The LORD is God, and HE has given us LIGHT...

" For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6

This morning I was truly blessed to think upon the marvelous work of God in my life. What mercy that God would look upon me and bring me to light...  

I marvel at the work of the Lord Jesus Christ and think often of my unworthiness. How thankful I am... that I should taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

As I went about my daily work this morning, I happened to hear this song playing... it was indeed a time to stop and thank the Lord for His unbounded love.

I HAVE COME FROM THE DARKNESS

(M.W. Chaplin)

I have come from the darkness to the light of the Lord,

I have come from the night to the day.

He has guided my footsteps in the truth of His word;

By His love He has shown me the way.

Chorus:

I have come from the darkness to the light,

To the light of redemption from sin.

Oh, my soul will rejoice in His might,

For my Savior dwells within.

In the light of His presence all temptations depart,

And the shadows of doubt are cast aside.

With the radiance of sunshine He has entered my heart,

Where His spirit of love abides.

Heavenly Father, thank you for being GOD and commanding light to shine in our hearts. We praise you for the Lord Jesus Christ who has brought us from death to life and has opened the door to your throne of grace. Our hearts are rejoicing that we would be made children of God and marvel at your holiness. Help us today to be a light that shines for you.

" 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." 

1 Samuel 12:22

May you be joyful today... offering praise to the Heavenly Father for the Lord Jesus who has brought light and life to us.

~Ellie

Let my mouth be with THY PRAISE and THY HONOUR all the day long.

" I will PRAISE the name of GOD with a song, and will MAGNIFY HIM with THANKSGIVING.

This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs." Psalms 69: 30,31

This past week I was again reminded of how much the LORD is pleased when we put away murmurings, discontentment and discouragement from our lives... 

Oh, that we would fill our lives with songs of praise unto our God and offer thanksgiving to the Lord for all His love towards us. 

You  know, discouragement, murmurings, discontentment flees from us when we sing.  And we all have reasons to be thankful.

" Bless the LORD, O my soul, 

and 

forget not all His benefits." 

Psalm 103:2

Thinking upon this hymn this morning... may it encourage your heart.

REVIVE US AGAIN

author:William P. Mackay

We praise Thee, O God!

For the Son of Thy love,

For Jesus Who died,

And is now gone above.

Refrain:

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.

Hallelujah! Amen.

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.

Revive us again.

We praise Thee, O God!

For Thy Spirit of light,

Who hath shown us our Savior,

And scattered our night.

All glory and praise

To the Lamb that was slain,

Who hath borne all our sins,

And hath cleansed every stain.

All glory and praise

To the God of all grace,

Who hast brought us, and sought us,

And guided our ways.

Precious Father, May our hearts rejoice today and bring before you our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving out of a pure heart.  

May you be encouraged to think upon the Lord's goodness to you and offer praise to the One who deserves all glory and honor.

~Ellie

Let us put on the armor of LIGHT...

" Owe no man anything, but to love one another..." Romans 13:8

These past several weeks have been weeks of growth for me. Weeks that have marked my life with a renewed adoration for my LORD and my GOD. I have been in awe to see the presence of my LORD in my life. 

It isn't that I haven't seen God's power in the past, far from it... but these several weeks have been so special to me... because God is answering my deepest prayer... that He would increase my faith.

I don't know about you, but I find myself like the disciples... in need of having the Lord increase my faith. Because I know how easily I can falter, how easily I can stumble, how easily I can lose my focus... all because I look unto the things of this world, the vain things that mean nothing in the scheme of eternal life. 

So these past several weeks I have seen the Lord work in my life in ways that have simply amazed me. 

He gave peace in the midst of sorrow...

He answered when all was "hopeless" according to man,

He made His power known to the amazement of all involved... accomplishing His perfect will.

He increased my faith in a God that keeps His promises.

Yes, His WORD is truth... "ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13

And through this all, I'm finding how important it is to live our lives filled with love from above. 

I have seen how important it is to be "dressed" with the armour of LIGHT... and owe no man anything... but LOVE. 

LOVE from above covers over a multitude of sins. 

LOVE from above melts the heart of stone. 

