HE goeth before them, and the sheep follow HIM; for they know HIS VOICE...

"And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers." John 10:5

Reading through the gospel of John, I was reminded yet again of the the Lord Jesus Christ as the Shepherd. 

A Shepherd who watches over His sheep. 

It is of such comfort to  know that  I have a Shepherd who watches over me.... who goes before me and protects me from what may lie ahead... who always has a watch over my life, and makes sure that I am protected from all alarms. He feeds me, He guides me. He provides for my every need. His presence is with me wherever I go! Oh the  peace in knowing that I am His...

And while I know that I have a Shepherd who watches over me, I realize that as a sheep I am to follow Him and stay clear of all that has the appearance of evil. 

"Abstain from all appearance of evil." 

1 Thessalonians 5:22

The world is full of attractions, temptations, pleasures... all of which can distract and draw us away from following the Shepherd.  We are to abstain from sin... and whatsoever looks like sin.

Lately, I've thought upon the need to "test all things"... because it is quite easy to listen to  "teachings" that may sound good and pleasing... but  is contrary to the  Word of God. 

"Cease, my son, 

to hear the instruction 

that causeth to err 

from the words of knowledge." 

Proverbs 19:27

The Sheep know the voice of the true Shepeherd... and they know not that of a stranger! 

How vital it is that we feed on the WORD OF GOD... to know the voice of truth and discern good from evil. 

" But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, 

even those who by reason of use 

have their senses exercised 

to 

discern both good and evil."  

Hebrews 5:14

Oh, the importance of following the Shepherd... 

" And turn ye not aside: 

for then should ye go after vain things, 

which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain." 

1 Samuel 12:21

It's good to be occupied with... that which is good, pure, lovely... and do away with evil from our lives. 

 "...yet I would have you wise

 unto that which is good, 

and simple 

concerning evil."

 Romans 16:9

How marvelous and worthy to be praised... is the Lord Almighty...the King... the Shepherd of our souls! 

Heavenly Father, What joy to know that your hand is over us, leading and guiding us unto truth. Thank you for your faithfulness and care of our souls. May we be ever mindful of following your commands and fleeing from all that causeth us to err. 

May you be encouraged to offer sacrifices of praise to our Heavenly Father who watches over His own. " Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you." 1 Samuel 12:24

~Ellie

The MEEK will HE guide... the MEEK will He teach His way..

"What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him shall HE teach in the way that HE shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth." Psalm 25: 12,13

This past week I was reading through Matthew 5, the well known chapter where the Lord Jesus teaches of the blessings reserved for those who follow Him. 

And as I read through the various characteristics the Lord Jesus mentions in the Beatitudes, I stopped and reflected on the importance of having a MEEK spirit. 

Meekness isn't the easiest of characteristics... but it describes the Lord Jesus fully. It should also describe us as believers...

MEEKNESS (def.): 1) a calm temper of mind, not easily provoked, 2) submissive, lowly, humble, 3) having or showing a quiet and gentle nature, 4) enduring injury with patience and without resentment

If we look at the various definitions, we find the Lord Jesus was the embodiment of meekness.  

I remember when I first started memorizing verses a few years back... and I remember the excuses that I made... all because I "couldn't memorize". However, my heart yearned to know more of  my Lord and Saviour... and I knew I could only grow in my knowledge of Him though His WORD.  So I started with a familiar verse... 

" Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; 

for I am meek and lowly in heart: 

and ye shall find rest unto your souls." 

Matthew 11:29

Little did I realize, but it was the perfect verse that would teach me and grow me in the knowledge of the Lord. The verse has taken me on a most rewarding journey... that I would learn of Him. 

But in order to learn of Him... well, my heart had to be adorned in humility.

" Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, 

and receive with meekness the engrafted word, 

which is able to save your souls." 

James 1:21

We are in no way teachable if we do not have fear of the Lord and be found meek and lowly in heart. We must lay aside all forms of pride. Truly, He alone must take precedence and have complete control of our whole being.... body, soul and mind.

How I need the Lord's yoke... to guide and direct me...and to teach me. Only then will my soul "find rest" or "dwell at ease".

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the Lord Jesus Christ who is the perfect example of meekness. Help us to receive your word with meekness and humbleness of mind, that you may lead and teach us to walk in integrity and uprightness of heart. 

May you reflect the Lord's glory and honor in your life today by being a testimony of His character. 

