Weekend Whisperings {Feb. 28}

REFLECTIONS:

I am thankful for:
· God’s Grace
· The anticipation of spring time
· Family and friends

I am presently creating:
CARDS = (what else is there?)

I am currently reading:
Nothing is grabbing me this week -
other than the Word!

My plans for this weekend:
· I have a “Stampin’ Up!” workshop Saturday afternoon;
· Going out for a “girls night” Saturday evening – lots of good food and a movie;
· Have to make 5 cards for a Demonstrators swap the first of the week

What the Lord has taught me this week:
· To “let go and let God”
· That He is aware of all;
· He is in all;
· He will work it all to my best!

Hallelujah!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings to yah!
Ruthie

This Crazy World!

Did you see the paper the other day?
Have you heard the rumblings about ads on the buses in Halifax
and other places?

When I saw the sign these guys (atheists) were holding up
I was taken aback by the wording!

Here is what it said –
“THERE’S PROBABLY NO GOD.
NOW STOP WORRYING AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE.”

Here’s what my first thought was –
“What is this world coming to?”

And then I thought to myself –
“I thought an atheist believed that there was no God.
What’s with the ‘probably’?
What are they saying here?”

My understanding of someone professing to be an atheist is that they believe there is no God.
The dictionary actually states that “atheism” is “the belief that there is no God or gods”;

When I look up the word “believe” here is what I find –
“to accept the truth and reliability of something without proof;
“conviction, confidence, trust”;

When I look up the word “probably” here is what the dictionary says –
“supported generally but not conclusively by the evidence.”

How thankful I am that I can say with absolute faith that there IS a GOD!
There is no “probability” in it!
*** IT JUST IS ***

HALLELUJAH!

I BELIEVE this with all my heart!
No Questions!
I have a confidence and trust in His Word –
I KNOW that He is real!!!
Thank you, Jesus!

His Word tells me I needn’t worry –
Spend some time reading and meditating on Matthew 6: 25-34
focusing on verses 33-34:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

How thankful I am that He carries my burdens for me!
That He loves me and wants my best!
That I can KNOW and BELIEVE, without question, that HE is real!
Praise HIM today, Dear Ones!
Thank Him for what He’s doing in you!
And just KNOW that He is very aware of this crazy world we live in!
He Is In CONTROL!
Praise His Holy Name!

Blessings on you today!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

“dear-me, see-me”

I am writing this on Wednesday – a gorgeous day!
The sun is shining, there is a nip in the air – and – an anticipation of what is to come!

SPRING!

I have opened the patio doors to get some fresh air inside – The chimes are softly moving and I hear their tinkling – the birds are singing!

I just went outside to replenish the bird feeder. I am always amazed at how quickly the little birds know that I have done this! It’s almost like they are watching for me!
As I returned inside I heard a call that I haven’t heard for a while...
It comes from the American Goldfinch who has been present at my feeder all winter long.
Their “song” is a long and varied series of twitters, hisses, trills etc. Yet they have a distinctive “call” which sounds like they are saying, “dear-me, see-me”. When our granddaughter was little we would listen for this bird and then we would repeat his call! She got such a charge out of that!
(As did I!)

As I listened to him this morning I thought of how often I call out to God, asking Him if He sees me and my plight!

Have you ever called these words out to Him?

It was reaffirmed for me – in my soul – that He hears, He sees, and He cares!

Hallelujah!
Praise God!

This verse came to mind and I have repeated it to myself today!

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6: 26-27

Dear Ones,
I pray that the truth of God’s love and care for us will settle deep in your soul today!
He will look after you!
In all your circumstances!
Give it all to Him!
Rest in this truth!
Rest in His hands!

Bless you, dear friends!

Resting totally in Him,
Ruthie

One Of Those Days!

Have you ever had “one of those days”?
One of those days when nothing seems to go as you would have wanted it to?
As you might have planned for it to?
When “everything that could go wrong, did go wrong”?

