Good morning Heartstrings family

What is the theme of your life story? I am sure something comes to mind right away. Maybe based on the last year. Maybe based on a lifetime. Whatever, that theme may be we must remember Who we belong to, Who is in control and so then, what have we to worry about? 

One thing seems to stand out to me and that would be the word pain. But, when I bring it into the light of the Word of God, it is only one aspect. And in that, I am realizing the pain has a purpose. How can I say this? Because I belong to God. His ways are not happenstance or suddenly thrown in my direction like a lightning bolt in a storm. His ways are perfect. 

I am confident that my life is hid with Christ. He is my Shepherd to feed, guide and shield me. Is He yours? Reading Ephesians chapter one will settle any confusion. Chosen by the Father, Redeemed by the Son and Seal by the Holy Spirit...for eternity! 

I would love to sit with you awhile and chat. I know the troubles of this world will continue. The pain, the loss, the hatred, the financial needs. All of these and more. What about the burden you carry for your children? The loved ones that have refused Jesus as their Savior? All of these can cause a person to begin to feel hopeless, can't they? They touch us personally. 

God sees and longs for matchless, boundless, abundant companionship with you and I. No matter where we live or what our station in life is. Sick or poor. Rich or alone. He is our answer.

Freedom is what I long for. Not only for my nation but for my body. When my mind begins to covet more time to be indulged by entertainments or foods or attention...then I feel distant from the Lord. But, in returning and repenting, I find the peace I long for and the soundness of mind I certainly need, regardless of my circumstances. 

Psalm 25:2-5 says..."O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me. ~ Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause. ~ Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. ~ Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long."

Oh, brothers and sisters, I long to have the heart of David. Yes, he knew trouble but somewhere in the middle of all of that, he could rejoice that God was by his side. He knew what tasks a shepherd had each day. The care and keeping the flock safe and well. What has God given you to care for today? A visit to a neighbor, a shoulder to lean on, a witness of light in the darkness?

Jesus said there would be troubles in this world. In His short walk on this earth, He had many to care for. Matthew 14 tells about the feeding of the people. He had compassion on them and even healed the sick. He fed them all until they had enough. To see, they had to have eyes of faith. Open my eyes Lord.

Anxiety is needless because Jesus is near. We can say that but, do we believe it when hit with bad news? Who will we trust? The word of man or The Word of God?

What about this? Have you, I know I have...had the stray thought that nothing can be done because there isn't enough money! How sad. For example: today I have a grocery list, but only 5 dollars. The list is for good things but now, I get to see how God will supply. Will He give me all on the list? It is up to Him. He is the Good Shepherd. Now, I get to believe.

That is just one example. Now, Hebrews 12:2 talks about looking away from all that will distract to Jesus. He is the source. Do you agree? I know sometimes it seems so long for an answer to come from God, but He will answer. Maybe not in the way I desire, but Father knows best.

Well, this is a long one today. There is so much more I wanted to write but, I believe the Holy Spirit will teach you all you need as you are facing the day. Every step. Every hope. Every desire is found in Jesus Christ. Ask Holy Spirit to fall upon you today and bring a refreshing to your body, soul, and spirit. I agree with you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...a good theme

Welcome back to Heartstrings

I woke this morning with this verse. It took me awhile to remember all the words so I could look it up. This is what I found and heard in my Spirit.

Isaiah 30:15 says, "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. But you would not."

It sounds pretty good until those last four little words, doesn't it? Do you need rest for your soul today? I sure do! But, most times the time being quiet does not come easily. I have always been one to look for the activity for the moment. If you read the next verse it talks about the speed of horses. Now, I don't own a horse, never have. But, I do know I like the idea of speeding across mountain trails and rich valleys under an open sky. Before I get carried away with this picture, I need to come back to a quiet place. 

