Today I rest in the TRUTH and the KNOWLEDGE that God is in control;
that He knows all;
that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills;
that He listens to those who seek Him with all their hearts;
that He heals;
that He saves;
that He loves;
that He bestows mercy & grace;
that He forgives.
Praise You LORD!
I am so thankful for
27. cattle grazing on a hill (such a picture of rest and serenity)
28. faithful, praying sisters in Christ
29. KNOWing He hears when we call on Him
30. KNOWing I can claim the promise that He will never leave nor forsake me
I say again:
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
Who was, and is, and is to come."
Rev. 4: 8
May His Peace fall afresh on you today!
Ruthie
picture
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
One Thousand Gifts!
Good Morning!When you get a chance check out this blog:
http://www.aholyexperience.com/
I have been trying to do a "Thankful Tuesday" component to my blog... and have decided to join in with many others in keeping a list of "One Thousand Gifts" God has bestowed on me! It is a given that when we focus our thoughts on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy we are healthier - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I used to keep a gratitude journal... but recently have done it thru this blog... I am going to keep track of the gifts He bestows on me everyday! I encourage you to do the same!
I went back to two previous posts for this month and numbered the items I had listed ... I will just keep adding to this list!
21. His mercy
22. A child's smile
23. Cardinals at my feeder
24. Birds singing a beautiful melody
25. Hearing my granddaughter saying "I love you, Grammie"
26. Holy Spirit anointed preaching
Image from heartlight.orgJames 1: 17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
May His Grace and Peace fill you up today!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Song Of Revelation!
I am just sitting here at my computer and, as always, I am listening to “The Light” – a Contemporary Christian Cable Channel. I am NOT a singer – but I love to praise my Lord with music.... so - when I’m home alone I turn the volume up and belt it out with the best of them; and on occasion will do a dance or two!Can you imagine what heaven will be like? We have no idea! The picture above is one I took of "the heavens" as I was sitting outside at Camp Peniel two weekends ago! The sky was beautiful! But Heaven will be more than we can ever imagine!
These are the words I just heard being sung...
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
Who was, and is, and is to come.
With all creation I sing praise to the King of Kings;
You are my everything, I will adore You.”
I discovered this was called REVELATION SONG and was being sung by Phillip, Craig, & Dean.
Revelation chapters 4 and 5 tell us of the Holy One and give us a glimpse into heaven!
When you find yourself with some time to read, take your Bible and focus on these 2 chapters! As I did this I found myself in awe, once again, of my Savior and My God!
My heart thrills as I think about what Jesus did for me – how awesome He is –
How worthy He is of our praise!
Rev 4:4 – Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.
Rev. 4:11 – You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.
Rev. 5:9 – And they sang a new song: “ You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Rev. 5:13 – Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
Dear ones – may your hearts be filled with Praise and Thanksgiving to our Savior!
May He richly bless you as you focus on Him!
Praising my Lord, I am your sister in Christ,
Ruthie
Friday, June 26, 2009
Do You Agree?
What is it like for you when you are in disagreement with a loved one;
a friend;
a co-worker?
God?
Can you "walk together"?
enjoy time together?
work together?
The answer - NO.
These words can be found in scripture...
Amos 3:3
Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?
Our relationship with God needs to be a priority with us;
and in order to walk with Him we need to be in agreement with Him.
This means we must agree with His Word, His Heart, His Character.
We need to be in agreement with everything He says;
everything He does;
everything He is.
[these words were taken from a Life Point
in the Amplified Bible featuring notes by Joyce Meyer.]
Reflect on this over the weekend -
Are you in agreement with God;
with His Word;
His Actions;
Who He Is?
Or do you disagree with some aspects of any of these?
Are you in agreement that YOU are who He says you are?
Do you agree that His Word is TRUTH for your life?
Allow Him to bring to mind those areas in which you are not in agreement
and to work in you to change that!
My prayer for each one is that you find yourself totally agreeing with Him;
His Word;
Who He Is;
His Actions;
and giving your life over to Him!
May you experience His Peace today!
Ruthie
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Another TRUTH-FILLED Thursday!
HIS POWERCling to this TRUTH today...
God’s power is invincible!
AMEN!
And it is at work within us!
Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV)
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10 from The Living Bible
Last of all I want to remind you that your strength
must come from the Lord’s mighty power within you.
Ephesians 6:10 AMP
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord, [be empowered through your
union with Him]:
draw your strength from Him
[that strength which His boundless might provides].
This is TRUTH for your life!
Make this your mantra today!
He is MIGHTY!
He is at work IN YOU!
He will STRENGTHEN YOU!
Praise His Holy Name!
Blessings on you Dear Ones!
Ruthie
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday - ASKING FOR PRAYER!
This is my second attempt at writing this post!
I lost the first one!
Go figure!
This program automatically saves a draft as I write and I've never lost anything before -
even right now it is saying "draft autosaved at".... ugh!
Do you suppose the ole thief didn't want me to write this?
Well he is not going to win this battle ....
although it seems that lately he has come out on top a few times!
1 John 4:4 - greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world!
HALLELUJAH!
I have noticed lately in the groups I've been part of
that when prayer requests have been asked for people more often ask for prayer for someone else than they do for themseves...
please don't misunderstand me -
I KNOW those requests are heavy on our hearts -
but I do wonder if we find it easier - safer -
to ask for prayer for someone else than we do for ourselves...
When we ask for ourselves we become accountable and vulnerable.
I am struggling with being where God wants me to be and doing what He wants me to do!
I make appointments for counseling sessions and then the clients don't show up - don't call - and I never hear from them again...
I KNOW that God uses some sessions in a positive manner for many people have confirmed that...
And I give HIM all the GLORY for changes that occur! I feel He wants more from me, so I have decided to take the summer off from counseling - I so seek His direction - please pray for this for me!
I know I will return to leading a small group in the fall but I have a vision for a group that is outward focused rather then inward focused -
focused on filling others up rather than being filled up every week.
Dear Lord ... show me - show us what You want from us this next year!
Give us Your wisdom and Your guidance.
Raise up new homes and new leaders;
May we be in Your Will.
I am feeling a desire to "study" and have actualy looked at some courses to take in the fall -I just need a Word from HIM as to what that will look like!