We had a day start out that way just this past Saturday.
Let’s see – where shall I begin?
Well!
We were supposed to be at church at 9 a.m. for the Couples Day on Saturday.
We were up in plenty of time – Hubby decided to cut his hair –
In the process of doing that the little plastic piece that keeps every hair a certain length fell off and he cut a big gouge out of the back – So.... I tried to “tidy” it up but no go!
He completed by shaving his head!
I Like It!!!!

Then he was taking his truck to be worked on by his brother and I was to pick him up and we would proceed to church. Easy enough, aye?
Not to be...
To make a long story short we chased each other between South Ohio and Town and back again, consequently we were late getting to the church!
At one point as I drove back down the highway I told Satan to get away from us today! He was not going to have us or have this day!
We had had a great evening the day before; I knew God had lots of good stuff in store for us this day! Satan really didn’t want us to take advantage if it all! I refused to let him turn me into a fussy, fuming female!
Ever been one of them????

Have you ever felt like this?

...”Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!
I would fly away and be at rest...
I would hurry to my place of shelter,
far from the tempest and storm.”
Psalm 55:6, 8

We truly need to grasp the fact that our circumstances do not make us who we are!
If this were the case we would all be victims – and wouldn’t the old devil just love that!

But we are not victims – we are more than overcomers!
Our circumstances will indicate what we are – not who we are!
We may find in a circumstance that we are more impatient than we ever thought we were! Or maybe easily frustrated! Or outspoken!
Uhmmmmmm!
Once we realize this God can begin to change us!

The enemy would love for us to believe that we would be happier if our circumstances changed!
Truth – if we are not content in our present circumstances, we’re not likely to be happy in any other set of circumstances.

Paul wrote these words –
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is like to be in need, and I know what it is like to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:11-12

Our Lord is Sovereign!
He is Trust-worthy and Loving!
Every circumstance in our lives has passed through His hands – is part of His plan to grow us and make us more like Him!

George Washington’s wife, Martha, stated these words –
“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may be;
for I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances. We carry the seeds of one or the other about with us in our minds, wherever we go.”

Dear Ones,
I pray that when “one of those days” comes upon you, you will take a moment and reflect on our great God!
Then rebuke the evil one... and CHOOSE to let your faith dictate your behavior – not your circumstance!
Blessings on you today!

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

I Am Thankful!

I am very late today! We have been without internet since Sunday sometime!!!! It's finally restored and I am thankful for that too!!!!!
Have a blessed day!

I Am Thankful ...

- That NOTHING can separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!

HALLELUJAH!

Scripture tells me this!

Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thank You, Jesus!
Thank You Father!
Thank You, Holy Spirit!

I Praise You today!!!!!

Dear Ones,
I pray the truth of these words fills your soul and heart today so that you can do nothing else but praise and thank Him!
Amen and Amen!
Ruthie

His Holy Name!

Does this not excite you?
To think that His NAME is Holy?
That HE is holy?
It does me!

His holiness is one of His attributes... of which there are so many more!
And we – as His followers – are called to be holy – just as He is holy –
1 Peter 1:15-16

Let’s look at Colossians 3:1-17...
In one NIV Bible I have this portion of Scripture is entitled “Rules for Holy Living”.

In my Nelson Study Bible (NKJV) this section is broken into 2 groupings:
a) Verses 1-11: Not Carnality but Christ
b) Verses 12-17: Character of the New Man

Regardless of how the version identifies theses verses they are about how we,
as children of the King, should conduct ourselves as we reflect Him living in us!
Verse 17 is one of my favorite verses and has been a “mantra” for me off and on over the years –
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Whatever you do...
© Family interactions
© Housework
© Crafts
© Ministry
© Career
© Friends
© Business dealings
© Cleaning out the barn
© Driving kids to hockey games or dance lessons
© Preparing meals
© Digging buddies septic system
© Cashier
© Salesperson
© Nurse
© Doctor
© Receptionist
© Greeter
© Nurturing a sick spouse
© Teacher
© Tutor
© CEO
© And the list goes on and on........

Whether in word or deed...
(this is pretty self-explanatory)

Do it all...
This means ALL!
Did I say that loud enough?
ALL!

In the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him...
Because of His presence in your life you are able to DO - to BE -
whatever ...
Know that He has you in this place, this time, this season –
for a reason ...
to reflect HIM to this world we live in!