~Ellie

He that is FAITHFUL in that which is LEAST is FAITHFUL also in MUCH...

" And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9

I recently heard a song on the radio playing, and what a wonderful reminder it was to me. The Lord is so good to bring to remembrance the need to be faithful to Him. Yes... even in the smallest of things.  

Sometimes we are so caught up in wanting to see change, wanting to do "big things"... that we forget to be faithful in the smallest of things.

I am sure we all have our moments of discouragements, where we focus on our lack of  "making a difference". We find ourselves going about our daily work, and for some it may mean the "insignificant" daily "chores" of raising a family, or taking care of the home, or taking care of a loved one. We don't often equate this type of work as much... we may deem it a thing necessary, and required of us. And partly it is true. 

But to each one of us, God has given a work to be done "...as unto the Lord". 

However little or insignificant it may at times seem... Christ calls us to be faithful stewards of what He has given us. 

So, it may mean, that we... 

keep praying, 

keep loving, 

keep forgiving, 

keep serving, 

keep being faithful,

...even when it seems "too little". 

You know, some of us are here to plant the seed, some to water... but in all things, it is God who ultimately causes things to grow,... not us. 

God is the one who should be glorified and magnified forever in our lives. We are to be faithful.

" So neither the one who plants

 nor the one who waters is anything, 

but only God, 

who makes things grow." 

1 Corinthians 3:7

Nothing is too insignificant, when God is the Master... and we are His servants.

 " For we are labourers together with God.." 

1 Corinthians 3:9

" I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 3:14

Oh, the privilege to be workers together with God... and manifest God's love in our lives to all. 

By this shall all men know that we are His disciples. 

Little Is Much When God Is In It

In the harvest field now ripened

There’s a work for all to do;

Hark! the voice of God is calling,

To the harvest calling you.

Refrain:

Little is much when God is in it!

Labor not for wealth or fame;

There’s a crown, and you can win it,

If you go in Jesus’ name.

In the mad rush of the broad way,

In the hurry and the strife,

Tell of Jesus’ love and mercy,

Give to them the Word of Life.

Does the place you’re called to labor

Seem so small and little known?

It is great if God is in it,

And He’ll not forget His own.

Are you laid aside from service,

Body worn from toil and care?

You can still be in the battle,

In the sacred place of prayer.

When the conflict here is ended

And our race on earth is run,

He will say, if we are faithful,

“Welcome home, My child—well done!”

Kittie L. Suffield 1924

Father, How thankful we are that you have called us to be co-workers in your kingdom, that we might magnify the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. Help us to be faithful to you even in the smallest of things. Strengthen our faith when we falter. Keep us willing to serve you in humbleness and meekness of mind.  

May you be encouraged to show grace, love, kindness and humility in all that the Lord has placed before you today.

~Ellie

...Seek righteousness, Seek meekness...

"Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; 

seek righteousness, seek meekness... " Zephaniah 2:3

Do you ever get annoyed with those around you? Do you ever feel "persecuted "... or maybe just not understood? Do you find it hard to be humble and meek even when someone is against you?  These questions arose one day in my mind when I was reading a very well known verse.

The verse relates the Lord's desire for us to love our enemies. Sure, maybe those who annoy, speak evil against us, or misuse us for their own good aren't necessarily our "enemies"... 

However, we treat them as enemies.

" But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you..." 

Matthew 5:44

As I read the verse over and over again, I was really convicted. Do I really love my enemy? It's easy to answer, "Yes." when not confronted.  But when confronted... well, it's a different matter all together. 

It seems as if that person is out to get me no matter what I do... or so I think.

And the verse doesn't stop with just loving our enemies...

... I am to also bless them,

... and do good to them,

... and pray for them. 

I confess the last thing I think about when confronted... while someone's hatred is directed towards me ... is to love them. And I'm not even talking about doing good to them or blessing them or... even yet, praying for them as I ought. 

I thought about the verse a long time, and confessed my inadequacies. SO much of our actions are centered on our worth. How we view ourselves... in the light of our own pride. Or in the light of what others may think of us.

So I was reminded yet again... that God seeks those who are of a contrite heart. One who is meek and lowly.

Then why the struggle to love our enemy? Why do we get annoyed with those around us?

It may be that we are after the things of the flesh...because, 

".. they that are after the things of the flesh, mind the things of the flesh. 

