tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90887391010484346862024-03-06T00:37:06.314-04:00This Is The Day - RejoiceThis is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.comBlogger469125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-64614196240695474212017-02-21T10:47:00.002-04:002017-02-21T10:54:56.242-04:00How's Your Heart?Do you ever ask yourself this question?<br />
And be honest with your answer?<br />
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Do you ever ask God how your heart is? Ask Him as the Psalmist did?<br />
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Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)<br />
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me, and know my anxious thoughts.<br />
Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.<br />
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Sometimes the "errors of our heart" are not known to us - but they are to God!<br />
The very first step in dealing with sin in our lives is to be AWARE ...<br />
the next step is to take ACTION to deal with the sin.<br />
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I don't know about you but i don't like the awareness part very much! It means i cant 'deny' anymore that i am not living right. And once i can no longer deny it, i then have to deal - deal with the issue.<br />
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I am doing a Priscilla Shirer study ..."The Armor of God" ... with a group of wonderful women. This is a great study and i highly recommend it to anyone! She says "Imputed righteousness defines you and declares you innocent before all accusers." This is my identity in Christ!<br />
HALLELUJAH!<br />
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Read Romans 4 ... better yet - dig in and study it!<br />
Verses 23 & 24: And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.<br />
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What does this mean? It means that i am righteous! But it also means that i now have work to do - with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit... to put off some stuff and then to put on some.<br />
See Ephesians 4 and 5.<br />
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This is just the tip of the iceberg, friends. I wish i could sit with you over a cup of coffee and talk about the exciting adventure that i am on.<br />
Dig deep friends!<br />
Discover who you are in Christ!<br />
Plant your roots deep in the Truth of His Word!<br />
Then go and shine your light in this dark world!<br />
And when the enemy begins to taunt you with lies, declare aloud that "I AM RIGHTEOUS"! So satan, take a hike!<br />
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Blessings on this beautiful sunny day!<br />
RuthieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-7873855247915250222017-02-10T11:18:00.002-04:002017-02-10T11:18:26.143-04:00" A New Year - 2017"Good morning friends!<br />
It has been a loooonnngggg time - one month short of 2 years since i posted last. Much has happened in my life in that time but always i say GOD IS GOOD!<br />
I have been feeling the urge to revitalize this blog - and today is the day!<br />
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As i looked back on my last post i saw that it was about my WORD for the year ... and even though i was not blogging i was still choosing a word for the year. In 2016 my word was SHALOM ... Gods peace,,, complete peace and harmony. Mid January 2016 i had a heart attack and spent 9 days in hospital... and had complete peace! Thank you, Sweet Jesus!<br />
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So as this new year began to roll around i asked the Lord to give me a word - His Word - for 2017.<br />
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ABANDON ... meaning<br />
- to yield without restraint or moderation<br />
- to give over completely<br />
- complete surrender to<br />
- leave behind all else and surrender to ..<br />
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I am choosing to ABANDON myself to HIM first and foremost - as i seek to know Him more and more; ABANDON myself to my life ... with JOY ... and peace and contentment; ABANDON myself to all He has for me this year, praying for His strength and stamina to keep me and cover me.<br />
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Matthew 16:24-26 (my words)<br />
If you want to follow me you must give up your own way, take up your cross and follow me. You will lose your life if you hang on to it - BUT give up your life for Jesus sake and save it.<br />
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Also see Mark 8:34-36; Luke 9: 23-25<br />
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Absolute Surrender - this is revealed during our trials!<br />
Thanking my Lord for His blessings today; for keeping us through last nights storm; for my hubby who goes outside in all weather to fill up the stove; for heat and food and love.<br />
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Hugs and blessings dear friends!<br />
RUTHIE<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-47247336790493878352015-03-09T11:00:00.003-03:002015-03-09T11:00:34.095-03:00Thank You for being Persistent in Prayer!To all my praying friends ...<br />
Thank You for your prayers! I had a much better night last night and actually got some much needed rest and sleep. Bless you all!<br />
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I had something almost completed to post on Facebook and just lost it! Go figure! So here I go again in this forum instead!<br />
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Every year for probably the past 8 or so I have "chosen a word" to live out in that year; Rather than setting new resolutions that will most likely fall by the wayside in a month or so! The Word that kept niggling at my mind for 2015 was / is <b>HOSPITALITY</b>. The definition for hospitality is "the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers." Some synonyms are - friendliness, welcome, helpful, warmth, kindness, congeniality, courtesy, generosity, food. The scripture that kept finding its way into my readings and devotions was <b><i>Romans 12:13</i></b> ... "Share with the saints in their need; pursue hospitality." This was going to be a year of action for me as I <b>shared</b> and <b>pursued</b>!<br />
