‘Thank You, Lord’
This song is running thru my head today…
It’s a chorus I learned years ago –
I have no idea who wrote the words but I give them all the credit –
And I thank them for penning the words for us to sing!
“Thank You, Lord
for saving my soul
Thank you, Lord
for making me whole
Thank you, Lord for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free!”
May this be your prayer today on this Thanks-filled Tuesday –
A prayer of thanks to Him for being in your life!
Blessings!
Ruthie
picture
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
‘Thank You, Lord’
Monday, September 29, 2008
Colors!
COLORS!
I love COLOR!
Definition of color – quality of an object /substance with respect
to light reflected by it.
I love to use a mixture of colors when I paper-craft!
and decorate!
I’ve had people say “I never would have put those colors together!”
And I tell them to just look around us!
See the colors of our world!
When a garden is in bloom! Or a field is full of wild flowers!
Or the beautiful birds that grace my feeder daily!
The fall leaves as they turn to a myriad of color!
The numerous shades of green on a hillside covered in tress!
The blue of a glacier!
The white of new fallen snow!
WOW!
Anything goes!
And if the Master Painter put them together – well, so can I!
One of my most favorite programs to watch is “COLOR CONFIDENTIAL”!
It is on during the afternoon - (I am rarely in front of the TV in the afternoon!) –
I have the DVR programmed to record it so I can watch it anytime I wish!
(AHHHH! The age of technology!)
On this program Jane uses a “color wheel” to help people in making decisions regarding colors when they are re-doing a room in their house.
She uses 12 different colors / tones from the rainbow –
Shades / tones of red, blue, yellow, purple, green, neutrals.
She describes the colors as being
· Primary
· Cool
· Warm
· Drab
· Pastel
· Bright
· Complimentary
· Clashing
I’m sure there are other descriptive words … can you think of any?
As I watched this program the other day I thought about color
in our world!
More than that, though, my mind was taken to people!
What colors do we display to the world around us?
Am I cool or warm?
Am I drab? Pastel? Bright? Complimentary? Clashing?
Am I Green with envy? Red with rage? White or grey because I’m ill? Flushed because I’m embarrassed?
Do I shine like the Yellow Sun? (SON!)
Or am I dark and dreary (Black) like death to the soul? (SIN!)
Am I Red? Brown? Green? Purple? Etc., etc.
Anybody else out there think like I do????
I sure hope I’m not alone in this!
And then I wondered what the Scriptures say about color….
In Scripture colors have a meaning:
· Crimson – blood atonement; sacrifice; salvation
· Green – new beginnings; eternal life
· Black – death; evil; disease; judgment; famine; sorrow
· Purple – royalty; majesty
· White – purity; victory; triumph; glory; righteousness
· Blue – viewed as a heavenly color; used in Old Testament to describe various hanging in holy places
· Yellow – joy; sunshine; spiritual enlightenment
Exodus 25 thru 28 records the LORD speaking to Moses with instructions for the Ark of the Temple, the Tabernacle, and the Priestly Garments (plus much more!)
(Please take some time to read this in its entirety.)
Exodus 28 uses vivid descriptions of garments made especially
for the priests.
Verses 5 & 6: They shall take the gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and the fine linen, and they shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, artistically worked.
Can you picture what it must have looked like?
How stunning - with all that color!
What about US?
His blood – His sacrifice on the cross – washes away the blackness of our soul and cleanses us as white as snow!
We then are a new creation – with a new beginning!
We are to be the Light in this dark world!
To be the SONSHINE to those around us!
Our attitudes and mind are to be the same as Christ!
Beautiful, gracious, loving, kind, compassionate, inviting, sacrificial, humble, self-less, victorious, thankful, gentle –
What can you add to this list of attributes?
Are you a vibrant colourful person in the world you go into every day?
What about in your home?
With your friends and family?
With the unsaved?
Are you COLORFAST?
This means that a color maintains it hue without running or fading!
I pray today that these words will touch you in a way to make you mindful of the color you are giving off!
That you are Colorfast in all your circumstances!
May your day be filled with all the colors of the rainbow!
And, may you be a rainbow to someone today!
Blessings to you!
Ruthie
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
His Compassions Never Fail
His Compassions Never Fail
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself. “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Lamentations 3:32-33
I am feeling led to share this –
I don’t know who it may help but I truly believe that God knows!
So – I am being obedient!
In January and February of 2005 my 91 year old father was admitted to
hospital a couple times for failing health –
his health had deteriorated somewhat over the year before this
and it was obvious to all that he was “tired”.
Late in the fall of 2004 he and I had a conversation in which
he told me he was tired;
he was content with his life;
he was frustrated with his health issues;
he didn’t want to die, but he was ready.
Of course, we never thought that by the end of February the next year
he’d be with the Lord!
I fell and broke my leg in two places in August of 2004…
I was not able to return to work that Fall nor in January;
and decided to take early retirement at the end of January 2005.
Consequently, I was able to spend time every day with Dad in the hospital.
Towards the end he was conscious but not able to speak to us – he would try to “talk with his eyes”… and of course, we continued to talk to him.
It was so hard to see him like that.
My Dad didn’t talk much at the best of times but this was difficult.
So, in those days where he slept a lot and didn’t talk
I would sit, read my Bible, pray, and journal.
On February 21 my reading took me to Lamentations
and to the Scriptures quoted above…
I was overwhelmed with His grace when I read them,
and wrote in my Bible -
“Sitting at Dad’s bedside, 0930 in the morning…Thank You, Lord!”
I felt such a sense of peace; I knew God had His hand on Dad -
As well as on my family …
I knew that He would see Dad over “to the other side”;
And that He would see us thru our grief…
I was relying on His great love and compassion for us all!
I also noted in my Bible on that day beside this portion of scripture –
“Dad died later in the day – February 21/05”
My brother and his wife, and I, were with dad at this time.
Was it a coincidence that I was led to that Scripture that morning?
I think not!
I KNOW it wasn’t!
It was a “God-incidence”!
Praise You, Lord!
God’s love and compassion has seen me through –
I am so thankful that I can say I serve a compassionate God!
I am so grateful for how He speaks to me – to us – thru his Word…
May I never miss anything He is trying to say to me!
If you are grieving over the loss of a loved one I pray you will
rely on HIM now more than ever before.
He will carry you and see you thru this time!
Bless you.
Resting in Him,
Ruthie
Isaiah 43:2, 3, 5
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself. “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Lamentations 3:32-33
I am feeling led to share this –
I don’t know who it may help but I truly believe that God knows!
So – I am being obedient!
In January and February of 2005 my 91 year old father was admitted to
hospital a couple times for failing health –
his health had deteriorated somewhat over the year before this
and it was obvious to all that he was “tired”.
