An Easter Prayer {written by Beth McLendon} (4.1.18)

Father God,

I come to you today to celebrate Your Son, Jesus Christ
     - the King of Compassion and Lord of my life.

As my thoughts turn to Easter and that day of suffering,

     I realize that day was no ordinary day.

That day stands out from every other day.

That day of suffering and death opens the opportunity
     for us to choose eternal life.

Father, stir my unsaved loved ones to choose Jesus
     as their Lord and Savior in this Easter season.

Speak to them in personalized ways that will give them
     every opportunity to make that choice.

Thank you for your love and mercy.

Thank you for your amazing grace.

In the Name Of Jesus I pray, 

Amen

This prayer was written by Beth McLendon
 

April Cover Photo (2018)

#ScriptureReflection - Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (3.31.18)

The Suffering and Glory of the Servant

¹³ See, my servant will act wisely;
    he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
¹⁴ Just as there were many who were appalled at him—
    his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
    and his form marred beyond human likeness—
¹⁵ so he will sprinkle many nations,
    and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see,
    and what they have not heard, they will understand.

53 Who has believed our message
    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
² He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
    and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
³ He was despised and rejected by mankind,
    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

⁴ Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
    stricken by him, and afflicted.
⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.
⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed and afflicted,
    yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
    so he did not open his mouth.
⁸ By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
    Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    for the transgression of my people he was punished.
⁹ He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

¹⁰ Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
    and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
    and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
¹¹ After he has suffered,
    he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
    and he will bear their iniquities.
¹² Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
    and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
    and made intercession for the transgressors.

God is Your Wisdom. Just Ask in Faith & the Door Will Open.... (3.30.18)

My Child,
The situations your facing have caused you to become
     unsettled and anxious.

However, don’t try to open that door without seeking Me
     for wisdom.

Wait on Me, and seek Me, before taking that next step. I Will most certainly give you wise counsel and bring you through this troubling time. Not only will I give you wise counsel, I Will lead you by My Spirit until the task is complete.
 
Never let the affairs of this life overwhelm you to the point where you cannot hear My Voice. Always keep Me first, and remember - I Am with you each day.

My Wisdom and Guidance are available to you, whenever you need it. Just ask, and I Will give you wisdom as I order your steps.

Do not step out in your flesh and try to bring resolution to these problems.  I Want you to understand what you must do in order to live triumphantly.

I Am standing at the door, eagerly waiting to give you
     the direction and answers you need.

Just ask in faith and the door will open.

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Ephesians 1:17 - That the GOD of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

James 1:5-6 - 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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that waveth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
 
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 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

God Has not Given You the Spirit of Fear; but of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind (3.29.18)

Never fear what you hear, My child.
The only one you are to fear is Me.

You have been listening to others, and to things that have
     caused fear to enter into your heart.

You are to allow nothing to enter into you that will cause
     you to fear.

Every word, or thought that comes into your mind, must be
     judged and discerned by you.
Cast down those things that are causing you to fear, to doubt,
     to waver in your faith, and to be burdened.

Never fear any situation.
Always trust in My Word.            

I have not given you the spirit of fear,
but of power, love, and a sound mind.

  

Faith Believers,
I'm praying for you: that the peace of GOD will flood your soul, and send any fears holding you back running, so that the vision the Lord has given you will come to pass.
  -  Marilyn

You Know Who "I Am".... (3.28.18)

Faith Believers,
When you are leading a holy life, do not be surprised when the enemy comes to tempt you.  If the temptation doesn’t work, he will try to distract you and confuse you with his lies.  Don’t be deceived by his lies, and rebuke anything that does not stand on My Word.

You know who I Am.

I Am the One - who sends the rain in the dry season.
I Am the One - who will give you strength when you are weak.
I Am the One - who will give you a way out when you are
     tempted, I Am your healer and deliverer. 
I Will restore all that the enemy has stolen. 
I Am the One who provides all your needs.

You know who I Am.

Don’t focus on what the enemy is doing; for that will only cause you anxiety and despair. Instead, keep your focus upon Me - upon Me, your help and your deliverer.  You know My Promises; they are Yes and Amen.  You know I Am the One who allows the sun to rise and the sun to set. I Am the One, who will be with you until the end.

I Am that I Am, and I Am more than able to take care of you.

Therefore, the next time the enemy comes against you, the next time trials and hardships come your way; look to Me, the great I Am.  Look to Me and expect Me to demonstrate My Faithfulness to you, amid that situation.  I cannot change.

It is impossible for Me to become unfaithful to you. 
It is impossible for Me to forsake you.
I have promised that My Word won’t return void,
     and this must be.  

So, do not worry about what the enemy is trying to do. 
he will try, but his weapons won’t prosper against you; for
     greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world,
     and .....

