Hebrews 13:5

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

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

Hebrews 13:5 (Amp)

God-Shaped Hole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Won’t you let Him today?

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

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Alpha and Omega

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

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

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

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

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

Hallelujah!
Praise The Lord!

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

The Prince of Peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to realize that He truly is the REASON for everything!

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

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

to your questions!

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

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

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Thankful Tuesday!

What are you thankful for today?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you received an answer to prayer?

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

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

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

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

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

Love and Blessings in Christ!
Ruthie

Jesus, Our Savior

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus – English
Lesous – Greek
Yeshua – Hebrew

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

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

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

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

Resting in Him,
Ruthie

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

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

FOOTPRINTS – A New Version

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


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

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

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

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

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

“That is correct.”

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

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

“Precisely.”

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

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

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

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

Psalm 2:4
The ONE enthroned in heaven laughs;

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

Ruthie
For I KNOW whom I have believed!

Revelation 1:7-8

TRUTH-FILLED THURSDAY

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

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

He will come back a second time!

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

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

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

Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

Brokenness

BROKENNESS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God heals!
Praise the Lord!
Hallelujah!

Meditate on these Scriptures:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In His Love,
Ruthie

John 3:16

Thankful Tuesday

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

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

DISCLAIMER: I am not the author of this piece!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Agnus Dei

AGNUS DEI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings to you this day!
Ruthie

2 Peter 3:9

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

Your Quiet Time

Your Quiet Time

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

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

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


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

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

· Write out and memorize Scripture.

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

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

· Spend the entire time with God singing.

· Read a different translation of the Bible

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

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

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

· Praise Jesus from A to Z.

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

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

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

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

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

The goal being to abide with Him more and more!

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

Daniel 3:17-18

Daniel 3:17-18
Truth-Filled Thursday

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

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

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

How awesome is that!

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

Capstone

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

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

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

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

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

A CAPSTONE is the finishing stone of a structure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Sister in Christ,
Ruthie

His Word is All I Need

HIS WORD IS ALL I NEED

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

Daniel 2:19-23

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

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

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


Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

Names of God

NAMES OF GOD


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

Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

Jehovah - LORD, Our Eternal God
Genesis 2:4

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

Elohim - God (Our Creator)
Genesis 1:1

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

Jehovah-Rapha - God my Healer
Exodus 15:26

Jehovah-Jireh - God my Provider
Genesis 22:14

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

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

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

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

Weekend Whisperings

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

Labarum

This is a Greek symbol called a LABARUM.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings on yah!
Ruthie

Matthew 5:13-14

Truth-Filled Thursday

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

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

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

Go out today and sprinkle and shine for Him!

Blessings,
Ruthie

P E A C E

P E A C E

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thankful Tuesday

THANKFUL TUESDAY!

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

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

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

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

He Is SO Worthy of our Praise!

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

Meditate on Psalm 150 today.

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

Wisdom

WISDOM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings on you this day!
Ruthie

Weekend Whisperings

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