A Love Letter From God's Word

The message below was sent to me by many who say they have found it encouraging because it is words straight from the bible. Fact it is based on Scripture; put together by Kathryn Taylor, The King's High Way Ministries, www.kingshighway.org

Please note: The numbers you encounter correspond with the Scripture references which are listed at the end. If you're facing a tough time right now, I pray this will encourage you. This can be viewed as a as a PDF file in your Internet Browser.

Just copy & paste this link into your browser: http://www.laughandlift.com/members/resources/ALoveLetterFromGod.pdf
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD

My Dearest, Most Beloved Child,

"I have loved you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with loving kindness to myself.' 1

Do you not know that I created your inmost being? I knit you together in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. 2 See, I have even engraved you on the palms of my hands." 3 These nail scars are for you. "Fear not", my beloved, no matter what circumstances trouble you, "for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you, do not be afraid, for I am with you." 4

"You are my servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I have promised a bruised reed I will not break and a smoldering wick I will not snuff out, so I will strengthen you and help you," my beloved, "I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 5 & 6

If you are feeling confused, overwhelmed, maybe even hopeless today, and are in need of my wisdom, "Call to me and I will answer youand tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. 7 And "I will put my law in your mind and write it on your heart." 8 "I will teach you my ways", my love, "so that you may walk in my truth." "I will give you," simply for the asking, "an undivided heart that you may fear my name." 9 "Stand at the crossroads and look, ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your soul." 10

I am calling you and saying, "Come to me, you who are weary and heavy-burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light and you will find rest for your soul." 11 Remember beloved, "I am the Lord who comforts his people and I will have compassion on my afflicted ones." 12

"Those who hope in me will not be disappointed," 13 and "I will repay you," my precious one, "for the years the locust have devoured." 14 Therefore, "be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to (ME), and the peace that only I can give, which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind." 15

And remember, "I your God am not a man that I should lie, nor a son of man that I should change my mind. Do I speak and then not act? Do I promise and then not fulfill?" 16 Even though right now my beloved, my precious child, you may see no immediate answers to your prayers and cries to me, again, remember,

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, and my covenant of peace will not be removed." 17 Trust me in this my dearest one, "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." 18 And you will keep calling to me and praying to me and I will listen to you. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you." 19 "Lean not unto your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge (ME) and I will direct your path." 20

And yes, my child, I do know the waves may seem awfully high right now, and the fire may feel unbearably hot, but "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you," just as I have always been, and "when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you", no matter what your flesh or the enemy of your soul tries to tell you. And "when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." 21 But just like the Hebrew children who were in the furnace and the cords that bound them were burned away, so will the cords that bind you be burned away "And if you hold to my teaching you truly are my disciple. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." 22

If you're in bondage to your past, to your sins and failures, or if you're bound up in un-forgiveness or bitterness to those who have hurt you, hear my word to you my beloved: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." 23

"I, even I, Jesus, am He who blots out your iniquities, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." 24 And, as I have forgiven

your sins, even so, you must also forgive those who have sinned against you. Did I not say from the cross to those who pierced me, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?"

I hung on that cross just for you my beloved. So you too must forgive. I gave my body to be tortured—just for you. I suffered—just

for you. When they beat me and ripped away my flesh from my bones, Iwas thinking of you. When they plucked out my beard and tore my face away with it, I submitted to it for you. I was stripped naked for you. Spit on for you. Insulted and humiliated for you. I let them drive nails into my wrists and when the nail hit the nerve and sent swooning pain clear to my spine, I was thinking of you.

Thinking of you, because I love you. And, when taking on all the sins of the world, including yours my child, the Father in his holiness had to turn away so that I cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" 25, I did it all for you. I was forsaken by the Father, so you wouldn't have to be. And I did it for you, because I love you!

That's why when you think of me loving you, let me remind you that, "man looks at the outward appearance, but (I, your Lord) look at your heart." 26 And though you've gone through sorrows and I have tested you, you will come forth as gold." 27

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." 28 "And I will bestow on you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You will be called an oak of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of (MY) splendor." 29

"I will keep you in perfect peace as your mind is steadfast and trusting in me. 30 I am the Lord, your Rock eternal." 31 Nothing isimpossible for me, 32 and I will provide all your needs according to my glorious riches" 33, and especially your need for love.

My child, if you will offer me your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable 34, and walk with me bearing your cross of death to self daily, 35 I will fill you with the "fruit of my Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol." 36 Then, you will be able to love me in return and love your neighbor here on earth, just as I have commanded you.

I can't wait to show you the delights of My Kingdom precious one. You have so much to look forward to. In fact, it is true, that "no eyehas seen, nor ear has heard, nor has it even entered into the heart of man, all that I have prepared for those who love me." 37

It won't be much longer now. So "be still and know that I am God." 38 And take comfort in knowing that even at this very moment I ampreparing a place just for you in my holy city. I will come again, and I will take you to be with me where I am for eternity. I will do it just as I promised, my beloved. And I will do it just because I love you.

