Welcome!

In Ezekiel, it is stated 7 times (God's perfect number) that the hand of the LORD was upon him.  (See Ezekiel 1:3; 3:14&22; 8:1; 33:22; 37:1; & 40:1)

It's so good to know that no matter where we are, the hand of the Lord is not only with us, but it is upon us.  And just as He moves in the great & miraculous events, so He moves just the same in the "plain" ordinary events.  We need never fear or dread times of isolation because it presents occasion for sweet communion with the Lord:

And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and He said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.  Ezekiel 3:22

Through times of peace and concord or through instances of strife;

I thank God that He's always had His hand upon my life.

His mighty hand empowers me and helps me to endure when—

What's out of my control has put me in a place that's foreign.

I thank God for the insight and the guidance of His hand;

For making plain deep mysteries I should not understand.

I thank God for His hand that would allow me to behold;

Such wondrous things that only through His Spirit could unfold.

Sometimes I'd rather be around and hear a human voice;

But different circumstances have not left me any choice.

I thank Him for His hand that comforts when I feel exiled,

His reassuring touch that lets me know I am His child;

His grasp that is so gentle with a hold that's yet so strong;

His hand that draws me close and lets me know that I belong.

So overall I'm grateful for the isolation brings—

Such precious times with God as He reveals those secret things.

Psalm 139:

5 – Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me.

6 – Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

9 – If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 – Even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.

Isaiah 49:

14 – But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.

15 – Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

16 – Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands; thy walls are continually before Me.

Be vivaciously encouraged!

Pam

I want to thank God for my mother.  For without her, not only would I not be here on this earth, but I would not be in Christ.  Like Danniebelle Hall said of her mom, “She made me love the Lord until I could love Him on my own.”  That’s so precious; it means so much to me.  My devotion for today uses Isaiah 49:15 where it asks if a mother could possibly forget her nursing child.  It’s something how God uses the loving mindfulness of a mother as an example of how great and steadfast His love and mindfulness is toward us.  He must regard the love of a mother as one of the highest standards known as He uses to illustrate that His love surpasses even that.

My mom made many sacrifices to raise me and yet continues to make even greater sacrifices to keep me lifted.  This year I not only bought her a card for a mom, but I also bought a card for a sweetheart (as I’ve been known to do).  I was with a friend when I made the purchase and when she read it; she repeated the last line as if it didn’t fit.  It said, “I’m so glad that you fell in love with me.”  I told her that the line that grabbed me.  I’m glad my mom fell in love with me because I was nothing to love.  I was a lot of hard work and hardship.  I had potential, I’m sure (like all do), yet I had no promise.  But she gave me hers.  She fell in love with what I was right then and fell in love with the possibility of all I could become.  She didn’t turn and walk away from the challenge.  She did not try to make me into something that she would like better.  She fell in love with me and I’m so glad that she did. 

There are many beautiful & godly women who embrace me as their daughter and it’s all because of how my mother’s love has shaped and molded my life.  She saw to it that I would grow up to be a person that good people would want to have dealings with.  She shares me with so many women who share her same precious values, and is glad to do so.

Here is the poem in its entirety & I’m sure the sentiments that I’m sharing are not only from my heart but the same sentiments of my four sisters, as well.

Each morning when I wake up,

You're the first thing on my mind.

I often find I'm whispering your name,

For you mean so much to me--

You're gentle, loving, kind;

Without you, life would not be the same.

Welcome!

An invitation to attend a company-sponsored event regarding diversity has been sent out.  It will be held after working hours in a nightclub atmosphere and includes worldly things such dancing and worldly music.  Someone sent an email to a group and inquired if these persons would be attending, some of them being Christians.  I replied stating that I would not attend but I regret that I did not state my reason being that many of the activities are in direct conflict with my Christian commitment.  As I thought about it, there was a time when Christians would have not even been asked:  their light would so shine until others would automatically know that they would not be participating.  Marvin Winans sang about such a time in his composition “Bring Back The Days of Yea and Nay.”

