Welcome Heartstrings family

"For I know that the Lord is great and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, that has He done in the heavens and on earth, in the seas and all deeps." Psalm 132:5-6.

I realize there are some pretty strange and varied happenings in our weather. Some have experienced and lived through flood, tornado and hurricane. Such destruction! Does God see?

I believe He does. The Bible tells me so. From the beginning, our earth has been challenged to look to God, the Creator. He has kept those who are His. Today, you can be called His own chosen one simply by calling on the name of Jesus Christ. Repent of sin and let Him be the Mighty God in your life. 

Jesus told us there would be trouble in this world, didn't He? He experienced trouble in the wilderness. Tempted and tried but He came out of that desert place triumphant. He submitted to the cross but only for a short time. Then, He came out of that tomb, victorious over sin and death! 

Jesus calls us to stay awake. Watch. Be careful not to be deceived by the 'signs' in the sky. Many have made nature an idol. The only truth is nature cannot save you. Only Jesus can. 

So, if you are worried about the things, although very captivating, be warned that the enemy, Satan is at work. Some have said they have seen Jesus in the sky. That is not our Lord and soon coming King. Remember Satan is a copy cat, deceiver and wants to pull our attention from the true Mighty God.

You have heard that we are to walk not after the flesh but live according to the Spirit? To be able to discern the Truth from a lie we need to be full of the Holy Spirit and be taking the Word of God into our hearts and minds daily.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical, but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:3-4.

While you are in His presence daily refute those arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the true knowledge of God.

Lead every though and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ the Messiah, the Anointed One! 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Can you see why this is a day to day walk? I cannot grow slack and lazy or I will stumble. To nurture relationship with the Mighty God is not a frightening thing. It is a safe and blessed place to be in the secret place of the Most High. You will be stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty whose power no foe can withstand! Psalm 91.

The promises of God are sure and He is Faithful! He wants to hold us close and He says, "He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him." Praise the name of our Mighty God!

I admonish you to abide in Him today. You are in my prayers. As I read Romans 8, I think of you. To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ the Anointed One! Amen.

Abundance is...our God is Mighty to save!

Welcome Heartstrings family

Are you ready for the old things to pass away and new to take its place? It can happen today as you call on the Lord. He is our peace. Living in an anxious world is a battle. We can be going along fine and then it hits without warning. These are the end times.

Does Jesus, The Prince of Peace ever change? No. Is He preparing a place for us with Him in heaven? Yes. Does He keep His promises? Absolutely! 

I am nestled in His arms today. Although my body hurts and the enemy tries to discourage me and shoot arrows of anxiety at me, I will remain in the Love of the Lord God. He sees and knows it all. 

I must remember Who is in control and that the weapons of this warfare are not flesh but spirit. Still remaining in His Love. I read this morning some scriptures that I believe will encourage your heart. Grab your Bible and let's take time now. Put on the belt of Truth.

I will be using my Amplified Bible for better understanding. And, I pray now for wisdom, understanding and discernment by the power of the Holy Spirit, to refresh your heart and mind. Amen.

Proverbs 12:25..."Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad."

Philippians 4:6-7..."Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

~ And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

John 16:33..."I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"

Do you feel your faith being watered as you read from God's Love Letter? You might say, " Well, things are pretty good for me right now." Sure, but can you see the hours ahead? Only God will be there when things aren't pretty good. Pause and think about this.

We can have this blessed assurance everyday, no matter what comes our way. If my focus is on wars, our government troubles, our health...any fearful thoughts, we can become unproductive in our witness to the lost. Seek the Lord early and gird up your faith!

2 Timothy 1:7..."For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, or 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."

I believe now that the self-control this speaks of is about my emotions. And I know what it is to loose my physical balance and fear falling. So, I need to exercise and discipline the balance of my mind by the spoken Word of God. Jesus came to make this known to us.

There are so many passages concerning this. Old and New Testaments show us. What a gift we have. Have you forgotten the value of a Good Book? The Bible is the very best of all that is good. Mine is getting pretty raggedy around the edges, but it has become so personal to me. I hope you know.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we come to You with all our cares and lay them down at Your feet. Without a doubt You are able to take all the important things and keep them. The meaningless worry, please take them from us. Prince of Peace, protect and shield our hearts and minds. We trust and love You. Holy Spirit do a new work in our lives to make us more visibly a child of the King. bless each reader today with understanding of their need for You above all. We worship You. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ our soon coming King, amen.

