POWER!

I am sitting here on the morning of the 22nd of December, with my flannel lined jogging pants on, two pairs of socks, a sweater, AND a jacket!
It is COLD!!!
We have been without power since 4 am this morning! (it is now 10)

I was awake at 3 am – the wind was blowing hard, the power flickered off and on again a couple times at that point... Our little pup - (12 year old, 6 pound Yorkie) -
does not like the wind so he started to bark... we got up to let him out for a moment and he almost blew away!
I lit candles and hubby went out to get the generator going... He was supposed to slaughter Christmas turkeys today!
That won’t happen without electricity!

I began to think about how dependent we are on our power source!
No lights;
No heat;
No fan on the furnace;
No coffee;
No toast;
No oatmeal;
If all one has is an electric can opener – no tuna sandwich even!
Fridges and freezers stop working;
No phone;
No internet;
Can’t use the debit cards;
Can’t pump gas;
And --- on & on it goes!
We take it all for granted!
Well, - I do! How about you?

Oh Father God, please don’t let me take YOU for granted!

I can’t help but think at this time about the POWER source HE is!!!
I am so thankful that HE never “goes out”...
He never “flickers” off and on...
He is always there!
Always present!
Always waiting to supply HIS POWER to any situation in my life!
Thank You, LORD!

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God
for the salvation of everyone who believes:
first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
Romans 1:16

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love
and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary,
they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Hebrews 1:3

Our God is a powerful God; His Word is powerful; Thru His Holy Spirit indwelling us He gives us His power; And that POWER is our weapon against the enemy!

I am so thankful for the power He gives me to overcome fears; to maintain peace in the midst of painful circumstances; to stand strong against the devil; He is the SOURCE of it all...
But –
If I don’t stay connected – plugged in - to that source - my power goes out!
My strength is diminished; My fears return; My thoughts get taken over by the enemy;
And I begin to get ‘cold’... Cold towards Him; towards others;
His power keeps my heart soft – without it my heart hardens!

Dear Father God,
May I never take You for granted!
May I always be aware of the Source of POWER that You are to me!
May I stay deeply connected to You!
In all circumstances!
Thank you, Lord for the POWER that you give to us when we choose to believe you!
Praise you,
In Jesus name,
Amen.

Dear friends,
This is my prayer for you this day...
As we move into a New Year I pray that you will connect to Him on a deeper level than ever before!
That you may KNOW and BELIEVE that He is the ultimate POWER Source; That He is your Strength and Shield!

Have a blessed day - In HIM!
Resting in HIM,

Ruthie

“SHOULD”

Have you ever thought about the number of times you say
the word “SHOULD” in the run of a day?
Have you ever thought that by telling others they “should”
you are trying to control them?
Did you know that women wanting to control the people in their lives
is a result of the Fall as recorded in Genesis?

What have you felt when someone has said to you that you “should” -
blah, blah, blah...?
Has it left you feeling obligated
even though you might not fully agree with the “advice”?
Or do you see it just as an expression of opinion and that
it’s OK not to follow the “advice”?

What does this word actually mean?
The dictionary gives these definitions:
· Obligation or duty
· A recommendation but not a requirement
· Advice
· An expectation
· Expression of opinion

*** I wonder ***
Do women use this word more than men?
I’m not going to say that is so because I don’t know.
I do know that I use “should” more than my husband does!
Is that a good indicator?
Maybe – maybe not!
Think about your own experiences for a minute!
I know when I say he (hubby) “should” do something I have the expectation
that he will do it!
I’m giving my opinion but I think it’s a good opinion and
therefore he should do as I say!
WOW!
How crazy is that?
That means I’m pretty controlling...
That I know better than him!

As a counselor I have been trained not to place my opinions and expectations upon the client!
Not to give “advice”.
My role is to look at the situation objectively,
(using God’s Word as our guide)
and then come up with options that the client can choose from.
The final call is theirs – they make the decision ...

I was reading something the other day about women being “controlling”...
and it took me to Genesis 3...
“The Fall of Man”
This chapter is packed with “how not to be” in our human relationships!
{I am not going to say that you should read this before going on!!!!!}
J J J

Eve took charge –
She believed a lie –
thought she knew better than God Himself – because she believed the lie
she pulled her husband into the lie –
and as a result they were banished from the Garden of Eden!

Don’t get me wrong here –
Adam played a part in all of this but Eve took the “leading role” –
This was not the role God had intended for her.
He created her to be man’s helper – his helpmate!

God has been teaching me this for the past 3 -4 years ...
I am to be my husband’s helper;
I am to love, encourage, admire, respect, stand with, and build him up.

Genesis 3:16 –
Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you

I am quoting now from the The Nelson Study Bible – NKJV:
- the word “desire”
can also mean an attempt to usurp or control –
We can paraphrase the last two lines of this verse this way:
“You will now have a tendency to dominate your husband
and he will have the tendency to act as a tyrant over you.”
The battle of the sexes has begun.
Each strives for control and neither lives in the best interest of the other.
The antidote is in the restoration of mutual respect and dignity
through Jesus Christ.
This is a totally new revelation to me ...that the word ‘desire’ could also mean
I would want to dominate (control) him!

Go figure!
I thought it was the devil...
But it’s a result of the Fall! Sin! The curse!
I now see this in a different light!

Jesus has been changing me so much over the past few years ...
It is only through Him and His grace that the controlling nature has diminished ...
[Note - I didn’t say it was ‘gone’]
and the word “should” is slowly leaving my vocabulary.

I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

Ephesians 5:15-23...
These verse give us a pattern for our relationships!
We’ll look at these another time -
for now I pray that you will read and mediate on these Scriptures...
and let the Lord make the necessary changes in you
to become the woman He’s created you to be!

Blessings on you today!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Think on These Things

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy –
meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8 (AMP)

He Spanned the Gap

There’s a gap that exists between God and man –
that He spanned when he went to the cross.

He came to earth, birthed in a lowly manger...
Now He sits on a glorious throne!

He was rejected, beaten,
Cursed and oppressed –

Resurrected!

And reigning on high!

This season we celebrate is only half of the story!
Let’s remember the cross
as we celebrate His birth!

Resting in Him,
Ruthie

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life.

It’s Christmas Time!

Dear Lord,
It’s Christmas time –
A time to honor Your birth.
Born of a virgin;
in a manger;
coming to earth as both man and God!

As we delight in the lights and the gifts,
and family, and friends –
may we keep YOU in our hearts...
And remember -
You are the greatest gift of all!

We love You, Lord!
Thank you, Jesus!


Have a very Merry Christmas time!
Blessings of the Season to you!
With Love,
Ruthie

“A Baby Changes Everything”

These words were part of the chorus of a song that was sung as a special in church this morning...
(I am writing this on Sunday afternoon although
it won’t be posted for probably a week or so!)

A beautiful song, beautifully sung!
A baby changes everything! How true!

The baby Jesus – God – coming to earth as a babe in a manger!
To save the world!
To bring forgiveness, love, peace, hope, and joy to us!
How amazing!!!
I am so thankful for this truth!

As I reflected on this after lunch,
I remembered when my daughter told me she was pregnant;
how I knew her life would never be the same;
how that baby would change everything.
However, I truly didn’t know how much it would change my life!
Any grandmothers out there that can say “ditto” to that?
What an amazing journey we’ve been on for the past 6+ years!

I congratulated a young couple this morning on the news of their pregnancy...
I know the grandmother is waiting in anxious anticipation for the changes
this new baby will bring into her life – into this family’s life!

I have so many friends who are grandmothers!
Who would ever have thought it!
I guess I thought I’d stay 35 forever ... a mother!
But a grandmother?
Just goes to show yah that time does go on, and seasons of life come and go!

I feel led to share this poem with you today!
I wrote this immediately after Ang told me she and Paul were pregnant!
May this bring joy to your hearts!

To Our New Baby!

A Baby!
A Miracle from above!
A Baby!
We’ll shower you with love!

A New Life!
We don’t even know you yet!
A New Life!
We can’t wait ‘til we have met!

We’ll love you and guide you,
And teach you many things;
We’ll play with you, nurture you;
I know our hearts will sing!

We’ll cry with you, and hurt with you,
And kiss away the pain;
We’ll laugh, and love, and sing, and play
Thru sunshine and thru rain!

