“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.”
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. :)
“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
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
“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
“Praise the God of gods for His lovingkindness endures forever.”
Psalm 136:2
” 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 for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
– Thessalonians 5:18
” …Thanks be to God who keeps giving us the victory through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah!”
– 1 Corinthians 15:57
“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
“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
“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;
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
“It’s not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes true happiness.”
-Charles Haddon Spurgeon
“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
In His hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is His also.
The sea is His… He made it: and His Hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”
Psalm 95:1-6
“When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion,
We were like them that dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the nations,
The LORD has done great things for them.
The LORD has done great things for us; and we are glad.
Turn again our captivity, O LORD, as the streams in the South.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
Psalm 126:1-5
“The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
Arise, and go down to the potter’s house,…
there I will cause thee to hear my words.
Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.
Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD.”
“Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand...”
Jeremiah 18:1-6
HUGS AND KISSES ARE GOOD FOR THE HEART, BODY, AND SOUL🧡
Reduce harmful physical effects of stress;
Calm deep pressure on children, tantrums, and mellows moodiness;
Help the body’s immune system, cures depression, and induces sleep;
Invigorate and rejuvenate
Increase heart rate and stabilize blood pressure;
Give a positive emotional state;
Bring out a surge of serotonin and dopamine, which are known as “feel good” brain chemicals.
Relieve pain, make you healthier and happier;
Help to overcome fear
Good for the heart, as it creates an adrenaline which causes your heart to pump more blood around your body.
Stress-reliever, lowering your cortisol ‘stress’ hormone.
Endorphins produced by kissing are 200 times more powerful than morphine.
Reduces anxiety and stop the ‘noise’ in your mind.
Increase the levels of oxytocin, an extremely calming hormone that produces a feeling of peace.
Great for self-esteem. Make you feel appreciated and helps your state of mind.
Those who kiss quite frequently are less likely to suffer from stomach, bladder and blood infections.
Those who kiss goodbye each morning live five years longer than those who don’t.
“… Greet one another with a holy kiss.” – 1 Corinthians 16:20
“Lord, I love the house where You live, the place where Your glory dwells.”
Psalm 26:8
“As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried:
He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.
For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdes me with strength, and makes my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up,
… thy gentleness hath made me great.”
Psalm 18:30-35
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
“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, so he may run that reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:
though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay.”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
“… but the word of our God will stand forever.”
– Isaiah 40:8
To trust in God means that He is our confidence; our minds are at rest, as we rely on His word, His integrity, His veracity, His faithfulness, and His unfailing love.
We don’t often hear stories about King Hezekiah, but he is one of my favorite examples of trusting in God. II Kings 18:5, says that Hezekiah trusted God like no other king before or after him.. What a wonderful way to be remembered, as someone who truly trusted in God. In the face of danger, at the threat of war from Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and even after the prophet Isaiah warned him that he would soon die, Hezekiah prayed to God, trusted Him to hear and answer, and God delivered him every time!
King Hezekiah’s sincere, unshakable, trust in God, serves as a great encouragement and example for us today, as we face life’s trials and difficulties. Like him, we too can be assured, that God cares, He hears our prayers,He sees our tears, and will not fail to deliver us, as we place our trust in Him.
“There are difficulties in everything except in eating pancakes.”
-Charles Spurgeon
“…Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
“Put on the whole armor of God, so that you are able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
“…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.
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.”
_ Ephesians 6:10-17
“My son, do not take lightly the discipline of ADONAI or lose heart when you are corrected by Him, because ADONAI disciplines the one He loves, and punishes every son He accepts.”
“It is for discipline that you endure, God is treating you as sons– for what son does a father not discipline?”
“Besides, we are used to having human fathers as instructors– and we respect them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?” …He does so for our benefit, so that we may share in His holiness.”
“Now all discipline seems painful at the moment–not joyful. But later it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
– Hebrews 12:5-11 TLV
“…Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid;
Do not be discouraged, or dismayed,
for the LORD your God will be with you
wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9
“I will call those who were not My people, “My people,”
and I will call her who was not beloved “Beloved.”
and it shall be that in the place where it was said to them,
“You are not My people,”
There they shall be called sons of the living God.”