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Most mornings I get up later than hubby - he is a farmer and he is usually up before the birds! One particular morning I came downstairs to find he had left me an encouraging note and a scripture reference from his morning reading of Gods Word. The reference ...<b>Romans 12:12 & 13</b>. Verse 12 states - "rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer." Ummmmmmm ...<br />
Within these 2 verses there is a lot of action going on!<br />
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Rejoice in hope<br />
Be Patient in affliction<br />
Be Persistent in prayer<br />
Share....<br />
Pursue hospitality<br />
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I quickly came to the realization that God was telling me that until I rejoiced, was patient, and persistent I would not be able to share and pursue. Whoa! I had no idea how I was going to learn these lessons - I thought I pretty much had them, however it seems that God thought differently. In the past 2 months I believe He has "set me aside" to REST, BE STILL, SEEK HIM, and to reaffirm for me once again that until I make HIM the center of it all I can do nothing. I have been afflicted with much pain from a number of different physical things these past couple months and currently feel I am "no good for nothing!"Please know I don't say that in a self-pity way. I am basically a DO-ER... like Martha; Not a SITTER at Jesus feet - like Mary!<br />
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Just yesterday someone said to me, "I know you are not feeling good but I want you to know Jesus is shining thru all your work, discipline, and the hurts. When we feel we are down to nothing, God is up to something."<br />
I believe this wholeheartedly. I know He is up to something. And I am excited to see what He is about to do!<br />
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So - dear sweet, faithful, praying friends -<br />
I am on a journey with HIM ... and I just want to thank you for journeying this path with me! Hospitality for me has become so much more than fun, food, fellowship..... <b>MY definition</b> is that <b>hospitality</b> is being joyful in all things; enduring affliction with patience because we know that He wastes nothing and that all things work to good for those who love Him; praying continually in all things, thru all things; and He will empower the sharing and pursuing that needs to be done in His Name.<br />
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Praying a blessing upon you this morning!<br />
HUGS<br />
Ruthie<br />
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<i><b style="background-color: yellow;">2 Timothy 1:12 - ...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. (KJV)</b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-20219963900404943292014-11-25T10:22:00.002-04:002014-11-25T10:22:18.817-04:00Joy in the Lord<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Nehemiah 8:13</b> ... The JOY of the LORD is my strength.</div>
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I read this quote the other day by Dr. Adrian Rogers -</div>
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"Every child of God ought to have a conscious, conspicuous, continuous, contagious joy. </div>
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If you are not living a life of joy you are living below your privilege as a Christian."</div>
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Whoa!</div>
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This keeps going round and round in my head! </div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Conscious -</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Contagious -</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>JOY!</b></span></div>
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Is your joy - Jesus' joy in you - all of these things? If the answer is no, then the question needs to be why?</div>
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Take it to Him! <b>John 10:10 </b>tells us that Christ came to give us life and to have it in abundance. That abundant life is evidenced in exuberant joy! Regardless of our circumstances! Yes! Regardless of our circumstances!</div>
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My prayer for you today is that you are NOT living below your privilege. I pray you have put Jesus at the center of it all, and surrendered everything to Him!</div>
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Blessings on you, dear friends!</div>
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Ruthie</div>
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"for I know whom I have believed ...."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-76310470414691509362014-08-28T11:05:00.002-03:002014-08-28T11:17:42.686-03:00HIS Creation<b><u>Psalm 104</u></b> is called a WISDOM Psalm as well as a CREATION Psalm ... the author expresses joy in the world as a creation of God.<br />
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Here are just a few of my photos expressing the beauty I see in His creation. And I sing praise with the Psalmist - "Bless the LORD, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty."<br />
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"O LORD, how manifold are Your works!</div>
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"May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in His works..."</div>
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"I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.<br />
May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD."<br />
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Dear Friends,</div>
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I pray you will meditate on Psalm 104 in the coming days; </div>
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give Him Praise;</div>
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Live with a heart filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.</div>
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May He fill you with wonder at His marvelous works....</div>
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May He fill you with His Spirit as</div>
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you love and serve Him.</div>
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Blessings, sweet ones!</div>
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"Bless the LORD, O my soul!</div>
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Praise the LORD!</div>
