Walk In the Light

One Bible translation I looked in had the following Scripture entitled
“Walk In The Light”...

John 12:42-50
However, even many of the Jewish leaders believed him to be the Messiah but wouldn’t admit it to anyone because of their fear that the Pharisees would excommunicate them from the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are really trusting God. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.
I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer wander in the darkness.
If anyone hears me and doesn’t obey me, I am not his judge – for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.
But all who reject me and my message will be judged at the Day of Judgment by the truths I have spoken.
For these are not my own ideas, but I have told you what the Father said to tell you. And I know his instructions lead to eternal life; so whatever he tells me to say, I say!”

Ummmmmmmmmm.

Have you ever stumbled around in the dark, looking for a candle or a flashlight so that you could see in the darkness? I’m sure most of us have!
We keep an emergency flashlight and a lighter in a drawer in the kitchen...
the last time the power went out I “felt” my way to that drawer ... for obvious reasons.
I can’t help but think about the darkness inside of us ... in our souls!
The only LIGHT that will take that darkness away is Jesus Christ!
He tells us He has come as a Light to shine in this dark world – so that we will not be stumbling thru life – but will be walking in the light!
If we walk in the light and are obedient to God then we will have eternal life!
Praise the Lord!

Dear Ones,
Are you walking in the Light today?
Is the SON shining in and thru you?
Is your life one of obedience to God’s ways?

I pray for each one reading today that you can answer yes to these questions...
If you can’t - at this moment in time – I pray you will give your life over to Him and allow Him to change you and bring you to this place!

May today be a Light-Filled day ... in you and around you!
Blessings!
Ruthie

UNENDING LOVE - AMAZING GRACE

I love the hymn we sing entitled “Amazing Grace” –
Chris Tomlin has a newer version which has been in my head as I write this:

“My chains are gone, I've been set free;
My God, My Savior, has ransomed me;
and like a flood His Mercy rains,
Unending Love, Amazing Grace.”

Oh, how I love these words!
My chains are gone!
I’ve been set free!
Unending Love!
Amazing Grace!

***
Hallelujah!
***
God saves us thru His unmerited favor – His Grace!

Ephesians 2:8 (AMP)
For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved
(delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation)
through [your] faith.
And this salvation is not of yourselves [of your own doing,
it came not through your own striving],
but it is a gift of God;

Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 12:9 (AMP)
But He said to me, “My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.”

In this verse Paul goes on to say this ...
Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities,
that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah)
may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!

AMAZING GRACE!
Sufficient for all my needs!
Thank You, Jesus!
Praise You, Lord!
Thank You, Holy Spirit!

May these words resonate with you today!
Not my words – but those of Scripture!
May you KNOW His Grace and His Mercy today!

Love and Peace to you...
Ruthie

Thankful Tuesday!

What gives you the greatest pleasure today?

For me - having the joy of the LORD in my heart thrills me!

Seeing the sun shine thrills me!

Last Wednesday evening at about 7pm the rain had "petered out"

and the shine was breaking thru the clouds -

sure looked like there might be a rainbow somewhere -

the sky was absolutely beautiful!

This reminded me of how, in the midst of our struggles and our pain - the SON shines thru!

He breaks thru the clouds and thru the rain and HE shines thru!

How thankful I am for sunshine - but even more so for SONSHINE!

Thank you Jesus!

Praise you Lord!

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

Have a wonderful day!

May HIS SON SHINE on everything you do -and- everything you are today!

Ruthie

Be Holy Because I Am Holy

Prayer from Beth Moore –
Daniel Bible Study

I, _______________ (place your name here) belong to God.
I am a Holy Vessel because I house the Holy Spirit of the Living God.
The Lord of Heaven and Earth has said over me,
“I declare you Holy.”
Today I commit to start believing what He says.
I am Holy.
Empower me daily, Spirit of the Living God,
to treat myself as Holy.
Open my eyes to every scheme of the enemy
to treat me as if I am not.
You God, are God.
Your Word is truth.
This day, Father, I choose to believe you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

But just as he who called you is holy,
so be holy in all you do; for it is written:
“Be holy, because I am holy.”
1 Peter 1:15-16

Rest in Him this weekend!
Hugs,
Ruthie

Watch What You Say!

