...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

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 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

And Jesus stood still...

"... For HIS WORD was with power." Luke 4: 31

I'm always amazed when I read through the life of the LORD JESUS, as related in the gospels, and find the same words I may have read over and over... once again renewed to me. 

This time around though, I was encouraged with a simple phrase I must have skipped over so many times,

And JESUS stood still...

For some reason when I read those words, I immediately noticed the Lord's ways... in the simple fact that HE stood still... 

In His stillness, He manifested His kindness...His compassion...His gentleness as He reached out towards those in need.

The Lord Jesus, though busy in the midst of a great multitude which followed Him... found the time,

...to STOP 

...to BE STILL... 

and 

...HEAR the cries of 2 blind men when they cried, " Have mercy on us, O Lord, Thou son of David." 

"  And Jesus stood still 

and called them, 

and said, 

"What will ye that I shall do unto you? " 

Matthew 20:32

The words of Jesus... powerful.

Words the 2 blind men hoped to hear... " What will ye that I shall do unto you? " 

The Lord stood still for them... and His words had power... for it brought hope and healing.

And then I couldn't but think how the Lord Jesus Christ is the same today... just as in the times when He healed the blind and the sick. 

The gospels relate the amazement of the people.... when they saw the result of Jesus' words in His teaching, in the healing of diseases and in the forgiveness of sins.

"... He taught them.., insomuch that they were astonished, and said, 

Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?" 

Matthew 13:54

 "...For His word was with power." 

Luke 4:32 

"What a word is this!..." 

Luke 4:36

Yes, even today, His WORD has power and authority.... to save and deliver... and forgive sins.  

He stops and inclines His ear towards us as well and hears our cries,

" Because HE hath inclined HIS ear unto me, 

therefore will I call upon HIM as long as I live." 

Psalm 116:2

What a joy to know the power of the LIVING WORD... that we too, as the blind men, can cry to the LORD GOD  for mercy and bring all our petitions and requests before the ONE who is able...

"Blessed be God, 

which hath not turned away my prayer, 

nor HIS mercy from me." 

Psalm 66:20

Precious Father, How thankful we are for the Lord Jesus, the WORD of life. Help us to treasure your Word and trust in your unfailing promises towards us. Thank you for hearing our cries for mercy and having compassion on us.

May you delight in the living WORD of the Lord Jesus... and find rest for your souls in the presence of a mighty KING.

~Ellie

And they shall see HIS FACE...

" Who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like HIS glorious body, according to the working whereby HE IS ABLE even to subdue all things unto Himself." Philippians 3:21

Recently, while reading through the book of Revelation, I was extremely blessed to find HOPE, FAITH and LOVE in a book that oftentimes can be a bit hard to understand. 

While I've read through the book of Revelation many a time, I must admit I often missed seeing the glory of GOD revealed in such depth. 

" THOU art worthy, O Lord, 

to receive glory and honour and power: 

for THOU hast created all things, 

and for THY pleasure they are and were created." 

Revelation 4:1

While God is HOLY... and His JUDGMENTS are always just and true... His GLORY is graciously revealed in His LOVE for His people. 

"For the LAMB which is in the midst of the throne 

shall feed them, 

and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: 

and GOD

shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." 

Revelation 7:17

You know, sometimes my mind is SO encumbered with these earthly things, the running to and fro, the busyness of life... that my eyes are not completely fixed on the things above.

Do you find yourself, as I often find myself,  trying to "work"  and "accomplish" a whole list of things... and then find yourself so tired and weary and worn... that you are without strength to even think upon the day when we shall see the face of Him who bought and redeemed us from our sins?

While "things" do need to be accomplished... our focus for the eternal can oftentimes be clouded... and we can miss the joy of anticipation found only in the presence of our God.

Can we truly say, as the Psalmist,

"One thing have I desired of the LORD, 

that will I seek after; 

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, 

to behold the beauty of the LORD, 

and to inquire in His temple." 

Psalm 27:4

Oh, the joy to behold His face one day... that makes the trials of today... quickly fade away. 

