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

Isaiah 43:1

Truth-Filled Thursday

He is our Redeemer!
The one who has a desire to defend us,
protect us,
“buy us back”!
Praise God!

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you,
O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.”
Isaiah 43:1

May the truth of these words settle in your heart today,
once and for all!

May you never again doubt
that He has redeemed you,
never doubt that you are HIS!

Praise God!

Bless these people, Lord.
Fill them with Your Spirit!
Give them assurance of You!
Thank You, Father
Amen.

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Obedience

OBEDIENCE

What do we think of when we hear the word obedience?
We think of following the directions that someone has given to us;
doing as someone has told us to do.

To be obedient we must first have some knowledge of what is expected….
Does knowing this though, change our behavior?
Not necessarily…..

How many times have you or I been in a situation where
we knew the right thing to do but chose not to do it?
Such as eating half a container of ice cream
or a half a bag of Lays in one sitting…
or listening to that joke (or reading it via email)…
or spending that grocery money on something frivolous…
or visiting that chat room…
or accepting that phone number…
or buying that Lotto ticket…
or gossiping about someone (sometimes in the name of prayer)…
or ____________________________
(you fill in the blank)

The Hebrew word for obedience means “to hear and to listen” …
to truly hear God’s word implies obedience…
to give ones full attention to and obeying what has been said!

Rather than just simply receiving more information or knowledge.
Scripture tells us to be doers of the word and not hearers only…

James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Think about Jesus disciples….many times they didn’t understand His word’s or teachings …such as Mt. 16:22… Jesus had just predicted his own death and Peter says this will never happen!
Scripture tells us of many instances where the disciples questioned Him because they lacked understanding.

How do we move from just gaining more knowledge into a
mode of Biblical obedience?

Firstly, we must lead lives that reflect Jesus in all we say and do.
Our lives need to be worthy of imitation.

1 John 2:6 - “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”

Think about what you yourself have learned from watching someone who was in a leadership role with you;
a mentor; a guide; a teacher.
Did their talk and their walk match?
(Beth Moore calls this having their theology match their reality.)
Did you see inconsistencies that planted seeds of doubt in you?
Did you use their behavior to rationalize your own?
Or were they “right on the mark?”

Secondly, we need to incorporate the Word into our lives!
This is called Life Application…
taking the Word, learning what it tells us,
and applying it to our lives reinforces Biblical principles.
And we need to share that with others!

An illustration from our personal experience,
whether success or failure,
speaks to the heart of whoever you may be with at any moment in time.
It is through this that others learn about God’s character;
His forgiveness; what He wants for us and from us.

The sharing of facts about forgiveness and character
do not have the same impact as real life experiences!

Finally, there must be an element of accountability to all we do…
on our part and on the part of others.
When a person admits their need for change
accountability is the natural follow up to this.

For example:
someone says to you they are staying away from the potato chips
and they’ve been really tempted by them this week…
so you encourage them to get rid of the ones in the house,
encourage them to tell their family not to bring chips into
the house for the next week,
to…………………
And this person decides to take certain steps.

The natural result of this the next time we meet is to ask them how they made out with the temptation;
to hold them accountable for their actions;
and we do this in a spirit of love, not condemnation.

This is a quote I read the other day……
“Biblical obedience comes when people are brought to a place where
they express the following -
‘as best I am able, I will follow Jesus’ …
and then they look for ways to act on what God is teaching them.”

This is growth - and I’ve seen it happen over and over.

We all, by our willingness to be teachable, to share ourselves,
and to hold others accountable ,
are being obedient to what the Lord wants from us.

Dear Friends,
I pray that you will reflect on His Word;
His instructions for daily living;
His desire for us to be imitators of Him;
and cooperate with Him in moving you to a place where you too may say
“as best as I am able, I will follow Jesus”.

And I KNOW His blessing will be upon us
as we become imitators of Christ.

I remain “Resting In HIM”
Ruthie

Isaiah 12:2, 5-6

Thankful Tuesday

May this be your hearts thankful “song of praise” today!

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation.

Sing to the Lord for he has done glorious things;
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the holy one of Israel among you.
Isaiah 12:2, 5-6

Thank You, Father for your salvation!
Thank You, Lord, for taking away my fear!
Thank you, God, for the wonderful things you have done in my life –
in the midst of trials, hurt, and pain you are always there!
Praise you, Jesus!

Have a thankful day!
Ruthie

HE Is My Everything!

He Is My Everything!

Jesus spoke these words;
Believe them today!

“You are my friends if you do what I command.
I have called you friends…”
John 15:13, 15 (NIV)
[He is my friend!]

“I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.”
John 14:18 (KJV)
[He is my comfort!]

“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name -
the name you gave me –
so that they may be one as we are one.”
John 17:11b (KJV)
[He is my protector!]

“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.
For God did not send his Son into the world to
condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16-17
[He is my Savior!]

“I am the bread of life.
He who comes to me will never go hungry,
and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35 (NIV)
[He is my sustenance!]

“In my Father’s house are many rooms;
if it were not so I would have told you.
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am.
John 14: 2-3 (NIV)
[He is my eternal companion!]

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
[He is my rest!]

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”
[He is my peace!]