Maybe do some volunteer work -
Can you tell I'm "floundering"? Not really - but I am feeling "unsettled"... But TRUSTING! I Trust Him to know what is best for me! I Trust Him to work it all out - I just want to be open to hearing from Him! Whether it's in the thunder or in the gentle rain; in the fire or in the softness of the summer sun; whether it's in the rush of the day or in the quietness of the night.
So, dear friends - please pray for me .... I may not write every day OR I may write more than once a day! HE KNOWS ! I'm resting in HIM! Blessings!
Ruthie
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What is on Your Thankful List Today?
It’s thankful Tuesday once again!
Where does the time go?
13. My heart rejoices in knowing that I am loved,
14. that I am healthy,
15. that I can see nature around me, read, work on the computer;
16. that I can hear the birds sing, listen to music, and hear my family tell me they love me;
17. that I can smell roses, chicken cooking, and grass after it’s been cut;;
18. that I can feel the rain on my face, the sun on my arms, my husband’s hugs;
19. that I can touch a baby’s face; pat the dog; wave and gesture;
20. that I can walk and run and skip and hop...
so much to be thankful for!
“There is always, always, always something to be thankful for!”
I don’t know who said this but I certainly agree with them.
I trust you will find many things to be thankful for today!
Give God the glory for your life!
Blessings and hugs!
Ruthie
Where does the time go?
13. My heart rejoices in knowing that I am loved,
14. that I am healthy,
15. that I can see nature around me, read, work on the computer;
16. that I can hear the birds sing, listen to music, and hear my family tell me they love me;
17. that I can smell roses, chicken cooking, and grass after it’s been cut;;
18. that I can feel the rain on my face, the sun on my arms, my husband’s hugs;
19. that I can touch a baby’s face; pat the dog; wave and gesture;
20. that I can walk and run and skip and hop...
so much to be thankful for!
“There is always, always, always something to be thankful for!”
I don’t know who said this but I certainly agree with them.
I trust you will find many things to be thankful for today!
Give God the glory for your life!
Blessings and hugs!
Ruthie
Monday, June 22, 2009
Does Jesus Know My Name?
I trust you all had a good weekend – spending time with your fathers / families. We had a guest at church this morning – Geoff Moore – a great Contemporary Christian singer. I am going to briefly relate a story he told us this morning...
He and his wife have adopted 2 little girls from China. One night he was reading a bedtime story to one of them and saying prayers with her before “tucking her in”. She asked him this question: “Daddy, when I was under the bridge in China did Jesus know my name?” (She had been abandoned and left under a bridge in a town in China and was found at the age of 1 day old.) Of course, he told her that Jesus knew her even before she was born.
Have you ever wondered .. OR .. Do you wonder now if Jesus knows your name?
Dear ones, HE Does!
He knows you intimately – even if you don’t know that or feel it!
Psalm 139 is entitled “God’s Perfect knowledge of Man” ...
Verses 13 – 16:
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvellous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
You eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they were all written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
Awesome ... He knew me all about me - and you - before we were in the womb!
But – get this!
Psalm 147:4 tell us that He counts the stars and knows THEM by name! WOW!
He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by name.
In the both the Old and the New Testaments we read of God giving people NEW names because of their righteousness.... here are just a few examples...
Abram – Abraham ... Genesis 17:4-7
Sarai – Sarah ... Genesis 17:15-16
Jacob – Israel ... Genesis 32:28
Saul – Paul ... Acts 13:9 (Saul was his Jewish name; Paul was his Roman name)
WE – who are in Christ, will be given a new name! Revelation 2:17
Isaiah 62: 2, 4, –
The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah.
Hephzibah means “my delight is in her”; Beulah is symbolic for the heavenly Zion and means “bride” or “to be married”.
Isaiah 62: 12
They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.
You’re probably thinking “What does all this have to do with Jesus knowing my name?” Well! This is how my brain works! YES! He knows us by name – He knows every intimate part of us; He knows things about our inner being that we haven’t discovered yet! To me, that is incredible! It gives me Joy unspeakable!
He gave new names to people in the Bible .... has He given me – you - a new name? You betcha!!!
Princess!
Adopted child of Mine!
Heir!
Blessed!
Righteous!
Saved!
Forgiven!
Need I go one? Are these our names?
YAH!
I am - Forgiven Adopted Blessed Saved Princess Ruthie!
How about you?
Years ago I knew a little fellow who had been adopted... his parents couldn’t have any children so they decided to adopt. Very soon afterwards they became pregnant! He grew up knowing he was “chosen”... when people asked his name here is what he would say - “I’m John Smith, adopted.” Too cute!
Someday I will be given a NEW name – by my Heavenly Father! That amazes me! I hope it does you too! Dear ones, I pray you are keenly aware of how much God knows you and loves you! May you take that into your heart and live it out today!
Love And Peace to you today!
Ruthie
He and his wife have adopted 2 little girls from China. One night he was reading a bedtime story to one of them and saying prayers with her before “tucking her in”. She asked him this question: “Daddy, when I was under the bridge in China did Jesus know my name?” (She had been abandoned and left under a bridge in a town in China and was found at the age of 1 day old.) Of course, he told her that Jesus knew her even before she was born.
Have you ever wondered .. OR .. Do you wonder now if Jesus knows your name?
Dear ones, HE Does!
He knows you intimately – even if you don’t know that or feel it!
Psalm 139 is entitled “God’s Perfect knowledge of Man” ...
Verses 13 – 16:
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvellous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
You eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they were all written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
Awesome ... He knew me all about me - and you - before we were in the womb!
But – get this!
Psalm 147:4 tell us that He counts the stars and knows THEM by name! WOW!
He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by name.
In the both the Old and the New Testaments we read of God giving people NEW names because of their righteousness.... here are just a few examples...
Abram – Abraham ... Genesis 17:4-7
Sarai – Sarah ... Genesis 17:15-16
Jacob – Israel ... Genesis 32:28
Saul – Paul ... Acts 13:9 (Saul was his Jewish name; Paul was his Roman name)
WE – who are in Christ, will be given a new name! Revelation 2:17
Isaiah 62: 2, 4, –
The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah.
Hephzibah means “my delight is in her”; Beulah is symbolic for the heavenly Zion and means “bride” or “to be married”.
Isaiah 62: 12
They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.