Behold, 

the tabernacle of God is with men, 

and He will dwell with them, 

and they shall be His people, 

and God himself shall be with them, 

and be their God."

 Revelation 21:3

Worthy is our God... to be worshiped and adored!

Father, how precious are your thoughts towards us. Oh, the joy to have you as our God and that you would dwell with us! Help us today to focus our thoughts on the things above, where Christ sits at your right hand. 

May you find joy and peace in the presence of our King... and be filled with hope awaiting Christ's return.
~Ellie

But thanks be unto GOD, which gives us the victory...

" Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye STEADFAST, UNMOVEABLE, always ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is NOT IN VAIN in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Some months ago I read a verse that has stayed with me for a great while. And this morning I was thinking about it... and thought how needful it is for us, that we be not weary in well doing. 

I thought about the military men and women, the firefighters, the policemen and all those who have given their lives for us,... so  that we might have freedom here on earth. Those that have put their lives in harm's way. Yes, we should be most thankful for the people that gave their lives for us...  

And yet, I thought of the verse that spoke to me months ago:

" Men that have hazarded their lives 

for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

 Acts 15:26

Yes, to risk our lives,

... for the furtherance of the gospel, 

... for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

... that others might have eternal freedom.

How important it is that we would be devoted to serving our LORD GOD... in good times and in bad... for HE has indeed given us reason to rejoice. The LORD JESUS CHRIST, the ONE who offered/gave His life willingly for us... that we might know the only TRUE GOD and have eternal life. 

Oh, that our desire would be for those around us to know the LORD JESUS CHRIST.... that we would be steadfast, unmoveable... always abounding in the work of the Lord.

For indeed He gives us the victory to overcome whatever comes our way, so that His glory might be seen in us and through us.

And so this morning I was encouraged to sing a hymn as a reminder to serve Him in all I do or say.

May The Mind Of Christ My Savior Live In Me From Day To Day

1

May the mind of Christ my Savior

Live in me from day to day,

By His love and pow’r controlling

  All I do and say.

2

May the Word of Christ dwell richly

In my heart from hour to hour,

So that all may see I triumph

  Only through His pow’r.

3

May the peace of Christ my Savior

Rule my life in every thing,

That I may be calm to comfort

  Sick and sorrowing.

4

May the love of Jesus fill me,

As the waters fill the sea;

Him exalting, self abasing,

  This is victory.

5

May I run the race before me,

Strong and brave to face the foe,

Looking only unto Jesus

  As I onward go.

6

May His beauty rest upon me

As I seek the lost to win,

And may they forget the channel,

  Seeing only Him.

Lord, help us to be devoted to you... that the gospel may not be maligned, but rather be seen in us.

May you be encouraged to stand strong amidst the trials... knowing victory is in the Lord's hands.

~Ellie 

That NO flesh should glory in HIS PRESENCE...

" That in EVERY THING ye are enriched by HIM, in ALL utterance, and in ALL knowledge." 1 Corinthians 1:5

Lately, I've been thinking about my need to have the LORD JESUS CHRIST dwell richly in me. I find myself lacking often to " put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh." How easily I fall prey to the flesh.

-Pride creeps in,
-Selfishness abounds,
-and Christ is minimized in my life.

And then I think how perfectly the LORD GOD orchestrated our lives... He perfectly knows us and our tendencies. And how easily we want self glory.

Indeed God knows our tendencies,

"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, 

and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart 

was only evil continually."

 Genesis 6:5

And so I think upon my need to glory in the Lord... to glorify the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD, worthy of ALL praise.

Touching the Almighty, we cannot find Him out: 

He is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice:

 He will not afflict. 

Men do therefore fear Him: 

He respecteth not any that are wise of heart.

Job 37, 23, 24

Dominion and fear are with Him...

Job 25:2

How good to remember my  place before a Holy and Righteous God... and to remember that He alone enriches us with the the right words to speak and fills us with the knowledge of His will when we are humble before Him. For I am reminded that I can do nothing apart from Him.

"... for without me ye can do nothing." 

John 15:5

AND in all things, I am to glorify my Father in heaven,

" Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." 

