Welcome one and all!
What are you convinced of? Are you sure? Will you say so?
Hebrews 13:6 says in the Amplified version..."So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified] What can man do to me?"
This really seems to fit for today, doesn't it?
Then in verse 7 we are encouraged to remember our leaders. The ones who brought to us the Word of God. We are called to observe their manner; pay attention to the way they live. Then, imitate their faith (their conviction that God exists and is the Creator and Ruler of all things, the Provider and Bestower of eternal salvation through Christ, and their leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness."
A long explanation, yes, but it brings understanding to my mind and heart. I had to read it over and over. That's ok. Especially when the challenge is to fully trust God in all things.
Verse 8 says, "Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages)." Praise the Lord! He is the Only One who remains Faithful and True!
Now, verse 9 is where we choose. It says, "Do not be carried about by different and varied and alien teaching; for it is good for the heart to be established and ennobled and strengthened by means of grace (God's favor and spiritual blessing) and not [to be devoted to] foods [rules of diet and ritualistic meals], which bring no [spiritual] benefit or profit to those who observe them."
Haven't we been learning there are good foods and ones that cause harm to our bodies? I'm not saying, forget the things that are best. I too, watch what I eat but not to the extreme of being ungrateful to God for what He has provided. That is a whole other subject. What I am trying to say is Ask God for wisdom. He will show you the way.
There are so many fads these days that end up in wrong focus. Idols, whether man or the image of who you think you should be like, or allowing these false gods to dictate your life. There is no one but the Lord God who has the best plan.
Follow hard after God! I am preaching to myself as well. Who is the same? Jesus Christ. Has He ever changed? Never. Then who are we to try to pull the wool over His eyes? He sees right through to the very heart of us.
So, back to the first question. What is your conviction? What does your life say you believe and who do you put your trust and confidence in? Tough love is still working.
Father in heaven, help us to lean our entire personalities on You in absolute trust and confidence in Your power, wisdom, and goodness. Change us to turn to Your Word for our instruction. This is where life is. Forgive us for following the voices of guessing, self proclaimed prophets. Bring us back to Jesus, the Only One, the Way, the Truth and the Life. We humble ourselves before your throne in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Abundance is...to know that I know
Dear Heartstrings family,
I am so glad you could gather here with me today. I hope your journey is full of hope and promise with every step. If you are an American, you celebrated Independence Day with family and fireworks and food. Celebrate freedom joyfully every day.
While I have thought what it means to be free, I could come up with so many things. Like a debt paid off and food on the table. Hope that still beats steadily in my heart and soul. But, how deep does your freedom go and where does it come from? Take time to consider this.
Yes, there are many around the world that suffer great losses, even here in America. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. Looking into God's Love Letter, I see clearly where true freedom comes from. Regardless of our situations, we can hold fast to the Faithfulness of God. He holds the answers.
John 8:36 says, "So if the Son liberates you, then you are really and unquestionably free."
Are you looking for some important person to set you free from all anxiety, burdens and trouble? Or, maybe you long for more money? Bigger and better things?
No matter where you live or what is happening in your life, I believe the most freeing thing is to know I am free from my sins! John 3:16 and 17 will remind you how much you are loved. The heart of God longs for fellowship with each of us, which cannot happen without the completed work of Christ Jesus on that cross. He rose alive forevermore!
Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages which sin pays is death, but the bountiful free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Praise His matchless name!
Romans 8:2 says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed me from the law of sin and of death."
Have you ever been so thirsty your tongue felt dry? All you can think about is where you can find a cool glass of water. But it doesn't last for long, does it? Maybe, in fact, for sure... we need some living water. Like fresh bubbling spring water. There is nothing like it! Jesus is our Living Water. Talk about thirst quenching!
Revelation 22:17 has the last word..."The Holy Spirit and the Bride say, Come! and let himw who is listening say, Come! And let everyone come who is thirsty [who is painfully conscious of his need of those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, and strengthened]; and whoever [earnestly] desires to do it, let him come, take, appropriate, and drink the water of Life without cost." Life Without Cost! Think of that!
When you think of a desperate situation, who is there to help you? Who can you trust with your life? There is only One Who can cut away those chains that bind you. You may be so close to freedom and yet, it doesn't seem to be close enough. I am sure you can think of many situations.
True freedom. Freedom indeed. Galatians 5:1 says, "In this freedom Christ has made us free and completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery which you have once put off."
So, all the details of life...good and bad, we can still be free. Do not let your circumstances become your prison cell. Everyday give thanks to God for all your blessings. If you have to write them down, do it. Only don't let the opportunity pass you by. In doing this, your burdens become lighter, your countenance brighter and you find a happy heart beating with every breath God gives you.
I wish I had more time to share. Every day is a testimony of God's wonderful grace and mercy. Talk about your Freedom with others! Pray for one another and sincerely lay your life on the altar of each day. Submit to God and the devil will flee as your sing praise to the Lord. Believe, trust in, cling to and adhere to the Lord for He is able to keep you in all your ways. For your good and for His glory.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord abundantly bless you with freedom indeed! In the matchless name of Jesus Christ our soon coming King, amen.