Abundance is...our Prince of Peace

Welcome to Heartstrings

Nehemiah 13:31...after all the works Nehemiah did for God he says, "O my God, [earnestly] remember me for good and imprint me [on Your heart]!" What will your final words be?

There are many things we are offered in this world to cherish. Haven't you found that to be true? Look around you. What do you see? Simplicity, calm and rest in your home? Or, chaos, calamity, and influences not of God? He doesn't ask us to be perfect. He does ask us to give our all and trust Him with all our heart. 

Recently, I have been squeezed by the Word of God. His Spirit has, as I asked Him to, teach me the ways of the Lord. My eyes are being opened to the destructive influences on my book shelves, my attitude in my home, and lack of desire to see people. The enemy has been working overtime by stealing my sleep, my joy and my song. No more!

It doesn't mean that I throw everything out the door. Nothing fits like it used to. I am being changed from the cocoon of self into a free way of liberty. It is like taking a deep breath of fresh air after a hard rain. Isn't it wonderful to fill your lungs with fresh life? This is how the Word of God has been for me.

My days are to continue, as He has planned. What I do with them makes all the difference. What does it hurt to spend more time in the Word than on social media? It does not hurt me. His Word may be sharp and cuts away the sickness of sin but, He will not hurt me. So, it is my choice what I will cherish.

Have you ever read the whole chapter of Psalm 119? It is a long one! I decided to do this today and found that my thinking is clearer and my steps more sure. He has shown me that His precepts, His instructions give me life! Why choose to cherish the things of the world over Him?

Psalm 119:96-97 surprised me a bit as I read through. I had to go back and think about this. "I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end] no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]. Oh, how love I Your law! It is my meditation all the day." amen.

We can justify the good but it is God Who is Good. There are times when I do not want to even go outside. Not because of fear but more that I want to not be sidetracked. So, I am learning that with the Holy Spirit I am able to go and do as He orders my steps. 

Psalm 119:114 says, "You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word." There is where we stand. In hope and confidence that He will never leave us or forsake us. That should draw you deeper love with Him.

Never let it be you on that Day, saying "But Lord didn't I do this for you and that in Your name?" To hear Jesus say, "I never knew you." More than all the physical sufferings we go through I believe this is the greatest sorrow and unbearable. 

Today, I am praying for you. I know I am not here often but, you are in my thoughts. I know many of you are suffering so much and know the pain of loss. I pray your faith would help you stand and look for the hope in Christ Jesus that is offered to you. Soon, the Lord will bring us into His home. Everything is being prepared. To receive a new body in His glorious appearing! So, think on these things. Obey the Word of God and let Him love you in the shelter of HIs arms. If you sin, call and repent quickly. Then, get up, brush yourself off and return to the narrow path. He is with you and will keep you through it all. Cherish His presence, His Word and be filled with fresh oil from His throne through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Abundance is...keep choosing the Lord 

Welcome back to Heartstrings

So much has happened in our world and on our home front. Yet, no matter what or who or even when, we find hope in reading the Word of God, His love letter to us. You won't find it like anything else to sustain you. Will you? I certainly have not. Only in His presence I have all I need.

We are praying for the peace of Jerusalem as this war heats up. Things are changing so fast. But, at this time are you afraid? Psalm 56:3-4 is written at a perilous time in David's life. Like him are you having troubles with the Philistines? Actually, we all do at some point. But, this is what David says, "What time I am afraid, I will have confidence in and put my trust and reliance in You. By [the help of] God I will praise His word; on God I lean, rely, and confidently put my trust; I will not fear. What can man, who is flesh, do to me?"

I asked the Lord to sustain me today. He has and He will. My confidence, after taking precious time to read my Bible, is enlarged. I know He is able to keep me. 

Psalm 54:22 is another of David's songs. This time he is hiding from Saul, who is intent on killing the chosen of God. As we find later, Saul will not succeed anymore than those nasty Philistines. Why? Because David knows Who he belongs to. He says, "Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consitently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail)." 

Since the war with Israel, I have been in prayer almost constantly. Day and night. With little sleep. Yet, the Lord has sustained me. Because I trust in, lean on, and confidently rely on the Lord. He only is our safe place. Our Refuge and Fortress.

