Return to Laughter, Return to Joy!

five women laughing

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dreamed,

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

 our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

 “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

 and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow with tears

 will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow,

Will return with songs of joy,

 carrying sheaves with them.”

Psalm 126

“The Heart”

green wooden board with heart hole

“God is far less interested in our activities and accomplishments as He is in knowing the character of our being,” -TLV

“For the Lord sees not as man sees… the Lord looks on the heart.”

-1 Samuel 16:7

“Moment By Moment”

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“Moment by moment I’m kept in His love… Moment by moment I’ve life from above.”

-Andrew Murray, “Absolute Surrender”

We Praise Your Glorious Name!

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“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,

for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.

Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;

You are exalted as head over all.

Wealth and honor come from You;
You are the ruler of all things.
In Your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.

Now, our God, we give You thanks,
and praise Your glorious name.”

1 Chronicles 29:11-13

The God Of All My Days

body of water during dawn

“I came to You with my heart in pieces

And found a God with healing in His hands

I turn to You, leave everything behind me

And found the God that makes all things new

I look to You, drowning in my questions

And found the God who holds all wisdom

I trusted You, I stepped out on the ocean

You calm my hand among the waves

‘Cause You’re the God of all my days

Each step I take You made a way

And I will give You all my praise

My seasons change, You stay the same

You’re the God of all my days

In my worry, God You are my stillness.

In my searching, God You are the answer.
In my blindness, God You are my vision
In my bondage, God You are my freedom
In  my weakness, God You are my power
You’re the God of all my days.
Each step I take, You’ve made a way
And I will give You all my praise
My seasons change, You stay the same
You’re the God of all my days.”
 – from “God of All My Days” by Casting Crowns
Lyrics- John Mark Hall and Jason Ingram

“O The Deep Deep Love of Jesus”

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 Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me
Underneath me, all around me
Is the current of Your love
Leading onward, leading homeward
To your glorious rest above…
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus
‘Tis Heaven of Heavens to me
And it lifts me up to glory
For it lifts me up to Thee
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus
Spread His praise from shore to shore
How He loves us, ever loves us,
Changes never, nevermore
 Song By Audrey Assad

“A New Day!”

If life seems at its lowest ebb, because a day’s gone wrong,

Let not your heart be troubled, for a new day soon will dawn.

And we can never be quite sure, just what it has in store,

Since each one is so different, than the one just gone before.

As it penetrates the darkness, with its soft and tranquil beams,

It calms even the most restless soul, and brings new hopes and dreams.

So when a day’s been troubled, and the night is dark and long,

Lift up your fallen spirits, for a new day soon will dawn.

-Anonymous

“Our God, Maker of Heaven and Earth”

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“O God, Our Help in ages past,

Our Hope for years to come.

Our Shelter from the stormy blast,

And our Eternal Home!

Under the shadow of Thy throne

Still may we dwell secure

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood

Or earth received its frame,

From everlasting Thou art God,

To endless years the same.

O God, our Help in ages past,

Our Hope for years to come,

Be Thou our Guide while life shall last,

And our Eternal Home.”

From Hymn – “O God Our Help In Ages Past” – By Isaac Watts

“Be Not Conformed to This World…”

Should Believers in Christ Do Yoga?

“…Come out from among them and be separate, says ADONAI. Touch no unclean thing. Then I will take you in. I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says ADONAI- Tzva’ot.”

– 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Click Below

Should Christians Do Yoga?

ALSO: https://biblereasons.com/yoga/

“If you died with Messiah to the basic principles of the world, why – as though living in the world – do you subject yourselves to their rules? Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”

Colossians 2:20-21

The Peace of God

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“God, who loves peace, makes peace, and breathes peace, will be with us.”

“If the God of peace be with us, we shall enjoy the peace of God, which passes all understanding, even though outward circumstances should threaten to disturb.”

– Charles Spurgeon, “Faith’s Checkbook”

“You will keep in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

-Isaiah 26:3 TLV

Living Your “Blessed Life” Now

“I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly!” – John 10:10 TLV

 

For Believers, “living  your best life now” is not found in this world or it’s ways. Our best life is yet to come for an eternity of days. But we can absolutely and most assuredly live our “blessed life” right now!

Jesus said,

“I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly!” – John 10:10 TLV

This is the blessed life, the abundant life, the “I get to walk with Jesus everyday and experience His love and goodness!” life.

Praise God!

Psalms 23:6 says,

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,(that’s now!)

and I will dwell in the House of the LORD forever!(that’s for eternity!)

So with that,

We can happily say, with peace and assurance, “I’m living my blessed life now!”

“Wait on the Lord…”

black and yellow analog clock

“Wait! Wait!