You’re probably thinking “What does all this have to do with Jesus knowing my name?” Well! This is how my brain works! YES! He knows us by name – He knows every intimate part of us; He knows things about our inner being that we haven’t discovered yet! To me, that is incredible! It gives me Joy unspeakable!
He gave new names to people in the Bible .... has He given me – you - a new name? You betcha!!!
Princess!
Adopted child of Mine!
Heir!
Blessed!
Righteous!
Saved!
Forgiven!
Need I go one? Are these our names?
YAH!
I am - Forgiven Adopted Blessed Saved Princess Ruthie!
How about you?
Years ago I knew a little fellow who had been adopted... his parents couldn’t have any children so they decided to adopt. Very soon afterwards they became pregnant! He grew up knowing he was “chosen”... when people asked his name here is what he would say - “I’m John Smith, adopted.” Too cute!
Someday I will be given a NEW name – by my Heavenly Father! That amazes me! I hope it does you too! Dear ones, I pray you are keenly aware of how much God knows you and loves you! May you take that into your heart and live it out today!
Love And Peace to you today!
Ruthie
Friday, June 19, 2009
Reflection on Father’s Day!
This Sunday is Father’s Day –
the day that has been designated to celebrate our fathers...
My Dad died at the age of 92 & 11months in February 2005...
the day that has been designated to celebrate our fathers...
My Dad died at the age of 92 & 11months in February 2005...
He and I had a conversation before Christmas '04 –
he told me he was tired; life was good, but he was “ready to go”.
He is now with our Heavenly Father and no longer has any pain;
his legs are strong and he can walk for miles!
Thank you, Lord!
On this day I give thanks for the wonderful caring earthly father I had.
I know many of you were not as fortunate as I was.
When our earthly father is not caring; not present;
or any of the other ‘negative’ aspects of fatherhood I could mention –
it is difficult to think of our Heavenly Father in a loving manner.
I went to a Ladies Retreat on the weekend where we studied the
measureless love of God!
How do we wrap our minds around that concept?
Well – for me –
it is a matter of choosing to believe it even when I don’t understand it;
even when I don’t feel it;
even when I question it.
Ephesians 3:17-19
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
He is now with our Heavenly Father and no longer has any pain;
his legs are strong and he can walk for miles!
Thank you, Lord!
On this day I give thanks for the wonderful caring earthly father I had.
I know many of you were not as fortunate as I was.
When our earthly father is not caring; not present;
or any of the other ‘negative’ aspects of fatherhood I could mention –
it is difficult to think of our Heavenly Father in a loving manner.
I went to a Ladies Retreat on the weekend where we studied the
measureless love of God!
How do we wrap our minds around that concept?
Well – for me –
it is a matter of choosing to believe it even when I don’t understand it;
even when I don’t feel it;
even when I question it.
Ephesians 3:17-19
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,
may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,
and to know this love that surpasses knowledge –
that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Meditate on these Scriptures today;
Grasp how much your Heavenly Father loves you!
· Psalm 103:8
· Psalm 103:11
· Psalm 103:12
· Psalm 103:17
· Psalm 18:16
· Psalm 69:16
· Ephesians 2:8-9
· 1 John 3:16
· 1 John 4:8-10
Live in this love and your life will be transformed!
Blessings and Peace!
Love yah lots!
Ruthie
Meditate on these Scriptures today;
Grasp how much your Heavenly Father loves you!
· Psalm 103:8
· Psalm 103:11
· Psalm 103:12
· Psalm 103:17
· Psalm 18:16
· Psalm 69:16
· Ephesians 2:8-9
· 1 John 3:16
· 1 John 4:8-10
Live in this love and your life will be transformed!
Blessings and Peace!
Love yah lots!
Ruthie
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
“BETTER IS ONE DAY IN YOUR COURTS...”
Psalm 84:10 (NIV)
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Psalm 84:10 (TLB)
A single day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand elsewhere!
I would rather be a doorman of the Temple of my God than live in palaces of wickedness.
We had a guest soloist this past Sunday evening –
One of the young girls from our congregation (8-10 yr. of age) sang
“Better Is One Day In Your Courts”
She did a wonderful job.
This morning – 3 days later – I awoke with this song running thru my head!
Does that ever happen to you?
I knew the words came from a Psalm but was not sure which one until I went looking.
I would encourage you to read all of Psalm 84 and meditate on the words –
and praise your Heavenly Father...
This Psalm was written by the Sons of Korah.
These men were watchmen of the East and North sides of the Temple –
They were singers and gatekeepers.
They were honoured to work for the Lord no matter how menial their job might have been.
As I read this Psalm I sense a longing to spend time with the Lord.
Do you long, yearn, desire to spend time with Him?
I also sense a “knowing” that spending time with Him is better than spending
time anywhere else!
A “Knowing” that He blesses, gives grace and honor to those who follow Him!
Hallelujah!
Are you aware that “being in His courts” is a life style?
I truly believe that we can spend every day surrendered to Him;
in His Presence;
continually being thankful for His gifts – and His trials;
seeking Him in prayer;
rejoicing in His praises;
following His ways;
living blameless lives.
This - to me - is better than any other life style – spent anywhere else.
And then there is the Heavenly Court!
The Throne Room Of Heaven (Revelation 4)
Wow!
...where those who claim Jesus as Lord
and whose names are written in His Book will spend Eternity!
Hallelujah!
My yearning, my desire – is to be there one day – with all the saints –
praising and worshiping my Lord!
Oh, how I pray this is your desire too.
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
Rev. 4:8
May your song today be
“Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere!”
Ruthie
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Psalm 84:10 (TLB)
A single day spent in your Temple is better than a thousand elsewhere!
I would rather be a doorman of the Temple of my God than live in palaces of wickedness.
We had a guest soloist this past Sunday evening –
One of the young girls from our congregation (8-10 yr. of age) sang
“Better Is One Day In Your Courts”
She did a wonderful job.
This morning – 3 days later – I awoke with this song running thru my head!
Does that ever happen to you?
I knew the words came from a Psalm but was not sure which one until I went looking.
I would encourage you to read all of Psalm 84 and meditate on the words –
and praise your Heavenly Father...
This Psalm was written by the Sons of Korah.
These men were watchmen of the East and North sides of the Temple –
They were singers and gatekeepers.
They were honoured to work for the Lord no matter how menial their job might have been.
