He waits

The One who created you, who knows you from the beginning of your conception, your Creator God waits for you!

Psalm 139 is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It describes the love of a father for his creation. It describes how God knows us from the beginning of conception.

Science supports the fact that there’s a splash of light when the egg and sperm connect at conception. The light is God and he knows you from conception.

Psalm 139:1-24 NLT
O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. [2] You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. [3] You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. [4] You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. [5] You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! [7] I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! [8] If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. [9] If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, [10] even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. [11] I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night- [12] but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. [13] You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous-how well I know it. [15] You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. [16] You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [17] How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! [18] I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! [19] O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! [20] They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. [21] O LORD, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? [22] Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 139 it reminds us how He sees us, and it reminds us to search our hearts and to communicate with him.

It reminds us that He knows the steps we’re going to take.

It reminds us of our worth wonderfully created powerfully known by God.

Sadly, the world‘s message is exactly the opposite. You see the world’s messages that you’re unworthy, unlovable, but you need to fit into a mold that is not of God‘s description. Those are lies from the pit of hell. Those are lies that if we believe those will take us down a crazy train Track.

The enemy knows if he can keep your mind fixed on what is not true and distracted that our minds will be too busy with the lies and not open to the truth of God.

Psalm 139 can reset the truth and promises and God‘s word in our mind. Memorize it. Posted on a card in your bathroom recited. Declare it. So when you have those times of distracted minds, you can remember what the truth of God says about you. A beautifully created Child of God. Your identity must be in Christ your purposes have been ordained from your conception.

Ephesians 2: 8 -10 reminds us were God’s workmen shift created in Christ Jesus for great things he planned before we were born.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

This song when I meet my maker by Tenille Townes really describes perfectly the precious love of God and how he waits for you. Don’t forget that.

When I meet my maker

God loves you so much and He waits for you!

Seeing past obstacles

We have all been in the place where we wonder what will happen in the future, be it personally, for family members, or in life.

Many nights I may be awake until the early morning hours. I am realizing the stillness of the night or early morning hours is a great time for me to remember God doesn’t sleep.

He is the Alpha and Omega. He knows all things present, past and future. We plant seeds of faith as parents, siblings, friends, with strangers regarding Jesus but the Holy Spirit waters them.

I am becoming less frustrated when awake at 2a, instead realizing this is a gift from God. I am more open to listening to His instructions. Can you relate?

His word is rich with a peace, giving encouragement that we need. Sometimes during the day too many distractions caused us not to hear his voice.

I don’t want my actions to be an obstacle to faith in God, personally or for those in our sphere of influence.

Romans 4:17 AMP
(as it is written [in Scripture], “I HAVE MADE YOU A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

Just as Abraham was likely overwhelmed at times, his faith was tested and God brought life.

Yes, God gives life, and wisdom, believing this premise when we don’t see the end result brings our faith to another level. We aren’t ignoring the complicated circumstances we’re just allowing God to be the one to direct our steps and laying the circumstance at feet of Jesus.

We are all works in progress; I don’t want to be an obstacle to someone else’s amazing experience with Jesus who loves them more than I do.

“Faith recognizes the problem, the presents it to God, acknowledging Him in the face of the problem and declaring his truth and promises have a greater answer…. Authentic faith does not deny the obstacle but believes God is greater than the obstacle.” Roman’s 4:17 insight from the New Spirit Filled Bible

I am a recovering people pleaser, some call that codependency, it’s an obstacle for me at times. However, the more I spend time with God the more I realize I seek to please Him over others.

So let go and let God, trust Him even as you may be shaking in your boots, bit by bit you will grow your faith in Him over man. Bit by bit you will feel greater peace that passes human understanding.

Abraham chose to believe God would allow him to be a father at 100 years old, even though it seemed impossible. As a result of his trust in the power of God and His promises, he was not disappointed.

Romans 4:20-21 AMP
But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, [21] being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.

One step at a time we must trust God too! It will be worth it! God never sleeps! He wants you to have a clear path to freedom with Him and into the future. He wants to bless generations of your family. Glory to God!

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Wisdom of God / Gift of horses

The wisdom of God is indescribable. No man can stand against it. Smoke and mirrors. Chaos and conflict seem to rule the day. Media supports a mindset of unrest and lately, fog, low clouds and torrential rains have taken over weather patterns. But none stands against the Lord.

Watching the power of a horse as it runs through the fields is so awe inspiring. These majestic animals can run at 44 miles per hour. They have sensitive hearing and their ears can rotate 180 degrees.