We know the tongue is like a little spark setting a forest on fire...

see James 3:5-10.

Ecclesiastes 10:20

Do not curse the king, even in your thought;

Do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom;

For a bird of the air may carry your voice,

And a bird in flight may tell the matter.

Ummmmmmmm!

We should watch what we say!

I'm sure you've all heard the saying "A little birdie told me"...

Do you suppose that came from this Scripture?It's a possibility!

I pray, dear Lord,

that we will watch our tongues today!

That we will speak only those things that are uplifting and encouraging;

Only those things that will build up ...

and not tear down!

Help us Lord to be conscious of our words...

May we speak life to those around us!

Thank You, Jesus!

Grace and Peace to you today!

Ruthie

"In My Arms"

I am in my craft room making a card –
So what else would I be doing, aye?
I have the TV on the Christian Music station ... non-stop Contemporary Christian Music!
I hear the artist singing as if the Lord was speaking to her, and He’s telling her that no matter what, she will be safe in His arms!
I know I’ve heard this song before – but at this moment I am filled with an overwhelming sense of peace and thankfulness!
The name of the song is “In My Arms” by PLUMB....

Do you know that He provides safety for you?
Think on this Scripture...

About Benjamin he said:
“Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”
Deuteronomy 33:12

Dear friends,
are you “the beloved of the LORD”?
I pray you are!
You can rest secure and safe in Him!
Thank You, Jesus;
Thank You, Father;
Thank You, Holy Spirit!

Dear Father God,
Please refresh and renew the faith of everyone reading this today – including myself!
Help us to know You as our Redeemer, our Savior and our Safety!
May we REST in the security that You love us and are with us – that Your Presence goes with us!
We love You, LORD!
Praise Your Holy Name...
Amen.

May Blessings of Peace and Joy rest on you today,
Ruthie

Ditch The Complaining

Exodus 3:7-8
The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering.
So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey......”

You may recall that the Israelites had been slaves to the Egyptians for 430 years

(Exodus 12:40)

Just the other day as I was driving home from town, I heard an interview on CBC Radio with a Jewish scholar.
I was so intrigued with this interview that I hauled off the road to listen and take notes!
The topic of this interview was grumbling and complaining ... and how we as humans are so prone to this!
I know I am! How about you?
Sometimes – for me – it’s my “self-talk” – I tend to “talk to myself” a fair bit... and I catch myself grumbling to myself!

Here is the Scripture this fellow quoted...
As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?’ It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”
Exodus 14:10-12

This Scholar – I didn’t catch his name – related the story of the Israelites being brought out of Egypt by the Lord ... they complained to Moses as soon as they got to the shores of the sea. Go Figure! They had been in captivity for hundreds of years – God had brought them out of that, with their possessions – and they complained and grumbled!!!!

Do we do that? Do I do that?
Grumble and complain when God has brought me out of, or thru something!
Or do I Praise Him, have a grateful heart, and give Him thanks?

A Pastor named Will Bowen was also interviewed at this time.
He has written a book entitled A Complaint Free World... I have not read this book; nor have I gone to his website – you might want to check this out for yourselves...
He told how, about 3-4 years ago he preached a series of sermons to his congregation on complaining.
As you may already be aware, he stated that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit – and he said that complaining and grumbling become habits with us. He encouraged his congregation to become more aware of their “habits” and to begin to change this... to do this he gave each one a bracelet to wear – each time they “caught” themselves grumbling or complaining
they were to change the bracelet to the other wrist...

The goal – to become very aware of their thoughts, their words, their habits of grumbling and complaining;
- to form new habits of praise and thanksgiving;
- to have 21 consecutive days free from grumbling and
complaining.

I was very taken with this idea.
Last year - 2008 – my New Year’s Resolution was to try and live out Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, Whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.

(some days were / are better than others )

Sunday morning I awoke with this idea in my mind ... I went thru some stuff I had and found a simple bracelet; put it on my wrist –
Well! This is how the day went... I changed the bracelet from wrist to wrist many times!

