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

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

Take therefore NO thought for tomorrow...

" But seek ye first the KINGDOM of GOD, and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; and ALL these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

Do you ever worry for tomorrow? Do you ever take the heavy load of tomorrow upon your shoulders today? 

How often I am burdened today... for the things of tomorrow.  

I fail to seek first and foremost the kingdom of God and His righteousness... forgetting that all the other things that concern and burden me... the Lord promises that HE shall take care of.

A well known hymn says it so well... a great reminder to seek the LORD first.

Take time to be holy, 

speak oft with thy Lord; 

Abide in Him always, 

And feed on His word. 

Take time to be holy, 

Let Him be thy guide, 

And run not before Him, 

Whatever betide.

Isn't it wonderful to simply rest in the Father's love for us... and be still as He works in us? 

" 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 YOU NOT BETTER THAN THEY? " 

Matthew 6: 26

Yes, sometimes we get discouraged, sometimes we think of the tomorrows, sometimes we may lack faith, sometimes we may fear and get anxious.... but, oh the wonder of God's care for us. 

His love abides with us forever... and... His thoughts towards us are precious... 

" How precious also are Thy thoughts unto me, O God! 

How great is the sum of them! 

If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand..." 

Psalm 139: 17, 18

Don't we have a most gracious and loving Father? How can we not trust in His ways as being good for us? He knows our every need!

Father, thank you for your kindness towards us. Thank you for your constant care and love each and every day. Help us to take no thought for tomorrow, but rather seek to walk  righteously before you knowing you shall take care of all our needs. 

May you be encouraged to seek the Lord's presence and trust the Heavenly Father's care for you.

~Ellie

I will bless the LORD at ALL times: HIS praise shall continually be in my mouth.

"What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? " Psalm 34:12

This morning while I was reading through Psalm 34, I found real peace and joy in knowing that the Lord God delivers the righteous out of many afflictions (verse 19).

I stopped and meditated on the goodness of the Lord towards his people. How often we forget His goodness and his protection over us. 

And as I was reading, I felt such peace and calm flow over me... what joy to be in the presence of my God... knowing that He alone hears me and delivers me from all my fears.

Psalm 34 is loaded with the God's promises and goodness to us...  

I sought the Lord 

... He heard me

... He delivered me.

They looked unto Him

... and were lightened

... and their faces were not ashamed.

This poor man cried

... and the Lord heard him

... and saved him out of ALL his troubles.

The angel of the Lord 

... encampeth round about them that fear Him

... and delivereth them.

O taste and see that the Lord is good;

Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

There is NO want to them that fear Him. (v.8)

The eyes of the LORD

... are upon the righteous; 

His ears 

...are open unto their cry.

The righteous cry

... and the Lord heareth

... and delivereth them out of ALL their troubles.

The Lord is near

... unto them that are of a broken heart.

and saveth such

... as be of a contrite spirit.

MANY are the afflictions of the righteous:

... but the LORD delivereth him out of them ALL.

"The LORD redeemeth the soul of His servants, and NONE of them that trust in Him shall be desolate." Psalm 34:22

Aren't God's promises full of peace and comfort? Oh, the importance to place our trust and faith in Him! He alone deserves all the glory and honor.

Father, how we thank you for  your never-ending love towards us your people... even when we are weak. We thank you for your protection, and for reminding us that we shall lack no good thing. You alone deliver us from all our afflictions. Help us to magnify your Holy name today in thought and deed and keep us dependent on you.

May the Lord be magnified in your life today, knowing He watches over you... O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3

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 

... that the man of God be perfect...

" All scripture is given by inspiration of God... that the man of God be perfect, throughly furnished..." 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Do you ever find yourself failing... in your walk with God? In not manifesting the fruit of the Spirit... nor manifesting to others that you are a child of God?

Recently I was convicted of my wickedness through my words and deeds... idle/unkind words said at the expense of others... and even impatience, along with a disdainful look. Sometimes I am aware of my wrongful actions straightaway... other times I let it go for sometime, thinking nothing of it, only to feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit bringing my failings to my attention.

" Be ye therefore perfect, 

even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." 