Confidence does fit in here. When fitted with quietness it can be rephrased as "utter trust". Trusting in God's strength and not our own...or the strength of a horse, or another person. I keep thinking about this and come up with all the excuses I make to be busy. Doing it my way. But, we are warned that those who pursue us will swift enough to take you down. Where you don't want to be. Where you can't get up on your own. Where you need help.

Get the picture? I am curious what might have come to your mind. So many examples! 

There is a promise in verse 18 which says, "And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing} to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!"

Who would have guessed the outcome of waiting on the Lord? Sweet companionship that is unbroken. An intimate relationship with the One Who made you!

The outcome is so much more than just sitting with my hands folded in my lap, and nearly falling asleep. I sense this quiet time does take a lot of courage. To stay alert to the whispers of Jesus as He speaks to my heart. First, I have to bring all the distracting thoughts before His throne. There is where I will find mercy and grace in abundance for my soul!

Are you ready to return to your rest? Begin by being still and knowing He is God. Cast all your cares on Him. And, listen. The Spirit will show you if there are things to repent of. This is a good place. Never be afraid of Love. 

The Lord bless you and keep you in the hollow of His hand and far from wandering. In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Abundance is...my strength is in returning to Him

Good day family and friends,

Are you under the loving care of the Good Shepherd? I love Psalm 23. It has encouraged me many times over many years. Today, I would like to share this wonderful chapter using the Amplified Version. First, let's pray and invite the Holy Spirit to teach us.

Heavenly Father, we come to worship You through the reading of Your Word. Open our eyes to see what Your Spirit is saying. Forgive us for all sin that separates us from fellowship with You. Be our Lord and Savior today. In Jesus name, amen.

Psalm 23 says, : The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. ~ He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. ~ He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [ uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. ~ Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. ~ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over. ~ Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place." Praise the name of the Lord! Isn't this wonderful?

At the bottom of the page in my Bible there is a notation about the oil.  "It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing and invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated, and better fitted for action, so the Lord would anoint His "sheep" with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs---in heavenly fellowship with Him."

I also read that the oil applied to the sheep around the eyes and ears would keep the insects from bothering them. I love knowing that the Holy Spirit does that for you and I. With all the trouble, the confusion, the blatant lies of the enemy and works of evil, isn't it a good thing to ask the Lord for His Spirit to cover us every day?

There are prophesies and things about these end times. What to expect, what to be aware of. If these come from man and not the written Word of God...run! Even this morning I heard about the next sickness coming like we experienced the last time around the world. For a moment it raised my heart rate. I recognized it as fear. Quickly I turned off that report and tuned into the Word of God. That is what brought me to Psalm 23 again. 

When fear reports strike the heart and mind we have the assurance of our place in the heart of God. So many times He says, "Do not fear, do not be afraid. For I am with you." 

Another promise I turn to often is 2 Timothy 1:7..."For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control."

In it's simplest form, read and store in your mind and heart the precious words of the Lord. He will keep you no matter what is going on around you. Only hide in the secret place of His love and provision. Do not neglect to get understanding. Ask and you will receive. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...understanding the heart of God

Hello Heartstrings family

When you check a book out from the library many can be renewed. Some only once. When you come across a really good book, don't you want to read it often? I do. Even with that available, I am finding my favorite reading is from the Word of God. This hasn't happened before! Now, I am seeing how to apply the Truth to my everyday journey.

Your story most likely is different than mine. The connection we have is through the Son of God and our faith in Jesus. The very best relationships are founded in Him.

When you think of being renewed, what comes to your mind? For me at the top is to have a renewed way of thinking. Without the false ideals, the inability to determine what is right and true. The only way I know to have a renewed mind is by trusting what God says. What He thinks about me, and learning that the Holy Spirit is the best teacher. 

 Every one of us is hearing what the world thinks is best for us, right? Do you want a renewed outlook? Do you want to exchange your confusion for perfect peace? How about a clear mind and wisdom for every decision you face? Amen?