Develop a thankful heart!
Acknowledge HIM in your life!
Pour out your praise and thanks to HIM 24/7!
Love Him for taking you out of the pit and placing you on the Rock!

Dear ones –
This writing today took on a life of its own!
(This happens sometimes!)
My plan was to focus on the rules...
But God had another plan!

I pray that these words have spoken to you today!
That you will see your life as a reflection of all He is to you;
all He has done for you, and in you;
and may you live that out to the fullest!

Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

SEEKING!

To seek – to search after; to try to find.

Seeking after our Lord!
Wow!
A topic I could spend hours on!

Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Uhmmmm!
Seems to be a condition here doesn’t there?
The seeking must be with all my heart!
Am I doing this?
Are you seeking Him with all your heart?

Jeremiah 29:14
“I will be found by you,” declares the LORD,
“and will bring you back from captivity.”

He promises to be found by me –
by you –
when we seek Him with all our hearts!!!!!!!
Ah, Dear One!
I pray this is where you are today!
I pray this truth of His being found when you go after Him with all your heart
is established deep in you!

Spend some time today alone with God – seeking Him with all your heart!

Resting totally in HIM,
Ruthie

HEIRS!

At conception children inherit their parents’ DNA... Eventually children may inherit their parents’ estates; each child is an heir and the children together are co-heirs.

The definition of heir is one who is entitled to receive the property or blessings of another.

We usually associate inheriting something with the death of a family member...
When we think of this inheritance in earthly terms we may think about antiques; money; property...maybe even debt.
For some people the inheritance is substantial – for others it is not!
In some cases families have been torn apart because of the way an inheritance has been distributed amongst the family members; in other cases families have been drawn closer together because of the need to lean and depend on each other at this time –

Just the other day I was speaking with a friend - we were talking about the things we would be leaving to our daughters – both of whom are only children – with children of their own.
I began thinking about starting a “Memory Box” for my granddaughter – of objects that were my grandparents, my parents, and mine – and pictures and such –
to let her look at these things, and handle them, and begin the process of learning more about who she is ... with regards to her earthly ancestry.
Of course, my mind immediately went to reinforcing for her what her heavenly ancestry is...
I pray daily for God’s hand of protection upon her; for her salvation; for shelter from the evils in this world; for a loving heart; and so much more. Even more than an earthly inheritance I desire for her to be a partaker of God’s Inheritance!

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Galatians 4:4-7

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ,
if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Romans 8:15-17

Believers - God’s children - have an inheritance based on our relationship with Him... this inheritance is an expectation of eternal life...in His Kingdom!

Dear Abba-Father,
If there is one reading this today who is unsure of their eternal inheritance I ask you to send the Holy Spirit upon them to speak to their heart!
Reveal Yourself to them, Lord!
Bring the truth of Jesus into their life!
Thank You Lord, for being patient with us and wanting us all to come to You!
Praise You Jesus for Your work on the cross!
In Your Precious name, I pray
Amen

Blessings everyone!
Ruthie
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David's Song Of Thanksgiving

David’s Song of Thanksgiving...
1 Chronicles 16:7 – 36

I will not record all of these Scriptures here – but I would hope that you would spend some time this week meditating on these powerful words of thanksgiving to our Lord!

David entreats us to reflect upon God’s goodness...
His faithfulness...
to thank Him,
talk to Him,
sing to Him,
seek Him...
and to remember His marvellous works!

Dear Ones,
I pray this will be the day that you will spend time with Him in all these ways!
He so wants to hear from you!
He wants to hear your words of thanks and praise!
He doesn’t care if your musical ability is “perfect” or not!
He just wants you to sing to Him!
To seek Him with all your heart!
And He wants you to remember all He has done in your life!

Make the choice right now to
spend this day in an attitude of thankfulness and praise!

Song David’s Song of Thanksgiving to your Lord!

Blessings on you today!

Resting in Him,
Ruthie

Happy Valentine's day

February 14, 2009

For God so loved the world
that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him
should not perish
but have everlasting Life.
For God
did not send His Son into the world
to condemn the world ,
but that the world,
through Him might be saved.
John 3:16-17

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Ruthie

God Can Do That Can’t He?