Abundance is...to be free indeed
Good afternoon, Heartstrings family
How are you today? Have you noticed how fast the time has gone by? There is so much going on! I have prayed you are safe and well. That your faith is strong in the Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of all the things happening in our world. Prayers are constant for Israel, America and family around the world.
Personally, when I give precedence to the news above the Word of God, I become faint hearted and discouraged. My hope wanes. My countenance droops and my words are unbefitting for a child of God. Do you understand? Where do we turn when bad news, experiences, troubles come to us?
Psalm 73:25-28 says, "Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. ~ My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. ~ For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You will destroy all who are false to You and like [spiritual] harlots depart from You. ~ But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works." Amen!
Today, brings us another day closer to the return of the Lord! I pray this encourages you. Bringing our focus where it should be and drawing nearer to God strengthens us so we don't compromise in the day of trouble.
If you have been born again, you know the Lord will sustain you. If you are reading daily the precious Word of God, you will remain under the shadow of the Almighty. He will not forsake you. He Is faithful. His plans are perfect. Read Ephesians chapter one and see how much love He has for you. For He has chosen you. He has redeemed you and He has sealed you with His Holy Spirit.
We stumble but we will not fall flat. Holy Spirit is preparing us as the Bride of Christ and soon we will meet Him face to face! I long for this more than any other thing.
I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray continually. Are you?
Psalm 62:5 says, "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him." Are you resting?
Ask Holy Spirit to take charge of this day. We take this journey, not alone, but with Jesus. I find that when I try to figure out the future and plan for every possibility, I tend to ignore the Lord, my constant companion. He sustains us moment by moment. His hand is strong, so let's not be anxious about anything.
Search out the scriptures and find your heart and mind, soul and strength are renewed daily. When the storms come, and they will, be not afraid. Soon, He is coming!
Father in Heaven, You are Holy and I submit myself to You. Your plans are perfect. Time, belongs to You, Everlasting Father. Fill us with Your Spirit so we may have power, love and a sound mind, as it says in 2 Timothy 1:7. Help us, restore us as we surrender to You Lord God. Pour Your Spirit upon us, like fresh oil from Your Throne. Be with those in trouble. Help them lift up the Shield of Faith and stand strong without compromise. The enemy makes lots of noise, but we know You are in Control, all around the world. WE love you Abba Father and pray these things in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Though I don't get here often, you are in my prayers. Pray for one another! Love in Christ Jesus, Patricia.
Abundance is...when I do not compromise
Dear Heartstrings family,
Much time has gone and our journey is not yet over. Still, I am listening for the call to meet the Lord in the air. Are you?
Personally, I have had to walk through some tough physical situations. But I am assured the Shepherd holds my heart in His hands. When I am weak, I have only to give thanks for His breath in my lungs. Weak muscles are slowly being restored. My spirit clinging to the One Who loves me most.
Even though it has been a while since we gathered here. I am assured that the Lord is watching over each one of you. If you haven't met Jesus as your Lord and King, please read the last entry I posted. Take time now to call on His name and be saved.
God Is Faithful and will complete a good work in you as you love Him and endeavor to follow Him. You are His precious child. A treasure. He longs for you to draw nearer to Him. There is no fear as you rest in His presence.
No matter what the world is saying. No matter how much is not being said...spending time in the Word of God is where all your answers will be found.
Does anxiety press upon your mind and heart? Turn to Jesus. I understand how it can be difficult at times. This is when you need to choose Him above all the other noise. Find a place to say, "Be still my soul."
Faithful One so unchanging. Ageless One, You're my Prince of Peace. Lord of all I depend on You. I cry out to You. Again and again. I cry out to You, again and again. You are my Rock in times of trouble. You lift me up when I fall down. All through the night Your love is the Anchor. My hope is in You alone.
Let this be your prayer. Father God, thank you for being so Faithful and True. For always keeping Your promises. Though I don't always see very far ahead, I can put my trust in You and not be afraid. When death comes knocking, it is then I have found immeasurable assurance and Your tender mercies. Thank you for saving my soul Lord Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit for sealing me with the eternal promise that I belong to Abba. In Your matchless name, amen.
Did you recognize some promises from God's Love Letter? Look them up and hold them close to you at all times. I will write again as I am able. May the Lord bless and keep you safe and well. His peace is yours.
Abundance is...He is always Faithful
Good morning Heartstrings family
No one ever cared for me like Jesus! If you believe, trust in, cling to and rely upon the Son of the Living God, then you too can say this. If you imagine another god to give you life when you deserve death take a closer look at those masters you serve. They are dead. Serve our Risen Savior!
Romans 6:23 says, "The Free Gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God is love. "But God demontrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.
I am a sinner. "For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God." Romans 3:23.
Forgiveness is available for all. "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.
Trust (have faith) in Jesus as Lord. "For by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the GIFT of God." Ephesians 2:8.
Would you like to accept the free gift of eternal life today? You can right now by believing, confessing, and repenting.
Lord Jesus, thank you for taking my place on that cross. You suffered terribly for me to be free from my sins. Thank you for conquering the enemy of death, hell and the grave! I will rejoice always as I consider You as my First Love. Bless many more and bring them to faith. Come soon Lord Jesus! In Your precious, Holy name, amen.
Abundance is...The Gift