Know this for sure, my little one;
We love you from the start!
You’re wanted and you’re treasured,
You’ve captured all our hearts!

You’re a Blessing! And a Gift!
So Precious – from above!
A Wonder! And a Joy!
An expression of HIS Love!

May 12, 2002
Mother’s Day – from your Grammie!

On November 13 /02 – 6 weeks early – precious Madison Joy was born!
How true the words – a baby changes everything!
She had a rocky start; but I knew God was with her!
I have prayed for her from the moment I knew of her!
My heartfelt prayer being for her to know this other baby – Jesus –
Personally!

One day we had a conversation – she and I – and she was asking where Bampie was ...
“Bampie” was my dad who died when she was 3 - she doesn’t remember him but she recognizes him in pictures!
(I have a picture on my fridge of her, her mom,
and Bampie when she was quite little!)

I told her Bampie was in heaven –
Of course she wanted to know how he got to heaven.
Long story short, I told her that if we have Jesus living in our hearts –
if we’ve asked Him in – we’ll go to heaven when we die!
“I have Jesus in my heart”, said she!
And this grandmother broke into tears!

This Baby whose birth we celebrate this time of year WILL make a difference – WILL change everything – if we ask HIM into our hearts!

I pray for you all – that you know Him personally!
That you have allowed Him in – and allowed Him to change your life!
He WILL change everything!
Praise the Lord!

Blessings!
Merry Christmas!
Ruthie

Christ the Lord

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy which
will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be the sign to you:

You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:9

HE’S THE REASON !

He’s the reason I’ve been forgiven;
that I have peace;
that I walk in grace;
that I live!

He’s the reason I have a song I my heart;
that I am filled with joy;
that I am content;
that I live!

He’s the reason for rejoicing;
for trusting;
for growing!

He’s the reason for praying for the lost;
for the broken;
for the burdened!

He is the reason – the answer – to life eternal!
I am so thankful for the life He has given to me!
...so thankful for His coming to earth to save one such as I;
to save one such as you!

Dear friends,
Thank Him today for what He means to you!
For what He has done in your life!
And KNOW....
The best is yet to come!

Blessings on you!
Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

From the Cradle to the Cross

His love for us is so great
that He came to earth as a tiny babe,
with a manger for His bed.

He gave up the splendour of heaven for the corruption of earth,
to bring a message of love.

He lived as a man,
persecuted and ridiculed
because of the message he brought.

He was obedient to his Father’s will,
and sought to bring mankind to Himself.
He lived His love for us while He was here on earth.

His love for us is so great that he fulfilled His Father’s plan,
took our sins upon Himself and died on the cross for us...
For me!
For you!

His love for us is so great that He looks down from heaven
and desires for all to come to Him.

His love for us is so great that
it spans the gap from the cradle to the cross.

Father God,
I will never be able to fully express to You
the debt of gratitude I have for what you did for me!
Thank You, Lord!

Thank You, Lord, for coming to earth in a lowly manger
and then going to the cross for me!
Praise You Lord, for spanning the gap for me!


Dear Reader,
May these words reflect your thoughts today!
Express your love and gratitude to Him!

Christmas Blessings to you!
Ruthie

Immanuel

Just a note:
For the next 3 weeks I will only be posting 3 X per week...
“Thankful Tuesday” and "Truth-filled Thursday”
will return in 2009!!!
God Bless!


“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son
and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel means “God With Us”!
This conveys the idea that God came down to earth in fleshly form,
lived amongst us,
extended His love to humans in order to save and redeem us,
and give us eternal life with Him!
WOW!

He is with us!
Scriptures tell us that He will never leave us nor forsake us!
He’s always there!
How comforting that is to me!

When I think about “God with us”
I also think of the Holy Spirit indwelling us
and us being “in Christ”.
I hope that’s not confusing!

When we turn our lives over to Him...
He saves us;
And the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us!

1 John 4:4
“Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.”

We become new creations when we are “in Christ”...
when we become “born again”.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5;17

This doesn’t mean we become like Him over night...
It is a process –
He dwells in us!
And He changes us!
I am so thankful for that!

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,
who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
Romans 8:1

Those who are “in Christ” are not condemned!
We are no longer under the sentence of the law –
we are empowered by the Spirit to live for Christ!
Hallelujah!

I pray this Christmas Season will find you reflecting on
“God with us”;
“Christ in us”;
And “us in Christ”...
And what this means to you and your Life “With and In Him”!
Praise Him and Thank Him for these truths!

Blessings of the season!
Ruthie

BEHOLD!

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son,
and shall call His name JESUS.”

Luke 1:30-31

The Genealogy of Christ

Genealogy means “origin.
In the first-century days one’s genealogy proved that they were an Israelite,
the tribe they belonged to, and the qualifications of certain Jews for religious duties.

Do you know your genealogy?
Do you have a record of your genealogy? Who your ancestors were?
How far back in your history can you go?
I have some information related to “who begat whom” in my parent’s families... all because I have a sister-in-law who researches such things.
Actually, she traced back about 6 generations ago and found that my husband and I come from the same line way back there on our father`s side .... so we say we are “kissing cousins” !!!
:)

In Matthew1:1-17 we are given a record of the genealogy of Christ!
Have you read this or just skipped over it? There was a time when I skimmed it – and possibly skipped it – but now I find it amazing what one can see in Christ’s lineage!

Here is what one Study Bible says about the genealogy of Christ...

“Christ’s genealogy is crucial to historic Christianity. Matthew traced the lineage of Christ back to Abraham to show that He was a Jew, but also back through David to inform readers that Jesus is qualified to rule on the throne of David, an event still in the future.”

Another comment that I have read numerous times regarding the genealogy of this time period is that women weren’t usually mentioned.

I am quite taken with the fact that Matthew mentions 4 women besides Mary, the mother of Christ... and 3 of those 4 women had known sin in their lives!
· Tamar [v.3] – involved in a scandal with Judah
· Rahab [v.5] – a Canaanite harlot
· Uriah’s wife – Bathsheba [v.6] – sinned with David
· Ruth [v.5] – was not an Israelite

If you don’t know the stories of these women I encourage you to spend some quiet time researching their histories and checking out how our awesome God turned their lives around!
In His GRACE He forgave their sin and placed them in the lineage of Christ!
That just blows me away!!!!!

I am brought to tears thinking of women I know who feel so unworthy because of their own pasts or that of their ancestors! God can forgive and redeem it all if we just give our lives over to Him! His AMAZING GRACE does that for us!
Hallelujah!

I let the Spirit lead as I write these devotionals ... many times I’ve started with my own idea and God has taken it in HIS direction! I’m no longer surprised that He does that! However, I am AWED when He does!!! I ask Him for direction and guidance and wisdom, for His Words to be spoken here, for His Grace to be shown here – and invariably He takes control!!!
I KNOW He has a plan for me, and for everyone reading these ...
HIS PLAN!

My intent today was to talk about Christ’s lineage and the prophecy about His birth... I’ll leave that for another day!
God has led me in the direction of speaking to women – and men – who will turn their lives over to Him...
We don’t have to “have it all together” before we do that!
We don’t have to “be perfect” before we do that!
We don’t have to “have all the answers” before we do that!
We just have to KNOW that we are helpless and hopeless without Him!

Think about your lineage!
Will you be the one to begin a new line thru the generations?
Will you be the one to show future generations the King?
Will you be the one to see family saved because of your prayers?

I pray you will!!!
As you mediate on these thoughts today I pray for God`s blessing to be upon you!

Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

Jesus Before Pilate

Pilate was debating whether he had cause to execute Jesus.
He and Jesus had some discussion –
these words were spoken:

“You are a king, then!”said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king.
In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.
Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37

Then Pilate questioned “what is truth”...

Do you ever ask that question?
You can KNOW that God’s Word is TRUTH!
Christ came to earth – the reason we celebrate this season of year – to bring TRUTH to a needy world!

This season fills me with joy and peace and hope – He is the “reason for the season”...
May that be your focus as you prepare for Christmas!
Keep the truth – Jesus Christ – as your focus!

Blessings to you!
Merry CHRIST-mas!

Ruthie

You’ve Been Tagged!

In the Blogger world people will “tag” each other – just like when we played tag as children!
I know you’ve all played that game...
Sometimes I didn’t want to be tagged and I ran like crazy – other times I wanted to be tagged so I could get someone!

