Open Doors. Closed Doors. God's Plan. Our Path. Perfect Peace. (6.30.21)

Fellow Believers,
We need - no we MUST - learn to thank the Lord for closed doors, in the same way that we do for an open door.

The reason GOD closes doors is because He has not prepared anything behind that door, for us. If He didn't close the wrong doors, we would never find our way to the right doors. Even when some of us don't realize it, GOD directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors.

When one door closes, it forces us to change course.  Then another door closes, and it forces many of us to change course, yet again. Then finally, whether after a few doors, or many, many doors; we come across the right door, the door that God has for us, we find the open door and walk right into our blessings. But instead of praising GOD for the closed doors (which kept us out of trouble), too often, many of us get upset because we "judged by appearances." And for too many of us, especially lukewarm believers, in our own arrogance - or ignorance - we insist that we know what is right; or we fail to recognize God "at work," understanding that all things work together for those who love the Lord - Romans 8:28.

We MUST always remember that we have 'a Very Present Help' in our times of need, Who Is always standing guard. Because He Walks ahead of us, He Can See trouble 'down the road ,' and He sets up protection, provision, roadblocks and detours accordingly.

But for some of us, we don't always 'see' it that way.  Some, through their lack of vision, wisdom and trust; try - or end up - to tearing down the roadblocks or pushing aside God's 'detour signs.' Then the minute that there is trouble, those who are 'lukewarm in the faith' usually start crying, "Lord how could this happen to me?"

For those of us who don't see it, those who are lukewarm or not fully walking in faith - we MUST realize that the closed door was a blessing. Didn't He Say, No good thing will He withhold from them that love him? - Romans 8:28

If you get terminated from your job - don't be down.  Instead, thank GOD for the new opportunities that will manifest themselves.  New opportunities like a better job, becoming an entrepreneur and starting your own business, or an opportunity to go back to school.  With GOD, all things are possible.

If that man or woman won't return your call, it might not be them; it might be the Lord setting up a roadblock, so pray on it, talk to GOD, listen for His Still Small Voice.  And when asking Him for His Wisdom and to do His Will, there may come a time when you must just 'let it go' and trust GOD. 

I Am so grateful, for the many times GOD has closed doors to me, just to open new doors in the most unexpected places. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. - Psalm 37:23.

The Mountain top is glorious,
     but it is in the Valley that
     I will grow!

Always Remember GOD gives you . . .

Enough Happiness to keep you Sweet

Enough Trials to keep you Strong

Enough Sorrows to keep you Human

Enough Hope to keep you Happy

Enough Failure to keep you Humble

 Enough Friends to give you Comfort

Enough Wealth to meet your Needs

Enough Enthusiasm so that you will
look Forward

Enough Faith to banish depression

and

Enough Determination
to make each day, a better day,
than the Last

So, be encouraged...
Be of good cheer...

For our GOD Is greater than
     any circumstances,
     and He Will see us through. 

Thank GOD for what you have,
Trust GOD for what you need.

  ~  Marilyn

#ScriptureReflection - Psalm 95:7-8 (6.29.21)

 Today, if you would hear His voice,
⁸     Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
    As in the day of Massah in the wilderness.

 

Source:  NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

 

 

A New, Unprecedented Season of Peace and Rest (6.28.21)

