SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

I received a fresh revelation for myself this week of how God's blessings for His people are like spring showers of rain, only these are overhead constantly.  Yes when we live, and move and have our being in HIM there are no limits to what God has in store for us.  The blessings of God are ours and He rejoices over us and takes pleasure in giving to us.  Oh the love of God for HIS people.  I find it easy to love the Lord.  His blessings come in many forms.  Php 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  He's able and He will fulfill His Word and supply all your need.  He knows and understands His own.  He knows what we need and He's there to shower us with the blessings (provision) to support and sustain us as we continue to Honor and serve Him.

What need do you have?  It could be financial, spiritual, emotional or of some other nature.  Just know that no matter what it is the blessings are there for you.  Meditate on the scriptures below.  I believe that if you try it you'll like it!

Psa 34:8  O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psa 34:9  O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Psa 34:10  The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not     want any good thing.
Psa 34:11  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psa 34:12  What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
Psa 34:13  Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Psa 34:14  Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psa 34:15  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
Psa 34:16  The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
Psa 34:17  The righteous cry, and the LORD hear, and deliver them out of all their troubles.

Ready to taste and see?  Don't miss your need being fulfilled.  Position yourself in obedience to the Lord to get your special delivery!  It's yours.  No matter who you are or where you are God loves you and He's just waiting for you to come to Him.

Psa 34:11  Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 

 Mat 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

Come to Him, release yourself from all that holds you captive.  Simply come.  He's forgiving, understanding, merciful, loving, kind and full of GRACE!  He can supply all your need!

Pray:  Jesus, please give me the grace to know and understand the value of being obedient to You.  I desire to position myself in obedience and live under Your showers of blessings.  You know where and I am and what I need.  Please forgive me for my sin and help me to begin fresh and new.  I believe that you make all things new so begin in me.  Thank you.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen!

Where Art Thou?

Gen. 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.  11 And He said, who told thee that thou wast naked?  Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou should not eat?

I can only imagine how Adam must have felt while pondering God's questions.  (1) Where art thou? (2) Who told you that you were naked? (3) Have you eaten of the tree I commanded you not to eat of?  This was God Almighty in His infinite wisdom and Adam was standing before Him feeling guilty and helpless.  Not having much else to say, Adam blamed the woman that God had given him.

Can you identify with Adam?  Ever felt guilty and helpless, as if you could hear God asking  "where art thou?",  feeling naked and empty?  I can!  As hard as we try to stay focused and connected with our Lord we sometimes find ourselves in a state of ???????  Sometimes it's because of choices we make and other times it may be a test of our faith.  Difficult situations will cause us to examine ourselves to see where we are.  Storms of all sizes will come our way.  These storms will distract, detach, and distort the truth upon which we build our faith!  We can find ourselves in a state of "where art thou"?  A state of trying to hide.  BUT........the good news is that "Storms Have Purpose"!

When storms come just know that hidden somewhere inside of the storm is a blessing for you!  Yes, being a child of God we must remember that God loves us and that His thoughts of us are good only and not evil.  Jer 29:11  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  The enemy would rather have us forget whose we are and the privileges that are ours.  We have an inheritance in Christ that is unmatched by any inheritance from anyone, anywhere.  Let me tell you, God loves you, yes you, so much that He has your face carved in the palm of His hand.  Isa 49:15  Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.   Isa 49:16  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.   What love and compassion our Father has toward us!

I don't know of a person I talk to that can say they are not experiencing a storm in one way or another.  Just remember, somewhere within the storm is your blessing.  Just ask yourself, where am I?  Listen for God's voice and obey His instructions.  Don't struggle, don't give up, just remember that God will give you an expected end.  I like to say that God will give me His expected end for my life.  In the process of the storm you can have peace.