In late November, 2008, I was visiting with my daughter and her family.
She and her hubby were both working this particular Friday;
Madison had no school as it was an In-service day, so we had the whole day together - just us!
That is so cool!
We were going to decorate the Christmas Tree in the morning;
go to lunch at Subway;
do some shopping in the Bayer’s Lake Area.
and when we returned home we planned to make a card for a friend whose birthday party she was going to on Sunday.
(Uhmmmm – she loves to make cards! Go figure!)
We had our day all planned.

We awoke to a rainy day!
Lots of rain!
But that didn’t stop us ...
We started decorating the tree –
left the house at about 11:30 –
and away we went –
it’s probably a 15 minute drive to the BL area – the rain was coming down!
We arrived at the Subway and the rain stopped.
As we were walking across the parking lot I said, “Wow! It stopped raining so we could get inside without getting wet!”
And this little voice said, “God can do that, can’t He, Grammie?
Stop the rain for us?”
My reply - “Yes He can, darlin’. He can stop the rain for us.”

Oh, to have the faith of a child!
The trust of a child!
He wants us to come to Him as a child would...
Believing and trusting in His Word, in Him.
Children are sincere, trusting, and totally dependent upon their parents.
Oh, to be like that in my relationship with my Heavenly Father...

Jesus spoke these words – as recorded in Mark 10:15...

“Assuredly I say to you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God
as a little child will by no means enter it.”

Nothing we do can help us achieve His kingdom!
We must come to Him with that childlike trust and dependence –
Then, and only then, are we given free access to HIM!

Dear Ones,
I pray for you to have that childlike trust and dependence upon Him!
May you KNOW that “He can stop the rain”...
He will cover you in it; carry you thru it; or take you out of it!
He is the only way!
Believe Him today!
Trust Him today!
Take a moment or two or more –
Reflect on His work in your life in the past...
may that be a building block of trust to move you forward!

Blessings on you – precious children of the King!
In His Peace,
Ruthie

TRUST

Every time I sit down to write something this week my mind
goes to the topic of trust!
Obviously the Holy Spirit is prompting me to trust HIM...
and then to speak about trusting Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...

Can you say with Paul ... and with me ...

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

My own definition of trust is unshakable security in the object of my trust...
Do you have “unshakable security” in God?
Can you say that you do with a certainty that you’ve never experienced before?

My prayer is that the Scriptures will provoke you to
· search your hearts;
· discover where your trust lies;
· discover how deep your trust is with God;
· uncover if your trust has conditions attached to it;
· move you towards searching the Scripture to see what God’s Word says about trust...

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
John 14:1

When I am afraid, I will trust in you;
In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4

Blessings on you today as you grow in your trust!
Ruthie

“Me – Woman!”

There was a song years ago – I think it was called “I Am Woman” –
Anyway - those words were repeated over and over in the song.
The gist of the song was that I – woman – was capable of anything I put my mind to – I was invincible –
I could be wonder-woman!
All in my own strength!

And you know what?
I bought into that thinking for a time in my life – until I realized that I was not invincible;
I was not wonder-woman;
I could not do everything in my own strength!

Eventually this became my thinking:
I am woman.
I am invincible.
I am tired.
And I KNEW there had to be more to life than the way I was existing.

We’ve talked before about all the “hats” we wear –
“roles” we play – every day!
I believe that the most important thing any woman can do in this world today is to be the woman God has called her to be!
That’s not to say that all those other roles aren’t important –
because they are –
but none of those can be achieved effectively unless woman is who God has called her to be!

And who is that? You may ask...

Let your mind go for a moment to where or what you know God has called you to... spend some time with Him, reaffirming His place in those areas.

John 17:4 (NKJV)
I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given me to do.

In this portion of Scripture Jesus is speaking to His Father –
praying for Himself...
He has glorified His Father while here on earth – He knows He will soon go to the cross and then be restored to His Father in Heaven.

Did you catch the words “finished the work which You have given me to do”...
What is the ‘work’ that God has given you to do?
In all the ‘stuff’ you do everyday what is the work HE has given YOU to do????
And can you say that you have completed it at the end of the day?