Matthew 5:48

Striving for perfection. The ups and downs of our spiritual walk. " All things work together for good to them that love God..." Rom 8:28 

As I was acknowledging my sins before my Father, I was thankful for His forgiveness, for His love...

... a love that brought His Spirit in my life to convict me of sin... and guide me in all truth.

" ...because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts 

by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." 

Galatians 5:5

I thought about how the Lord tells us to be perfect, as He is perfect. 

Can we actually be perfect? 

Then the Lord showed me that His Spirit in us ... indeed is perfect. That is why we are to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit... (Romans 8).

So yes, the man of God may be perfect when we walk in the Spirit... For we are furnished unto all good works... made possible through ALL the scripture that is given by the inspiration of God. (2 Tim. 16,17)...

Oh, the magnitude and the power the WORD OF GOD has on our spiritual walk.

How important to know His Word... it does us good!

" ... do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly? " 

Micah 2:7

I was so thankful for God's direction towards a verse that gave me much comfort after acknowledging my failings before Him.  It is the HOLY Spirit dwelling in me that continues to help me in my infirmities... 

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities..."

Romans 8:26

How precious the WORD... the comfort it gives us! 

Thank you Lord for your continual working in my life. Help me to lay aside that which displeases you. Help me cling to that which is good and perfect in YOUR sight.

May you hide God's word in your heart and walk in the Spirit... that you might not sin against Him.

~Ellie

Their heart is divided...

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

Hosea 6:6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• He desires that we have mercy...

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

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

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

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

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

• He desires that we return to Him...

 " Therefore turn thou to thy God: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hosea 14:5,6

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

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

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

Hosea 1:10

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

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

~Ellie

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 

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

"... beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth... from the house of bondage.

" And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD; 

That it may be well with thee... " 

Deuteronomy 6:18

Today is the 17th anniversary of our car accident... the critical car accident my husband and I had during our honeymoon. Has it been that long? Sometimes it feels like yesterday...

I'm thinking about God's goodness towards us today. How our heavenly Father watched over us. Protected us. Comforted us. 

I look back with tears of gratitude... for the accident. Yes, the accident.

I'm grateful for the lessons learned  during a most difficult time in my life. For you see... God, in His love, brought about a trial in our lives... for our own good. And I don't want to forget it. His mercy and steadfast love that carried us through... that brought us together and knitted our hearts to cherish the gift God gave us.

But most importantly, during this time, I'm also thinking about the precious gift God gave us... His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing compares to His sacrificial love... for which I'm forever grateful!

I've been reading through Deuteronomy... chapter 6 to be exact. And I've been touched with a special verse that made me realize how sometimes forgetfulness creeps in my life... 

I forget to have a thankful heart... for the deliverance of my soul... from the bondage of sin. I confess I take it for granted sometimes...

Do you ever find yourself forgetting to have a thankful heart? Not just merely for the physical "things"... but for God's love in bringing us out of our spiritual bondage. Where would we be... all shackled up?  

Reading through chapter 6 in Deuteronomy, I immediately thought of the spiritual application in my life...God's commandments to the Israelites are valid for me as well. 

I am to love the LORD ...with all my heart, will all my soul, with all my might.   

And God warns us not to forget where He has brought us from... 

"Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, 

Which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, 

From the house of bondage." 

Deut. 6:12

Interestingly God uses quite a strong word... Beware

I confess it gets to be quite easy to forget God's blessings... we forget to honor Him with a grateful heart. 

Oftentimes we get caught up with other things that cloud our minds. Sometimes we may even think the blessings we have are deserved. 

And we forget that GOD is the one that preserves us alive. 

It's for my own good.... To fear the LORD. To honor Him with praise. To do that which is right and good in His sight. 

That it may go well with me...

"And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, 

To fear the Lord our God, 

For our good always, 

That He might preserve us alive, 

As it is at this day." 

Deut. 6:24

Nothing we have is ours. God has given us ALL things. 

He alone deserves our gratitude, our obedience, our reverence. 

Our God is mighty... and with His mighty, outstretched arm... has delivered us from the bondage of sin. 