They can see nearly 360 degrees so between hearing and sight it is virtually impossible to sneak up on them.

HeartMath Institute did research on the horse and human heart connection. They are social, emotional animals and being in their presence calms even the most hardened hearts. Personally I have experienced this wonderful gift, and a hug from a horse is priceless.

Horses can sleep standing up, which gives them the ability to fight or flee if there are predators. According to the website: spca.bc.ca “Horses have a “stay-apparatus” which is a system of tendons and ligaments that allows the horse to lock their legs in position so they can relax without falling over. When not sleeping, horses also use this apparatus to rest while standing for long periods of time. This allows them to conserve energy while standing so they are ready to take flight if needed”.

Horses are muscular beasts used in wars. We humans, also must be prepared for battle. We are seeing the battle of good and evil reflected in current events.

“Ain’t No Grave” happens to be a song from a few years ago by Bethel worship. I just heard it for the first time recently, a powerful declaration of the power of God over man and circumstances. We must remember there “Ain’t No Grave” that can keep us down when we accept Jesus as our Savior! He will never leave us and gives us the ability to stand in the battle for our day.

Let this song bring hope and boldness to stand with God and let the Commander, Jesus bring victory!

Ain’t no Grave -Bethel

“No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the Lord. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Praise the Lord and be Himpowered!!

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Step by step with Him

Bring home Your children Lord!

Heal the brokenhearted Father God!

Gather the outcasts Lord!

These are just a few of the sentences in Psalm 147 that hit my heart and soul today.

I have used italics to highlight this specific scripture that brought hope and peace to me today.

Declare the words intertwined with the scripture in this blog. The word of God is a living, active spiritual weapon of warfare. Use it and know that God is with you.

“Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! How beautiful it is when we sing our praises to the beautiful God, for praise makes you lovely before him and brings him great delight! Yahweh builds up Jerusalem; he gathers up the outcasts and brings them home. He heals the wounds of every shattered heart.

You know the stars by name Lord, just as you know each of us by name.

You are infinite and You are all knowing God!

He sets his stars in place, calling them all by their names. How great is our God! There’s absolutely nothing his power cannot accomplish, and he has infinite understanding of everything.

You, Lord, support and strengthen the humble. The ungodly will be brought down. Give us boldness to take each step.

Yahweh supports and strengthens the humble, but the ungodly will be brought down to the dust. Sing out with songs of thanksgiving to the Lord! Let’s sing our praises with melodies overflowing! He fills the sky with clouds, sending showers to water the earth so that the grass springs up on the mountain fields and the earth produces food for man. All the birds and beasts who cry with hunger to him are fed from his hands.

Our strength comes from You Lord, when we believe in you and Your Promises.

His people don’t find security in strong horses, for horsepower is nothing to him. Manpower is even less impressive! Yahweh shows favor to those who fear him, those who wait for his tender embrace. Jerusalem, praise the Lord! Zion, worship your God! For he has strengthened the authority of your gates.

You are the giver of peace, You send swift messengers to help on our behalf.

He even blesses you with more children. He’s the one who brings peace to your borders, feeding you the most excellent of fare. He sends out his orders throughout the world; his words run as swift messengers, bringing them to pass. He blankets the earth with glistening snow, painting the landscape with frost. Sleet and hail fall from the sky, causing waters to freeze before winter’s icy blast.

You paint the landscape with frost and beauty as You do for each of us, created in Your image.

Then he speaks his word and it all melts away; as the warm spring winds blow, the streams begin to flow.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭1‬-‭18‬ ‭TPT‬‬

With Your Word there is peace despite our circumstance, YOU Lord are faithful!

We need to pray for our families, communities and the world. There is no other place of mighty intercession and the strength of our Creator God than on our knees. Let us pay attention to the plank in our own eye, and give the offenses to God! We all need to repent of our human nature in unforgiveness. We must love God and love others.

Iveth Luna has an amazing supportive song, Just like Jesus! For some reason I am unable to post it here, look it up online. It was not a coincidence that it came upon my playlist.

Ladies and gentleman, take the Word of God and be bold in claiming its Powerful message. Go with God into each step. He is with you.

Father God, we praise you regardless of our circumstances. we want you to be just like Jesus. Sing to the One who made you.

Photo credit Mary Mesikapp

Harvest a blessing

My son took this photograph as he was harvesting a field of Timothy grass. What a beautiful photo showing the masterpiece of our God and His amazing creation.

No matter what our day may bring with current events, personal joys or hardships, national or international strife, we must hold onto confidence in our Creator God.