Fellow Believers,
The following may not apply to everyone. But there are some of you who have been feeling unsettled for quite a while; and who have been crying out to GOD. Some of you have become weary and exhausted.  And some of you are feeling like you don't know if you can go on much longer. Everything has been swirling around you, and you've felt as if - if GOD doesn't do something soon, it won't be possible for you to keep going. Yet deep inside, you know you can't give up.  Deep inside, you know you must trust GOD.  Deep inside you know that Our Father sees you, and is working it out for your good.  Deep inside you know these things to be true - but you are feeling tired, defeated, stretched to your limits.... and then stretched even more.  Crying, praying, tense, sleepless; but putting on a brave face and still saying your prayers.
If this sounds like what you have been going through, I pray that today's message will bring healing and deliverance to your weary soul.
  ~  Marilyn Chaney

~~~~~~~

 

My Child,
Now is the time of reflection.
Now is a time of testing.
Now is a time of letting go.
Now is a time of change.

It it true, that this has been a trying time for many of My People. Many felt like the current wilderness season would never end. Even though the enemy desired to destroy many of you, I Did not allow it to happen. You are still here because you are determined to be the overcomer I Created you to be. I Have Seen the difficulty of your struggle and hardship. I Have Seen your praise, your prayers and your persistence - even when it all felt impossible.  Even through your tears and fears, you praise Me.  You called out to Me.  You never failed to seek Me.

My Beautiful Child, you have endured many trials; but the trials you’ve endured will never compare -will pale in comparison - to My Many Blessings that awaits you.

There have been times and seasons of great change, which have not always been comfortable for you; and this current season may seem like the toughest - or the most hopeful, but still tough, yet - but through it all you did not give up. 

You looked to Me.
You cried out to Me.
And I’ve heard your cry. 

Now.
Now.
Right Now.
Now, I Am bringing you the change and rest you’ve needed for so long.

I Am giving you a season of rest, peace and prosperity. It is already done.  Soon and very soon, you will be able to sing "It is well, It is well, with My soul," for I Have already put into motion those things that will make your soul very well.  And My Perfect Peace and Rejuvenating Rest shall be upon you.

I Am bringing a quiet joy and unshakable strength into your life.

I Am watching over you, guarding your path and providing your needs. I Am meeting you, conversing with you and interacting with you in new and unexpected ways; ways that you are not used to.  Creating a "new normal," a new dynamic between us. You are receiving - Right NOW - victory in many of those areas in which you have been crying out to Me.

I Am doing a work in your family, your marriage,
     your job, and your relationships.
I Am pouring upon you a peace - My Peace - that
     will flood your soul; and fill you with the warmth
     of My Love.
My Precious Child, you MUST know that I Am, and
     have always been, for you and not against you.

Yes, I Am with you.
And I Am for you.

I Am bringing you into a New Spiritual Dimension
I Am increasing your faith.
I Am bestowing upon you a revelation of My Heart, towards you.

Right now, this very minute, I Am planting so many seeds.  Seeds of My Hope, My Love, My Provision, My Wisdom, and so much more in your heart.  And I Am watering all those seeds with My Love and My Protection.

Bright, Beautiful, Brilliant Child, you will
     come forth surrounded in My Peace and
     clothed in My Righteousness.
I Am bringing a great change in your life;
     as well as a season of peace and rest.

 

 

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Psalm 29:11 - The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. 

Isaiah 14:3 - And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve, 

Luke 1:79 - To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 

Romans 8:18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

Hebrews 6:15 - And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

 

#ScriptureReflection - Mark 5:21-43 (6.27.21)

 

Jairus’s Daughter and the Woman with a Hemorrhage.

²¹ When Jesus had crossed again [in the boat] to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. ²² One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet ²³ and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” ²⁴ He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.

²⁵ There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. ²⁶ She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. ²⁷ She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. ²⁸ She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” ²⁹ Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. ³⁰ Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” ³¹ But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” ³² And he looked around to see who had done it. ³³ The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. ³⁴ He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

³⁵ While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” ³⁶ Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” ³⁷ He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. ³⁸ When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” ⁴⁰ And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. ⁴¹ He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” ⁴² The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. [At that] they were utterly astounded. ⁴³ He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

 

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

 

 

Where Is Your Faith?!?!?! (6.26.21)

There are times when some of us encounter great difficulties; so great, that we question whether GOD will do certain things in our lives.  Things can sometimes go from what seems like bad to worse; or time is passing by, so we think about other possible solutions that we will make, just in case things don’t pan out.  Then we oft times begin gathering our emotions, reaching out to others, all to ensure that we are well-prepared for an undesired outcome.

However, when the Lord looks at this, consider that our actions might be viewed as a lack of faith in His Promises. GOD’s Word encourages us to walk by faith - despite the hard times we may be facing.  Regardless of what the situation dictates, His Word tells us to only believe, and that all things are possible, if we believe.

Someone may be walking through a difficult time right now, and you’re preparing for what to do - if things don’t work out.  Why not have faith, wait on the Lord, and EXPECT GOD to perform a miracle just for you?  He has not forgotten you.  It’s never too late for the Lord.  He’s never failed and He never will.

  ~  Marilyn

~~~~~~~

Hear what Our Lord has to say

My Child,
Wait on Me. 
Have faith in Me.