But they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." 

 Romans 8:5

I realize I need to ask  myself constantly, "Is the fruit of the Holy Spirit evident in my life today?" 

If my heavenly Father chose to love me...to send His only Son to die for me... when I was His enemy... 

" For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son..."

 Romans 5:10

... then, I too, am to show mercy and grace to those who cause me harm. 

A child of God  manifests to all that we have been made a new creation. 

Old things are passed away...

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:

 old things are passed away..." 

2 Cor. 5:17

May you feel encouraged today to seek righteousness and meekness... 

~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

Keep thy Heart with All Diligence...

 " Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. " Ephesians 4:29

Have you ever thought about the words we speak... and what power they have...

... in encouraging 

... or discouraging 

...those who hear them?

I've always known(and been aware) of the verse above... where we are taught to,

 "... let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth..."  

But I'll be honest, I don't always think and dwell upon the verse as I ought... especially when I let myself utter words... that are not edifying. 

Recently I've been dwelling much on my need to apply the verse in my life with diligence... not just once or twice... and then forgetting about it...

... but making it a priority.

You know, I realize that if I take care of what's inside my heart... I'll end up having an easier time in uttering words that...

encourage,

edify,

build up,

praise,

and lift up.

" ... for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Matthew 12:34

O, that the Lord will put a bridle over my tongue... and keep me from bringing destruction upon myself ... and discourage those around me.

"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." 

Psalms 141:3

The tongue. How powerful. It can bring death... or life.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: 

and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Proverbs 18:21

O Lord, be our guide... teach us... when we ought to speak... when we ought to be silent.

And help us to remember that...

"...whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." 

Colossians 3:17

May you be encouraged today to speak words of comfort, words of kindness... words that edify and bring grace to those around you.

~Ellie

The eyes of all wait upon Thee...

"The LORD is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works." Psalm 145:9

One day this past week, I was coming home from my morning walk. I was about to walk my last few paces before reaching the front door... when I was met with the beautiful sound of a meadowlark singing ever so sweetly. Such beautiful sound!

Immediately I looked up to find her perched on the very top branch... singing away... under the cloudy sky. 

I kept thinking how free she was, without a care in the world. How the heavenly Father takes care of her so marvelously, as she safely abides under His wings.

She still sings... under the clouds, the rain, the wind.

I couldn't  but be encouraged that morning. Yes, our heavenly Father takes care of us as well...

... even more so than the birds in the skies.

"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; 

yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. 

Are ye not much better than they?" 

Matthew 6:26

What a beautiful reminder to rest in the shadow of His wings... knowing we are loved and protected by the mighty power of God. 

"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! 

Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. "

 Psalm 36:7

Oh, the peace to be free of the worries of this world... and sing praises to the Holy One.  

UNDER HIS WINGS

Under His wings I am safely abiding;

  Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,

Still I can trust Him, I know He will keep me;

  He has redeemed me, and I am His child.

  Under His wings, under His wings,

  Who from His love can sever?

Under His wings my soul shall abide,

    Safely abide forever.

Under His wings—what a refuge in sorrow!

  How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!

Often when earth has no balm for my healing,

  There I find comfort, and there I am blest.

Under His wings—oh, what precious enjoyment!

  There will I hide till life’s trials are o’er;

Sheltered, protected, no evil can harm me;

  Resting in Jesus I’m safe evermore.

Ira D. Sankey

May you find a haven of rest under the MIGHTY wings of God... and magnify His name in your life today. 

~Ellie

When I awake, I am still with Thee...

 "How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!"

 Psalm 139:17

Do you ever read a verse that gives you so much comfort? Well, this past week I was overwhelmed with the verse in Psalm 139... a verse I mentioned in my previous post. 

Even when I awake,  I am still with Thee... Psalm 139:18

Such comfort the verse gave ... such peace. It has been a blanket of comfort and warmth for me these past several days... just to know my Father in heaven shall always be with me.

Yes, even while living here on this earth, in our physical bodies, our God shall encompass us... and what-more... even in the age to come... my God shall still with me be!

There's nothing to fear... when God is near... when our hope is in the One that changest not.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, ... shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Romans 8:38,39

Once again, God gives great comfort through His precious Word... reminding us that  nothing shall separate us from His love.

His thoughts are precious to us. 

His ways marvelous. 

His love infinite. 

And so I rest in His love for me...