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In HIS Mighty and Marvelous name,</div>
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Ruthie </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-30959978918711530532014-08-07T11:25:00.004-03:002014-08-07T11:38:47.832-03:00BELIEVE<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWZKZyQgi9L47noFWpqpIM1lrBzi_LUm1zhit-oFxBfanEFghtDJPIEjqjQO11kv6nz2xmfRcteDP_NF84_khUbbcv_Il-EQjzWPB-dHQ8fJB9YIL6ww_lYn0Jxwrvd72QHCrT4IIaGY/s1600/BELIEVE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWZKZyQgi9L47noFWpqpIM1lrBzi_LUm1zhit-oFxBfanEFghtDJPIEjqjQO11kv6nz2xmfRcteDP_NF84_khUbbcv_Il-EQjzWPB-dHQ8fJB9YIL6ww_lYn0Jxwrvd72QHCrT4IIaGY/s1600/BELIEVE.JPG" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems that everywhere I look today I see the word "BELIEVE" -<br />
<br />
I have a wooden cut out of the word sitting on my kitchen windowsill - and I see it every time I look out the window to watch the hummingbirds at their feeder- or stand there doing my dishes ... which I just did! I have a little tiny cutout of this word with snowmen on it that stands next to my digital frame in the living room .... all year long (see above picture). And I have a few little hanging plaques with single words on each one - LOVE, PRAY, BELIEVE.<br />
<br />
Here is one of the definitions of believe - <i><b>to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so.</b></i><br />
Now, this reminds me of <b><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 11:1</span></b> ... <i><b>Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of </b></i><b><i>things not seen. </i></b>When I looked up the word faith in Merriam-Webster dictionary I found that it took belief to a higher level by saying that faith is ... a strong belief or trust in something or someone; belief in the existence of God.<br />
<br />
I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell and on the 3rd day He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is sitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty... from here He will come to judge both those alive and dead.<br />
I BELIEVE in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting!<br />
<br />
HALLELUJAH!<br />
<br />
Maybe you have seen these words before, maybe even memorized them as a child - they come from the APOSTLES CREED -<br />
I <b>know</b> this is what I believe! Praise God!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">2 Timothy 1:12</span> - <b><i>For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. </i></b><br />
<br />
Do you know what you believe or who you believe in? Is it your heavenly Father? He loves you and desires to be in relationship with you? Or is your belief in yourself - that you are in control and are the dictator of your destiny? Or maybe in your career? Or your family? Your career, your family, even yourself will not give you eternal life... only Jesus can do that!<br />
<br />
Dear friends -<br />
I pray that Jesus, the Living God, makes Himself known to you. I pray that you will open your eyes and ears to see and hear of His miraculous works.<br />
Bless you today!<br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
RuthieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-65003578403114183302014-07-17T12:12:00.000-03:002014-07-17T12:13:31.605-03:00IF My people .....<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">2 Chronicles 7:14</span><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: blue;">IF ....... THEN</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i>
Did you see this? IF ... THEN ...<br />
God is speaking to Solomon and I truly believe that these words are just as relevant for us today as they were then!<br />
<br />
Did you notice that <b>IF</b> we<br />
<ul>
<li>Humble ourselves</li>
<li>Pray</li>
<li>Seek His face</li>
<li>Turn from our sin</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>THEN </b>He will</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Hear from heaven</li>
<li>Forgive our sin</li>
<li>Heal our land</li>
</ul>
<div>
Praise You, Lord! </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: red;"><b>HIS WORD</b></span></i> - Just as applicable today as it was then.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have been pondering this verse; crying in my heart for the state of our land; for the state of loved ones - </div>
<div>
I so want to be the person He calls me to be - don't you? It begins with humility - surrendering all of me to Him and seeking Him in every aspect of my life; getting out of His way so He can work; trusting Him in all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Praying His Word will speak to your hearts today - </div>
<div>
Blessings and Hugs!</div>
<div>
Ruthie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-22349994407349296112014-07-14T16:09:00.001-03:002014-07-14T16:09:51.950-03:00The Apostles' Creed<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u><b>The Apostles' Creed</b></u></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u><b><br /></b></u></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> believe in God the Father Almighty, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Creator of heaven and earth; </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>born of the virgin Mary; </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>suffered under Pontius Pilate,</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>was crucified, dead, and buried.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>He descended into hell; </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>the third day he rose again from the dead;</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>He ascended into heaven,</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>From there he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I believe in the Holy Spirit,</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>the holy catholic church,</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>the communion of saints;</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>the forgiveness of sins; </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>the resurrection of the body; </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>and the life everlasting.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>AMEN</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-2469817934450055292014-07-03T12:11:00.000-03:002014-08-07T11:40:36.091-03:00Don't Bother Your Head ...Hello this morning! Phew, it is a humid one isn't it?<br />