Father, thank you for your mercy that endures for ever!

" And it shall be our righteousness, 

If we observe to do all these commandments 

Before the Lord our God, 

As He hath commanded us."

 Deut. 6:25

May you remember the Lord's goodness to you today... to do what is right and good in HIS sight.

~Ellie

I even I am the LORD, and beside me there is no SAVIOUR...

"... He knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: 

These forty years the LORD Thy God hath been with thee; 

Thou hast lacked nothing." 

Deuteronomy 2:7

These past several weeks I've been reading through Isaiah... and oh, what a blessing it has been to me. As much as I've read through Isaiah many, many times the Lord always seems to reveal new truths and comfort through His word.

The book of Isaiah clearly lays out the importance of knowing who God is... clearly there is NO other God in heaven but HE alone... 

" ... I am the first , I am the last; and beside me there is no God."

Isaiah 44:6

And yet again, 

"... Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any."

Isaiah 44:8

What really stood out for me while reading through Isaiah was how God relates His steadfast love to us ... over and over again. It's His desire that we might  know Him and that we would give Him glory and be a witness for His name. 

" Ye are my witnesses, and my servant whom I have chosen: 

That ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am HE: 

Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me."

 Isaiah 43:10

The really neat thing is that God cares for us His people. He has formed us. He has blotted out our transgressions. He has redeemed us... a people for Himself.

And how beautifully He takes care of us. Even  through the wilderness... He gives us water. And in the desert... He gives us rivers.    

" I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, 

to give drink to my people, my chosen." 

Isaiah 43:20

All this... so that we might show forth praise unto our God. Our God who has formed us and has called us by name.  

It's such a comforting thought that my God has been with me all these years, through the "wilderness, through the "desert" ... and I have lacked nothing!   

O, Lord... help me to show forth your praise and be a witness for your name. Indeed you are the only true God, the Holy One, the Creator of heaven and earth... my KING.

   " Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory..."

 Isaiah 43:7

May you show forth God's glory in your life today and be encouraged to give Him praise.

~Ellie 

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty...

" I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." 

Psalm 91:2

I heard this song this morning and was encouraged yet again... to look upwards. To gaze on the beauty of the LORD and not on the things around me.

Oh to depend on the ONE who alone can lift us up and take away our fears, grant us joys unspeakable and lavish us with grace abundant. 

I hope it encourages you as it did me.... to run always to Him... and desire to be in HIS presence.

 Lord I need You

Sometimes when life seems gentle and blessings flood my way,

I turn my gaze away from You and soon forget to pray.

But when the sky grows darker and courage turns to fear,

My anxious voice cries upward with words You long to hear.

Chorus: 

Lord, I need You when the sea of life is calm.

O Lord, I need You when the wind is blowing strong.

Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees.

Lord, I need You. Lord I need You.

Lord help me to remember I'm weak but You are strong.

I cannot sing apart from You, for Lord, You are my song.

Though I'm prone to wander and boast in all I do.

Lord, keep my eyes turned upward so I depend on You.

written by Ron Hamilton

May you draw strength from God alone and depend on Him to guide and direct your paths today.

~Ellie

For HE knoweth our frame...

" Bless the LORD of my soul and all that is within me, bless HIS HOLY name." Psalm 103:1

Ah, Psalm 103. What a beautiful, beautiful Psalm. Worth reading over and over again.

I've been trying to share some thoughts of what I have been dwelling on these past few days.  And I was sort of stuck. It's not that I haven't felt the Lord's goodness and mercy... for I have had some wonderful moments singing some old hymns and thanking the LORD for His daily provisions and faithfulness.

But after I read Psalm 103 today,  my heart was full of joy, contentment, gladness, thankfulness... all in one go!  Have you ever doubted God's love for you? Have you ever doubted God's mercy? Have you ever doubted God's tenderness? Just read Psalm 103... and you'll be amazed at GOD's beautiful tenderness towards us HIS people.

Even though we deserved death and punishment, God is ever so LOVING!

