#Zephaniah 3:17 excerpt

[awideplace]

He will quiet you with His love;

[questions-answered-by-god]

𝐐: 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐡? 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐉𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐬, 𝐘𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐚, 𝐘𝐚𝐡𝐮𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐚 𝐞𝐭𝐜? 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞?

𝐀: “For He is called Jesus and Christ - His name: YAHUSHUA HAMASHIACH, both Lord and Savior of men.”

-

“For I know the hearts of men, and their thoughts are not at all hidden from Me; behold, I look upon their innermost desires, I know every hidden intention...

Therefore when one calls upon Me, I know, I see, I hear, regardless of the name by which they have come to know Me, says The Lord...

For there is but One God and One Savior, and I AM HE.

Yet understand this: In times past I overlooked the ignorance of the people. Yet now I command all people everywhere to repent in sincerity and in truth.[1] In like manner, I have overlooked the ignorance of those who call The Messiah by another name. Yet now I command all who have ears to hear, to call upon His name as it is, was, and has always been, and not as they presume it to be.[2] Indeed I am calling all tribes, tongues, peoples and nations to embrace Him as He truly is, and not as the churches of men would have Him be,[3] says The Lord.”

↑𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞/𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬:

[1] Acts 17:30

[2] Zephaniah 3:9

[3] See: Regarding Another Messiah: https://tinyurl.com/546hjd7a

Excerpts From: https://www.thevolumesoftruth.com/Death_and_Deliverance

⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌⚌

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬:

The Messiah: https://tinyurl.com/3xdw8eff

Regarding Sacred Names: https://tinyurl.com/kpk7w8un

🎬 Video (with voice over) https://youtu.be/51F6R9fAFso

[jdgo51]

God Is Listening

Today's inspiration comes from:

Grace for the Moment for Moms

by Max Lucado

"When you wonder if anyone is listening, know this: God is. Your voice matters in Heaven. He takes you very seriously. When you enter His presence, He turns to you to hear your voice. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses God, and He listens.

He listens to the painful plea of the elderly in the rest home.

He listens to the confession of the prodigal.

When the guilty beg for mercy, when the spouse seeks guidance, when the mom steps out of the chaos and into the chapel, God listens.

Intently. Carefully.

God is standing on the front porch of Heaven, expectantly hoping, searching the horizon for a glimpse of His child... And the name He calls is yours.

Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. — Psalm 116:2 NIV

When a believing person prays, great things happen. — James 5:16

You will call My name. You will come to Me and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will search for Me. And when you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me! — Jeremiah 29:12-13

Whenever you want to talk, God will listen. The maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you.

God Is for You

God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for Him in the bleachers shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up. God is for you.

God is for you.

Had He a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If He drove a car, your name would be on His bumper. If there’s a tree in Heaven, He’s carved your name in the bark.

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? God asks in Isaiah 49:15 NIV. What a bizarre question. Can you imagine feeding your infant and then later asking, “What was that baby’s name?” No. I’ve seen you care for your young. You stroke the hair, you touch the face, you sing the name over and over. Can a mother forget? No way. But even if she could forget,... I will not forget you, God pledges (Isaiah 49:15 NCV).

You will rest in His love; He will sing and be joyful about you. — Zephaniah 3:17

God is the One who saves me; I will trust Him and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord gives me strength and makes me sing. He has saved me. — Isaiah 12:2

I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you. — Isaiah 44:21 NLT

The maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you."