Pray:  Thank you Father for reminding me that I am special and important to You.  Thank you for reminding me that the storms in my life have purpose and that if I rest in you I will get to the purpose you intend for me.  Knowing how much You love me keeps me in obedience to Your word.  I will praise you with my whole heart even in the midst of the storm for where You are is where I desire to be.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Who Am I - Casting Crowns (w/ lyrics)

A YIELDED BELIEVING VESSEL (Be Open)

Just hearing the title of this message you may think “okay, this one’s not for me”!  That’s just what the enemy wants us to think about ourselves.  I’m not fit to be used by God! I’ve started and stopped so many times I’m ashamed to even try anymore. Or you may think I’m already there.  I say to you, whatever you’re thinking “Be Open”!  Understand, it’s never what we think, it’s only what God says.  We only need to get our thinking in agreement with what God has to say about us.  You see, He created us and He knows all about us.  God never makes a mistake; therefore you are not a mistake, maybe misdirected but not a mistake, not a misfit….you are who God says you are!  Understand that you are a “work in progress” being supernaturally formed and Jesus will keep you strong.  

 1Co 1:8  Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

Phil 1:6  He Who has begun a good work in you, He’s faithful to complete it until Jesus returns.  

 1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

 God is not finished with you yet beloved!  He has been and will always be involved in our vessels.  We must meet Him where He's working.  Therefore; we must "Be Open" to the Holy Spirit in order to hear and obey.  Being open to God’s Spirit will help us to become yielded believing vessels for God.  We will overcome those things that try to defeat us by keeping us closed up and closed off.  Being open to the Holy Spirit will ensure that we give God our very best, our all and only.  Our hearts, minds, souls and strength will be open to the sanctification of the word of God.  We want fear change, we want fear holiness.  When we’re open is when we trust God, when we’re open we trust and obey the word of God.  We’re open to becoming yielded and believing and obedient vessels for God.

Hallelujah!  what promise and what encouragement.  Knowing that God has a plan all worked out for His beloved and we only need to join Him!  Today is a great day to get involved in the plan of God for your life.  Pray and believe with me.

Prayer:  Father, I desire to meet you where you're working in my life.  I desire to be a believing, yielded vessel meet for Your use.  As I yield my heart, mind, soul and strength to You I am open to Your Holy Spirit to complete the good work that you have begun in me supernaturally forming me day by day.  In Jesus' Name Amen.

 

GOD IS WITH YOU

God Is for You

He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you. —Zep_3:17

God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that's God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that's God applauding your steps. Listen for him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He'll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He's picking you up. God is for you.

God is for you. Had he a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on his bumper. If there's a tree in heaven, he's carved your name in the bark…

In the Grip of Grace - Max Lucado

I have read this many times.  I'm blessed each time I'm reminded how much God loves me and that He's for me!  We all need reminding from time to time of how much support we have from the One Who created us in His image and after His likeness.  Oh how He loves you and me!

 Zep 3:16  In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.

Zep 3:17  The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy;He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.

In the midst of all of our circumstances we will find that God is with us.  He is saying to those that fear Him and love Him, "fear not" and "do not let your hands be slack."  Whatever the Lord has spoken to you to do, get going.  Don't be slack and don't grow weary in well doing.  As you stretch forth your hands in obedience to the Lord He is always with you!   He's in your midst and He is mighty.  Whatever comes your way He has promised to save.  We may get anxious or uncertain when we can't see the end, but remember God knows and sees the end from the beginning.  When He calls you to do something for Him He has it worked out!  This is why it's so important to KNOW that God loves you!  and then you love Him back!  When you love Him you will trust Him.  As we allow God to be with us He will give us joy unspeakable!

 Zephaniah points out that joy results when we allow God to be with us. We do that by faithfully following him and obeying his commands. Then God rejoices over us with singing. If you want to be happy, draw close to the source of happiness by obeying God.  He will rest in His love and as He rest we can rest, glory hallelujah!!!!  Be joyful in the Lord for He joys over you and I with singing.  When the road gets rough or when you just need to hear a different melody, get quiet, listen........... hear Him singing?  That's your song.  

Pray:  Lord, how precious are your promises to me.  As I pray I can feel You near me.  I desire to obey You and keep Your commands.  I desire to follow Your plan for my life.  I'm drawing close to You right now Lord.  I know that You are with me.  I love You and I receive Your love.  Here's my heart, my mind, my soul and my strength.  I give you my all.  I refuse to hold on to the past and hold myself captive.  In You I'm made FREE!  In Jesus' Name Amen!

