"Hold Onto The Promise"

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This is something the Lord spoke to me, and that I created back in January, but I never got around to posting it.  So finally, here it is.  God’s perfect timing, I suppose.  Persevere friends, for God is faithful!

Though at times it may seem that the promise has died
Wait expectantly upon the Lord with arms open wide.
For the Father turns the bitter into the sweet
The covenant He has made is the one that He keeps.
For truly I tell you, in the fullness of time
The gift I have given shall be born, the divine.
And given back unto Me what you've held at your breast
Shall surely be multiplied, the child I perfect.
And your heart will be lifted, your life will surely speak
Of the triumph of the Lord as you live at My feet.
The gifts and the calling I have placed upon your life
Cannot be revoked, My children, in Christ.
Do not think it strange, the fiery trial
For from glory to glory, I take you all the while.
There is treasure in earthen vessels, that God's power may be seen
Our lives are laid down, that we may birth what He's conceived.
We walk in the Spirit, and do not gratify the flesh
But pray we would be gold, giving God all our best.
Sanctified and useful, for the Master, prepared
Cleansed, those of honor, for His mark we bear.
We persevere in faith believing, for the love of God sustains
He alone, our one desire, to dwell with Him for all our days.
To look upon Him, to behold His beauty, the Lord God to seek
Leaning upon Him to hear His heartbeat.
We look to the Giver, for from there all would flow
Taking deep root to flourish, prosper, and grow.

Scripture Meditation Links:
1 Samuel, chapter 1

1 Samuel 2:1-11

Proverbs 13:12

Romans 11:29

1 Peter 4:12-13

2 Corinthians 3:18

2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Galatians 5:16

2 Timothy 2:20-21

Colossians 3:16-17

Romans 5:1-5

Job 23:10-14

Psalm 27:4

"The Monster of Sin"

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For the good that I will to do, I do not do;
but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
Romans 7:19

Let's face it, unfortunately there are times when we just mess up!  Perhaps we've spoken something we never should have uttered.  We've done something we wish we never had.  We've made decisions that were not the best choices.  We love the Lord, and we follow Him, and then, BAM!, it's as if some other person takes over; it's that monster called sin, and we do just that - SIN!

The good news is, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, who understands our weaknesses, forgives our sins as we repent, and who reminds us He makes a way of escape from all of our temptations.

Bad news is, this side of Heaven there will always be a battle between our flesh and spirit.  But God has given us His word, living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

God's word transforms us.  It is the truth that makes us free as we get a hold of His promises.  We are to be outfitted daily with the full armor of God, fully prepared as we are dressed in His righteousness, filled with the mind of Christ, walking in the gospel of peace, standing in faith, deflecting the arrows of the enemy, wielding the sword of the spirit, and being watchful in prayer, to cut down every enemy against us.  We make the choice to stand on the life-giving promises of God, that we may confidently, authoritatively, and effectively walk in them.

May we, in all humility, allow the word of God to cut through those dark places in our lives, to surgically remove every monster of sin, that we may be purified, little by little, to walk in holiness, reflecting the character of Christ.

Do you ever feel like a monster?
Then call upon the Lord
That you may walk in the Spirit
Pick up your sword.
Which is the very word of God
Dividing heart and flesh
He delivers us from temptation
Always willing to help and bless.
I pray, Lord, let me not wander
From Your most perfect commands
Cleanse me as I heed Your word
Far from sin's demands.
For I delight myself in Your statutes
I contemplate Your ways
I will not forget Your word
Almighty God, who saves.
Deal bountifully with Your servant
Open up my eyes
To see and choose the wondrous things
Your law, and life provide.

Scripture Meditation Links:

Romans 7:13-25

Hebrews 4:12

Galatians 5:16-18

1 Corinthians 10:13

Matthew 6:13

Psalm 119:9-18

1 John 2:1

Ephesians 6:10-18

1 Corinthians 2:16

"This is a Good Day"

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There's an old song that the Lord recently brought to my mind.  I've been listening to it again and again, hearing my Father speak.  So I just had to create something to capture a piece of the song to remember God's promise and gift to me, and to receive the peace that He brings.  The song is, "This Good Day", by Fernando Ortega.  I hope it ministers to you as it has to me. 
(click link to listen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7nZVtZFE0A

The Lord reminds us that today and every day is a true gift given by our heavenly Father.  He has a good plan for the very time we're living in, where He instructs us to make the most of every living and breathing moment.  (Ephesians 5:16)

No matter the conditions, whether cold winds blow, or dark clouds come, the Lord is our shelter.  He is the One who is with us always, who goes before us, who is in control and God over all. 

With the assurance that our Father is by our side and His hand upon our lives, we can joyfully sing a song of praise to Him who orders and watches over all of our steps.  (Psalm 37:23)  For this is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!  (Psalm 118:24)

Father, we thank You for this day, the day that You have made, fashioned by Your own hands, where You safely lead and guide us through.  Help us to live wisely and to make the most of the moments You have given.  When times are difficult, bring us back to this place of remembrance, and the knowledge that You are with us.  Thank You for Your presence in our lives and for reminding us that this is a GOOD DAY because You are faithful, and we travel this road together.