REST in the LORD, and WAIT patiently for HIM...

" Say to them that are of a fearful heart, BE STRONG, FEAR NOT..." Isaiah 35:4

This past week I have been thinking much about my need to rest in the LORD. I came across verse 7 while reading  Psalm 37.... and instantly found myself thanking the Lord for His beautiful reminder to me. The Lord knew my need this week... He knew I needed to be reminded that He is in control of all things.... and that I should rest.

In the midst of life's trials and afflictions, our hope is to rest in the Lord. How often I find myself not resting in the Lord....

Are you often in the same predicament? Fearing, fretting, faithless, uneasy?

I'm sure we all have fears that cause us to live moments of unrest.  But, oh  how much better for us to trust our heavenly Father. 

"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, 

that it cannot save; 

neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear."  

Isaiah 59:1

Our loving God knows and hears our need, our situation... Is He not capable to work all that concerns us for our good?

So often we are brought into paralyzing moments because of fear... but fear is not from God! 

Psalm 37 is a wonderful reminder of God's desire for us to put away fretting from our lives.We are to commit our ways to Him... and rest in Him.... and wait patiently for His deliverance. 

The best medication when we are fearful... is to rest.

" Finally, my brethren, 

be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might."

 Ephesians 6:10

Heavenly Father, thank you for being our refuge, in whom we find complete rest. Help us to be still and know that you are God in the midst of our trials. Make us to know the peace that keeps our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus by being anxious for nothing.

May you be encouraged to rest and wait patiently for the Lord to complete His work in your life.

~Ellie

And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD...

And the Lord said unto Moses, "Is the Lord's hand waxed short? Thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. " Numbers 11:23

You know, sometimes I find myself so weak in faith. Sometimes I find myself complaining and murmuring... just as the Israelites did long ago.  Oh, I may not  want to admit it... I may not consider it as complaining or murmuring... because I may be blind to my own folly.  

How often we've thought back to the "good times" and fall prey to discontentment of a present situation...  and murmur against God's goodness.  That's just what the Israelites did.... and that's we we do today. 

" We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; 

the cucumbers, and the melons and the leeks, 

and the onions and the garlic." 

Numbers 11:5

We fail to see God's grace and mercy offered TODAY... and consider it as nothing.. even when He offers manna from above!

" But now our soul is dried away; 

there is nothing at all beside this manna, 

before our eyes." 

Numbers 11:6

And how often we may find ourselves in the shoes of Moses and say, " This burden is too heavy to carry, I cannot do it alone."  

Yes, Moses complained before the LORD... but so do we.

" I am not able to bear all this alone, 

because it is too heavy." 

Numbers 11:14

However, I was extremely encouraged when I read once again the account  of God showing His mercy and proving His promises to be true... even to a people that was full of murmuring and complaining. 

And the Lord said unto Moses, "Is the Lord's hand waxed short? 

Thou shalt see now 

whether my word shall come to pass 

unto thee

 or not. " 

Numbers 11:23

" For all the promises of God in Him are yea,
 and in Him Amen, 

unto the glory of God by us."

2 Corinthians 1:20

Oh Father, forgive our murmuring and complaining against you. Remind us how much it displeases you. Help us to see your goodness today and trust in your promises that are true and faithful.

May you find rest in the preciousness of God's love and care for you today.
~Ellie

...and under HIS wings shalt thou trust.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: 

Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: 

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;

Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

Isaiah 41:10

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with God's precious promises. This morning I read the above verse and rested in God's love. 

How beautiful to be still in the presence of the ALMIGHTY GOD!

I couldn't but think how often we  fail to to remember the promises of our God and Saviour... that He will be with us even unto the end. 

And so today I cling to the beautiful reminder that God is with me... 

... as I find rest in His power and strength,

... as I trust Him to guide and protect me,

... and wait upon Him to lead me.

UNDER HIS WINGS

Ira Sankey

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.

Precious Father, Thank you for your promises that are true and faithful. Help us to rest in your presence and be comforted through your Spirit and Word. 

May you be encouraged today to rest in the Lord Jesus and trust in His care for you.
~Ellie

... I will STAND on the TOP of the hill...