Psalm 57:7-11 NLT
My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! [8] Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. [9] I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. [10] For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. [11] Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.

We do not know the future, nor can we understand the purpose of floods, wars, health challenges, or pain emotionally and physically. The biggest challenge to growing in faith with God is trusting the unknown.

The next time you look up at the skies, be it day or night, remember His love is as high as the heavens. Sing praises to Him. He can renew your strength and bring supernatural peace that our minds cannot understand.

May His glory shine through our day and night bringing hope. Just as the photo represents a harvest, God wants to bring us a harvest of blessing.

Galatians 6:8-9 NLT
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. [9] So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Photo credit by M. Mesikapp

Empower us with Courage

Merriam Webster definition of courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Synonyms: fortitude, bravery, intrepidity

What a time to be alive. There are many things that can raise our levels of fear, yet we must be courageous. God is still on the throne. Whether it’s wars, chaos, mass casualty incidents, trials in our families, God never changes.

These are scriptures that have helped me today. I hope they will bring you to a level of courage that comes from the One who created you, the Alpha and the Omega! He is the God of the heavens and the Earth. The Earth is definitely trembling. Hold onto what always is true, your Father in heaven!!

Consider declaring the scriptures in your home, car or even as you walk in nature! environment you stand.

Empower us, Lord by Your truths! Give us boldness to say aloud even if we are fearful the promises found in Your Word.

“So now, Lord, listen to their threats to harm us. Empower us, as your servants, to speak the word of God freely and courageously. Stretch out your hand of power through us to heal, and to move in signs and wonders by the name of your holy Son, Jesus!” As they prayed the earth shook beneath them, causing the building they were in to tremble. Each one of them was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they proclaimed the word of God with unrestrained boldness. All the believers were one in mind and heart. Selfishness was not a part of their community, for they shared everything they had with one another.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬-‭32‬ ‭TPT‬‬

God is calling His children, even those who have stepped away from Him. Come back to Yahweh! He is gracious! Repent of past sins and get a Do over! He loves You!!

“Who is a merciful God like you? Your grace wipes the slate clean of guilt and pardons the rebellion of the remnant of your people. You don’t hold your anger against us forever, but you delight in showing faithful, tender love. Once more we ask: have tender mercy on us, tread our iniquities under your feet, and hurl all our sins to the bottom of the sea.”
‭‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭TPT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/1849/mic.7.18-19.TPT

Be of great courage as a wild horse and run into the future, God already knows what will happen. Stick to Him!

““But it’s not too late,” declares Yahweh. “Come back to me now with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tearing your clothes in sorrow is not enough— tear open your hearts!” Come back to Yahweh your God, for he is gracious to welcome you home and compassionate to embrace you. Yahweh is slow to anger and so rich in extravagant love for you. He is always ready to forgive and cancel judgment. Who knows if he will not turn around and show pity, leaving behind a blessing. Then you can bring offerings of grain and wine to be presented to Yahweh your God. My land, do not fear, for your restoration has come! Be glad and rejoice, you people, for Yahweh has done marvelous things for you. Children of Zion, be glad! Celebrate the mighty acts of Yahweh your God, for he has given you a teacher of righteousness whose teaching is like the refreshing spring rains. And he will pour down the rains for you, the spring and autumn rains as before. “Then afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and your daughters will boldly prophesy, your elderly will have supernatural dreams, and your youth will experience ecstatic visions.”
‭‭Joel‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬-‭14‬, ‭21‬, ‭23‬, ‭28‬ ‭TPT‬‬

May parents and children return to the Father and their hearts be as one for Gods purpose and plans.

““Keep watching, for I am sending you the prophet Elijah before that great and fearful day of Yahweh arrives. He will return the fathers’ hearts to their children and the children’s hearts to their fathers so that I can come and bless and not strike the land with a curse.””
‭‭Malachi‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Don’t let pride keep you from His blessings. The time is now, humble yourselves to Jesus and ask His wisdom.

““I, Yahweh, made the earth, formed its contours, and set it in place. Yahweh is my name. I say to you, cry out to me and I will answer you. I will reveal to you great things, guarded secrets that you never could have known.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

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Shattered breakthroughs

Opaque glass blocks the true vision of Jesus’ love and in the trials, we must be willing to look at things with courage. The Living water of Jesus is on the other side. We may need to look at our pride in all things.

Proverbs 16:18-21 AMP
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant). [20] He who pays attention to the word [of God] will find good, And blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) is he who trusts [confidently] in the LORD. [21] The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweet speech increases persuasiveness and learning [in both speaker and listener].