Your loving God and Savior, JESUS

~~~~~~~~~~~

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES

1. Jeremiah 31:3 2. Psalm 139:13-14 3. Isaiah 49:16 4. Isaiah 43:1c, 43:4a, 43:5a 5. Isaiah 41:9b, 41:10 6. Jeremiah 33:3

7. Jeremiah 31:33b 8. Psalm 86:11a 9. Psalm 86:11b 10. Jeremiah 6:16a 11. Matthew 11:28-30 12. Isaiah 49:13b 13. Isaiah 49:23c

14. Joel 2:25 15. Philippians 4:6-7 16. Numbers 23:19 17. Isaiah 54:10 18. Jeremiah 29:11 19. Jeremiah 29:12-13 20. Proverbs 3:5-6

21. Isaiah 43:1b-2 22. John 8:31-3 23. Isaiah 43:18-19 24. Isaiah 43:25 25. Matthew 27:46 26. 1 Samuel 16:7b 27. Job 23:10

28. Psalm 30:5 29. Isaiah 61:3 30. Isaiah 26:3 31. Isaiah 26:4 32. Luke 1:37 33. Philippians 4:19 34. Romans 12:1 35. Luke 9:23

36. Galatians 5:22 37. 1 Corinthians 2:9 38. Psalm 46:10a

Prayers To Pray Using scripture:

Many ask for prayers to pray when they are having trouble finding words - I recommend finding a scripture related to the situation then speaking it out. Please find below a collection already prepared for you of scriptures & prayers to speak out & pray that can assist in many different areas of need:

If you have trouble printing these out write to me email: prayer@swpwarriors.com & I will send you a copy. More affirmations can be found in 'Prayer Reflections' May 2007 Archive (link to this can be found at top of page on right side. Be blessed today!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scripture Verses and Prayers:

ABUSE

Psalms 147:3 - He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.

Isaiah 40:29-31 - He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength…Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 54:14, 15 - In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.

Isaiah 61:3 - … To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted and bind their wounds. I ask you to give me strength and hope, beauty for ashes, and joy for mourning. Lord, I ask you to heal me from all past abuse and protect me from
future abuse. Help me to forgive everyone who has hurt me in any way, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADDICTIONS, SELF

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Romans 5:20 …But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more…

Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil its lusts.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess to you that I am in bondage to ____. Lord, I ask for your forgiveness and that you would cleanse me and make me right with you and renew a right spirit within me. I ask for greater strength to resist every temptation and to live righteously for you. I believe I receive that strength and freedom now, in the name of Jesus.
~~~~~~~~~
ADDICTIONS, LOVED ONES

Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

I John 5:14-15 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I John 3:8-9 … For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that there is nothing too hard for you. Thank you that Jesus was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil. Heavenly Father, I ask you to set _______free from every bondage and addiction, in the name of Jesus. Lord, put a desire in their heart for righteousness. Thank you for answering my prayer, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~
BACKSLIDDEN

Jeremiah 3:22 … I will heal your backslidings.

John 14:15-16 If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Word says that if we confess our sins, you will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Lord, I ask you to cleanse ______ /or me from all sin in my life. Put right desires in my heart; restore my sensitivity to sin as You see it. Lord, help me/or ________to hunger and thirst after righteousness, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~~
DEATH OF A LOVED ONE

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

II Corinthians 1:3,4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort , who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Psalms 147:3 He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that you promise comfort to those who mourn. Heavenly Father, we know that you are the God of all comfort. Lord, we ask you to comfort _________and fill them with your peace. Give them the strength they need in this difficult time. We pray that you would surround them with your love. Heal their brokenness and bind their wounds, in Jesus name.
~~~~~
DEMONIC ACTIVITY

I John 3:8 … For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Luke 10:19 … I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

II Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ…

John 8:36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. Thank you, Lord, that you always cause us to triumph and overcome. In the name of Jesus, I resist every work of the enemy and command the enemy to leave every situation in my life. I declare that I am free of every evil work by the blood of Jesus. Heavenly Father, I pray that your will and peace would be established in this situation, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~
DEPRESSION

Isaiah 61:3: …To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…

Psalms 145:14 The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.

Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

John 10:10 … I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you lift up those who are bowed down. Lord, I ask that you would lift me up and heal my brokenness. Give me beauty, joy, and praise instead of depression and heaviness. I resist depression, and I thank you for restoring my spirit and showing me how I can obtain that abundant life you have promised, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~
FAMILY PROBLEMS

Psalms 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

Isaiah 32:17-18 … And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places…

Deuteronomy 26:11 So you shall rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given to you and your house…

Prayer: Heavenly Father, by faith we declare Jesus is Lord of this family and no weapon formed against them shall prosper. We come against all strife, discord, division, unforgiveness, anger or ill will, in the name of Jesus. We invite the power of the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. Thank you for establishing peace, harmony and unity into this family. Thank you for showing them how to love one another, as you have loved them, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~
FEAR

II Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 13:6 …The LORD is my helper; I will not fear...

I John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

John 14:27-28 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of love and power and a sound mind. Lord, I know that fear is not from you. You are the author of peace. I ask you to fill me with your peace. I resist all fear in the name of Jesus. Thank you that I have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~
FINANCES/PROVISION

Matthew 7:7-9 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Psalms 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Luke 12:29-31 … Do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind…your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you say we can come boldly before you to ask for grace and mercy in time of need. You say that whoever asks, receives. Lord, I ask for grace and mercy and that you would meet this financial need, in the name of Jesus. Lord, I ask that you would teach me to prosper, help me to seek your kingdom and receive everything I need, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~
GENERATIONAL CURSES

Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree") …

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

2 Corinthians 5:19 … God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them…

Jeremiah 31:34 … For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus has redeemed us from the curse. Thank you that you have forgiven my sins and do not count them against me. I accept your forgiveness and acknowledge that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away my sin and the sin of my family. I thank you that every generational curse is broken in my family, in the name of Jesus.
~~~~~~~~~
BIBLE VERSES FOR HEALING