“…Yes, I have loved you
with an everlasting love…”
Romans 9:25-26 and Jeremiah 31:2
“Prayer is a privilege, and praise is a holiday.”
– Charles Spurgeon
“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
Faith never knows where
it is being led,
but it loves and knows
the One who is leading.
– Oswald Chambers
“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.
“There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, and yet is not cleansed from its filth.
There is a generation whose eyes are so haughty, whose eyelids are lifted up disdainfully.
There is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose molars are knives, to devour the poor from the earth and the needy from humanity.”
“What Does God Require?”
“He has told you, humanity, what is good, and what ADONAI is seeking from you:
Only to practice justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.“
Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak,
For the justice of all who are destitute.
Open your mouth,
judge righteously,
plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 30:12-14, Micah 6:8, Proverbs 31:8-9 TLV
Abraham…
In hope beyond hope, he trusted…
He did not waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God…
…Strengthened in faith, giving glory to God
He was fully convinced
that what God has promised, He also is able to do”
(Excerpt from, Romans 4:16-21 TLV)
“My soul, wait in stillness, only for God —
For from Him comes my expectation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
My strong tower —
I will never be moved…
My refuge is in God
Trust in Him at all times, you people.
Pour out your heart in His presence.
God is our refuge.” “Selah.” – (which means, pause and think about it. 😊 🍁)
-Psalm 62:6,3,9 TLV
“…An hour is coming — it is here now– when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people as His worshippers. – John 4:23
“It is clear who are the children of God and who are the children of the devil by this– Anyone who does not act righteously, or love his brother, is not of God.”
“For this is the message you have heard from the beginning– we should love one another.”- 1 John 3:10-11
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day. ‘Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your Name, and drive out demons in Your Name, and perform many miracles in your Name?’ Then I will declare to them, “I never knew you. Get away from Me, you workers of iniquity!” – Matthew 7:22
“Loved ones, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God.
For many false prophets have gone out into the world.”- 1 John 4:1
“In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“So they cried out to ADONAI in their distress,
and He brought them out of their troubles.
He stilled the storm to a whisper —
the waves were hushed.
They were glad when it became calm
And He led them to their desired haven.”
-Psalm 107:28-30 TLV
“O, Happy Thought!”
“For the Lord Himself shall come down from heaven with a commanding shout,
with the voice of the archangel and with the blast of God’s shofar
and the dead in Messiah shall rise first.
Then we who are alive, who are left behind, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air —
and so shall we always be with the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 TLV
Languish Defined
“To lose vitality… to grow weak or feeble… to suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation.”
“Their life will be like a watered garden,
and they will never languish again.
For I will turn their mourning into joy
And I will comfort them,
And make them rejoice out of their sorrow…
My people will be satisfied with My goodness…”
“The LORD will guide you continually,
and satisfy your needs in parched places,
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters never fail.”
Jeremiah 31:11 and Isaiah 58:11
“In hope beyond hope, he trusted …
And without becoming weak in faith… he did not waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God.
Rather, he was strengthened in faith,
giving glory to God.
He was fully convinced that what God had promised,
He was also able to do.”
Romans 4:18-22
“Your Word, O LORD, is like air to my lungs, and water to my soul.”
“Let Your precious Word be like my bones, like my very skeleton, which is my framework, which strengthens me and enables me to stand.
And like the blood, coursing through my veins, empowering me at every point with life, health, and healing, so let Your Word course through my veins reaching every cell, tissue, and organ.
And as the life of the body is in the blood, manufactured in the marrow, let Your Word be as a seed planted within my very marrow, life springing forth as a great tree, reaching to the heavens, bearing much fruit in my life, to Your Glory and for our good.”
“In Yeshua’s Name, I pray. Amen.”
– Faith Carr
“It is not hard for the LORD to turn night into day. He who sends the clouds can just as easily clear the skies.” – Charles Spurgeon
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and A time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and A time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and A time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
-Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 TLV
Look ahead
with courage
Trust God
and
Be strong
Joy
comes in the morning
and
Again will come
the dawn.
-Faith Carr
“The comeback is often stronger than the setback.”
– Anonymous
“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
“There is a Friend
Who
Sticks
Closer
Than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24
“Thank You, LORD, for a fresh new day.