LOVE from above works no ill to his neighbor.

LOVE from above looks beyond self and cares for the needs of others.

LOVE from above is made perfect in us when we abide in CHRIST.

LOVE from above casts out fear.

LOVE from above is the fulfillment of the law.

God is LOVE. He that dwelleth in LOVE dwelleth in GOD and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

"...because AS HE IS so ARE WE  in this world." (1 John 4:17)

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ and that through Him we can live. Help us to be filled with love from above, that we might bring glory to you. We are so thankful for your Word, that it is truth. Help us to be grounded in your Word. Work in our hearts that we would desire to be more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

" But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, 

and make no provision for the flesh, 

to fulfill the lusts thereof." 

Romans 13:14

May you be encouraged to walk in humbleness of heart and to desire His Word above all else...

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

~Ellie

HE heard my voice out of HIS temple, my cry came before HIM, even into HIS ears.

" In the day of my trouble I will call upon THEE: for THOU wilt answer me." Psalm 86:7

Do you ever find yourself being overwhelmed with burdens? I know some of us struggle with burdensome loads more than others. 

Some of us are known to be "sponges" and manage to absorb all manner of burdens... not just ours, but also the burdens of others. And then there are those who can be so focused on their own burdens, they hardly have a moment to see someone else's burdens.

Nonetheless, burdens are heavy. Loads too heavy to carry alone. 

Yes, we all undergo trials and afflictions. And, yes... they can become burdensome, or heavy loads. 

But, burdens don't necessarily have to make us ineffective in our spiritual walk.... 

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and HE shall sustain thee..." 

Psalm 55:22

This past week, I faced such a moment when I found myself carrying a heavy burden... all by myself. It was no wonder why the morning seemed so heavy... making me tired and worn. I was completely focused on my own strength and had forgotten to cast my burden upon the LORD.

Oh, how often I forget...

Indeed, the LORD will sustain me! He hears when we cry for help. He is ever merciful!

In His goodness, the Lord sent a hymn later that morning as a sweet reminder of His love to me. I pray it will encourage you as well... to cast your burden upon the Lord and... leave it there. 

It's so much easier to have the ONE WHO IS ABLE... carry it!

LEAVE IT THERE

If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold,

And you have to get along with meager fare,

Just remember, in His Word, how He feeds the little bird—

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

Refrain:

Leave it there, leave it there,

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there;

If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out—

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain,

And your soul is almost sinking in despair,

Jesus knows the pain you feel, He can save and He can heal—

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail,

Don’t forget that God in Heaven answers prayer;

He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through—

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on,

And your body bends beneath the weight of care;

He will never leave you then, He’ll go with you to the end—

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

 Charles Tindley~1916

As hard as it may sound, burdens can be for our own good... that is... if we bring them before the Lord  and not be succumbed underneath their load.

Oh, Father, thank you for your kindness towards us. Thank you for hearing our cries that are raised before you. Thank you for answering us in our need.

"In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: 

He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears."

Psalm 18:6

May you be encouraged today to seek the Lord and cast your burdens upon Him... for He lifts those that are bowed down.
~Ellie

...That your FAITH and HOPE might be in God.

 " For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the JUST for the UNJUST, that HE might bring us to GOD..."1 Peter 3:18

As I have been going through a busy time in my life these past couple of months, I have been blessed to have a loving Savior and heavenly Father watching over me. 

I have been dwelling much on the book of 1 Peter... where I've started memorizing a section of chapter 1. It's been so wonderful  for me ... to be able to see past the trials and afflictions that we undergo here on earth...  and be reminded to place my hope... in that which is eternal. 

Yes, "...gird up the loins of your mind... " or prepare your mind for action, and " HOPE TO THE END for the GRACE that is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (v.13).

 HOPE.... 

1. a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

2. archaic a feeling of trust. synonyms~ expect, anticipate, look for, want...

I thought about what it means to have hope. Surely hope gives us the reason to wait patiently for a fulfillment of  things to come... with glad anticipation. 

-knowing that God keeps His promises, 

-knowing He keeps His covenant towards us, 

-knowing He is faithful to perfect that which concerns us.