How Marvelous Are Thy Ways 

How precious are Thy thoughts to me,

Thou understandest and knowest me well. 

Even in my lying down, Thou art with me

And when I wake, Thou still with me dwell.

There is not a word on my tongue,

Each thought altogether known unto Thee.

Where shall I flee from Thy presence?

For Thou art with me e'en to the uttermost sea!

How marvelous are Thy ways, O Lord.

Even when darkness shall 'compass me,

Thy Hand will lead and guide me alway,

For night shall be as light unto Thee.

O Lord, I am fearfully and wonderfully made,

So skillfully wrought in the most secret of place.

All members in Thy book were written therein, 

Knowledge too wonderful, such marvelous grace!

  Thy thoughts more numerous than sand unto me,

Acquainted with all, Thou indeed art my King!

Search me, try me and know my heart today,

And lead me in the way everlasting. 

Ellie 1/12/2015

May you be blessed by the Lord's promise... for He shall never leave, nor forsake us!

~Ellie

Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the GOD of my salvation.

" The LORD GOD is my strength,

 and He will make my feet like hinds feet 

and He will make me to walk upon mine high places..." 

Habakuk 3:19

In a world of darkness, despair, hopelessness, the light of God's Word shines bright.  What peace I was given recently ... just through a verse that reflects God's never ending love towards me.

When the world offers no hope, no joy, no peace, where can one find a haven of rest?

A deep sigh of peace and contentment washed over me as I read the verse that brought so much peace to me recently...

It was a simple promise, a simple sentence... but packed with God's love and mercy!

"When I awake, I am still with Thee." Psalm 139:18b

I often reflect on how comforting God's Word has been to me over the years.

Through trials...
Through moments of uncertainty...
Through moments of hurt...
Through moments when I lacked simple faith...
Through moments when I was without strength.

God's Word has always been a haven of rest for me... nothing gave me more peace than to know that the God of heaven watches over me, and knows my every need.

There were many times when I just held the scriptures in my hand... and could not read from the burden and overwhelming trials in my life. But God's word never failed... as it slowly brought light and peace to a soul dependent on a most merciful and loving God... a God who never forsakes or leaves His own.

Have you ever encountered moments in your life where you were simply too burdened? Where tears brought about sleep  to a tired body... only to wake and know the Lord was with you still? And found His word sufficient for your need? 

As I grow older, I realize how powerful and necessary it is for God's Word to dwell in my heart. To always desire His Word... and to hunger for it. It is the food that my spirit needs... to be reminded that the trials of today are only for a moment.

I must feed my spirit... where hope, joy, faith, humbleness, righteousness, and all things lovely dwells.
I must starve my flesh... where fear, anxiety, pride, lack of trust, wickedness and all iniquity dwells.

Only God's presence through His Word can give light in a world of darkness and pain.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." 

Psalm 119:105

What comfort to depend on His Word to lighten our path.

May God's WORD be a delight to you today... and may His Light be a tower of strength.

~Ellie 

Create in me a clean heart, O God ....

"... God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." Matthew 22:32

Lately I've been contemplating what it means to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. What it means to be humble. What it means to be clean on the inside. What it means to have mercy and faith. And above all, what it means to have Christ as your master...

" For one is your master, even Christ." 

Matthew 23:8

Maybe all this stemmed from a recent visit to a group of people that take pride in their "cleanliness"... and having "orderliness" as a top priority. Lots of rules and regulations. I suppose there's really nothing wrong in being clean, it's a wonderful trait to have. But as I visited these people I was burdened. Can outwardly cleanliness count for anything in God's kingdom? Does it count for eternity? 

How are we, as followers of Christ, able to shine clean in a world of "filth"? Filth being sin, and all things unclean.   Well, I needed to go to the WORD... to find God's answers.

The gospel of Matthew relates Jesus' condemnation of those being clean on the outside and failing to apply cleanliness on the inside. 

" Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! 

For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, 

But within they are full of extortion and excess. " 

Matthew 23:25

The Lord sure is direct! How often we make ourselves look good so that others may see our "righteousness".   

We can easily "pay" the tithe... whatever it may be that requires us to "look good". But we forget what counts most in God's eyes... judgement, mercy and faith.

"  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, 

But within ye are full of hypocrisy, and iniquity." 

Matthew 23:28

So as I was reading through the chapter in Matthew, I stopped a bit to evaluate my own life. How do I live for Christ? Do I worry about man's view of me? Or do I care about being clean before God?