Let your waiting be on the Lord! He is worth waiting for.

He never disappoints the waiting soul.

While waiting, keep up your spirits.

Expect a great deliverance, and be ready to praise God for it.

“He shall strengthen your heart”

– Charles Spurgeon

“Wait on the LORD; and be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart;

wait, I say, on the LORD.”

– Psalm 27:14

Seasons Change

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“The seasons change and you change, but the LORD abides evermore the same,

and the streams of His love are as deep, as broad, and as full as ever.”

– Charles Spurgeon

“If You Love Me”

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Jesus said: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

– John 14:15 TLV

“There will be no peace in any soul until it is willing to obey the voice of God.”

– D.L. Moody

The Heart of Worship

“I will seek You in the morning. In the morning ADONAI, You will hear my voice…” (See Genesis 19:27)

I’m coming back to the heart of worship,

and it’s all about You

It’s all about You, Jesus.

I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it,

’cause it’s all about You

It’s all about You Jesus.

-Lyrics from “The Heart of Worship” by Matt Redman

Humility

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, like a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, Who has called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

“To Him be Glory and Dominion Forever and Ever. Amen.”

I Peter 5:6-11

“Yes” and “Amen”

“Apply His promises to the problem and there’ll be no problem.”

 

“For all the promises of God in Him are “Yes”, and in Him “Amen”, to the glory of God through us.”

-2 Corinthians 1:20

“HALLELUJAH!” and “Amen.”

Fixed on Jesus

“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed…” – Psalm 57:7

“Fixed” by definition means, fastened securely in position, predetermined and not subject to or able to be changed…

“Locked-in”

“Fix your faith on Jesus and He’ll fix everything else.”

“Just One Drop”

Today is my 10 year anniversary of  Faithrises on WordPress, and in celebrating this, here’s a story that I posted  several years ago, back in 2012. I love to think back on this story. It reminds me of God’s miracle working power, and how He hears and answers when we pray. I hope that it will be a blessing for you today too! 

My youngest sister was getting married, and the wedding took place just before I was scheduled to have surgery. It was a beautiful wedding, and one of the special moments was watching my sister’s soon-to-be mother in law, walk down the aisle to be seated. She entered gingerly, because she had been very ill, and had traveled a long way in order to attend. I’m not sure what her illness was but you could see in her eyes the love that she had for her son, and how determined she was to be a part of this very special day. She leaned heavily on the arm of the usher who was escorting her in, and slowly made it to her seat. After the wedding, I had a chance to sit and talk with her.

It was my very first time meeting her, so I introduced myself and told her that I was so glad that she was able to come. I asked her how she was feeling and she told me a little about her condition. She mentioned how the Lord had blessed her, and that without Him she couldn’t have made it. She spoke of some sort of blood disorder, I’m not sure of the details, but what she said next would have a great impact on me. She said that she prayed that Jesus would bless her with  “just one drop of His blood”, because she knew that by His stripes we were healed. “Just one drop” she said, and she would be fine. I told her about my upcoming surgery and, being a woman of great faith, she encouraged me, and told me to trust in the sacrifice that Jesus has already paid for us.

The day of surgery arrived and I got up early to spend some time in prayer. I rehearsed in my mind all of the verses which had given me peace as this day approached, then I asked the Lord for something specific… I was told that there was a good chance that I would lose a lot of blood during this surgery, and my doctor told me that I’d have to make an appointment to donate my own blood at the blood bank in advance, as a precaution, in case I needed a blood transfusion during the surgery.  But I didn’t want to have a blood transfusion, so I prayed. I remembered the testimony and I prayed,” Lord, I ask that You would bless me with “ just one drop of Your blood”, so that I would not have to have a blood transfusion.”

After this I felt very calm and at peace.

We left for the hospital that morning and as we drove along, our two children, now 10 and 8 years old, were in the backseat. Although it was morning, it was still dark out and the kids were a little sleepy. Their faces were sad and solemn.  They didn’t want me to have surgery and were very  worried. I started happily singing praise worship songs and they listened in. Their faces brightened slightly, but they couldn’t bring themselves to sing along with me. I felt their love and concern for me, it warmed my heart, and I understood.

The surgery went well. I awakened to see all of my family, including my mom gazing down at me. I was still a little groggy, but so relieved and happy that the surgery was all over!  The next morning the doctor came in and said that there were actually 18 tumors that needed to be removed instead, of the 2 or 3 that he had anticipated, and that I had lost a lot of blood.   “Eighteen tumors?” I said. “No wonder I was in so much pain!” Then he said that although I had lost a great deal of blood, he decided not to give me a transfusion right then, and decided instead to watch me and wait until morning. He went on to say with some excitement and surprise that my blood count was now actually back up to normal! It was a miracle. I didn’t need more blood after all. I thought to myself,  “Thank you Jesus!” because I hadn’t mentioned to my family or my doctor that I really didn’t want a blood transfusion in the first place. This prayer was just  between me and the Lord, and He did it!