Please stay with me here –
I have no intention of having you feel condemned or guilty...
You must remember –

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

The condemnation comes from Satan when we don’t complete all that’s on the “to do lists” ... (our own or others) ...
All I do have to do is complete God’s “to do list” for me!
Please know that MY “to do list” from God will not be the same as yours! Some aspects will be similar but some will be different depending on the season of life we are in.
Also, know that what I’m doing in this season of my life will be different than in another season of my life!

I do KNOW this though...
There IS time everyday to do those things that God calls me to do!
· Spend time with HIM
· Love and cherish my husband
· Encourage a friend
· Show His love to the unbeliever
· Speak words that build up
· Guard my tongue
· Participate in acts of service that bring glory to HIM
· Have a forgiving heart
· ______________
· ________________________
You add to the list!
For there is so much more!

Those “things” that have eternal value are where He desires our priorities to be...
I have learned that it is impossible for me to be the woman God wants me to be unless I am in close communion with Him... cultivating my relationship with Him...
Growing in my faith...
Believing and trusting Him like never before!

Yea!
ME – WOMAN!
HIS WOMAN!

Thank You, Father,
For Your grace, Your mercy, Your love, Your compassion.
Thank You for turning this wretched tired woman into Your child; a Princess; a Treasure in your eyes.
Thank You, Jesus, for the cross!

Praise Him today!
Seek Him today!
Show Him to others today!

Blessings on you as you move closer to Him,
Ruthie

LISTS!

Some people tend to be “list- makers”...
I am one of them most of the time...
When I was working I found this was the best way to keep myself organized and “ahead of the game” ... if I didn’t have a list to follow I would get distracted and go down a “garden path” that might have been more pleasurable than where I “should” have been going.
Make sense?

Are you a list maker?
What kinds of lists do you make?
· Honey-do list
· Grocery list
· Spring cleaning list
· Gift buying list
· Kids activities list
· ______________________

I actually have a ‘List’ sitting here by my computer:
This is today’s list –
· Plan menu for Friday’s lunch with a friend
· Take pics and post to www.rainbowkreations.blogspot.com
· Get chicken in oven before 1pm
· Unpack Stampin’ Up! Bag
· Laundry
· Write devotional for Tuesday
· Spend some time reflecting on a comment Madison said to me one day (I feel something “coming on” from that one)
· Complete a page in my Scripture Memorization Journal for ODBD challenge

The funny thing is that I can make a list, (mind you I don’t do this every day) and because nothing in my life is extremely urgent anymore,
I have the freedom to move things around on it –
to re-prioritize so to speak!
As I feel like it!

As we are coming upon that great “LOVE day” I thought I’d share some writings about marriage I came across the other day in a book –
“Lists To Live By!” by Gray, Stevens, Van Diest.
Actually, I’ve taken a few “lists” and combined them –
I hope they will encourage and inspire you!

© Marriage isn’t the history channel – old battles don’t have to be revisited regularly.
© Marriage isn’t a competition – if your spouse wins you win; if they lose, you both lose.
© Never both be angry at once
© Never go to bed angry
© Neglect the whole world rather than each other
© Tell each other daily that you love each other
© Commit to honesty, quality time, positive conversation, respect, laughter, dreams
© Compliment and praise each other publically
© Practice forgiveness
© Pray together

This list is not exhaustive by any means!
What are some things that you would add that you have found to be enriching forces in your marriages?

Take some time right now to reflect on your spouse –
on their positive qualities –
and give thanks to God for bringing you together – whether it was last month, last year , 10 years ago or 30 years ago!
You are blessed!

Thank You, Father,
For Your Presence in our homes!
In our lives!
May we be ever conscious of YOU!
You deserve our praise and thanks!
In His Name,
Amen.

Resting in His Peace!
Ruthie

PARTY TIME!

Don’t you just love it when you get invited to a party?
I do!
There’s always the anticipation of exciting conversations; meeting new people; spending time with valued friends; and of course, great food!!!!
For what’s a party without food!