Surely God's love poured forth in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ is what holds us and gives us a steadfast hope... 

Only through Christ's merit can we ever have hope.

HOPE... 

-not be weary in well doing,

-to consider afflictions as pure joy,

-that we not lose heart,

-that we might endure patiently. 

"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast..." 

Hebrews 6:19 

Isn't it marvelous to know the love of God? How Christ suffered for us... so that we might be brought before the presence of the Father... clean, forgiven, holy and blameless!

Yes, so that our FAITH and HOPE might be in God.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, 

nor have entered into the heart of man 

the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 

1 Corinthians 2:9

Father, how thankful we are for the hope we've been given through the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your word that is life and truth, giving us hope for the eternal glory that we shall behold as we await the coming Jesus Christ in our lives. Marvelous are your ways and promises for us.  

May you set your affections on things above... and wait patiently for His appearance. 

~Ellie

Teach me to do THY will, for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is GOOD...

" And He that is MIGHTY has done to me GREAT things, and HOLY is His name." Luke 1:49

While December is quickly flying by, I've wanted to stop a bit from the busyness of life and reflect on God's ongoing goodness towards me.

This past year has been full of learning. Learning to be dependent on the Lord's working in my life. To see His hand in each and every detail of my life...

“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.”

Romans 8:28

Learning....

To be still 
To KNOW that He is God. 
To trust Him as He works 

That in the end, I would praise Him for His mighty acts.

Yes, there have been moments of heaviness, moments of discouragements, moments of fear and anxiety...

Yet, throughout all my trials the Lord has sustained me!

And while the trials in my life haven't been easy, I've learned to thank the Lord for them. Each and every trial has worked in me a far more better outcome than I have ever imagined.

You know, we tend to run away from trials... but trials are needful in our lives. And as I am writing this, I know in my heart the tendency to run away from them... I want to be free of trials. I'll be honest, I don't look forward to them.

However, I know that God has a perfect purpose for the afflictions and trials we are to undergo here on this earth...

Trials test our faith. They have a purpose.

"But we glory in tribulations also: 

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed;  

Romans 5:3,4,5

And so, I thank the Lord for His love poured forth in my life... through trials.

Yes, through trials...because His trials are never without GRACE and MERCY !
The Lord's grace and mercy are always poured forth in ABUNDANCE and His PEACE is always with us. The peace that passeth all understanding.

I know that trials are for my own good. They are there to perfect that which concerns me.... so that one day it would bring praise and honor and glory to the ONE who is worthy of ALL our adoration.

" That the trial of your faith, 

being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, 

though it be tried with fire, 

might be found

 unto praise and honour and glory 

at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 

1 Peter 1:7

So today, as I am reflecting on this past year, I have much to thank the Lord. His goodness towards me continues to build and strengthen me to look upwards in full dependence on a God that changest not!

Father, how thankful I am for your provisions in building me up in faith so that I might be more like the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach me to do Thy will that I may walk in humbleness of mind with reverence and godly fear.

May you be blessed and encouraged to thank the Lord for His abundant mercies and His lovingkindness to you throughout this past year.

~Ellie

The LORD shall open unto thee His GOOD TREASURE....

" This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein..." Joshua 1:8

This morning while reading through Ephesians chapter 5, and while undergoing a trial that brought about unrest, I found joy and kindness from a loving Savior who desires to pour out His good treasure upon His children that hearken and obey His voice...

Such peace we gain from God's HOLY WORD... that I felt the need to write down a few points that encouraged my husband and I this morning....

Because it's not always easy to accept a trial in our lives with joyfulness... nor is it easy to give thanks for a hurt you are experiencing... I found God's gentle encouragement in His Word to be the nourishment we needed  this morning... to lift our eyes above the clouds and give thanks in ALL things.

Yes, God is faithful!

And so, chapter 5 of Ephesians was loaded with a list of reminders for us to follow...