As I read this Psalm I sense a longing to spend time with the Lord.
Do you long, yearn, desire to spend time with Him?
I also sense a “knowing” that spending time with Him is better than spending
time anywhere else!
A “Knowing” that He blesses, gives grace and honor to those who follow Him!
Hallelujah!
Are you aware that “being in His courts” is a life style?
I truly believe that we can spend every day surrendered to Him;
in His Presence;
continually being thankful for His gifts – and His trials;
seeking Him in prayer;
rejoicing in His praises;
following His ways;
living blameless lives.
This - to me - is better than any other life style – spent anywhere else.
And then there is the Heavenly Court!
The Throne Room Of Heaven (Revelation 4)
Wow!
...where those who claim Jesus as Lord
and whose names are written in His Book will spend Eternity!
Hallelujah!
My yearning, my desire – is to be there one day – with all the saints –
praising and worshiping my Lord!
Oh, how I pray this is your desire too.
“Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God almighty,
Who was and is and is to come!”
Rev. 4:8
May your song today be
“Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere!”
RuthieMonday, June 15, 2009
Give Thanks
THANKFUL TUESDAY! June 16, 2009
Here's my list of things I am thankful for as I write this!
Do you have a list for today? contemplate this and then give Him all the gory!
This is such a great way to keep your thoughts in a positive vein - or as Philippians 4:8 says ... thinking on those things that are true and noble and pure and lovely and praiseworthy and admirable and excellent....
1. a wonderful hubby
2. my beautiful (inside and out) daughter
3. my awesome grand-daughter
4. a great son-in-law
5. wonderful friends and siblings in Christ
6. the country I live in
7. my church and my pastors
8. the freedom I have to worship and read Scripture
9. the evidence all around me of God's creation... unmarred
10. having my computer fixed
11. getting my car back tomorrow
12. coffee with my morning devotions
However, none of this would mean anything at all if I didn't have Jesus in my life!
I am SO thankful for God's Salvation! For His Presence! For His Peace and His Joy!
I pray if there is anyone reading this who has not turned their life over to Him that you will stop right now and give Him a chance!
I read something the other day that said...
"Life has many choices; Eternity has only 2"... My prayer is for anyone who has not done this,yet to make the choice for Christ!
Blessings on you today!
Remember "This is the day that He has made - rejoice!"
Here's my list of things I am thankful for as I write this!
Do you have a list for today? contemplate this and then give Him all the gory!
This is such a great way to keep your thoughts in a positive vein - or as Philippians 4:8 says ... thinking on those things that are true and noble and pure and lovely and praiseworthy and admirable and excellent....
1. a wonderful hubby
2. my beautiful (inside and out) daughter
3. my awesome grand-daughter
4. a great son-in-law
5. wonderful friends and siblings in Christ
6. the country I live in
7. my church and my pastors
8. the freedom I have to worship and read Scripture
9. the evidence all around me of God's creation... unmarred
10. having my computer fixed
11. getting my car back tomorrow
12. coffee with my morning devotions
However, none of this would mean anything at all if I didn't have Jesus in my life!
I am SO thankful for God's Salvation! For His Presence! For His Peace and His Joy!
I pray if there is anyone reading this who has not turned their life over to Him that you will stop right now and give Him a chance!
I read something the other day that said...
"Life has many choices; Eternity has only 2"... My prayer is for anyone who has not done this,yet to make the choice for Christ!
Blessings on you today!
Remember "This is the day that He has made - rejoice!"
RUTHIE
I Am Back!
Praise the Lord!
They were able to restore my computer even tho they are stumped as to what actually happened!
Had an awesome weekend at Camp Peniel with about 60 women of all ages praising God and learning together!
Thank you for all your prayers!
God is so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blessings - see you soon!!!!
Ruthie
They were able to restore my computer even tho they are stumped as to what actually happened!
Had an awesome weekend at Camp Peniel with about 60 women of all ages praising God and learning together!
Thank you for all your prayers!
God is so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blessings - see you soon!!!!
Ruthie
Thursday, June 11, 2009
See You Next Week!
Hi All!
My computer is on the fritz and is being "serviced" - I hope and pray it is nothing major!
I'm at a Ladies Retreat Friday P.M. and Saturday! Can't wait!!
Blessings on yah! have a great 3 - 4 days and I'll see you later!
Love and Peace!
Ruthie
My computer is on the fritz and is being "serviced" - I hope and pray it is nothing major!
I'm at a Ladies Retreat Friday P.M. and Saturday! Can't wait!!
Blessings on yah! have a great 3 - 4 days and I'll see you later!
Love and Peace!
Ruthie
Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
“Truth-Filled Thursday”
Who Do you Say Jesus Is?Have you ever been asked this question?
Have you ever asked yourself this question?
Jesus asked it of his disciples...
First He wanted to know from his disciples what people were saying about him.
Then He asked them, “What about you. Who do you say I am?”
Mark 8:27-30
I’m sure you have heard many answers to this question:
· a great teacher
· a prophet
· just a man
The TRUTH is that He is God:
John 5:18 –
For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
John 10:30 –
I and my Father are one.
The TRUTH is that He is Holy:
Colossians 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
The TRUTH is that He is the Savior; our Salvation:
Acts 4:12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name
Then He asked them, “What about you. Who do you say I am?”
Mark 8:27-30
I’m sure you have heard many answers to this question:
· a great teacher
· a prophet
· just a man
The TRUTH is that He is God:
John 5:18 –
For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
John 10:30 –
I and my Father are one.
The TRUTH is that He is Holy:
Colossians 2:9
For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
The TRUTH is that He is the Savior; our Salvation:
Acts 4:12
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 TRUTH is that He is LORD:
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart
The TRUTH is that He is LORD:
Romans 10:9
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart
that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Reflect for a moment –
If He is NOT who Scripture tells us He is we would be bound for eternity in hell;
Reflect for a moment –
If He is NOT who Scripture tells us He is we would be bound for eternity in hell;
we would have no savior;
no forgiveness;
there would be no heaven for us;
we’d be “on our own” to mess up every day!
How thankful I am that I can REST in the TRUTH of God’s WORD!
That I can KNOW that Jesus is all that the WORD says HE is!!!
Praise you, God!
Thank You, Father!
Hallelujah!!!