Recall the different types of invitations you’re received:
o Elegant
o Shabby Chic
o Masculine – with fishing rods, tractors, trucks
o Feminine – with frills, flowers, whimsy
o Humorous
o Child-like
They have probably come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and themes.

If this is what our earthly parties are like – just imagine what the party will be like when we get to heaven!
It’s called a BANQUET!
What sorts of things do you picture when you hear that word Banquet?
I see gorgeous, colourful flowers; bountiful food; awesome decorations; beautiful clothes; crystal; china; silver... and the people – well! The people are the best of kind!

Just think we’ll be spending time with the Father and with Jesus!
With family and friends who’ve gone before us!
With people we didn’t even know were going to be there!
Awesome!

Jesus invites us to come – to partake of HIS bounty – to sit at HIS table – ...and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, “Come, for all things are now ready.”
Luke 14:17

Jesus’ invitation involves accepting HIS invitation to LIFE – here, on earth!
Involves turning ourselves over to HIM;
Involves allowing HIM to change our lives;
Involves obedience, discipline, surrender, humility...

And Then –
Because of HIS Grace and Love we will be privileged to sit at HIS Banquet Table in the Heavenly Realms!
WOW!

I pray you will sit and rest in HIS grace and love... knowing that one day you will be with HIM in eternity!
How awesome that will be!

I have to tell you that when I wrote the title of this devotional PARTY TIME!
the “party-time” I was thinking of was not the one spent with Jesus .... It was the “pity-party-time” spent in my head with the devil in control!

I am writing this Friday noon time... You’re probably reading it on Monday!
I have just arrived home from the doctor – having heard some news I didn’t particularly want to hear... Hubby was off to work for the next 20 hours and he was stressing about ‘the shop’ and wanting me to cover it for him... and I didn’t want to! The sun is shining and I wanted to run away today!
So I began to settle into the “pity-party” mode... knowing I wouldn’t stay there long b/c I just don’t do that sort of thing! But --------- I was going to indulge myself for an hour or so!!!!
Ever been there?

I spoke with a friend – made plans to go for lunch – sat down here to write and this is the result!
I Praise God that He turned me from my selfish direction and moved me in HIS direction!
I try very hard not to give the old devil a foothold in my life – but he’s so insidious that he slips in every now and then! I must say that I am so much more aware of him than I used to be! And usually – as soon as I am aware he’s tappin’ on my shoulder – I send him away!
Today I didn’t do that immediately!
Go figure!

I’m writing this in the hopes that it will help you be kinder to yourself... We all get to a place of “pity” but we need to be aware of who is leading us there! It is not our Lord! Better to cry out to Him and spill everything on Him then to sit with the devil!

Dear ones,
I pray you will take this to heart!
We serve an awesome God and He has prepared a Table for us that far exceeds the table that the devil would have us sit at!
May you rest in HIS Grace and Love –
Knowing that HE wants only HIS best for you!
Satan wants his worst for you!
Don’t let him in there!

Father God,
I pray for each one reading this today –
I pray for Your Peace to fill them;
Your Comfort to surround them;
Your Presence to carry them.
May they sit today at Your Table of Blessings!
In Jesus name,
Amen!


Resting in His Love and Peace,
Ruthie

WEEKEND WHISPERINGS

Be still and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10

Reflections:
I have decided to do something a little different for the weekends this month.
In the past I have given you a Scripture to reflect on and meditate on!

I don’t “journal” in a book as I used to do.
Since I began this website my time of journaling, reflection,
and quiet time has changed.
I still do a little “journaling” in my computer journal.

However, I may spend hours in prayer, reflection, meditation, and study...
and “writing” on my computer;
I thought it might be interesting to record some of the more common things that I would once have written in my journals –
so, here goes!

I’m thinking that you, too, might use these promptings to give you a time of reflection; a quiet time.

What I am thankful for –
What I am presently creating –
What I am currently reading –
My plans for today [or weekend] –
What the Lord has taught me this week –

I am thankful for:
· My hubby and my family
· Wonderful friends
· My home
· The country I live in
· The small group that meets at our home weekly

I am presently creating:
What else? Cards!!!!!
and knitting some dishcloths.