...for just as in Joshua 1, if we observe to do according to God's Holy Word, ..." thy way shall be prosperous and thou shalt have good success." Joshua 1:8b

Encouragement that gave us rest from the unrest:

EPHESIANS 5

• Be ye therefore followers of God (v.1)
• Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us (v.2)
• Ye are LIGHT in the Lord, walk as children of light (v.8)
• See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (v.15)
• Redeem the time, because the days are evil (v.16)
• Be filled with the SPIRIT (v.18)
• Sing and make melody in your heart to the LORD (v.19)
• Give thanks ALWAYS for ALL things (v.20)
• Submit yourselves to one another (v.21)

If we think on the things above... the things below will slowly fade away.

Father, How gracious you are towards your people. You rejoice over us to do good to us when we obey you. Help us to serve you with joyfulness and gladness of heart for indeed you've poured your abundance upon us in all things.

May you be encouraged today to put your faith and hope in a God that changest not... a God that is mighty to save.
~Ellie

Therefore I will look unto the Lord...

" He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." Ecclesiastes 11:4

This morning was a dreary day. Clouds abounded in the sky. Looking outside, I noticed the darkness of the early hours lift up a bit. But there was no sun peeking out, just dark grey clouds. I went for a walk and felt the gloominess of the day take its toll on me. So focused was I on the clouds, that my disposition became gloomy within...

Do you ever change with the "weather" ?  Do you ever find yourself in a dark and gloomy place? Do you focus on the "clouds"  and fail to see the blessings they bring in the form of rain?

Sometimes, our surroundings... the trials and testings of the day....  keep us so focused on the "clouds"... that we begin to succumb to a state of hopelessness. A state where we are of no use... a state where there's no sowing of seeds, nor reaping of fruit.

As I kept walking, and felt myself downcast,  I heard an old familar hymn playing on a favorite online station... I caught just a single phrase:

" I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face..."

Oh, how that phrase brought me back to a state of thankfulness. It was, as in an instant, that I was able to lift my head "above the clouds" and see my Lord and Saviour as the only sunshine that I'd ever need!

And so, the morning, while dreary and gloomy...  all of a sudden began to look bright and full of hope. How thankful I was for the reminder that when I sit in darkness, He is my constant LIGHT that never ceases to shine in my life.

" ... when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." 

Micah 7:8

" ... He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness."  

Micah 7:9 

Yes, the clouds have a place in our lives... but how important to look beyond... and see the blessings they most surely bring. These couple of verses from the hymn I heard this morning was such a blessing to me, that I pray you too will be blessed to dwell upon the completed work of the cross...

Beneath The Cross of Jesus

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see

The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;

And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess;

The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;

Content to let the world go by to know no gain or loss,

My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

       Eliz­a­beth C. Cle­phane, 1868

Precious Father, how thankful we are for the Light that has shone in our hearts in the face of Jesus Christ.

May you delight in light of His presence today... 

~Ellie

He sent His WORD, and HEALED them...

" For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalm 107:9

This morning after reading the Word, I picked up my hymn book and started to sing softly... a hymn that I've known for quite some time. Such comforting words...

... the LORD JESUS, the only ONE who offers rest that can satisfy a weary and worn soul. 

Do you ever find yourself  weary and worn and sad? Who can truly understand your needs? Can you ever bring your struggles to man... and find complete rest in man? 

No... no one cares for you like the Lord Jesus. He alone satisfieth the longing soul... He sends His WORD... then heals... and delivers. 

" He sent His WORD, and healed them,

 and delivered them from their destructions." 

Psalm 107:20 

O Lord, How grateful I am for your goodness to me... indeed I find fullness of joy... in YOUR presence.

 "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say"

by Horatius Bonar, 1808-1899

 I heard the voice of Jesus say,

"Come unto Me and rest;

Lay down, thou weary one, lay down,

Thy head upon My breast."

I came to Jesus as I was,

Weary and worn and sad;

I found in Him a resting-place,

And He has made me glad.

 I heard the voice of Jesus say,

"Behold, I freely give

The living water; thirsty one,

Stoop down and drink and live."

I came to Jesus, and I drank

Of that life-giving stream.

My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

And now I live in Him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

"I am this dark world's Light.

Look unto Me; thy morn shall rise

And all thy day be bright."

I looked to Jesus, and I found

In Him my Star, my Sun;

And in that Light of Life I'll walk

Till traveling days are done.