Late in the fall of 2004 he and I had a conversation in which
he told me he was tired;
he was content with his life;
he was frustrated with his health issues;
he didn’t want to die, but he was ready.
Of course, we never thought that by the end of February the next year
he’d be with the Lord!
I fell and broke my leg in two places in August of 2004…
I was not able to return to work that Fall nor in January;
and decided to take early retirement at the end of January 2005.
Consequently, I was able to spend time every day with Dad in the hospital.
Towards the end he was conscious but not able to speak to us – he would try to “talk with his eyes”… and of course, we continued to talk to him.
It was so hard to see him like that.
My Dad didn’t talk much at the best of times but this was difficult.
So, in those days where he slept a lot and didn’t talk
I would sit, read my Bible, pray, and journal.
On February 21 my reading took me to Lamentations
and to the Scriptures quoted above…
I was overwhelmed with His grace when I read them,
and wrote in my Bible -
“Sitting at Dad’s bedside, 0930 in the morning…Thank You, Lord!”
I felt such a sense of peace; I knew God had His hand on Dad -
As well as on my family …
I knew that He would see Dad over “to the other side”;
And that He would see us thru our grief…
I was relying on His great love and compassion for us all!
I also noted in my Bible on that day beside this portion of scripture –
“Dad died later in the day – February 21/05”
My brother and his wife, and I, were with dad at this time.
Was it a coincidence that I was led to that Scripture that morning?
I think not!
I KNOW it wasn’t!
It was a “God-incidence”!
Praise You, Lord!
God’s love and compassion has seen me through –
I am so thankful that I can say I serve a compassionate God!
I am so grateful for how He speaks to me – to us – thru his Word…
May I never miss anything He is trying to say to me!
If you are grieving over the loss of a loved one I pray you will
rely on HIM now more than ever before.
He will carry you and see you thru this time!
Bless you.
Resting in Him,
Ruthie
Isaiah 43:2, 3, 5
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God
Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Truth-Filled Thursday
TRUTH-FILLED THURSDAY
“Come now let us reason together,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
Isaiah 1:18
The TRUTH –
God is prepared to forgive our sins if we repent
and turn to Him…
Christ paid the price – on the cross –
God’s grace and power make us white as snow!
I pray today that you KNOW this truth deep in your heart!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Second Chance
A SECOND CHANCE
Do you give thanks to our God for your “Second Chance”?
For your 3rd, 4th, and 5th chances?
I wrote this poem called “A Second Chance”
in April of 1995.
We were in Clinical (hospital experience)
with students,
One gal had not shown up on time for clinical;
(repeatedly)
And if I remember correctly, she was on her third strike - meaning this was the time for her to seriously reconsider her educational path!
A SECOND CHANCE
“Please give me another chance,” she pleads
as tears fall from her eyes;
“Another chance to show that I can do it right.”
As she asks this I’m reminded in my heart
of what the Lord has done for me.
He’s given me a “second chance”,
and many more as well.
I see a picture of myself standing before Him;
repentant; crying;
asking for another chance.
He doesn’t think, “Should I or shouldn’t I?Does she really deserve another chance?”
And my heart nearly breaks.
He did, and He does,
give me so many chances!
Praise God for HIS mercy to me!
How can I not give this one a second chance
when I’ve been given so much more.
Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy and grace;
for wiping my slate clean
and letting me start anew;
for giving me a second chance.
And so we did – we gave her another chance!
I’ve been reading the Book of JONAH –
in the margin of my Bible I have written this:
“the Book of Second Chances”.
Jonah was reluctant to do as God asked him to do and he ran away from God rather than obey Him.
However, God gave him another chance to serve Him,
to be obedient…
“Then the Lord spoke to Jonah a second time”
[3:1]
What has He spoken to you about a ‘second time’;
maybe a ‘third time’ or ‘fourth time’?
Have you begged HIM for a ‘second’ chance?
Have you told HIM you just need another chance
to get it right?
I have!
I’ve even thought to myself at times,
“Why would He listen to me this time”…
BUT
Praise God,
He does!
He is so faithful!
The people of Nineveh turned from their wicked ways; and they believed God;
God saw this and He did not bring on them the disaster that He had planned for them…
He gave them a “second chance” –
(Jonah chapter 3)
He extended His grace and mercy to them!
Has He done this for you today?
Ask Him, turn way from sin,
His mercy will cover it all!
Praise God we serve a God of ‘second chances’!!!
May the knowledge that He is the God of “2nd chances”
Fill your thoughts and heart today –
May you know that He’s always waiting to forgive when
you call to Him for another chance.
This is Jonah speaking in Chapter 4:
That is why I fled to Tarshish,
for I knew that You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness,
and [when sinners turn to You and meet Your conditions] You revoke the [sentence] evil against them.
{Amplified Version}
Jonah knew his Lord…
I pray, that today, you too,
know the heart of God
and run towards Him, His love and mercy and grace!
May you have a blessed day acknowledging God
in all you do and in all that you are!
For I KNOW whom I have believed!
Ruthie
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thankful Tuesday - Sunshine!
SUNSHINE
The morning that I am writing this is definitely
a cool, crisp fall morning!
I had to turn the heat on when I got up this morning!
My husband came in after loading his truck for the
Farmer’s Market and exclaimed how cold it is!
And yet as I sit here with the sun streaming thru my window
all I sense now is the warmth from the furnace,
and the light from the sun!
My little puppy follows the sunlight on the floor trying to find a warm place to lay.
Today I am thankful for
· Fall
· Crispness in the air
· Sunshine
· Young cardinals at my feeders
· My granddaughter’s voice on the phone telling me
she loves me!
But I am most thankful for
HIM!
HIS SONSHINE!
I finished a major painting project yesterday and all I can do is give Him thanks for returning energy and strength to do again what I once used to do with little effort!
Thank You, LORD!
Praise You, Jesus!
Reflect on your bounty today!
Give Him thanks for, and in, it all!
It is good to give thanks to the Lord -
Psalm 92:1
May you have an awesome thanks-filled day!
Ruthie
The morning that I am writing this is definitely
a cool, crisp fall morning!
I had to turn the heat on when I got up this morning!
My husband came in after loading his truck for the
Farmer’s Market and exclaimed how cold it is!
And yet as I sit here with the sun streaming thru my window
all I sense now is the warmth from the furnace,
and the light from the sun!
My little puppy follows the sunlight on the floor trying to find a warm place to lay.
Today I am thankful for
· Fall
· Crispness in the air
· Sunshine
· Young cardinals at my feeders
· My granddaughter’s voice on the phone telling me
she loves me!
But I am most thankful for
HIM!
HIS SONSHINE!