Another day and another chance to experience Your love and mercy.
Another day to try and “get it right”
and another day to learn more of Your grace.”
“This I recall to my heart– therefore I have hope:
Because of the mercies of ADONAI we will not be consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning!
Great is Your faithfulness.
“ADONAI is my portion,” says my soul,
therefore I will hope in Him.“
Lamentations 3:23-24 TLV
“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
“It is my practice, to determine the value of something,
by imagining my life without it.”
– Herb Kelleher
“A Very Happy New Year to you all!!!”❤️
Smiles and Blessings – Faith
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
“I am trusting You, Lord Jesus-
Trusting only You;
Trusting You for full salvation,
Great and true.
I am trusting You to guide me-
You alone will lead,
Every day and hour supplying
All my need.
I am trusting You for power-
Yours can never fail;
Words which You Yourself shall give me
Must prevail.
I am trusting You, Lord Jesus-
Never let me fall;
I am trusting You forever,
And for all.”
Hymn- “I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus”
By E.W. Bullinger and F.R. Havergal
God rest ye merry gentlemen; Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior, was born upon this day!
To save us all from satan’s power, when we were gone astray.
Oh- O, tidings of comfort and joy.
Comfort and joy!
Oh- O, tidings of comfort and joy.
We three kings of Orient are. Bearing gifts, we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor, and mountain,
Following yonder Star!
Oh- O, Star of wonder, Star of night, Star with royal beauty bright!
Westward leading still proceeding, Guide us to thy Perfect Light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never, Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh
Prayer and praising, All men raising, Worship Him, God on High.
Myrrh is mine, it’s bitter perfume, Breathes a life of gathering gloom,
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the cold stone tomb.
Glorious now, behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice.
Alleluia!!! Alleluia!!!
Peals thru the earth and skies.
Oh- O Star of wonder Star of night, Star with Royal beauty bright!
Westward leading, Still proceeding
Guide us to thy Perfect Light.
-William Hone/John Hopkins
From: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, and “We Three Kings”
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, least among the clans of Judah- from you will come out to Me One to be ruler in Israel,
One whose going forth are from of old, from days of eternity.”
Micah 5:2
The prophet Micah announced the birthplace of the Messiah in Bethlehem,
which means “House of Bread”
Centuries before Christ was born in Bethlehem,
Naomi and her family left Bethlehem due to a famine.
Sadly, returning 10 years later, after the loss of her husband and two sons,
Naomi had gained a devoted and loving daughter in Ruth, the Moabitess.
Together they returned to Bethlehem.
They returned to the “House of Bread”, and from their story, “The Bread of Life”, came to us, a Wonderful Savior!
“…Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given:…and His Name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counselor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
“Internal grace from God, empowers us for success in external endeavors.”
-Faith Carr
There was One who was willing to die in my stead,
That a soul so unworthy might live
And the path of the cross He was willing to tread,
All the sins of my life to forgive.
He is tender and loving and patient with me,
While He cleanses my heart of it’s dross
But, “there’s no condemnation,” I know I am free,
For my sins are all nailed to the cross.
I will cling to my Savior and never depart,
I will joyfully journey each day,
With a song on my lips and a song in my heart,
That my sins have been taken away.
Hymn “Nailed to the Cross” by Mrs. F.Beck and G. C. Tullar
How long, O LORD?
Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?
Psalms 13:1-2
“Blessed be the God of all comfort;
Who comforts us
in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort them
which are in any trouble,
by the comfort wherewith we ourselves
are comforted of God.”
II Corinthians 1:3-4
“Reckless Love” by Bethel music, draws you in with it’s pleasant melody and soothing lyrics, and has become very popular song, but…
❤️
The Love of God is Not reckless
Here’s the definition:
reck•less
(describing a person or their actions) as being without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action. as in “reckless driving”
synonyms: rash, careless, thoughtless, heedless, unheeding, hasty, impetuous, impulsive, daredevil, devil-may-care, irresponsible, ill-advised, injudicious, imprudent, unwise, ill-considered, etc.
This is not what the scriptures tell us about the love of God.