What joy to have the Lord Jesus as our haven of rest...

" He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they are quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven." Psalm 107: 29,30

May you seek to find rest in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ... who gives the LIVING water... and revives the weary soul.

~Ellie

Incline my HEART unto THY testimonies, and not to covetousness.

" Let your conversation (conduct) be without covetousness; and be CONTENT with such things as you have." Hebrews 13:5a

Have you ever thought what it means for the heart to be content? Or maybe I should phrase it a bit different. Have you ever known overwhelming grace... resulting in a most thankful heart? Receiving something you didn't deserve?...

This past week I thought upon such questions as I was reading through Hebrews chapter 13. When I read verse 5, I thought upon the importance of  living my life in a manner that is well pleasing to the LORD.

I am to conduct myself... in speech and action... with a thankful heart. Covetousness ought not to be evident.

You know, when I think about coveting... I'll admit that I can easily brush it off and excuse it from my life. I can easily find myself saying, "Oh, I don't have a problem with coveting. I'm thankful with the Lord's provisions. I'm "ok" with what I have materially." It's easy to say all that when things go well...

So then I thought a bit more on what it means to covet.... because God surely commands us not to covet, for it is of great sin before Him. 

Covetousness refers to the heart being  in a state of discontentment... a heart that is unhappy or unthankful... 

... and it is evident in thought, words and actions.

Can I truly say that I have a content heart? Do my deeds or conversations truly reflect a calm and gracious spirit? Do I have a thankful heart...one that's without fear or anxiety of what today/tomorrow may bring? Do I depend totally upon my Father's perfect plan/will for me... even when I lack? 

Because with the exhortation... to be content with such things as we have... also comes a promise,

" I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." 

Hebrews 13:5b

It was only when I read further in Hebrews, that I came to understand a bit more of what makes a heart content.

" For it is a good thing that the heart be established with GRACE..." 

Hebrews 13:9

It is knowing that grace has been poured forth on us... for we've been given the forgiveness of sins...when we deserved nothing but wrath.

Therefore, a content heart is based on grace... it covets not..., knowing that God gave, out of His  fullness... grace upon grace, 

... filling us with all that we may ever need.... His Son, Jesus Christ... and life eternal.

" And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." 

John 1:16

AND... it is not about wordly things, or things that are not lasting... but heavenly! Our hearts should be focused on the things above and not on the things here below (or earthly).

A heart that is content... is also thankful heart... resulting in a conduct that is well pleasing to the LORD. The heart rejoices when it is established with grace...

... continually offering the sacrifice of praise to God and giving thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)

Lord, help me to put aside all manner of covetousness from my life, running after vain things and displeasing you... but rather, help me to be content with such things as you've given me... for indeed, I lack no good thing.

" Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. " 

Psalm 119:36

May your heart be established with the Father's grace... seeking to be content with such things as you have, boldly declaring; " The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear..."

~Ellie 

...God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

" Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee." Psalm 73:25

Have you ever felt a longing to be with the Lord? Do you find Him the perfect Friend that you depend on... at all times?

I know sometimes we get caught up with the things here below. We find ourselves looking unto others to fulfill our needs. But I wonder how often we really, truly find ourselves seeking the Lord... as Psalm 42:1 says it so well,

"  as a deer panteth after the water brooks..."

Can I truly say, 

"... so panteth my soul after Thee , O God."

I've been thinking much on this verse. I know most of us know it quite well... maybe we can even quote it to others.  But I find myself  "knowing"  too much and when it comes to applying what I know, well, I admit I often fail. 

Yet I am most grateful to the Lord... 

The Lord is gracious, and in His tenderness comforts, encourages and speaks to me from His word... drawing me ever so close to Him. He reminds me of His precious promises and His work on my behalf... that I might be renewed in mind and conformed to His image. 

He takes care of what needs to be accomplished in my life and I don't need to worry about what He thinks of me... for He already knows my thoughts... and who I am.

Indeed He truly is my faithful Friend. The One who I depend on. The One who never changes. The One who I run to... in sorrow or in joy.

