. There are many more dealing with flooding, fallen trees and the cold. Our state is not the only one. We pray for our neighbors far and wide and give thanks for the provision and count the blessings we have. 

My Christmas joy comes from Jesus. There are no packages under a tree yet, I feel the life of Jesus and count His presence as the best possible present we could receive. If you still don't know Him, call on Him and be saved! Read the book of John and let the Holy Spirit teach you and lead you on day by day. 

Last scripture. I know I have shared this before. But, knowing it and receiving the blessing holds me together. It is Romans 15:13..."May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope." In Jesus matchless name, amen.

Let the joy of the Lord and the assurance of His peace abiding in you be your greatest gift this Christmas. The Lord bless you and keep you, amen.

Abundance is...from the heart of God