If Christ is alive in me, then I too shall live... no longer for myself, or the world around me... but for the ONE who died for me. And if Christ be my master, the greatest amongst us(also a servant), then I too am called to follow in His steps.... to walk humbly, to show mercy, to be guided by Him in all things. No boasting in my own abilities...

What assurance to know that His blood has cleansed me from the filth and dross of sin. Great is God's power to cleanse! 

His cleansing, not my own... 

And so I delight in the wonderful work of God on my behalf... the joy of being clean within, by the power of His blood.

" Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: 

Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." 

Psalm 51:7

May you know the real meaning of being clean... and shine for HIM.  

  

~Ellie

I will come into THY house in the multitude of THY mercy...

" For Thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; 

with favour wilt THOU compass him as with a shield." 

Psalm 5:12

As I was reading through Psalm 5 a few days ago, I was amazed at God's goodness in revealing an important truth to me... one I often neglect to do.

I  started reading the first couple of verses with familiarity. They were verses I knew quite well. But as I was reading, I stopped a bit to reflect on verse 3:

" ... in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee..."

How often I've taken those words as my own, and yet have not always applied those last 4 words of the verse. 

"... and will look up."

I confess I sometimes finish my prayer and am... still burdened, still faithless, still fearful. I forget to look up and trust my heavenly Father who knows ALL things. Do you ever do that? Do you still latch on to your problems and think God can't possibly resolve the issues of the day? Do you have a slouched posture, and look down because of the burdens you still carry? In reality, that's exactly what we do when we worry.

  

Yet it is in looking up that we can see God's strength and power.... that holds us, that keeps us, that protects us;

" Lift up your eyes on high and behold... He is strong in power."

 Isaiah 40:26 

How comforting it is just to ... "look up". Isn't it wonderful to be able to come before the throne of grace... where we find abundant mercy?

" But as for me, I will come into THY house in the multitude of THY mercy..." 

Psalm 5:7

  

We have reason to rejoice.... to rest in His presence. Indeed the LORD worketh on our behalf....

" Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, 

That the everlasting God, 

The LORD, 

The Creator of the ends of the earth, 

Fainteth not, 

Neither is weary?" 

Isaiah 40:28

And as I read through Psalm 5, I not only came away with the thought that God is merciful... but God is also a HOLY God.

" For Thou art not a GOD that hath pleasure in wickedness; 

Neither shall evil dwell with Thee." 

Psalm 5:4    

He desires that we, too, have NO pleasure in wickedness... He calls us to righteousness! To put away all form of evil.

Lord, lead me in righteousness for your name's sake..  and make my paths straight.

I Shall Look Up

LORD make me to know Thee as Thou art,

Holy and righteous and sufficient for me.

Indeed in wickedness Thou shalt never delight,

Nor will evil dwell ever with Thee!

Into Thy house I come where mercy's abundant and free.

Unto Thee do I look up and ask Thee to stay,

My Master, My God, Deliverer and Friend.

O lead me in righteousness and straighten my way. 

My joy is in Thee and trust Thou shalt work,

A plan that shall glorify Thy power in me. 

For Thou encompass me with protection from on high

And nothing shall I fear when Thy face I can see.

~Ellie 9/16/2014

May you delight in the LORD's mercies and flee from unrighteousness... and He shall lift you up.
~Ellie

Offer the sacrifices of RIGHTEOUSNESS...

" Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: THOU hast enlarged me when I was in distress;

 Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." 

Psalm 4:1

For the past several days, I've been meditating on a couple of verses I read in conjunction to a parallel passage in Deutoronomy. It's a well known passage... a passage where we read about Israel's murmuring against God, and of their fear of the promised land.

But the couple of verse I read in Numbers made me stop. I read and re-read the verses. Could it be possible that we can be victorious in the "wilderness land"  and conquer the very "people" that cause us to fear? And in the end... be "fed" by the victory? 

" If the LORD delight in us, then HE will bring us into this land, and give it us: a land flowing with milk and honey.

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land;

For they are bread for us;

Their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us; 

Fear them not. " 

Numbers 14:8-9   

    

As I read these couple of verse, I thought about its application in our own lives. 

How often we look at our time of distress as a burden, a fear, or even an unpleasant thing that we want removed from our lives. But if  God goes before us... and is with us in the midst of our trial... that trial is already won. And that trial and victory becomes "bread" for us.... because it causes us to grow in faith. 

