"Lead Me to the Rock"

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When this is how you feel...overwhelmed!!!  When there are a gazillion things coming at you all at once, and someone or something has just gotten on your last nerve, again, and you're even freaking out the cat (hah, hah!) because you're just about to lose it.  Then, even while writing this, hubby comes in and says there may be something seriously wrong with your car, I stop and remember to run to the ROCK that is higher than I. 

Though all may not be understood or immediately resolved, let us be reminded that we have a faithful Father who leads us to Himself, and into the place where we can cast all our care upon Him, for He cares for us.

 

Get away with the Lord, allowing Him to calm all your fears and soothe your anxious thoughts, as He chases them away with His perfect love.

As we rest in the presence of our sweet Shepherd, finding delight in Him, He settles our stressed out, frustrated, worried, weak and weary souls, as He gently guides us into lush and peaceful pastures.

The Father hears our cries.  He attends to our prayers.  He works on our behalf.  He is our safe haven and strong tower from every enemy, and all the unexpected circumstances of everyday life. 

And so, we trust in Him as we abide in the shelter of His protective covering.  Beneath the warmth of His wings, wrapped up in His love, we become confident that He is orchestrating everything to work toward something good and beautiful.

The Lord surely is our hope and help in time of need.  It is He who is our source and supply.

Scripture Meditation:
Psalm 61
1 Peter 5:7

Philippians 4:6-7

1 John 4:18
Psalm 23

Romans 8:28

Hebrews 4:15-16

"Believe You Are Vital"

You are the body of the Anointed, the Liberating King; each and every one

of you is a vital member.

1 Corinthians 12:27 

You are essential, an integral part of the body of Christ, an important and needed member, contributing to the building up of the kingdom of God.  You are My chosen ones.  You are vital.  You are Mine.

I AM the Life Giver dwelling inside of you, revealing My heart, the One who pours into you and who has designed you to flow freely and powerfully in your God given destiny.  You are one who is made to continually bloom and to abundantly and generously sow the very things I have placed inside of you. 

Yes, there are things I have given into your hands, with faith enough and the ability to perform every good work in just the places and people and ways I have chosen.  For I understand everything there is to know about you, and I make you to be successful in the things I’ve called you to, causing you to go forth with joy and great delight.

I AM the One who opens up doors and finds you favor.  I give you understanding as you seek Me to walk in obedience and will not let your feet slip, but in fact give you hinds’ feet that you may keep the course I have laid out before you, steady and unwavering, safe in My grip, equipped to traverse even high mountain cliffs without fear or trepidation, for the Lord is by your side.

There are times you have believed you are weak or have little or nothing to offer, but in Christ you can do all things through Him who strengthens you.  I AM the One who uses the weak and the foolish, those humble before Me, to confound the wise.  As My people step out in faith, empowered and led by My Holy Spirit, I take your little and turn it to much.

I AM the One who prepares your heart and who goes before you to prepare the hearts of others.  I AM the One who works through you to pour out blessings that cannot be contained as you sow what I’ve sown.  I AM strong in your weakness, supplying grace upon grace as I lead you into situations, create opportunities, and arrange encounters that I have chosen to serve My divine purpose and plans.

For truly I tell you, My name shall be known throughout all the earth.  Shine brightly, confidently, and courageously as My beacons of light, while My face shines upon you.  Let the radiance and glory of God be seen.

"God Makes a Distinction"

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I came to write the poem (above) and devotional study after receiving an unexpected medical bill last week.  But unbeknownst to me the Lord had it all under control.

There was an in-office procedure performed which I had assumed was just part of my recheck...easy peasy!  As it turned out the small tube the doctor inserted down my throat was coded as a surgical procedure.  He hadn't informed me of this or that it was any sort of additional service.

And so, I never had the opportunity to first call my insurance company, which is supposed to be done before any surgical procedure is performed for their approval and to be sure it's covered.

Luckily for me (although I know luck had nothing to do with it), the doctor's office happened to be closed the next day, when I probably would have angrily addressed this issue.  I then had the weekend to calm down as I took my concerns to the Lord in prayer and meditated on His word.  

On Monday morning prior to calling the doctor's office, I once again declared over this situation and my life that God makes a distinction between His people and the world, asking that this charge would be removed and that He would bring His justice.

However, when I spoke to the office manager, she wouldn't budge to consider waiving this fee, but stuck to her script.  I continued to calmly present my case, but there seemed to be no changing her mind.

We went back and forth for a little while, when the manager then offered to take 20% off of the bill and told me that was the best she could do.  Well, I didn't budge but continued to remind her that I had not been informed of an additional service and surgery classification.

Silently, I prayed my prayer and believed in faith what the Lord had spoken to me, and that He had taken care of everything and would find me favor.

Then, in an instant, she said she'd write off the charge and there was nothing for me to pay.

When the call ended all I could do was giggle and praise the Lord.   😄

Well, Hallelujah, and thank You, Jesus, for saving me this expense!  You are faithful!