It’s humbling to have a personal reflection on our inability to judge others. It truly is the stick in the eye. We realize that we have our own evil sinful heart; it’s ugly.

Only going before the Father in humility and asking forgiveness and direction can that stony prideful heart be transformed.

Ezekiel 11:19-20 NLT
And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, [20] so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.

Challenges don’t have to be punishments from God so much as an opportunity for growth in His ways. God teaches you through the experience. Are you willing to be taught?!?! Wow!! I guess I need His help. We all do!!

Hebrews 12:4-11 MSG
In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off big-time, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

Victoria, my dear sister in Christ said, “we all get a seat at the Kings’ table.” Comparison is the biggest obstacle to our believing we are loved and known by Jesus.

So get ready to have shattered breakthroughs, the shards of glass may hurt a while, however, the breakthrough can change generations.

Having a solid Sister or Brother in faith who speaks truth in the Bible is a true gift. We are all works in progress. Go to Jesus! Read His word, it’s powerful and life changing, ask others to pray for you. We still have to be open and do the work in transforming our life and our kids will be blessed.

So let the Holy Spirit hand you the hammer and get started today!! Jesus is the breaker. Let Him !

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Women and moms, God sees you!

We are called as women to impact the lives of others, whether we are women who give birth, serve others who are in need, spend time listening to others who need hope, open our home to mentor or foster children, or become moms of adoption.

Infertility is a part of my story, yet so is adoption as a mom of three and a child of God baptized in water and by the Holy Spirit.

Today at church, my amazing pastors ( women and men) shared their life stories. Their willingness to be transparent about their struggles and Gods’ goodness brings hope to all sinners, myself included who are saved by the grace and mercy of Jesus.

The story of Deborah in the book of Judges 4 is amazing because it shares the power of God and a woman willing to walk in the calling of God despite social constructs.

Deborah was a judge, prophet, and warrior bold to answer Gods call for her life, however, this scripture was brought to mind today at church. Powerful message as Deborah was also a mother to Isreal. ( we are spiritual mothers to whoever the Holy Spirit intersects with our lives). ❤️

Judges 5:6-9 MSG
In the time of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the time of Jael, Public roads were abandoned, travelers went by backroads. Warriors became fat and sloppy, no fight left in them. Then you, Deborah, rose up; you got up, a mother in Israel. God chose new leaders, who then fought at the gates. And not a shield or spear to be seen among the forty companies of Israel. [9] Lift your hearts high, O Israel, with abandon, volunteering yourselves with the people—bless God!

I never heard this part of Deborah’s’ story, she was listed as a mother in Israel. This story is for all of us, mom’s especially, daughters of King Jesus, who volunteer for God with abandon. May the Holy Spirit bring favor to you.

Happy Mother’s Day to moms of all types: single, married, step moms, foster, adopted, grandmoms, great grandmoms, spiritual mentor moms, dads who serve as single parents too. God sees you! The best way to feel the fullness of His unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and blessing is to get to know Jesus!

Those who have regrets in miscarriages or abortions, God sees you too. Call out to Jesus! Find a Holy Spirit led church that directs you in the Word of God. The Bible is our instruction for life.

Father God- I thank you, Lord that you are the God that sees each one of us: we are uniquely created in the image of Jesus. I ask you Lord Jesus to direct whoever is praying this prayer to a deeper relationship by the Holy Spirit. All power all might all glory comes from you Heavenly Father. Thank you Lord for the story of Deborah. It’s a great reminder of how much you love mothers and how you equip those you call into service, in Jesus name, amen.

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Lighthouse in a Storm

If our minds are racing with anxiety, worry, or fear, it is hard to hear the Voice of God! Between our personal lives, news reels, community unrest, wars and conflict, we feel overwhelmed.

The enemy of our soul wants to keep us in racing thoughts, anxiety, worry and fear. When we stay in that mindset, we are like a gerbil on a wheel. Ruminating on those unhealthy emotions leads to being stuck and cycling like the gerbil into more distress.

Joshua 23:8-11 AMP
[8] But you are to cling to the LORD your God, just as you have done to this day. [9] For the LORD has driven out great and mighty nations from before you; and as for you, no man has been able to stand [in opposition] before you to this day. [10] One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who is fighting for you, just as He promised you. [11] So be very careful and watchful of yourselves to love the LORD your God.

We must break the cycle of rumination, we can only accomplish this transformation when we submit to His authority. He awaits our step into relationship; clinging to the Lord who wants to renew our minds for a wonderful future.