Jeremiah 32:17 'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

1 Peter 2:24-25 … Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Psalms 107:20 He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus bore our grief, our sufferings and our sorrows, and that His wounds have healed ours. We know that nothing is too hard for you. Heavenly Father, we are praying and believing now for the complete healing and restoration of ___________. Thank you Lord that you sent your Word and healed them, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~
JOB PROBLEMS

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…

Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalms 55:18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me…

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Word says you are not the author of confusion but of peace. You say we can cast our cares on you and you will sustain us. Lord, I cast this difficult work situation on you and ask that you would create peace and harmony in this matter. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for working all things together for my good, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~
MARITAL PROBLEMS

Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?

Psalms 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labour in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing will be impossible.

Isaiah 32:17-18 The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places…

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you that you there is nothing too hard for you, and all things are possible to those who believe. In the name of Jesus, we are praying and believing for reconciliation and peace in the marriage of ________. We thank you, Lord, for establishing peace, harmony, and unity in this marriage. We declare _______ and ___________are of one mind, one accord, and one flesh. We ask that you would bless this marriage and show them how to love one another, in Jesus' name..
~~~~~~~~~
SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Psalms 5:12 For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favour You will surround him as with a shield.

James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…

Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Word says that whatsoever things that we pray for if we believe we shall receive them, we will have them in the name of Jesus. Father, I ask you now to set aside a fulfilling job for me and one that will meet my financial needs. I thank you for directing me to the right place and giving me wisdom and favour. Even though I don't see this job now, by faith I am believing it will come, in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~~~~
SALVATION FOR A SPOUSE

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

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

Galatians 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you say whatsoever things that we pray for, if we believe we receive, we shall have it, in the name of Jesus. Heavenly Father, We know it is Your desire is for all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. Lord, I am believing now for the salvation of my spouse. I ask that you bring them to knowledge of the truth. Lord, show me how to love them as I wait. I pray this in Jesus' name.
~~~~~~
WISDOM AND GUIDANCE

James 1:5-6 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
John 10:27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD…

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Prayer: Lord, you say if we lack knowledge, we can ask and you will give it to us freely. I ask for your wisdom and guidance in my life. I ask that you would reveal your will to me and help me to hear your voice and guide me in the right direction. Thank you for ordering my steps and making them sure, in Jesus' name.

Source: Clear Vision Bible Studies (CVBS) Website: http://www.clearvisionbiblestudies.com/index.html The CVBS website is a project of Berith Bible Ministries Inc. founded in 1986, an independent non-profit organization. The CVBS website is a place for Christian resources and many pages of FREE content to use personally and in your ministry.

No Separation from God's Love!

Reflection Jewel:

For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below --- there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 TEV)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Deep Waters

I wasn't much more than a half pint kid, certainly I wasn't a teen yet. To the best of my recollection, it seems to me that there were three of us, my father, his friend and me. We were out fishing from a boat. That was a rare treat because mostly we fished from the shore.

I don't remember the location, other than someplace in British Columbia, Canada. We were likely fishing for trout but I don't remember if we caught anything or not.

What I do remember is that the lake was deep. The water was clear and it dropped off sharply right from the shoreline. As I recall, someone said it was over 400 feet deep. It was either an old flooded mine or a crater lake formed from a dormant volcano.

The idea of water of that depth was both terrifying and fascinating. I couldn't comprehend lakes that deep (here in Alberta 30 feet is deep water).

The lake came to mind the other morning as I was reading Scripture.

The Psalmist cries out - Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

God's love is available no matter where we may hide. Four hundred feet was an incomprehensible to me as a child yet God's love could have found me there. As an adult I know that even the deepest of oceans or the furthest reaches of space are not to far for God.

God's love is larger, more powerful and farther reaching than anything we can imagine. The only way to avoid it is to choose to stay away from it, to reject it.

As a believer when I face time's of struggle I take great comfort in what the Word teaches about the depths of God's love.

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

When we belong to Him, nothing can pull us away from His love.

John 10:27-30 NIV
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

In the hour of our greatest need when every help seems gone, when hope seems nothing more than an empty promise and we wonder if anyone is hearing our prayers we can take heart.

No matter where we wander, no matter what we have done, if we will simply cry out to Him, He is there. In the darkness of the depths we may not understand His plans but we can take comfort in His love. Grab hold of Him with all you have and know that He will never let you go.

Used with permission: Kevin Cobin (c) 2001-2009 Gleanings From The Word Ministries International

The Meaning of Peace

Reflection Jewels:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there by any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." Philippians 4:8, 9

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. (John 14:27)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Waves

One moment you have shortage. . . The next you have excess. . .

One day you have nothing to do. . . The next you don't have time to get it all done. . .

One day the refrigerator is empty and you are hungry. . . The next you have a half eaten meal in front of you and you are stuffed. . .

One month you've got money to spare and you wonder what to buy .. The next you've got a bounced check. . .