When a blogger “tags” someone they usually have a list of questions for them to answer and post on their blog:
then that person tags someone else!

I wasn’t tagged as such – however, I was reading a Christian site and she had been tagged with this “BOOK TAG”:

“open the book closest to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56.
Write the 5th sentence, as well as 2 to 5 sentences following that.”

Her Bible was sitting alongside her and she wrote down the Scripture she found on that particular page! And then wrote about it! “What a cool idea”, I thought!

I looked around me and saw 3 Bibles on the table next to my computer, but on the chair right next to me was a Bible Commentary... I began to reach for a Bible but said to myself,
“Now, why would you do that ...the Commentary is closer!”

Here is what I read on page 56, 5th sentence –
On her knees she pleaded, Lord help me!
This took me to Matthew 15:21-28:
The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

First – Have you ever been in this position?
On your knees, pleading with Him to help you?
I have in the past and I’m sure I will be in the future!
And – I KNOW He is there and will do what is best for me!
I pray you know this too!

Second - Please read Matthew 15:21-28 before you go on!
This morning I read the Word – then the Commentary... I knew He eventually healed this woman’s daughter but I never understood what verses 26 and 27 meant.

I am quoting now from The Bible Knowledge Commentary – Walvoord & Zuck:
“To get away from the questionings of the religious leaders, Jesus withdrew from Israel and went north into the region of Tyre and Sidon, the Gentile coastal region of Phoenicia. Tyre was 35 miles from Galilee and Sidon was 60. There He met a Canaanite woman. Centuries earlier that area’s inhabitants were called Canaanites. She pleaded with Him to have mercy on her demon-possessed daughter. She addressed Him as Lord, Son of David, a messianic title.
But even that appeal could not help her, for the timing was not appropriate.
When Jesus failed to answer her and she persisted with her appeal, the disciples urged Jesus to send her away. They seemed to be asking, “Lord, why don’t You go ahead and help this woman?
She isn’t going to give up until You do.”
Jesus reminded them, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matt.10:6).
He had come to offer to His own people the kingdom promised through David centuries before. Thus it was inappropriate for Him to bring blessings on Gentiles before blessings fell on Israel.
But the woman was not easily discouraged.
She saw in Jesus the only chance for help for her child. On her knees she pleaded, Lord, help me! Jesus reply caused her to realize her position, for He said it would not be right to take the children’s’ bread and toss it to their dogs.
He was picturing a family gathered at mealtime around a table, eating food provided by the head of the household.
The Gentile woman saw herself in this picture. She was not a child of the family (of Israel) eligible for the choicest morsels of food. But she saw herself as a household dog (a Gentile; the Jews often called gentiles “dogs”) eligible to receive crumbs that might fall from the master’s table.
She was not wanting to deprive Israel of God’s blessings. She was simply asking that some of the blessing be extended to her in her need.
In light of such great faith (Matt.8:10), the kind of faith Jesus was looking for in Israel, He granted her request.
Her daughter was healed...that very hour. This gentile woman’s faith contrasted with Israel’s leaders who were rejecting Jesus.

Oh Father God!
Thank You for Your blessing upon me!
Thank You for making it such that I never need to feel like a “dog”, or that I’m not worthy to ask for Your help!
Thank you for sending Your Son!
Thank You for the work of the Cross!
Increase my faith that You might say of me “because of her great faith......”!
Praise You, God!

Dear Friends...
May this be your prayer today!
May you know that He is ready to help when you ask!
Do you have a need today that you’ve been unable to fix?
Do you see in Him the only chance for help?
Is your faith sure?
Do you need more faith?
Ask Him!
Pour it out to Him and He will help you!
Praise God!

I trust this has blessed you today!
I’m tagging you now!
Pick up the book closest to you at this moment , go to page 56,
and write down the 5th sentence you find there.....
You never know how God will use that in your life today!
Or you may be surprised to realize which ‘book’ you’ve been spending a lot of time in!

Blessings of the Season to you!
Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

THANKS!

I want to say a heartfelt “thank you” to all those who send along encouraging comments!
And comments telling me how God is speaking to your hearts!
It blesses my heart to know that God is speaking to you...
Praise HIM and to HIM be the Glory!!!!

I get lots of SPAM comments ... don’t understand how that works –
but I just delete them and keep on truckin’!
Blessings on yah!

THANKS
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15

His indescribable gift!
His SON!
The Holy Spirit!

Mercy!
Grace!
Redemption!
Forgiveness!
Love!
Peace!
Hope!
Joy!
Heaven!

Dear Father,
I am so very thankful for your gift to me –
to the world!
May we be ever aware of what you have done,
are doing and will do, for us, in us, and through us!
May we give YOU the Glory!
The Praise!
With a thankful heart I Praise You, Lord!
In Jesus Name, Amen!

Blessings to you today!
Merry CHRIST-mas!
Ruthie

The BEAUTY of a Woman!

I am writing this devotional specifically to women...
Just this morning I had a conversation with a lady who has recently divorced and who feels very alone – especially in this Christmas Season.

Every woman has an innate desire to be loved and cherished – just as she is!
To be seen as beautiful!
Not so much physically – but with that inner beauty that shines forth
and is attractive to those she comes in contact with!
It seems that the world we live in today focuses on the outward beauty of a woman.

Have you ever met someone who is physically beautiful but has an “ugly” spirit?
Maybe she harbours bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, anger.
This woman’s soul has been wounded and healing has not occurred.

In contrast, have you met someone whom the world may not say is “beautiful” but exudes the most gracious, loving, and tender spirit?

I have met both types of women... My heart’s desire is to be that one who has an inner beauty
that shines forth and attracts people.

I read something the other day that stated “a woman becomes beautiful when she knows she is loved”.

KNOW you are loved, dear sisters ...
Our Heavenly Father loves us with a love that is beyond any human love
KNOW it!
BELIEVE it!
And LIVE it!

A couple weeks ago Sunday arrived and I attended church...
Praise and worship was wonderful...
The music was very inviting and worshipful...
A little girl of about 3 – 4 years of age began to dance in the aisle... Twirling around so her dress flared out... I know she felt very “beautiful” at that moment in time!
She surely must have felt like a Princess!

I wonder...
Does she know she is a Princess?
Does she know she is Loved?
Does the divorced woman living alone know she is a Princess?
Does she know she is Loved?
Do you know you are a Princess?
Do you know you are Loved?

YOU ARE – YOU ARE !!!

With Jesus as your Savior, You are daughters of the KING! A Princess!

As woman we must open our hearts to Him – to His gentle calling upon our lives!

A couple years ago I read a book- “Captivating” by John and Stasi Eldredge...

And I am presently re-reading it.
I encourage you to get a copy and read it for yourself.
The following is a quote from these authors:

“A woman in her glory, a woman of beauty, is a woman who is not striving to become beautiful or worthy or enough. She knows in her quiet center where God dwells that he finds her beautiful, has deemed her worthy, and in him, she is enough.”

I say, “Hallelujah! Praise God!
Father God, I pray for everyone reading this to know they are worthy, they are beautiful...they are enough!”
(just couldn’t let that pass by without commenting! J)

“He will quiet you with his love” (Zeph.3:17).
“A woman of true beauty is a woman who in the depths of her soul is at rest, trusting God because she has come to know him to be worthy of her trust.
She exudes a sense of calm, a sense of rest, and invites those around her to rest as well.
She speaks comfort; she knows that we live in a world at war, that we have a vicious enemy, and our journey is through a broken world.
But she also knows that because of God all is well, that all will be well.
A woman of true beauty offers others the grace to be and the room to become.
In her presence, we can release the tension and pressure that so often grip our hearts. We can also breathe in the truth that God loves us and he is good.”

Dear sisters!
I felt I needed to share this with you –
I believe someone needs these words today!
I pray God speaks to your hearts to let you know that you are loved!
Pray for His words to fill your heart and soul so that you Live them out and that you Rest in Him!

Be still and know that I am God!
Psalm 46:10


For I KNOW whom I have believed!
And I REST in HIM!
Princess Ruthie
:)

Merry CHRIST-mas!

Ephesians 1:7

In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation)
through His blood,
the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses
(shortcomings and trespasses),
in accordance with the riches and generosity
of His gracious favor.

Ephesians 1:7 (AMP)

Jesus - in the driver’s seat!