Ummmmmm!
My hubby and a couple friends are aware of what I’m doing... Now you all know!
I’ll keep you informed as to how things are going! Maybe some of you will join me on this journey! If so, please let me know!

Father God,
change our hearts to see You in all our circumstances... whatever they may be.
May we not be like the Israelites – grumbling and complaining as You brought them out of captivity!
May we have hearts filled with thanks and joy – Increase our faith, Lord!
And we will give You all the praise and glory!
Amen!

Blessings on you today, friends!
May you have a complaint-free day!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Psalm 30:5

Psalm 30:5
For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor
is for a lifetime or in His favor is life.
Weeping may endure for a night,
but joy comes in the morning.


Hallelujah!
Thank you, God, that Your anger
lasts for only a moment!
Thank You, Lord, that Your favor is for a lifetime!
Thank You that weeping is for only a night –
that JOY comes in the morning!

May this be your prayer this weekend!
Blessings!
Ruthie

Giants!

Webster’s defines giant as a person or thing of unusually great size, power, importance; huge or gigantic.

Uhmmmmmmmm!
We watched a movie a while back in which a father was mourning the loss of his son after he came home from war.
This movie was based on true facts... parts of it were hard to watch and listen to –
We truly have no idea what our young men and women must face as they fight for freedom...
They need our prayers so desperately!

At one point this father had to tell a bedtime story to a little guy so he told him about the Giant – Goliath – and how David had defeated him with just a sling and one smooth stone!
He told the little fellow how David had faced his fears head-on, stood his ground, and defeated them... and so could he! [he was afraid of the dark – thought there were ‘monsters’ in the dark]

I just had to go to the Word and read this story again. In doing so I discovered some scriptures that I had “forgotten” about and I want to share them with you today!

You can read the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.
These verses stick out to me and give me encouragement and confidence to face the giants in my life!

Verse 37:
The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.

Verse 45:
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty...

Verse 47:
..... for the battle is the Lord’s .....

WOW!
Such powerful words!
Bigger than any giant! More powerful than any Giant!
Our God is huge, bigger than a giant; more powerful than anyone or anything; more important than anything else in our life!

I hope you believe that!
Any giant that you might be facing today is powerless in the presence of our Almighty God!
He will fight the battle – you will be – you can be – you are – victorious!

When we go against our foes – our giants – in the name of our Lord we will win the battle!
He will deliver us!

Does that not encourage you?
give you JOY?
give you PEACE?
Make your heart sing?

Thank You,
Father for giving me these words today!
For giving me fresh eyes to see Your truths!
Bless each one who reads Your Word today, Lord!
Fill them with Your love and Your strength – to face their giants!
Thank You, Jesus!
Praise You, Holy Spirit!
In the precious name of Christ,
Amen.

Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

PRAYER

We have been studying the book of James in our Small group.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary says this about the author –
“It seems clear therefore that the author is James, the half-brother of the Lord......
Though James was reared in the same home with the Lord Jesus, he apparently did not become a believer until after Christ’s resurrection.”

The purpose of this letter clearly is to call the early Christians to move towards maturity and holiness in their lives...
The commentary mentioned above also states – “He dealt with every area of a Christian’s life:
what he is, what he does, what he says, what he feels, what he has.”

This has been a great study ; I – and others - have had many “light-bulb” moments!
I encourage you to find an opportunity to study this letter.
In Chapter 5 verses 13-20 James emphasizes prayer – and in verse 16 states that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective!

WOW!
The prayer of a righteous man – or woman – is powerful and effective!

Prayer is our open line of communication to God – Who is always listening; moving; working; meeting needs; changing hearts; empowering believers.

If one is in trouble, has a need, is sick – suffering in any way – prayer is the greatest thing we can do for that person – or ourselves. That means that we have to be open and sensitive to people, and their needs; we have to be willing to spend time with God –interceding for them;
and we have to be willing to participate in restoring people to a faith in Christ.

Sounds like a lot of “work” doesn’t it? Sounds almost ominous, aye?
But you know what? He will enable us!
Praise His Name!

James 5: 13-14
Is any of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

· It is OK to pray for yourself!
[I have talked with people who think it is selfish to pray for themselves!]