And know that I Am faithful. 

It is never too late for Me to do the impossible in your life.  Why do some of you pray, and then expect things not to work out?  When you pray, the next logical step is to believe Me for a miracle.  In fact, needing a miracle is often why you pray to Me, in My Son's Name.

I Am your Provider, and I Am well able to take care of you.  And there will be times when you will experience difficulty.  However, do not be dismayed when this happens; for I Already have a plan in place to deliver you.  Trust in Me. I Want you to experience My Faithfulness, personally.  I Want you to experience My Almighty Hand of Deliverance in your life; so that you will bear witness to others, that I Am Faithful. 

Wait on Me.
Believe in Me.
Trust Me.

And I Will do things - in such an amazing way - that it will bring glory to My Name, and have you singing praises forever. 

For those who are wavering.
Where is your faith? 
Repent.
And put your faith in Me, once again. 
 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Psalm 27:14 - Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. 

Mark 9:23 - Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Luke 1:37 - For with GOD nothing shall be impossible

Luke 8:25 - And he said unto them, Where is your faith?

2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight or appearance.

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith, it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

Where is God When Life Hurts?? He Is Comforting, Consoling and Protecting Us - RIGHT By Our Side!! #trustHim #believe (6.25.21)

Taken from : "WHERE IS GOD WHEN LIFE HURTS? by RJ Umandap

~~~~~~~

“Until the day when GOD shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words—‘Wait and hope.’”  
      ~  The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

~~~~~~~

Believers,
When the circumstances of our lives seem less than ideal, we can wait and hope on GOD. 

The story of Joseph gives us a glimpse into this kind of faith.

Out of Jacob’s twelve sons, Joseph was the favorite. Naturally, his brothers were jealous. They hated him so much that, though they contemplated killing him, they decided to sell him into slavery. Joseph’s life as a slave was not easy. He even went to prison because of a false accusation. But 'the LORD was with Joseph; he showed him kindness and granted him favor' - Genesis 39:21. 

That’s a tough pill to swallow.  Treated unjustly. Falsely accused. Shunned by his brothers. Separated from his loving father. Some might feel justified to be bitter toward GOD. But not Joseph.

We see the depth of Joseph’s faith in GOD when, many years later, his brothers find themselves at his feet, begging for forgiveness for what they’d done. Joseph tells them, 'As for you, you meant evil against me, but GOD meant it for good to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.' - Genesis 50:20.

Joseph clearly (and rightly) understood that although GOD did not approve of his brothers’ actions, GOD was still working out His Good Purposes, and His Mighty Plan.  That no matter what Joseph's brothers did, or how complicated things became - GOD never stopped working things out for Joseph's good.  All Joseph had to do was trust GOD, do his best and stay encouraged. For GOD was in control all along - even when Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers; and even when Joseph was falsely accused and forsaken. Joseph trusted GOD through it all; and GOD even 'used' Joseph’s dire circumstances to preserve the people of Egypt. Our Father used Joseph’s life as a means of fulfilling His Promise that Abraham and Jacob’s descendants would be a blessing to the whole world.

And from these descendants came Jesus Christ.
Now that is the providence of GOD.
And a great lesson for us, Believers, to never forget.

If you’ve entrusted your life to GOD, then you already have the assurance that GOD is with you, regardless of circumstances.  Our Heavenly Father Is guiding your life according to His Wise Plans. And when the going gets rough, never forget that GOD Is right there with you.  He Will never leave nor forsake you.  Never give up on GOD, because GOD never gives up on you. 

So, until tomorrow, let’s comfort our hearts with the words of this song: “GOD is too wise to be mistaken; GOD is too good to be unkind. So if you don’t understand, when you don’t see his plan, when you can’t trace his hand, trust his heart.” (from "Trust His Heart" by Babbie Mason)

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

~ Prayer ~

Lord GOD,
Thank you that I can rest in Your Unfailing Wisdom, Power, and Love; even when my circumstances may 'seem dire.'