I finished a major painting project yesterday and all I can do is give Him thanks for returning energy and strength to do again what I once used to do with little effort!
Thank You, LORD!
Praise You, Jesus!
Reflect on your bounty today!
Give Him thanks for, and in, it all!
It is good to give thanks to the Lord -
Psalm 92:1
May you have an awesome thanks-filled day!
Ruthie
Monday, September 22, 2008
DIETING – UGH!
DIETING – UGH!
Please don’t stop reading just because you saw the word “diet”!!!
I know! It’s Monday!
Isn’t that the day that people choose to start their diets?
To turn over a new leaf regarding their food intake?
To some people “diet” is a four-letter word!
Never to be thought of or spoken!
Webster’s dictionary defines “diet” this way:
a particular selection of food, especially as prescribed
to cure a disease, to lose weight, etc.
Other sources define “diet” this way:
· A controlled regimen of food and drink
· An established habit or pattern of eating
I am not going to talk about food, or what we eat….
But I do want to think for a few minutes about our SPIRITUAL DIET
UHMMMMMM!
A Spiritual Diet, you say!
Have you ever thought about your Spiritual Diet?
Look back at the definitions of “diet” –
words that stand out to me are “habit, pattern, controlled regimen,
particular selection”.
Can you put these words into your “daily time with God; your devotional time?
At this moment in time I am not following any particular “food diet” –
I certainly have followed a lot of them over the years!
I can say, though, that I am following a regimen, a selection, a habit,
a pattern of feeding myself Spiritually!
My questions for you today are,
“What is your pattern, your habit, your regimen regarding
your daily time with God; do you have a Spiritual Diet that you follow?”
2) Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
9) How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10) I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11) I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12) Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13) With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.
14) I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15) I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
16) I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Psalm 119:2, 9-16 (NIV)
A few years ago I read an article
(don’t recall the author or publication)
that spoke about a Christian’s Spiritual Diet,
using Psalm 119:1-16 as the guidelines to follow.
I want to share this with you today!
Verse 2 states that we will be blessed if we keep His statutes
and seek Him with all our heart!
Verse 9 states that our way will be kept pure if we live according to God’s Word.
Here is how we do that:
· Seek Him with all our heart - (v10)
· Hide His Word in our hearts - (v11)
· Speak aloud His decrees and His laws - (v13)
· Rejoice in following His statutes - (v14)
· Meditate on His precepts - (v15)
· Delight in, and not neglect his Word - (v16)
As you know, following a diet takes commitment, discipline, and continuity!
And so it is with our Spiritual Diets as well!
Reading the Word once in a while;
praying sporadically;
thanking Him in the good times only;
seeking Him only when a crisis arises ;
attending church once or twice on Sunday and
neglecting Him the rest of the week…
DO NOT keep us Spiritually Healthy!
We must be committed, and have an established pattern of time with HIM.
When we do this, and when we surrender that time to him;
when we seek Him with all our hearts we will find Him (Jer.29:13).
Praise God!
When we meditate on His Word, memorize it and put it in our hearts,
we will be able to fight the battle with the devil;
to stand up under the pressures of life.
Praise God!
His Word is a gift to us!
His laws and decrees are a gift to us!
His Son is a gift to us!
Praise God!
Friends,
My prayer for you today is that you will begin to follow a Spiritual Diet.
His Word says that you will be blessed by this!
If you already are following such a ‘diet’ I pray you will take it to a
deeper level than ever before!
Open yourself to Him in a way you’ve never done before – He will bless!
Seek Him and He will be found by you!
Love and Blessings on you today!
Resting in Him,
Ruthie
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
He Is Able
TRUTH-FILLED THURSDAY
“Therefore, submit to God.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
James 4:7-8
What does it mean to submit to God?
It means to give up on our selfish pride
and lay everything out before Him.
It means to:
Trust Him totally,
Immerse yourself in His Word,
Commune with Him always.
When we belong to God
and we have His armor in place
the devil will have to flee from us!
Praise God for the truth of His Word!
Resting in Him,
Ruthie
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Truth-Filled Thursday
TRUTH-FILLED THURSDAY
“Therefore, submit to God.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
James 4:7-8
What does it mean to submit to God?
It means to give up on our selfish pride
and lay everything out before Him.
It means to:
Trust Him totally,
Immerse yourself in His Word,
Commune with Him always.
When we belong to God
and we have His armor in place
the devil will have to flee from us!
Praise God for the truth of His Word!
Resting in Him,
Ruthie
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fix Your Eyes
“FIX YOUR EYES”
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
The New Living Translation (NLT) says to
“keep our eyes on Jesus;
the New King James Version (NKJV) says
“looking unto Jesus”
Where are your eyes fixed?
Do you keep your eyes on Jesus?
Or are they on your spouse, your children, your job,
your circumstances, an illness, a job interview,
a financial burden, a relationship that’s been derailed?
Please take a moment to reflect on this –
Years ago a very wise man said to my newly saved husband,
“Always remember to keep your eyes on the Lord, not on man.
Man will fail but God never fails!”
Our hope and our trust need to be placed on a faithful,
trustworthy, loving God!
not on all those other things I just mentioned above!
When our circumstances get rough/tough we need to stop
and ask the question,
“Lord, what do you want to teach me through this?
Show me what I need to learn here.”
When we seem to be on an even keel
and everything is going smoothly
we certainly need to keep our focus on Him
rather than become prideful that WE are doing everything right.
Are you fixing your eyes on Him?
Are you keeping Him in sight as you run this race we’re in?
I pray you are!
The Amplified Bible begins this verse this way:
“Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus…”
Friends-
“look away” from all that distracts you from Him!
Make the choice not to allow anything to come between you
and your walk of faith with the LORD.
Place your hope and trust in Him and - in everything –
Pray, Pray, Pray!
Submit it all to Him!
Remember –
“This is the day the Lord has made,
We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Praising Him today I am
Resting in HIM, Ruthie
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thankful Tuesday
THANKFUL TUESDAY
“I don’t have all the answers to life –
But I know SOMEONE who does!”
(author unknown)
Sometimes life seems “hard” –
I hear that a lot… “But it’s so hard”
And it could be said for any number of reasons –
· Making time with Him and prayer a daily event
· Working on a broken relationship
· Keeping commitments
· Balancing life with children
· Discipline
· Making time for your spouse
And on and on the list goes!
Praise God!
He will enable us to do what lines up
with His Word.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Be thankful in all things…
Give your life over to Him –
Let Him be your strength!
I’m so thankful for His Presence in my life,
May you be too!
Ruthie
Monday, September 15, 2008
RENEW YOUR MIND
I was reading somewhere the other day that the key to Christian growth is “renewing the mind” – and that this is not instantaneous at salvation, but rather, is an on-going process.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
What does this mean - To “renew the mind”?