Dear Ones, I pray that today is the day that you will truly know the truth about this Jesus!
If you do not know Him personally and have questions –
How thankful I am that I can REST in the TRUTH of God’s WORD!
That I can KNOW that Jesus is all that the WORD says HE is!!!
Praise you, God!
Thank You, Father!
Hallelujah!!!
Dear Ones, I pray that today is the day that you will truly know the truth about this Jesus!
If you do not know Him personally and have questions –
find someone you can talk to who is a Believer!
My prayer today is for the “unbeliever”, the “waffler” , the “doubter”, the “backslider”,
My prayer today is for the “unbeliever”, the “waffler” , the “doubter”, the “backslider”,
the “coaster” - to KNOW the TRUTH!
Blessings on each and every one of you, in HIS NAME!
Ruthie
Blessings on each and every one of you, in HIS NAME!
Ruthie
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
LOVE! What is it?
The dictionary gives many definitions of LOVE:
· profoundly tender, passionate affection
· feeling of warm personal attachment
· sexual desire or its gratification
· to have a strong liking for
This is a Disclaimer:
I am not an expert in “love” – be it eros, phileo, or agape – however, God has changed me so – and I have become a “lover not a fighter”…
May this devotional speak to you today!
The other day I called a friend to tell her I was thinking of her and praying for her… she was not at home so I spoke to her machine!!! :)
Before I hung up I said, “Love yah!”
She sent me an email the next day saying she had been away; at the end she says, “Thanks for lovin’ me! Cuz I knows yah duz.”
This got me thinking about ‘LOVE” – imagine.
There was a time in my life – not all that long ago - that I would never have told anyone except my family that I loved them! Go Figure!
God has changed my heart so much!
How thankful I am that He has!
You’re probably aware of the Greek words for love:
· eros – has to do with sensual passions
· phileo – fondness based in the heart; sentiment; brotherly love – “feelings”
· agape – self-less; choosing to seek the best for others; deciding to act in a loving fashion –“ not a feeling”
Agape love has a divine nature – it comes from having the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. It is totally independent of the object of its favor. I don’t have to “like” the activities of a person, but I make a conscious choice to treat them with compassion and respect!
There is no natural “AGAPE” in man! It is not found in the unsaved – nor can it be understood by the unsaved!
As I write that I certainly can see how that was a truth in my life many, many years ago! As a nurse I had a job to do – and yes – there were some clients I became very attached to (phileo) – but were my actions self-less? I “cared” … and I was kind and respectful – but at that time I had no idea of the depth of agape love.
The greatest example of Agape love is John 3:16
“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.”
God loved me – you – so much that He sent His Son to die for us!
And He sent the Holy Spirit to empower us:
2 Timothy 1: 7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.”
The Holy Spirit gives us love – love that is to be directed towards other people.
How my spirit hurts when I see someone who claims to be a Christ follower not showing agape love to fellow Christians; as well as to the non-Christian; when compassion and respect are not part of their actions… it is a CHOICE to live in agape love!
I pray we would all evaluate our relationships – our actions – and see where we have failed – God has called us to a life of AGAPE!
On a scale of 1 – 10 where are you today?
· with your spouse
· your children
· your siblings
· friends
· neighbors
· co-workers
· strangers
· people you know who are living with known sin in their lives
It breaks my heart when I counsel with people who have decided to make the choice to become selfish in their marriages rather than remain self-less; who have more agape love for their neighbor than they do for their spouse; who refuse to show agape love until the spouse does something first. Oh, dear God, help us!
Loved ones!
Reflect on God’s love for you today. Remember what He has done for you; where He has brought you from; how He is changing you; and beseech Him to fill you to overflowing with the Spirit and His love for all people.
Just think – what a world this would be if we lived in agape love daily!
Blessings on you!
May His peace and grace be with you!
“LOVE YAH!”
Ruthie
· profoundly tender, passionate affection
· feeling of warm personal attachment
· sexual desire or its gratification
· to have a strong liking for
This is a Disclaimer:
I am not an expert in “love” – be it eros, phileo, or agape – however, God has changed me so – and I have become a “lover not a fighter”…
May this devotional speak to you today!
The other day I called a friend to tell her I was thinking of her and praying for her… she was not at home so I spoke to her machine!!! :)
Before I hung up I said, “Love yah!”
She sent me an email the next day saying she had been away; at the end she says, “Thanks for lovin’ me! Cuz I knows yah duz.”
This got me thinking about ‘LOVE” – imagine.
There was a time in my life – not all that long ago - that I would never have told anyone except my family that I loved them! Go Figure!
God has changed my heart so much!
How thankful I am that He has!
You’re probably aware of the Greek words for love:
· eros – has to do with sensual passions
· phileo – fondness based in the heart; sentiment; brotherly love – “feelings”
· agape – self-less; choosing to seek the best for others; deciding to act in a loving fashion –“ not a feeling”
Agape love has a divine nature – it comes from having the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. It is totally independent of the object of its favor. I don’t have to “like” the activities of a person, but I make a conscious choice to treat them with compassion and respect!
There is no natural “AGAPE” in man! It is not found in the unsaved – nor can it be understood by the unsaved!
As I write that I certainly can see how that was a truth in my life many, many years ago! As a nurse I had a job to do – and yes – there were some clients I became very attached to (phileo) – but were my actions self-less? I “cared” … and I was kind and respectful – but at that time I had no idea of the depth of agape love.
The greatest example of Agape love is John 3:16
“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.”
God loved me – you – so much that He sent His Son to die for us!
And He sent the Holy Spirit to empower us:
2 Timothy 1: 7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.”
The Holy Spirit gives us love – love that is to be directed towards other people.
How my spirit hurts when I see someone who claims to be a Christ follower not showing agape love to fellow Christians; as well as to the non-Christian; when compassion and respect are not part of their actions… it is a CHOICE to live in agape love!
I pray we would all evaluate our relationships – our actions – and see where we have failed – God has called us to a life of AGAPE!
On a scale of 1 – 10 where are you today?
· with your spouse
· your children
· your siblings
· friends
· neighbors
· co-workers
· strangers
· people you know who are living with known sin in their lives
It breaks my heart when I counsel with people who have decided to make the choice to become selfish in their marriages rather than remain self-less; who have more agape love for their neighbor than they do for their spouse; who refuse to show agape love until the spouse does something first. Oh, dear God, help us!