“Take care of my sheep.”
John 21:16
[He is my shepherd]

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End.
I am the Root and the Offspring of David,
and the bright Morning Star.”
Revelation 22:13
[Thank You, Jesus!]

“Yes, I am coming soon.”
Revelation 22:20
[He will return!]


Hallelujah!
Praise His Name!

Reflect on Scriptures that are special to you –
that reinforce for you what He is to you!

May His Words fill your soul today
and strengthen and refresh you;
nurture and sustain you!

Blessings to you today!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Weekend Whisperings

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

Consider Your Ways

Consider Your Ways

Haggai was a prophet who brought the Word of God to Zerubbabel, Governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the high priest.
(this occurred in 520 B.C.)

Imagine!
His words are still pertinent for us today!

Haggai 1:5
Now this is what the Lord Almighty says:
“Give careful thought to your ways.”

Haggai 1:7
This is what the Lord Almighty says:
“Give careful thought to your ways.”

A different translation says – “consider you ways”.

I believe these words are as much for us today as they
were for the people of Haggai’s time!
I wonder how often He has said to me, “give careful
thought to…”
I wonder how often I didn’t hear Him speaking…
Or refused to listen.

We are much like the people of Haggai’s time:

- Making excuses for not doing what
God has called us to do… (verse2)

- Going about our ‘business’ and forgetting Him (1:4)

- Working at whatever it is we do and never being satisfied or fulfilled with the end results. (1:6)

- Not turning to God in the low times (2:17)

However, there was remnant of people – along with Zerubbabel and Joshua – who were obedient to the Lord and they began the rebuilding of His temple!
He promised to be with them (1:13, 2:5)

As I read this I am reminded of an incident that occurred with me a couple weeks ago.
I enjoy watching crime stories on TV;
And I like to read good crime stories.
A couple weeks ago I was in the grocery store – you know the one – where you can do your entire shopping under one roof!
And I picked up a crime novel!
I didn’t start it for a couple days as I was finishing up a different book.

When I started to read I found it was not quite what I
had thought it was!
The language in it was awful and it was just
not what I should be reading!
So, I placed it on the table and went into my “work” room – where I do my card making and my writing!
I sat down at my computer and began to pick up writing a devotional I had started the day before…
It was just as if God was standing here beside me…
I heard Him saying in my heart:
“Ruthie, throw the book out. Don’t even try to pick thru it for the plot (which is what I had thought I could do!)
Just get rid of it.”

My first thought was: “No I can’t do that! That’s like throwing money out the window!”

But it was only seconds and I had the book in my hands;
tearing it up and throwing it in the recycle bag!
Thank you, Jesus!

So, when I read these words: “give careful thought to your ways” I knew that God was reinforcing for me once again,
as He so often does,
that He cares about me and wants only the best for me;
that He wants me to walk in obedience to Him;
that He wants me to give everything to Him;

I am so thankful for His voice in the quietness!
For His Word that is so relevant to my life!
For His daily presence with me!

Dear Friends,
I pray that you will be encouraged by the book of Haggai;
That my words will also encourage and uplift you!
May you KNOW that He wants you to consider your ways-
May you be growing more like Him every day!

Thank You, Father for your love and your grace!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

2 Timothy 1:7

Truth-Filled Thursday

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity,
but a spirit of power,
of love and of self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

The truth!
God’s Spirit does not give us fear or cowardice!
Fear will come upon us!
However, we need to rest in the truth of His Word
that this fear is not from Him!
AMEN!

We can conquer our “fears” if we press in and through them!
KNOWING that He is with us!
HE gives us a spirit of power, of love, of a sound mind!

Praise God!
May you rest in this truth today!

Ruthie

HIS Signet Ring!

HIS Signet Ring!

The other day I decided to read the book of Haggai…
It’s very short – only 2 chapters – but I couldn’t recall anything
about it so I read it again.

This small book spoke to me –
I contemplated how, I too, should consider my ways!
Do I live out my first passion for Him?
Is worshipping Him at the center of my life?
Am I obedient to carry on His work even under pressure from my “enemies” to cease the work?
Can He say of me – that He will make of me His signet ring?
Wow!
Lots to think and pray about!

The Nelson Study Bible (NKJV) states this about Haggai –

Haggai was a prophet to the Jews who returned from the exile to Babylon. His first task was to make them see where their hearts and priorities lay.
He urged them to do what they should have done from the start:
rebuild the temple with a willing heart.
He added to this the promise that God would be with them;
they could then return to their first enthusiasm and carry out
God’s purposes for them.
Then their worship would be joyful and sincere.

These people had resolved, after their return from captivity, to restore the worship of God to its rightful place at the center of their lives.
However, shortly after their arrival in Jerusalem their resolve vanished…
They built an altar on the temple site, laid the foundation for the new temple, but when the King ordered the work on the temple to cease
because of pressure from their enemies –
they ceased their work and made excuse for doing so.

Later, the restriction was lifted by another emperor.
But by then the people had lost their passion to worship the living God.
Haggai exhorted them to focus on their spiritual condition!

Zerubbabel the governor, Joshua the high priest, along with a remnant of the people responded to Haggai’s words from God, were obedient,
and began to work on the temple.
God promised to be with them.