Distress. Sorrow. Trials.  All work in our lives to help us grow and depend upon the ONE who goes before us.  The enemy is powerless,... all because our Lord is with us. 

And we know the sorrows of life are in themselves God's enlargements of His character in us. 

Our lives are enriched when we go through the valley of weeping. We learn tenderness. We learn humility. We learn compassion. We learn to weep with others. 

How can we ever understand those who go through the valley of weeping... if we haven't experienced the shedding of tears?

"... Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress."

Psalm 41:1 

I don't know about you, but I look back in my life and thank God for the sorrows and trials that have strengthened my faith in Him. Yes, they hurt. Yes, they are difficult. But through them God works to strengthen, perfect, and establish us.

These temporary trials are for a moment... but they have a far greater weight in glory. Far greater.

" For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, 

worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."

2 Corinthians 4:17

Trust. Dependence. Peace. Joy. All by-products of God's enlargements in our lives.

Oh, that I would learn to offer sacrifices of praise in time of sorrow.... and quit my murmuring.

May you offer sacrifices of righteousness... in times of distress.

~Ellie

For the LORD giveth WISDOM...

"  When WISDOM entereth into thine heart, and KNOWLEDGE is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, UNDERSTANDING shall keep thee." Proverbs 2: 10,11

Sometimes I'm void of understanding. I lack knowledge... and wisdom. There are moments when wisdom is needed in my life. Much widsom.

How do I  answer someone who is in need. How do I react when criticism comes my way. When should I be silent. When should I speak up.

Reading through the Proverbs, one can easily find plenty of wisdom. God's WORD is never void of knowledge. But I stopped abruptly when I recently read verses 10 and 11 of the second chapter of Proverbs. It suddenly hit me. " When wisdom entereth into thine heart..." 

 Much of our lack of wisdom may spurn from lack of knowing GOD. Knowing HIS WORD.

" A wise man will hear, and will increase learning..."

Proverbs 1:5

Oh, to delight in HIS WORD! Can I truly say that the WORD of GOD is pleasant unto my soul? Do I seek being in HIS WORD more so than seeking earthly treasures? Where can I find wisdom... but in GOD alone.

" For the LORD giveth wisdom: Out of HIS mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. "

Proverbs 2:6

Today I am overwhelmed with GOD'S GOODNESS. He alone does the work in us... so that WISDOM can enter our stony heart.

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."

Ezekiel 36:26

"For God giveth to a man that is good in His sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy..."

Ecclesiates 2:26

 There's so much sound wisdom in God's WORD. We have the answers to ALL our problems.... if we seek Him we shall find Him.

" 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."

James 1:5

What a gracious and loving Father we have... who loads us with the benefits of HIS wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Oh, that I might be diligent to grow in WISDOM. To keep my heart filled with HIS WORD.... for it shall keep me, preserve me, and give me life.  LORD, help me to lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge you...

 "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established."

Proverbs 24:3

May you seek WISDOM and delight  in HIS WORD today.

~Ellie

He maketh the STORM a CALM, so that THE WAVES therof are STILL....

" They reel to and fro... and are at their wit's end. " Psalm 107:27

I've been trying to memorize my verses in 1 Corinthians 13. The chapter that is so well known. But it's hard. Awfully hard.

LOVE. What is love?

Lord, do you mean I am nothing... if I have not love? It's hard to be nobody in the eyes of men. To seek not mine own. That's hard.

All the knowledge, all the understanding, all the work I do... is it for nought... if I have not love?

How can I be happy for someone else who gets to have everything so easily... they've been blessed far more than I have. They are talented, wealthy, ... and their life seems so in order.

How can I just look past someone's hurtful remark and not withdraw. Don't they know how I feel? Don't they see how hard I  try.

I've run to and fro... and sometimes was at my wit's end... trying to show love and kindness and been bruised instead. All for man's approval.... but where were YOU in all my running?

" For do I now persuade men, or GOD? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."

Galatians 1:10

It's not easy to love. It's not easy to forgive, It's not easy to think no evil. If only I can be STILL... and allow the LORD to calm the waves in my heart.