"... I will stand ON THE TOP of the hill with the ROD of GOD in mine hand." Exodus 17:9

Do you ever find yourself in moments of fear, struggles, discouragements, oppositions from all sides? Sometimes we find ourselves so deep in our thoughts that we forget that we have a SHEPHERD who by HIS ROD comforts us in all our trials.

I was so encouraged a couple of days ago when I read the verse in Exodus where Joshua was fighting Amalek... and there Moses raised the "rod of God" to prevail against the enemy. 

I thought about the ROD, representing our God, the great I AM... our stronghold.

Isn't it wonderful to be able to raise and trust in the WORD of GOD as our ROD? 

The great I AM can fight our enemies... and prevail against them.   

Yes, indeed our Shepherd, the LORD JESUS CHRIST, comforts, guides and drives away all our fears... because HE protects us from all evil.

And we also know that when Moses' hands were heavy... Aaron and Hur interceded by holding them up... and Moses' hands were steady. 

" But Moses' hands were heavy: 

and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; 

and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, 

the one on one side, and the other on the other side, 

and his hands were steady 

until the going down of the sun." 

Exodus 17:12

How wonderful to know that we too can ease the "heaviness"  and intercede for those around us who are heavy in spirit and fighting battles of their own.  

PSALM 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: 

He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: 

the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: 

He shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in 

from this time forth, and even for evermore. 

Heavenly Father, Thank you for being the great I AM in our lives, Thank you for preserving our souls from all evil. We trust in your power and faithfulness to accomplish your purpose and will in our lives for your glory. Help us to raise the rod of your Word continually as we face the many battles that come our way. 

May you be encouraged today to lift up God's name and His promises... for yourself and others. 

~Ellie

HE will keep the feet of His saints...

" He RAISETH the poor out of the dust, and LIFTETH up the beggar from the dunghill to set them among princes and to make them inherit the THRONE OF GLORY..." 1 Samuel 2:8

Today I woke up with a verse on my mind. After struggling to sleep through the night, I managed to finally fall asleep during the early morning hours. Sometimes, I think I can get through trials and afflictions victoriously... and yes, sometimes I do with the Lord's help.

But there are times, when I struggle to keep my focus and look beyond the trial of the day. Even when I constantly remind myself to lift up my eyes and head upwards, I find myself weak, and fearful, and anxious...

You know, the only peace that I get, comes not from distracting my thoughts with empty earthly "joys"... but rather, repeating and going through memory verses in my mind. The sleepless nights are made better only when the word of God dwells in me... giving me peace as only the Lord can.

So this morning, I abruptly woke up... with a verse on my mind.  And even though I didn't get all the necessary physical rest, I woke up refreshed spiritually. 

... and my heart was at peace! 

How the Lord works... even when I sleep He refreshes my mind and heart. 

" But his delight is in the law of the Lord; 

and in his law does He meditate day and night." 

Psalm 1:2

It was as if the Lord had instantly placed me on a solid ROCK... and reminded me... that I ought to continue to place my hope in Him alone....even when overwhelmed. What a gracious Lord to remind me that in His WORD alone I should delight!

How precious these moments are... when He alone works,  when He directs our eyes heavenward and comforts us through His Holy Word.

I found myself reading through Psalm 119 later on during the day... and 2 verses stood out with so much truth. 

Yes, His WORD does strengthen and comfort...

 " My soul melteth for heaviness; 

strengthen thou me according to THY WORD." 

Psalm 119:28

" This is my comfort in my affliction: 

for THY WORD hath quickened me." 

Psalm 119:50

Oh precious Father, thank you for keeping us in your protection and love. Thank you for redirecting our eyes towards the One who alone is able to place us on a solid foundation. Thank you for the peace given when in your presence. Help us to thank you even for the trials and afflictions that come our away, for thou art good and doest good.

May you be encouraged to bring your burdens before the Lord and find rest in His presence... trusting that He can do everything, and that no purpose of His can be withheld. (Job 42:2)

~Ellie

... His master saw that the LORD was with him.