God’s love is caring;
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,”
God’s love is thoughtful;
“So that whosoever believes in Him should not perish,”
God’s love is considerate,
“But have everlasting life.”
He laid down His life for us, not recklessly, but counting and knowing the cost.
Be still my soul-
The Lord is on your side!
Leave to your God
To order and provide-
Be still my soul-
Your best, your heavenly Friend
Thru thorny ways
Leads to a joyful end.
– Jean Sibelius
The love of God is greater far
Then tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest Hell,
Could we with ink the ocean fill
,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love
Of God above
Would drain the oceans dry;
Nor could the scroll
Contain the whole,
Tho stretched from sky to sky.
Hymn-“The Love of God” by F.M. Lehman
Stayed upon JEHOVAH,
Hearts are fully blessed –
Finding, as He promised,
Perfect peace and rest.
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You…”
– Isaiah 26:3
From the Hymn, “Like A River Glorious”
by F.R. Havergai and James Mountain
There was a time when, my family, friends, and neighbors would have thought that “Crazy Faith” would be a perfect title for my autobiography! :)
I know that this is true, because once, when I was in the final months of my pregnancy, (you know, the pregnancy that I prayed 10 years for), I overheard my husband talking to a neighbor, saying; “We all thought that Faith was losing her mind!… While she was struggling with her health and praying for another baby, her mother and sister would call and say, “We’re really concerned about Faith..” They thought that I was going crazy!!! He had never told me this before, so when I heard it, I laughed, and said, “That’s OK… They thought that Noah was crazy too, but it sure did rain didn’t it? So, I’m in good company!”
It all began 15 years earlier, when I read Luke 8:48, “Daughter, your faith has made you whole…”, and from that moment on, there was no turning back for me… I believed it.
Of course, I myself, don’t think it’s “crazy”, but lots of people might consider it crazy to believe for something that seems impossible. Reading those words as a young 24-year-old, and believing that God had spoken to my heart, “fueled” me to move forward in faith, convinced and certain, that God would bless me, despite my physical circumstances.
Is there something that you would like for God to do for you, but you think that it’s impossible, or not important enough, or too big, to ask for?.. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is “…able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,..” The power at work in us includes our faith! Many times when Jesus healed someone, he said, “according to your faith be it unto you”, or “your faith has made you whole.”
Even if it makes you look “crazy” to those around you, or, if it’s just a secret request that you haven’t mentioned to anyone else, ask God what you will, and believe with “crazy” or unexplainable faith that, “with God… nothing is impossible.”
Smiles and Blessings,
Faith ♥
“… Whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable,
— if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise,
— think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
Back- to -School
Today marks a milestone for me.
It’s back to school again and, at our house, it’s also THE LAST “first day of school”, as our youngest daughter is now officially a senior in high school. Sure, I’ve been down this road a couple of times before, with two other children who have graduated, and gone off to college, but this one brings a whole season to a close for me and I just wanted to say out loud that “Being a mom is such a great blessing!”
I was blessed to have three miracle babies, when several doctors said that being a mother would never happen for me. So thankful that the LORD has the last word, and the final say, about “impossible” situations such as these.
Every season is a blessing, and as I look back with a smile and forward with joy, I’m grateful for everything that’s brought me to this day.😊
Thanks for listening!❤️
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.” -James 1:17 TLV
” LORD, I thank You for everything in my life;
the good, the bad, the easy, the hard, the joys, and the pain,
I thank You for all of it.”
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
First Thessalonians 5:18
My computer broke down and REFUSED to open several months ago. I’m still sulking over it and so, no blogging. Yes, I know that I could use my iphone or my tablet but after all these years, I’m always most comfortable writing with my computer, and this computer was only 18 MONTHS OLD when it gave out on me. After paying so much for it and with only a 12 month warranty, I WAS LIVID.
It’s a matter of principle. The main reason I bought this computer was so I could “depend on it for years to come”, or at least that’s what they told me at my “friendly neighboorhood Best Buy”, saying, “It is after all a Macbook Pro!” They got me… And now, here I am, writing on my teeny-weeny, tiny tablet.
But,
When I stop and think about it. I realize that there are alot worse things that could happen, and I’m reminded of what Paul says in Phillipians 4:11,
“I have learned in whatsoever state I am to be content.” so I’m learning, doing what makes me happy, and it’s good to be back!
