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

Welcome to Heartstrings

You know you can talk to God anytime, right? There is no special place because He is everyplace. There is no condition to meet other than to come. That is what I am learning. The more I speak to Him, though not eloquent, the keener my ears become as I try to hear from Heaven.

Let's look at Psalm 141, the first four verses..."LORD, I call upon You; hasten to me. Give ear to my voice when I cry to You.

~ Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

~ Set a guard, O LORD, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

~ Incline my heart not to submit or consent to any evil thing or to be occupied in deeds of wickedness with me who work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties."

And it goes on. Do you see anything here that you can apply to your own life? I do! There is much to bring to the LORD in prayer these days isn't there? The list keeps growing! 

I do need a guard over my mouth. Lord knows I do. Especially with the things concerning our babies. You may have seen the horrible bill that was filed and trying to pass about the babies newly born. The Governor of California is one that is following evil. It grieves my heart. It makes me angry that it has gone this far. 

Now is the time to come to the LORD about our choices. IF we submit, we are consenting to the plans of evil wicked me. Even when they change the wording, be careful. They are workers of iniquity.

Of course there is nothing new under the sun as Ecclesiastes says. If you know your history you have seen it coming around again. Only much bolder as the day approaches for this world's day of judgement. 

WE have so many dainties offered to us don't we? This is where Holy Spirit is trimming the fat, so to speak, from my life. I'm not talking diet here! But, choices. The things I put my hands and mind to that take me away from precious time in God's presence. 

Can I get along without the subscriptions to magazines? Can I resist the ads to buy because it is on sale. I am seeing how silly it really is. Especially when I never thought I needed it before. Well, today, I'm not laughing. It makes me sick how I have justified the delicacies offered to me for so long. The more I turn them over, one by one to Jesus, the more free I become. Fresh life is mine!

In verse 8-9 of this chapter David says, "But my eyes are toward You, O God the LORD; in You do I trust and take refuge; pour not out my life nor leave it destitute and bare. Keep me from the trap which they have laid for me, and the snares of evildoers."

This is where it comes down to. Do you hear what the Spirit of God is saying to your heart today? What will you respond with? I know what He is saying to me. And, behind every word I hear His heart beating with profound love and compassion. He understands my condition, and the struggles I have with my thinking. I don't want to be a glutton for the things of this world anymore.

Let's pray. Abba Father, I praise You for bringing me to this new place in my journey. I am understanding how much it matters. I ask that Jesus will redeem my life from all the ways of destruction and make me wise to know the difference. I bless Your Holy name and give glory and honor in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...prayer like sweet incense before the Lord

Dear friends and family,

Thank you for allowing me to share Heartstrings with you today. I pray the Lord speak assurance to your heart as we take a look at someone without much courage.

There was a time as told in Judges chapter 6 that the Israelites would sow their seed and wouldn't you know it that was the time when the Midianites and Amalekites of the east would come up against them. They would set up camp and then destroy the crops leaving no nourishment for Israel. Not even their donkeys, sheep or oxen.

There are some days that just don't seem to have a good ending. Wouldn't you like to experience what Gideon did? Would you like the Angel of the Lord to personally show up and speak blessing and favor upon you?

The Angel of the Lord is Jesus. Although we would love a physical view of Him, I wonder if I could even stand upright. Yet, Jesus is Lord, Risen from the dead and is with us through the inward working of His Spirit. Just as He said.

So the people are crying over their loss before the Lord. God sent a prophet to remind them of the past deliverance and how they went out of that place of bondage. 

Then the Lord God spoke (verse 10) and said, "I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But you have not obeyed My voice."

Oh the troubles living today in our nation! Many are at a loss for the trouble they are experiencing aren't they? Could it be that they are in fear of the little so called gods who have set themselves up to ruin and destroy our nation? When it comes down to it...Who is your God and Who do you serve? God is the only One Who is True and Just.

Anyway, to here is Gideon beating wheat in the winepress to hid it from the Midianites and all the while the Angel of the Lord comes and sits down under the oak tree. The thought of Him sitting and watching Gideon makes me chuckle. 

How many times a day have I gone along thinking the Lord must not be paying attention to me. When all the while He is there near me! 

I love verse 12..."And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him; The Lord is with you, you mighty man of [fearless] courage!" 

Does this speak to your heart today? I hope you read the rest of the story about Gideon because he was anything but courageous. Isn't it that way with us? We think we are small, insignificant in God's plans and yet He sees us as mighty warriors! 

In that moment Gideon probably looked around to see if the Angel was speaking to someone else. But, no. He came to Gideon! A man who lived in fear of the enemy, just like all the others. Hiding out and trying to store away to keep the enemies grubby hands off his provision.