It means to re-program your thoughts with God’s thoughts; To fill your mind with His Word;
To exchange worldly thinking with the way God says we should think.
The Greek word for transformed is “metamorpho” – (sound familiar?)
Meaning to go through a complete change in form...
Another analogy of the caterpillar and the butterfly –
The caterpillar comes out of the cocoon a different being than when it went in –
a transformed being...
it didn’t just add wings to the furry body it had!
It is now a completely different being – living a different life!
WOW!
Does that describe you?
Are you being transformed in your mind? or are you living much as before your new birth with
one foot still in the world?
We can “do all the Bible studies”, attend “Sunday School”, participate in a Small Group, go to church weekly, and learn – learn – learn; but if we aren’t changing the way we think and the way we live we aren’t being transformed!
We have to be like the butterfly – living a completely different life with attitudes and thoughts that are in line with God’s Word! The renewing of our mind has to become our lifestyle! This means we need to press on everyday to deal with all aspects of our thought life.
Our mind is Satan’s playground ... it is where he plants his lies – trying to convince us that we can’t live according to God’s Word because we are not worthy!
Dear Friend,
Don’t let Satan have your mind – don’t believe his lies about you! Let God fill your mind with His truth – believe God’s Word and what it says about you!
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
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
This is one of my favorite verses –
It tells me that I CAN stop these “negative – worldly” thoughts; it tells me that I must take my thoughts captive... meaning I must be aware of what I’m thinking, and when it is contrary to God’s way of thinking then I must take it captive, give it over to Him and let HIM renew my mind! I must take an active part in this process!
Dear Friend,
I pray that today will be the day that you begin this process if you’ve not been active in it before;
– or if you’ve been slack up until now that you get a fresh reserve of strength from God to enable you to prove His perfect will in your life!
Blessings on you today!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 (KJV)
What does this mean - To “renew the mind”?
It means to re-program your thoughts with God’s thoughts; To fill your mind with His Word;
To exchange worldly thinking with the way God says we should think.
The Greek word for transformed is “metamorpho” – (sound familiar?)
Meaning to go through a complete change in form...
Another analogy of the caterpillar and the butterfly –
The caterpillar comes out of the cocoon a different being than when it went in –
a transformed being...
it didn’t just add wings to the furry body it had!
It is now a completely different being – living a different life!
WOW!
Does that describe you?
Are you being transformed in your mind? or are you living much as before your new birth with
one foot still in the world?
We can “do all the Bible studies”, attend “Sunday School”, participate in a Small Group, go to church weekly, and learn – learn – learn; but if we aren’t changing the way we think and the way we live we aren’t being transformed!
We have to be like the butterfly – living a completely different life with attitudes and thoughts that are in line with God’s Word! The renewing of our mind has to become our lifestyle! This means we need to press on everyday to deal with all aspects of our thought life.
Our mind is Satan’s playground ... it is where he plants his lies – trying to convince us that we can’t live according to God’s Word because we are not worthy!
Dear Friend,
Don’t let Satan have your mind – don’t believe his lies about you! Let God fill your mind with His truth – believe God’s Word and what it says about you!
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
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
This is one of my favorite verses –
It tells me that I CAN stop these “negative – worldly” thoughts; it tells me that I must take my thoughts captive... meaning I must be aware of what I’m thinking, and when it is contrary to God’s way of thinking then I must take it captive, give it over to Him and let HIM renew my mind! I must take an active part in this process!
Dear Friend,
I pray that today will be the day that you begin this process if you’ve not been active in it before;
– or if you’ve been slack up until now that you get a fresh reserve of strength from God to enable you to prove His perfect will in your life!
Blessings on you today!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
Psalm 84:11
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
Psalm 84:11
Friday, September 12, 2008
“CALL WAITING”
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send Me!”
Isaiah 6:8
Do you hear the Lord calling you?
To serve Him with your talents?
To spread His Word to the lost?
To tell of the miracle He has brought about in your life?
Do you allow yourself to listen for His voice?
Do you quiet yourself before Him asking Him to speak to you?
OR
Do you keep your mind so filled with other “stuff” that
His voice can’t penetrate your thoughts?
Do you ignore Him when He speaks?
Do you tell Him that you’re not the one He really wants?
How will you respond when He says: “Whom shall I send? Who will serve me?
Will you respond by saying, “Here I am, send me! Use me! Equip me, Father, for this job you want me to do! Shape me Lord, into the one you want me to be. I hear you Lord and I desire to do your will!”
Don’t shut Him out; don’t put Him on hold; respond to Him today! There’s a call waiting just for you, from your Lord.
Will you answer it?
Father God,
I pray for these Precious Ones.
I pray that they would be still, quiet themselves before You, and listen for Your Voice amongst all the other voices in their lives; I pray that your people will surrender to Your control.
I pray that they will let Your Holy Spirit stir up in them a desire, a passion – To serve You – their Lord and Master!
Fill us with your Spirit Lord; Set us on fire for You that we might respond as Isaiah did...
“Here am I. Send me!”
Stir us , Lord!
In the precious Name of Jesus,
Amen.
Blessings on you today – Listen closely!
He’s calling!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
Isaiah 6:8
Do you hear the Lord calling you?
To serve Him with your talents?
To spread His Word to the lost?
To tell of the miracle He has brought about in your life?
Do you allow yourself to listen for His voice?
Do you quiet yourself before Him asking Him to speak to you?
OR
Do you keep your mind so filled with other “stuff” that
His voice can’t penetrate your thoughts?
Do you ignore Him when He speaks?
Do you tell Him that you’re not the one He really wants?
How will you respond when He says: “Whom shall I send? Who will serve me?
Will you respond by saying, “Here I am, send me! Use me! Equip me, Father, for this job you want me to do! Shape me Lord, into the one you want me to be. I hear you Lord and I desire to do your will!”
Don’t shut Him out; don’t put Him on hold; respond to Him today! There’s a call waiting just for you, from your Lord.
Will you answer it?
Father God,
I pray for these Precious Ones.
I pray that they would be still, quiet themselves before You, and listen for Your Voice amongst all the other voices in their lives; I pray that your people will surrender to Your control.
I pray that they will let Your Holy Spirit stir up in them a desire, a passion – To serve You – their Lord and Master!
Fill us with your Spirit Lord; Set us on fire for You that we might respond as Isaiah did...
“Here am I. Send me!”
Stir us , Lord!
In the precious Name of Jesus,
Amen.
Blessings on you today – Listen closely!
He’s calling!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
Thursday, September 11, 2008
He Is ALL You Need!
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
and though there be no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
May this be the truth for you today –
no matter your circumstances,
He is all you need!