Excerpted with permission from Grace for the Moment for Moms by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

[justbreatheincsblog]

PRAISE IS A WEAPON “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1 ESV) To PRAISE and/or CELEBRATE simply means to give honor or praise publicly. The Hebrew People are masters at this, as they diligently and intentionally take time to come together to celebrate all that the Lord has done (see Leviticus 23). Praise to Almighty God is a weapon. It is not in the language of the devil, so when we offer up praise to Yahweh it brings intimidation to the enemy's camp. Learn to praise. Learn to remember what the Lord has done, and honor Him. There IS victory because of Jesus. “Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated." (2 Chronicles 20:22 NKJV) “The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV) God inhabits, abides in, remains in and makes His home upon our praises. "Praise is a heart posture of celebration." Our faith rises when we learn to celebrate Him and it puts Him, once again, as the supreme authority (King) over our lives. So, JUST BREATHE, Celebrate Jesus and ‘Get Your Praise On’ #praise#celebrate#rejoice#inspire#hope#dream#trust#believe#stand#focus#fight#justbreathe (Excerpt from ‘BATTLE READY PROJECT’ a JUST BREATHE PRODUCTION). https://www.instagram.com/p/CpvaS1nOfTt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[godssong]

@annvoskamp Whatever today may hold, this is what your soul needs to know: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) The triune God isn’t looking for you because He’s disappointed in you. He isn’t rebuking you, isn’t rejecting you. The triune God delights in you, smiles over you, seeks to be with you, revives you with His kiss of grace, and can’t stop singing love songs because of you. Right from the beginning, God has ached over any space and distance between us. When we were looking for a way out, God’s woe over any distance between us drives Him to make a way to us. To be with us. What if the only thing that will heal our hearts is to let Him fuse His own broken heart with ours? How do you feel about being searched out and known by God? - excerpt from the Waymaker Study Guide . . Can I invite you to join a whole community of Wayfarers on the Way, for The WayMaker Online Bible Study through our friends at FaithGateway? No direction matters more in your life than turning toward having a daily sacred way and rhythm of life — because this changes the trajectory and destination of your one life literally for forever and all eternity. This FREE (!!!) six-week journey will help us all develop a S.A.C.R.E.D daily habit, a rule of life, that will reorient our souls in relation to God through Scripture, prayer and study. 🌊Joining is completely free, and you’ll receive: 👉🏼Access to the exclusive Facebook Group 👉🏼Access to all 6 Bible Study Video Sessions 👉🏼PDF download of Session One from the Study Guide 👉🏼Wayfarer’s Compass printable: a daily guide to the SACRED Way of life 👉🏼Two beautifully lettered quotes to print 🌊All FREE just for signing up! Get all the details and join the free Online Bible Study to develop a SACRED Way of Life to change your life: https://bit.ly/3v1FYLo https://www.instagram.com/p/CdudQznOokD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lovechangeseverythang]

I’ve been really anxious - so much so that I’ve nearly made myself sick with it - lately because the state of the world. It really gets to me sometimes, especially at times when I need to be focused. I’ve prayed liberally about this. Do you have any advice or Bible excerpts about major fear and anxiety that could help?? Thanks 💙

I feel you completely.

the #1 verse that comes into my mind right away is John 16:33:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus wins. knowing Jesus is a win. you will win at life by knowing Him and letting the peace of having Him as your Lord and Savior control your life!!!!

Here are some more verses:

Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 56:3, John 14:27, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:18, Psalm 94:19, Isaiah 43:1, Matthew 6:34, 1 Peter 5:6-7, Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 46:1, Deuteronomy 3:22, Zephaniah 3:17, Philippians 4:6-7

[rjhamster]