My desire is to have my soul pant after my Savior... to give Him praise and to long for Him with fervency.

A few days ago I heard a lovely song on the radio while walking around town...  it blessed me, and I hope it blesses you as well. I also saw a lone turkey wondering the streets... I thought how lost and confused it was. How thankful I am that when I am "lost and confused" I have a most blessed Savior who watches over me... a most blessed Friend.

“Jesus, Savior, Blessed Friend” 

Whom have I, O Lord, beside you? What have I except your love?

Where is home if not for heaven, there to dwell with you above?

Who are you, if not my Savior? Who am I if not your own?

What are you if not my shelter, Christ my rock and cornerstone?

Jesus, Savior, blessed friend, I will love you without end.

Who will share my earthly sorrow? Who will heal my broken heart?

Who will hold my life together when it seems to fall apart?

When the fears are far too many, and the joys are far too few,

Who will comfort and defend me? Only you, Lord, only you.

Jesus, Savior, blessed friend, I will trust you without end.

Where, O Lord, when life is over, can I go, but home to you?

What have I except the promise where you are I shall be too?

When at last I reach the comfort of that bright celestial place,

There with joy will I behold you, gaze upon your glorious face.

Jesus, Savior, heavenly friend, I will praise you without end.

by Deborah Govenor

May you know the  Lord Jesus Christ as your very own  personal Friend... " Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."  John 15:14

~Ellie

Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.

" And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things; may abound to every good work. " 2 Corinthians 9:8

God's Gift. Abundant Grace. All sufficiency. 

Have you ever marveled at God's provision for you? How God is able to make all grace abound toward you? 

I often think how God's provisions to me are minimized by my lack of thanksgiving.  I go through the day focusing on things not being met... because I either ask for the wrong things... or I don't trust my Heavenly Father. 

And the thing is...  He knows exactly what I am in need of. 

God supplies for my every  need.

And in supplying, He equips me for every good work.

" Now He that ministereth(supplieth) seed to the sower 

both minister(supply) bread for your food, 

and multiply your seed sown, 

and increase the fruits of your righteousness, " 

2 Corinthians 9:10

The heavenly Father supplies...

... the seed needed,

... the bread for your food,

... and multiplies the seed sown,

... and increases the fruits of righteousness.

How equipped we are with God's unspeakable gift towards us!

Enriching us in everything... so that we might overflow in thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father.

" being enriched in every thing,

 to all bountifulness, 

which causeth through us thanksgiving to God." 

2 Corinthians 9:12

How thankful I am for God's provisions to me... that I might walk worthy of His name... being fruitful in every good work.

May you be encouraged to have a thankful heart... for God's unspeakable gift to you.

~Ellie

O God, Thou art My God; early will I seek Thee....

" And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place and there prayed. " Mark 1:35

While reading through the first chapter of Mark this morning, I was yet reminded of the Lord's need to rise up early and find a solitary place to pray. How important it was for Him to withdraw from the daily activities and be strengthened in the presence of the Father.

Thinking about the Lord Jesus...

... tired and weary while living on this earth, 

... yet finding solace and strength in rising early and praying.

Once again I found encouragement... through the example of the Lord Jesus.

How I need to follow in His steps.

Over the past few years I have been blessed to write my thoughts here... to pray and thank the Lord for His wonderful reminders He gives me through His Holy Word. And while I don't write daily, I continue to set aside time in the mornings to be in the presence of my Lord.

I continue to pray that He would draw me closer and closer to Him. 

For I long to grow  more and more in the knowledge of Him...

... to know His power.

... to know His strength,

... to see His glory.

The world may bring all sorts of  "weariness"... but I want to be able to lay aside every weight that hinders me from setting aside time to be strengthened in His presence.

Psalm 63 says it so well,

1. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: 

my soul thirsteth for thee, 

my flesh longeth for thee 

in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2 To see thy power and thy glory, 

so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, 

my lips shall praise thee.

4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: 

I will lift up my hands in thy name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; 

nd my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

6 When I remember thee upon my bed,

 and meditate on thee in the night watches.

7 Because thou hast been my help, 

therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

8 My soul followeth hard after thee: 

thy right hand upholdeth me.