Blessings,
Ruthie
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
and though there be no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to go on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19
May this be the truth for you today –
no matter your circumstances,
He is all you need!
Blessings,
Ruthie
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
HOPE...
I found this quote the other day in a book I was glancing thru
and it took me back in time - approximately 38 years!
To when I graduated from Nursing School ... 1970!
In the Year Book for the Class of ’70, I had given this quote as my desire in life:
“The Great Essentials of Happiness are
Something to do,
Something to love,
and
Something to hope for.”
(Joseph Addison)
I’ve not thought about this for a long time –
My life has been filled with lots of “doing”,
and lots of “loving” –
But it’s only since I’ve known Jesus as my Savior
that the “HOPE “ has become a real, well-founded hope!
And as I just wrote that, I realized, once again, that the “doing” was
never as rewarding
as it has been when “doing” for HIM –
And the “loving” has expanded and abounded since knowing HIM.
It wasn’t until approximately 10 years after I was saved that I discovered
the beauty of this particular verse in Jeremiah -
Jeremiah 29:11 –
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
There have been times in the past when I have wondered what my life
would have been like had I sought Him
earlier in my life and given myself over to Him then...
But you know what?
I can’t dwell on that!
I haven’t thought about that for a long time because He has given me a future!
He has prospered me!
He has given me a hope!
AWESOME!
Mind you – I have had my share of difficulty, frustration, pain, and sorrow;
I’ve also had an abundance of joy, peace, rest, and love;
But the HOPE! – Oh! –The HOPE!
Hope of spending eternity with Him!
The blessed Hope of His return!
Hope of generational curses being broken!
Hope of my offspring making different / choices than I did because
they have a loving Savior in their lives!
Hope for my lost loved ones to find their way to this wonderful Savior!
Hope of a lost world finding its way to Him!
Hope for our young people finding Christ early in their lives because of faithful,
God-loving Children and Youth Leaders, Sunday School Teachers,
Camp Counselors, Children`s Pastors, and so on!
Hope for our marriages, our families, our churches –
as Christians become ever more a praying people!
The Hebrew word for hope – yachal – means ``to wait with expectation``
The Greek term – elpis – denotes ``confident expectation`` or ``anticipation`` -
not ``wishful thinking``.
So I await with confident expectation all the things I just mentioned.
What is it you ‘HOPE’ for? That you ‘anticipate’?
That you have a ‘confident expectation’ of?
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV)
HE is the God of HOPE...
Not the God of “wishful thinking”...
He fills us with His Holy Spirit and gives us His peace and power!
Dear friends,
I pray that you KNOW this God of Hope and that He fills you to overflowing
with His love and joy and peace!
And with HIS Hope!
Have a Blessed, Hope-Filled Day!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
and it took me back in time - approximately 38 years!
To when I graduated from Nursing School ... 1970!
In the Year Book for the Class of ’70, I had given this quote as my desire in life:
“The Great Essentials of Happiness are
Something to do,
Something to love,
and
Something to hope for.”
(Joseph Addison)
I’ve not thought about this for a long time –
My life has been filled with lots of “doing”,
and lots of “loving” –
But it’s only since I’ve known Jesus as my Savior
that the “HOPE “ has become a real, well-founded hope!
And as I just wrote that, I realized, once again, that the “doing” was
never as rewarding
as it has been when “doing” for HIM –
And the “loving” has expanded and abounded since knowing HIM.
It wasn’t until approximately 10 years after I was saved that I discovered
the beauty of this particular verse in Jeremiah -
Jeremiah 29:11 –
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
There have been times in the past when I have wondered what my life
would have been like had I sought Him
earlier in my life and given myself over to Him then...
But you know what?
I can’t dwell on that!
I haven’t thought about that for a long time because He has given me a future!
He has prospered me!
He has given me a hope!
AWESOME!
Mind you – I have had my share of difficulty, frustration, pain, and sorrow;
I’ve also had an abundance of joy, peace, rest, and love;
But the HOPE! – Oh! –The HOPE!
Hope of spending eternity with Him!
The blessed Hope of His return!
Hope of generational curses being broken!
Hope of my offspring making different / choices than I did because
they have a loving Savior in their lives!
Hope for my lost loved ones to find their way to this wonderful Savior!
Hope of a lost world finding its way to Him!
Hope for our young people finding Christ early in their lives because of faithful,
God-loving Children and Youth Leaders, Sunday School Teachers,
Camp Counselors, Children`s Pastors, and so on!
Hope for our marriages, our families, our churches –
as Christians become ever more a praying people!
The Hebrew word for hope – yachal – means ``to wait with expectation``
The Greek term – elpis – denotes ``confident expectation`` or ``anticipation`` -
not ``wishful thinking``.
So I await with confident expectation all the things I just mentioned.
What is it you ‘HOPE’ for? That you ‘anticipate’?
That you have a ‘confident expectation’ of?
Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV)
HE is the God of HOPE...
Not the God of “wishful thinking”...
He fills us with His Holy Spirit and gives us His peace and power!
Dear friends,
I pray that you KNOW this God of Hope and that He fills you to overflowing
with His love and joy and peace!
And with HIS Hope!
Have a Blessed, Hope-Filled Day!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
THANKFUL TUESDAY
I am thankful for this Autumn season –
· for the beauty of the trees
· for the coolness in the air
· for the sight of the yellow School Buses passing by
· for the sense of routine that comes with Fall
· for the Small Groups that will be re-starting soon
· for the harvest
· for homemade pickles and jams
· for bean suppers
· for a cool breeze in the bedroom at night
What are you thankful for at this time of year?
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2
May you have a blessed, thanks-filled day!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
· for the beauty of the trees
· for the coolness in the air
· for the sight of the yellow School Buses passing by
· for the sense of routine that comes with Fall
· for the Small Groups that will be re-starting soon
· for the harvest
· for homemade pickles and jams
· for bean suppers
· for a cool breeze in the bedroom at night
What are you thankful for at this time of year?
I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2
May you have a blessed, thanks-filled day!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
Monday, September 8, 2008
“I Will Do A ‘THING’”
Last September I had the awesome opportunity and privilege of attending Joyce Meyer’s 25th Women’s Conference with 2 wonderful friends!
My husband gave this trip to me as an Anniversary gift ... saying all I had to do was supply my
own spending money!
WOW!
The story of our experience there is for another time...
The first evening of the conference was attended by approximately 26,000 women praising our Lord! An incredible, unforgettable time for me!
The speaker that evening was Bishop T.D. Jakes –
He is a powerful preacher / teacher – I watch him on TV whenever I can.
I was so thrilled to be sitting in a “room” where he actually was, rather than seeing him on TV!
He used this Scripture that night –
And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle.”