The Cure for Disappointment

The Cure for Disappointment Max Lucado Max Lucado July 6, 2017 God cures disappointment The Cure for Disappointment I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for Me. — Jeremiah 32:27 We need to hear that God is still in control. We need to hear that it’s not over until He says so. We need to hear that life’s mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight. Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.” The way to deal with discouragement? The cure for disappointment? Go back and read the story of God. Read it again and again. Be reminded that you aren’t the first person to weep. And you aren’t the first person to be helped. Read the story and remember, the story is yours! ~ He Still Moves Stones * God Is For You He will rejoice over you. — Zephaniah 3:17 God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for Him in the bleachers, shouting your name. Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you. Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up. God is for you. Had He a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on His bumper. If there’s a tree in Heaven, He’s carved your name in the bark. “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” God asks in Isaiah 49:15 (NIV). What a bizarre question. Can you mothers imagine feeding your infant and then later asking, “What was that baby’s name?” No. I’ve seen you care for your young. You stroke the hair, you touch the face, you sing the name over and over. Can a mother forget? No way. But “even if she could forget her children, I will not forget you,” God pledges (Isaiah 49:15). Excerpted with permission from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado. * Your Turn God is in control. Even before time began He was in control. Throughout eternity He will remain in control. And, remarkably, our good God is also in love with us. We make His heart sing! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily

[fevie168]

Thursday (November 29): "The Son of man is coming with great glory"

Scripture: Luke 21:20-28  

20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it; 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfil all that is written. 23 Alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days! For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25 "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Meditation: Do you believe that the world as we know it is going to end just as Jesus foretold? Jesus' prophetic description of the destruction of the holy city Jerusalem, the destruction of the world, and the day of final judgment, was not new to the people of Israel. The prophets had foretold these events many centuries before. Behold the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger to make the earth a desolation and to destroy its sinners from it (Isaiah 13:9-13; see also  Joel 2:1-2; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14-18).

Indifference and rejection of the Gospel lead to destruction Jesus warns of the imminent destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the rejection of the Gospel. According to the historian Josephus, over a million inhabitants died when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem with its temple in 70 A.D. Jerusalem's vengeance resulted from her indifference to the visitation of God in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:44).

Jesus also speaks about the judgment at the end of the world. Only spiritual blindness can keep us from recognizing the obvious signs of approaching disaster which awaits the day of judgment for those who refuse to heed God's word of grace and salvation. Jesus was completely honest. He told his disciples what it would cost to follow him. And he promised that he would never leave them alone, even in their time of tribulation. The saints and martyrs who underwent torment and death made their prisons a temple of praise and their scaffolds a throne to the glory of God. They knew the saving presence of Jesus Christ with them in all circumstances. Jesus offers us safety in the face of earth's threats. Not a hair of your head will perish (Luke 21:18). The disciple who walks with Christ may lose their body but not their soul.

We hope for what is to come - full redemption of our bodies and a new heavens and earth The greatest gift which no one can take from us and which we can be most thankful for is our redemption through the precious blood of Jesus, which was shed on the cross for our sins, and our adoption through Christ as children of God our heavenly Father. Jesus Christ has redeemed us from slavery to sin, from fear of death, and from final destruction. We can be eternally thankful because our hope is anchored in heaven and in the promise that Jesus will return to fully establish his reign of peace and righteousness. The Lord Jesus will raise our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body which is no longer subject to illness, death and corruption.

Jesus speaks of his second coming as a known fact, a for certain event which we can confidently expect to take place in the Lord's time of choosing. This coming will be marked by signs that all will recognize - signs which will strike terror and grief in those who are unprepared and wonder and joy in those who are ready to meet the Lord. When the Lord Jesus returns he will fully establish his kingdom of justice and righteousness and he will vindicate all who have been faithful to him. His judgment is a sign of hope for those who have placed their trust in him. Do you hope in God and in the promise of Christ to return again to create new heavens and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17 and Revelation 21:1)?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with gratitude for the gift of redemption and increase my hope and longing for your return again in glory. May that day bring joy to my heart rather than sorrow. Help me to serve you faithfully and to make the best use of my time now in the light of your coming again."