Here are just a few of His attributes towards us:

1) The LORD is merciful, 2) He is gracious, 3) He is slow to anger, 4) He is plentuous in mercy, 5) He will not always chide, 6) He will not keep His anger forever, 7) He doesn't deal with us after our sins, 8) He doesn't reward us after our iniquities 9) He pitieth us as a father does his child, 10) He removes our transgressions from us, 11) He forgives all our iniquities, 12) He heals all our diseases, 13) He redeems our life from destruction, 14) He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 15) He satisfies our mouth with good things, 16 He executes righteousness and judgement to all that are oppressed.

Isn't it beautiful? What a LOVING FATHER.

And when we  think that GOD would have all the right to terminate us... He remembers that we are just dust! He knows how we are made. We are nothing before him... and yet ...we are EVERYTHING! HE sent HIS SON to die for us. Can we ever have enough praise?

As the Psalmist says: "Bless the LORD, O my soul... and all that is within me, BLESS His Holy name."

The neat thing is that HIS mercy is from everlasting to everlasting! It never ends...

May you be blessed as you meditate on the Father's tenderness and lovingkindness today.

~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

For THY Mercy Is Great...

"Be THOU exalted, O God, above the heavens: Let THY Glory be above the earth." Psalm 57:11

My husband and I are reading through the Psalms as part of our daily Bible reading. This Psalm was such a comfort to both of us today. It's simply beautiful to meditate on God's glory... and to rest in the shadow of HIS wings.

Can you believe it? We find rest and protection ... even in HIS shadow! Oh, that made me to stop. I hadn't thought about His shadow alone being so powerful.  But, God is  almighty... and all powerful. I'll never really comprehend  God's magnitude with this, my earthly mind. But this I know... true rest is found under the wings of the Almighty God!

Where do I find refuge in times of calamity? The Psalm clearly lays it out ... under the shadow of HIS wings.

" Yea, in the shadow of THY wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast."

 Psalm 57:1.

We clearly need  to abide and rest under God's protection whenever we face trials of all sorts.

The amazing part of resting in HIS protection... is that God does all the work in regards to our difficulties. Whatever concerns us, we cry out to HIM who saves us. HE is not slack. No, HE works on our behalf!

"I will cry unto God most high;unto God that performeth ALL THINGS for me." vs 2.

And look what He will do for us!

" HE shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up."  vs.3

Isn't that amazing! And to top it off, HE continues to send even more blessings...

" God shall send forth His mercy and His truth." vs 3.

Did you know HIS mercy and truth is quite BIG? It's not something small, but rather when God gives, He gives to overflowing.

" For THY mercy is great unto the heavens, and THY truth unto the clouds. "vs 10

Now, that is some storehouse!  Let us rest in HIS mighty power. And let's praise HIM... for HE works on our behalf.

May You  rest in the shadow of HIS wings today.

~Ellie

Fear not, be still before the LORD...

"Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will show you today..." Exodus 14:13

This past week I've been trying to learn the meaning of being still before the LORD. I admit I often let my thoughts wander. I fret, I get anxious, I may even lose hope for a moment. There are trials that come our way... like news of a loved one being sick, or a friend struggling to get better from a surgery. Trials that test our faith.

Where do we we run for help in times of distress? Do we run to and fro trying to "fix" things in our own strength? I find myself often running to and fro... I let my thoughts run wild thinking of the future days that may seem bleak to me. Will I lose my loved one, will I lose my friend?

Why do I fret so? Why is my faith lacking? Do I not trust my heavenly Father to work His perfect will? Do I not trust His loving arms, that are never to too short to save? Do I fail to be still before Him?

Lord, help me to accept your perfect will. Whatever the outcome, I can trust that it is for your good pleasure! Thank you for fighting for us... help us to hold our peace. (Exodus 14:14)

Are you facing a difficult day? Look above and ask the heavenly Father to see you through. Let Him be your guide. " I will cry unto GOD most high; unto GOD that performeth all things for me." Psalm 57:2

What a beautiful and wonderful thing it is... to be still before Him even in our trials... for He giveth more grace when our burdens grow greater.

He Giveth More Grace

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

 Annie J. Flint

May you be still before a Heavenly Father that works on your behalf.

~Ellie