You know Who I AM. 
 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD:

1 Peter 4:12-13 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but GOD is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 

Exodus 3:14 - And GOD said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

1 Samuel 12:22 - For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

1 John 4:4 - Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.

Praise Unlocks the Door (3.27.18)

My Child,
I know there are days when you feel like quitting.
My child, don’t quit. 
Please continue on the path where I have called you.

If you persist in giving Me praise, you will receive the blessings I have promised, and you will find that your endurance in other areas of life will grow. Praise Me in the midst of the storm, and praise will unlock the door.

Faithfulness in living a life of praise, at times, can be difficult. The world is a negative place filled with people who gripe and complain.

However, when you prioritize thanksgiving, you stand out from the crowd, and I Am honored.

As you continue to praise Me, I will bring your heart to a deeper understanding of My Love. You will find yourself being transformed into a more positive, hopeful, and confident person because praise will unlock the door.

In times of great pressure, it’s easy to believe that I Am not on your side, and that I Am not really changing your life. However, you know this is not the truth. Never forget, greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 

Give Me thanks in all things.
Believe that everything I Am doing is working together
     for your good because you love Me, and give Me
     the highest praise.   

Praise Me for being your Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer.
Praise Me for knowing you can find refuge in Me, and that you
     don’t have to be afraid.

When life feels as though it’s too difficult, you can praise Me and take refuge in the shelter of My Wings. I Will shield you from the enemy, and I Will use the stumbling blocks in your way, to lead you to a better place.  

Remember, praise unlocks the door to experiencing
     My Presence and Blessings.

 

READ AND MEDITATE ON GOD'S WORD

Psalm 18:46 - The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the GOD of my salvation be exalted.

Psalm 106:1 - Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.

Romans 5:3-5 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of GOD is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 

Hebrews 13:15 - By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

1 Thessolonians 5:18 - In everything give thanks: for this is the will of GOD in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 John 4:4 - Ye are of GOD, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world

 

 

 

#ScriptureReflection - Isaiah 61 (3.26.18)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

61 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
³     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.

⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins
    and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
    that have been devastated for generations.
⁵ Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
    foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
⁶ And you will be called priests of the Lord,
    you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
    and in their riches you will boast.

⁷ 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.

⁸ “For I, the Lord, love justice;
    I hate robbery and wrongdoing.
In my faithfulness I will reward my people
    and make an everlasting covenant with them.
⁹ Their descendants will be known among the nations
    and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
    that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”

¹⁰ I delight greatly in the Lord;
    my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
    and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
¹¹ For as the soil makes the sprout come up
    and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
    and praise spring up before all nations.

What Do We Spend Our Time "Seeking?" (3.25.18)

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord. - Jeremiah 29:12–14

Faith Believers,
It takes practice to become good at anything, and we must practice pursuing GOD’s presence, seeking Him every day, until pursuing Him becomes the norm for our lives. Seeking GOD is key to times when we face trials and tribulations.

It would do us all good to pause and examine our lives, to see what we really spend our time seeking after. J. Vernon McGee said, “What is your ambition in life today? Is it to get rich? Is it to make a name for yourself? Is it even to do some wonderful thing for GOD?"

Believers, the highest desire that should possess any human heart is a longing to see GOD. Many people seek the wrong things and then want to add GOD to the end of their list. People seek comfort and convenience, but not Christ. They seek pleasure and pastimes, but not a personal relationship with Christ. Most people look for a church that has the right appeal, good music, children’s and youth programs. They seek the church with all the answers to their problems or needs.

For many, they confuse this with seeking GOD and this is not the same thing. Many have been led to believe they can seek GOD at their own convenience, but you cannot. Many believers have been hurt or gotten angry with the church, or GOD, and gave up seeking the Lord entirely.

Others have remained in the church but are filled with bitterness.
They refuse to examine their lives in light of the Word of GOD,
     nor do they heed the Word of GOD.
Instead of turning to GOD, they have turned to the world.

After weeks, months, or even years of not seeking GOD, a crisis comes, an emergency, and then they expect a dead faith to work during their time of need. It does not work this way.

We are commanded in Scripture (Jeremiah 29:12–14) to seek after the Lord diligently, urgently and most of all with all of our heart. When we seek GOD it means we must humble ourselves before Him.

~ Prayer ~
Heavenly Father,

Search me and know me, O Lord!
Help me to seek Christ with all of my heart.

May I denounce all idols that are keeping me
     from Your Presence.

Help me to examine my life in light of the Word,
     and to yield to the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Father, increase my faith, fill me with the humility
     of Jesus and allow me to lay my life down
     for Your purposes.

In the matchless Name of Jesus I pray.

Amen

#ScriptureReflection - 2 Peter 1:1-11 (3.24.18)

1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

² Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Confirming One’s Calling and Election

³ His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; ⁷ and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, ¹¹ and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.