Psalm 100:1-5

1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the lands! 2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the LORD is God! It is he that made us, and we are his;  we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!  Give thanks to him, bless his name! 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures for ever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The signs have been accomplished, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"The signs given in the Gospel and in prophecy and fulfilled in us show the coming of the Lord... We know that the coming is near by the fact that we see the fulfillment of certain signs of that coming that have been accomplished... The signs that Christ told them to look for are listed in the Gospel of Saint Luke: 'Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times of the nations are fulfilled.' This has happened and no one doubts that it has happened... It is plain that there is no country or place in our time that is not harassed or humbled according to the words 'for fear and expectation of what will come on the whole world.' All the signs that the gospel describes in the earlier verses have mostly been accomplished." (excerpt from Letter 198)

Wednesday (November 28): "Not a hair of your head will perish"

Scripture: Luke 21:12-19

12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be a time for you to bear testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; 17 you will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish.19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Meditation: If the Gospel message is good news, then why do so many people treat Christians with contempt and hostility for their beliefs and practices? Jesus warns his followers that they will be confronted with wickedness, false teaching, persecution, as well as the temptation to renounce their faith when it is put to the test.

Satan destroys and kills - God restores and gives life The real enemy of the Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ - is Satan (also called Lucifer), the powerful leader of the fallen angels who rebelled against God and who were cast out of heaven. Satan opposes God and all who follow his rule of peace and righteousness (moral goodness) on the earth. Jesus calls Satan a "murderer" who turns brother against brother and the "father of lies" who twists the truth and speaks falsehood (John 8:44). Satan not only opposes God's rule, he seeks to destroy all who would obey God. Satan will use any means possible to turn people away from God. He tempts people through envy, deception, hatred, and fear to provoke hostility towards those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is Jesus' response to hostility and persecution? Love, forbearance, and forgiveness. Only love - the love which is rooted in God's great compassion and faithfulness - can overcome prejudice, hatred, and envy. God's love purifies our heart and mind of all that would divide and tear people apart. Knowing God as our compassionate Father and loving God's word of truth and righteousness (moral goodness) is essential for overcoming evil. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear those who would oppose us or treat us harshly for following the Lord Jesus. He promises to give us supernatural strength, wisdom, and courage as we take a stand for our faith and witness to the truth and love of Christ.

The Gospel is good news for the whole world because it is God's eternal word of truth, love, pardon, and salvation (being set free from sin and evil) through his Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus has won the victory for us through his atoning death on the cross for our sins and his rising from the grave - his resurrection power that brings abundant life and restoration for us. That is why the Gospel has power to set people free from sin, fear and death, and bring peace, pardon, and new life.

Endurance never gives up hope in God Jesus tells his disciples that if they endure to the end they will gain their lives - they will inherit abundant life and lasting happiness with God. Endurance is an essential strength which God gives to those who put their trust in him. Endurance is the patience which never gives up hope, never yields to despair or hatred. Patience is long-suffering because it looks beyond the present difficulties and trials and sees the reward which comes to those who persevere with hope and trust in God. That is why godly endurance is more than human effort. It is first and foremost a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to bear up under any trial or temptation.

Endurance is linked with godly hope - the supernatural assurance that we will see God face to face and inherit all the promises he has made. Jesus is our supreme model and pioneer who endured the cross for our sake (Hebrews 12:2). "God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Jesus willingly shed his blood for us - to win for us pardon and peace with God. Our joy and privilege is to take up our cross each day to follow the Lord Jesus.

True martyrs live and die as witnesses of Christ and the Gospel of peace The word "martyr" in the New Testament Greek means "witness". The Book of Revelation says that "Jesus was the faithful witness ...who freed us from our sins by his blood" (Revelation 1:5). Tertullian, a second century lawyer who converted when he saw Christians singing as they went out to die by the hands of their persecutors, exclaimed: "The blood of the martyrs is seed." Their blood is the seed of new Christians, the seed of the church.

The third century bishop, Cyprian said: "When persecution comes, God's soldiers are put to the test, and heaven is open to martyrs. We have not enlisted in an army to think of peace and to decline battle, for we see that the Lord has taken first place in the conflict." True martyrs live and die as witnesses of the Gospel. They overcome their enemies through persevering hope and courage, undying love and forbearance, kindness, goodness, and compassion.