It's always good to seek the Lord first and let Him handle things.  Amen! 

Scripture Meditation:

Exodus 8:20-23
Exodus 12:21-36
Exodus 14:21-31
Exodus 15:1-21
John 1:1-5
Philippians 2:10-11

"Praise the Lord!"

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Lord, I love You with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and all my strength, because You first loved me, and so I praise the name that is above all names. 

I am forever grateful for who You are, and all You have done, and for all You are yet to do in my life.

Because of Your great love and tender mercies You have redeemed my life from death and destruction.  You have forgiven all my sins and made me new.  You are the One who heals all my diseases and renews my strength. 

You have revived me and brought me back to life.  I now soar with You high above it all where You allow me to see from Your heavenly vantage point.

How can I help but worship You, Lord?  You are the One who fills my life with good things and who gives me wings to fly, side by side with Him.  How excellent is Your name in all the earth.   

I will bless the name of the Lord at all times.  Your praise will continually be in my mouth.  O, I magnify and exalt Your holy name.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Scripture Meditation:

Mark 12:30

1 John 4:19

Psalm 8:9

Psalm 34:1-3

Psalm 103:1-5

Psalm 150

"Heal Me, O Lord"

Click on the links below to hear a couple of old

songs the Lord brought to my mind as I was

creating my art work.  They fit just perfectly!  

"Heal Me, O Lord", and

"I AM the God That Healeth Thee",

both by, Don Moen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UmIGzQfUQM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0H2PxM4LmnM

I pray in the precious name of Jesus, that you may experience the Lord's presence and healing touch as you make this Scripture your prayer and allow Him to so sweetly sing over you.

While some may be in need of a physical touch and others may be grieving with deep emotional wounds, whatever the need, there is power in the Word of God and power in our praises. 

And so, according to Your Word, Father, touch our weary souls.  Lord, I  speak life to dry bones, asking You to breathe into us and into what might seem like impossible and lifeless situations.

Provide streams of living water in desert places.  Take notice of those who are unable to walk to the water.  Give Your people the strength to stand strong, secure, filled fresh and anew with Your Holy Spirit, faith-filled, as we place all of our trust in You, enabled by Your spoken command to rise, for all of our fountains are found in You.

There are desperate needs, Father, but nothing is impossible for You.  There are a multitude of enemies and we know not what to do, but our eyes are upon You. 

So, we look to the living God, who is our source of life, who is our great and mighty Warrior King, asking for Your intervention against the vicious attacks by enemies too great for us. 

But the battle is the Lord's.  We position ourselves in You, unmoved, for You are with us.  We believe in You and are established.  We praise the beauty of Your holiness, for Your mercy endures forever!  We sing praises to our God, for You are to us our joy and rejoicing.  Our salvation comes from You.

Scripture Meditation:

Jeremiah 17:14

Ezekiel 37:1-9

Isaiah 41:18

John 5:1-8

2 Chronicles 20:1-22

"Be Kind and Encouraging"

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She opens her mouth with wisdom, and
the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31:26

May our mouths be filled with wisdom
The kindness of God on our tongue
Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
Unto to others sung.
Comfort and edify each other
For two are better than one
So look out for your companions
Lift them up to run.
Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit
Truly bringing life
Put it on each morning
Be God's beacon of light.
Consider one another
Stir each other up
All the more as the Day is approaching
Love and good works to erupt.
For we come break bread together
We continue in the Word and in prayer
Strengthening brothers and sisters
As we kindly offer mutual care.
Generously pour out a refreshing
Water the weary soul
Entrusting all to our faithful God
Who lovingly sustains and upholds.

Scripture Meditation:

Proverbs 31:26
Proverbs 19:22
Colossians 3:16
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Philippians 2:4
Galatians 5:22
Proverbs 15:4
Colossians 3:12
Hebrews 10:24-25
Acts 2:42-47
2 Timothy 1:16

"Stand Tall"

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But you, God, shield me on all sides;

You ground my feet, you lift my head high.

Psalm 3:3

No more small-minded thinking, for the just live by faith
Not burying talents, but wise investments to make.
Boldly entering Canaan, possessing the land
Slaying the giants, taking a stand.
For we know the One who has hold of our hand
And the strength of the truth of His spoken commands.
We are a radical army, who follow not the status quo
We feast on wild honey, God's trumpet we blow.
We care not for the fanciful, but only to voice
What the Spirit is speaking, His path, our choice.
The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, we take it by force
We will not dance to the music, but only move by one Source.
It is the Father who clothes us, His fit is the best
We're well able to move in our own unique dress.
And so we stand tall, and hold our head high
With a sling and a stone to silence all who defy.
For the battle is the Lord's, the victory is won
The enemy is scattered, fallen, each one.

Scripture Meditation:

Luke 19:1-9
Judges 6:14-16

Habakkuk 2:4
Matthew 3:1-6

Matthew 11:7-18

Matthew 25:14-29
Numbers, chapter 13

Numbers 14:24
1 Samuel 17:1-54
Psalm 3:3

John 5:19-20