One moment you are full of energy and can't go to sleep. . . The next you are drained and can't get up. . .

One day you are the center of attention. . . The next you wonder if anyone knows you are alive. . .

It's the waves of life. They carry us up and down and all around.

Money, friends, your body, your relationships, your job, and the rest of the list, they all vary. They all go in waves.

It took me a while to really understand the statement, "The Kingdom of Heaven is Within."

No commercial can show you that. Commercials make you believe it's in the jazzy new car or the big screen TV.

Yes, those things can thrill you for a moment, but it's only a wave. After a little while, the thrill is gone.
I have always recognized that if money and things brought happiness, then all rich people with things would be happy.

It ain't so. We easily see how poverty can cause unhappiness, but we are deluded into believing that money solves all things.

Life is full of stuff. I wouldn't trade my life with anyone, it's one of the most blessed that I know, but it's still full of stuff. One thing after another, one challenge after another, one situation after another, day by day, never-ending . . .

It's the waves and there is no stopping them from the outside.

You can only calm the inside, so that like a submarine, you ride deep beneath the waves.

Though a storm is raging, you are at peace.

Most are tossed and turned by waves. Some like the sub, ride deep beneath the daily storms in peace.

Some simply surf the waves and have a lot of fun. Some drown.

You can't stop the waves; it's the nature of the ocean of life.

You can only choose which method you will use to handle them.

You can be tossed like most. You can drown like many.

You can surf and have fun while you can, but even a surfer gets tired and there's nowhere to sleep on a surfboard.

To ride comfortably beneath the waves requires a ship containing breath that is not our own.

That ship. . .. . . is not crowded. Peace - Be Still

Source: "from MountainWings.com"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Meaning of Peace - (Author Unknown)

There was once a king who offered a prize to the artist who could paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried.The king looked at all the pictures, but there were only two that he really liked, and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for the peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The second picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest....
a perfect picture of peace.

Which of the pictures won the prize? The king chose the second picture. Do you know why?

"Because," explained the king, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.

Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reflection Jewels:

* Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (Jer 33:3 NKJV)

* For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16, 17

* But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil 2:7, 8 KJV

* For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor 5:21 KJV

* And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)

Who Is Jesus

Reflective Thought:

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:13-16 NIV

Do you know Jesus? -

What would you say if someone asked you "Who is Jesus?" Are you prepared to give an answer?

It is important to know our own testimony of what Jesus has done & be able share the basics of the path to salvation.

How do we do that? We start by reading our Bible & meditating upon God's word - spending time waiting upon Him & listening.

Please note there is a new Christian website set up called http://www.whosjesus.com/

Please when you have time to spare go to this site & browse reflectively - there is a small booklet, videos & many testimonies. May you truly be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have

Promise For Those Who Wait Upon Abba

Reflection Jewel:

"He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:29-31
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Times & Seasons

Jewels to Meditate Upon:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

2 A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

3 A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;

4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

6 A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

7 A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

8 A time to love, And a time to hate;
A time of war, And a time of peace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I would like to share a beautiful presentation with you on Ecclesiastes 3 recommended by Chris Long. The Canadian Bible Society put the lovely Scripture of the 3rd Chapter to Pachelbel's Canon in the accompanying video...and in so doing really nailed the poetry of The Book. When God's Word is offered in this format, you just can't help but sit back and let it REACH INTO YOUR SOUL. This blessed me and my guess is it will really bless you too.

Just click the below link to watch or copy link & paste in your browser - MAKE SURE you have your sound turned on! Enjoy!

http://www.biblesociety.ca/free_scriptures/escriptures/ecclesiastes3/ecclesiastes3.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Bible - Fiction or Fact?

The Bible - Fiction or Fact? Selwyn Stevens,

What is the Bible? Is it really the written Word of God? First we will look at what this book is and how it came about. The Bible is a collection of 66 separate books which together make a unique and powerful book. The word Bible comes from the Greek 'biblia' which simply means 'books.' The Bible is usually called "The Holy Bible". Holy means to be 'set apart by God.' So The Holy Bible is the Word of God; it does not merely contain the words of God. It is different from all other religious books because God, through the Bible, enjoys letting people know about Himself. The unique design of the Bible is one of the best proofs of its divine inspiration. Many different men at different times wrote their part of this book, without any contradictions. This can only be explained by the Master Author's guiding hand. .

Divine Inspiration

According to 2 Timothy 3:16, all Scripture is equally inspired. The N.I.V. says "All Scripture is God-breathed...". This refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in His creative capacity. We do not know the actual 'How' of inspiration, but Christians believe that each writer had liberty to use his own personality, education and experience within certain limits. Paul's educated and logical mind is evident in books such as Romans and Galatians. The Holy Spirit watched over every thought, phrase and word to preserve accuracy.

The Test for Approval

Writings which were regarded as divinely inspired were accepted only when the writer was proven to be a True Prophet of God. That means no false prophecies had been spoken by him. This is quite different from unfulfilled prophecies.

The Old Testament

This was completed by 400 BC. The translation into Greek was done by 70 learned Scholars from Alexandria. This was known as the "Version of the Seventy" or the "Septuagint". It was in common use during the time of Christ and the Apostles, and was frequently quoted in the New Testament. The other main version of the Old Testament is called the "Masoretic Text".