Help me to trust in those moments. Knowing, with the 'full-faith' that you've bestowed on me, that you are working 'behind the scenes,' in ways I cannot even imagine.

Thank You Father GOD.
In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen

~~~~~~~

~ Focused Daily Prayer ~

Be sure to pray for any loved ones that are going through
difficult circumstances right now. 

Ask GOD to give them the ability to trust Him,
throughout this time.

~~~~~~~

#ScriptureReflection - Jeremiah 29:11 (6.24.21)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,”
       declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
       plans to give you hope and a future.

Source: NIV (New International Version)

#ScriptureReflection - Romans 12:1-2 (6.23.21)

VI. The Duties of Christians

Chapter 12

Sacrifice of Body and Mind.

¹ I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. ² Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

 

Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

Run into God's Presence..... and Rest (6.22.21)

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
  -  Psalm 91:1

 

Faith Believers,

I know sometimes life can be quite stressful for us.  There are times when it seems like the attacks will never cease, and each day brings us a new challenge to face.  Some of you end up feeling really weighed down in your spirit. And some of you may be feeling as though its like a heavy coat of lead  that has been placed on you. 

Oh, but bless the Lord! 

Standing against the enemy will bring tremendous breakthrough.  However, because our problems sometimes seem insurmountable; some of us can become so down in our spirit - from time to time.  And for some of us, even that can seem too hard.  For some, it can appear that the more we stand against the enemy, that the attacks can feel like they become more frequent.  For some of us, we can begin to feel like we are going around in circles and circles; and get all tangled up.

Well, today I want to extend an invitation to you
     to come and rest in the Shadow of the Presence
     of the Lord. 
Today, step away from your circumstances so you
     can be refreshed.
Step away from it all and walk straight into the
     Loving Arms of Jesus!

  -  Marilyn

He who has ears ought to hear
what Our Father is saying

 

My Child,
I Am always here, with My Arms stretched out towards you.

Come, run away, take a break and hide in My Embrace. 

For I Will sweep you up in My Arms.  I Will take you into My Secret Place, and I Will remove the heavy garments that many of My Children have been laboring under.  For those heavy garments are not from Me.   I Am Here - My Son Came - to clothe you in My Light and My Life.  I Am Here to wash you and to anoint you with My Holy Spirit.  So that you will effortlessly run the race that I Have Set before you.

the enemy is trying very hard to pull out all the stops, in a futile attempt to prevent you from moving forward.  Know in your heart, My Child, that the enemy's mountains are nothing to Me. There is nothing the enemy can do to stop The Power of My Hand, in your life.  For with one sweep of My Hand, all of the enemy's attempts and the enemy's mountains shall be removed and cast into the sea.  

I Am Alpha and Omega.
I Am The Beginning and The End of All Things.

There is nothing the enemy can do to stop My Will.

the enemy has no power over My Children.  And any evil, impish plan he has constructed, I Will Turn that plan on him and his followers so they can reap the evil which has been sown by them. 

So rest, My Beloved.
And know that I Am with you. 
Know that I Will never leave you.

Come to Me for peace.
And I Will give you a peaceful rest
     that only I Can give. 

 

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
  -  Psalm 91:1

#ScriptureReflection - Matthew 7:1-5 (6.21.21)

Judging Others.

¹ “Stop judging, that you may not be judged.

² For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. ³ Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?

⁵ You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.

 
Source: NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

 

 

The Words We Say (6.20.21)

Can both fresh water and salt water flow
from the same spring
  -  James 3:11

Believers,
James points out to us, that 'fresh and salty water' cannot come from the same fountain.

Our tongues are powerful.
It is important that what we say,
     lines up with what we pray.

Try this. Listen to the things you say throughout the course of an average day. You may discover that although the prayers you are praying sound “faith-filled,” and you believe that those same prayers are in agreement with God’s Will, and that you are expressing gratitude to God, in advance; oft times, your conversation belies your praying.

Here’s an example. Janice needs rent money. She prays fervently, believing, thanking GOD in advance for His Provision. So far, so good. Thirty minutes later someone asks about her situation. She replies, “I don’t know. Things look pretty bleak. I don’t know what I am going to do. I’m out of options.”