<br />
I have been pondering <span style="color: blue;"><b>Psalm 37</b></span> since yesterday - and all of its "fret nots".<br />
Fret not - meaning to wait on God letting Him have whatever is "worrying" you - He is in control - He will look after it all!<br />
Do you believe that today? I truly hope so!<br />
<br />
The Message says in <span style="color: blue;"><b>Psalm 37</b></span> verse 1 - "Don't bother your head with..."! I love this! Isn't that what worry does? Gets your head - your mind - going in all directions and focusing on the "what ifs" instead of "what is"! "BUT" - you say - "I am a worrier. My mom worried all the time and I can't help it". NOT TRUE! You CAN change it.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Romans 12:2</span> (EST) - Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, ...<br />
Do you see that? ... "by the renewal of your mind". The Holy Spirit living in and working in you can transform your mind! Praise the Lord! Every time you find yourself beginning to fret give it to God... Trust Him, Rely on Him, Commit your way yo Him.<br />
<br />
Father God,<br />
Thank You for the peace that comes from You; that peace that is beyond our understanding.<br />
We Praise You today for Your Grace and Forgiveness.<br />
Father, may each Reader today take Your Word to heart and rest in You!<br />
In Jesus Precious name, Amen.<br />
<br />
<br />
Blessings and Peace,<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Ruthie</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-90801339488275688542014-07-02T12:40:00.003-03:002014-08-07T11:40:07.907-03:00Cool Your Pipes!<b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Psalm 37: 8</span></span> </b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper - it only leads to harm.</span> (<b>NLT</b>)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Psalm 37:8</span> </b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes - it only makes things worse.</span> (<b>The Message</b>)<br />
<br />
I find this verse in Psalm 37 to be an interesting one! As a Counselor I can't tell you how often I have heard people say, "He/she made me so angry that I threw ...... ; or I hit the wall; or I squealed my tires; or; or ; ". and if the truth be known I have blamed my anger on others over the years. However, I have learned in recent years that I am responsible for my own emotions, feelings, and attitudes. I CANNOT blame them on anyone else.<br />
<br />
The first blame game of all time started way back in The Garden when when Adam blamed Eve for his disobedience and then Eve blamed the serpent. always pointing the finger at someone else! WHOA! Has anything changed over the years? No it hasn't, and it won't until we take responsibility for all of it!<br />
<br />
It is very interesting to me that the action words used in this verse are:<br />
STOP<br />
TURN<br />
DO NOT LOSE<br />
BRIDLE (YOUR)<br />
TRASH (YOUR)<br />
COOL (YOUR)<br />
all of which are related to the individual doing something regarding their anger.<br />
ANGER can be a very destructive emotion - if we allow it to be.<br />
<br />
I am throwing this out there today to encourage you if this is a problem for you. God can help you to change your mind, your behavior, your attitude. You must surrender to Him!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>James 1:19</b></span> says to <span style="color: blue;">be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to get angry</span>; or as The Message says, "<span style="color: blue;">Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear."</span><br />
<br />
Picture one of your children or maybe your spouse, or a friend straggling along as you take a walk. They are usually quite a few steps behind you.<br />
<br />
So, Dear Friends, my suggestion for you today is to "cool your pipes and let your anger straddle along behind you". Have a grace-filled day!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hugs...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ruthie </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-55799540434120786762014-04-09T13:31:00.002-03:002014-08-07T11:41:23.010-03:00Stand Firm!Are you in a battle today?<br />
Do you FEEL like you cannot win?<br />
<br />
No matter what battle you are facing today you can KNOW that your Loving Father will fight it for you!<br />
<br />
Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV)<br />
And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.<br />
The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."<br />
<br />
2 Chronicles 20:17 (ESV)<br />
Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed.Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.<br />
<br />
Stand firm, Dear One! Do not be afraid! Do not be dismayed! He is with you and the battle is His.<br />
What we need to do in the midst of these times is to bless Him!<br />
Praise Him!<br />
Give Him thanks!<br />
His love endures forever!<br />
Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
Stand firm and don't let the enemy have any victory in your life!<br />
<br />
Hugs and blessings on you today!<br />
RuthieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-75607205413545590412014-03-31T12:43:00.000-03:002014-03-31T12:43:21.384-03:00GRACE Grace -<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Divine Favor</li>
<li>Generous</li>
<li>Free</li>
<li>Unexpected</li>
<li>Undeserved</li>
</ul>
<div>
The YEAR 2014 is my GRACE Year!</div>
<div>
What do I mean by that? Well, every year for the past few, I have chosen a WORD to "live out" in my life. Here are a couple of other "words" I have taken on: JOY, INTENTIONALITY, THANKFULNESS, PEACE. The only way I am successful at this is to allow God to have His way in me and to be obedient to Him. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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I am sooooo thankful for HIS GRACE to me! His Saving Grace! His Forgiving Grace! His Undeserved Grace! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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There are many reasons why I have not posted on this site for the past year - but I am back and I hope to post a weekly devotional. As a way of introduction I am hoping that you - the reader - will consider the GRACE that has been given to you; that this GRACE will fill you with Thanksgiving and Praise for our wonderful God; and that this in turn will create JOY and PEACE within your lives! Who doesn't want to have joy and peace in their lives? I know I do!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Blessings on you through this coming week! May you see HIM everywhere - no matter your circumstances!</div>