“Just one drop”…Just like I asked! It’s like the Scripture says:

“Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it shall be opened. – Matthew 7:7-8 TLV

The Lord had given me just what I prayed for!  Quietly, I closed my eyes, exhaled, and felt a great big smile, deep down inside. :)

“A New Thing”

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“Do not remember the former things,

nor consider things of the past.

Here I am,

doing a new thing;

Now it is springing up…”

– Isaiah 43:18 TLV

Because of Who You Are

Who am I

That the Lord of all the earth

Would care to know my name

Would care to feel my hurt?

Who am I

That the Bright and Morning Star

Would choose to light the way

For my ever wandering heart?

Who am I

That the eyes that see my sin

Would look on me with love

and watch me rise again?

Who am I

The the voice that calmed the sea

Would call out through the rain

And calm the storm in me?

Not because of who I am,

But because of what You’ve done.

Not because of what I’ve done,

But because of Who You are.

“I am a flower quickly fading.

Here today and gone tomorrow.

A wave tossed in the ocean.

A vapor in the wind.

Still You

Hear me when I’m calling

Lord, You catch me when I’m falling

And You’ve told me who I am

I am Yours… I am Yours.”

“Who Am I?”- lyrics by Mark Hall; song by Casting Crowns

 

“Thanksgiving and Praise”

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

  Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that has made us, and not we ourselves;

we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise:

be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations.”

-Psalm 100

“His Love Endures Forever”

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“Praise the God of gods for His lovingkindness  endures forever.”

Psalm 136:2

“Dancing”

” You have turned for me my mourning into dancing:

You have put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness. 

To the end that my glory may sing praise to You, and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”

Psalm 30:11-12

“In Everything Give Thanks”

“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

– Thessalonians 5:18

Thanks Be To God!

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” …Thanks be to God who keeps giving us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah!”

– 1 Corinthians 15:57

“Eternal Life, Eternal Joy!”

“Look, He is coming in the clouds and every eye shall see Him…”  -Revelation 1:7

“Jesus is all the world to me;

I want no better friend.

I trust Him now; I’ll trust Him when

Life’s fleeting days shall end.

Beautiful life with such a Friend;

Beautiful life that has no end!

Eternal life, eternal joy,

He’s my Friend.”

Hymn – “Jesus Is All The World To Me” by Will Lamartine Thompson

“True To Him I’ll Be”

“Jesus is all the world to me;

And true to Him I”ll be.

Oh, how could I this Friend deny

When He’s so true to me?

Following Him I know I’m right;

He watches o’er me day and night.

Following Him by day and night,

He’s my Friend.”

 

Hymn – “Jesus Is All The World To Me” by Will Lamartine Thompson

“He’s My Friend”

“Jesus is all the world to me;

My friend in trials sore.

I go to Him for blessings, and

He gives them o’er and o’er.

He sends the sunshine and the rain;

He sends the harvest’s golden grain:

Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain–

He’s my Friend.”

 

Hymn- “Jesus Is All The Word To Me” by Will Lamartine Thompson

“Jesus Is All The World To Me”

“Jesus is all the world to me;

My life, my joy, my all.

He is my strength from day to day;

Without Him I would fall.

When I am sad, to Him I go;

No other one can cheer me so.

When I am sad, He makes me glad;

He’s my Friend.”

 

-Hymn -“Jesus is All The World to Me” by Will Lamartine Thompson

“There Is None Like You”

There is none like You…

No one else can touch my heart like You do,

I could search for all eternity long and find

There is none, there is none

There is none like You.  -Michael W. Smith

“LORD, there is no one like You!

For You are great, and Your Name is full of power.

Who would not fear You, O King of nations?

That title belongs to You alone!

Among all the wise people of the earth

and in all the kingdoms of the world,

there is no one like You.”

Jeremiah 10:6-7

The Peace of God

Be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Jesus Paid It All

“Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.”

Elvina M. Hall

Happiness!

“Prayer is a privilege, and praise is a holiday.”

– Charles Spurgeon

Awesome Savior!

“…You did awesome things that we were not expecting,

You came down–

the mountains shook at Your presence!

For from days of old no one has heard, no ear perceived,

no eyes has seen God,

except You,

who acts on behalf of the one

waiting for Him.”

