Wednesday, November 30, 2016

"Two Are Better Than One"

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I just couldn't let this last day of November pass me by without creating one more fall-themed piece.  And what better way to wrap it up than to think about the value of all my online Bible journaling friends, and others, who I join with each day.  I am strengthened and encouraged as we share the inspirational and the word of God through our creations and continue to grow in Christ.  Two (or more) are better than one! Looking forward to the next season!

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

"A Declaration of Faith & Thanksgiving"

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Father, I enter Your gates with thanksgiving this morning and into Your courts with a heart full of praise for who You are and all You have done.  I bless the name of the One who is King of kings and Lord of lords.  There is none like You – gentle, loving and kind; full of all wisdom and grace.  You are the merciful One who takes notice of each one of us, extending Your hand to lead us as a faithful Shepherd.  When we feel uncertain or falter or fall, there You are, reaching out to lift us up and bring us near to You.  I cast all my care upon You, for You care for me.  Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light.  You are the One who has set me free!  I am never alone for You are with me; a very present help in time of need and a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  When I am discouraged or overwhelmed, You remind me to hope in God.  For You are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head; Your Holy Spirit leads me to the Rock that is higher than I.  You are my shelter and high tower from every enemy.  You are my refuge and strength, my protector and defender; the One who hides me under the shadow of His wings.  No weapon formed against me will prosper and every tongue which rises up against me in judgment, You have already condemned.  This is my heritage as a servant of the Most High God.  You calm my anxious thoughts.  You speak peace to the raging storm.  When I am fearful, Your embrace of perfect love comes reassuring, dissolving all fear and dread.  When the days seem dark and unpredictable, I look up to see a sovereign and omnipotent God who holds the world in His hands, to Him who is the creator of all things, who has numbered each one of my days in His Book, and whose truth tells me that the work He has begun He will complete until the day of the Lord Jesus Christ.  I look to the One who establishes my thoughts and directs my steps.  No one and nothing can snatch me from Your hands.  When my spirit is heavy You clothe me with garments of praise.  You give me beauty for ashes.  You settle my soul.  You encourage my heart.  Where I am lacking, You speak to me again that I lack no good thing in Christ Jesus.  You fill me up, even to overflowing, for You are a God of abundance and supply all my need.  When I feel worthless and unlovable, You tell me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, altogether lovely and loved with an everlasting love.  I thank You that I have such great value in Your sight, so much so that You gave Your only Son to die for me, rescuing me from sin and death and the grave.  You make me whole in every way.  In Your presence I find fullness of joy.  I thank You that my life has meaning and purpose as I dwell here on the earth.  You have given me uniquely good gifts and make room for them, finding me favor that I may bear much fruit for the glory of God.  You provide me with all that pertains to life and godliness, making me a partaker of Your divine nature.  And so, I do not despair for I am confident that You have prepared for me good things, here, in the land of the living.  You are the One who perfects that which concerns me.  You revive and restore my soul.  Not one of Your words will fall to the ground for You have magnified Your word above all Your name.  All of my hope and satisfaction is found in You, and in You, alone.  And so, I sing to You from a grateful heart today, for I delight in You and love You, Lord, for You first loved me.  I thank You for all of Your precious promises, too numerous to mention; all that are yes and amen in Christ Jesus.  It is, indeed, a day to be so very thankful!

Wishing everyone a very 
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
and many blessings!