<div>
HUGS!</div>
<div>
Ruthie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-64748776100025549212013-01-18T11:50:00.001-04:002013-01-18T11:50:20.850-04:00SURPRISE!Good Morning!<br />
I must apologize to you for not being faithful in posting to this blog. Hopefully you will forgive me when you understand why. I have written a book ... a Devotional Study book - which has consumed most of my time over the past 6 months. <br />
<br />
I am beyond excited! But - even more than that, I am so humbled by the experience! God has been so good to me! He has blessed me with His peace and joy and love! With a loving husband, family, and friends who have walked this path with me! I give HIM all the glory!<br />
<br />
Yesterday He gave me this verse:<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><em><strong>Psalm 119:165 - Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.</strong></em></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple;"></span></em></strong><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">So, dear readers,</span> </span><span style="color: black;">as you walk the pathways of your life, keep HIM as your focus and He will make your paths straight.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. </em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple;"></span></em></strong><br />
Blessings and Hugs .......Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-73051434223283361662012-10-10T11:29:00.002-03:002012-10-10T11:32:29.619-03:00"Two Favors"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Proverbs 30:7-8</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>O God, I beg two favors from You;</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Let me have them before I die.</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>First, help me never to tell a lie.</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!</strong></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Over, and over, and over again...</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>God gives me just enough!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>How thankful I am for His promises to me!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>How thankful I am that HE loves ME!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Blows me away to think about HIS LOVE!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>May you be blessed today!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Seek Him in all you do... </strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>rather -</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Join Him in all He does ... </strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"><strong>and LIVE the difference that makes in your life!</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings, sweet ones!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">I know I don't write here often -</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">I am writing all the time, however...</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">Compiling my writings for a study book!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana;">God is good!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana;">"For I know whom I have believed...."</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana;">Ruthie</span></strong></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-2374073683514274522012-08-25T15:36:00.001-03:002012-08-25T15:47:02.368-03:00AdversityJust what is adversity?<br />
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines adversity as hardship, challenge, misfortune; a state, condition, or instance of continual difficulty or adverse fortune.<br />
I am sure that as you read this you can think of many examples of adversity - probably some that have been very personal to you. Here are a few: losing all your possessions in a fire; going thru a divorce; death of a loved one; being stricken with a serious illness.<br />
<br />
Over the past 2 years I have been diagnosed with 3 serious illnesses!<br />
Go Figure! THREE!<br />
And - most of the time no one would know that unless you were in my circle of closeness!<br />
<br />
These are called Invisible Illnesses - no one can see them; or the effects they have on the person's daily life. As a nurse I always tried very hard to accept whatever a patient might say to me about their pain and/or ability to "do" something. I certainly hope I treated them with respect and empathy - something that I find lacking in today's health care system. <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago I spent some awesome time at the Atlantic Wesleyan Church Camp - Beulah Camp .... Visiting with a dear friend, and spending some needed time in God's Presence - being ministered to thru Music and the Word - and friends!!!!<br />
<br />
This is the WORD HE gave to me during those days .....<br />
<br />
Psalm 27:5 For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity. He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock.<br />
<br />
I have claimed these words as MINE since then ... Memorizing them; carrying a copy in my wallet; Knowing that He spoke them for me and to me that night - for such a time as this!<br />
I have lived the past 3 days in constant pain - fibromyalgia pain has hit me again! I just returned from town - had to have some groceries - it was all I could do to drive home! I've never had that happen to me before. So - me being me - I cried out to God all the way home! <br />
I refuse to let this take my JOY! <br />
Conceal me, Lord!<br />
"Satan you get out of here - you're not havin' me!"<br />
<br />
I will put my HOPE in God - who is my rock and my strength, my portion and my protector, the lover of my soul! He will store up my tears; He will KEEP me! <br />
Thank you , Lord!<br />
<br />
For those of you reading this who know someone with an Invisible Illness - please be compassionate with them; they don't need you to "fix" anything - they just need you to be present with them! If you don't know how to deal with all this entails visit the Invisible Illness website! You will learn so much. And keep them covered in prayer - God is ever with us - seem times we just need to surrender to HIM ...<br />