God may call some of us to be martyrs who shed their blood for bearing witness to Jesus Christ. But for most of us, our call is to be 'dry' martyrs who bear testimony to the joy and power of the Gospel in the midst of daily challenges, contradictions, temptations and adversities which come our way as we follow the Lord Jesus.

We do not need to fear our adversaries What will attract others to the truth and power of the Gospel? When they see Christians loving their enemies, being joyful in suffering, patient in adversity, pardoning injuries, and showing comfort and compassion to the hopeless and the helpless. Jesus tells us that we do not need to fear our adversaries. God will give us sufficient grace, strength, and wisdom to face any trial and to answer any challenge to our faith. Are you ready to lay down your life for Christ and to bear witness to the joy and freedom of the Gospel?

"Lord Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death."

Psalm 119:33-40

33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. 35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to gain! 37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; and give me life in your ways. 38 Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you. 39 Turn away the reproach which I dread; for your ordinances are good. 40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: The faithful Christian is recognized by belief in the resurrection of the body, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"We should have no doubt that our mortal flesh also will rise again at the end of the world... This is the Christian faith. This is the Catholic faith. This is the apostolic faith. Believe Christ when he says, 'Not a hair of your head shall perish' Putting aside all unbelief, consider how valuable you are. How can our Redeemer despise any person when he cannot despise a hair of that person's head? How are we going to doubt that he intends to give eternal life to our soul and body? He took on a soul and body in which to die for us, which he laid down for us when he died and which he took up again that we might not fear death." (excerpt from Sermon 214.11-12)

[christsbride]

Absolute Silence

Zephaniah 3:17

I am more convinced than ever that there is no way you and I can move toward a deeper, intimate relationship with our God without protracted times of stillness, which includes one of the rarest at all experiences: absolute silence.

Am I sounding more like a mystical dreamer? If so, so was the psalmist who wrote those familiar words we often quote but seldom obey, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10, NIV) . . . .

We are commanded to stop (literally) . . . rest, relax, let go, and make time for Him. The scene is one of stillness and quietness, listening and waiting before Him. Such foreign experiences in these busy times!

Nevertheless, knowing God deeply and intimately requires such discipline. Silence is indispensable if we hope to add depth to our spiritual life.

Excerpted from Charles R. Swindoll, Wisdom for the Way (Nashville: J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2001). Copyright © 2001 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

from Chuck Swindoll's Daily Devotional http://ift.tt/2nGZ72X via IFTTT

[jdgo51]

Let Me fill you with My Love, Joy, and Peace

Today's inspiration comes from:

Jesus Listens

by Sarah Young

Delightful Lord,

"'I love listening to the song that You continually sing to me: “I take great delight in you; I renew you by My Love; I shout for Joy over you.” The voices of this world are a cacophony of chaos, pulling me this way and that — especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Help me not to listen to those voices but to challenge them with Your Word. Show me how to take breaks from the noise of the world — finding a place to be still in Your Presence so I can hear Your voice.

I believe there is immense hidden treasure to be found through listening to You. You are always pouring out blessings upon me, but some of Your richest blessings have to be actively sought.

I rejoice when You reveal Yourself to me — through Your Word, Your people, and the wonders of creation.

Having a seeking heart opens me up to receive more of You. The Bible gives me clear instructions: Keep on asking and it will be given to you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.

In Your generous Name, Jesus, amen.

Let Me fill you with My Love, Joy, and Peace. These are Glory-gifts, flowing from My living Presence.

The Lord your God is in your midst; He is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; He renews you by His love; He shouts for joy over you. — Zephaniah 3:17 NET

While [Peter] was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him!” — Matthew 17:5 NASB

Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. — Matthew 7:7 AMP

‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hands.