John 15:8

O Righteous Father, help me to fear your name, and flee from self-exaltation. Enlighten my eyes to behold your glory with adoration as you continue your mighty work in me.

May you be encouraged to exalt the Lord on High today.... for in everything we are enriched by Him.
~Ellie

Be clothed with humility... for God resisteth the proud.

" Humble yourselves therefore under the MIGHTY hand of God, 

that He may exalt you in due time." 

1 Peter 5:6

Today I was contemplating on a well known verse. A verse quoted many times as an encouragement to those in need... a verse we often cling to ourselves.

The verse was sent to me today... mainly as a reference. Not always very good with references, I picked up the Word of God and found the verse. 

Oh, yes.... a verse I knew quite well.

" Casting all your care your care upon Him, for He careth for you."

 1Peter5:7

I stopped a bit and thought about the verse. Yes, truly, the Lord cares for us. But then I thought how sometimes we "cast" our cares  for a moment and then find ourselves trying to "reel" those very cares right back.

Do you ever do that? 

Maybe we find ourselves desiring God to change the situation...  and when He doesn't, we kind of get in the way. Sometimes I find myself "reeling" in the problems, trying hard to adjust things on the "line", then "cast" again . Yet, I still find myself without strength. It's easy to do... this  keeping of control. 

But after reading the verse, I thought about the powerful promise the Lord left for us... we are to cast ALL our cares upon Him... for HE cares for us. .

Wanting more insight on the powerful promise, I started reading the verses prior. And as I was reading the verses, the Lord opened my eyes to a new thought in regards to the well known verse. I really never thought about it this way....

"Be clothed with humility: 

For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, 

That He may exalt you in due time." 

1 Peter 5,6.

Before we are to "cast our cares upon Him" we are to be clothed with humility... Yes, clothed in humility! Our prayers before a Righteous and Holy God should be one of humbleness.

Clothed in humility? That's often hard.  Awfully hard. It sounds much easier to just "cast my cares". But must I also clothe myself in humility?

Why, humbling ourselves requires that we be nothing... and none of us like to be treated like nothing. None of us want to lose control. We want to have some form of power... 

Humbleness... relinquishing all form of pride, our power, our will, our importance. 

When we become humble, we become NOTHING.... and God  becomes EVERYTHING. 

Only when there's absolutely nothing left of our own accord/will/power... can we truly " cast our cares upon Him" and understand that God will indeed "care for us". 

Why do I forget to rely on His MIGHTY hand? God will care for me as He sees fit... 

And His promise is that He will exalt us in due time... not our time, but His time. It's a promise! 

I thank the Lord for revealing to me today my need to humble myself before I come before Him... so that I can rest in His care of me!

 Search me, O God, and know my heart: 

Try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, 

And lead me in the way everlasting. 

Psalm 139; 23,24

Free of my pride, I can be sure that  He will give grace in my time of need. 

For He promises, "He will give grace to the humble". That's enough to praise the LORD as He continues to work in my life. 

May you be encouraged to relinquish all form of pride and clothe yourself with humility... before the MIGHTY hand of God.

~Ellie

HIS banner over me was LOVE....

" The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

The love of God....

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure—

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Frederick M Lehman ~1917

Nothing can separate us from the love of God... which is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38,39) 

No, nothing.

I live by the faith of the Son of God, 

Who LOVED me, 

and 

GAVE Himself for me. 

Galatians 2:20

May you be comforted in the LOVE OF GOD for you today.... a love that lasts forever.

~Ellie

Bear ye one another's burdens...

" For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 

"Love your neighbor as yourself." 

Galatians 5:14

Today I'm once again overwhelmed with God's goodness, love and faithfulness.

Have you ever had the privilege to carry another man's burden before the Lord? Have you ever been asked to share in the trials of someone who's hurting and in need?...

It takes a lot out of us to let go of self... to stop and listen... to encourage... and to love.

But, oh the joy, to come before the Father's throne to intercede for someone else.

Last night was a night without much sleep, a turning and tossing, a night of praying and interceding that God's mercy would be shown. The early morning hours brought peace to me... a peace that God gave in His goodness.