Romans 12:1-2 NLT
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Life brings crashing waves of conflict, storm clouds build into a deluge of crushing rain that seems like a curtain of darkness. The oppression may be overwhelming and yet there is a Light in the darkness. Like a lighthouse on the rocky shore, Jesus is the beacon of hope, wisdom and peace.

An amazing scripture Mark 4:35-41, shares how the disciples ( Jesus chosen friends on earth) were on the boat with Jesus who fell asleep, as a storm rose. They became fearful and awakened Him. Even though they walked with Jesus on earth, they let fear rule over trust in Jesus.

Mark 4:39- 41 NLT
39] When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. [40] Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [41] The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

We serve an amazing God who equips His children for life including stormy times. If you don’t know Jesus yet, today change that mindset.

Because He wants to be in relationship with you and bring His supernatural peace and wisdom. No matter the storm, “Peace be still”! He brings the calm.

Mark 4:39 NKJV
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Proverbs 14:30 MSG
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.

“Sound Mind”, by Melissa and Jonathon Helser, is my go-to worship song when I feel the cycle of worry or fear attempt to attach itself to my mind.

Sound Mind- Melissa Helser

Our Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, fights for us as He has promised in His Word. Cling to Him, our Lord and God! Be steadfast in seeking Him! The battle of the mind is escalating and yet those who are steadfast with Him will have victory, as will their children. Seek Him no other idol will save or bring peace. He is the God of all peace, Jehovah Shalom!

Do not become weary in doing good, He rewards those who keep His commandments. He is faithful and just to finish the work He started in us and in those we love. Glory to God!!!

Praise the Lord that he gives us a sound mind at these times! The sound mind over the spirit of fear. Go with God!

2 Thessalonians 3:13,16,18 NLT
As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. [16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. [18] May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com.

God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”

This is a reblog from May2024. One year later, the words in this blog post are even more relevant. Stick to the Creator God who knows all things and awaits your voice in relationship. Jesus is the only way to truth, peace and hope.

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Three little pigs

I’ve been pondering the children’s story, “Three Little Pigs” in the past few weeks. Initially, I would think to myself, “it’s a children’s story so how could it affect me at my age”? But then I was thinking about the story within the story.

Here we have three little pigs, all trying to figure out how to build their houses in such a way that they are noticed and protected. Each pig chooses a certain material product to bring structure to their home.

One pig chooses straw to build his home and feels pretty proud about himself that it will be a solid place for him to live. The second pig built his house on sticks.

The third pig built his house from bricks and it took much longer for him to establish his home. The other two pigs thought he was pretty stupid and actually probably laughed at him for taking the time and putting in the extra effort for his home.

Then, we have the big bad wolf, a selfish, mean character who just wants to taunt and eat the pigs. Is this no different than the devil or the evil spirits that tend to try to direct our lives?

You see the big bad wolf is almost like those negative headspace words or those people are telling us that we should live like the world or, the idol that can entrap us whether or not it’s comparison trapping or whether it’s materialism, gets us so much in debt. The voice in our head that wants us to feel despair and hopeless.

The first two pigs freak out and their houses are destroyed as the big wolf ultimately blows down two houses. The third pig ends up being actually the one with a house built in bricks, kind of like the foundation of living our lives with God,the foundation in the rock.

There’s an amazing similarity between scripture:

Matthew 7:21-29 NLT
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. [22] On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ [23] But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ [24] “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” [28] When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, [29] for he taught with real authority-quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

We can establish ourselves with a relationship with Jesus, who is the rock can take time because we have to put our own selfish thoughts aside while we take time to get to know the one who made us. And in the end, the foundation established on the rock Jesus ends up being the most solid foundation we could ever find.

The third pig actually is the wisest because he use the tools of wisdom and strength to make his fortress strong. We need to choose Jesus for the same future.

So today when you’re pondering about life and choices and where you place your trust and who you get your wisdom from, it’s my hope that maybe you reconsider the story of the three little pigs. It’s relevant story for people of any age.

Build your home and your heart and your mind and your soul on the solid foundation of the rock of Jesus. The time and effort you put into that will affect the steps of your life. And in the end, just like that third pig, it will be worth it. You’ll be living, with more peace, more wisdom, and the rock, Jesus, will give you the wisdom for every step you take.

I hope you enjoy this song from Lauren Daigle, Love Like This, it’s been a song that has impacted me years ago. And today when I heard it again, it reminded me of the importance of the love we get from our Father God. We haven’t done anything to deserve His love, and yet Jesus freely gives unconditional love, wisdom for life, and grace in the midst of our messes. May God richly bless your day.

Love like this— Lauren Daigle

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