In one, short, unguarded conversation, Janice basically writes “VOID” across the prayer she just prayed. Why did she do that? She exposed an underlying issue of unbelief. Although she prayed the right words to God, her prayer to God and her conversation to her friend did not align nor agree.  She wasn’t actually praying them in faith, because she clearly didn’t truly believe them in her heart - and her reply to her friend expressed zero faith, honor or mention of her praying, trusting, asking, thanking GOD.  And that we cannot do.

If we could search her heart, as GOD does, we would probably discover that Janice is still looking for a “backup source” (other than GOD). By telling another person her need, in this way (with words of desperation, hopelessness and faithlessness) and showing a bit of desperation; she hopes that she can manipulate her friend into assisting AND her words are in direct conflict with her prayers and conversations with GOD.  She has had two completely different conversations (one with her friend, and one with GOD) on the same topic.

It's like Janice had this conversation, well . . . in case GOD doesn’t come through. It’s like having a “Plan B.” She may not even be aware that she does this, but it’s a classic case of double-mindedness and it cannot be how we behave.

The words we say must match the words we pray. Our conversations with others must reflect the faith with which we’ve prayed. To pray one thing about a person, place, or circumstance; and confess the opposite is classic double-mindedness and produces nothing.

When someone asks Janice about her rent situation, she should respond, “I still don’t know how GOD Will do it, but I am convinced that He Is my source and that He Is working now to supply all my needs,  according to His Riches in glory, by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). And for that, I give Him praise.”

Thank God for what you have.
Trust God for what you need.
  -  Marilyn

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

~ Prayer ~

Father GOD,
My desire is to properly pray.
Believing that You Will answer,
     as I align my prayers with Your Heart.

Keep me from doubting the very words I express to You, as a need or a request.

May I trust Your Heart, even when I am unable to see You at work, around me, in that moment.

Your Response is always timed for my good, and for the sake of Your Own Glory.

Help me to be a 'yielded intercessor,' expressing prayers of thanksgiving for answers I Have yet to see in the physical realm; but for which I believe will burst forth from Your Heart in Your Perfect Timing, as I lay my heart alongside of Your Own.

This is my prayer, in Your Son, Jesus' Name,

Amen

Nothing is Hidden (6.19.21)

 

No creature can hide from GOD.
Everything is uncovered and exposed for him to see.
We must answer to him.
  -  Hebrews 4:13

 

My Child,
Nothing.  Nothing.  Nothing is hidden from Me.

There is no situation, or plan of man, that I Cannot turn the tables on. The plans of the enemy that are being formed against you, I WILL turn inside out; and cause them to work out for your good. Instead of you being the victim , and being destroyed; the perpetrators will find themselves the recipients of their own evil.

Nothing is too hard for Me.

I See men doing things, in their dark places; but no matter how deep their darkness, I Can still see as clearly as if it was broad daylight. There is absolutely nothing that can be hidden from My Gaze. Those men have forgotten that My Eyes are everywhere, seeing both good and evil.

Nothing is hidden from Me. 

Therefore, stop worrying about what others are doing, and what they are saying. You do not need to know what they are up to.

I Know...... 
And that's all you need to know.
And so, keep your eyes on Me.

Do not allow the enemy to distract you, and cause you to lose your focus. Oh yes, he wants you to take your eyes off of Me, and miss your blessing.

My Child, set your face like a flint.
Seek My Face only.
Do not let his evil plan hinder you;
     for I Am with you.

Nothing can stand against Me.  

Now, rest in Me.
Yes, rest in Me.
And trust that I Have you,
     in the palm of My Hand.

I Need you to believe that no weapon formed against you will ever prosper.

Meditate on My Word, and allow your love for Me to send that 'spirit of fear' - out of your life.

That's all it is, Child.  fear.  And I did not give you a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind.

I Say again, rest in Me.
Rest in Me, knowing that
     nothing is hidden from Me.

I’ve got it all under control.  

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Genesis 50:20 - But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but GOD meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Psalm 37:40 - And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them because they trust in him.

Psalm 139:11-12 - If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Proverbs 15:3 - The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

Isaiah 50:7 - For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

Luke 8:17 - For nothing is secret that shall not be revealed; nor secret which shall not be known and come to be revealed. 