You can read all about this in Haggai, chapters 1 and 2.

Chapter 2, Verse 23 really jumped off the pages of my Bible –

‘In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the Lord, ‘and will make you like my signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the Lord of hosts.’
Haggai 2:23

In days gone by a signet ring was used to declare one’s authority, one’s identity, to validate that a message was from a certain person.
The ring would be pressed into soft clay or wax and then impressed on an
official document, or envelope… making a seal…
once the clay or wax dried there was no disputing whose ring it was!

How amazing it is that God spoke to Zerubbabel and said he would make him like a signet ring – He had chosen him.
God was indicting that he valued Zerubbabel and that he was God’s representative amongst the people.

Amazing – because years before God had cursed Zerubbabel’s grandfather…
Read: 2 kings 24:8-12
Jeremiah 23:24-30

Amazing – God forgave Zerubbabel because of his obedience and did not hold the sins of his grandfather against him!
Praise God!

Do you recall the story of the prodigal son?
It can be found in Luke 15:11-32
Verse 22 – “But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.”

Think with me for a minute…
Was this a signet ring?
Did it bear the family seal?
Did it signify the son’s return and acceptance into the family?
Did it indicate the value this father placed on this son?

We who have accepted Christ have been sealed with the Holy Spirit…
He has called us valuable; He has given us a new identity;
He has enabled us with His power and authority because of the Holy Spirit in us!

We are like His signet ring in this world we live in today!
We leave a mark – a deposit – a seal – of HIM - wherever we go, whatever we do!

May we be ever conscious of our attitudes, our behaviours,
our words, — our everything!
As these show Whose we are to the world!
May my life, may your life, be a reflection, a symbol, of Him to this world!

Praying you have been spoken to by His Word today!

I remain Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Lamentations 3:57-58

Thankful Tuesday

I am so thankful today that I can say,
along with the prophet Jeremiah,

You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”
O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life.
Lamentations 3:57-58

Has He come near to you?
Has He taken up your case?
Has He redeemed your life?

I pray that you can say these words about Your God!
About your life!

Take some time today to reflect on your blessings
and to be thankful!

Blessings on yah!
Ruthie

Blessings

BLESSINGS

The dictionary definition of blessing is “to bestow good upon”.
I found these words in a concordance -
“to make holy; to show favor to; to ask God to show favor to.”

One of my most favourite Scriptures is found in the book of Numbers: (called the Priestly Blessing)

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord had instructed Moses to tell Aaron and his sons that this was what they were to say to bless the Israelites.

I have recited these words when I have spoken to
graduating classes of Practical Nursing Students;
and other times as well.
I think these words are so beautiful!
Asking God to favor the recipient with
His presence, His grace, His peace.

Don’t we all want that in our lives?
I know I surely do!

I read a book a long time ago entitled
“The Blessing”
By Gary Smalley and John Trent, Ph.D

In this book they give some history of the
father blessing his children.
In Biblical times it was quite an event to receive the
father’s blessing!
I am reminded of this thru a Women’s Study I’m attending
at my church, where we have looked at Isaac and Rebekah –
the parents of Esau and Jacob.

Do you remember the story? It can be found in Genesis 25-28.

Jacob stole the blessing that was rightfully Esau’s
as the firstborn of the two sons.
When Esau found this out he cried aloud to his father,
“Bless me – me too, my father!”
(Genesis 27:34)

A little later he says to his father,
“Do you only have one blessing, my father?
Bless me too, my father!”
Then Esau wept aloud.
(Genesis 27:38)
My heart goes out to him!
Praise God!We have more than one blessing to bestow on
those we love!

Just the other day I was in conversation with 3 women who had not received the acceptance and affirmation they wished they could have had from their mothers!
That’s not to say they weren’t loved –
What it does say is that words were not spoken over them that affirmed them in their mother’s eyes…
Therefore they did not “feel” the love!
For all of us, this fact made us more conscious of speaking into the lives of our children and our grandchildren!
And also into the lives of our spouses!

A “Blessing” is a part of any relationship –
spouses, children, parents, siblings, friends –
AND –
the Word tells us to
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Romans 12:14

Here are the 5 elements of a blessing as mentioned by the authors of the book I just told you about:

1) Meaningful touch
2) A spoken message
3) Attaching “High Value” to the one being blessed
4) Picturing a special future for the one being blessed
5) An active commitment to fulfill the blessing

What are you thinking about right now?
When did you last bless your spouse, your children,
your grandchildren, your parents, your friends?

Your “enemies”?

Our words are so important – what we say and how we say it convey messages far beyond the actual words themselves!
May we be ever conscious of this fact!
And do as instructed in
James 1:19 - quick to listen, slow to speak,
slow to become angry
(my paraphrase)

Our granddaughter was born prematurely… 6 weeks early.
She was in the hospital for a time
before she could come home with her parents.
Seeing her in that incubator with all kinds of
gadgets attached to her was very hard –
not being able to hold her was awful!
I continually prayed God’s blessing upon her and her parents!
She will be 6 years old next month –
Praise God!
What a BLESSING she has been in our lives!