Isaiah 64:2

Because I Love You…

“Fear not for I have redeemed you,

I have called you by name,

you are Mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you,

or through the rivers,

they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned,

nor will the flame burn you.

For I am ADONAI your God,

the Holy one of Israel,

your Savior…

you are precious in My eyes,

honored,

because I love you…”

Isaiah 43:1-4 TLV

There Is No Peace In “Mindfulness”

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind, leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” – Romans 8:6

“There will be no peace in any soul until it is willing to obey the voice of God.”

– D.L. Moody

“Jesus is The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

“May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way…”

– 2 Thessalonians 3:16

WHO IS LIKE THE LORD!?

“Who is like the LORD?….. NOBODY!

Who is like the LORD?…..No- no-no-no-no- NOBODY!

If God is for us?

Who can be against us?

He will keep His promise.

There’s nobody like Him, NOBODY LIKE HIM!

What can separate us from the love of Jesus?

He will keep His promise!

There’s nobody like Him, NOBODY LIKE HIM!

There is none in heaven or earth like You. There is none in heaven or earth like You!

Lord we declare, who can compare?

Who would even dare?

THERE IS NO ONE LIKE YOU!!!!!

Who is like the LORD?

No-no-no-no-no NOBODY!”

Praise and Worship Song, “Who is Like The Lord” -by Israel Houghton

“And I say “Hallelujah!!! and Amen!!!” to that.

Let My Soul Look Up

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I am Thine, O Lord

I have heard Thy voice

And it told Thy love to me

But I long to rise

In the arms of faith

And be closer drawn to Thee

Consecrate me now

To Thy service Lord

By the power of grace divine.

Let my soul look up

with a steadfast hope

And my will be lost in Thine

 

Hymn- “I am Tine, O Lord” – by Fanny Crosby / W.H.Doane

“O Yes, He Cares”

“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for happiness and song;

As the burdens press, And the cares distress,

And the way grows weary and long?

O Yes, He cares, I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief;

Though the days are weary, The long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares… O Yes, My Savior cares!”

 

Hymn- “Does Jesus Care?” –By J. Lincoln Hall and F.E. Graeff

“As You Love Yourself”

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And Jesus answered…

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Mark 12:29-31

All My Days

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“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.”

-Psalm 23:6

“Do You Trust Him?”

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“WE HAVE A BIG GOD. WE HAVE A WONDERFUL JESUS.

WE HAVE A GLORIOUS COMFORTER.

GOD’S CANOPY IS OVER YOU AND WILL COVER YOU AT ALL TIMES,

PRESERVING YOU FROM EVIL.

UNDER HIS WINGS SHALL YOU TRUST.

THE WORD OF GOD IS LIVING AND POWERFUL, AND IN IT’S TREASURES YOU WILL FIND ETERNAL LIFE.

IF YOU DARE TRUST THIS WONDERFUL LORD, THIS LORD OF LIFE, YOU WILL FIND IN HIM EVERYTHING YOU NEED.”

– Smith Wigglesworth

 

Even In The Storm

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Yet Will I Trust Him

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” – Job 13:15

“LORD, I trust You. No matter what.

In every situation I give You thanks.”

“Come What May, Still I Rejoice”

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In All Things, At All Times, I Will Rejoice In You, LORD

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall there be fruit on the vines..”

“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

Habakkuk 3:17-18

“Why Things Happen As They Do”

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“Why things happen as they do

we do not always know,
And we cannot always fathom
why our spirits sink so low.
We flounder in our dark distress,
we are wavering and unstable,
But when we’re most inadequate,
the Lord God’s always able-
For though we are incapable,
God is powerful and great,
And there’s no darkness of the mind that
God can’t penetrate…
And while He may not instantly
unravel all the strands
Of  tangled thoughts that trouble us,
He completely understands-
And in His time, if we have faith,
He will gradually restore
The brightness to our spirits
that we’ve been longing for.
So remember there’s no cloud too dark
for God’s light to penetrate
If we just keep on believing
and have faith enough to wait.”
  -Helen Steiner Rice

Peace Be Yours

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“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God

and of Jesus Christ our Lord.”

-2 Peter 1:2

“O Grave, Where Is Your Victory?”

“Christ The Lord is Risen Indeed!”

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“Death, where is your sting?  Grave, where is your victory?”

“…Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

1 Corinthians 15:55-56

“It Is Finished”

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Good Friday “The Seven Words”

Amazing Grace

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“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.

Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come

His grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”

 

“Amazing Grace” by John Newton

“Remember Me”

 

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“And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:19-20

clear glass bottle

There are many traditions, holidays, and ceremonies, that we observe and hold in remembrance, and many of them in the name of Christianity. We celebrate birthdays, and Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, and that’s fine, they are special days, and it’s good to celebrate, but there is one thing that the Lord has asked us to observe, in remembrance of Him, and the sacrifice that He made to redeem us, saying, “Do this as oft as you will, in remembrance of me.”  II Corinthians 11:25

As we remember the last supper today, we are also reminded of Christ’s sacrificial love for all of us…We are reminded of His tremendous suffering, and the price that He paid to save us, and that by His grace, through faith, we are saved.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Temple Cleansed

   “In the Temple, He found the merchants selling oxen, sheep, and doves; also the                     moneychangers sitting there. Then He made a whip of cords and drove them all out…”           – John 2:14-15

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me…”

This week, as I remember the events leading up to the crucifixion, I reflect on how Christ “cleansed the temple”of moneychangers and how, because of His love, and by His blood, we too can be made clean and renewed by His Holy Spirit.

“Hosanna, Please Save!”

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It’s very timely, and interesting too, to know that the Hebrew  word for Hosanna is Hoshiana which means “Please save!”

And so, this Palm Sunday, as we remember what Christ has done for us, we can again say:

“LORD please save!”

“Hosanna in the Highest!”

“Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the LORD!”

Matthew 21:9

God Will Take Care Of You

“Be not dismayed whatever betide,

God will take care of you.

Beneath His wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.”

“He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings will you find refuge. His faithfulness is body armor and shield.” – Psalm 91:4

 

Hymn- “God Will Take Care Of You”- by C. Martin and W.S. Martin

 

No Power of Hell

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“No guilt in life, No fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me

From life’s first cry to final breath,

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.”

Song- “In Christ Alone” – By Getty and Townsend – Sung by Adrienne Liesching

“Look and Live”

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“Look unto Me and be saved all the ends of the earth.

For I am God and  there is no other.”

Who foretold this from ancient time?

Who declared it of old?

Is it not I, ADONAI?

There is no other God and a Savior–

There is none beside Me!

Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth.

For I am God — There is no other.”

Isaiah 45:20-22

“The Lord Bless You and Keep You”

white candle on silver candle holder

“The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make His face to shine upon you

And be gracious unto you.

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you

And give you peace.”

 

– Numbers 6:24-26

 

Peace… Be Still

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“The voice of the LORD is over the waters…”

“…He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” and the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”

-Psalm 29:3, Mark 4:39

 

“You Called My Name”

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“I was buried beneath my shame… Who could carry that kind of weight?

It was my tomb

‘Til I met You.

I was breathing but not alive… All my failures I tried to hide.

It was my tomb

‘Til I met You.

You called my name

And I ran out of that grave

Out of the darkness

Into Your glorious day!

Now Your mercy has saved my soul…Now Your freedom is all that I know.

The old made new, Jesus, when I met You!

You called my name, and I ran out of that grave.

Out of the darkness,

Into Your glorious day!

Praise Worship Song- “Glorious Day” by Passion

Fear Not.

white clouds and blue sky

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

-2 Timothy 1:7

“Suit Up”

ancient antique armor armour

Put on the Armor of God

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist when the times are evil, and after you have done everything, to stand firm.

Stand firm then!

Buckle the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.

Strap up your feet in readiness with the Good News of shalom (peace).

Above all, take up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Ruach (Spirit) on every occasion, with all kinds of prayers and requests.

With this in mind, keep alert with perseverance and supplication for all the kedoshim (saints).”

Ephesians 6:10-18 – (TLV) Tree of Life Version

With Heart and Hands

 

green wooden board with heart hole

 

“With our hearts, we adore the Lord, and with lifted hands, we bless the Lord.” 💚

From a Need to be Accepted

aid beach safety buoy close up

From the love of my own comfort

From the fear of having nothing

From a life of worldly passions

Deliver me O God,

From the need to be understood

And from a need to be accepted

From the fear of being lonely

Deliver me O God,

Deliver me O God,

And I shall not want, no I shall not want

When I taste Your goodness, I shall not want

When I taste Your goodness, I shall not want

From the fear of serving others

Oh, and from the fear of death or trial

And from the fear of humility

Deliver me O God,

And I shall not want

 

Song Lyrics from  “I Shall Not Want”  – by Audrey Assad

God Will Wipe All Tears Away

mountains with crepuscular ray

“Tho’ the clouds may hover over us, There’s a bright and golden ray,

It’s the promise that in heaven God shall wipe all tears away.

No more sorrow, no more weeping, Peace and joy will hold full sway,

For beside life’s crystal river, God shall wipe all tears away.

Every care will be forgotten, All our burdens we shall lay,

Safe within the walls of jasper, God shall wipe all tears away.

