Welcome family and friends of Heartstrings!

I spent a couple of hours checking out the candidates for our elections in my state. I don't know any of these people personally, so had to go on what was said about them. In taking the time, I did search for key elements. One being the right for the unborn and any who stand against infanticide. I am weary right now. Another was where they stand on faith in God as the founder of our nation's freedoms. 

The envelope is sealed and signed and ready for the mailbox. Before taking it I laid my hands on it and prayed that God, being the One Who ultimately sets people in positions, will take my choices and bring His will over mine. He sees every heart and so I can trust Him with these elected.

Then I picked up a little devotional I have and it brought me the peace I needed. From Jesus Today by Sarah Young. If you have time let me share this with you. May your heart be directed and encouraged in the Peace of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 29:11 says, "The Lord gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace."

"I give strength to My people; I bless My people with peace. "My people" are all those who trust Me as their Savior-God. My death on the cross for your sins was sufficient to provide everlasting life because I am truly God. So rest assured that the One who provides eternal Life will also give you strength.

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

"When you are feeling weak, don't waste energy worrying about whether you can cope with the challenges you face. I know better than you what is on the path before you, and I stand ready to help--every step of the way. Having bought you with My own blood, I have a huge vested interest in you.

Because you are Mine, I want to bless you with My Peace. The Peace I give you is not as the world gives; it can coexist with the most difficult situations because it is transcendent. It rises above both your circumstances and your understanding--and it can lift you up too!"

John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

One thing I loved seeing about a couple of the candidates was they stood for Christian values and were against the socialism we are seeing pushed forward by our leaders. This is such a good time to pray for the leaders of our nation. I love our flag. I love the foundation of the Republic of America was based on. God bless America is my prayer. 

As we bring our concerns personally, locally and in our nation before Almighty God, we can give thanks to God that He is in control and has a very good plan. 

Philippians 4:7 says, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Bless you all in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...in Christ freedom rings

Dear family and friends,

Are you bewildered by society? The forces that lull some to sleep; the forces of evil that cause people to rise up raging against the very name of God? How are we to deal with the insanity and waves of fearful acts from those who are supposed to be a hedge around us? What has happened is not unnoticed by the Father. Be encouraged as you apply the Word of Truth to your daily walk.

Remember in 2 Timothy 1:7 we are told..."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."

His Spirit abides in us and brings God's Truth to the forefront of every decision we make. IF we will just apply it.

Practical advice and instruction in the Way of Life is ours for just taking the time to pick up God's Bible and settle in for a few minutes to sit at His feet and listen. Let Holy Spirit be your teacher.

So, hold fast as chapter 1:14 says, "Hold fast and follow the pattern of wholesome and sound teaching which you have heard from me, in [all] the faith and love which are [for us] in Christ Jesus...(verse 15)says, Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us."

Go on and read the whole book of 2 Timothy! It has many helps and instruction for our lives today. Yes, we are not to just sit on our hands but we are reach out to tell the Good News to all we meet! Feeling a bit scared? Maybe you don't think you have what it takes? A college degree or some paper framed on your wall. But, remember today that the Word of God is simple enough for a child to understand and accept as well as a 90 year old. God's Word never changes! All are welcome to come!

If you have questions about giving an answer to someone about God, the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. Need practical advice in any situation, He is there for you. Only call on Him and hold fast. He will keep you in His hand and guide you, no matter where you find yourself. 

I am remembering too that there is no better time than today to speak up about the wonders of God. That person who has been meeting with you for coffee for awhile now. They may have asked a couple of questions about your family and all, but might be afraid to bring up the sensitive topic of salvation. Afraid they could never measure up.

So, here you are sitting across the table from him and the Spirit urges you to ask the question, "Do you know Jesus?" Things get a bit quiet and yet you can see the effect of God's Spirit moving his heart. Your boldness along with the Love of Christ wells up in your own heart. You just ask the important questions. You simply allow the Lord to do the moving and shaking you know? 

I love this! It is an attitude of humility and compassion that comes in these times so special. As though you can almost see Jesus sitting beside the man with a smile on His face. When He looks at you, the blessing of obedience falls like gentle rain upon you and you find a deep joy risen in your heart. Nothing else matters at the moment.

Then, the man says, he must go. Are you downhearted or full of hope? Holy Spirit will continue to draw him to repent of his sins and call on the name of the Lord for salvation. Who knows it may even be today! In any case, as you look around the room you finally notice the others. How many will have overheard your conversation with the man earlier? Be prepared for God to use you!

Well, I didn't plan on sharing this but, feeling prompted because it is a fresh experience involving my husband. He was sharing this with myself and our son this morning. God is so good! We are believing for this man to come to Christ!