I am currently reading:
“In Defense Of Food” by Michael Pollan and
“Every Day with Rachael Ray” (February edition) ...
Go figure! Both are “food related”. Uhmmmmmm - what’s that saying?

My plans for today (Saturday):
I have a Stampin’ Up! Workshop in Cape St. Mary’s... A workshop involves lots of prep time but is always fun to do.
This will be a Valentine themed workshop.

This week the Lord has taught me a couple of things:
a) Even though the thing I fear the most may NEVER come true Satan will continue to try me, tempt me, and deceive me with the threat of that fear being true! I never thought of it in quite that way before until I heard Beth Moore explain it on TV the other day! All the more reason to stay in the word; to be aware of what my fears - are so I can recognize when he is threatening me!

b) He’s continuing to reveal to me what He wants for my life... His will for me... and that I’m not where I need to be at this moment in time! This is a personal thing and at some point I know WE will work it through and I will share what it is all about!

I hope these ramblings of mine will bless your day.
I encourage you to spend some quiet time with the Lord.
Have a blessed weekend!

Grace and Peace to you!
Ruthie

Verily, Verily .... #4

In the day you will no longer ask me anything.
I tell you the truth,
(verily, verily) [most assuredly]
My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.
Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:23-24

Jesus was talking to His disciples ...
“in that day” means after He had ascended to heaven... they would not be able to ask Him anything – face to face – as He would not be with them.
He was assuring them – telling them the truth –
that they could ask anything of the Father in His (Jesus) name.
He had previously told them (verses 13-15) that the Holy Spirit would help them.

These words do not mean that Father God will give us anything we want...
Using these words is not a magic formula for “getting things”...
Prayer is not about manipulating God or His power – it is about giving into, yielding to His strength and power!
Hallelujah!

I John 5:14
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will. He hears us!

To ask God for anything in the name of Christ is for us to ask as if Christ himself were asking...
we must set aside our own selves, our own will,
and ask according to HIS will.

Dear Ones, I pray you believe this truth!
God’s will for us is so far better than anything we could imagine...
Ask in His will and it shall be given to you!

Blessings on you!
Resting in Him, Ruthie

Deception vs. TRUTH

Deception –
to lie; to mislead; to trick; to fool; false appearance or statement.

The first act of deception that ever occurred was in the Garden of Eden when the serpent told Eve a lie!
Genesis 3:4-5

He misled her into believing that what God had said was not truthful; that he knew more than God did... therefore, she could do as she’d been told not to do!
Phew!
That was a long sentence, wasn’t it?
But do you catch my drift?
He was trying to change how she thought, and what she thought, about God; he lied to her about the consequences of her “might-be” actions; he caused her to make her decision based on her emotions, and on what she could see, rather than on her knowledge of what was right; He did this all in such a subtle way that she didn’t even know she was being deceived!
Ever been there?

You must grasp this fact, dear ones!
We have been lied to!
We have been deceived!
Satan is not going to stop working on us until we meet our Savoir – face to face!
Scripture tells us that he is the “father of lies” –
John 8:44

Satan’s role is to put a wedge in our relationship with God... between us and God! With the ultimate goal of seeing us fall! Please follow me here!

A wedge makes an opening bigger.
I am not a woodsman! :)
However, I am told that when someone is cutting a tree down he will use a wedge to assist him in getting the tree to fall in the direction he wants... by placing the wedge in a cut he has made in the tree on the side opposite to the direction of the fall.
(wish I could draw you a picture!)

He will hit the wedge to make the opening bigger, and the tree will fall in the direction he intends for it to. To the woodsman – the wedge is a handy tool; a necessary tool; a positive piece of equipment - its use will keep the tree from falling back on him!

Satan’s wedge works on the same principle but he uses it in a negative fashion!
He wants us to fall – for sure!
And he has a direction for that fall! Don’t ever doubt that!
The direction is not into, or onto, our Savior – but in the opposite direction –
AWAY from HIM!
When this occurs Satan is as gleeful as he can be!
He has achieved his purpose!