<br />
Blessings dear ones!<br />
This is the day - rejoice!<br />
Ruthie<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-80031670211487833542012-07-18T12:22:00.002-03:002012-07-18T15:08:02.407-03:00REJOICE -<em><span style="color: blue;"><strong>John 14:28</strong></span> ... You heard me say to you, 'I am going away, and I will come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. (ESV)</em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: purple;"><strong>Philippians 3:1</strong></span> ... Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. [KJV]</em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>1 Thessalonians 5:16</strong></span> ... Rejoice evermore. [KJV]</em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: orange;"><strong>1 Peter 1:8</strong></span> ... Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. [NIV]</em><br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: lime;"><strong>Jeremiah 15:16</strong></span> ... Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. (NKJV)</em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>Psalm 28:7</strong></span> ... The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. (NLT)</em><br />
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Dear Sweet Readers - <br />
Are you rejoicing in the Lord today? HE IS in your circumstances! He will never leave you! He loves you more than you can ever imagine! He IS your strength and your shield; your portion and your protection! Let the truths of HIS WORD fill you with thanksgiving - fill your heart with rejoicing! and may there be a song on your lips - a song of praise to HIM!<br />
<br />
Blessings on you all on this beautiful "day that the Lord has made"..... may your rejoice and be glad in it - <strong><span style="color: magenta;">Pslam 118:24</span></strong><br />
<br />
*** <em><span style="color: purple;">Ruthie</span></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-16277766246306058892012-05-25T12:17:00.002-03:002012-05-25T12:18:43.346-03:00How SWEET Is HIS Presence!Oh the sweetness of resting in HIm!<br />
... of letting everything go and sitting at HIS feet!<br />
... of leaning on HIM!<br />
... of soaking up HIS Love, HIS Peace, HIS Grace <br />
AND - HIS JOY!!!!!<br />
<br />
Simple Praise fills my heart and my soul - <br />
<br />
Thank you, Jesus, for my life in YOU!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-82783490926645802172012-04-22T14:42:00.000-03:002012-04-22T14:47:52.973-03:00The LORD Is In This Place!<span style="color: purple;"><strong>Genesis 28:16</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong>Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it."</strong></span><br />
<br />
Are you aware of HIS Presence throughout your day?<br />
Do you <strong><em><u>KNOW</u></em></strong> HE IS IN that place whereever you are?<br />
Or are you like Jacob - and you awaken ... whether from sleep or from the daily grind - and suddenly become aware that HE is here?<br />
<br />
I am currently reading the book <u><em><strong>"One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to LIVE FULLY Right Where You Are"</strong></em></u> by Ann Voskamp. I highly recommend this book - she also has a blog which you will find at <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">www.aholyexperience.com</a><br />
<br />
It is due to her inspiration that I began to faithfully attempt to Live Life Fully! Right Now! On my 60th birthday - almost 3 years ago now - a friend gave me a beautiful journal that I began to journal my thanks in. Over the years I had done this as part of my daily journaling ... but never numerically and never a journal specifically just for thanks! What an experience this has been! Some of these I have recorded on this blog as part of "One Thousand Gifts".<br />
<br />
This whole experience has enabled me to say - with Jacob - "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it."<br />
<br />
Just today ... within the hour ... <br />
# 637. RAIN - coming straight down from heaven - like a thick curtain.<br />
# 638. the SOUND of rain - as it hits the road outside my window.<br />
<br />
And as I read Ann's book these words of hers jump off the page and touch my heart ...<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: blue;">"The weight of God's glory, not illusory or ephemeral, but daily and everywhere, punctures earth's lid and heaven falls through the holes."</span></em></strong><br />
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Oh dear ones - may heaven fall thru the holes for you today! May you see and experience HIS glory all around you! <br />
Blessings sweet ones!<br />
Ruthie<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-76707878536307010892012-04-14T12:06:00.003-03:002012-04-22T14:43:18.589-03:00Psalm 42<div align="center">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong><em>PSALM 42:1-11</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>Day and night I have only tears for food, </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, "Where is this God of yours?"</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sounds of a great celebration!</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God!</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you -</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.</em></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>"O God, my rock", I cry, "Why have you forgotten me? </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?"</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?"</em></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><em>My Savior and my God!</em></span></div>
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Discouragement and despair come to us all - at various times - for various reasons! </div>
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BUT - HE is our Hope! He is our Rock!</div>
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If you are in a place of discouragement or depression today I pray that you will remember - as David did - that GOD IS ALL YOU NEED! Each and every day He pours HIS Love on you! </div>
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May this Scripture bring you some relief - some encouragement - some hope!</div>
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<br /></div>