1 Samuel 3:11 (NIV)
The New Living Translation says... “about to do a shocking thing”
The New King James Version states... “Behold I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.”
The Holy Spirit has brought me back to this Scripture many times over the past months as my church has gone through a period of transition; and as I have grown more dependent on Him than ever before!
I truly believe that God is doing a “thing” in our church; in our community; and I prayerfully hope that that “THING” is occurring in each one of our hearts!
Reflect on that a moment!
What “thing” is God doing in your life?
In your family?
In your workplace?
In your community?
In your church?
I believe He wants the world to have both ears tingle when He does SOMETHING that can only be explained as coming from HIM not from anything a human might have done!
He is continually doing “SOMETHING” in my life! And I praise Him for that!
He daily shows me times where I need to be less judgmental and more compassionate;
“Finally, all of you be of one mind,
having compassion for one another;
love, as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous
(1 Peter 3:8)
when I need to be “quick to listen and slow to speak”
(James 1:19)
when I need to “think on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8)
These may seem to be “little things” but I believe they will tingle the ears of some and maybe make then think on the things of God!
God is also doing some “amazing things” in my life –this site being one of them!
I love to write – anyone who knows me well knows I have journaled for years!
That I occasionally write poetry!
That I have developed many lessons for the Small Group I lead!
Praise God = all because of HIM!
I began to dream of writing “devotionals” last Fall – I KNOW He gave me the dream!
Then I began to think about using the Web to spread His Word – to share my faith –
to have people come to a deeper place in their walk with Him!
ME! – not very computer-literate me!
GO FIGURE!
Thru a series of events (which I won’t relate at this time) here I am today!
I stand amazed at how He works when we give ourselves over to Him; give our dreams over to Him!
AND THEN!
He has brought my church through – He has done a “THING” in us as a people and in our church corporately!
And will continue to do so as long as we are a surrendered people!
Praise His Holy Name!
I (Ruthie) say “SEE and BEHOLD!” God IS doing a “thing”;
He will continue to do so as long as we, His people, do as Jeremiah 29:13-14 states –
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, says the LORD.
I pray you will let Him do something in your life that will astound the hearts of those who experience it and tingle the ears of those who hear of it!
I leave you with this –
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever .
Amen
Jude 25 (NKJV)
Resting in HIM today,
Ruthie
My husband gave this trip to me as an Anniversary gift ... saying all I had to do was supply my
own spending money!
WOW!
The story of our experience there is for another time...
The first evening of the conference was attended by approximately 26,000 women praising our Lord! An incredible, unforgettable time for me!
The speaker that evening was Bishop T.D. Jakes –
He is a powerful preacher / teacher – I watch him on TV whenever I can.
I was so thrilled to be sitting in a “room” where he actually was, rather than seeing him on TV!
He used this Scripture that night –
And the LORD said to Samuel: “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle.”
1 Samuel 3:11 (NIV)
The New Living Translation says... “about to do a shocking thing”
The New King James Version states... “Behold I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.”
The Holy Spirit has brought me back to this Scripture many times over the past months as my church has gone through a period of transition; and as I have grown more dependent on Him than ever before!
I truly believe that God is doing a “thing” in our church; in our community; and I prayerfully hope that that “THING” is occurring in each one of our hearts!
Reflect on that a moment!
What “thing” is God doing in your life?
In your family?
In your workplace?
In your community?
In your church?
I believe He wants the world to have both ears tingle when He does SOMETHING that can only be explained as coming from HIM not from anything a human might have done!
He is continually doing “SOMETHING” in my life! And I praise Him for that!
He daily shows me times where I need to be less judgmental and more compassionate;
“Finally, all of you be of one mind,
having compassion for one another;
love, as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous
(1 Peter 3:8)
when I need to be “quick to listen and slow to speak”
(James 1:19)
when I need to “think on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8)
These may seem to be “little things” but I believe they will tingle the ears of some and maybe make then think on the things of God!
God is also doing some “amazing things” in my life –this site being one of them!
I love to write – anyone who knows me well knows I have journaled for years!
That I occasionally write poetry!
That I have developed many lessons for the Small Group I lead!
Praise God = all because of HIM!
I began to dream of writing “devotionals” last Fall – I KNOW He gave me the dream!
Then I began to think about using the Web to spread His Word – to share my faith –
to have people come to a deeper place in their walk with Him!
ME! – not very computer-literate me!
GO FIGURE!
Thru a series of events (which I won’t relate at this time) here I am today!
I stand amazed at how He works when we give ourselves over to Him; give our dreams over to Him!
AND THEN!
He has brought my church through – He has done a “THING” in us as a people and in our church corporately!
And will continue to do so as long as we are a surrendered people!
Praise His Holy Name!
I (Ruthie) say “SEE and BEHOLD!” God IS doing a “thing”;
He will continue to do so as long as we, His people, do as Jeremiah 29:13-14 states –
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.
I will be found by you, says the LORD.
I pray you will let Him do something in your life that will astound the hearts of those who experience it and tingle the ears of those who hear of it!
I leave you with this –
To God our Savior,
Who alone is wise,
Be glory and majesty,
Dominion and power,
Both now and forever .
Amen
Jude 25 (NKJV)
Resting in HIM today,
Ruthie
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Weekend Whisperings!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 5-6
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 5-6
Friday, September 5, 2008
“Stillness”
Be still and know that I am God
Psalm 46:10
O Lord,
Create in me a “stillness” that I may continually sense your awesome presence in my life!
Create in me a “stillness” that I may commune with you Throughout my daily walk!
Create in me a “stillness” through which you are glorified daily!
Create in me a “stillness” that reflects your love to others!
O Lord,
Create in me a “stillness” of which you are the very center;
A “stillness” that fills my soul with peace and contentment –
No matter the circumstances I find myself in!
Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer!
What does it mean to be still?
We can stop all movement and physically be still – not in motion –
But our minds may be in a whirlwind of thoughts – on things we need to do; should do; could do; don’t want to do; things we may have said, that we shouldn’t have said; people we need to make amends to; the ‘what-ifs’ of the future; - on and on the list goes.
I believe that this stillness mentioned in Psalm 46 is a stillness that occurs in our hearts and our spirits ... not in our physical bodies.
A few years ago I read a small book ‘The Practice of the Presence of God’ that contained writings of a man named Brother Lawrence ... he was born in 1611 and died at the age of 80 in 1691.
Sometime during his middle years he entered a monastery – although we are told he was converted to Christianity at the age of 18.
Brother Lawrence was a cook in the monastery- Here are some words from him –
“I turn my little omelette in the pan for the love of God. When it is finished, if I have nothing to do, I prostrate myself on the ground and worship my God, who gave me the grace to make it,
after which I arise happier than a King.”