How Did The New Testament Come About?

The New Testament completes the true written Word of God for all people and for all time. This means that the Bible is the standard by which we must judge all teaching, doctrine and belief. The Old and New Testaments together are sometimes referred to as the 'Canon,' which means 'standard.' Irenaeus of Lyons, an Elder of the early church, said in 180 AD, "The Scriptures are perfect, in as much as they were uttered by the Word of God, and His Spirit." (note; Jesus was often referred to as 'The Word of God,' see John 1:1).

Along with many others Irenaeus used both Old and New Testaments as 'Scripture' without distinction. The early Church held a number of councils to make decisions on which were divinely inspired writings that could be commended to the growing church. Most New Testament books received official recognition within 100 years of being written. The last few were confirmed at the Council held in Carthage in 393 AD. Each was accepted because of its unmistakeable authority and inspiration. It is both reasonable and fair to suppose that He who inspired the New Testament writers also participated in the formation of it. We may confidently believe that we have in our hands the Word of God, complete and undiluted.

Some of the New Testament books were written to individuals, some to churches or groups of churches. Their self-evident authority and value caused them to be copied and recopied for an ever-widening public. By the year 90 AD many churches had copies of Paul's letters, and by the early second century they had all four Gospels as well.

What Does The Bible Say About Itself?

The writers of the Bible insisted over 3,000 times that their words were the Word of God. The words of Jesus plainly show that many of His arguments and teachings were based on quotations from almost every Old Testament book. As I have studied what the Bible says about itself, a very clear message is evident. It is best summed up in this passage; "Do not add to what I command you, and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you," (Deuteronomy 4:2 NIV). Nowhere does any Scripture even hint at disagreeing or disputing with any other part. This theme goes right through to the end of Revelation, where there is a warning that those who add to the Bible will bring upon themselves all the plagues and curses written in the Bible, and those who subtract from it will find themselves removed from the 'Book of Life' (God's record of those who are saved), and they will miss out on all of the Bible's promised blessings.

Numerous Old Testament writers spoke of the Lord touching their tongue and putting His words in their mouths to speak to the people, for example 2 Samuel 23:2, and Jeremiah 1:9. Many of the Psalms of David and others spoke of the Words of the Lord being pure words which He would preserve for all generations. "The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever," (Isaiah 40:8).

What Is The Scripture For?

Jesus, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, said during the Temptation: "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God," (Matthew 4:4).

Later on in Matthew 24:35, Jesus said very specifically that heaven and earth would pass away, but "My words will by no means pass away." That is a statement indicating His Deity, for He is clearly stating that His word is the Word of God.

The writers of the New Testament tended to explain more than the Old Testament writers what Scripture was for. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:16). "For the Word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," (Hebrews 4:12). "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (or origin), for prophecy never came by the will of man but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit," (2 Peter 1:20,21).

I was interested to come across one Scripture which I hadn't noticed before, which says that the Scriptures will be the standard of judgement on the last day. "He who rejects me and does not receive my words has that which judges him, the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day," (John 12:48).

What About The Many Versions?

There are many versions or translations available, to suit every level of understanding and education. Since the major revisions of the Bible in the 1880's, over 100 new versions have become available. There have been several good reasons why new versions have been needed. One of the most important has been the changing use of words. Some of the versions available, such as the 'Good News' and the 'Living Bible,' are not actual translations but paraphrases. The intent is not to stay with the original meanings of words, but to use word pictures to get the same message across. This has especially benefited those for whom English is a second language.

God Can't Be Limited to One Version!

In summarising the issues involved in the multitude of versions and translations, I would say this; God can never be limited. Even a mis-translation of a version can still be used by God to touch people and to convict them of their sin and to show them their need of a Saviour. There is no evidence that shows God hid His true word for 1800 years and has only allowed this to be found in the past few decades. God's Word is eternal, and no man or government will thwart God's purposes. There used to be a bumper sticker around in the early 1980's which read "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it." It would be more accurate to read "God said it, and that settles it, whether I believe it or not."

Measuring Revelations by The Bible

God may speak to His believing people through prophetic words, visions, dreams and other revelations: but God speaks to all His people most surely through the Bible. All forms of revelation should be weighed against the Bible. These should be put aside if they don't measure up with the Scripture. Our leading for guidance and direction is best summed up by "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things: hold fast to what is good," (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).

So the Scripture - the written Word of God - is the supreme standard by which everything else should be judged and tested.

The Bible Explains "Why!"

Science may have answers to many questions, but that does not make the Bible irrelevant. Scientific explanations answer questions such as 'How?' But the ultimate question is 'Why?' and science cannot answer that. Science has many unproven theories which may differ from Scripture, but the God who created our world also wrote His Word truthfully. Many historical facts recorded in the Bible are now beginning to be proved by new finds in archeology etc.

There are those who teach that the church (or at least their denomination) is the final authority on matters of doctrine and life. All I can say is that the Word of God is infallible and trustworthy, and it is older and more accurate than any denominational church. The Bible is completely reliable and worthy of our reading, believing and obeying.

The Bible is not an idol. The Christian's only desire is to worship and glorify the Lord the Bible reveals. The key to understanding the Bible is Jesus Christ. The unbeliever has difficulty understanding the Bible, and may remain untouched by its message of life and salvation.