O the joy of meeting Jesus, Mortal tongue cannot portray,

But we know when we behold Him, God shall wipe all tears away.”

Hymn- “God Shall Wipe All Tears Away” by Antonio L. Haskell

“My Lord ADONAI will wipe away tears from every face…” He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes…”

– Isaiah 25:8- Revelation 21:4

Greater Than>>>>

rainbow over sea

“Father God,

I thank You

that

Your Truth

is

Greater than

my difficulties.”

Good Days Ahead

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“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE, and I will dwell in the House of ADONAI forever.”

Psalm 23:6

A New Year, Another Lap

running field photography

“Let us run the race with endurance

the race that is set before us,

focusing on Yeshua,

the initiator and perfecter of faith…”

Hebrews 12:1-2 ~Tree of Life Version

 

 

“Happiness” In The New Year!

God Sent His Son

sky space dark galaxy

O LORD my God, When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made

I see the stars. I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed

little golden star

And when I think,

That God, His Son not sparing,

Sent Him to die

I scarce can take it in.

That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Savior, God to Thee

How Great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, My Savior, God to Thee

How Great Thou art! … How Great Thou art!

From Hymn- “How Great Thou Art” by Carl Boberg/ Stuart K. Hine

“My Times Are In Your Hands”

adventure aerial beautiful bird s eye view

“My times are in Your hands…” – Psalm 31:16 TLV

My times are in Your hands,

Whatever they may be,

pleasing,  painful,

dark , or bright,

As best may seem to Thee.

– from sermon by Charles Spurgeon, “In Thy Hand”

 

 

“Every Single One”

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“The righteous cry out and ADONAI hears,

and delivers them from all their troubles.

ADONAI is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those crushed in spirit.

Many are the distresses of the righteous,

but ADONAI delivers them out of them all.”

Psalms 34:18-19

What We Hope For

gift wrapped

“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

– Hebrews 11:1

Thanksgiving Hallelujah!

brown and green grass field during sunset

“My Hallelujah belongs to you… My Hallelujah belongs to you

My Hallelujah belongs to you… My Hallelujah belongs to you

You deserve it, You deserve it, You deserve it, You deserve it

All of the glory belongs to You… All of the glory belongs to You

All of the glory belongs to You… All of the glory belongs to You

You deserve it, You deserve it, You deserve it, You deserve it

Hallelujah!   Hallelujah!   Hallelujah!   Hallelujah!

All the Glory, All the Honor, All the Praise!

You deserve it.

My Hallelujah belongs to You.”

Song-  “You Deserve It”  – by  J.J. Hairston

Something Within

Have you that something, that burning desire?

Have you that something that never doth tire?

Oh, if you have it –that Heavenly Fire!

Then let the world know there is something within.

Something within me that holdeth the reins,

Something within me that banishes pain,

Something within me I cannot explain,

All that I know there is something within.

Hymn- “Something Within” By L.E. Campbell

“When My Knees Hit The Ground”

 

love heart romantic romance

My heart beating, My soul breathing,

I found my life when I laid it down.

Upward falling, spirit soaring

I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground.

What treasure waits within Your scars.

The gift of freedom gold can’t buy.

I bought the world and sold my heart.

You traded heaven to have me again.

My heart beating, My soul breathing,

I found my life when I laid it down.

Upward falling, spirit soaring

I touched the sky when my knees hit the ground.

Find me here at Your feet again.

Everything I am, reaching out, I surrender.

Come sweep me up in Your love again,

And my soul will dance,

On the wings of forever.

Upward falling, spirit soaring,

I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground.

 

From Touch The Sky -by Hillsong

“The Good Fight”

closeup photo of black hilt and brown sword

“Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God”

“…Fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience…”

Ephesians 6:17 and I Timothy 1:18-19

 

Come Away… Rest Awhile

red and orange autumn leaves on the ground and on trees beside body of water

“…Come away by yourselves to an isolated place and rest awhile.” – Mark 6:31

“Handed Over, Raised Up”

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“He was handed over for our transgressions and raised up for the sake of setting us right.” – Romans 4:25

“You Belong To Me”

“…Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name,

You are Mine.”