Loved ones!
Reflect on God’s love for you today. Remember what He has done for you; where He has brought you from; how He is changing you; and beseech Him to fill you to overflowing with the Spirit and His love for all people.
Just think – what a world this would be if we lived in agape love daily!
Blessings on you!
May His peace and grace be with you!
“LOVE YAH!”
Ruthie
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
TIME TO GO: READY OR NOT!
Did you know that men and women tell time differently?
Now, I don’t think this has been proven scientifically, but here is what it is like in our house! What is it like in yours?
Some nights I decide I’m ready for bed and will say to hubby, “I’m off to bed now.” and he will reply with, “Me too.” So I go around and check the doors (all 4 of them) to make sure they are locked; turn off the TV and the lights; put dishes in the dishwasher; don my jammies; do my routine in the bathroom; and head for the bed. He is already there and says, “What took you so long. You said you were coming to bed 15 minutes ago.” This has become a standing joke with us now so we have a little chuckle about it!
On the other hand – when it’s time for us to go out somewhere together I usually say, “I’m ready.” And, I am ready – nothing to do except go get in the car. He on the other hand has 2-3 things to do – such as lock the shop; close up the chickens; put Buster on his chain... I am learning that when I’m ready I will have to wait a few minutes for him.
Recently I read a story along these lines... it was about a guy who had just started dating a girl and he was flustered that her “I’ll be ready at 2:00” meant 15 minutes or so of him having to chit-chat with her parents...because she wasn’t ready at 2:00.
But you know what? When Jesus returns he isn’t going to wait for us to get ready! We need to be ready at that moment in time! He will return in the twinkling of an eye – that is so quick we can’t even imagine it! And Scripture tells us we will not know the day or the hour... there will be no pre-determined time! He will not chit-chat with someone while He waits for us to get ready!
So friends I ask you – “Are you Ready?”
“Have you asked Jesus to be Lord of your life?
Have you turned everything over to Him? Surrendered all to Him?
Have you allowed Him to change you; to lift you out of the pit you’re in; to “clean you up?”
Have you allowed Him to make you a new creation?
Have you accepted His forgiveness for your sin?
Have you humbled yourself before Him – knowing you need Him?
Have you allowed Him to fill that empty hole in your heart?”
Oh friends!
I pray that you can answer yes to all these questions!
I pray that He is All to you....
I pray that you can sing these words from Isaiah 12:2
“Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation.”
Meditate on all of chapter 12 and tell Him of your thankfulness and praise!
Blessings on you, loved ones!
I am - Resting in HIM!
Ruthie
Now, I don’t think this has been proven scientifically, but here is what it is like in our house! What is it like in yours?
Some nights I decide I’m ready for bed and will say to hubby, “I’m off to bed now.” and he will reply with, “Me too.” So I go around and check the doors (all 4 of them) to make sure they are locked; turn off the TV and the lights; put dishes in the dishwasher; don my jammies; do my routine in the bathroom; and head for the bed. He is already there and says, “What took you so long. You said you were coming to bed 15 minutes ago.” This has become a standing joke with us now so we have a little chuckle about it!
On the other hand – when it’s time for us to go out somewhere together I usually say, “I’m ready.” And, I am ready – nothing to do except go get in the car. He on the other hand has 2-3 things to do – such as lock the shop; close up the chickens; put Buster on his chain... I am learning that when I’m ready I will have to wait a few minutes for him.
Recently I read a story along these lines... it was about a guy who had just started dating a girl and he was flustered that her “I’ll be ready at 2:00” meant 15 minutes or so of him having to chit-chat with her parents...because she wasn’t ready at 2:00.
But you know what? When Jesus returns he isn’t going to wait for us to get ready! We need to be ready at that moment in time! He will return in the twinkling of an eye – that is so quick we can’t even imagine it! And Scripture tells us we will not know the day or the hour... there will be no pre-determined time! He will not chit-chat with someone while He waits for us to get ready!
So friends I ask you – “Are you Ready?”
“Have you asked Jesus to be Lord of your life?
Have you turned everything over to Him? Surrendered all to Him?
Have you allowed Him to change you; to lift you out of the pit you’re in; to “clean you up?”
Have you allowed Him to make you a new creation?
Have you accepted His forgiveness for your sin?
Have you humbled yourself before Him – knowing you need Him?
Have you allowed Him to fill that empty hole in your heart?”
Oh friends!
I pray that you can answer yes to all these questions!
I pray that He is All to you....
I pray that you can sing these words from Isaiah 12:2
“Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
He has become my salvation.”
Meditate on all of chapter 12 and tell Him of your thankfulness and praise!
Blessings on you, loved ones!
I am - Resting in HIM!
Ruthie
Monday, June 8, 2009
Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
How will you display the Fruit if the Spirit today?
You must "Walk in the Spirit"...
Ask the Lord to fill you afresh with His Holy Spirit; ask Him to lead you today in His Spirit;
then ask Him to exhibit the fruit of His Spirit in everything you say and do today!
Here are some ways to display the Fruit of the Spirit:
1) Love - Be loving in your actions - with family and others
2) Joy - Choose to be joyful no matter the circumstances you face - invite the Lord to
fill you with His joy.
3) Peace - Walk in peace - don't allow the enemy to fill you with stress and steal your peace.
4) Patience - Resolve to be patient and not give in to your temper.
5) Kindness - Exhibit kindness to your family and everyone you meet today.
6) Goodness - Do good by your family and friends; co-workers and strangers.
7) Faithfulness - Be faithful to your spouse today; be a person of integrity at home,
at work, at play.
8) Gentleness - Exhibit a gentleness of character - don't be harsh.
9) Self-control - Do not allow yourself to get out of control.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray for each reader today!
Give them Your Spirit anew this monring.
Fill them to overflowing with Your fruit.
Keep their hearts turned towards You.
May their day be one of joy, love, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-contorl.
Bless them today, Lord.
Amen.
Blessings!
Hugs and smiles!
Ruthie
Friday, June 5, 2009
CLAY BALLS!
I have had 2 wonderful days with FRIENDS!
I thank my God for every one of them!
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you...
Father God,
Please help us to see people around us with YOUR eyes;
help us to not look at the outside – but to see what is inside....
the precious jewel that You have created that is in there somewhere!