I know God has a work to complete in me. My desire is to live the LOVE chapter... not to simply memorize it. It may take me some time, but I know my faithful LORD will perfect that which concerns me today. HE will try me. HE will bring about trials that will test me.... but HE will also help me to know HIS word and lead me by the hand... so that one day I may know in full, Him who loved me as HIS own.

The LORD was so gracious to send a song to me this morning as I was listening to the radio and preparing breakfast... I stopped and listened. It became my prayer.

Make me an instrument LORD... for your kingdom . Make me to love, as you love.... for you are LOVE.

Take Me, Lord

Take me, Lord, use me now.
Draw me close, O Lord.
Give me godly understanding of your Holy Word.
Let me live so close to you
Others, too, may see
Jesus’ love and great compassion
Shining forth in me.

Chorus
Use me, Lord Jesus,
Now for your glory.
May all I say and do
Glorify your name.

*

When my heart suffers pain,
Jesus lingers near.
He will give me peace within
And whisper, “I am here.”
When I falter on my way,
He will take my hand.
Then, so gently He forgives me.
He will understand.

*

Take my life day by day
Yielded Lord to you.
Take my hands to labor gently
Bringing others, too.
Take my lips to sing Your praise
Worship only You.
Showing love to those
Who need the love of Jesus, too.

By Roma J. Schankweiler

 

May God's perfect LOVE dwell richly in your heart today... and may you please God above all else.

~Ellie

 

How shall we sing the LORD's song in a strange land?

" For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song..." Psalm 137:3

This morning as I read psalm 137, I immediately thought, " What can I learn from this psalm today. It's so difficult to understand. "  My attitude was one of  a deep sigh. I wanted something easy to understand at the moment. Something that was plain and simple... with words that would immediately encourage me and give me the strength I needed for the day. I even thought to jump to the next psalm. Surely it would be more promising than the one I read...

Do you ever get the same thoughts as I do? Where you want to skip over a section ... because "there's nothing there"?

Ashamed, I went back and  started re-reading the psalm. Surely God's WORD never fails.

As I began to meditate on the words I was reading, the LORD in His mercy brought food for my soul. There was  a treasure I had quickly read over and completely missed the first time around.

Is it possible to sing a song ... in a strange land? In moments when held captive? Do we opt for "hanging up our harp" because we feel sad and helpless?

" We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof..."

Psalm 137:2

Do we cry and weep when we remember moments in our lives when "everything was well"? Do we give up and forget God's goodness to us...

Such was the case with the Israelites... such is the case with us today. Woe to us if we forget God's lovingkindness...

" If I forget Thee, O Jerusalem let my right hand forget her skill.

If I do not remember Thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth.

If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy...."

Psalm 137: 5-6

And so  I was deeply encouraged by a Psalm I had "given up" on. How grateful I was to God  who opened my eyes... to see my need to sing a song of praise... even in the midst of adversity. And to prefer Him above all chiefest earthly joys.

Thank you Lord... for your patience with me... and for steering me  ever so gently to see the light.

Never hang up the harp...

And may you be encouraged today to lift your voice on high and praise the LORD with your whole heart.

~Ellie

 

 

You are the GOD of heaven, not?

" Praise the LORD; for HIS mercy endureth forever."  2 CHRONICLES 20:21

While  meditating on the 20th chapter of second Chronicles, I was deeply touched at God's provision for His people. Even when the people were in the midst of fear from their enemies, God was merciful. At first glance, victory over the enemy was quite impossible... the numbers were against them. How often I find myself in the same situation... fearful in the hand of the enemy. But God reminds us to be still. He will fight for us... and win the battle!

In my thankfulness to God, I decided to jot down a poem of sorts. He is the God of heaven, is He not? He can do ALL things!

YOU ARE THE GOD OF HEAVEN, NOT?

*

When everything around us seems to sway

And fears arise within our hearts.

We see our strength can sometimes falter,

From many swift and flying darts.

*

And thus we find ourselves no longer strong

With things that come and cloud our way.

Amidst it all we lift our eyes on thee O Lord,

And bow accepting what ever may.

*

You are the God of heaven, not?

And in Thine hand is there not might?

We cry to Thee and Thou wilt hear

For we by faith shall live, and not by sight.

*

In our affliction Thou art always near,

You ask  of us to  just be still.

In truth , salvation comes from Thee,

And so we kneel and  bow before Thy  will.

*

You have  a plan to rescue us

Thy Word is true, we can be strong.

"The battle is not yours, but mine."