· Praise God with your words and in song!

· Ask someone to pray with you – call the elders of the church to come and pray with you and anoint you with oil!

Dear ones,
God is not looking for long, grammatically correct prayers.
He wants to hear your heart;
He wants to hear your praises;
He wants to hear your intercession –
in simple everyday English!
[reminder – verse 17 says Elijah was a man just like us]
Imagine – just like us!
Pour your heart out to Him, friend!
The next time you are with someone who is hurting –
pray with them, right then and there!
Our Lord is waiting to hear your heart’s cry!

Dear Father,
Take away our “shyness”;
our timidity;
our reluctance –
Open us up to speak with You in whatever way You lead us to!
May we be Your instruments of prayer in this fallen world!
In Jesus name, Amen.

Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Do You Pass The Test?

The Corinthians had been examining Paul to see if he “measured up”.
They had been seeking to see if Christ was speaking thru Paul.

He says these words to them:
2 Corinthians 13:5 (TLB)
Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians?
Do you pass the test?
Do you feel Christ’s presence and power more and more within you?
Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren’t at all?
I hope you can agree that I have stood that test and truly belong to the Lord

Here is the NIV –
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.
Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of course, you fail the test?

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, wanted them to look at themselves – as much as look at him – to have the same standard for themselves as they might have had for him. He wanted them to ask themselves the questions – to test themselves to see if they were walking according to their faith.

This is a challenge for each one of us today!
Do we pass the test?
Do I pass the test?
Not does “so and so” pass the test – DO I???
We need to be more concerned with our standing than we do someone else’s.

The Test:
Do I demonstrate Christ living in me?
Am I filled with the Holy Spirit?
Do I spill the Holy Spirit out when I’m shaken up?
Am I obedient to God’s Word?
Am I filled with His grace?
Saved by His grace?
Is my heart’s desire to see people come to know Christ?
Do I see people thru His eyes?
Do I love with His love?
Do I forgive with His forgiveness?

Ask yourself these questions while asking God to search your heart...
I pray that you can answer a resounding YES to each one.
If not – then Seek Him –
Give your life over to Him –
He will heal all wounds;
He will mend your broken heart;
He will give you peace; and rest; and joy;
He will fill you with His love and forgiveness.

Do you pass the Test?

Blessings on you today,
as you seek to live a life filled with His Presence,
...Ruthie

I Have seen The LORD!

Early Sunday morning, after Jesus was crucified , while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and found that the stone was rolled away from the entrance.
She found the disciples and they ran back to the tomb and sure enough... the tomb was empty!

Mary returned to the tomb, spoke with an angel, and then – she spoke with Jesus!
Soon after that she ran to the disciples to tell them this news... “I have seen the Lord”

I pray that today you will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior!
That you too can say, with Mary “I have seen the LORD!”
Take some time today to read this account in the Gospels.

Happy Easter One and All!
Blessings to you this day!

A NEW Commandment

On the evening of Passover Day Jesus knew it would be His last night on earth – before He returned to the Father.

In His conversation with the disciples that night he said these words:
“And so I am giving a new commandment to you now – love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
John 13:14-15

He loved us so much He went to the Cross; taking our sins upon Himself;

Oh, How I thank Him for dying for me!
How Thankful for His salvation!
How thankful I am that He arose from the grave!
Thank You,
Jesus!

WHY?

I am often asked the “WHY” question:
“Why does someone who said they loved the LORD turn their back on Him and walk away from everything?”
“Why does ___________ not love me anymore? Am I not lovable?”
“Why doesn’t God take hold of my spouse, my children, and shake them up?”
“Why is there so much distress in my life?”
“Why can’t I seem to get it together and move on?”
“Why am I failing as a parent? as a spouse? as a friend? as a child?”
“Why does my partner yell and throw things?”
Why are we so financially strapped?”
“Why did God allow this to happen to me?”

The only answer I can give is that we live in a fallen world – one filled with sin... that we have been given a free will to make choices; we have made many “Wrong Choices”...

Reminds me of this verse in James:
Remember, too, that knowing what is right to do and then not doing it is sin.