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Psalm 91:1-2

Last Thursday I travelled to my daughter’s in Sackville.
I arrived before she finished work, so when I picked up a house key from her she gave me directions to the sitter’s to pick up my granddaughter. I had no trouble finding the house,
managed to get Madison in her seat and off we went.
However... by this time it had turned dark and had started to rain...
somehow I got turned around and found myself “lost”!
This little voice from the backseat says,
“Grammie, I’m scared. I don’t like being lost.” I said, “Don’t be scared! Say a little prayer, and I’ll call Mommy and she’ll come get us!” So we said a prayer together, then I called Ang.
She told me to stay right where I was...she’d come to us!
Prior to this Madison and I had talked about all the things
we would do together over the next couple days ...
one of which was going out for supper that night - (just the girls!)
As we were following Mommy home, from the back seat I heard Madison say,
“Grammie, how about when we go out for supper we let Mommy drive.”

Of course, I agreed with her! and I marvelled at the unconditional faith and trust she has in her mom! How like a child who has learned to trust!
The first stage of development in a child’s life according to one expert is
“trust versus mistrust” which occurs in the first 18 months of life.
Some children don’t learn how to trust because of circumstances in their lives ... my heart breaks for them!

I also couldn’t help but think of myself and Christ!
When I try to be in the driver’s seat I get myself on the wrong road and I get lost.
I have said to Him, “Lord, I don’t like being lost!”
I need to give Him the wheel everyday and let Him drive!
Oh, how I want to have that unconditional trust and faith in my Lord!

Do you trust Him with everything? In everything?
Or are you still trying to control some aspects of your life?
Are you still at the wheel?
Like the song says...”Jesus, take the wheel”...
May this be your plea to Him -
not just in times of near crashes but always, everyday!
Is He at the wheel of your life?
Is He your PILOT?

I have seen a license plate that says, “Jesus is my co-pilot”...
When I see that I want to tell the driver of that vehicle that HE needs to be their PILOT... the one in control of everything!

Dear Friends,
Think about this today... What are you holding back from Him? And Why are you holding it back?

Give it all to Him, friend!
He is over all, in all and through all!
(Ephesians 4:6)

His rest and peace will come to you when you give Him control of your life!
I pray you will do that this day!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

TRUTH!

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6

Do you believe these words? I pray you do!

HE is the only way to the Father;
The only way of Salvation;
The only way to Heaven.

He reveals God to us;
His death and resurrection are the only Way to the Father!
Salvation can come no other way!

Dear Friends,
I pray these Words of our Lord resonate with you today!
If you are His – praise Him and thank Him!
If you don’t know Him personally –
THIS IS THE DAY!
Make today your “Salvation Day” by asking Him into your heart!
Bless you precious one!

Ruthie
For I KNOW whom I have believed!

The ROCK!

Many years ago I lived on a river.
In that river there was a large rock that was a visual guide for me to determine the water level of the river...

If I could see most of the rock, the water level was low;
If it was almost covered, or totally covered with water, of course, the water was high!
Many times I would look out at the river and take note of that rock – And I’d think,
“Jesus – THE Rock - is the guide for my life.
He is all I need to live my life by.
His Word is filled with instructions for me in my daily walk!”

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

2 Samuel 22:42
The LORD lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let God be exalted,
The Rock of my salvation!

In Hebrew the word for ‘strength’ also means ‘rock’. God is our protector .... our strength and our stronghold!

The Scriptures – God’s Word –
The only Self-Help Book for living...
The only Marriage-Manual...
The only Child-Rearing Book we need...

HE – is all we need.

When I counsel with individuals or couples, I use God’s Word as the only Book we need to look to for guidance.
Not only does He give us direction, guidance, wisdom when we ask for it... He will strengthen and enable us to do what we need to do!
He will be our ROCK!
But only if we permit Him to!
He’s wants our active participation in changing our lives.

YES –
He is able – and He does change some things immediately upon salvation!

I recall a gal saying to me one time that she couldn’t understand why God had taken alcohol addiction away from someone she knew and left her still struggling with her addiction!
I know that God wants her to totally depend upon Him;
And she is doing just that!

He wants to be her Rock!
Her Strength!
Her Stronghold!

He wants to be YOUR Rock!
YOUR Strength!
YOUR Stronghold!

Dear friend,
I pray today that He is your Rock!
That He is all of this and more!
That your Strength comes from HIM and Him alone!
That your direction comes from Him and Him alone!
Meditate on this thought today and let Him be that for you!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Thankfulness

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
2 Corinthians 9:15

His indescribable gift – HIS SON!
Does that not make your heart overflow with thankfulness?
It does mine!

Being thankful is not a “feeling” – It is an “attitude”!

Is it your attitude?
There are times when it is NOT my attitude because
my selfish nature gets in the way and I CHOOSE not to be thankful!
How silly is that?!

Dear One,
Learn to be thankful!
CHOOSE to be thankful!
Take on an attitude of thankfulness!
Don’t let your wishy-washy feelings dictate your attitudes every day!
Keep a gratitude journal –
Thank Him for His salvation!

Praising Him today, I remain
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

“I AM”

Recorded in the Gospel of John,
are seven times when Jesus uses the words “I am”.

There are two things here that spark an interest of mine...
One being the number 7 and its use in scripture;
the other being the words “I AM”.

For now, I will tell you that the number 7 has three fundamental meanings:
· Full
· Complete
· Oath

And the number seven is scattered throughout His Word!
Why did He do that?

HUMMMMMMMMM...
That’s for another time!

This is by no means an exhaustive writing on the I AMs of Jesus
as recorded by John. My desire is to introduce them to you, and for you to spend some time studying them and what they mean to you!

· John 6:48 – Bread of Life
· John 8:12 – Light of the World
· John 10:9 – The Door
· John 10:11 – The Good Shepherd
· John 11:25 – Resurrection and Life
· John 14:6 – The Way, The Truth, The Life
· John 15:1 – True Vine

Just seeing those in print as a “list” makes me grateful,
and I can’t go on writing without thanking Him for Who He Is!
Thank You, Father for your provision for us thru Your Son!

Can you imagine living without sustenance, light, protection,
knowledge and truth,
connection, heaven?
I can’t!

There was a time in my life when I looked upon the “church” with some disdain! I bought into the thinking that Christians were hypocrites;
that this life was all there was anyway, so why did it matter?
Then a lady came into my life who lived her Christianity...
She showed love to everyone; had compassion and grace;
she modeled what the Christian life was all about.
The more time we spent together, the more I desired her peace,
her confidence, her grace, her gentleness.
I witnessed people ridicule her for her faith...
not to her face but behind her back...
She knew this though and she persevered!

I KNOW with all my heart that God was not willing that I should perish
and that He was drawing me to Himself!
Thank you, LORD!

At about this same time I began to hear that Jesus loved me!
That He is the Way, the Truth, the Life;
He is the Bread of Life;
The Good Shepherd;
The Door;
The Vine;
Resurrection and Life – eternity in heaven!
That He would bring Light, Peace, Joy, Confidence into my life!

I am (me - Ruthie) so thankful for HIS I AM(s)...
May they bless you today!
Meditate on these Scriptures and let them fill your heart with HIM!

Joy and Peace to you today!
Ruthie

Hebrews 13:5

For He Himself has said,
I will not in any way fail you
nor give you up
nor leave you without support.

I will not,
I will not,
I will not
in any degree
leave you helpless
nor forsake
nor let you down!
[Assuredly not!]

Hebrews 13:5 (Amp)

God-Shaped Hole

Many years ago I heard a Pastor speak of the God-shaped hole in our hearts – how we long for something to fill this hole;
we yearn for it to be filled somehow – with something -
He said that Jesus is the only “one”, the only “thing”
that will fill that hole and make our hearts complete!
Make our lives complete!

I remember thinking about a popular toy for infants and toddlers...
Years ago I bought one from Tupperware for my daughter... She also had a similar one for her daughter!
The toy was round in shape with many geometric-shaped holes in it - a rectangle, circle, square, triangle, and so on.
It had pieces of the same shapes that would fit thru the holes...
(Do you remember this toy?)

There was no way the child could get the round piece to fit thru the triangular hole!
Or the square piece to fit through the circular hole!
Etc, etc.