Isaiah 43:1

Oh The Deep Deep Love of Jesus

ocean wave

 Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me
Underneath me, all around me
Is the current of Your love
Leading onward, leading homeward
To your glorious rest above…
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus
‘Tis Heaven of Heavens to me
And it lifts me up to glory
For it lifts me up to Thee
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus
Spread His praise from shore to shore
How He loves us, ever loves us,
Changes never, nevermore
 Song By Audrey Assad

Everyday.

photo of child reading holy bible

“…They received the message with goodwill, searching the Scriptures each day to see whether these things were true.” – Acts 17:11

Comin’ After You…

shallow focus photography of white sheep on green grass

“For thus saith the Lord, God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep

and seek them out.” – Ezekiel 34:11

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

– Luke 19:10

I Trust in God

I trust in God,

I know He cares for me,

On mountain bleak

Or on the stormy sea;

Tho’ billows roll,

He keeps my soul,

My heav’nly Father watches over me.

Hymn- “My Father Watches Over Me” by C.H. Gabriel and W.C. Martin

The Nearness of You…

green grass during sunset

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”- Psalm 34:18

No Other Savior, No Other Hope

” Thus says ADONAI, Israel”s King and his Redeemer, ADONAI-Tzva’ot:

“I am the first, and the last,

and there is no God beside Me…”

“I, I am the One who blots out

your transgressions for My own sake,

and will not remember your sins.”

“I, I am ADONAI—

and there is no savior beside Me.”

– Isaiah 44:6, 43:25, 43:11

Then Jesus Came

brown sand

“One sat alone beside the highway, begging,

His eyes were blind, the light he could not see;

He clutched his old rags, and shivered in the shadows,

Then Jesus came, and bade his darkness flee.

When Jesus comes, the tempter’s power is broken;

When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away.

For He takes the gloom, and fills the life with glory,

And all is changed, when Jesus comes to stay.”

Hymn- “Then Jesus Came”, by Oswald Smith

 

Still

green pine trees near body of water

“Be still ,my soul; the LORD is on your side! Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to your God to order and provide… In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; your Best, your heavenly Friend,

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; your God will undertake

To guide the future as He has the past.

Your hope,  your confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul; the waves and wind still know

His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”

 

“Be Still My Soul”- hymn by J. Sibelius and K. Schlegel

Be Not Dismayed

Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you;

Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.

God will take care of you,

Through every day,

O’er all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;

Lean weary one upon His breast, God will take care of you.

 

Hymn- “God Will Take Care of You” by Walter and Civilla Martin

 

Solved

brain color colorful cube

No Problem That God Can’t Solve

“He had the solution before you had the problem.”

 

-“Just Haven’t Seen It Yet” song by Danny Gokey

Joy Comes In The Morning

white daisy closeup photography

“WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT, BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING.”

PSALM 30:5

“Summer is Here!”🏖

Join us on my podcast, “Faith under the Palm Tree” For Bible Questions and Answers☀️

Faith Under the Palm Tree

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Coming Soon! 😎

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PLAY HERE

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

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“As The Day Breaks”

seashore under white and blue sky during sunset

“As the day breaks and the shadows flee away,… flee away,

As the day breaks and the shadows flee away,… flee away,

Guide me O Thou  Great Jehovah,

Keep me faithful to Thy call,

As the day breaks and the shadows flee away.”

*”Sung by my great-grandmother, to her daughter, my Grandma, when she was growing up, during morning quiet time.”

Song of Songs 2:17

 

Christ The Lord is Risen Indeed

Jesus said… “I am the resurrection,  and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall  he live.”– John 11:25

A Good Friday for You and for Me

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“But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace was upon Him;

and with His stripes we are healed.”

– Isaiah 53:5

 

In Remembrance of Me

“And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” Luke 22:19-20

There are many traditions, holidays, and ceremonies, that we observe and hold in remembrance, and many of them in the name of Christianity. We celebrate birthdays, and Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, and that’s fine, they are special days, and it’s good to celebrate, but there is one thing that the Lord has asked us to observe, in remembrance of Him, and the sacrifice that He made to redeem us, saying;

“Do this as oft as you will, in remembrance of me.”  II Corinthians 11:25

As we remember the last supper today, we are also reminded of Christ’s sacrificial love for all of us. We are reminded of His tremendous suffering, and the price that He paid to save us. We are reminded that by His grace, through faith, we are saved.

Thank you, Jesus.♥

Your Mercy Remains

background beam beautiful close up

 

“A thousand times I’ve failed; still Your mercy remains…”

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

His mercies are new every morning”

  – Lamentations 3:22-23🌼

   Lyrics excerpt-  “From the Inside Out”- by Hillsong United

“Your Joy Makes Me Strong”

joy blog5

“The joy of the LORD is my strength.”

-Nehemiah 8:10

Take My Life

birthday bow box card

“Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, LORD, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days;

Let them flow in ceaseless praise, Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my voice, and let me sing,

Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be,

Filled with messages from Thee, Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall no longer be mine.