James 4:17
It is all about choices – not feelings!
Our choices are never the fault of someone else! We have to take responsibility for the consequences of our own choices. And even though we may be living with the consequences of someone else’s choices we are not responsible for those choices!

Please hear that again!
You are not responsible for the choices someone else has made – even though you may have to live with the consequences of that choice!

Rather than ask ourselves and others the “Why” question, we would be better off saying:
“OK Lord. Here is where I find myself. What do You want me to do now? What are you trying to teach me in this?”

Change the WHY to a WHAT...

James 1:5
If you want to now what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you,
for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.

I know how easy it is to get caught up in the why questions... but they don’t take us anywhere...
if anything – they lead us straight into a “pity-party” mode which Satan just loves.

Earlier in chapter 1 of James- verses 2-4 he says this:
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations?
Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom,
then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

Oh! How I desire to be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete!
Don’t you?

Dear friends,
If you tend to ask “WHY”, I pray you will begin to change that today! Change that to seeking God’s will – asking Him WHAT – Many Scriptures tell us that He imparts wisdom to those who seek it! Become a “Wisdom-Seeker”!

Blessings on you today as you seek HIM in your life!
Ruthie

And The Rooster Crowed

On one fine morning just recently I went outside to fill up the bird feeder...
We have some laying hens down back with one rooster in the pen with them!
On this particular morning he was crowing very heartily!
Now, you may think this silly, but one of the things I love about a farm is hearing a rooster crow!
When I heard him crowing that day my mind immediately went to Peter and the words of Jesus to him:
Luke 22:34 –
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Between now and tomorrow morning when the rooster crows, you will deny me three times, declaring that you don’t even know me.”

Just prior to that Jesus had said to Peter:
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up the faith of your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32

Peter responded to this with a comment that that would never happen! Then the Lord told him of his denial....

Shortly after this Jesus went to the Mount of Olives – accompanied by his disciples... telling them to pray that they would not be overcome by temptation. Jesus prayed and after a period of time went to the disciples only to find them asleep.

Think about this:
· Peter was full of pride when he boasted that he would never deny his Lord.
· He didn’t listen to the warnings of Jesus – he fell asleep instead of spending time on the Mount in prayer

Are we like him?
Oh my!
I sure have had times like this!
Pride begins to creep in, Satan finds a crack to get in through, and I end up “falling”...
just like Peter.

Please read the remainder of Luke 22.
In verses 57, 58, 60 Peter denied Jesus 3 times!
And the rooster crowed!

Verse 61 states:
At that very moment Jesus turned and looked at Peter.
Then Peter remembered what he had said – “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny me three times.”

V. 62 –
And Peter walked out of the courtyard, crying bitterly.

My heart is saddened; my eyes fill with tears; as I think of how he must have felt!
So prideful one moment – so defeated the next!
Knowing that Jesus words were truth ; Knowing that he had fallen; That he had failed.

Can you imagine having Jesus turn and look at you at a time such as this?
I KNOW His look wasn’t one of “See. I told you so.”
It was probably one of “Oh Peter, my Brother. I love you so.”

Have you ever cried bitterly when you have failed your Lord?
I have!
I sure can relate to Peter...
There have been times when I’ve not taken a God-given opportunity to share my faith;
when I’ve said words that should not have been spoken or thought thoughts that should not be thought!

Peter’s fall did not last long... As soon as he recalled Jesus’ words he cried bitterly... a sign of a remorseful heart; of a broken heart.

I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit’s prompting in my life – making me immediately aware of times when I’ve failed.

Dear friends,
I pray for you today –
for God’s presence to fill you, your home, workplace...
wherever you might be.
May His Words fill your mind –
May His Joy be in your heart –
May His Peace be in your soul!

Blessings,

Ruthie

The Blood Of Christ

We sing songs about the blood of Christ being shed for us, to cleanse us from our sin.
When we take communion, the wine – grape juice – symbolizes His blood, shed for us.