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

This is the how! In those books you read, do you go away with a changed mind for the good? Or, is it just a fantasy and full of fiction...much like a Hollywood set for a movie? I didn't realize how much time I spent in the wrong place. And before I knew it, without knowing how subtle the enemy works, my marriage was becoming feeble. Why? Because I kept comparing it to the story of some pretty fantastic, no problems, free of chaos kind of people. 

The only thing I should compare myself to or that of others is to the Word of God. And, if I fall short like most of the times I do...I can go to the Lord Who knows me and made me and find counsel that I really need. Holy Spirit will teach and advise, comfort and challenge me to draw closer to God. 

Then, as Romans 12:1 says, "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service and spiritual worship."

Wow!! When I read this, I want to have my mind and heart renewed often. Not just once a year during the holidays, but daily. In the presence of God Who is Holy. Without fear. 

Each of us need the unmerited favor of God. Grace. Grace to hope. Grace to allow the Lord to turn the page of our story. Grace to walk with Jesus, step by step. Knowing He will never leave us. Do you know Him?

I feel like I am struggling to say what my heart is full of right now, so, I better let the Lord speak to you. I am only trying to express what I am learning today. 

Would you like to be renewed? 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if any person is [ingrafted in Christ (the Messiah) he is anew creation (a new creature altogether); the old [precious moral and spiritual condition] has passed away, Behold, the fresh and new has come!"

This is being uniquely reworked by the power of Christ. Only call on the Lord and find salvation for your soul so you can find renewal everyday to love the Lord God with all your heart, your soul, your mind and your strength. Now, rejoice! Again I say, Rejoice!

Psalm 47:1 says, "O clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph and songs of joy!" In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...being renewed day by day

Dear Heartstrings family,

Does it seem like a day does not go by without hearing some bad news? Do it personally touch your life? Does your heart ache for those who have experienced great loss? Maybe, you are one of those today. Bad news comes to many doors. I am praying for you today, that the Lord God will speak peace to your soul and mind. Regardless of your circumstances, you will turn to Him and fully know how much He loves you.

I have read so many promises that assure me of His help. His kindness and compassion for all who put their trust in Him. I could not go on without these promises.

Psalm 9:9-10 says, "The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation). And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) Your [on the authority of God's Word and the right of their necessity."

Did you get all of that? It sure seems exactly what is going on at this time. Be sure it gets God's full attention. Then what to do with this? 

Psalm 9:11 says, "Sing praises to the Lord, Who dwells in Zion! Declare among the peoples His doing!"

Never forget to give testimony to the things God is doing in your own life. Set your heart and mind upon Him.

Philippians 4:4-8 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!"

Go on and read the rest of this. Paul of all people, with all of his troubles is inspired by the Holy Spirit to tell the church at Philippi to Rejoice! He would know, by personal experience, wouldn't he? It works!

He goes on to say, "be anxious for nothing..." You may say, "Oh sure, right. But you don't know what I am going through!" Actually, you should know by now, you aren't the only one on the planet in troubled times. Look around you. Consider others. What about the people of Maui? Those in Canada? Those of our nation where we are supposed to be a free people, yet instead are being ruled by a corrupt government who thinks more about providing for terrorists than our oppressed people on the streets? I could go on but, that is not where I want to direct my thoughts.

You see, the greater space I give my thinking to about things that create anxiety, the less space I give to worship. God is the only One Who can keep our hearts and minds in perfect peace. He tells us in His Word how.

Please abide in His Word and draw near to God. He is our only help in these times of trouble. You know how I love Psalm 91? There is verse 15 which tells us, "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him, I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him." 

All because of verses 1-2...my hearts desire is this. I will dwell in the secret place of the Most High and shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty whose power no foe can withstand. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God, on Him I lean and rely and in Him I confidently trust. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

If you have not put your trust in Christ yet, do so now. Things here will only get worse before the Lord's Appearing. Will you be ready to meet Him? I pray for this. I pray you are now. Amen.

Abundance is...God hears