How like that ‘toy’ we are.
We long for completeness and try to fill that God-shaped hole with so many things:
· Money
· Jewels
· Houses
· Cars
· Jobs
· Hobbies
· Church
· Relationships
· Alcohol & drugs
· Food
· Sex
· Gambling
· _______________
(you fill in the blank)

I remember back to the time in my life when I experienced this YEARNING.
Nothing was working for me, though.
Nothing seemed to satisfy.
Nothing filled the hole!

Then I met Jesus Christ!
Hallelujah!
Praise the Lord!
The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation
Psalm 118:14

He became my Savior and my life changed –
not overnight mind you, but it changed!
And it’s still changing!
This journey is an exciting one!
I wouldn’t change it for the world!

He saved me from myself and my destructive ways;
He saved me from an eternity in Hell;
He saved my from God’s wrath!

He saved me to shine forth with God’s love and peace and joy into this dark world!
He saved me to give God the glory and praise He deserves!
He saved me to eternal life in Heaven!

If you have made Him Lord of your life He also saved you FROM and TO...

If you don’t know Him yet - are still yearning and longing for something to fill that hole -
He wants to save you FROM and TO!

Won’t you let Him today?

Father,
Touch each heart reading this today.
May they know that the only one who can fill that hole in our hearts is Jesus.
Thank You, Lord for loving us so much that you sent Him to earth in a manger,
allowed Him to be crucified for each one, and raised Him from the dead to be our advocate in Heaven.
Praise you Lord!
Amen.

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Alpha and Omega

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega,
the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 21:5-6

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,
The First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:13

Jesus was present at the creation of the world,
He will be present at the end of the world.
He is the One who is, who was, and who is to come.
(Revelation 1:8)

He is all-sufficient; all-powerful; all-knowing!

He is the source of all life! The fulfillment of all desire!

Hallelujah!
Praise The Lord!

May you rest in the truth of these words today!
Ruthie

The Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This child came to earth, lived here among us;
His love for us was so great He went to Calvary.

My heart aches when I think of what He did for me –
for all people of the world.
My eyes fill with tears when I recall how unworthy I am.

My life –
A winding road of longing,
searching for fulfillment –
Only to be found in HIM;
Only to be found when I fully surrendered to HIM.

Such peace He gives!
The longing is gone!
The search is over!

I sense a fullness,
a completeness,
a peace I’ve never felt before.
I praise Him for His presence,
for the peace that only He can give.

People seek to fill their emptiness
with things and ‘busy-ness’...
The Prince of Peace is waiting to fill that hole!
He alone gives love, peace, Himself!
Praise His name!

I penned the above ‘poem’ [I use that term loosely] in
late fall of 1995-
I was facing another Christmas season – alone.
By “alone” I mean this was my 2nd Christmas since
I had been divorced.
But I certainly was not alone!
My beautiful daughter was coming home;
I had friends, and family times to prepare for and others to attend.

Most of all –
I had Jesus!
I KNEW He was there...
I KNEW He loved me...
I had His Peace! And I had His Grace!
I had asked Him to give me the Grace to accept my circumstances,

and His Peace and Presence to fill my heart!
He answered my prayer!
WHOO HOO!
And I was so thankful for that!
I just had to share that with Him from a grateful heart!

The Christmas season never approaches that I don’t recall this time in my life ...
He has blessed me so!
He has done marvellous things!
I stand in awe of Him!
And I am so thankful for Him and to Him!

I cannot reflect on Christmas without reflecting
on the CROSS!
For a few years we placed a lighted Cross on the barn roof;

people would tell us they could see it from a long distance away.
Some would ask why a cross at Christmas...
we then could tell them the “Reason for the Season”!

For the past couple years I have seen a Cross lit up
across Lake Milo! This just thrills my heart!
My heartfelt prayer at this time of year is for people who don’t know Him

to realize that He truly is the REASON for everything!

If you are reading this today and you do not Know Jesus
as your personal Savior,
please,

contact me or someone you know who can help you to find the answers

to your questions!

He is the Answer!
If you do Know Him, and have a personal relationship with Him,
I pray that this time of year will encourage you
and increase you faith.

Father God,
I pray today for those who are searching for love, peace, hope, and joy.
I commit them to Your tender care.
I know You love them; You can give them what they’re longing for.
May your Holy Spirit draw them to You this Christmas Season.
May they hear Your Word and come to know that You love them;
give their lives over to You;
and experience the love, peace, hope, and joy, that only comes from You!
In the Precious Name of Jesus I pray,
Amen.

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Thankful Tuesday!

What are you thankful for today?

Have you sensed His presence this week?
Have you meditated on HIS Word?
Have you sung praises to Him?

Have you worshiped with fellow Christians without
the fear of persecution?

Have you been able to share what is happening in your life
and give Him the glory for it all?

Have you prayed a prayer with a child?
Or for a child?

Have you had the ability to go to work
and to do your work for His glory?

Have you told someone close to you that you love them?

Have you walked in assurance of His love for you?
Of His salvation of you?

Have you walked and talked in the assurance of
WHO YOU ARE IN HIM?

Have you received an answer to prayer?

Have you received an answer that has not been what you might have wanted but

you have the faith, the belief, to know He is in control,
and that His answer is better than yours?

Have you seen His hand on the life of a loved one?
Have you seen Him working in them?

Have you wondered how much more you can handle before you break, yet have the faith to believe He is in the midst?

Dear Friends-
I am thankful for all these things and I praise Him for them.
Spend some time giving Him thanks...
Make your own list and lift it to Him in prayer!

Love and Blessings in Christ!
Ruthie

Jesus, Our Savior

The Christmas season is upon us...
and this year, more than any other year,
I find myself wanting to stay totally away for the commercialism of it
and truly focus on the REASON for it all!
I start in mid-November putting out some snowmen;
at the same time I display the numerous Nativity Scenes I have...

I enjoy putting up my Christmas tree –
I love to sit at night with the room lights dimmed and the tree lights on,
and soak in the beauty of it!
I usually have my tree up by the 18th of November ...this year I’m a little late!
But it’s happening today as soon as I finish writing here.
{I’m writing this on the 21st – you are reading this a few days later}}
Actually, I have the tree up, just not decorated [it’s pre-lit so the lights are on!]...
I just stepped away from it for a time, to spend some time with Jesus!

Who is Jesus?
He is my Redeemer, my Savior, my Lord.
He is the Alpha and Omega,
the Beginning and the End.
He is Alive, present with His Father!
He is Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness, Love...
He is Blessing, Atonement,
My Brother!

Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,
because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:20-21

In the days of Jesus’ life on earth the name ‘Jesus’ was a common name...
That probably explains why Jesus is referred to in Scripture as
Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus the son of Joseph, Jesus the Nazarene...
to distinguish him from others with the same name

Jesus – English
Lesous – Greek
Yeshua – Hebrew

“Jesus” means “Yahweh is help” or “Yahweh is salvation”
“Yahweh” is the covenant name of God -
a name so sacred that it was considered too holy to even say.
The Hebrew name “Yeshua” is related to the word “yeshu’ah”
which means salvation.

Jesus’ purpose on earth was to seek out sinners and to save them!
He was looking for the lost souls of this world to help them
find their way from eternal death to eternal life!
How amazing is that?
And He still does that today!
Praise the LORD!

Dear Loved Ones,
I pray today that you KNOW Jesus!
That you KNOW that He is your Salvation, your Help, your Lord!
May this Christmas Season be filled with His Presence in your life!

Father God,
I pray for us all, Lord, to come to a place of seeing things
through Your eyes!
Of seeing beyond our needs and wants,
to seeing the world with Your heart;
a heart filled with compassion, and love, and acceptance.
Father, may we allow ourselves to be touched by You in such a way that
we are moved by the things that move You.
Give us a burden for the lost –
a desire to see Your salvation spring fresh and new upon this earth!
Send Your Holy Spirit amongst us –
Light a fire within each one to desire to participate with You
in bringing people to You!
And we will give you all the Glory!
Thank You, Jesus.
In Your Precious Name I pray!
Amen.

Resting in Him,
Ruthie

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophecies.
Test all things;
hold fast what is good.
Abstain from every form of evil.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely;
and may your whole spirit, soul, and body
be preserved blameless at the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful,
who also will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

FOOTPRINTS – A New Version

May This Bless Your Day!
Disclaimer! I did not author this – it was sent to me; it truly blessed my day!


Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together.
For much of the way, the Lord’s footprints go along steadily, consistently,
rarely varying the pace.
But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.

For much of the way it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord’s, soon paralleling His consistently.
You and Jesus are walking as true friends!

This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens:
Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus’ are now walking precisely in His steps.
Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change.
The footprints inside the larger ones seem to grow larger.
Eventually they disappear altogether.
There is only one set of footprints.
They have become one.

This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of prints is back.
This time it seems even worse!
Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts.
Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked.
Your dream ends.

Now you pray:
“‘Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits.
I was a new Christian; I was just learning.
But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You.”

“That is correct.”

“And when the smaller footprints were inside Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following you very closely.”

“Very good. You have understood everything so far.”
“When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours,
I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way.”

“Precisely.”

“So, Lord, was there a regression or something?
The footprints separated and this time it was worse than at first.”

There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.
“You didn’t know? It was then that we danced!”

I have a picture of Jesus in my living room with His head thrown back
and it looks like there’s wind in His hair and He’s smiling ... a huge smile!
In fact, He’s probably laughing!

This picture blesses me every time I look at it –
I see happiness and joy in His face...
And I imagine that He looks this way when He is pleased with me!
With us!
When He finds delight in His people!

Psalm 2:4
The ONE enthroned in heaven laughs;

Blessings on you today!
May you KNOW that He loves you with an amazing love;
that He delights in you!

Ruthie
For I KNOW whom I have believed!

Revelation 1:7-8

TRUTH-FILLED THURSDAY

Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him,
even they who pierced Him.
And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.
Even so, Amen.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord,
“who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:7-8

We’re coming upon the Christmas season in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ...
the Son of God coming to earth as a human, to live amongst us...
His first coming was not a universal experience!

He will come back a second time!

Praise God!
We’re told this in the Scripture you just read!

He will return – with the clouds –
This will be a universal experience!
The entire world (believers and unbelievers alike) will witness His return!

May this truth fill your heart with excited expectation and hope!
May it also burden your heart for those who don’t know Him yet!
May your faith be increased, your trust be doubled,
your love be magnified,
because of the truth of God’s Word!

Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

Brokenness

BROKENNESS

Where does your mind go when you hear the word ‘brokenness’?
Does it go to a time and place when you knew beyond a doubt
that you could no longer do life on your own?
Do you recall that you needed God;
needed His strength, His wisdom, His comfort –
in order to go on?

To be broken means to be crushed, in pieces, hurt...
We don’t like to think about this, do we?

Do you recall David’s lament in Psalm 31:12?
I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind;
I am like a broken vessel.

How about Jeremiah’s words in Jeremiah 23:9?
My heart within me is broken
Because of the prophets;

Or Solomon’s words in Proverbs 17:22?
A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Or in Proverbs 18:14?
The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness,
But who can bear a broken spirit?

As I read these words I can almost feel their pain, their hurt, their “brokenness” – primarily because I’ve “been there” at one time or another!
As we all have!

Here are some examples of an unbroken spirit:
· Rebellion
· Pride & Arrogance
· Anger
· Dishonesty
· Bitterness & Resentment
· Sarcasm
· Selfishness
· Anxiety

Now, here are examples of just the opposite – a broken spirit:
· Submission
· Humility
· Reconciliation & Peace
· Honesty
· Forgiveness
· Gentleness
· Unselfishness & Holiness
· Rest & Quietness

Which ‘spirit’ would you like to have?
Me? ... give me the broken spirit any day...
I have lived in ‘unbrokenness’ -
(and it seems I slip back there at times too!)
I don’t wish to go back to those “awful” feelings and attitudes!

God heals!
Praise the Lord!
Hallelujah!

Meditate on these Scriptures:

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Psalm 34:18

He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

HE is the only ONE who can heal our broken hearts and spirits!
The only ONE who can save us and set us free!
THANK YOU, JESUS!

Think about this for a moment:
God uses broken things –
The ground must be broken in order to plant and for crops to grow;
The seed itself must be broken open in order to sprout!
The birds must break the seeds open to get the necessary nutrients;
Grain must be beaten and processed in order to be prepared for bread making;
and the bread must be broken to give us nourishment!
Have you ever heard the expression “the sky opened up
and the rain came down”?
Think of that – the sky, the clouds, must be broken for rain to fall!
What are some other examples that you can think of?

Have you ever “broken” an object and said it was too shattered or broken
to be fixed?
The morning I’m writing this I dropped one of my favorite mugs-
and it shattered!
There was no fixing that one!

Well, KNOW this, Dear One!!!!!!
YOU will NEVER be so broken that you can’t be fixed!
Thank You, Jesus!

We serve an awesome God and He is in the business of healing
the brokenness in our lives!
However, we must turn our lives over to Him for that process to start!
And that, my dear friend, is a choice we make!

We choose to stay unbroken, or to be broken....
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying –
“This circumstance will either make you bitter or make you better.”
It’s very true –
Anything that happens to us will do one or the other!
When we allow ourselves to come to a place of brokenness and surrender to God, He can then begin the process of reshaping us, of healing us,
of making us more like Him!

The choice we make will determine the impact we will have for HIM in this world!
Others will either receive a saving knowledge of Christ or they will not!
All because of how we allow God to use our “brokenness’.

Here’s a poem I wrote many years ago in my “brokenness”-

I feel Your Presence, LORD.
I KNOW You’re with me.
I sense the work You’re doing in my life;
the lessons You’re trying to teach me;
the path you want me to take.

Lord, I’ve been so broken,
in such a pit.
And yet, through it all,
you’ve been there with me.
Praise You, Lord!

Lord, continue to carry me;
Allow you’re Holy Spirit to cleanse and renew me;
Make my faith stronger because of this brokenness.
Praise You, Lord!

Today I claim Romans 8:28 –
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Father God,
I pray today for anyone reading this devotional.
I ask You to touch their hearts –
may they KNOW that You will heal them;
May they KNOW that You will turn their brokenness into a thing of beauty!
May they KNOW they can call on You wherever, whenever!
May they KNOW that YOU will comfort and give strength!
May they TRUST You with their hearts and their souls!
Father God, I ask for Your Hand to be upon each one!
Praise You and Thank You!
In Jesus Precious Name I pray,
Amen!

In His Love,
Ruthie

John 3:16

Thankful Tuesday

For God so loved the world that
He gave His one and only Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish
but have eternal life.
John 3:16

This following story was sent to me via email...
You know the kind!
(You may have seen this before!
It speaks to me every time I read it!)
Sometimes though, they really speak to my heart,
as this one did,
so I have decided to share it with you today!

DISCLAIMER: I am not the author of this piece!

A young man who had been raised as an atheist was training to be an Olympic diver.
The only religious influence in his life came from
his outspoken Christian friend.
The young diver never really paid much attention to his
friend’s sermons, but he heard them often.

One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he attended. The lights were off, but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright,
there was plenty of light to practice by.

The young man climbed to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended his arms out, he saw his shadow on the wall.

The shadow of his body was in the shape of a cross.
The man felt a strange feeling,
like someone was speaking to him.
Instead of diving he knelt down
and finally asked God to come into his life.

As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on.
The pool had been drained for repairs!

WOW!
Praying this blesses you today!
May you fill today with Thanks for Him
and His works in your life!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Agnus Dei

AGNUS DEI

We were travelling last weekend…
and once we’re “all talked out” –
(some of you probably think that would never happen with us?!) –
we usually put in a CD and get lost in our own thoughts!

I put in a CD by Michael W. Smith and this song came on…
“AGNUS DEI”

To me, it is ONE of the most beautiful, worshipful,
praise songs ever written.
When I hear this song, no matter where I am,
I feel the presence of our LORD descend,
and I praise HIM -
“Worthy is the Lamb”!

The words in this song say this:
“Alleluia,
The Lord God Almighty reigns,
Holy are You, Lord God Almighty,
Worthy is the Lamb”

I didn’t take Latin in High School –
[I don’t think they even offer it anymore???]
I did know that “Dei” meant God…. but didn’t know the rest!
So … here’s hoping this will bless you as much as it did me!