Jesus is praying for you and I. Abba Father is listening for our cry for mercy. And, He will give it! Read Daniel 9. May it move your heart to follow hard after Almighty God! Change me Lord, heal me so others will be changed and healed. Amen.

John 16:33 says, " I have told you these things so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]"

Does this mean that we never sin or fall short? NO. I am one to say this. But, at every step off the path of God's perfect will, I am quickly called to repent and return. He is listening for us to cry out for mercy. 

Never forget the blood of Jesus shed for you and I on that cross. Nor forget that He conquered death, hell and the grave! As He is so shall we be when He calls us up to meet Him in the air. Oh, I look forward to that amazing Day of Christ!

Whether I get here to write or not, I pray you are in the Living Word of God, being fed and sustained at His table everyday. May the peace of Christ cover you and the Spirit of Truth teach you. I trust you into His keeping in the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our soon coming King! Amen.

Abundance is...His mercy sustains me

Welcome to Heartstrings

I'm so glad you could gather with us today! I know time is precious and many are distracted by the news of war, an eclipse, prophetic opinions, personal loss and sickness. Do you feel the world shaking under your feet? Does it seem like nothing satisfies the way it used to? You are uncomfortable and desire a home prepared for you. Are you ready for the real Truth?

During one of my times in the Word of God, I was moved beyond anything I have experienced before. This is not a prediction message or to call you anywhere except to the foot of the cross. Are you interested?

So, reading Matthew 25:1-13, a few days ago, as I have many times before I was struck as though the word lamp was highlighted. I asked Holy Spirit to teach me about the lamps and the 10 virgins. I will try to explain.

All 10 virgins had lamps. All had a measure of oil in them. But, Jesus called only 5 of them wise virgins. They had extra oil. The other 5 He called foolish. And, all were waiting for the what seemed way over-due, the calling of the Bridegroom to come away.

We all know what it is like to feel so drousy that we can hardly keep our eyes open. In the last several months my own sleep has been difficult with nights where I have to get up, walk, pray and stumble back into bed only to wake exhausted. Yet, in it all I am fully aware that the Lord is beside me, awake or asleep. And earnestly waiting for His appearing.

Anyway, the call sounds out that the Bridegroom comes and they were to go out to meet Him. The virgins got up and put their own lamps in order. I particularly noticed they took care of their own lamps. 

The foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. But the wise replied, There will not be enough for us and for you; go instead to the dealers and buy for yourselves."

So, the foolish went one way and the wise the other way. But, while they were going to buy more oil, the Bridegroom came and those who were prepared went in with Him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. SHUT.

I can almost hear the door as it Closed. Now, I imagined the foolish, finally following the path to the door, expecting to enter. There were likely lamps left behind here and there. I know I would have wondered what that was all about. Puddles of oil leaking from the discarded lamps made the foolish leave footprints on the path. 

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the Light so why would we need to have the lamps with us into the brightness of His glory? 

It is my own imagination but, so clear these last few days. The 5 foolish virgins take the steps up to the door and knock asking to enter. Jesus comes to the door and tells them He doesn't know them, depart.

Then all the excuses come tumbling out of their mouths. But, we thought it best to polish the lamps before coming. We had to stop and buy a better pair of sandals for the walk. We can hear the music and see the light shining and know there is a party going on! We want in! 

I never knew you. I am not acquainted with you. Can there be anything more sorrowful?

To be left out. To miss the mark. To know the Bridegroom is on the other side of the door. To feel the darkness, like a heavy robe and the dampness making your shoulders bend under the weight of your choices. 

What matters most? That you went to church, taught sunday school, sang in the choir, gave tithes, helped the needy? Or? That you simply came to the foot of the cross and from there discovered a precious treasure in Christ and freedom from passions in sin? 

Do you have polished idols in your life today? Anything or anyone that has a higher place than God? Any love or desire more than your love for God? He doesn't make mistakes. And, as often as we show up, He is there. 

Giving my life to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is the way into the banquet. Remaining close enough to hear His whispers. Taking His Word as the oil for my lamp. My witness, no matter the circumstances in my life to reflect my time with the Master.

Well, this is just something to think about. I know which side of the door I want to be on! How about you?

Simply come, ready your heart as a sacrifice to be molded and shaped into the vessel of honor He desires. Call on the Lord and you will be saved. Today, if you will. I am praying for you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. The Risen Lord and soon coming King! Amen.

Abundance is...having enough oil