I particularly remember one time when I was all alone with her – after she had returned home and I was helping mom out…
I had her in my arms, was rocking her,
placed my hand on her head,
and prayed God’s special blessing on her life!
And I have continued to do that thru the years –

BUT-
What about our “enemies”?
How can we possibly bless them and not curse them?

Only thru the grace of God!
Only thru the salvation of Jesus Christ!
Only thru the power of the Holy Spirit in one’s life!
Praise God!
He instructs us – and He will enable us!
It is a choice we make to bless those who have hurt us!
To not retaliate; to decide not to hold the pain against them!

CHOICES!
That can only occur when one surrenders totally
and completely to Christ!

Thank You, Jesus, that You give the power to enable us
to do the impossible!
Praise You, Lord, that thru You we can have
victory in our lives
Praise You, God!

Friends,
I pray today that you begin, or continue, to bless all those you come in contact with!
Pray God’s priestly blessing over them!
Speak words of affirmation into them!
Use your “tongue” – your words – for good!
Make the choice to begin today to bless your enemies!
(this may result in them coming to know Christ –
because you have shown Him to them!)
WOW!

Blessings on you today!

Ruthie

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!
2 Timothy 1:12

Weekend Whisperings

Better one handful with tranquility
than two handfuls with toil
and chasing after the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:6

The Power of the Tongue

The Power of the Tongue

Have you experienced the “power of the tongue”?

Do you know how it feels to have someone make a “cutting” comment that goes deep into your soul and creates a wound that seems like it will never heal?
Do you know how it feels to have someone make a comment that thrills your soul and fills you will gladness and joy?
Have you ever been the “sender” of a “cutting“ comment
or a joy filled comment?
I’m sure you have experienced all of these!
As we all have!

The dictionary gives 2 definitions of “tongue” –
· The movable organ in the mouth which functions
in eating, tasting, and speaking
· The power of speech

Just recently I’ve been in conversations with people who have expressed a disgust at the vileness of language being used today….
Vulgar language, cursing, crudeness, etc. seems to be rampant today-

But, not only that – words are being used (whether spoken or written)
to “bully” others… we are seeing this in the schools!
And now, we hear about “cyber bullying” – using the internet to put someone down, to say nasty things about someone.

Scripture says:
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.
It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire,
and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue.
It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:5-10

I love “word pictures”!
And as I read this Scripture I always see the tiny little spark that drops in the forest and then my mind flashes to the raging fire that ensues!
All from one little spark!

How like our words!
They can start a fire –
A fire of rebellion, of destruction, of self-defeat
OR
A fire of positive, forward-moving energy;
of restoration, of reconciliation.

Do you recall this little saying from your childhood?
“Stick and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”

I wonder, did we really think that was true?
It is so NOT true!
It has been said that it takes 10 positives to counteract one negative comment!
Have you found that to be true in your life?
I surely have!
I may be doing great, feeling great, feeling positive,
and a negative comment comes my way
and it’s like the balloon has had a pin stuck in it and the air seeps out!
Deflated!
Where did all the good feelings go?
The mind dwells on the negative and seems to forget all the other!

So – if this is how I am affected – I need to think about others who have
been the receivers of my words!
Do my words “build up” or do they “tear down”?
Are they positive fire starters or negative fire starters?
Are my words healing or are they poison?

I have learned over the years that my “tongue” can get me in trouble real fast!
I am by nature an impulsive person – quick to speak - and have had to learn (with the Lord’s help) to keep my tongue under control!
I frequently pray for God to still my tongue;
to keep me from saying anything that could be hurtful;
to pinch my lips together so I don’t regret something I might say!
Just recently I was in conversation with some dear friends and I slapped my face (gently- LOL!) because I was on the verge of saying something
best kept to myself!

Words don’t just spill off our tongues!
The words that come out of our mouths are a reflection of our thoughts –
of what is in our hearts!
If one has hostility, bitterness, unforgiveness in the heart
their words will reflect this.
If one has compassion, kindness, love in their heart their speech
will reflect this as well.
The key to taming our tongue is self-control –
and self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit!

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

We must depend upon Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to
help us to control our tongues… that is the only way it will happen.
We must confront our thoughts!
The Holy Spirit living in us will change our hearts, change our thoughts –
and change our words!

May we be like the psalmist who wrote –

“I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue”
Psalm 66:17

“My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long.”
Psalm 71:24

“May my tongue sing of your word,”
Psalm 119:172

May our tongues bring healing:

Proverbs 12:18
Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Dear Father God,
I lift a prayer for each one reading this today – a prayer for renewal of the mind; for a fresh indwelling of the Holy Spirit;
for consciousness of speech as they go about their daily lives!
Thank You, Father for Your WORDS that build us up and tell us how much
we are loved by You!
I pray, with the psalmist, that the words of our mouths
and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight.
Thank You for blessing us today!
Amen.

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Christ WILL Return!

TRUTH-FILLED THURSDAY

Christ will return someday –
We don’t know the hour but we can rest in the TRUTH of His return!

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,
with a loud command, with the force of the archangel
and with the trumpet call of God,
and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left
will be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air.
And so we will be with the Lord forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

WOW! How awesome is that!!!