Restful Lord Jesus,

I come to You seeking to find rest in Your Presence. As I relax with You, Lord, I can enjoy Your Peace during this exciting, hectic season. How precious it is, Lord, to realize that You are thinking about me constantly! I long to be increasingly mindful of You. You’ve been teaching me that awareness of Your Presence can give me rest even when I’m very busy. An inner peacefulness flows out of remembering that You are with me always. This remembrance permeates my heart, mind, and spirit — filling me with Joy.

I confess that sometimes I get so focused on the problems I see and the predictions I hear that my joy gets buried under layers of worry and fear. When this happens, I need to bring my concerns to You — talking with You about each one, seeking Your help and guidance, asking You to remove those worry-layers. As I entrust My concerns into Your care and keeping, Joy begins to emerge again. I’ve learned that the most effective way for me to nurture this gladness is speaking and singing praises to You — the King of Glory!

In Your praiseworthy Name, amen.

I, your Lord and Savior, am alive within you. Learn to tune in to My living Presence by seeking Me in silence."'

Excerpted with permission from Jesus Listens for Advent by Sarah Young, copyright Sarah Young.

[jdgo51]

The Cure for Disappointment

Today's inspiration comes from:

Grace for the Moment

by Max Lucado

"I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for Me. — Jeremiah 32:27"

"'We need to hear that God is still in control.

We need to hear that it’s not over until He says so.

We need to hear that life’s mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight.

Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.”

The way to deal with discouragement? The cure for disappointment? Go back and read the story of God. Read it again and again. Be reminded that you aren’t the first person to weep. And you aren’t the first person to be helped.

Read the story and remember, the story is yours!

~ He Still Moves Stones

God is for you.

God Is For You

He will rejoice over you. — Zephaniah 3:17

God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for Him in the bleachers, shouting your name.

Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you.

Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up.

God is for you. Had He a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on His bumper. If there’s a tree in Heaven, He’s carved your name in the bark.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” God asks in Isaiah 49:15 (NIV).

What a bizarre question. Can you mothers imagine feeding your infant and then later asking, “What was that baby’s name?” No. I’ve seen you care for your young. You stroke the hair, you touch the face, you sing the name over and over. Can a mother forget? No way. But “even if she could forget her children, I will not forget you,” God pledges (Isaiah 49:15)."'

Excerpted with permission from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

[jdgo51]

The Cure for Disappointment

Today's inspiration comes from:

Grace for the Moment

by Max Lucado

"I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for Me." — Jeremiah 32:27

"'We need to hear that God is still in control.

We need to hear that it’s not over until He says so.

We need to hear that life’s mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight.

Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.”

The way to deal with discouragement? The cure for disappointment? Go back and read the story of God. Read it again and again. Be reminded that you aren’t the first person to weep. And you aren’t the first person to be helped.

Read the story and remember, the story is yours!

~ He Still Moves Stones

God is for you.

God Is For You

He will rejoice over you. — Zephaniah 3:17

God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for Him in the bleachers, shouting your name.

Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you.

Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up.

God is for you. Had He a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on His bumper. If there’s a tree in Heaven, He’s carved your name in the bark.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” God asks in Isaiah 49:15 (NIV).

What a bizarre question. Can you mothers imagine feeding your infant and then later asking, “What was that baby’s name?” No. I’ve seen you care for your young. You stroke the hair, you touch the face, you sing the name over and over. Can a mother forget? No way. But “even if she could forget her children, I will not forget you,” God pledges (Isaiah 49:15)"'.

Excerpted with permission from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

[jdgo51]

The Cure for Disappointment

Today's inspiration comes from:

Grace for the Moment

by Max Lucado

"I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for Me." — Jeremiah 32:27

"'We need to hear that God is still in control.

We need to hear that it’s not over until He says so.

We need to hear that life’s mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight.

Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.”

The way to deal with discouragement? The cure for disappointment? Go back and read the story of God. Read it again and again. Be reminded that you aren’t the first person to weep. And you aren’t the first person to be helped.

Read the story and remember, the story is yours!