In the presence of the King...

... I see His might. 

... I feel His peace. 

....I rest... because He works... to complete that which concerns me.

He alone gives strength to the weary . For when I am weak, He is strong.

" GOD hath spoken once; 

twice have I heard this; 

that power belongeth unto GOD. " 

Psalm 62:11

Oh, the need for each of us to set time aside... and be strengthened in His presence.

May you be drawn to the mercy of the Lord... finding rest and peace in His Holy Word.

~Ellie

Who shall separate us from the LOVE of Christ?

" Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Romans 8:37

Lately I've been thinking much on my unworthiness... how little I deserve God's love to be poured forth on me.

I am ever so grateful for the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Himself for me, that I might have eternal life. 

Sometimes I go through the day without dwelling much on the "seal" that was placed on my life... granting me eternity forever in the presence of the King. 

I didn't deserve such love.

"... in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." Ephesians 1:13

The Holy Spirit of promise...

I often forget to look up when trials come my way. I often forget that my God has once and for all purchased me for His own... and nothing shall touch me.

"... for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye." 

Zechariah 2:8

What a promise!

So this morning, I was once again encouraged to look unto the Lord Jesus Christ for strength. He alone keeps me in His hand. And nothing shall separate me from His precious love!

When  when all around may crumble. When fears arise. When I falter....  I am reminded that a promise was made to me though His Word.

... that NOTHING shall separate me from His love.

And the life I now live...

"... I live by the faith of the Son of God, who LOVED me, and GAVE Himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Are trials in your life encompassing you? Remember that nothing is too difficult for God.

"God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." 

Matthew 22:32

May you be encouraged today to draw strength from the living WORD... which alone can save... and bring hope through His precious promises.

~Ellie 

... ye are not your own. For you are bought with a price....

"Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and ye shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him" Deuteronomy 13:4.

This morning as I was walking,  I happened to hear a song... a song I 'd never heard before. The song brought to remembrance a verse that I don't often dwell on... as I ought. 

Oh, that I would be reminded of it every day! 

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, 

which ye have of God, 

and ye are not your own?

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, which are God's." 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

How often I go through the day... forgetting that a price was paid for my redemption. A price no one could pay that could satisfy our Father in heaven. Only ONE could pay that price ... the Lord Jesus Christ. Blood had to be shed SO that I could partake of the divine nature and be called a child of God. 

And not just a child of God... but an HEIR of God... JOINT HEIR with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8).

That I would walk after the Lord, my GOD...

That I would fear Him...

That I would keep His commandments...

That I would obey His voice...

That I should serve Him....

... and cleave unto Him.

O, Lord help me to live my life... led by your Holy Spirit... and remind me that I am not my own. That you have paid a most precious price... 

... giving me all that I have and am!

May praise be continually on my lips...

Lord, I must be yours alone.

Teach me I am not my own.

Crush and mold this heart of stone.

In your image make it.

Willful, stubborn, Lord, it's true-

I do what I want to do.

Let me learn to follow you.

Take my will and break it

From my self I would be free.

Take all my identity,

Fill with your humility.

Seize my pride and shake it.

When a helpless wreck I am,

Take me and rebuild the sham

To be like the Living Lamb,

My life, on Him I stake it.

Written by: Abigail Miller

May you be led by the Spirit as you seek to honor Him in your life today.
~Ellie

Let your LIGHT so shine before men...

"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us..." Psalm 90:17

The other day I was visiting my good friend, who happens to be in her late 80's. We love to get together once a week to catch up on "things".  We set a whole afternoon aside... for building and encouraging one another. And what may be a few hours in actual time, we feel like it's really just minutes... there's so much to share.

During our visits, we often read scripture together and share memory verses.... sometimes, we may even sing a song or two. But we always share what's on our hearts...

On my last visit, I happened to share with her my desire to be a light in the world... to be a light to those around  me.

Immediately after I said, " I want the beauty of the Lord to be seen in me...", she  began singing the first stanza of an unfamiliar hymn.

One that I had never heard before...

LET THE BEAUTY OF JESUS BE SEEN IN ME

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,

All His wonderful passion and purity.