This brings to my mind
Colossians 3:17 –
“and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Brother Lawrence also says – “whatever happens, I will do everything I do, for the rest of my life, out of love for God.”
May we, too, resolve this today!
Here are some words from Brother Lawrence that spoke to me many years ago – I pray they will resonate with you as well!
“We must prevent our mind wandering away, whatever be the occasion.
We must make of our heart a temple of the spirit, where we may worship Him continually.
We must set unbroken guard over ourselves, that we do nothing, say nothing, think nothing,
which could displease Him. I know that to reach this condition, it is very difficult at the start,
that one must act purely in faith. We know, too, that we can do all things with the grace of the Lord, and he does not refuse it to those who ask him urgently”.
I believe this is the STILLNESS that is required of us!
Dear friends,
May you KNOW that he is intimately present with you;
May you turn at every moment to Him;
May you recognize his will for you and do as he requires of you;
May you offer everything you do today to Him with thanksgiving;
May you begin to live in His Presence, with unbroken communication with Him, praising, worshipping and loving Him.
Have a blessed day!
Practice His Presence!
Resting in HIM today,
Ruthie
Psalm 46:10
O Lord,
Create in me a “stillness” that I may continually sense your awesome presence in my life!
Create in me a “stillness” that I may commune with you Throughout my daily walk!
Create in me a “stillness” through which you are glorified daily!
Create in me a “stillness” that reflects your love to others!
O Lord,
Create in me a “stillness” of which you are the very center;
A “stillness” that fills my soul with peace and contentment –
No matter the circumstances I find myself in!
Thank you Lord for hearing my prayer!
What does it mean to be still?
We can stop all movement and physically be still – not in motion –
But our minds may be in a whirlwind of thoughts – on things we need to do; should do; could do; don’t want to do; things we may have said, that we shouldn’t have said; people we need to make amends to; the ‘what-ifs’ of the future; - on and on the list goes.
I believe that this stillness mentioned in Psalm 46 is a stillness that occurs in our hearts and our spirits ... not in our physical bodies.
A few years ago I read a small book ‘The Practice of the Presence of God’ that contained writings of a man named Brother Lawrence ... he was born in 1611 and died at the age of 80 in 1691.
Sometime during his middle years he entered a monastery – although we are told he was converted to Christianity at the age of 18.
Brother Lawrence was a cook in the monastery- Here are some words from him –
“I turn my little omelette in the pan for the love of God. When it is finished, if I have nothing to do, I prostrate myself on the ground and worship my God, who gave me the grace to make it,
after which I arise happier than a King.”
This brings to my mind
Colossians 3:17 –
“and whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Brother Lawrence also says – “whatever happens, I will do everything I do, for the rest of my life, out of love for God.”
May we, too, resolve this today!
Here are some words from Brother Lawrence that spoke to me many years ago – I pray they will resonate with you as well!
“We must prevent our mind wandering away, whatever be the occasion.
We must make of our heart a temple of the spirit, where we may worship Him continually.
We must set unbroken guard over ourselves, that we do nothing, say nothing, think nothing,
which could displease Him. I know that to reach this condition, it is very difficult at the start,
that one must act purely in faith. We know, too, that we can do all things with the grace of the Lord, and he does not refuse it to those who ask him urgently”.
I believe this is the STILLNESS that is required of us!
Dear friends,
May you KNOW that he is intimately present with you;
May you turn at every moment to Him;
May you recognize his will for you and do as he requires of you;
May you offer everything you do today to Him with thanksgiving;
May you begin to live in His Presence, with unbroken communication with Him, praising, worshipping and loving Him.
Have a blessed day!
Practice His Presence!
Resting in HIM today,
Ruthie
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
FEAR
Webster’s Dictionary defines fear as “a distressing emotion aroused by an impending pain, danger - real or imagined.”
Joyce Meyer defines fear as False Evidence Appearing Real.
Beth Moore says, “The last thing God wants for His children is a spirit of fear regarding the enemy.”
God’s Word says:
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,
of love and of self-discipline (NIV)
When we are in a situation where the distressing emotion of fear is aroused we have an autonomic nervous system response that kicks in called the “fight or flight” response - this increases the amount of adrenalin produced in our body and prepares us do one of these 2 things – “fight or run”!
Examples:
You’ve heard of people lifting cars off another person; or facing down an opponent; or standing strong in the face of adversity.
Examples:
You’ve also heard of people escaping a threatening situation unharmed;
staying strong in the face of anger and being able to walk away without harm.
These are very real examples.
Reflect for a moment when you’ve experienced this “fight or flight” response in your own life.
The majority of the time when we are fearful it has to do with things that haven’t happened yet!
Events that might occur in the future!
Examples:
Getting on an airplane, having it go down, and not being able to escape from it.
Speaking to a large group of people and saying the wrong thing.
Preparing for a doctor’s appointment in which you know the news won’t be great but expecting the very worst.
Reflect for a moment on the things that cause you to be fearful...
Are they REAL or are they IMAGINED?
I had a great fear of flying. Afraid to be “closed in” on a plane and always the perceived
possibility of an accident!
Approximately 3 years ago we began to make plans to go on an Alaskan Cruise the following Spring - with an extended excursion into the Alaskan wilderness.
My biggest fear was of getting from home to Alaska ... how was I going to do that?
Well!
The only way was to fly, of course, and as it turned out we were going to have to take 3 flights before we reached our destination of Anchorage.
The closer our time came to leave, the more anxious I became.I just could not picture myself doing this without breaking down emotionally but I knew I had to!
You’re probably wondering where my trust was. If I trusted God in all things why was I so fearful? I remember Beth Moore saying one time, “Christ came to set the captive free. Satan comes to make the free captive.”
Think about that for a moment!
Well! He sure was doing that with me... to the point where I actually went to my doctor to get a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication “in case I needed it”. (Satan’s lie)
I packed it along with my other meds in my carry-on ... just so it would be handy!!!
The morning came for us to check in at the airport – earlier that morning I prayed and jouranled that I did not want to take any medication – I wanted to be fully present for this whole trip – as it was a dream come true and I didn’t want to miss anything!
And I asked for His strength.
We were in the airport – they weighed my carry-on and it was too heavy; my husband’s was underweight so we began to repack – Right there!
This was too exasperating for me so I said to the girl, “Never mind. Just check it.” And she tagged it and away it went!
PILLS AND ALL!!!
Do you ever wonder if God has a sense of humor? I’m sure He does!
I know He was saying to me, “Well, you said you wanted to experience it all! So! Here goes!”
Immediately a verse of Scripture – both in word and in music - filled my mind and I grabbed Kevin and told him what was going on and ran down the airport to find our friends so I could tell them!