Now, is there anything impossible for God? Jesus said in Mark 9:23..."[You say to Me], If You can do anything? [Why,] all things can be (are possible) to him who believes!"

We aren't talking about the desires for more money, more food, more of stuff and such. WE are talking about the Kingdom of God and His will that none should perish. Let Him lead you. Have full confidence that He is able to take care of every appointment, every situation, every care of your life. And, that He longs to do this for others. Be His instrument.

All glory and honor be to Your matchless name Jesus! We will follow You. Amen.

Abundance is...keep to the path

Welcome back to Heartstrings!

Psalm 50:14-15 says..."Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High, and call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me."

Is this possible? Sometimes it is very hard to do in unwelcome situations but, over and over we are recommended to call on the Lord when we are facing trouble. Always wrapping our cares in thanksgiving. Like a package we set them at His feet for Him to do what He will. Regardless of our circumstances.

The world is the Father's world. Yes, He has His eyes on you in every season and trial. Have you ever listened to all the words of that old song written in 1901? Things were sure a lot different you might say. I agree.

The song starts off by recognizing the sounds of nature. The music of this world God created. Because He has made everything then I can rest knowing He cares for everything He made.

Verse two sings about the carols of the birds, the morning light. All declare His praise. He shines in all that's fair. In the rustling grass...He speaks everywhere.  

Now for the last verse. I will copy it as written. "This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er for get that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. this is my Father's world, The battle is not done, Jesus who died, shall be satisfied, and earth and heav'n be one."

Are there battles today...absolutely. Everywhere, in every nation there is something fighting to rule us. God is Ruler! He is Maker! Isn't He? Why not trust the outcome to Him?

Maltbie D. Babcock, the author of this song wrote: "Be strong! We are not here to play, to dream, to drift, we have hard work to do and loads to lift; shun not the struggle. Face it. 'Tis Gods gift. Be strong!"

Isn't this the very thing we are told? Be strong and of good courage! Jesus said in John 14:1..."Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me."

If God is Maker and Keeper of all, then I believe that Jesus Christ is also the Way, the Truth and the life. We have His Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, Strengthener, Standby and will be everything we need for Wisdom and Understanding for our times.

Jesus also said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled."

Jesus assured the disciples that He was going to leave for a time but, He would return. In the meantime, we have Holy Spirit to pray for us and teach us the Way to take. One step at a time.

Have Faith! God has a perfect plan. You have been redeemed and death cannot touch you. Your body may come to die, but your place from there is in the place of joy with Jesus! Have Faith!

God bless you today in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...Father's perfect plans

Bless you family and friends!

If you have ever stumbled in a dark place then, you can imagine, even remember, the way of the lost for that is what we were. To keep from stumbling we come to the Father and agree that His Son brings life eternal, as we repent of our sins. Then to walk in freedom, keep His Word near to your heart, always.

Proverbs 4:21-27 says, "Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.

For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you.

Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.

Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.

Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil."

This is pretty straight forward isn't it? I am so grateful for Holy Spirit lives in me and is my teacher, strengthener, wisdom and joy. The journey may be long and difficult but abiding in Him and knowing Who you belong to will keep you to the path of life.

The Lord bless you and keep you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...delighting in His Word

Good evening

Welcome back to Heartstrings! I am so glad you could be here. Springtime comes with so many gifts from above. I love hearing the many bird songs. Well, today's devotional from Streams in the Desert has something special to say. It blessed my heart!

Matthew 6:26 tells us, "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?" What is your answer?

From my devotional..."Oh, that we could reason less about our troubles, and sing and praise more! There are thousands of things that we wear as shackles which we might use as instruments with music in them, if we only knew how.

Those men that ponder, and meditate, and weigh the affairs of life, and study the mysterious developments of God's providence, and wonder why they should be burdened and thwarted and hampered--how different and how much more joyful would be their lives, if, instead of forever indulging in self-revolving and inward thinking, they would take their experiences, day by day, and lift them up, and praise God for them.

We can sing our cares away easier than we can reason them away. Siong in the morning. The birds are the earliest to sing, and birds are more without care than anything else that I know of.

Sing at evening. Singing is the last thing that robins do. When they have done their daily work; when they have flown their last flight, and picked up their last morsel of food, then on a topmost twig, they sing one song of praise.

Oh, that we might sing morning and evening, and let song touch song all the way through."

Wow! Isn't that uplifting? When I read this early, it really sounded like something I could apply to my life. Each day. While I don't know who the author is, I am sure the Holy Spirit was speaking to him or her in a private time in the presence of our Lord and King. 

So, don't let the song go out of your life! It makes the enemy twitch and itch anxiously until when he can't stand it anymore, has to run away. Lift up your voice and sing! 

You are in my prayers tonight. The Lord bless and keep you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...when we live on singing