WE KNOW that LIFE is in the Blood...
The blood circulating in our bodies right now is taking oxygen to our body cells, and returning carbon dioxide to the air; This blood is also carrying nutrients to our cells and carrying waste products away from those cells so we will stay healthy. Components in our blood help us to fight infections, & indicate when everything is as it should be... (or not).
We also know that the heart is the organ thru which the blood flows and by which it is pumped to all our body cells. And - we know that this heart is formed and pumping before a mother even knows she is pregnant!
How awesome is that?

For many years of my nursing career I taught components of Anatomy and Physiology –
I loved to teach about the heart and the blood – particularly that of the fetus and embryo (prenatal).
You know – our bodies are amazing creations! We truly are “fearfully and wonderfully made”
(Psalm 139:14)

Think about this!
Christ’s blood is even more powerful than that that is rushing thru our bodies at this moment.
His blood carries all we need for ETERNAL LIFE!
Hallelujah!

When one is ill and requires a blood transfusion – that transfusion may restore them to EARTHLY health.
Think about what Christ’s blood has done for you! Think of the transformation His blood has made in your life! Thank Him today for the redemptive power of His blood -
shed on the Cross – for you! Thru this act you have received grace, mercy, forgiveness, love –
and an eternal home!
Praise God!

I pray these words will resonate with you today and will inspire you to share what Christ has done for you – to share the story of the Cross – to share His love!

Blessings on you today, precious ones!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Our Reedemer

To redeem something means to buy it back; to win it back; to make amends for some fault; to obtain the release of by paying a ransom; to set free or save!

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45

Jesus gave himself for a ransom – as redemption – when He went to the cross to die for me – for you – for the sins of the world.
He came to deliver us from the bondage to sin... from the hold the devil might have upon us!
His Blood on the Cross paid the Price!

Maybe the story of the cross and Christ’s death is an all too familiar story to you.
Maybe it’s a story you’re not very familiar with.
Know this –
Through His death, Jesus obtained freedom for us! He defeated Satan and secured for us an eternal future with our Heavenly Father.
HALLELUJAH!

He came to reverse the curse of sin – and separation from God – death – He came to set us free!
I know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.
I will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19:25-27

As a former slave to sin – I am so thankful for this freedom that Christ has given me!
I am grateful for the future that I have in Him!
I KNOW that my Redeemer lives!
Praise His Holy Name!

I read this the other day in a book – (This is a direct quote – page 347)
‘Praying the Names of Jesus’
Ann Spangler

...we who were formerly enslaved by sin, in bondage to Satan, may well echo the sentiments of a woman named Mary Reynolds, who was born into slavery in Louisiana. Toward the end of her life, when she was over a hundred years old, still poor but now free, Mary told an interviewer: “I members bout the days of slavery and I don’t lieve they ever gwine have slaves no more on this earth. I think Gawd done took that burden offen his black chillum and I’m aimin’ to praise him for it to his face in the days of Glory what ain’t so far off.”

Have you been a slave to sin who has been freed?
Praise God!
Let’s give Him Praise and Thanks for His redemptive power upon our lives!
Thank Him for taking your burdens upon Himself!
For setting us Free!

And Know – that you too, along with Mary, will praise Him someday –
Face to Face – In Glory!
What a Day That Will Be!

That excites me! I pray it does you too!

Blessings on you today as you spend time with, and reflect on,
Your REDEEMER!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

MOTIVATION

“People say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.”
Zig Ziglar

I lift up my eyes to the hills-
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
Maker of heaven and earth
Psalm 121:1-2

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

What does it mean to be motivated?
It means to be prompted towards action – To have an inner urge –

Where does motivation come from?
Writers tell us that it comes from outside – external motivation; or from inside – internal motivation.

Examples of External:
· Doctor tells you to change your diet as you have high cholesterol...
· Parent says you can’t have the car for a month unless you bring your marks up to .....
· You get a ticket for not having your seat belt on...
I’m sure you can think of others...

Will these work?
Maybe! Maybe not!
Depends on whether you see the need to act or not!
· If you want to be healthier then you will change your diet.
· If you want the car bad enough you’ll study harder, bring those marks up.
· If you don’t want another ticket you’ll learn to put on your seatbelt even though you may not agree with the law.