What a laugh we had!
The Scripture He gave me was this:
“For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day!”
2Timothy 1:12
And what an awesome flight I had! 3 flights actually – then the return home!
[And then, to St. Louis the next fall!]
How amazing is our God! He totally took away my fear of flying!
But I had to get out of the way and let Him have control of the situation!
If we would only stop letting Satan keep us captive and let God free us ! We would not have that spirit of fear – we know it does not come from HIM! He gives the spirit of power and love and self-control! And – HE IS ABLE!
Praise His Name!
Will you let HIM do that today for you?
I pray you will! Give your fears over to HIM - He will fill you with His Spirit!
May you have a fearless day - resting in His strength and power!
For I KNOW whom I have believed!
Ruthie
Joyce Meyer defines fear as False Evidence Appearing Real.
Beth Moore says, “The last thing God wants for His children is a spirit of fear regarding the enemy.”
God’s Word says:
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power,
of love and of self-discipline (NIV)
When we are in a situation where the distressing emotion of fear is aroused we have an autonomic nervous system response that kicks in called the “fight or flight” response - this increases the amount of adrenalin produced in our body and prepares us do one of these 2 things – “fight or run”!
Examples:
You’ve heard of people lifting cars off another person; or facing down an opponent; or standing strong in the face of adversity.
Examples:
You’ve also heard of people escaping a threatening situation unharmed;
staying strong in the face of anger and being able to walk away without harm.
These are very real examples.
Reflect for a moment when you’ve experienced this “fight or flight” response in your own life.
The majority of the time when we are fearful it has to do with things that haven’t happened yet!
Events that might occur in the future!
Examples:
Getting on an airplane, having it go down, and not being able to escape from it.
Speaking to a large group of people and saying the wrong thing.
Preparing for a doctor’s appointment in which you know the news won’t be great but expecting the very worst.
Reflect for a moment on the things that cause you to be fearful...
Are they REAL or are they IMAGINED?
I had a great fear of flying. Afraid to be “closed in” on a plane and always the perceived
possibility of an accident!
Approximately 3 years ago we began to make plans to go on an Alaskan Cruise the following Spring - with an extended excursion into the Alaskan wilderness.
My biggest fear was of getting from home to Alaska ... how was I going to do that?
Well!
The only way was to fly, of course, and as it turned out we were going to have to take 3 flights before we reached our destination of Anchorage.
The closer our time came to leave, the more anxious I became.I just could not picture myself doing this without breaking down emotionally but I knew I had to!
You’re probably wondering where my trust was. If I trusted God in all things why was I so fearful? I remember Beth Moore saying one time, “Christ came to set the captive free. Satan comes to make the free captive.”
Think about that for a moment!
Well! He sure was doing that with me... to the point where I actually went to my doctor to get a prescription for an anti-anxiety medication “in case I needed it”. (Satan’s lie)
I packed it along with my other meds in my carry-on ... just so it would be handy!!!
The morning came for us to check in at the airport – earlier that morning I prayed and jouranled that I did not want to take any medication – I wanted to be fully present for this whole trip – as it was a dream come true and I didn’t want to miss anything!
And I asked for His strength.
We were in the airport – they weighed my carry-on and it was too heavy; my husband’s was underweight so we began to repack – Right there!
This was too exasperating for me so I said to the girl, “Never mind. Just check it.” And she tagged it and away it went!
PILLS AND ALL!!!
Do you ever wonder if God has a sense of humor? I’m sure He does!
I know He was saying to me, “Well, you said you wanted to experience it all! So! Here goes!”
Immediately a verse of Scripture – both in word and in music - filled my mind and I grabbed Kevin and told him what was going on and ran down the airport to find our friends so I could tell them!
What a laugh we had!
The Scripture He gave me was this:
“For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day!”
2Timothy 1:12
And what an awesome flight I had! 3 flights actually – then the return home!
[And then, to St. Louis the next fall!]
How amazing is our God! He totally took away my fear of flying!
But I had to get out of the way and let Him have control of the situation!
If we would only stop letting Satan keep us captive and let God free us ! We would not have that spirit of fear – we know it does not come from HIM! He gives the spirit of power and love and self-control! And – HE IS ABLE!
Praise His Name!
Will you let HIM do that today for you?
I pray you will! Give your fears over to HIM - He will fill you with His Spirit!
May you have a fearless day - resting in His strength and power!
For I KNOW whom I have believed!
Ruthie
Monday, September 1, 2008
Father and Son
I am privileged to overhear a conversation between father and son:
As father and young son were rough-housing son says:
“I’m gonna sell you, Dad, for one billion dollars! Nah! No one would pay that much for you!”
Father says:
“Jesus paid more than that for me, son; He gave His life for your old Dad!”
My heart nearly bursts, as I once again realize the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us.
He gave His Son, to die a cruel death, for you and me.
The world values things in terms of money;
But our Heavenly Father gave something that has no monetary value.
He gave His only son – that I – you - might have life everlasting!
For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (KJV)
How awesome it was to hear this earthly father tell his son of God’s great love and sacrifice for him –for us – for He did not send His Son for just some – He sent His Son for all!
John 3:16 states “whosoever believeth in Him” –
That ‘whosever’ means you and me – anyone – who accepts Him and believes Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died on the cross for them,can have the awesome gift of eternal life!
Dear Lord,
I pray for this child to see You in his earthly father –
for him to realize Your great love for him and
to turn his life over to You!
I pray for anyone reading this who has not believed as of yet, to make today the day that they accept Your gift of eternal life with You!
In Jesus Name I Pray,
Amen.
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
As father and young son were rough-housing son says:
“I’m gonna sell you, Dad, for one billion dollars! Nah! No one would pay that much for you!”
Father says:
“Jesus paid more than that for me, son; He gave His life for your old Dad!”
My heart nearly bursts, as I once again realize the love our Heavenly Father has for each one of us.
He gave His Son, to die a cruel death, for you and me.
The world values things in terms of money;
But our Heavenly Father gave something that has no monetary value.
He gave His only son – that I – you - might have life everlasting!
For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
John 3:16 (KJV)
How awesome it was to hear this earthly father tell his son of God’s great love and sacrifice for him –for us – for He did not send His Son for just some – He sent His Son for all!
John 3:16 states “whosoever believeth in Him” –
That ‘whosever’ means you and me – anyone – who accepts Him and believes Jesus is the Son of God, and that He died on the cross for them,can have the awesome gift of eternal life!
Dear Lord,
I pray for this child to see You in his earthly father –
for him to realize Your great love for him and
to turn his life over to You!
I pray for anyone reading this who has not believed as of yet, to make today the day that they accept Your gift of eternal life with You!
In Jesus Name I Pray,
Amen.
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
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