"... how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against GOD?" Genesis 39:9

As I was reading through the account of Joseph, I was encouraged to read of God's presence in Joseph's life...and the impact it had on him and those around him.

Joseph feared God, and what a testimony that was to those around him! We find the LORD not only blessing Joseph, but even those around Joseph...

" And his master saw that the LORD was with him, 

and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand." 

Genesis 39:3

"And Joseph found grace in his sight..." 

Genesis  39:4

"... the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house because of Joseph's sake." 

Genesis 39:5

"And Joseph was a goodly person and well favored." 

Genesis 39:6

And as I was reading of the Lord's goodness towards Joseph ... even when tempted... even when thrown in prison... even when "forgotten" by the one he had done good to... that I began thinking how little I dwell on the power of God's presence in my life.

You know, sometimes I walk about fearful, I shy away from grief and pain, I find myself faithless...
But oh, the power of God that directs our every step.... and the knowledge to know and trust in the promise that our God never leaves us!

For Joseph, even when in prison, God's presence was still with him,

" But the Lord was with Joseph, 

and shewed him mercy 

and gave him favour 

in the sight of the keeper of the prison." 

Genesis 39: 21

How often I forget the power of God's presence in my life... that even in the midst of trials, my God never leaves me... but rather shows His mercy, and favor! Yes, He shows His mercy and favor when we think we can no longer bear the pain.

And then I couldn't but think how very important it is... that others might see God's presence in my life.

Do others see that the Lord is with me...  be it in joy and or in sorrow? Do others get blessed by seeing me have a total dependence on Him... the One who is able to save? Does my life show forgiveness to those that have wronged me... or do I hold a grudge?

We see Joseph not holding a grudge against Potiphar, for throwing him into prison, nor with  the chief butler who had forgotten about him in prison... furthermore, we don't see Joseph holding a grudge for his brethren, but rather loving them!

Only through the presence of God in his life, could Joseph ever have such love... and be able to consider the "evil" that his brothers had done unto him, as God's favor toward him.

How often I fail to see God's goodness to me... even in the trials and afflictions that come my way. Oh, that I would see them as God's favor towards me!

However, I am most thankful for God's presence in my life... through His Word and Holy Spirit.
For I am encouraged that Christ alone is able to use me... and you... to reflect His presence in our lives, and even bless those around us.

" Now unto HIM who is able to keep you from falling 

and to present you faultless before the presence of HIS glory 

with exceeding joy, 

to the only wise GOD our SAVIOUR, 

be glory and majesty, dominion and power, 

both now and ever. 

Amen" 

Jude 24,25

Holy Father, Help us today to honor your presence in our lives, by living a life worthy of your calling, in thought and deed. May our lives reflect and manifest towards those around that you are in us and working though us.

May you be encouraged to look unto the LORD ... and trust in the power of His presence to guide your life... and He will perfect that which concerns you today.
Ellie

I AM with thee, and WILL KEEP thee in ALL places whither thou goest...

" The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: HE shall preserve thy soul. " Psalm 121:7

This morning as I was going about my daily chores, I heard a song that lifted my heart to praise the LORD. I quickly made a point to find the song online and jot it down...

Do you ever find yourself in the midst of your MANY thoughts... and struggling to keep your head above the waters?  

There are many trials... and many afflictions in our lives. Sometimes we find ourselves thinking upon them in such great length(!), that our spirit can only naturally be weighed down.

 A heavy heart stooped with the "loads and cares" of this world...

 " Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop:

 but a good word maketh it glad." 

Proverbs 12:25

So while in the midst of my many thoughts...  for it seemed that in the split of a second, I had allowed myself to be fully immersed in the cares  and worries of the day(s)... I heard this song playing in the background. 

Such peace flowed over me! How easily I had forgotten that my God watches over me...

My heavenly Father knows my every need... and will not allow anything to come upon me that He does not will. And that which He does allow is only for my good... for my growth... for my perfection in holiness and righteousness.

Isn't our LORD GOD so good... to help us in our weakness and give us the strength to look upward and find rest in His mighty arm? 