Praying that this TRUTH fills your heart and soul today!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Rubbish - Garbage

RUBBISH – GARBAGE

Defined as “worthless; discarded material;
inferior; vile; dung;
useless, unwanted, undesirable material”.

Ughhhhhhhhhh!
Not a very delightful picture, is it?
You’re probably thinking what is this?
Garbage? Rubbish?

Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)
What is more, I consider everything a loss
compared to the surpassing greatness
of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,
for whose sake I have lost all things.
I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and
be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own
that comes from the law,
but that which is through faith in Christ –
the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Philippians 3:8-9 (NLT)
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
I have discarded everything else,
counting it all as garbage,
so that I may have Christ and become one with him.
I no longer count on my own goodness
or my ability to obey God’s law,
but I trust Christ to save me.
For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Paul is acknowledging that he knows that nothing he has
done in the past or will do in the future
will save him or make him righteous.

Everything he had accomplished in his life was “worthless”
when compared with knowing Christ.

WOW!
Can I say that about my life?
This is my prayer today…
that I can say that I count ALL things loss
compared to knowing Christ!

All things of this world are rubbish compared to Christ!
All of our accomplishments are for naught without Christ!
Our relationship with Christ should be more important than anything else in our life!

No amount of discipline, self-help, keeping the law,
will make us right with God!

Our focus needs to be on HIM and HIM alone!

Christ is in the believer and the believer is in Christ –
When we respond to His call, in faith,
He clothes us with His righteousness (Romans 3:24-26)
and we are made right with Him, complete in Him.

Is there anything you place above your relationship with Christ?
What are your daily priorities?
How will you reorganize them to put Him in first place?
What are you willing to give up in order to know Christ
more and more?

May your walk today be one of knowing that YOU
are a precious child of the King;
that He has clothed you with righteousness;
and that He, and He alone, is all you need!

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show his favor and give you his peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)


Resting in Him,
Ruthie

Thankful Tuesday

Thankful Tuesday
What are you thankful for today?

Take a moment and record 5 things you thank God for

Begin to keep a record –
When you are feeling ‘down’ or feeling like life is
just ‘too hard’
pull out this record and
lift your praises to our Heavenly father!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord,
For He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34


May you have a “thanks-filled” day!
Ruthie

God's Plan

“GOD`S PLAN”

Do you have a ‘vision’ – a plan - for your life?
Are you a dreamer or are you a goal setter?
And more than that – once you’ve set the goal –
have you put a plan in place to move you towards achieving that goal?

Where / How owHowdo you see yourself 1 month or 1year from now?
2 years?
5 years?

As a nurse educator I taught students how to assess, set goals,
make a plan, and implement the plan for the patients we were caring for.
It’s called “The Nursing Process” – it has changed somewhat over the years –
however, the fundamentals of it are the same…
AND
it can be applied to any aspect of life!

Now – knowing this and doing it in my own life are two different things.
I can make a plan, set some goals, BUT - if I don’t follow thru, nothing is achieved!
(and I can assure you I have not followed thru many times)

There’s a saying that goes something like this –
“Plan the work and work the plan”
That is what we need to do!

God has a plan for our lives BUT – we need to “work the plan” –
It’s not likely He’ll do anything without our cooperation.
Our cooperation is a must in order for our potential to be achieved!

Do you know His plan for your life?
Are you cooperating with Him?

Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified)
“For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you,” says the Lord,
“thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil,
to give you hope in your final outcome.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“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.”
WOW!
I can’t tell you how excited and relieved I was when these Words
spoke to my heart many years ago!

He has a plan for me?
He wants to prosper me?
He wants to give me a hope and a future?
WHY ME?
Isn’t that the question we all ask at some point?

The answer is found in the following scriptures:

John 3:16 (KJV)
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.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish,
but everyone to come to repentance.

He is a loving, patient, faithful God!
He wants us to spend eternity with Him!
And He has a plan for us to do that!
First, we must acknowledge our sinfulness, repent,
and accept Jesus as our Savior!
As Lord of our Life!
Next, we must live our lives according to His Word –
that means we must be in the Word,
and in communion with Him constantly!

His plan is for us to prosper (spiritually),
To have a hope (of eternity).
To have a future
To have His peace – John 14:27
To submit to Him, and then, be able to resist the devil – James 4:7
To be fearless – 2 Timothy 1:7
To have an abundant life – John 10:10

BUT
His plan is not necessarily a “positively“!
It depends on our participation!

I am an advocate of life-long learning –
meaning that we never stop growing and learning –

I have heard it said “It’s a poor day you don’t learn something new!”
Every day we should be further along than we were yesterday.
I have great admiration for people who return to school as mature adults –
For whatever reason!

As Christians – we need to be a student of our LORD.
Not just reading a devotional such as this every day –
but actually studying HIS Word!
Learning Scripture!
Becoming more like Him every day!
Discovering His truth for our lives!
Listening to His voice and participating with Him in the plan!

If you are not daily connecting with Him, involved in growing in your faith and learning more of him, moving along this journey in a positive manner,
I pray that you will begin this today.
Participate with Him in His plan for your life;
Set some achievable goals for yourself that will move you in this direction.
And always remember to WORK THE PLAN!