Have a great weekend.
“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
When Abraham gave first choice to Lot, and Lot took the best and greenest pastures for himself, Abraham simply let it be so. Then God promised to give him all the land, as far as his eyes could see, to the east, west, north and south. It didn’t matter that Lot had taken the best for himself. Abraham held a relaxed confidence in God and His promises.
My hope for the future, my trust in your precious promises, and everything that concerns me, is secure in You, LORD,
So I choose to relax, and place my confidence in You.
“They don’t have anymore wine.” she said, asking Him to do something about it. “Woman, what does this have to do with you or I?” was His reply.
She turned to the servers and said, “Do whatever He tells you to do.”
They filled the jars with water as He instructed, and took them to the headwaiter, who after tasting it, shouted with excitement to the bridegroom, “…You’ve saved the best wine for last!”
It was the first miracle performed by Jesus, at Mary’s request, turning water into wine during a wedding in Cana; and what was the outcome?
The servants, the wedding guests, the bridegroom, and the disciples, were all astonished and drawn to Him.
“Jesus did this. He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” -John 2:11
And all because she just asked. Got a problem? Ask the Lord to do something about it!
Here it is in a nutshell;
“… Anything you ask in My Name I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
– John 14:13
My stubborn will at last has yielded,
I would be Thine, and Thine alone
And this the prayer my lips are bringing,
Lord, let in me Thy will be done.
Thy precious will, O conquering Savior,
Doth now embrace and compass me;
All discords hushed, my peace a river,♥
My soul a prisoned bird set free.
Sweet will of God
Still fold me closer,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee.
-“Sweet Will of God” by Mrs. C.H. Morris
When they saw Him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples,
“With tax collectors and sinners He eats?”
On hearing this, Jesus said to them,
“Healthy people don’t need a physician, but sick ones do.
I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners.”
– Mark 2:16-17
“The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.”
Habakkuk 2:14
Here’s a “post from the past” at my daughter’s request. Blessings! – Faith
Once, when my husband and I were visiting a new church for the first time, an elderly lady came up to us and invited us to her house for dinner. We gladly accepted, and followed her home after service. As we sat in her living room, we had a very pleasant conversation, and got to know a little more about each other. She was a long-standing member of her church, and well-loved by the congregation. Although she was elderly, she was vibrant and enthusiastic, and very happy to talk about how much she loved the Lord, and all that He had done for her. She enthusiastically shared some of her many testimonies, and my husband and I talked a little about our faith experience. I mentioned how our two children, a son and a daughter, toddlers at the time, had been miracle babies, because I was told that I would never conceive, and even so, I was still praying and believing God for another baby.
She looked at me, with a smile in her eyes, and said, “You see that hat rack over there on the wall?” I answered, “Yes.” she said, “Whenever the Lord does something for me, I imagine that I’m hanging a hat on a hat rack…and every time he answers I just keep adding a new hat. And the next time I find myself frustrated about something that I’m praying for, I just take a look at that hat rack, and see all those hats hanging there, and I’m reminded of all the prayers that God has answered, (some that I may have even forgotten), and I am encouraged that He did it before and He’ll do it again.”
I really appreciated this example and made an effort to apply it in my own life. In fact the Lord did answer my prayer and blessed me miraculously with another sweet baby girl!
When I think back on this example, it reminds me of what young David said to King Saul, when he volunteered to fight Goliath…
“David said… The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine…” I Samuel 17:37
You see, the lion and the bear were hanging on David’s hat rack!!! He just took a look back, and was fully persuaded, that God would do it again. :)
“Has it been awhile since you took a look at your own hat rack?”
Surely God has blessed you and answered your prayers in the past, and hey, there’s always room for another hat, so
Just take a look back, have faith, and, like David, be fully persuaded that God will do it again!
“Be
joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
“LORD, I trust You today with my WHOLE LIFE…
For my WHOLE LIFE.♥
For in trusting You,
My LIFE is made WHOLE.”
-Faith Carr
“Don’t despise small beginnings…”
“Though your beginning is small, your latter will greatly increase ”
Job 8:7
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Your presence; and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation; and sustain me with a willing spirit.”
