A Ray Of Morning Light

I was asking the Lord this morning to help me to love His Word.  I had just awakened and I knew I needed to read my Bible before I started the day, but my heart just wasn't in it. 

I remembered a time several years ago when I read the 119^th Psalm every day for a month.  It was an exercise I chose to do.  I don’t remember the reason, but the outcome was that I literally fell in love with God’s Word.  Just like the Psalmist, I loved God’s word.  It was my life, my passion, my love!

So this morning, I opened to Psalm 119 and started reading.  I won’t say it took my mind off of everything that I wanted to get done today and engulfed me with joy, but it did remind me that I depend on God for everything.  His Word gives strength to my soul.  It keeps me going when otherwise I would dissolve in a puddle of hopelessness.

Thank you God for Your Word.  It really is a light shining in the darkness, a ray of hope, a joy and peace, food for my heart.  Thank YOU!!!

photo credit: Will Montague via photopin cc

God of hope, joy & peace

The last few days have been an adventure you might say.  An adventure in learning, accepting and trusting in God --- our God, the Lord God Almighty --- who gives us hope and joy and peace, no matter what we see around us.  This is what I've learned.  (I sure hope I've learned it. LOL)

"No matter what we see, no matter what we hear, no matter what it seems is happening all around us, we can be comforted by this assurance.  When we trust God, He makes everything work together for our good."  I know that may sound glib to some and like "Christianese" to others, but it's really true. 

If the enemy means it for our harm, God will work it for our good just like Joseph told his brothers "What you intended for my harm, God meant for good."  If it's God working in our lives, then we know He always does what's best for us and all those involved. 

So, no matter where the situation arises or whether it's God or our enemy creating it, we can know with confidence and true hope that either way, it will work out for our good.

Be assured!  Stand strong!  Take courage!  Believe and be filled with joy and peace and "abound in hope" by the power of the Holy Spirit!

And by the way ... thank you for your prayers!!!

Hugs,

Joy

Yesterday, I had this particular scripture in mind, John 14:27.  I wanted to do it in calligraphy so I looked it up in several (15 or more) different Bible translations to see which one I wanted to use.  I read and re-read the scripture and the surrounding text over and over.  I couldn't choose one.  

I picked up my calligraphy pen and started to write.  Moments later, the words that you see in the above picture came out. 

Although, I used a font here instead of hand written calligraphy, the message remains the same. 

Enjoy!  Invite Jesus' peace to surround you and concentrate on loving Him.

HEAVENLY ADDITION

Excerpts and renditions of the 2nd letter of Peter in the New Testament

From: Simon Peter, the apostle of Christ Jesus to all believers, grace and peace come from the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus.

God, Jesus, have given us everything we need for life and godliness --- these also come through our knowledge of Him (God, Jesus) who called us and saved us. Because of what He’s given us for life and godliness (all) we can participate in Jesus’ divine nature by escaping corruption caused by evil desires --- or rather, to live above them (conquer them) through our participation in (living in) His divine nature.

We are to make every effort, use all opportunity to add: Faith + Goodness + Knowledge + Self-control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Love. If we keep adding these to our lives in increasing amounts, the will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remember: we need this knowledge. It brings grace and peace, gives us everything we need for life and godliness, brings us his precious promises, allows us to walk/live in His divine nature and keeps us effective and productive as Christians and servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If we do not continue to add these things into our lives, we become nearsighted and forget the cleansing God did in us through Jesus and by the Holy Spirit. That makes us no good for the kingdom because our focus is too near to ourselves.

So do these things: Add to Faith + Goodness + Knowledge + Self-control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Love. Be eager to do this and to keep adding these things so that you will make your calling and election sure (steadfast, permanent). If you continue to do these things, you will not fall ever and you will receive a rich (open-armed) welcome into Jesus’ eternal kingdom forever and ever. Amen!