Trust in me. Cast all your cares upon me. 

Oh, Lord... you are the God of heaven and nothing is too difficult for Thee.

A peaceful sleep passed over me.  Not much after waking, did God answer. His outstretched arm intervened. Sometimes I'm overwhelmed... because God is so good! He answers in ways we never imagine.

Sharing each other's burdens... what a privilege!

It's easier for us to just sit back and not partake in someone else's hurt... we have troubles of our own. But little do we realize how often we forgo blessings and lose the opportunity to grow and exercise our own faith when we share the load. Our faith gets tried as well. Do we trust? Do we surrender our will to HIS?

Tribulations... are for our own good, even though they are difficult to go through.

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: 

knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope...

Romans 5:3,4.

The result... a perfect and complete work in us. 

But let patience have her perfect work, 

that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 

James 1:4

Let us consider it a joy... to carry one another's burdens... and so fulfill the law of Christ.

May God's love be poured forth in your heart today... for those hurting and in need.

~Ellie

And HOPE maketh not ashamed...

" His delight is in the law of the LORD; 

And in HIS law doth he meditate day and night." 

Psalm 1:2

I've been thinking of the great joy we have when we abide in God's presence. There is FULLNESS of joy.

How often I've taken for granted... the privilege we've been given ... to come before the heavenly Father. 

What joy unspeakable is gained in the presence of the KING. Blessings and riches untold. 

The HOPE... that one day we shall behold HIS glory.

Happy are we when we bow before the King. Happy are we when we abide and give honor to the ONE and only true GOD.

"We shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water... that bringeth forth his fruit in his season... his leaf also shall not wither..." 

Psalm 1:3

So this morning I took time to jot down a simple poem... as a reminder that we are most happy when are eyes are fixed on the LORD. 

True joy is found in the presence of the KING...

LORD, HAPPY ARE WE 

Lord, happy are we,

When our delight is always in Thee.

By rivers of waters our lives are enriched. 

For in due season fruit shall we see.

O Lord, indeed happy are we,

When all honor is given to Thee.

Yes, happy are we,

When like Thee we desire to be.

O Lord, in Thee do we trust,

To guide and direct our way.

For in Thee do we find,

All peace and contentment alway.

Lord, in Thy presence alone

Are riches and blessings untold.

Thou art the hope that fades not away,

As Thy glory one day we'll behold.

Ellie 10/23/2014

May you delight in God's presence... and meditate on His goodness.

~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

Thy Throne, O God, is for ever and ever....

" They shall perish, but THOU remainest... and they shall be changed, but THOU art the same." Hebrews 1: 11,12

Coming back from a recent trip visiting family and friends, I was welcomed home by an early morning call from a dear friend. " How was your trip? I couldn't wait  and called to see how you were doing." 

What a friend! 

"How have you been? Are you well?" 

In the few days that I had been away, my friend had started to experience some back and leg pain. The pain was making it difficult to walk,  It also made it difficult to sleep. But she wasn't complaining. 

And as our conversation continued, she shared how one night in her pain she had picked up the hymn book and came upon the song, "Blessed be the name of the LORD". The scripture reference brought her to Isaiah 9:6.

As she read the verse she was overwhelmed with the thought that God is everything to us... and we don't need anything else. 

His name alone brings peace and comfort.

"... HIS name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 

the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

 Isaiah 9:6

" Isn't it wonderful?", she said. "God is everything we'll ever need." That thought brought sleep to her heavy eyes. Peace from the Heavenly Father.

And as she shared the verse with me, I  thought how easily I've read over the names... many, many times. 

Indeed it was good to be reminded of God's attributes.

God IS: Wonderful. Our Counsellor. A Mighty God. The Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace.  

What else do we need? 

Even when... 

~everything around us may look dim.

~when everything may perish. 

~when everything may change. 

GOD is still the same. 

HE remaineth... when all else around us perisheth. HE is the same... when all else around us changes.

And HIS throne is for ever and ever. Blessed be HIS name!      