Take my heart, it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne, It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour,

At Thy feet it’s treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be,

Ever, only, all for Thee, Ever, only, all for Thee. -Amen

Hymn: “Take My Life and Let It Be” by- Malon, Havergal, and Mason

“As for me”

“As for me, I will call on God,

and ADONAI will save me…”

“He will redeem my soul in shalom

from the battle against me.”

“Cast your burden on ADONAI, and

He will sustain you.”

Psalm 55:17,19,23

Just Think About It

Ponder

“They will declare the work of God, and ponder what He has done.”

Psalms 64:10

Slip Away

macro photography of yellow flowers during sunset

“Yet, He would often slip away into the wilderness and pray.”

-Luke 5:16

Quiet Rest

There is a place of quiet rest,

Near to the heart of God,

A place where sin cannot molest,

Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,

Near to the heart of God,

A place where we our Savior meet,

Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release,

Near to the heart of God,

A place where all is joy and peace,

Near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest redeemer,

Sent from the heart of God,

Hold us who wait before Thee,

Near to the heart God.

Hymn- “Near to the Heart of God”

By Cleland B. McAfee

Letting Go Is Key

building metal house architecture

“Let go of the past, so that God can open the door to your future.”

-Fritz Chery

Wounded… Mended!

brown and white bear plush toy

How many times can one heart break?

It was never supposed to be this way.
You look in the mirror, but there you find,
Someone you never thought you’d be.
Oh, but I still recognize,
The one I love,
In your tear stained eyes.
You see your worst mistake,
But I see the price I paid.
You see the scars from where you fell,
But I see the stories they will tell.
You see worthless,
I see priceless.
You see pain,
I see purpose.
You see unworthy, undeserving,
But I see you through eyes of mercy.
I’m making all things new!
And I will make a miracle in you.
When you see broken beyond repair,
I see healing beyond belief.
When you see too far gone,
 I see one step away from home.
When you see nothing but damaged goods,
I see something in the making.
I’m not finished yet.
When you see wounded, I see mended.
Excerpt from: “You See Wounded, I See Mended”
by Matthew West

Power of Prayer & Fasting: My Story

abstract art cooking cutlery

“…This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting...”  Matthew 17:21

 I was praying for a miracle, and there were many times that I would get discouraged, and sometimes even depressed, because it seemed like nothing was happening…

There were only a few people during that time, that I could talk to, who actually believed with me, encouraged me, and listened patiently.   My grandmother was one of these people. She was the first one to pray for me when the doctors  said that I would never be able to have a baby.

She told me, way back then, at the beginning of my journey, that I would be a mother, and she laid her hands on my tummy and prayed for me. She had great faith. I often called her during my lowest times and she would say to me,

“God will do it. He is faithful and there is nothing too hard for Him.”

She told me that what I needed to do, was to pray and fast. She told me to always pray and fast whenever I could. Not just once, but periodically, along with my prayers, as I waited for God to do as He promised.

When the struggle and the waiting became the most unbearable, I remembered my grandmother’s words and followed her advice, and even though she passed away, during the 10 year period of praying for my third little miracle, and had gone home to be with Jesus, her sweet voice remained in my heart, always reminding me of the power and importance of prayer and fasting.

Sometimes when we’ve been praying for something for a very long time, it feels like an uphill battle…

It’s a fight, yes, but,  II Corinthians 10:4 says that, ” … the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty, through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”  Prayer and fasting are two of those mighty weapons…

Armed with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we press through the battle with prayer and fasting, trusting Jesus for the victory and a miracle realized.

Stronger

“The comeback is often stronger than the setback.”

                                – Anonymous

Afflictions, Not in Vain

“Afflictions make the heart more deep,

more experimental, more knowing, and

more profound, and so; more able

to hold, to contain, to beat more.”

John Bunyan

Best Friend

person standing near lake

“There is a Friend

Who

Sticks

Closer

Than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24

Mud Pies😊

beach enjoyment fun leisure

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition

when infinite joy is offered us;

like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in dirty streets

because he can’t imagine what’s meant by the offer of a holiday at the beach.”

“We are far too easily pleased.”

– C. S. Lewis

Happy New Year!🎊

“A Very Happy New Year to you all!!!”❤️

Smiles and Blessings – Faith

All The Way

All the way my Savior leads me-

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who thru life has been my guide?

Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know what-e’re befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well;

For I know what-e’re befall me,

Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me-

Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for every trial,

Feeds me with the living bread.

Tho my weary steps may falter

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see;

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me-

O the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised

In my Father’s house above.

When my spirit, clothed immortal,

Wings in flight to realms of day,

This my song thru endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way;

This my song thru endless ages:

Jesus led me all the way.

Hymn- “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” – by R.Lowry and Fanny Crosby