“If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32

Jesus spoke these words – He is telling us that abiding in His Word - knowing Him {the TRUTH}- will free us from sin – from bondage to sin.
To abide with Him means to have a dynamic, ever-changing, vital, growing relationship with Jesus!
We must KNOW the truth;
We must BELIEVE the truth;
We must SURRENDER to the truth!
We must ACT in the truth!

This requires us to make a conscious effort to line up everything we think,
say, and do with the Word of God!
Only then will we be able to reject the deception of the devil – to recognize when he is lying to us – to see when he is placing a wedge in our relationship with God – and then – to rebuke him with the Truth of the Word!

Dear friends,
I pray these words resonate with you today!
May your life be an example of one surrendered to the truth!
Knowing it, believing it, and living it out – daily!
May you be very conscious of the tactics of the deceiver...
And may your fall always be in the direction of our Savior!

Blessings on you today!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Thankful Tuesday

TIME.......

February!
Wow! Already!
Where did January go?

Do you find time flying by?
I sure do!
It seems it passes more quickly than ever before!
Is that because I’m getting older?
They say the older you get the quicker it passes!
I pray I have enough time left to do all I want to do!
But we don’t know that, do we?

As I think about time in relation to God’s Word here is what I am told:

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.
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.
2 Peter 3:8-9

Oh My!
How thankful I am that God doesn’t view time thru my limited vision!
AND –
That He is patient!
That He is trustworthy!
AND –
That He wants everyone to come to Him!
Praise His Holy Name!

Give Him thanks today – dear ones!

Blessings!
Resting in Him,
Ruthie

White as Snow!

News Flash: This Is The Day (www.thisisthedayrejoice.com) has been accepted in to the Internet Cafe's Top 100 Christian Women's Blogs... this site is in the Top 10 of the Catergory - Cup OverFloweth - inspiring one to have a closer relationship with the Lord!
I am so honored - to HIM be the Glory!
and so humbled!
It's all because of Him!
I just want to say a heartfelt thankyou to all you who are faithful readers; I could not do this without your encouragement and affirmation!
"thank you so much" and "I love you all"!
Blessings, Ruthie

I left home this morning (Saturday – Jan.31/09)
around 8:15 to head for church for a “Discovery Meeting” –
a brainstorming/ vision seeking/ dreaming session...
It started to snow while we were there and when we came out 2 ½ hours later everything was covered by about 4cm of pure white snow!

Now –
you may have gleaned thru previous writings that I’m not a “snow lover” ... not one to want to be outside and frolicking in the snow;
nor do I like to drive in it;
but when it is settling on everything, and is so fresh and pure,
I love to look at it!
What I saw this morning was absolutely beautiful!
The trees were laden down with puffs of glistening white as the sun
began to shine;
rooftops were covered;
what one would call a “winter wonderland”.
Just enough moisture in it to make a great snowman!

Hubby and I had lunch in the kitchen... I pulled the patio door curtain back so I could look outside at my bird feeder!
All kinds of little birds flitting around and filling their bellies with seeds, when, suddenly, in flies this beautiful Red Cardinal!
He lands on the ground which is pure white!

Can you picture it?
The RED and the WHITE!
I hope you can! It was a sight to behold!
As I’ve said before –
to me, the Cardinal is a reminder of my Abba – Daddy;
my Heavenly Father...
and my heart lifts whenever I see one!

Immediately an old hymn pops into my mind and I am reminded of our sins being washed as white as snow by the shed blood of Jesus!
Hallelujah!
Are you rejoicing with me?
I truly pray that you are!

The hymn I recalled is
“Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus”
(here’s a condensed version of the words)
What can wash away my sin?
What can make me whole again?
For my pardon this I see – for my cleansing this my plea –
Nothing can for sin atone – Naught of good that I have done –
This is all my hope and peace -This is all my righteousness –

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain:
O precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know;
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Dear friends,
I pray that today you are reminded of how His shed blood on Calvary has washed you white as snow;
how he has cleansed you from unrighteousness;
how he has made you into a new creation;
how he has adopted, accepted, loved, redeemed, and forgiven you!
And if you don’t know this or you don’t believe it –
I pray that HE will send someone across your path that will be able to show you the way!

Blessings on you all!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
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