Luke 12:2-3 - For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore, whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. 

#ScriptureReflection - Galatians 5:16-26 (NASB) (6.18.21)

¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

¹⁹ Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, ²⁰ idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well. ²⁶ Let’s not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

 

Source: NASB (New American Standard Bible)

#ScriptureReflection - Galatians 5:1-15 (NASB) (6.17.21)

Follow the Spirit

5 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

² Look! I, Paul, tell you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. ³ And I testify again to every man who has himself circumcised, that he is obligated to keep the whole Law. ⁴ You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace. ⁵ For we, through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

⁷ You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. ¹⁰ I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear the punishment, whoever he is. ¹¹ But as for me, brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been eliminated. ¹² I wish that those who are troubling you would even emasculate themselves.

¹³ For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. ¹⁴ For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

 

Source: NASB (New American Standard Bible)

 

 

#ScriptureReflection - 1 John 5:14-21 (6.16.21)

 

Confidence and Compassion in Prayer

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

¹⁶ If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. ¹⁷ All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

Knowing the True—Rejecting the False

¹⁸ We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

¹⁹ We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

²⁰ And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

²¹ Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

 

 Source: NKJV (New King James Version)

NOTHING Is Too Hard for Our Father, The Lord Our God (6.15.21)

 

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth
by thy great power and stretched out arm,
and there is nothing too hard for thee:
  -  Jeremiah 32:17

 

Family of Believers,
The Lord wants to remind you, me, all of us - today - that there is nothing too difficult for Him.

He Is on His Throne, and His Spirit is within us.  He can break through your cloudy days and bring forth "the sun to shine" upon your circumstances.  Everything will pass away, except His Word.

When GOD Speaks, there is nothing that can stop His Words from coming about.  

Heaven and earth shall pass away,
but my words shall not pass away.
  -  Matthew 24:35

 

Sometimes, when the Lord tells us He Is going to do something, it doesn’t always mean that it will manifest right away. However, we must believe and know in our spirit, that it is done. Then we must be prepared, with The Word, when the enemy tries to steal what the Lord has promised us.

We must hold fast to what we know is true, and watch the Lord bring it forth - regardless of how the situation may look, how people may act, or what people may say.

 

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;
(for He is faithful that promised;)
 - Hebrews 10:23

 

We must fight the good fight of faith, whenever the enemy attacks, and speak forth the times that the Lord our GOD has delivered us. We must "Stand and Speak Aloud" the testimonies of Our Lord.  We must "Speak Forth" the times (in the past) when it seemed there was no way out, and GOD opened a door. We must "Stand Firm and Speak Aloud" Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Remember, GOD Does things through faith, not by sight.  He Will bring you forth, in His Promises, in their (and His) Appointed time.

And when He brings you forth, (get ready to SHOUT) you will see that it was not by might, nor by power, but ONLY through His Holy Spirit, by which Our Heavenly, Magnificent Father worked those miracles in your life. 

He Is OUR GOD of Possibilities. 
He Is Jehovah Jireh.
He Is the Alpha and the Omega.
He Is GOD - All by Himself.

And all He Requires, of us, is to believe every Word that He has Spoken.

But he answered and said,
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD.
  -  Matthew 4:4 


Now the just shall live by faith:
but if any man draw back,
my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
  -  Hebrews 10:38 

 

He Has proven - time and time again - to all of us, His Faithfulness. 
He Will accomplish all He Has WILLED (GOD's Will) and all that He Has Promised.

Be faithful to His Word - the Word that He Has Spoken - and do not let the enemy talk you out of your promise.

GOD Is for us, and not against us. 
He Will Never forsake us.
He Will Never leave us.

Fear not.  Stand firm.  And declare the great testimonies of what GOD Has Done for you, in your life.

GOD Delivered you in the past.
He Will do it again. 
He Never changes.

He Is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
GOD Is faithful.

And NOTHING is too hard for Our Father,
     the Lord Our GOD.

 

  ~  Marilyn

 

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON HIS WORD

Jeremiah 32:27 - Behold, I am the LORD, the GOD of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me? 

Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. 