The Christian believer accepts the supernatural character of Scripture - it is self-evident. We meet God through its pages, and find pardon, new life and the assurance of eternal salvation. God's Word is true, and "...a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," (Psalm 119:105).

If you have never read the Bible, you may not be aware that God wants to speak to you through its pages. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Your Life is Jesus to Someone

Your Life is Jesus to Someone (Author Unknown)

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." - John 13:35

YOUR LIFE is Jesus to someone,
though tattered and torn it may be.
Though often times weak and unstable,
you're all of God someone will see.

YOUR TONGUE is Jesus to someone.
That idle, insensitive word
reflects to at least one searching heart
an idle, insensitive Lord.

YOUR GOALS are Jesus to someone.
What you put first, they believe,
are the goals of God for the Christian.
Your life is all they receive.

YOUR FAITHFULNESS... that's Jesus to someone.
Their judgment of how God is true,
rests unquestionably in the faithfulness
they see day by day in you.

YOUR LOVE is Jesus to someone --
that someone who is seeking to know
that Jesus will follow and guide and
befriend wherever in life they might go.

SO BEWARE lest others blaspheme God
by what you say or do,
for the only Jesus that someone may see
is the Jesus they see in you.

Reflective Thought

"A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching." - C.H. Spurgeon

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;" - Ephesians 4:1-2

Soundness of Speech

Jewels to Meditate Upon:

"A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." Prov 12:16

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Prov15:1NIV)

"A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." (Prov15:1NLT)

"A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire." (The Message)

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield" (Psalm 33:18-20).

"I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles" (Psalm 34: 4, 6).

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reflective Thoughts:

If you feel you have no faults......there's another one. ... If you don't learn from your mistakes, there's no sense making them."

"Isn't it staggering when you think that one sermon on the day of Pentecost produced 3000 people? And we had some cities yesterday where 3000 sermons were preached and nobody was saved. And it doesn't even faze us." -Leonard Ravenhill
~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Gentle Answer (by Kerry S. Doyal)

A Fool-Proven Recipe for Caustic Relationships:

Take one cauldron of an angry person, Stir thoroughly with your own harsh responses, Yields scalding spillage, burns and pain.

As Proverbs 15:1 instructs:

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (NIV)

When we encounter hotheads: Miss Miffed Molly & Ticked off Tommy, our response can change or charge the tone & interaction. We can add fuel by striking back, showing them who's all that. Or we defuse the ticking timebomb by wise, gentle replies."

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare." (NLT)

How to keep an argument going:-

Don't ignore that comment said in anger - Forget forgiving; fire back - zing 'em good

Such is a scorched earth approach to relationships. You can watch the damaging flames of relational furry set in. Smart - real smart.

Or - Plan B - as in "Best":-

Absorb the cheap shot, the hurtful dig, the rude question - Swallow your pride & tongue as you pray for grace. - Speak peace, answer with gentleness, calmly, if at all

"A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire." (The Message)

Prayer: "Lord, as you shut the mouths of the lions & protected Daniel, protect others by helping me keep mine shut. And, as you opened the tomb to bring life, may my open mouth bring healing and life to others in Jesus' name."

More Meaningful Mouth Musings from Prov. 15:

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don't Retaliate - Show Underserved Respect!

Prov 12:14 “ From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him”

Most people that work hard realize that hard work not only feels good but also brings reward. Today's Fresh Manna verse says "From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him." It's saying that the work of learning to speak right words with a right heart and attitude is just as important as working hard with your hands or mind. The strenuous labor of speaking right and appropriate words when your emotions don't feel like it or when you just want to spew, promises great reward.

Prov 12:16 says, "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult."

Did you catch that?

The insult was hurled but the prudent man overlooked it. This person is looking much further than the annoyance. This person is looking through God's eyes of love at the big picture of life. They aren't letting themselves be controlled by the emotional stimulus of the moment. Love, forgiveness, godly perspective, and doing what is right are the core values of someone who keeps themselves in check. This person understands the power of giving respect to the one that doesn't deserve it and consequently, won't retaliate with insults. This person has learned let their words and response be respectful and represent God.

We grow in learning how to speak the truth in love. We learn to hold our emotions in check and keep a respectful attitude. We can't afford to forget that godly communication carries a learning curve. It's a process and takes hard work.

The joy is in knowing that in time, having respect for all people despite what they deserve becomes an instinctive part of your character over time and brings favor and blessing to your life.

Don't be impatience with your lack of success in your efforts to have respect for others. Don't forfeit the process and your efforts. Continue working at it till you get it down. And, don't lose sight of the reward and benefit of learning to speak the truth in love. It is one of the greatest aspects of maturity and will lead you to greater blessing, promotion, and harmony than you could have ever imagined.

Oh yes and one last benefit. You glorify God and influence others with your pattern of good behavior and godly speech!

As Titus 2:7-8 says, "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

Used with permission: Pastor Tim Burt - Fresh Manna for Tuesday, June 2, 2009 http://www.freshmanna.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reflection Garden

Jewels to Meditate Upon:

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:12

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Philippians 3:10-12
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Intimacy with God

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

The word beforehand refers to before the foundation of the world. What the apostle Paul is saying in this verse is that before we were ever born, God prepared good works for us to walk in them. God decided that we would be doing certain things.