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BLESSINGS!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ruthie</div>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-65227996890481259742012-03-19T09:52:00.002-03:002012-03-19T09:54:34.390-03:00"I am with you, says the Lord."I wonder what the words of the title mean to you.<br />
And, I wonder - do you KNOW that HE is with you!<br />
<br />
I just had an email from a friend who stated "I can report that God was definitely with us" - as they dealt with a difficult situation...<br />
<br />
Is He there in your difficulties?<br />
In the dark times of your life?<br />
What about the bright and sunny times?<br />
In the blessings?<br />
<br />
His WORD tells us the truth - and the truth is - HE IS WITH US! <br />
In all HIS power, and glory, and strength, and protection, and peace, and provision, and comfort, and confidence, and safety, and authority, and compassion, and ... <br />
<br />
Dear Ones,<br />
I pray that you KNOW that HE IS WITH YOU!<br />
Blessings on you!<br />
<br />
Resting in HIM - <br />
Ruthie<br />
<br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">for I KNOW whom I have believed, and am persuaded that HE is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. </span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">2 Timothy 1:12</span></strong></em><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: white;"><em><u>Readings</u></em>:</span></span> <span style="color: black;">Haggai</span> chapters 1 and 2; <span style="background-color: white;">Matthew</span> 28:18-20; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-54912862652247432902012-02-07T17:50:00.001-04:002012-02-07T17:50:09.569-04:00MeditationOh Oh ... some might say! What is she going to talk about? Meditation? That hokey-pokey stuff?<br />
No! Not that hokey-pokey stuff!<br />
<br />
Joshua's instructions to the Israelites ... <br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Joshua 1:8 (NIV)</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
David's words to God in Psalm 119...<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Psalm 119: 97</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Oh, how I love your law!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple;">I meditate on it all day long.</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
Meditation is the spiritual discipline of focusing the mind on God's Word; pondering it, memorizing it, turning it over in our hearts, letting the words sink deep into the heart and soul of us; thus quickening us with Life! The goal of Christian Meditation is to fill the mind with Scripture - as we do this we become less and He becomes more! Our thoughts become His thoughts; our values, His values. <br />
<br />
Again David said <br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Pslam 119:15-16</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>I meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
I'm sure you have marinated a steak to prepare it for grilling. The meat sits in the marinade and soaks up the herbs and fluid; and becomes soft and tender. So it is when we marinate our minds with the Word of God!<br />
His Word softens and tenderizes even the hardest of hearts! <br />
<br />
Dear Ones<br />
I pray you are spending time Marinating in His Word; Meditating on His Truths; Listening for His Voice. <br />
Blessings on you, this day, the one He has made!<br />
<br />
Resting in HIM,<br />
Ruthie<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-13965736650705294472012-02-03T09:43:00.000-04:002012-02-03T10:27:35.870-04:00You've Got Mail!!!!!It's everywhere.... and I've bought into it! Have you?<br />
E-mail; FaceBook; Texting; Twittering (I don't do this one); Blackberry; iPhone...<br />
And on and on it goes!<br />
<br />
Since getting my BlackBerry I have become aware of every time I get an email or a post on FB... <br />
Along with all the "external" messages we get there is that INTERNAL stuff! The messages we tell ourselves - in our minds - daily.<br />
<br />
Lately I've been thinking about all this in relation to the mail - the letters - HIS Written Word .... to me - to us! I don't get an electronic "ping" everytime HE sends me a note... IT IS ALWAYS THERE - for me to go to. What a BLESSING that is to me! Just KNOWING that - BUT - How much more of a BLESSING it is everytime I STOP, READ, MEDITATE, LISTEN to HIS mail! His Word!<br />
<br />
He not only speaks thru HIS Word; He speaks thru HIS People; HE speaks HIMSELF! Into our hearts and our spirits! <br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Psalm 27: 8 ... My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."</em></strong></span><br />
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Dear Ones,<br />
Set the FB, BB, iPhone, Laptop, and all that stuff - set it aside for a while today. Listen for HIS voice, HIS whisper into your heart. Contemplate HIS goodness and Who He Is! Allow HIS Word to penetrate your spirit; to bring you Life!<br />
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This is my prayer for myself and for each of you as I REST in HIS Awesomeness and Peace!<br />
Blessings,<br />
RuthieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-4040335988057248472012-02-02T14:16:00.010-04:002012-02-02T18:15:58.582-04:00Pouring out my HEART today ...<div align="left">
I <strong><em>will </em><span style="color: #990000;">TRUST</span></strong> in the Lord when all else seems to be falling apart.<br />
I <strong><em>will</em></strong> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">SEEK</span></strong> HIS face even though I may be seeking thru a cloud of dismay.<br />
I <em><strong>will</strong></em> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">DELIGHT</span></strong> in HIS Word and HIS Ways! </div>
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I <strong><em>will </em><span style="color: #990000;">CHOOSE</span></strong> to believe that He is Good; He is Faithful; He is Merciful; and He is Just!<br />
I <em><strong>will</strong></em> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">KNOW</span></strong> that He is all I need!</div>
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I <em><strong><span style="color: black;">will</span></strong></em> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">PRAY</span></strong> as He has asked me to - told me to!<br />
I <strong><em><span style="color: #000099;"><span style="color: black;">will</span> </span></em><span style="color: #990000;">PRAISE</span></strong> and give Him glory!</div>