Thank you, LORD!
I thank my God for every one of them!
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you...
Father God,
Please help us to see people around us with YOUR eyes;
help us to not look at the outside – but to see what is inside....
the precious jewel that You have created that is in there somewhere!
Thank you, LORD!
This email was sent to me by a very dear person!
A precious one – who means the world to me!
(Thank you, Sandy)
I’m sending this off to all of you and praying for each one to know how precious YOU are.
May this writing bless you today!
A man was exploring caves by the Seashore.
I’m sending this off to all of you and praying for each one to know how precious YOU are.
May this writing bless you today!
A man was exploring caves by the Seashore.
In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls.
It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake.
They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man,
so he took the bag out of the cave with him.
As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock.
Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!
As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a rock.
Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!
Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls.
Each contained a similar treasure.
He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left.
Then it struck him.
He had been on the beach a long time.
He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands,
but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people.
We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel.
Then it struck him.
He had been on the beach a long time.
He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands,
but he had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people.
We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel.
It doesn't look like much from the outside.
It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.
We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy.
But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us.
If we take the time to get to know that person,
It isn't always beautiful or sparkling, so we discount it.
We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy.
But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us.
If we take the time to get to know that person,
and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them,
then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.
May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away
a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay.
May we see the people in our world as God sees them.
I am so blessed by the gems of friendship I have.
Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.
APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE
THING YOU HAVE, ESPECIALLY YOUR FRIENDS!
LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND FRIENDS ARE TOO FEW!
Do not ask the Lord to Guide your Footsteps if you are not willing
to MOVE your Feet!
Thank you for looking beyond my clay vessel.
APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE
THING YOU HAVE, ESPECIALLY YOUR FRIENDS!
LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND FRIENDS ARE TOO FEW!
Do not ask the Lord to Guide your Footsteps if you are not willing
to MOVE your Feet!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
An Accident
I had an accident early Wednesday evening. How my life changed in a moment of time! One minute everything was fine; I was driving down Main St.; and the next minute there is a motorcycle stopped in front of me, and BOOM, I hit it. He slammed into the car ahead of him.
Thank You, Jesus that no one was hurt.
Total shock! felt drained of all energy ... the adrenalin rush didn't kick in for me! I felt, and still feel, wasted! When I saw those 2 young people get off that bike, and smile, and say they were OK I could have fallen to my knees right there!!! My heart was saying thank you, thank you, thank you!
Minimal damage to the fellow in front; very little to the motorcycle; most of it to my bumper and hood! No big deal! It can all be fixed!
Praise God!
I knew there were vehicles in front of me - we weren't moving very fast - I guess I glanced away and when I looked up these two had stopped as someone in front of them had his signal light on to make a turn! I am so thankful we were going slow to begin with.
Oh My! Things could have been so much worse!
Thank You, Lord!
This just reinforces for me, once again, how important it is for us to "Be Ready"!
And I am reminded of
James 1: 2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
So - I am trying to consider (I WILL consider) this trial as one more step in my faith-walk... another test that I have to go thru to develop more character than what I already have! I pray for His strength and His enabling as I walk this particular journey!
Blessings on you today, dear ones.
May this day be filled with joy and may you Know His Peace.
And remember - trials are character-builders!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and forever!
Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Thank You, Jesus that no one was hurt.
Total shock! felt drained of all energy ... the adrenalin rush didn't kick in for me! I felt, and still feel, wasted! When I saw those 2 young people get off that bike, and smile, and say they were OK I could have fallen to my knees right there!!! My heart was saying thank you, thank you, thank you!
Minimal damage to the fellow in front; very little to the motorcycle; most of it to my bumper and hood! No big deal! It can all be fixed!
Praise God!
I knew there were vehicles in front of me - we weren't moving very fast - I guess I glanced away and when I looked up these two had stopped as someone in front of them had his signal light on to make a turn! I am so thankful we were going slow to begin with.
Oh My! Things could have been so much worse!
Thank You, Lord!
This just reinforces for me, once again, how important it is for us to "Be Ready"!
And I am reminded of
James 1: 2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
So - I am trying to consider (I WILL consider) this trial as one more step in my faith-walk... another test that I have to go thru to develop more character than what I already have! I pray for His strength and His enabling as I walk this particular journey!
Blessings on you today, dear ones.
May this day be filled with joy and may you Know His Peace.
And remember - trials are character-builders!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To him be glory both now and forever!
Amen.
2 Peter 3:18
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
"You Made My Day!"
Has anyone said these words to you lately?
I had someone tell me this yesterday morning... and IT made MY day! Go figure!
Please know that I DO NOT tell you this to boast... I tell you this because I learned a lesson - one I needed to relearn! I hope you will learn something too!
I was in the produce section of a local grocery store - looking for some spinach. An older lady was there, with her grocery cart, looking at the bagged lettuce. She seemed indecisive so I said to her, "There are too many to choose from, aren't there?" She replied with, "Yes, but I'm looking for an expiry date on this and can't find it." I asked to have the bag and looked for the date - showed her where it was located, and passed it back to her. She said, "Oh thank you. I couldn't see it. I'm old you know. And look! Everything is up so high and I'm short, and no one wants to help anyone these days. What I really want is up there." And she pointed to the top shelf. She was too short to reach it on her own, so I got some down. We checked the dates together and she took the one with the longest expiry date because as she said, "There's just me you know. I'm all alone. It'll take me a while to eat all that." She then thanked me profusely for my help and she said, "You've been so kind. You've made my day!"
I stood there with tears in my eyes as she walked away!
I could have not spoken to her and done my own thing.
I could have felt "put upon" because I had "places to go and people to see".
So many thoughts ran thru my head:
I wondered what her "story" was...
What is it like to be "all alone" and be so thankful for a helping hand?
What is life like for a "shorty"? (I'm not tall - about 5' 5" - she probably was only about 5')
What is it like to get old?
Does she know the Lord?
Did I show Him to her today? She may not even know it but I believe I did. Thank you, Jesus!
Such a simple little act of kindness - today this is called a RAK - a Random Act of Kindness!
Makes me recall the times when I haven't been so kind; when I've rushed by someone needing help; when I've sighed b/c someone was not in as much of a hurry as I was; when I grumbled b/c .....; when I turned my head and my heart the other way b/c .....; when I've been critical rather than helpful...