1 Thessalonians 5:24 - Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

 

 

 

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (6.14.21)

Christian Conduct

¹² But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, ¹³ and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. ¹⁴ We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 

¹⁶ Rejoice always; ¹⁷ pray without ceasing; ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise prophetic utterances. ²¹ But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; ²² abstain from every form of evil.

²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

²⁵ Brethren, pray for us

²⁶ Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. ²⁷ I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

 
Source: NASB1995 (New American Standard Bible 1995)

 

 

Profound, Perfect Peace (6.13.21)

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your request to GOD. 
And the peace of GOD,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
  -  Philippians 4:6-7

 

Fellow Believers,
In those moments and times that we recall, in our minds and hearts, that God has given us the Gift of Prayer.  When we recall that we can pray in the midst of any circumstances; and when we are confident and comforted by the fact that we can even have hearts of thanksgiving and praise, in the midst of those circumstances - something profound, beautiful, unusual and supernatural happens. 

 

A sense of peace will come - from outside ourselves - and that particular peace will provide what we need to walk through the difficult situation. 

It is literally the Peace of GOD. 

What does The Peace of GOD do?  The Peace of GOD guards our hearts and minds.  The Peace of GOD reminds us to keep remembering the truth of GOD’s Faithfulness, GOD's Provision, GOD's Favor and GOD's Love; so that we do not - and will not ever - believe the lies satan wants to try to plant in our minds. 

Praying and praising takes us
     above our circumstances. 
Do you need peace today? 
Ask GOD for peace.
And not just "peace."
Ask GOD for His Perfect Peace.
For the Peace that surpasses - that
     transcends - all human understanding. 

Ask GOD for His Profound, Perfect Peace.

And then, in the next breath....
Praise GOD for His Faithfulness! 

For GOD is waiting for you to come to Him.  GOD is waiting for you to come to Him, believing that GOD - your Father, my Father, our Father - will bring peace - His Profound, Perfect Peace - to each and every part, parcel and crevice of your circumstances.

Thank God for what you have,
Trust God for what you need.
  -  Marilyn



~ Prayer ~
Father,
I thank You, that You Promised Your Perfect Peace to us.  A Peace that is far beyond anything I can ever imagine.

I thank You and I praise You for Your Goodness and Your Faithfulness to me. 
 

I claim, right now,- RIGHT NOW - the peace that You Promised Me, in Your Word.  The peace that transcends knowledge and all understanding. 

I Bless You, Father, for
     You Are Worthy
     to be praised!

Amen.  Yes & Amen.

AMEN!

 

 

 

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Thessalonians 5:7-11 (6.12.21)

⁷ For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.

⁸ But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. ⁹ For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.

¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

 

Source: NASB1995 (New American Standard Bible 1995)

 

 

If You Lack Wisdom...... (6.11.21)

My Child,
Every day you are faced with countless decisions.  And there are times when some of you may be unsure about what to do. If you lack wisdom, come to Me and simply, just ask Me.  Just ask Me, Child.  I Will fill you with My Wisdom, My Knowledge, and My Understanding. I Am The Source of all wisdom; and I Know the plans I Have for you, plans so that you can prosper and thrive.

Even when you may not understand My Ways, I Am Working behind the scenes to accomplish ALL that is best for you. My Wisdom has no limits and My Judgments are always perfect.  Therefore, today, worship and praise Me for My Wisdom. Every time you face a perplexing decision, praise Me - so that I Can show you what to do. As you faithfully praise Me, I Will show you which way to go.

I Love to generously share My Wisdom
      with those who praise Me.

Whenever you are presented with a challenge, find some quiet time and talk with Me.  Turn your problems over to Me and trust Me to give you My Wisdom, in each circumstance. Every time you feel uncertain angst in your soul, begin to praise Me immediately; and know that I Will give you discernment, for that moment.

My Child, ASK ME and I WILL Provide the wisdom you need - My Wisdom - for every decision you face.

 

Read and Meditate on God's Word

Exodus 35:31 - And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

Proverbs 2:6-7 - For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Proverbs 4:5-7 - Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 

James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

#ScriptureReflection - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 (6.10.21)

The Day of the Lord

5 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. ³ While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

⁴ But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; ⁵ for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; ⁶ so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.