Listen to that same verse from the Knox Translation, We are His design. God has created us in Christ Jesus, pledged to such good actions as He has prepared beforehand to be the employment of our lives. I like that.

Paraphrased, "You were designed with a unique purpose, and that is what you should be doing with your life."

In Philippians 3:12, Paul also states, Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

The phrase "I press on" literally means "I pursue." What is it that Paul states he is pursuing?

He is pursuing his purpose.

On that Damascus road, Jesus laid hold of Saul of Tarsus, and He did it for a reason. There was a purpose involved. From the day that Jesus Christ laid hold of him, Paul's life became a progressive search to lay hold of the answer to the question, "God, why have You laid hold of me? What is my purpose?"

My point? You have a God-designed purpose in life!

Paul, in Philippians 3:10-12, gives us the other principle for discovering your purpose,

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Paul said, "I am pursuing my purpose," but it was a purpose based on knowing God.

Look at what he said in verse 10, That I may know Him.

The understanding of his purpose came out of that primary desire and pursuit of knowing God Himself and living in intimacy with Him.

Perhaps the most important thing you could do in your life right now is to just lock yourself away, grab your Bible, and go sit at the beach. Find that place of communion with God.

As you get to know Him, you will also discover your own heart and the dreams and desires that God put within you.

They are there. They may be covered with debris, they may be covered with dust, but they are there. You can find out what they are if you will develop that intimate relationship with God.
It is in closeness with God that His breath blows the dust off undiscerned and unrecognized purposes and dreams.

Source: By Bayless Conley - From Answers For Each Day - May 2009 http://www.answersbc.org/
~~~~~~~~~~
Reflective Thought: God is speaking today - can you hear what He is saying? Our daily bread is the Word of God - we cannot live off yesterday's manna. ..... The key to hearing the voice of God is learning to saturate and immerse ourselves in the presence of God. When we come into His presence, the rest simply happens. (Ivan Roman)

One of my favourite past times is to go to the local bush, park or beach for a walk with my family - whilst they take off on more strenuous parts of the walk I like to sit on a bench, rock or low wall & meditate on a scripture or quietly pray till they return. These moments are very precious & many a time I have had the company of birds, butterflies & some occasion’s kangaroos.

Below is a link to a beautiful & enjoyable idea 'Prayer Garden' that I came across recently - It would be enjoyed especially by those who are not so fortunate to go outside & for those who would like to spend some time in prayer & reflective thought on God's word. .

I suggest you do not rush as each page has something to click on! Be patient - take each step slowly & spend reflective time in prayer & reading scriptures:

1. Click on the link below (after point 8) when page opens read welcome message & quietly prepare heart for prayer & praise then enter the 'Prayer Garden' & enjoy!

2. Click on sign on gate & read direction & if able start singing & praising!

3. Click on key & drag to lock on gate - Unlock the door with the key - gate will swing open - Click on the little Lighting-bug and follow instructions.

4. When you get to the fountain click on each stone ... pray & reflect!

5. Click on cross read message & pray then follow Lighting-bug pause & reflect & click on each stick

6. Click on the lighting bug to continue to the Table - click on each scroll reflect & pray - then return to table

7. Click on Lighting-bug to continue to 'Journal' click on Key & burning pot reflect & pray!

8. Click on journal on bench before leaving or returning to fountain Enjoy!

Link below for Prayer for the Nations - Prayer Garden:
Click Here: - Prayer Garden

If link above does not work (cut & paste this link in your browser) go direct to http://www.theprayergarden.com/flash.htm

Skipping & Tripping

Jewels to Meditate Upon:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NAS

I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).
~~~~~~
That Skip-Over Verse - by Laura MacCorkle

Today's verse is one that I like to skip over in my Bible, even though it's highlighted. And underlined. And on a page that's dog-eared.You see, whenever I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,

I can't help but think: Really? Be joyful ALWAYS? And how am I supposed to pray CONTINUALLY? And give thanks in ALL circumstances? Who can do all of THAT?

I'm sure you probably have a verse or two that you really don't like to read or mull over either. But, conveniently, God has ordained it so that I've had many opportunities to put my skip-over verse into action just this past week ...

When I said "hello ... how are you doing?" in passing to an acquaintance and was greeted with a cold "hello" and a sharp "I'm fine" in response. Ouch. Where's the joy here? What did I do to deserve that kind of treatment? Why doesn't this person like me?

When funny, but certainly unkind, words flew out of my mouth at the expense of someone else and his feelings. Why, oh WHY, did I do that just so I could make fun of them? And feel better about myself? Obviously, I was not praying while saying.

When a friend's van, in which she had just pumped a couple thousand dollars for repairs a few weeks earlier was pronounced "dead" by mechanics. How could anyone be joyful in this type of circumstance? I want to greet these mechanics with a "holy punch" on her behalf. Argh!

When people are difficult just to be difficult and disagree with every factoid or opinion you might share. You say black. They say white. You say grey. They say plaid. Ugh! Am I supposed to be thankful for this? Isn't there some other way I can learn humility? 'Cause I'd be ever so grateful if it was a different circumstance, Lord.

What also stands out to me about 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, is that each thought gets its own verse. I think that this week is the first time that has registered with me. It's almost as if Paul wanted to give specific emphasis to each way of living:

Be joyful always - Pray continually - Give thanks in all circumstances

These three directives were part of the "Final Instructions" section in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. He was reminding the church in Thessalonica of how God's people are to live and how our attitudes should not be affected by (or a result of) our circumstances.