Psalm 51:1-12
“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”
Charles Spurgeon
Blessed quietness
Holy quietness
What assurance in my soul
On the stormy sea
He speaks peace to me
And the billows cease to roll
– Manie Payne Fergusen
“The ordinary acts we practice, every day at home, are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.”
-Thomas Moore
The Lord has promised good to me…His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be…
as long as life endures
Through many dangers, toils and snares…
I have already come.
T’was grace that brought me safe thus far…
and grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years…
bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise…
then when we’ve first begun.
John Newton
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea
Thou Who rulest wind and water,
Stand by me
Charles Albert Tindley
Yes, though I walk
Through the valley
Of the shadow of death
You are with me
Your rod and Your staff
They comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
“An eternal question about children is, “How should we educate them?”
Politicians and educators consider more school days in a year, more science and math, the use of computers and other technology in the classroom, more exams and tests, more certification for teachers, and less money for art.
All of these responses come from the place where we want to make the child into the best adult possible, not in the sense of virtuous and wise, but in the sense of one who is an efficient part of the machinery of society. But on all these counts,the soul is neglected.”
-Thomas Moore
“…So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine.(says the LORD)
Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you go to bed and when you get up.”
Deuteronomy 11:19
There is nothing sweeter than the Word of God
.
“Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.”
So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.”
Ezekiel 3:3
Go for it.
“By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance.
He went out, not knowing where he was going.
By faith he migrated to the land of promise…”
Hebrews 11:8
Double Rainbow
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.”
Isaiah 61:7
“Remember the former days
When, after you were enlightened,
You endured a great struggle with sufferings.
Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten,
Sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things.
You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail,
And when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy.
You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord.
Remember the great reward it brings you!
Patient endurance is what you need now,
So that you will continue to do God’s will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.”
Hebrews 10:32-35
Tree of Life Version and New Living Translation
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
“Why carry the weight of the world on our shoulders,
when the Lord our God carries us on His.”
– Faith Carr
“Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you.”
I Peter 5:7
*Photo- Google Images
ADONAI is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You have anointed my head with oil, my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of ADONAI forever.”
Psalm 23- TLV
“… I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing;
and I will cause the shower to come down in his season;
there shall be
Showers of Blessing.”
Ezekiel 34:26
It’s Blooming in the Desert!
After 5 years of devastating drought in southern California, the mountains and deserts of Death Valley are exploding with beautiful blooms and color!
Thus says ADONAI…
“Here I am, doing a new thing; Now it is springing up!”
“I will make a way in the desert and rivers in the wasteland”
– Isaiah 43:19
TLV
Cactus blooms in Southern California desert/Photos- CBS News
“Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest”
“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You; because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3
Once, when speaking at a Women’s Conference, I began by sharing that I had “cried a River of Tears”.
I knew that there were women present who could relate, because they too had experienced the pain and disappointments that lead to crying lots of tears. I knew, because I had been there…
Sometimes people, in an effort to be comforting, may say,” I know how you feel”… but it’s much more of a comfort when you know that someone has actually experienced circumstances similar to your own. As women, we feel things so deeply, and “crying a river of tears” was the best way that I could describe the heartfelt sadness that accompanied me through this difficult time in my life. I knew that I was not the only one to feel this way.
Many mornings,when I was having problems with my health, and praying for a miracle, my husband would wake to hear me quietly weeping, with my head sunk in my pillow. He would try to comfort me, but after a while, I think he just wanted me to let go of what he considered to be an “obsession” with wanting to have a baby.
But I was not obsessed, and I would not let go.
In spite of all my tears, I knew in my heart, that there was another river…
Psalm 46 says that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble… There is a river, the streams whereof shall make . glad the city of God,…God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early..
Be still and know that I am God…”
Sometimes we need to have a good cry, and that’s OK,… but we mustn’t cry as if there’s no hope… There is true comfort in knowing that God sees our tears, and will answer our prayers. I know because He’s done it for me.