Peace to you today!
May His Words speak deeply into your hearts
as you cooperate with Him in this amazing journey.
He loves YOU!

Father,
Thank you for such a beautiful Fall day filled with sunshine and SONshine!
May we reflect on You today
and desire to go a step (steps) deeper in our faith!
Praise You, Lord!
Amen.

RESTING in HIM,
Ruthie

Weekend Whisperings

Then they sat on the ground with him for
seven days and seven nights.
No one said a word to him,
because they saw how great his suffering was.
Job 2:13

The Best Is Yet To Come

“The Best Is Yet To Come”

What do you think of when you hear these words:
“The best is yet to come”?

Are you thinking that the future holds something better
than the present?
Do you think of heaven and all that means to the believer?

I received an email today from a friend with this
story attached – I’ll attempt to make it brief –

A young lady had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and was getting her affairs in order.
When she talked with her Pastor about her
Home-Going Celebration, the Scriptures she wanted read,
and the songs she wanted sung,
she said she wanted to be buried with
a fork in her hand.

He asked her why a fork and this was her reply,
“I have attended many church suppers / potlucks
and find that I’m always told to “keep my fork,
the best is yet to come!”
and I keep my fork in anticipation of a wonderful dessert –
of something better than the meal I’ve just eaten.”

She went on to say, “When they ask you why I have a fork in my hand I want you to tell them to
‘Keep your fork, the best is yet to come’;
Then tell them about Jesus and about Heaven.”

The Pastor’s eyes welled up with tears as he realized the unique grasp this young lady had on eternity…
She truly KNEW the best was yet to come!

At the funeral the Pastor heard many people ask the question “What’s with the fork?” as they passed by the casket…
During his message he was able to tell them
what the fork symbolized for this young lady,
and that she was now sitting at the
banquet table with the LORD…
for her, The Best Had Come!

The kingdom of heaven is like a king
who gave a wedding banquet for his son…
Matthew 22:2 (Amplified)

Our Father invites us again and again to HIS heavenly banquet.
He wants us there!
Have you accepted His invitation?
He loves you and wants to feast with you!
There will be no pain or sorrow there,
no suffering or tears.
Only rejoicing with the Father –
praising and worshiping Him for eternity!

I have a picture in my mind of what it will be like -
But I’m pretty sure His kingdom far exceeds my expectations!
I get excited just thinking about what that will be like!

I pray that you can say with great assurance that
you will be at the heavenly banquet table some day!
See You There!

Blessings on you today!
Remember –
“Keep your fork – the best is yet to come!”

Ruthie
(For I KNOW whom I have believed)

My Yoke Is Easy…

Truth-Filled Thursday

“My Yoke Is Easy…”

Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 11:28-30 –
“Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

YOKE – a heavy wooden structure that fits over the shoulders of
a pair of draft animals. It is attached to a piece of equipment
the animals are intended to pull.

Jesus is issuing a call to those who are weary, those who are burdened or “loaded down” with cares, sin, excessive demands of life.
He knows you become weary from carrying those burdens –
they weigh you down and tire you out!
He’s asking you to come to Him – He will give you rest!
He will carry your burdens for you!
He’s asking you to yoke yourself to Him, to learn from Him.

He will never force His yoke upon you!
He graciously lets you choose!

Oh how I pray the truth of this Word will fill you today!
You WILL BE yoked to something in this life –
why not choose the One who gives you rest,
who teaches you how to live an abundant life!

Cast off the other yokes in your life!
Give your cares to Him and Yoke yourself with the Savior!

Blessings on you!
Ruthie

Are You For Real?

“Are You For Real?”

PSALM 139

When someone asks you “How’re you doing?”
do you answer with “Just fine.”
or do you tell the truth?

Someone said to me the other day, “How yah doin’ today, Ruthie?”
I replied, “I’m good.”
And he asked, “Are you really?”

I thought to myself … ‘uhmmmmmmm; interesting.’
‘Do I look like I’m NOT good?
Cuz I really am!’

However, I know this person would have wanted
to hear the truth from me
and that’s why he responded as he did!

Just a couple days before, when I was shopping,
I asked the same question of someone and she replied,
“I’m not good. My life is a mess.”

We both told the truth to that question that
we ask so glibly of one another…
When we ask it, do we REALLY want a truthful answer?
When it’s asked of us –
do we REALLY give a truthful answer?
or do we hide behind a mask –
hoping that others won’t see our pain, disappointment –
won’t see our heart.

Do you ever ‘pretend’ to “have it all together” when
everything is “falling apart”?
Do you hope that people won’t see the ‘real you’
because it would be embarrassing if they did?

Why is it so hard to admit we need help and then to ask for it?
Have you discovered that it’s even harder to put on the mask
and try to cover the ‘messiness’ with a smile?
I have!

Do you take off your mask with God?
You might as well – because -
He knows YOU – He sees it all - the flaws, the mistakes,
the ‘mess’, the joy, the peace – ALL -
and He loves you – unconditionally.
You can’t hide from Him!

Verses 2&3 – He knows when you sit and when you rise; He knows your thoughts; He is acquainted with all your ways.