Basically Internal motivation is making a decision to do something and then following thru with it
· Sticking to a new eating plan b/c you know that’s best for your health
· Studying harder b/c you want the satisfaction of knowing you did your best
· Deciding to follow the laws of the land ... re. speeding,
seat belts, cell usage etc.

I heard some wise words the other day from our Pastor – He stated that “If you wait to be motivated to do something, you may never do it.” A light bulb went off in my head !

WAIT??

For motivation??
Doesn’t it either come or not come?
Am I waiting?
Oh Yah!
The thing that I’m waiting to be motivated about is “walking” - I used to walk almost everyday...
Now – well...
I’m still waiting for the motivation to come back!
HA! :)

Pastor also stated, “The idea of motivation is a trap – just do it.” Another light bulb!

Yes! A trap from the sly, evil one – who likes to keep us in bondage to our old ways, our old thinking – and doesn’t want to see us moving forward. As long as I wait to be motivated to walk – I’m not walking!!!! Which is something I need to start doing! Either on my treadmill or outside!
So the NIKE slogan is correct – “JUST DO IT”
Even when I don’t “FEEL” like doing it, I need to do it!

What are you waiting to be motivated to do?
· An exercise plan
· A better eating plan
· Working on your marriage
· Forgiving someone
· Volunteering
· ______________ (you fill in the blank)

Don’t wait any longer! Just do it!
And KNOW that God will give you the strength to do the right thing... He is our motivation – our motivator... Let HIM work in you today!

I pray these words will bless you today!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Memories!

When you read this word what do you think of?
· Childhood?
· A few weeks ago?
· The last time you saw someone special?
· A harsh comment someone made to you?
· A good laugh with a friend?
· How God helped you through a difficult time?
· Seeing a beautiful sunset and knowing that God was blessing you with it?

Oh – I could go on and on! As I’m sure you could!

Memories are a part of life! We all have them!
Some we wish we didn’t have as they were hurtful and take us back to a difficult time, maybe.
Others are wonderful and remind us of great times with loved ones; or beautiful places we have visited; or ..........

My mind is just swimming now with all sorts of “memories”-
· The birth of my daughter...and saying, “I have my Angela Rae”!
· My mother in hospital – very ill – and knowing that I had to stay with her rather than go back to work – so glad I did because she died before I would have gotten back to her.
· The night hubby asked me to marry him and the beautiful flowers he presented me with ... which had a gorgeous diamond ring hidden in them!
· The birth of our granddaughter – seeing her for the first time – so tiny – 6 weeks early – lying in an incubator – not being able to hold her!
· Falling and breaking my leg – I’ll never forget the sound of the break happening!
· So many memories where I could tell you of the hand of God in my life!

It is our memories that give our lives a richness that wouldn’t be there otherwise – whether they be happy memories or sorrowful ones.
Hopefully these “memories” have been places where we have grown, learned vital lessons, made important decisions.

I hope you will think back today and recall specific evidence of God’s activity in your life! Recall what you have learned from theses times!
If you are having difficulty with this task, ask the Holy Spirit to assist you!
He will show you the things that you’ve been taught by Jesus; make you aware of God’s presence and activity in your life.
When we do this exercise – remember God’s hand in our life – we are better able to believe Him for the present and the future.

God is faithful and compassionate!
He is present with you; He demonstrates His power in your life; Remember what He has done!

Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the works of the Lord;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also mediate on all Your work
And talk of Your deeds.

The Psalmist who wrote these words was choosing to turn his focus from his pain
and to place it on His Lord!
I pray you will do likewise today!

May HIS peace and Joy fill your hearts as you remember...
Ruthie

Joy And Peace

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

He is the God of HOPE!
He fills us by the Power of the Holy Spirit with joy and peace!
I pray you will know that today!

My hubby struggles with this farm... He works so hard and some months he despairs,
wondering if he will sell as much of his product as he needs to in order to meet his monthly requirements.
We “HOPE” – we “TRUST” – And God provides!
I am blown away by the daily and monthly provision He gives to us! Knowing that gives me joy and peace!

Trust in HIM!
He will fill you with JOY and PEACE as you do so!

Blessings to you this beautiful day!
Ruthie