LORD My Shepherd

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)

Have you ever gone through trials and sorrows? I am reminded of a dear friend this morning that is really going through some trials. She has been out of work for over a year and her husband got laid off, again, yesterday. It just seems that every time you turn around that something else is going on with them. I wonder where God is for them. Why are these things happening? When will they catch a break? I always try to be positive and I do believe that she will have an amazing testimony one day but I am ready for that day for them to be today. I also know that she has put her hope in Jesus and is waiting to see the light shine for her, to be able to say "it is finished and we made it."

The above verse reminded me today that He is carrying her and her family through this and that they are close to His heart, he is hugging them to his heart. He has a plan, protection, and prospering for them. He is caring for them like a shepherd cares for his sheep. He is providing for their every need right now. Another verse that comes to mind is a few verses away in Isaiah 40 and that is verse 31: But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. The Message says that in hoping in the LORD you "get fresh strength". I love the word fresh, is comes not from me because it is brand new strength. It is not something that I already have and the LORD is adding to that strength but new strength. What I have will never be enough but I will have to rely solely on Him who gives the strength to endure. They will one day be on top of the Mountain of God and see that sun shining bright first thing in the morning and not be looking into the dark brambles of the valley. God is good and his way is perfect and his timing is always on time.

Dear Friend, remember you are His Favorite One. He only has eyes for you. He loves you and wants to bless you with amazing gifts. Walk now expecting to see his glory today.

Lord, I pray for my dear friend that is suffering. Remind her that you love her and are hugging her to your heart and you want to give her just what she needs. Help her also to reach out to you, to hope in you, so that you can give her fresh strength. In these things I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen!

Play some upbeat praise and worship music and PRAISE HIM!!!!!

Waiting on the LORD

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! (Isaiah 30:18)

Almost every New Year, I write a letter to Jesus. I usually start by writing songs of praise to my LORD. I then give Him thanks for all He has done for me the past year, and this year was quite a few life changing things, then I praise Him for each of those things. Next, I write what I would like to accomplish the coming year and what I would like to see happen. Some of the items listed are being a better steward of my money and my time, it's making more time and more quality time for writing, it's being more aware of Jesus every day and seeing Him everywhere. It's making worship a way of life. And the list goes on and on. But most of these things will not only take me wanting to be a better light for the LORD but will also take me waiting on the LORD so that I don't miss what He has for me. I love the verse above, it shows that the LORD longs to lavish me with His great gifts but that He is also waiting until the time is right. And how blessed I will be waiting for the right time, the right circumstances, the right opportunity and so on, but that also means that I have to be aware of the LORD daily so I don't miss the right time, circumstance, or opportunity and so on.

The Message tells the verse like this:

But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you. He's gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right - everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.

"He's gathering strength to show mercy to me", says to me that it is taking all His strength to hold back until the time is right. I love that. It is taking all His strength to hold back because He wants to give me my heart's desire but the time, circumstance, opportunity just isn't perfect for me yet. I hold on to hope that the time is coming soon and that I, in my humanness, just don't miss my part in the plan and I will be the lucky one blessed beyond measure. I look forward to it and I look expecting it.

Lord, You are amazing in all your ways. You want only what is best for me and you long to be gracious to me. Help me to wait on you because only in the waiting will all things be perfect. Help me also not to miss seeing you today and truly worshipping you with all that I do. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

The 12th day after Christmas

Today, 8 years ago, is the day that my dear husband went to be with the Lord. He spends his days singing and dancing around the throne with all the saints. Lucky Steven. I have come a long way in these past 8 years. It has only been through and with the Lord Jesus that I have been healed from pain and grief. Hannah will turn 12 next month. I can rejoice for the trials that I have endured and know that I am better for them.

Psalm 116 : 1-6 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!" The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

Happy New Year. I hope to make posts more frequently this new year.