I was so thankful for the peace He gave me in the midst of my many thoughts... that I hope this little reminder in the song will help you as well... and encourage you to know that our God in heaven watches over His own.

In This Old Troubled World

Author: Paul Sandberg

O how good to know that God in heaven

Watches over His children from above.

They are objects of His tender mercies

Safely they are kept in His love.

Chorus

In this old troubled world, my God is near us

And when we bow in prayer, He'll always hear us.

From every stormy wind, His love will hide us.

In this old troubled world our God will guide us.

Though on earth we've trial and tribulation,

Though there's much that would our hearts alarm,

He who feeds and cares for the little sparrow,

Will protect His own from every harm.

Father, how good and kind you are in renewing your faithfulness towards us each and every morning! Thank you for your presence in our lives and reminding us that you will be with us always. We praise you for the grace given us to overcome the trials and afflictions that come our way. Thank you for your care and protection over us. 

May your heart be joyful in the Lord's mighty power to guide your path and protect you from all harm.

~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

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

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 

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 

Be of good courage; IT IS I; Be NOT afraid.

" And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." Matthew 14:32

In this morning's Bible reading I was blessed yet again when I read the marvelous and mighty acts of the Lord Jesus being performed. And yet this morning I stood a bit to meditate...

I thought about what it means to be in the presence of the One who could heal, give faith and strengthen. 

Have you ever felt the "wind being still" when in the Lord's presence? Do you find strength in His presence... in His Word... when everything around you is tumultuous?

Who can calm your soul when  "high winds" and "waves so big" make you feel utterly helpless and ready to sink?

Such thoughts crossed my mind while reading through chapter 14 of Matthew. I marveled when reading through the account of the Lord Jesus being followed by a great multitude. I thought of the people longing for healing. 

One thing the multitude knew... they knew the Lord Jesus could heal. 

The Lord's compassion  and care was evident upon all... not just a few, but the whole multitude... 5000 people! And He knew their needs...

" They need not depart; give ye them to eat. " 

Matthew 14:16

 and, 

"Bring them hither to me." 

Matthew 14:18

O, what calm and peace when in the presence of the One who takes care of our needs... physical and spiritual!

And as I read of the disciples' fear when encountering the tumultuous waters about them...  tossed about from high winds and waves... I thought again of the peace found only in the presence of the Lord.

How calming and assuring the Lord Jesus' words were,

" Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." 

Matthew 14: 27

Peter's desire to walk on water, right along with the Lord, shows how he placed his trust and hope in the One who alone could save him from the tumultuous seas. 

And yet the minute Peter took His eyes off the Lord... fear crept in. However, the Lord never once left Peter...

... and He never leaves us!

It was so very comforting to me when I read that the Lord immediately reached forth to take Peter's hand ... AND CATCHES HIM... before He could ever sink. 

 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, 

O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" 

Matthew 14:31

How important it is for us to trust and not look away from the One who is our strength.

The wind ceased ... when they were all in the ship with the Lord Jesus.

What a beautiful reminder for me this morning... in the presence of the Lord Jesus... all waves cease!

Oh that I would desire to be in His presence. He alone controls and calms the winds that come in my life...  no harm can come upon me when I am in His presence.

And when I lack the faith needed to stand, He immediately takes hold of me... and catches me... so I would not sink. 

Isn't it marvelous...the Lord's tender care for us?

May you be encouraged to rely on the Lord Jesus to calm the winds in your life.

~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

Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me...

" These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. " John 16:33

Several weeks ago, I happened to be reading through the book of John. It was while reading the 16th chapter, that I came across a beautiful verse that made me stop and dwell on it. 

Chapter 16, in the gospel of John, is loaded with the Lord's comforting words... it's where the Lord relates to his disciples the events that will happen after His departure from their midst. And even though the Lord Jesus tells the disciples of the future persecutions in store for them, He also comforts them. 

• He doesn't leave them without hope....

" In the world ye shall have tribulations:
 but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." 

John 16:33

• He tells them of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, that would come to guide them in all truth...

"Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, 

He will guide you into all truth.." (v. 13)

• He tells them of the future joy... reminding them it wouldn't belong before they would see Him again.