Verses 7-12 – There is no where you can flee from His Spirit.
Verses 13-16 – He formed you and knew you before you were born!

I hope you are convinced thru His Word that you are
completely known and loved by Him!
Unconditionally known and loved by Him!

How wonderful it would be if we could take our masks off
with our sisters and brothers in the LORD!
I believe we would find that we are not so different
from each other –
maybe then we could have REAL relationships with one another!
Relationships that hold us accountable;
that encourage us in the difficult times;
and in the good times;
that help us to grow in our faith – to grow more like Jesus.

Lord,
I pray today for Your grace to descend on Your people.
For Your unconditional love to take root in our hearts so that we know it for ourselves, and then we can bestow it on others!
I ask You Lord, to give us a supernatural capacity to love!
to know when someone is hurting;
to be Your instrument of grace and mercy in their lives!
Thank You, Father, for never taking Your presence from us!
For keeping Your hand upon us!
Search each one, Oh God, and lead us!
Thank You, Jesus!
Amen.


May you have a day filled with honesty and truth;
A “mask-less” day!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Thankful Tuesday

THANKFUL TUESDAY

…for I know whom I have believed
and am persuaded
that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him
until that Day.

2 Timothy 1:12

Aren’t you thankful that He will protect us in life and in death?
That He will never forget our faithful service to Him?

Praise God – I am so thankful!

Fill your heart, today, with thankful praise to Him –
no matter where you go, or what you have to do –
KNOW that He will be right there with you!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

A "Spiritual" 911

A “SPIRITUAL” 911

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest
in the shadows of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 (NLT)

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

Have you ever had to call 911?
What was your expectation when you made the call?

We’ve had to make this call twice in the 10 years we’ve been living in this house:
Once when there was a motor vehicle accident on our front lawn,
and the second time was 4 years ago
when I fell in the back yard and broke my leg.
We had an expectation, both times, that HELP would be on the way immediately!

SIDE NOTE:
(now it’s 3 times!)
I had just written this the day before my husband had an accident with his truck –
His brakes failed and … well!
You can imagine what happened!
He called 911 – EMS, Firemen, and RCMP showed up!
WOW!

Many years ago I read an author who described Psalm 91:1
as the Christian’s 911 call!
He is our shelter and refuge –
Our faith in the Almighty God as our protector
will carry us thru all the seasons of our life!

We should KNOW
that we can trade all our fears, anxieties, worries,
insecurities, lack of confidence, and so on,
for a TRUST in the ONE who will
be with us always and see us through!

HALLELUJAH!

We must “live” and “rest” in HIM!
He promises to be with us in the fire and in the waters (Isaiah 43:2-3);
He promises to never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5);
He promises peace (John 14:27).

At the end of Psalm 91 (vv.14-16) the Lord speaks –
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

What a Promise!
What a Blessing!

Dear Friends,
I pray that you will accept His 911 protection and help!
that you will KNOW that He is your rescuer and your deliverer!
Call on HIM today and place your trust – your life – in His hands!

May you have a wonderful, grace-filled day!

Resting in HIM, Ruthie

Weekend Whisperings

But be sure to fear the Lord
and serve him faithfully
with all your heart;
consider what great things he has done for you.
1 Samuel 12:24

Anger

ANGER

How do you define anger?
Here is a condensed compilation of definitions that I found recently-
· A strong emotion orientated towards a real or supposed grievance
· A strong feeling of displeasure, hostility or antagonism towards someone or something, usually combined with an urge to harm
· A negative emotion caused by a loss of control or opposition
· Vexation, ire, rage

WOW!
These seem to be pretty strong words, don’t they?
Have you ever felt anger over something?
I’m sure you have.
There are lots of “things” that can stir up that strong emotion within us –
· Abuse of children and spouses
· War – and the deaths of young men, women and children
· Cancer
· Infidelity
· Bullying – at school, in the workplace, in the home
· Injustices of all sorts
· Losing a child to a physical illness or thru an accident
· The medical system as it is today
· Slander and defamation of character
· A slight from someone we call ‘friend’
The list goes on and on -

Today I feel led to share what we are to do with our anger.

James 1: 19-20 (Amplified)
Understand [this], my beloved brethren.
Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak,
slow to take offense and to get angry.
For mans anger does not promote the righteousness God
[wishes and requires].

James 1:19-20 (NIV)
My dear brothers, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and
slow to become angry,
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life
that God desires.

Did you notice the additional words in the Amplified version?
“slow to take offense”

UHMMMMMMMM!
As I reflect on that I am reminded that if I am slow to take offense to something/someone then my anger will more than likely
not occur, or it will be lessened;
my response will certainly be different than if I give in to the emotion
at the moment it arises!
Do you agree?

UHMMMMMMMM!
AND - If I am slow to become angry … or slow to RESPOND to or use
that powerful emotion …
the consequences will be different than if I give in to it immediately!

Have you found this to be true in your life?

Another thought –
As one author wrote:
“It is right to be angry about injustice and sin!
It is wrong to be angry over trivial personal offenses!
There is a difference between uncontrolled rage and righteous indignation!”

Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand,
and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves,
and the money changers doing business.
When He had made a whip of cords He drove them all out of the temple,
with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money
and overturned the tables.
And He said to them, “Take these things away!
Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”
John 2: 13-16 (NKJV)

One Study Bible I researched says this –
‘Jesus took the evil acts in the Temple as an insult against God,
And thus, he did not deal with them halfheartedly. He was consumed with righteous anger against such flagrant disrespect for God.
They were making a mockery of God’s house of worship.
So -
we know that Jesus experienced anger –
some people use that as an excuse for what they do with their anger,
saying,
“Well, He threw them out of the temple and overturned the tables,
so I can ___________________” (you fill in the blank)

OH NO!!!

First of all look at the verse that states, “When He had made a whip of cords” –
This verse says to me that He had some time to think about
what he had just observed and how he was going to react to it.
I’m sure making a whip wasn’t a 2 minute deal!

I also wonder if the whip was something He threatened them with,
not actually beat them with.
What do you think?

What I do know is that He did not immediately respond to His anger at
finding His Father’s house being used for such purposes.

We need to do likewise!
We need to take a “time out” – to think about the offense or injustice
we have experienced - and then -
make a CHOICE as to how we are going to respond to it.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV)
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
nor give place to the devil.

Oh, Friends,
if we would only listen and do as God`s Word teaches us to do!
We need to acknowledge our anger; we need to respond in a godly way;
we must not let it fester and become “bigger than life“;
we must not be consumed by our anger;
we must not let the devil get a foothold thru our anger;
and
we must look for opportunities to express the LOVE of CHRIST
to those who have angered us!

Father in heaven,
I pray today for those reading this –
that they will read your Word,
meditate on it and let it “Fill Them Up“ ;
that they will seek You in every aspect of their lives;
and that the next time they feel that emotion of anger brewing
they will step back, and be slow and controlled in their response…
being led by the Holy Spirit thru it all!
Thank You, Jesus!
Amen.

Blessings on you,
Ruthie

He Is Lord

Truth-Filled Thursday

HE IS LORD!

“But you are my witnesses, O Israel!” says the LORD.
“And you are my servant.
You have been chosen to know me, believe in me,
and understand that I alone am God.
There is no other God; there never has been and never will be.
I am the LORD, and there is no other Savior.”
Isaiah 43:10-11 (NLT)

This is the truth!
You can stand on it!
Rest in it!

He is LORD!
The only GOD!
The only SAVIOR!

And you, my friend, have been called to be His witness
to the world!

Do people know what He is like through your words and actions?
Do they see Him reflected in you?

May your life reflect the truth of His Word!

Resting in Him,
Ruthie

Thermal Soaring

THERMAL SOARING

I can almost hear the thoughts…
“What is this? What’s on her mind today?”

Well, the other evening we watched a nature program on TV
about Birds of Prey… focusing on eagles and owls.
As I watched the eagles and listened to the commentator I was struck by the significance of the Scripture in Isaiah…

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 410:31 (NIV)

But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.
They will fly high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

I learned that eagles have an innate ability to find a
thermal to help them soar…
Of course, we know that this ability comes straight from their creator –
God Himself!

A THERMAL is currents rising off warm air and updrafts generated by nearby terrain such as cliffsides, valley edges, mountain slopes…
When the eagle’s wings are locked in place and caught in a thermal
the eagle will glide and soar with little or no effort –
while resting for long periods of time…
She/he stays aloft for long periods without flapping its wings!

They will climb higher in the thermal, then glide downward to catch the next thermal… repeating this over and over –
thus the ability to fly very long flights without having to stop
for rest periods.

Have you ever seen an eagle in flight?
It’s an amazing thing to see.
We were able to catch sight of a couple of them when we were on the Wilderness part of our Alaskan vacation.

It truly looked as if they were riding the wind (flying), higher and higher in the sky – heading towards the sun!
Soaring for the eagle is effortless.
All she must do is submit her will to the wind – spread her wings and soar!
WOW!

Is that all there is to it?

Acts 2:2,4a (NIV)
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven
and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit ….

The Holy Spirit is our wind!
All we have to do is submit our wills to the Holy Spirit and He will assist us to soar over the adversities; the problems; the issues of everyday life!

The Holy Spirit enables us to soar above the conflicts of life!

Oh, I pray you believe that today!
Be filled with the Spirit and rise above…
Isaiah 40:31 tells us that if our hope is in Him; if we wait upon Him,
He will renew our strength.
He is the strength-giver…..

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (NKJV)

Let the Holy Spirit be the thermal that you catch –
not just in times of need – but daily – in all aspects of your life –
then you will soar on wings like eagles!

This verse took on a whole new meaning for me as I watched
the TV program the other night!
We watched these magnificent birds abide in their God-given abilities
and soar above the earth ;
and glide and soar;
and glide and soar!
How peaceful they seemed!
No fighting with the wind or the storm!

How I desire to trust in God to be my strength!
To be my hope!
To be my thermal!

Then the peace that passes all understanding will be mine…
just as He has promised!

Dear Friends,
Place your trust and hope in Him; wait on Him;
you will soar on wings like eagles;
you will not grow weary on this journey;
you will not be faint!
Praise God!

Blessings on you today!
Have a “Thermal-filled” day in HIM!

Ruthie