Think about this. Are you freaking out trying to store away foods and things in case of enemies. I know, we are to prepare for winter. And, we are. But, if it is done in fear of man instead of thanksgiving to the Lord for His provision, we are in sin.

We loose the most important things when we walk in fear. Our faith begins to weaken and we spend more time searching out the wisdom of the gods of our world than the wisdom of God. We find this wisdom in trusting Christ as our Savior and spending time with Him. 

It isn't just about how many scriptures we can quote but if we are taking time in the Living Word, Jesus Christ. That is what makes the Words in our Bible come alive. It remains and when we remain in Him, His Word, abides in us and we can bear fruit that pleases and brings glory to God.

These are just the things I have been thinking about the last few days. I hope it makes sense and speaks to your heart. You are not what the world says you are. You are what Mighty God says you are. Only in Christ can we be transformed into that image. 

Do you need to be transformed today? Where do you spend most of your thoughts? I know, it isn't easy. Holy Spirit is praying for us before the Father and leading us to be conformed not to the world but to the image of Christ. Talk to Him. As a friend. He is waiting and is so near, even living in you! Praise the Lord!

Abundance is...listening to the Lord, hearing what He says about you! In the matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Dear family and friends,

"If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

~ And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 

~ For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.

~ When Christ, Who is our life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendor of His] glory." Colossians 3:1-4.

These scriptures have come up again and again like signposts on a narrow road. The rest stops are provided by Holy Spirit. There is a well there that is cool and fresh; able to quench your thirst in the deepest parts of your soul. 

While holding the hand of the Lord I am comforted and assured of His great Love and Faithfulness. Behind every tree, every boulder, there shouts enticing words to lead me off the path and out from under the protection of the Shepherd. Yet, He will lead me, if I choose.

That must be the simplest way for me to understand. I wake each morning with a choice to follow Jesus, knowing He is my Life. I find His mercies are real and new every morning. His faithfulness as He has worked in the past helps me see He never fails. It just isn't in His nature to fail. 

So, I choose today to set my mind on things that lead me ever onward to higher things in Christ. This is where my real life is. Hidden with Christ Jesus, my Lord.

He will return just as He said. Then, I will appear with Him in His glory! Praise the Lord!

So, as you read the complete chapter of Colossians don't quit there! In fact, go to the beginning and read the whole book! It is full of ways to remain in Him. This tells us about home, how to behave in the work place, how to live wisely with the unsaved. 

If you want blessings to abound in your life today, stay in God's Word. His Love Letter is without shame, full of compassion and tender when you are hurting. Let your heart be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as you continue to Remain. 

Be set free from your sins! Coming to Jesus with a repentant heart, surrender your life to Him. He cancelled and blotted out, wiped away the handwriting on that note. He set aside and cleared it completely by nailing it to His cross. Then God disarmed the powers that ranged against us and triumphed over them in Him and in the cross. Do you see? Are you hearing?

Easter is coming. Based on not on presents, new clothes, a show of foods, or even the master directed program to bring us to worship. Come as you are and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God and will ever Remain so! 

Do you want to Remain in His Love today? Believe...trust in, cling to, rely on, adhere to Him. God bless you and remember, "He Is Risen Indeed!" In the matchless name of Jesus, Remain in Him. Amen.

Abundance is....constantly abiding

Hello family and friends

Welcome to Heartstrings where the story He is writing on our lives continues. Our journey, this path, leads us on to know Him more. Is that your heart desire? The last week I have been gleaning so much from Psalm 27. So, without my own input, I will let God's Word do the talking. He does it so well!

Psalm 27:1-14 says, "The LORD is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear or dread? The LORD is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid?

~ Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, [even then] in this will I be confident.

~ One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek, inquire for and [insistently] require; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the LORD and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple.

~ For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock.

~ And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD.

~ Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; have mercy and be gracious to me and answer me!

~You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), LORD, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].

~ Hide not Your face from me; turn not Your servant away in anger, You Who have been my help! Cast me not off, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation!

~ Although my father and my mother have forsaken me, yet the LORD will take me up [adopt me as His child].

~Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain and even path because of my enemies [those who lie in wait for me].

~ Give me not up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me; they breathe out cruelty and violence.

~ [What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the LORD's goodness in the land of the living!

~ Wait and hope for and expect the LORD; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the LORD." Amen.

What an honor to have God's Love letter in my own home and heart! Reading this over and over, I find added strength. It is my prayer and I know the Holy Spirit is praying for me too. I am grateful for the blessed assurance of my place in the family of God. I am secure. I am free. I am drawn to a closer walk with Jesus Christ. So, bless the LORD with me! You are His precious treasure and His plans are wonderful and eternal. Do you believe this? Tell Him.

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

Abundance is...seeking His face