Source: NASB1995 (New American Standard Bible 1995)

Praying for Those Whom satan is Trying to Use (6.9.21)

Now we pray to GOD that you will not do anything wrong. 
Not that people will see that
we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.  For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 
We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong;
and our prayer is for your perfection
- 2 Corinthians 13:7-10

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

Fellow Believers,
Are some of you frustrated by the spiritual life, or lack thereof, in a fellow believer (or believers) who should know better, that you are close to? 

Have you been praying that they would return to God?  That they would conduct themselves in a way that would please God and put Him first; vs. conduct that conforms to the world and yields to human, earthly, fleshly ways?

Rise above all of that, and pray fervently for that individual. 

Pray that the truth - that they already know - deep down inside, would rise to the surface. 
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring Light, and that that Holy Spirit's Light would shine over all of that darkness that satan is attempting to bring, to cloud their way. 

Believe that GOD Can and WILL break through
     all the noise and reach their heart!

satan is going to try his best to use them.  he is going to try his best to attempt to bring dysfunction, death, destruction and dissention into their lives, as promised. God's Word states in John 10:10 that the thief (satan) comes only to steal, kill and destroy; even in the lives of those who follow him.

- GOD promised us that He Would curse those who curse you.

- Jehovah, GOD our Father, is an all-powerful and all-knowing GOD; who will protect His Children from all evil, hurt, harm and danger.

- GOD Wishes that not one of His Precious Children (for we are ALL GOD's Children) should perish. 

It is for these reasons, among many many other reasons, that we must "pray without ceasing" for those who have been, are currently, or will be blinded by evil and the foolish, distracted works of the enemy.

Thank God for what you have,

Trust God for what you need.
  -  Marilyn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

~ Prayer ~
Lord Jesus,

You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 
You are the Bringer of Light. 

I bring (name here) right now, before Your Throne.

I ask that You would do 'a work of truth,' bringing Your Truth to to his/her heart, right now.

Right now. Right now.  Right now, Lord Jesus.

(Name here)  is struggling, and it seems like they cannot see The Light, Your Light Jesus, Your Father's Light, and the Light of the Holy Spirit. 

Help (name here) to see. 
Help (name here) to come to You. 
To accept You and Who You Are. 
Help (name here) to know that You Love them, Jesus.
Help (name here) to know Your Love. 

Holy Spirit, Paraclete, please come, I ask You to come - right now - shine Your Holy Spirit Light in  (name here)’s heart; so that he/she will have the courage to be honest, confess, repent, seek You, lean on You and turn toward You, Holy Spirit; turn toward Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior; and turn toward God, our Father. 
 
Please let (name here) accept you Lord Jesus and turn their lives over to you in Baptism and seek right relationship.  Right now.  And if (name here)  does claim to know you, but (name here)'s conduct, words, actions (or inactions) say otherwise; touch their heart Jesus.  Touch it, change it, rearrange it, heal it and reveal all that You Say - Christ Jesus - should be corrected (not what we say).  Before it is too late.  While (name here) is still here on earth.

I pray this, in Your Mighty, Mighty Name Jesus.

Amen

#ScriptureReflection - Hebrews 9:11-28 (6.8.21)

Sacrifice of Jesus. ¹¹ But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come to be, passing through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands, that is, not belonging to this creation, ¹² he entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. ¹³ For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer’s ashes can sanctify those who are defiled so that their flesh is cleansed, ¹⁴ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.

¹⁵ For this reason he is mediator of a new covenant: since a death has taken place for deliverance from transgressions under the first covenant, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. ¹⁶ Now where there is a will, the death of the testator must be established. ¹⁷ For a will takes effect only at death; it has no force while the testator is alive. ¹⁸ Thus not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. ¹⁹ When every commandment had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves [and goats], together with water and crimson wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, ²⁰ saying, “This is ‘the blood of the covenant which God has enjoined upon you.’” ²¹ In the same way, he sprinkled also the tabernacle and all the vessels of worship with blood. ²² According to the law almost everything is purified by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

²³ Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified by these rites, but the heavenly things themselves by better sacrifices than these. ²⁴ For Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands, a copy of the true one, but heaven itself, that he might now appear before God on our behalf. ²⁵ Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his own; ²⁶ if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice. ²⁷ Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, ²⁸ so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.