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<span style="color: #000099;"><strong>I <em>WILL</em></strong> - <strong>COUNT IT ALL JOY</strong>!</span></div>
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Father God,</div>
I don't understand - I don't know why things happen as they do... why people get sick and die; <br />
why there are accidents that take our loved ones away from us; why people lie and cheat and steal... My heart is heavy with the cares of this world -<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #006600;">BUT - </span></strong></em>I <em><strong>will</strong></em> <strong>CHOOSE</strong> to sing - along with David:</div>
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<span style="color: #009900;"><em>"YOU are my portion, O Lord. </em></span><span style="color: #009900;"><em>Open my eyes that I might see YOUR wonder. </em></span><span style="color: #009900;"><em>YOU are my refuge and my shield - my HOPE is in YOU. </em></span><span style="color: #009900;"><em>The wicked have set a snare for me and my loved one, </em></span><span style="color: #009900;"><em>but we will not stray from YOUR precepts...</em></span> <span style="color: #009900;"><em>YOU are GOOD, and what YOU do is GOOD.</em></span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;"><em>Uphold us , Lord... </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;"><em>Deliver us....</em></span><br />
<span style="color: #009900;"><em>Trouble and distress have come upon us, </em></span><span style="color: #009900;"><em>but YOUR commands are our delight!"</em></span></div>
And I pray we can say with authenticity - <span style="color: #009900;"><em>"It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn YOUR decrees."</em></span><br />
<br />
Lord, You are the Master of ALL! I give YOU my PRAISE today! Teach me, Lord, Teach us! I am YOUR Servant, O God!<br />
In the powerful Name of Jesus,<br />
AMENAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-12737158732508907452011-11-08T13:49:00.005-04:002011-11-08T14:00:23.168-04:00LABARUM - revisitedAs always, when Christmas time is in the air - I hear people discussing "keeping Christ in Christmas" and that it is "awful" to use XMAS - because that takes HIM out. SO NOT TRUE, dear ones!<br /><br />On November 7, 2008 I posted a writing about the LABARUM .... a Greek symbol used to represent Christ for many, many years. If you go to the left of this page, find CHRISTMAS, click on it ... you will be taken to all the "Christmas writings" I have posted on this blog; then find <strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">November 7, 2008</span></em></strong> to read the history of the labarum and what it means for us today!<br /><br />I so want the world to keep Christ in Christmas. It is up to us - HIS followers - to make sure that happens by not getting caught up in the commercialism and materialism that the world sees as the reason for this holiday time! I LOVE this time of year! I LOVE to give gifts! I LOVE the Music and the Message! Let's focus on family and friends this year! Let's KEEP CHRIST as the "reason for the season" - as the saying goes!<br /><br />Blessings on you, dear friends and loved ones!<br />RuthieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088739101048434686.post-71577247478332990342011-10-31T09:31:00.008-03:002011-10-31T10:21:36.212-03:00Who Gets The Glory?I really, really, really dislike this day ... October 31 ... and all it represents! My reason - It has its roots in pagan customs!!!<br /><br />The Celtic people of Great Britain and Northern France were the first to celebrate this eve. Here is some history in a nutshell! They were worshippers of many gods - one being the Sun God - whose "job" was over for the year as harvest time was upon them. Another god was the god of the dead - which was how they perceived winter... they believed that on this night he called together all the souls of the dead which took on animal shapes. The priests of these people built bonfires hoping to increase the sun's power so that the god of the dead would be overpowered. And then there is the history of the jack-o-lantern; and the "trick or treating"... and so on. This just barely touches the tip of the iceberg! You can research more if you need to know more!<br /><br />I just KNOW this is not a celebration from my GOD! I KNOW too, that this IS the day HE has made and I WILL rejoice in HIS day! And - I GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY FOR TODAY!<br /><br />For most North Americans this day has no special meaning except to dress up and go home-to-home asking for a treat! BUT - my heart gets heavy when I see the church involved in this night.... I KNOW there will be many people say that it is an outreach avenue! That it is to keep the kids off the streets! That it is one more way for the church to be part of the community! I have even contributed to the treats being passed out tonight! Go figure!<br /><br />Please - know this comes from my heart and not a place of judgment ---- for I realize that many, many churches across our country are celebrating Fall Festival. To me it is like taking an orange & painting it red, calling it an apple --- it is NOT an apple - it is still an orange!<br /><br />PRAISE GOD! Scriptures tell us that the dead will rise - when Christ returns! Hallelujah! Not tonight! Not any other October 31st! Then - and only then!!!<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">1 Corinthians 15:52-53</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Elsewhere in scripture we are told that we will not know the day or the hour this will occur! I love that His ways and thoughts are not ours...<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#990000;">I sometimes</span><span style="color:#990000;"> feel saddened though, wondering if HE is sad with us! Does He look at us and say, Oh my children, when are you going to learn.<br />Do you not KNOW that I AM!<br />I AM ENOUGH!<br />I AM IS SUFFICIENT!<br />I AM WILL ENABLE YOU TO STAND STRONG AND BOLD BEFORE THE WORLD!<br /><br /></span>Father God,<br />I bow my head and my heart before you today. Make me a light today - your light! You know the heaviness I feel every year at this time... show me, Lord, what I can do to be an instrument of change for You! Bless those reading this - may they KNOW that You are I AM!<br /><br />Resting in HIM,<br />RuthieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13582444262559531088noreply@blogger.com1