"... let them also that love Thy NAME be joyful in Thee." 

Psalm 5:11

May you be reminded of God's never-changing character... and praise His HOLY name.

~Ellie

Be STILL and know that I am GOD...

"Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, even the name of the LORD GOD of Israel 

in the isles of the sea." 

Isaiah 24:15 

Do you ever have a hard time being still before the LORD? I'll be honest I struggle often to be still. 

Being still before the Lord is one of the hardest things to do, especially when circumstances around us may seem like they need our attention. 

I don't know, but I often struggle with the idea that I need " to do something about it ".  And usually that sense overrides my LORD's desire... to abide in Him... without struggling... and to bring everything before Him.

I thought about the well known verse: 

" Casting ALL your care upon HIM, 

for HE careth for you." 

1 Peter 5:7 . 

HE cares!  The LORD cares about our struggles. He desires that we be still before Him... and allow Him to work on our behalf.

This morning as I was reading through Isaiah, the Lord brought a beautiful verse to my attention. I'm always amazed at God's mercy... and His grace poured forth to us in time of need. It was a verse I truly needed this morning. A verse that I need to apply daily in my life.

" Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires, 

even the name of the LORD GOD of Israel 

in the isles of the sea." 

Isaiah 24:15   

The Lord reminded me not only to be still before Him, but to also glorify Him... even in the "fire" or "remotest place" I may find myself in.

Our joy is in the LORD. We find comfort and strength in Him alone. We can triumph through faith in the ONE who is a LIGHT unto our path.

"For with THEE is the fountain of life;

 In THY light, we see light." 

Psalm 36:9

What a beautiful thing it is to see God work... to be still before HIM... even in the midst of fiery trials.  

Thank you, Lord... for the beautiful reminder today... to glorify you in every place, however "hot" or "remote" it may seem.  

" Let us set aside every weight... 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith... 

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. "

Hebrews 12:1,2,12

May you know today...the PEACE the LORD gives... not the "peace" the world gives.

~Ellie

Put on the WHOLE armour of GOD...

"When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace." Luke 11:21

I woke up this morning with a simple thought... Put on the whole armour of God. 

Now, I don't exactly know how the thought came about, but I know it was the Holy Spirit reminding me to keep watch. And I was truly thankful to the LORD for His kind reminder and faithfulness to me. He is so gracious! 

It's interesting, but sometimes I wake up excited... ready to face the day. The sun may shine brightly and we may think that "all is well".  That's when we can easily get lost in the "tasks" of the day and let go of the guard. Sometimes pride creeps in... making us think "we can handle it all".

Such was the feeling I had this morning. It was beautiful and sunny outside... and I had all sorts of plans for the day. But the Lord gently reminded me... Put on the whole armour of God. 

The armour of God is always needed.... for it helps us to stand against the wiles of the devil. Without the armour we are open to all sorts of attacks that cause us to stumble and fall.  

" Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 

James 4:7

How gracious the LORD was this morning. It suddenly reminded me of the Lord Jesus' tenderness in His prayer to the Father, 

" I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil one."

John 17:15

We have been thoroughly equipped. God's armour is strong enough for whatever may come our way.  

     

Put On The Whole Armour Of God

Put on the whole armour of GOD,

And go out in the power of HIS might.

To ward off the wiles of the devil,

Make sure the belt of truth is buckled on tight.

*

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,

But against powers and spiritual wickedness in places on high.

So wear your breastplate of righteousness,

To quench all the fiery darts that fly.

*

Be strong and put on your armour,

Make sure your feet are shod with the gospel of peace.

Above all don't forget to pick up your shield,

For by faith you shall thereby increase.

*

Take courage for salvation is your helmet.

So keep the WORD of GOD as your constant guide,

And as you fight against the darkness of this world,

Allow not the sharpened sword to fall from your side.

*

With all perseverance be watchful and pray.

As you run the race, make sure your guard is not down

For with God's armour your battle is won, 

And what joy in the end when you give Him your crown.

~Ellie 6/16/14~

May you be reminded to put on the whole armour of GOD... whereby you may stand.

~Ellie