May His Spirit divine all my being refine

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

When your burden is heavy and hard to bear

When your neighbors refuse all your load to share

When you're feeling so blue, don't know just what to do,

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.

When somebody has been so unkind to you,

Some word spoken that pierces you through and through.

Think how He was beguiled, spat upon and reviled,

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you

From the dawn of the morning till close of day,

In example in deeds and in all you say,

Lay your gifts at His feet, ever strive to keep sweet

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in you.

Written by Albert Orsborn

I don't know about you, but I love old hymns. Old hymns are such a treasure... they are often filled with such good and godly encouragement....  written and lived out by people who gave glory to God... in joys or in sorrows.

The hymn my friend shared brought encouragement to me... because it reminded me to take my eyes from self. 

It is indeed, the Lord Jesus Christ, who I need to look upon... who shines in all beauty and glory.

What a wonderful reminder that...

...when we are beguiled,
...when we are persecuted,
...when we feel our burdens are too hard to bear,

--- The Lord Jesus understands.

He loved us enough to take our shame upon Himself... He who was without sin ... was made sin for us.

That in the end,

... we might be able to show His beauty in our lives.

That our lives might be transformed...

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, 

and glorify your Father which is in heaven." 

Matthew 5:16

I hope you will be encouraged through the hymn as well... and allow the beauty of the Lord to be seen in you today.
~Ellie

Their heart is divided...

" For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." 

Hosea 6:6

Several years ago, I took an online class on the book of Hosea. It was a wonderful class that brought about an understanding of God's redeeming love to a people that have gone awhoring after other gods. It showed me how God loves us...  inspite of our iniquites... and that His love stands firm to the end.

And while the book of Hosea was a blessing to me back when I took the class, I found that God's word never grows old... and I was recently blessed by it once again during my daily reading.

So while reading through Hosea, I noticed the importance of God's desire for us...  How He longs for us to return to Him in faithfulness... and to remember the great things He has done for us.

• He desires that we be faithful to Him.... 

" For Israel slideth back  as a backsliding heifer... " Hosea 4:16

"And  my people are bent to backsliding from me." Hosea 11:7

• He desires that we grow in the knowledge of who He is...

                          " My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge... Hosea 4:6

                          " I have written to him the great things of my law, 

                           but they were counted as a strange thing." Hosea 8:1

                      "For I desired... the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. " Hosea 6:6

• He desires that our hearts be fully devoted to Him... 

" They set their heart on iniquity... "  Hosea 4:8

" Their heart is divided..." Hosea 10:2

"Israel has cast off that which is good..." Hosea 8:3

• He desires that we have mercy...

" For I desired mercy and not sacrifice..." Hosea 6:6

• He desires that we sow in righteousness and reap in mercy... Hosea 10:12

" For  they have sown the wind, 
and 
they shall reap the whirlwind..." 
Hosea 8:7

• He desires that we forget not who our Maker is... 

" For Israel hath forgotten his Maker... Hosea 8:14

• He desires that we return to Him...

 " Therefore turn thou to thy God: 

keep mercy and judgement 
and wait on thy God continually." Hosea 12:6

As a result, when we acknowledge who God is, when we acknowledge our offences and seek His face, He promises...

--That He will not execute the fierceness of His anger. (Hosea 11:9)
--In Him the fatherless shall find mercy. (Hosea 14:3)
--He will heal our backsliding. (Hosea 14:4)
--He will love us freely...  (Hosea 14:4)

And He will be our dew, making us to grow, helping us to cast our roots, making our branches to spread, making us beautiful, and even making us to smell good.

" I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. " 

Hosea 14:5,6

I was simply amazed with the wealth of knowledge  and application we can draw from the Word... even from such a small book as Hosea.

It is enough to know that God's love... saves, forgives and restores.

"...   and it shall come to pass, 
that in the place where it was said unto them, 
Ye are not my people, 
there it shall be said unto them, 
Ye are the sons of the living God." 

Hosea 1:10

What a merciful God! We are children of the MOST HIGH.

May you know the power of God's love in your life today... and praise Him for His redeeming love.

~Ellie