O Lord forgive, for we've been wrong!

*

We praise your name, O Lord

Our way's  established from all ill

To Thee be glory, praise and honor 

As we abide before Thee still.

*

In Thee is victory indeed,

Our battle has been won.

We put our trust and hope in Thee

To find all  fear is slowly gone. 

~Ellie 5/6/2014

May you know the God of heaven and rejoice that we have victory  through Him.

~Ellie

That ye might be PARTAKERS of the DIVINE nature....

 

" For if these things be in you, and ABOUND, they make you that ye shall NEITHER be barren NOR unfruitful in the KNOWLEDGE of our LORD JESUS CHRIST," 2 Peter 1:8

Last week I visited an older sister in the the Lord and we had a wonderful time reflecting on God's word. One day a week we like to get together and share scripture with one another... it may be a verse or chapter that we have read in the course of the previous week, or it could be a passage form a devotional or  even a hymn that has brought praise in our hearts. But we always manage to encourage each other through God's WORD... and it's always a delight to stop and think on the things above...  in the process, God blesses, and we are always uplifted .

So this past week we managed to read from 2 Peter chapter 1. What a joy and encouragement the passage was for me. I have meditated on it these past several days. And I've been most blessed.

Did  you ever realize that we can be partakes of the DIVINE nature of God?  When I read verse 4, I was just overwhelmed at our position in Christ. I mean, we have been given GREAT and PRECIOUS promises that we can call our own! We are equipped with a divine nature. How wonderful is that!

We have the HOLY SPIRIT dwelling in us... and we are to abound in the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is not enough, rather we are to add to faith: 1) virtue 2) knowledge 3) temperance 4) patience 5) godliness 6) brotherly kindness and  7) charity.

And so, if these things are in us.... and we abound in them(that is key).... then they will make us so that we be: neither 1) BARREN nor 2) UNFRUITFUL.... in the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. We can truly know HIM as HE is!

You know, sometimes we may wonder why we don't know God's will for our life... well, we may simply lack knowledge of Him. His ways are not our ways.... however, we know God desires our good. So if we abound in the character of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, well, it would mean that we would be in HIS will.... and that HIS will would be good, acceptable and perfect . (Romans 12:2). Of course that would mean that we would be transformed by the renewing of our mind... bearing the character of  our LORD.

It's not always easy to show brotherly kindness, to have patience, to have godliness or show charity. But we know know that he that lacketh these things is:

1) BLIND, 2) CANNOT SEE AFAR OFF, and 3) HATH FORGOTTEN THAT HE WAS PURGED FROM HIS OLD SINS.

We can see that for our own benefit we ought to give diligence to make our calling sure: " For if ye do these things, YE SHALL NEVER FALL." vs.10.

And abiding in Him will reward us with an entrance into God's kingdom. What a joyous reward! Verse 11 says it so beautifully,

" For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you ABUNDANTLY into the everlasting kingdom of our LORD JESUS CHRIST."

LORD, help me to abound in a Christ-like character! 

May you, too, abound in the knowledge of the SAVIOUR today... and be fruitful for HIS kingdom.

~Ellie

Who is so GREAT a God as our GOD?

" Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? "  Ps. 71:19

After reading Psalm 77 this morning, I stopped a bit and reflected on the verse that asks the question, " Who is so great a God as our GOD?" vs. 13. I meditated on God's power seen in everything around us... the nature is full of HIS glory. And I also reflected on HIS faithfulness to HIS people.... throughout all generations. OH, how true... there is none besides HIM!

Before stepping out to face the day, I began singing a few words of praise to my LORD... before long I thought the words went so well, that I took a pen to jot down my thoughts in free prose. In a matter of minutes I wrote a 4 stanza song as a praise to GOD... who is the only one deserving of our praise.  May HIS great power be enough for us today, for HE carries us in the palm of HIS hand.

O, LORD you are mighty 

O, Lord you are great 

 You are the only one

 Deserving of our praise

****

Your hand always protects us,

You guide us on our path,

To keep us from all ill

And satisfy our hearts.

***

O, LORD you are gracious,

O, LORD you are faithful,

Your mercies never fail

We honor you today.

***

Thank you Lord Jesus,

For dying on the cross

Redeeming us forever

To thine eternal care. 

~Ellie 3/13/14

May you know how GREAT our GOD is today... HE can accomplish anything that comes your way.

~Ellie