~ He Still Moves Stones

He will rejoice over you.

— Zephaniah 3:17

God Is For You

He will rejoice over you. — Zephaniah 3:17

God is for you. Turn to the sidelines; that’s God cheering your run. Look past the finish line; that’s God applauding your steps. Listen for Him in the bleachers, shouting your name.

Too tired to continue? He’ll carry you.

Too discouraged to fight? He’s picking you up.

God is for you. Had He a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove a car, your name would be on His bumper. If there’s a tree in Heaven, He’s carved your name in the bark.

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?” God asks in Isaiah 49:15 (NIV).

What a bizarre question. Can you mothers imagine feeding your infant and then later asking, “What was that baby’s name?” No. I’ve seen you care for your young. You stroke the hair, you touch the face, you sing the name over and over. Can a mother forget? No way. But “even if she could forget her children, I will not forget you,” God pledges (Isaiah 49:15)."'

Excerpted with permission from Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

[fevie168]

Thursday (December 21): Joyful Anticipation of the Messiah

Scripture: Luke 1:39-45  

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

Old Testament Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18

14 Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel!  Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies.  The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;  you shall fear evil no more. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: "Do not fear, O Zion;  let not your hands grow weak. 17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory;  he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love;  he will exult over you with loud singing 18 as on a day of festival.

Meditation: Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord Jesus in your life? Blessed are you if you see and recognize the Lord with the "eyes of faith". The word "blessed" [makarios in Greek] literally means "happiness" or "beatitude". It describes a kind of joy which is serene and untouchable, self-contained, and independent from chance and changing circumstances of life.

God gives us supernatural joy with hope in his promises There is a certain paradox for those "blessed" by the Lord. Mary was given the "blessedness" of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. Anselm, a great teacher and Archbishop of Canterbury (1033-1109), spoke these words in a homily: "Without God's Son nothing could exist; without Mary's son, nothing could be redeemed."  To be chosen by God is an awesome privilege and responsibility. Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. Her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises.

Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take away. Do you know the joy of a life given over to God in faith and trust?

They were filled with the Holy Spirit What is the significance of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth before the birth of Jesus? When Elizabeth greeted Mary and recognized the Messiah in Mary's womb they were filled with the Holy Spirit and with a joyful anticipation of the fulfillment of God's promise to give a Savior. What a marvelous wonder for God to fill not only Elizabeth's heart with his Holy Spirit but the child in her womb as well. John the Baptist, even before the birth of the Messiah, pointed to his coming and leaped for joy in the womb of his mother as the Holy Spirit revealed to him the presence of the King to be born.

The Lord wants to fill each of us with his Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable us to know and experience the indwelling presence of God and the power of his kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the way in which God reigns within each of us. Do you live in the joy and knowledge of God's indwelling presence with you through his Holy Spirit?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me joy in seeking you more earnestly. Increase my faith in all your promises, my hope in the joy of heaven, and my love for You as my All."

Psalm 33:2-3,11-12,20-21

2 Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

3 Sing to him a new song, play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

11 The counsel of the LORD stands for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield.

21 Yes, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.

Daily Quote from the early church fathers: John prophecies from the womb, by Maximus of Turin (died between 408-423 AD)

"Not yet born, already John prophesies and, while still in the enclosure of his mother's womb, confesses the coming of Christ with movements of joy - since he could not do so with his voice. As Elizabeth says to holy Mary, 'As soon as you greeted me, the child in my womb exulted for joy.' John exults, then, before he is born. Before his eyes can see what the world looks like, he can recognize the Lord of the world with his spirit. In this regard, I think that the prophetic phrase is appropriate: 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you came forth from the womb I sanctified you' (Jeremiah 1:5). Thus we ought not to marvel that after Herod put him in prison, he continued to announce Christ to his disciples from his confinement, when even confined in the womb he preached the same Lord by his movements."

(excerpt from SERMON 5.4)