“AGNUS DEI” is Latin for “The Lamb of God”.
“ALLELUIA” is Latin for the Hebrew word meaning “Praise”;
“Hallelujah” is the English version of “Alleluia”…

Both words are now used in English to signify Praise of God!
Among Christians today “Hallelujah” and “Praise the Lord”
are spontaneous expressions of joy,
thanksgiving, and praise towards God!

Isaiah chapter 53 gives a picture of the coming Messiah;
Verse 7 states - …he was led like a lamb to the slaughter…
Here we have the prophet Isaiah foretelling that the expected Messiah
is the Lamb of God.

Before Jesus came to earth and went to the cross to atone for our sin,
lambs were slain as a sacrifice for sin!
The Passover is documented in Exodus 12… a lamb is slain –
one per household -
and the blood of the lamb is to be spread on the doorframes
(top and sides)
of the houses where they eat the lambs;
this blood will be a sign to God that the people inside
have sacrificed to Him, and they will be spared.
The blood of the sacrificial lamb will spare their lives from destruction!

WOW!
The blood of Jesus saves us from eternal destruction!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold!
The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
John 1:29

Again , the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.
And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
John 1:35

John the Baptist was telling people about the coming Messiah.
This particular day he saw Jesus and knew he was in the presence of the Lamb of God!
I can only speak for myself, but when I think of a lamb I picture a sweet,
gentle, little animal covered in white cotton-like fur!

The people of John the Baptist’s time would have pictured an animal that they had carried to slaughter many times, as they were required to do daily,
weekly, and for special sacrifices,
with the lamb being the most chosen animal to sacrifice!
I can’t help but wonder what they thought when they heard those words
used to describe this man.

Revelation 4 and 5 give us a picture of heaven!
God’s throne room, all that was there, and what was taking place!

Please spend some time meditating on these chapters –
you will be truly blessed when you do!

Revelation 5:5 -
Jesus is called the “Lion of Judah”, the “Root of David” –
Both of these titles are messianic
titles for Jesus.
Then the writer goes on to tells us of the Lamb -
Who is worthy!

Verse 9 – And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to
take the scroll, and to open its seals;
for You were slain ,
and have redeemed us to God by Your blood…”

This just excites me!
He is worthy of our praise!
And so much more!
He is worthy of us giving our lives completely to Him;
worthy of our service, our sacrifice, our worship!

Alleluia! You Are Worthy!
Praise You, Jesus!
Thank You for Your sacrifice for me!

I have just touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to telling you “Who Jesus is”!
If you don’t know Him yet, or are searching for answers,
or have need of prayer - please feel free to leave a comment -
and I will respond via email!

Jesus loves YOU!
Take a moment and lift your heart to Him!
Think about what He has done for you as your eternal sacrifice!
KNOW that He stands next to God in heaven!
Waiting to meet you there!

Blessings to you this day!
Ruthie

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack
concerning His promise,
as some count slackness,
but is longsuffering toward us,
not willing that any should perish
but
that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9

Your Quiet Time

Your Quiet Time

Over the years through the books I’ve read, messages I’ve heard, and my own creativity, I’ve discovered many ways to spend my
DTAWG
{Daily Time Alone With God}

Here are some suggestions:
If you find yourself doing the same old thing; getting rusty, or dry, or stale, because the “excitement” isn’t there,
try something new and fresh!
Something you may not have tried before!

Don’t let the devil draw you away from time with the Lord!
he will try to do that, you know…
so, like any relationship you have to do new things
to keep it fresh and refreshing!


· Write a letter to God about your life – how you’d like to grow, the things that are bothering you.

· Meditate on a favorite scripture and write a prayer to Jesus related to that Word

· Write out and memorize Scripture.

· Go on a praise walk – thanking God for everything you see

· Dance before the Lord like David who danced with all his might.

· Spend the entire time with God singing.

· Read a different translation of the Bible

· Write out a Philippians 4:8 list - document all those things that are true and noble and pure and lovely and so on!

· Read aloud and meditate on the words of your favorite hymn or Praise song

· Have a quiet time with one of your children or grandchildren

· Praise Jesus from A to Z.

· Spend some time fasting from food, TV, or your favorite hobby… or…

· Do some research on a theological question you’d like answered.

· Reflect on and Memorize one of the prayers of the Bible:
Mary’s prayer Luke 1:46-55;
Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10;
Habakkuk’s prayer in Habakkuk 3:2

What are some of your ideas?
I’d love to hear what they are!

The Purpose of all these ideas is to enhance your relationship with God and your intimacy with Him during your quiet time…

The goal being to abide with Him more and more!

Praying for His blessing to fall upon you today!
You Sister in Christ,
Ruthie

Daniel 3:17-18

Daniel 3:17-18
Truth-Filled Thursday

I love the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego –
found in the Book of Daniel.
I am especially invigorated by their reply to the King when he demanded
that they worship his gods
or be thrown into the blazing furnace!

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace,
the God we serve is able to save us from it,
and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.
But even if he does not,
we want you to know, O king,
that we will not serve your gods
or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:17-18

Such faith they had!
The truth is –
He is able to deliver us from our situations –
but sometimes He does not –
because He’s working something bigger and better in our lives
and / or the lives of people around us!

How awesome is that!

I pray, dear friends, that you are resting in HIS Word today…
That His truth fills your heart and soul!
Blessings on yah!
Ruthie

Capstone

CAPSTONE
A while ago I was asked why I chose the name CAPSTONE
for my counseling practice.
I wanted something that would reflect that Jesus was the answer to all of life’s questions and concerns!

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,
the author and perfecter of our faith…

The KJV states…
Looking unto Jesus,
the author and finisher of our faith…

He IS the answer for us all!
It was because of God’s intervention that I was able
to study and obtain my degree.
He saved me; healed me;
forgave me and allowed me to forgive;
He loves me; protects me; and keeps me secure.
He is my everything!

I wanted my counseling to reflect that to other people
so they, too, could experience HIM!

A CAPSTONE is the finishing stone of a structure.

A Cornerstone is laid to secure the foundation;
the capstone holds it all together.

Jesus IS our foundation, and the finisher of our faith!
Praise His Name!

When “capstone” or “cornerstone” is mentioned in the Bible
It refers to a stone that held 2 rows of stones together,
one that stabilized the foundation,
or one that formed the keystone over an arch
or at the top of a roof structure.
These stones had to be perfectly cut to create stability for the structure!

Psalm 118:22-24 (NIV)
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
the LORD has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Acts 4:11-12 (NIV)
He is “‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the capstone.’
Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven given to men
by which we must be saved.”

[the NKJV states ... “has become the chief cornerstone”]

The study notes in one Bile I researched states this:
“the expression chief cornerstone was also used to refer to the stone placed at the summit of the Jerusalem temple.
Thus Peter used the phrase to point out that when the people rejected Jesus Christ, they rejected the One who completed the plan of God for humankind. The phrase and its significance here would have been well understood in the first century, especially among the Jewish rabbis and people who knew the Scriptures.”

WOW!
That really makes me think afresh about His place in our lives!
He is the CAPSTONE!
We believers are the holy temple in which God dwells!
We are cemented together by our faith in Christ!

Questions to ponder:
· Do you draw strength from Him and from those who love Him?
· Are you able to stand firm when life gets difficult?
· Do you need to shift some priorities to stand more solidly on Him?

Read 2 Peter 2:4-9
In these words Peter says we are “living stones”

Imagine!
We are living stones, part of His kingdom here on earth;
With Jesus Christ as our sure foundation
and the capstone of our faith!
Praise God!

Your Sister in Christ,
Ruthie

His Word is All I Need

HIS WORD IS ALL I NEED

May His Word Bless you today!
And fill you with thanksgiving!

Daniel 2:19-23

Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said:
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
He changes times and seasons;
He sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.

I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers;
You have given me wisdom and power,
you made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made know to us the dream of the king.”


Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

Names of God

NAMES OF GOD


May you spend some time these next few days reflecting
on some of the names of God!
I pray you will be encouraged and uplifted by KNOWING
that HE is your “ALL-IN-ALL!”

Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

Jehovah - LORD, Our Eternal God
Genesis 2:4

Adonai - LORD / Master, Sovereign Lord
Genesis 15: 2

Elohim - God (Our Creator)
Genesis 1:1

El Shaddai - Almighty God, The All-sufficient One
Genesis 17: 1 & 2
Psalm 91:1

Jehovah-Rapha - God my Healer
Exodus 15:26

Jehovah-Jireh - God my Provider
Genesis 22:14

Jehovah-Shalom - The LORD is Peace
Judges 6:24

El Roi - The God Who Sees Me
Genesis 16:13

Jehovah El Elyon - The Most High God
Genesis 14:22;
Isaiah 14: 13-14

El-Olam - Everlasting God
Isaiah 40: 28-31

Weekend Whisperings

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities nor powers,
nor things present nor things to come,
nor height nor depth,
nor any created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

Labarum

This is a Greek symbol called a LABARUM.

A few days ago someone said to me as I wrote down a message
using “Xmas”…
“Oh, don’t use that! That takes Christ out of Christams!”

My response was,
“No it doesn’t. I read somewhere a couple years ago that
‘X’ was the Greek symbol for Christ,
and until I read that I would never have used it either.”

I’m not sure if she trusted what I said or not
so I decided to do some research on this topic!
I hope this gives you new insight.

‘Cristos’ is the Greek word for Christ.
The letter ‘X’ (chi) stands for the first letter of this word,
And the letter ‘P’ (rho) stands for the second letter of this word.
The symbol, as seen above, stands for the first two letters of Christ.
Many years ago Christ was written as “XP”…

This symbol you see above was a prominent symbol of the early undivided church…
found in manuscripts and art of the early Christians.
It became intertwined with the Church of the Roman Empire
during the time of the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great…
who eventualy converted to Christianity.

Constantine had this symbol used as a military standard…
and it was carried by his army into battle (306-337).
One writer I researched stated that this should remind us that we too are in a battle …
a spiritual battle – and we must remain steadfast and strong against the enemy,
thru the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The word “XMAS” has been used for hundreds of years in religious writings.
In recent years it has made a reoccurrence and many Christians have taken offense to the use of the “X” in place of the word “Christ”… being unaware of its Greek origin.
It has been said that the use of “X” has been an attmept to
secularize and commercialize Christmas…
to take Christ out of Christmas!
As I researched I saw an ad from a 1922 edition of the Ladies Home Journal,
saying “Give Her A ______ for XMAS”.
That tells me that it was used during my mother’s and father’s younger years
(they grew up in the 20’s)…
However, I don’t recall seeing it used during my younger years ….
[maybe I just am forgetful!]

Think of this!
When my granddaughter or my husband write me a note and
put “X” and “O” at the end of the note, I’m reminded how much they love me!
When our granddaughter calls us and leaves a messages she even says,
“X, O, X, O, heart in the middle, X, O, X, O”
How cute is that?
She’s telling us of her love for us!

And don’t we need to know we are loved – especially by God?
From now on when I see “XMAS” – or write “XMAS” –
I am going to remind myself that God loved me so much
He sent His only Son to live as a man, to take my sins upon Himself,
and to die on a cross (X) for me –
so that I might be forgiven and redeemed!
[John 3:16]

“Amazing Love, How can it be,
That thou my Savior shouldst die for me!”
[not my words...we sing a song with these words in them.]

Jesus came to earth in a lowly stable;
And went to the cross (X) for us!
Christmas should remind us of God’s love for us.

I trust these words have encouraged you …
maybe the next time you see “XMAS” you can share with someone
what that “X” really means - Christ and the Cross!
And that HE IS the REASON why we celebrate Christmas!
That excites me!
I pray it does you too!

Blessings on yah!
Ruthie

Matthew 5:13-14

Truth-Filled Thursday

Matthew 5:13-14
You are the salt of the earth,
but if salt has lost its taste how can its saltiness be restored?
It is not good for anything any longer
but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Is this how you see yourself every day?
You are God’s agents,
His ambassadors,
in this world!

May your saltiness bring flavour to all you come in contact with!
May you spread His light into the darkness!

Go out today and sprinkle and shine for Him!

Blessings,
Ruthie

P E A C E

P E A C E

When you see or hear the word ‘peace’ what comes to your mind?
For me – I think of “rest”; “calmness”;
“absence of chaos”; “quietness”; serenity.

All those awesome attributes…
I am fully convinced that one can only have peace in their life when they are fully surrendered to our loving Father God!

Jesus spoke these words:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27

May your reflection on these Scriptures bring you the
peace that only He can give!


P – Pray - Psalm 5:2
Psalm 55:17
Philippians 4:6

E – Enter - Psalm 100:4
Isaiah 57:1-2
1 Peter 3:11

A – Acknowledge - Psalm 32:5
Psalm 51:3
2 Timothy 2:25

C – Comfort - Psalm 23:4
Acts 9:31
Isaiah 51:12

E – Encourage - Romans 15:4
Hebrews 12:5-6
Colossians 2:2-3

May your day be blessed with His PEACE!
And His REST!

Praying for you all, I remain,
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Thankful Tuesday

THANKFUL TUESDAY!

Praise the Lord!
Sometimes I Praise Him quietly,
Sometimes, not so quietly!

He wants our praises!
Have you ever been to a sporting event where the fans were shouting,
clapping their hands, using ‘noise makers’ to cheer the team on ?

I have – and – I’ve participated in all these activities!
I believe God would be thrilled to see us respond to Him in the same way!

Psalm 150 tells us to praise Him with instruments,
with dancing, with shouts of joy!

He Is SO Worthy of our Praise!

Praise Him today…
Give Him your thanks for His presence in your life!

Meditate on Psalm 150 today.

Blessings on you as you give Praise to our Heavenly father!
Ruthie

Wisdom

WISDOM

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to him.
James 1:5

Have you ever walked out from under God’s guidance and protection,
and made your own choices;
thinking that you knew what was best for you at that time?
I surely have!

How He must have shaken His head at me!
“There she goes again. What am I going to do with her?
When is she going to get it that my will, my way, my wisdom
are so much more complete for her than her own?”
Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to see a lack of wisdom
in someone else than to see it in ourselves?

How would you define wisdom?
It means to have insight and clear understanding;
discerning right and wrong;
having good judgment;
applying the truth in every situation;
making the right choice or decision.

WOW!
Is this ever possible for us?
YES! It is!
Only if we seek God’s wisdom…

In our humanness we make wrong decisions;
We apply our truth to situations, instead of His truth;
We, in ourselves, just may not have the best judgment for a given situation

How do we acquire God’s wisdom?
· First and foremost we must ask for it – daily!
Seek Him, and His wisdom, with all your heart!
Solomon asked God for an understanding heart and discernment
and it was given to him!
1 Kings 3:9
Always keep this in mind…
Seek His wisdom first before seeking anyone else’s!
Even to the point of asking Him who you should speak to!

· We must be in the Word!
Being in the Word reinforces God’s truth for our lives and helps us to
have the necessary discernment to make right choices.

· Listen to wise people…
It is important that we ask for help…
not from everyone we come in contact with, but from a few wise people!
Ask Him to keep you away from ungodly counsel!

· Acknowledge Him in all things and be obedient to His ways.

Here are some Scriptures that speak of His wisdom.
Meditate on these and seek His truth.
Psalm 37:30-31
Jeremiah 33:3
Proverbs 2:3-6

Blessings on you this day!
Ruthie

Weekend Whisperings

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength!
He will make me as surefooted as a deer
and bring me safely over the mountains
Habakkuk 3:18-19

Gentle Shepherd

Gentle Shepherd

I feel led to give you this poem today –
I cannot take any credit for it –
Nor would I want to!

This poem spoke to me a few years ago -
I copied it and placed it on the inside cover of my Bible,
and I read it quite often!

The words are so precious to my heart –
I pray that someone reading this may see God for Who He really is
and come to love Him with all their hearts!

Blessings to you all
Ruthie

MY EVERY ONE
Beth Moore

Lead me, Gentle Shepherd
Save me, Lamb of God
Feed me, Bread of Heaven
Alone on paths You trod

Hear me, Intercessor
Answer, Living Word
Rescue, O Deliverer
Still the waters stirred

Plead for me, my Advocate
Set me free, O Truth
Soothe me, Tender Comforter
Shake hell’s kindred loose

Doctor, Great Physician
Seek me, Blindless Sight
Grant me, Freely Giver
Usher forth, Dear Light

Empower me, O Mighty One
Quiet me, my Peace
Keep me, Blest Assurance
From graven hand’s release

Chasten me, my Father
Gracefully Restore
Build my house right next to You
Escort me home, O Door