Forgive me, Lord for failing you in those times. Help me to be more aware of the people around me; to have Your compassion for them; and to share Your joy with them! Thank You, Lord!
Friends and Loved Ones,
I hope this is your prayer today as well!
May someone say to you today "Thank you! You made my day."
1 John 4:16, 19-21
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
May His Blessings fall on you today -
and may your day be filled with RAKs -
ones you've given and ones you've received!
Peace and Joy!
Ruthie
I had someone tell me this yesterday morning... and IT made MY day! Go figure!
Please know that I DO NOT tell you this to boast... I tell you this because I learned a lesson - one I needed to relearn! I hope you will learn something too!
I was in the produce section of a local grocery store - looking for some spinach. An older lady was there, with her grocery cart, looking at the bagged lettuce. She seemed indecisive so I said to her, "There are too many to choose from, aren't there?" She replied with, "Yes, but I'm looking for an expiry date on this and can't find it." I asked to have the bag and looked for the date - showed her where it was located, and passed it back to her. She said, "Oh thank you. I couldn't see it. I'm old you know. And look! Everything is up so high and I'm short, and no one wants to help anyone these days. What I really want is up there." And she pointed to the top shelf. She was too short to reach it on her own, so I got some down. We checked the dates together and she took the one with the longest expiry date because as she said, "There's just me you know. I'm all alone. It'll take me a while to eat all that." She then thanked me profusely for my help and she said, "You've been so kind. You've made my day!"
I stood there with tears in my eyes as she walked away!
I could have not spoken to her and done my own thing.
I could have felt "put upon" because I had "places to go and people to see".
So many thoughts ran thru my head:
I wondered what her "story" was...
What is it like to be "all alone" and be so thankful for a helping hand?
What is life like for a "shorty"? (I'm not tall - about 5' 5" - she probably was only about 5')
What is it like to get old?
Does she know the Lord?
Did I show Him to her today? She may not even know it but I believe I did. Thank you, Jesus!
Such a simple little act of kindness - today this is called a RAK - a Random Act of Kindness!
Makes me recall the times when I haven't been so kind; when I've rushed by someone needing help; when I've sighed b/c someone was not in as much of a hurry as I was; when I grumbled b/c .....; when I turned my head and my heart the other way b/c .....; when I've been critical rather than helpful...
Forgive me, Lord for failing you in those times. Help me to be more aware of the people around me; to have Your compassion for them; and to share Your joy with them! Thank You, Lord!
Friends and Loved Ones,
I hope this is your prayer today as well!
May someone say to you today "Thank you! You made my day."
1 John 4:16, 19-21
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
May His Blessings fall on you today -
and may your day be filled with RAKs -
ones you've given and ones you've received!
Peace and Joy!
Ruthie
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Another Thankful Tuesday!
It's another Tuesday morning - a day to rejoice and give thanks!
No matter what our circumstances might be He is with us! He promises to always be there!
Hebrews 13:5
"...never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Sometimes life is "hard" - and there seems to be no end to the frustration and the struggles. God has promised that He will carry our burdens if but give them to Him.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
We may sometimes wonder if God is hearing our prayers, if He really cares, if He even knows what is going on with us ... the Word says that He never changes...
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
We KNOW He is the God of comfort -
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Dear friends,
I pray these words will bless your day!
That HIS WORD will bless your day!
Have a thankful heart today!
And spread His love and His joy wherever you go!
Blessings on you!
Ruthie
No matter what our circumstances might be He is with us! He promises to always be there!
Hebrews 13:5
"...never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Sometimes life is "hard" - and there seems to be no end to the frustration and the struggles. God has promised that He will carry our burdens if but give them to Him.
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
We may sometimes wonder if God is hearing our prayers, if He really cares, if He even knows what is going on with us ... the Word says that He never changes...
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
We KNOW He is the God of comfort -
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Dear friends,
I pray these words will bless your day!
That HIS WORD will bless your day!
Have a thankful heart today!
And spread His love and His joy wherever you go!
Blessings on you!
Ruthie
Monday, June 1, 2009
Are You Waiting To Be Ready?
Are you waiting to be ready?
OR
Are you ready?
Please read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
I attended church Sunday morning with my daughter and her family ... in the Mall!
StoneRidge Fellowship in Lower Sackville is building a new church building and in the meantime they meet every Sunday morning in the Bedford Place Mall!
Imagine the volunteers to carry this off!
God is so good!
This morning's message was on the Rapture!
"Rapture" is the Latin word used to translate the Greek for "caught up" ...
1 Thessalonians 4:17
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Imagine!
Some will be gone and some will be left when Christ returns.
The unbelieving spouse will roll over in bed and find an empty space.
The bus driver / pilot / captain of the ship will be gone as will some of the passengers.
The unbelieving parent will not be able to find their saved child.
Some doctors / nurses / patients will be gone ... and others will be wondering what has happened.
The pastor told a story which I don't remember exactly but here is the gist of it...
Mom & 6 year old Bestsy had gone to church - they heard a message on the rapture.
When they got home Betsy asked mom, "Could Jesus come this week sometime?"
Mom said. "He sure could."
Betsy asked, "Today sometime?"
Mom said, "Yes, He could."
Betsy then asked, "What about right now?"
And Mom said, "Yes, Betsy. He could come right now."
Betsy said, "Hurry, mom! Comb my hair! I want to be ready!"
My heart was excited - the Rapture will be a glorious occasion!
It also saddens me because there are people I love who haven't accepted Christ yet!
They are not ready!
What about you?
Are you ready?
Are you waiting to get ready?
Are you thinking that you have lots for time?
Do you think that you have to clean up first?
Dear friends -
He loves you so much that He wants you to come to Him - just as you are!
Christ died for your sins!
I pray you will fall on your knees with thanksgiving and praise for His mercy and grace to you!
I pray you will "get ready" ... for we do not know the day or the hour...
"Comb Your Hair"!
Live each day as if it were your last and yet, keep on working as if you had forever!
Father God,
I pray for Your Holy Spirit to minister to each one reading this today!
Turn their hearts towards You!
Do what You need to do in them to turn them to Your ways!
Thank You, Lord!
In Jesus Name, Amen
Have a blessed day!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie
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