 

LOVE NEVER FAILS

We all come in contact with people every day with one common need.  We need love.  I see actions of women that scream “somebody, anybody, everybody just love me”!  Show me some love!!!!!!!!!!  Unfortunately for some the only love they’ve known has been hurtful and disappointing, has left them wounded, afraid, and with feelings of guilt and worthlessness.  I’m on a mission.  I just want to reach one or two or three or however many the Lord takes me to and tell them “YOU ARE LOVED”!  I want to meet God right where He’s working in someone’s life and say to them not only are you loved but you are LOVE!  BECAUSE GOD HIMSELF CREATED YOU IN HIS IMAGE!  It is time, pass time to cry out to all who will listen “You are somebody, you are loved and no one can define who you are except the ONE WHO made you!

Let’s look into the image of God’s love and define what’s there.

Love – is know by the action it prompts.  Jesus’ actions spoke clearly and loudly of His love for us.  Love is attitude toward others that is void of one’s self.  It’s all of

1Corin. 13 and above all it is John 3:16, Love Never Fails.  Love encourages, gives hope, heals, builds up, forgives, and always points to God.

Being created in the image of God 1John 4:16 tells us, is being created in the image of Love because God is Love.  When we speak of Him, or think of Him we’re comforted and encouraged.  His love is what draws us to Him and keeps us coming back for more! 

Not only are we created in the image of love, WE ARE THE BELOVED OF GOD! 

God’s affection toward us is infinite, His love is tender, merciful, long suffering, unfailing, and there’s more than enough to go around!

1John 3:1 tells us how great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

Just think of your favorite lotion, perfume, even a bar of soap.  Do you use it sparingly or do you just lavish it on?  Now we probably use these things sparingly because we want them to last as long as possible.  Not so with God's love.  God just keep pouring it on.  As long as we are open to receive He keeps it coming.  I believe there have been times in my life when I wasn't open and didn't trust Him that He continued to LOVE me.  What a loving giving God! 

There's more to come on this subject!  Be open to His Spirit. 

Prayer:  Lord I need to be loved.  I need a love that is honest, trustworthy and healing.  Help me to know and understand who You are and who I am in You.  Help me to see Your image clearly that I may receive the great love that you have to lavish on me. 

I Will Not Hide My Love Under A Bushel

Scripture tells us that God is love and that we are made in His image.  Therefore, we are not only the beloved of God, we are "LOVE".  I've thought about my life and ways to connect to who I am and share who I am with others.  Being in Christ gives me the liberty to live and move and have my being in love.  I have the ability to bloom where I'm planted and to shine as bright as the sun!  I can be content with the love within me and encourage others to find and connect with who they are in Christ Jesus.  Being a child of God affords us so much freedom and opportunity to SHINE FOR HIM!

Mat 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

We are the light of the world.  Light requires an organ (eye) adapted for it's reception.  Where the eye is absent, or where it has become impaired from any cause, light is useless.  Love stimulates our receptors!  Keeps them working properly.

Mat 6:22  The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

Having a single eye full of light can help us to see clearly what God desires us to do for Him.  Love working in us to produce this kind of sightedness keeps us from becoming cloudy in our thinking and disobedient in our service to Him.  Jesus says, "we are the light of the world".  We must shine so that we join Him in His work of letting the whole world know that He is Lord, the risen Savior, He is that true light that all men need!  He has given to us His love and His light to point the way for others.  Does your  love light shine and point the way for others to know Jesus and to live for Him?  If not perhaps it's hid under a bushel!  Our love lights can be hid under a bushel of complacency, embarrassment, stubbornness, fear, disobedience to name a few.  Get your love from beneath the bushel and allow it to stimulate the light inside.  The more you do for Him the brighter you will shine and your love will glorify Him again and again.

Pray:  Lord I desire to shine for You.  I am releasing my love light today to  point the way to someone else that they may find you and live for you so that there may be many bright lights in this world glorifying You.  May I no longer live a life of complacency but get up, get going and begin to really live and move and have my being in YOU!  Amen.