This is a hard pill to swallow, folks. At least for me it is. Sure, it's easy to be joyful, praying continually and giving thanks in all things when life is going great, when everyone is your best friend and when the blessings (usually material) are just raining on down.

But what about when you've had a week like I just did? How are you supposed to live like this?

I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).That's the key.

God, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, is the one who powers me and helps me to live in this way. And this is the kind of living that God wants for his children. It is his will for us, not our own. And it is that which is pleasing to him.

Please don't skip over 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 like I have a habit of doing.

Let it cause you to pause and take some time to assess your current attitude. What is it-or who is it-that's got you not joyful, not praying and not giving thanks?

Ask the Lord to soften your heart and change your attitude. He doesn't want to skip over you. And if you are willing, through YOU he can work wonders!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God's Will: So Simple it's Hard by Shawn McEvoy

"God's will for my life"... how often have you pondered that notion? Studied it? Read untold books about it? Know people who torture themselves trying to locate it?

Well, here we have an obvious chunk of it, even compact and useful just as we like things to be, tucked away at the close of Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica.

"This is God's will for you...," it says.

Well, yes, it says that, and it sure is pretty - almost poetic - but is it deep enough? Shouldn't there be more? Is it practical?

Okay. Then let's go Old Testament. Prophetic. Action-oriented. Micah 6:8 says, "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

It's still simple, still bunched in a group of three, still indicating that there's no big mystery way far out there which must be solved before we know how to act or decide, or how God wants us to act or decide. So why do we seek for more?

I think it's because the ridiculously simple, paradoxically enough, is ridiculously hard, and we know it.

G.K. Chesterton famously said, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried."

We could spend a lot of time discussing the ins-and-outs of how easy or hard God's will is, and where else in His Word we can find snippets of it. One woman from my Bible fellowship class is fond of asking during our lessons, "What does that look like?"

Let's ponder on that for a minute here.

The situation is this: you've been sent on a missionary journey via a clear calling from God. The resources were there, the people willing. You are leading your group through a city when you encounter a psychic who keeps taunting you. After a while, through calling on the name of Jesus you cast out the evil spirit within her. Hooray! Score one for the Lord, and your group! But alas, there is no praise here, because those who had been making some cash off the now-set-free woman's powers aren't happy with you. They drag your group before local law enforcement, have you beaten, and thrown into prison.

Hey now! At this point, I am saying, "God, this is NOT your will. YOU made it very clear we were to come on this trip, and we even did a miracle for you! Now we're injured, in jail... I don't even know how I'm going to get home much less continue to be effective for you from here! I want a telephone, I want a lawyer, and I want you to reveal your ACTUAL will, right now, and suffer no more discomfort while doing what you sent us to do!"And with that, my missionary journey would come to a close.

But not the Apostle Paul's, not as we have it recorded in Acts 16:16-40, which is one of my all-time favourite passages.

Paul, who knew God's will better than I, and practiced it, knew to "rejoice always."

And so, bloodied and with his feet in stocks, he sings. Seriously, he sings hymns of praise.

He also knew to "pray without ceasing," and so, in verse 25, that's exactly what you find - Paul and Silas praying... at midnight, even.

The missionaries on this journey got out of God's way by doing the simple things that God had willed for them to do, so that God was free to let fly with His own big, complex, miraculous will for everyone else. An earthquake shakes open the prison, snapping chains in the process. Prisoners, however, stay where they are. A jailer, about to kill himself, holds his sword, and moments later accepts Jesus into his heart. Then his family joins the flock, all because those he had persecuted chose to "love kindness."

At every step of the journey, Paul, Silas, and their companions chose to walk humbly, give thanks, and do what was just (speaking of which, once officially released, Paul did have some words of justice regarding their citizenship and treatment for the magistrates).

It's absolutely amazing to me the ways that God plans to accomplish His Will (big "W") on earth.

His will in my life has already been decided. It is my job to walk humbly, get out of the way, always be in prayer, always rejoicing no matter what situation I'm in.

But how often do we come back to the same situation, sitting in my car, simple traffic jam, me needing to be somewhere, telling God, "Did you not ordain that I should do such and such today? Or get this amount of work done so I can spend this amount of time with my family? Then this is on you unless you make such-and-such happen now!"

Sigh... how many miracles have I missed?

No, God's will for my life isn't difficult to know. It's just frustratingly hard to do if self is at the centre. And that's the crux of the very question itself, "What is God's will for MY life?"

Perhaps when we get out of the way, we shall see better.

How long will it take to learn the lesson that even if I know I am doing God's will it doesn't mean everything will appear to go smoothly along the way?

That there are purposes I either don't know or am unwilling to consider could be a part of inconvenience?

If you're like me, start learning today by making note of every story in the Bible that suffers a delay, interruption, inconvenience or other problem before the payoff.

(Hint: start with guys like Joseph, and Abraham...)

Source: Laura MacCorkle & Shawn McEvoy Senior Editors Crosswalk - May 5, 2009 Crosswalk Faith Update http://www.crosswalkmail.com/
~~~~
Reflective Thought: Jesus said, "People ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18: I).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~