“If you’ve got pain
He’s a Pain Taker
If you feel lost
He’s a Way Maker
If you need freedom or saving
He’s a prison-shaking Savior
If you’ve got chains
He’s a Chain Breaker”
Lyrics from “Chain Breaker” by Zach Williams
“Valentine’s Day is almost here, so here’s a “Post from the Past” just for you!”
I met the man who was to become my husband when I was nineteen years old. At first no one took me seriously, because I had never been serious about anyone before. My closest friends teased me and joked that this new relationship would probably only last for about two weeks and then it would be over, because that’s how it had been for me up until then. But this time was different.
My friends soon became aware of the difference in me as I lit up whenever I talked about him, and talked about him constantly. I began spending less and less time with them, and wanted to spend more and more time with him. When we left campus, for our hometowns in different cities during holiday breaks , I would miss him terribly and couldn’t wait to be with him again. While at home on break, I would curl up in bed with my mother, like two girls at a slumber party, and tell her all about him, talking all night long…
In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus says to the church at Ephesus, “
... You have left your first love…repent and do the first works…”
I think about the first works or actions of a person experiencing a first love, and I ask myself,
“Am I still doing the first works?” Do I still light up whenever I talk about my Savior? Do I still speak of Him constantly? Am I spending more time with Him than I do with less important activities? If I haven’t read my Bible in a while, do I miss it? Could I stay up all night, talking and sharing about His love and His faithfulness? Asking these questions stirs the heart, generates enthusiasm, and awakens a fresh start.
“May the Lord reignite the spark that fueled our first works, and may we continue
to rekindle our love for Him Who first loved us.”♥
Sometimes when we’ve been praying for something for a very long time, we begin to lose heart, and wonder if the answer will ever come. I know exactly how that feels. I remember praying and praying for God to work a miracle in my life, and sometimes, I felt that God had forgotten about me and my situation. Of course we know that God sees us always, and knows everything about our lives, but still, it is true of us as humans, that we sometimes think that our situation may not be as urgent to God as we would like for it to be.
This is so not true!
At one of my lowest points, the LORD gave me a verse which comforted me and reassured me, and to this day, this verse is very near and dear to my heart. In Isaiah 49:15-16, the Lord says, “Can a mother forget her nursing child?… Yes, she might, but I have not forgotten you… I have you engraved on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” This is how I understood what He was saying to me through this verse:
1. “Can a mother forget her nursing child?” – Naturally, the answer to this question would be a resounding, “No.” We all know how attached a mother is to her newborn baby, and so we understand the significance of this question. But…
2. “Yes, she might,” – Although it would seem impossible for a mother to forget or abandon her newborn child, it has happened, as unbelievable as it would seem, sadly, it has been the case for some mothers. But…
3. “I have not forgotten you” – God is saying that His love and care for us is even greater than a mother’s love. Infinitely greater. How so?…
4. “I have you engraved on the palms of my hands” – Here, I pictured the palms of my Savior’s Hands, which still bear the nail scars, pierced for me… And then…
5. “Your walls are continually before me.” – My situation and the circumstances that surround me, are continually before Him!… Oh, Glory to God!!
Here it is in a nutshell…
God loves you, more than you can imagine, He has not forgotten you, and your situation is continually, always, before Him.
Hold on. :)
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples,
“Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”
So they took Jesus in the boat and started out,
And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea,
Insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves:
But Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat…
His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying,
Lord,… “Carest thou not that we perish?”
And He saith unto them,
Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?
Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea;
And there was a great calm.
But the men marveled, saying,
What manner of man is this,
That even the winds and the sea obey Him!”
Matthew 8:25 and Mark 4:38
-As we “cross to the other side”, through the storms and trials of life,
Jesus cares.
He is “in the boat” with us.
He cares
and He will calm the sea.”
“Let all that I am
wait quietly before God,
for my expectation
is from Him.”
Psalm 62:5
“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
Genesis 22:14
“O God, our help in ages past,
our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal home,” -Isaac Watts
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1
“You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depth of Your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty enthroned above
And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand, I stand in awe of You.”
-Hillsong
Because Jesus said so;
“Let not your heart be troubled:
Ye believe in God, believe also in Me.
In my Father’s house are many mansions:
If it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again, and receive you unto myself;
That where I am, there ye may be also,”
John 14:1-3
Faithrises 