"... but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, 

and your joy no man taketh from you." (v. 22)

**Isn't it beautiful. No  man can take away our hope and joy!**

• He tells them of the Father's love for them...

" For the Father Himself loveth you..." (v.27)

So as I was reading through the chapter, I was touched with the Lord's tenderness... in taking care of the disciples. How He comforted them! 

And yet, I thought of the heaviness weighing upon the Lord Jesus himself during this time... the need to go to the cross... and being forsaken by the very disciples He was comforting. 

But when I came to verse 32, I was overwhelmed with the Father's love... for the disciples... and for the Lord Jesus...

... and for us.

 " Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me..."

What encouraging words... as we live our lives here awaiting Christ's return. We too can  be comforted through the very words written in His Holy Word.

The Lord Jesus knows what we need... He endured loneliness. He was forsaken.

Have you ever felt alone? Forsaken by all? Jesus knows. He knows exactly what you need. He will never forsake you.  

HE KNOWS JUST WHAT I NEED

 Author Unknown

My Jesus knows when I am lonely

He knows each pain; He sees each tear

He understands each lonely heartache

He understands and always cares.

Chorus:

My Jesus knows just what I need

O yes, He knows just what I need

He satisfies and ev’ry need supplies

Yes, He knows just what I need.

My Jesus knows when I am burdened

He knows how much my heart can bear

He lifts me up when I am sinking

He brings me joy beyond compare.

When other friends seem to forget me

When skies are dark, when hope seems gone

By faith I feel His arms about me,

And hear Him say, “You’re not alone.”

May you know the presence of the Lord in your life today... and be encouraged to lift your eyes towards heaven. "My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth."(Ps. 121:2)

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

Ye that seek the LORD, look unto the ROCK whence you were hewn...

" Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; 

Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. " 

Isaiah 51:7

As I was reading through the 51 chapter of Isaiah this morning I suddenly read over a couple of verses I had memorized not too long ago...

It was about a year ago, or maybe even two, when I struggled with a huge bout of anxiety. It wasn't the normal anxious feeling that we all get... fears that come about and quickly go. This was much stronger. I was struggling to find peace within, from fear that  almost paralyzed me. What was I fearing? I had never experienced such anxiety...

Have you ever struggled with anxiety? Have you ever been fearful of the  future? Have the momentary struggles weighed heavily upon you that you felt you would lose control?

I remember my anxious heart weighing heavily upon me one day. My strength was weak. I was helpless. Yet in my struggle I knew my hope could only be found in my LORD. I couldn't do it alone. I needed HIS help. His power alone could deliver me. I could never have the power I needed to "get myself up" and free myself from the clutch of fear. 

There were no words that I could utter in my state of helplessness except, "Lord, please help me!"  The simple words of dependence on HIM  brought all the peace I had ever needed. A wave of calmness washed over me. And in His faithfulness, He directed me to a couple of verses in Isaiah that I took to memorizing... and repeated day in and day out.... even through the night. 

" I, even I, am He that comforteth you; 

Who art thou, that shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and the son of man which shall be made as grass;  

And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens , and laid the foundations of the earth; 

And hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor as if he was ready to destroy? 

And where is the fury of the oppressor " 

Isaiah 51: 12,13

The fear that comes from the evil one... can debilitate us. But all we have to do is to look to our maker. HE alone comforts us. He alone delivers us from the hand of the oppressor. He alone strengthens us. 

Let us look unto the ROCK.

" The LORD is my ROCK and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, 

In whom I will trust...

For who is GOD, save the LORD? Or who is a rock, save our God? 

The LORD liveth , and blessed be my ROCK, 

And let the God of my salvation be exalted." 

Psalm 18:2,31,46

With thankfulness I read through Isaiah 51 today... thankful for the Lord's mercy... that endures forever. 

" Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted... thus saith thy Lord the Lord, 

and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, 

Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling... " 

Isaiah 51:21,22

Even in times of distress, our God is faithful!

May you be encouraged to cry out to the ONE who alone can save.

~Ellie