I’ve entered a time of deeper consecration.  In this time, I am not only abstaining from foods but I’m also putting an even greater distance and disconnection between me and the worldly things that I may not mind, but know is offensive to the Lord.  Things like my appetite (e.g. things I want just because they are in front of me; things I go after just because they appeal to me; things I reach for just because I like them or think I’ll like them; things I choose because of an acquired taste; things I thoughtlessly obtain in haste; things I expend myself for knowing they’re a waste)—it has got to go—that's one of the main things that is being put in check.  I just want to be able to keep it there.  I want the temperance, that self-control, the fruit of the Spirit to blossom in my life.  My belly will no longer be a god that I serve.  His kingdom come and be established in me!  All other kingdoms that have been operating must fall and move out. I need much prayer.  I need so much direction from God about now (well at all times) but especially now.   Perhaps I'm just realizing it more than ever but better late than never!

I must say that during this time, the forces of darkness have intensified.  I have seen an escalation of attacks and opposition.  Nevertheless, none of these things move me.  They only make me stronger in my resolve to remove them further from me and have me draw closer to the Lord.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.  Acts 20:24

No earthly thing can move me,

Because I’m in His hand;

Because He’s my foundation,

And on His Word I stand.

No worldly thing can move me,

Because my hope and love

Is not for worldly pleasures,

But set on things above.

No evil force can move me,

Because He has all power;

And He is still the greater One

That keeps me every hour.

In Jesus Christ, I am sustained,

And have stability;

It’s by His love, my heart’s constrained

In deep tranquility.

So none of these things move me,

Nor cause my heart to sway;

Unless they move me closer

To my Savior in some way.

Psalm 46:

5 – God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:  God shall help her, and that right early.

6 – The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved:  He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

7 – The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah.

Be stubbornly encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!

When we look away from our circumstances and look to the Lord not for accusation but in expectation, that’s when we can truly say, “The eyes have it!”

I’m at my wits end.  But here and now I behold something that I’ve never seen before:  True wisdom!

O our God, wilt Thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us;  neither know we what to do:  but our eyes are upon Thee.  2 Chronicles 20:12

We have no might against our foes,

No means to fight who we oppose;

And we do not know what to do;

But we rejoice because You do.

Your wisdom holds the strategy

To vanquish this great company;

You have the power and the might

To conquer foes that we can’t fight.

Regardless to the threats they send us,

You’ll protect, lead and defend us;

You are the all-knowing One,

We’ll seek You for what should be done.

There’s no need to be in confusion

When we have You:  the solution.

Psalm 121:

1 – I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 – My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Be valiantly encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!

We are not to live in this world so much as we are to live in Christ.  Yes, those who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution in this world.  But just as God lets us know that we will go through, He also lets us know that we will come out.  Just as He lets us know that we shall suffer, He lets us know that we shall reign.  We are not to be comfortable where we are because we are not here to stay.  We are only to be content in Him because that is where we are to stay.  If we settle down, we will settle for less and never move on.  Our destination is out of this world.  Let us go forward in Christ and be of good cheer because He has overcome the world!

Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs...they shall afflict them four hundred years...and afterward they shall come out with great substance.  Genesis 15:13-14

How good God is to let us know

That as we travel here below;

That we would come upon for sure

Afflictions that we must endure.

How good God is that even though

We have afflictions as we go;

He would see to it that it would

Result in working for our good.

How good to let it motivate us,

To where He will compensate us;

So there is no comfort zone

Found in a land that’s not our own.

How good God is that He’d sustain,

And strengthen us through all the pain;

Then let us know as we go through it

That it’s not all there is to it.

Praise God for how in this strange land

He’d make our hearts to understand;

That when we’re blessed along the way,

It’s not where we are meant to stay.

And though we’re given rest it’s never

Where we’re meant to be forever;

And our journey has not ended

‘Til we’ve reached the place intended.

For He’ll surely bring us out,

And when He does, without a doubt;

We’ll see that in His faithful ways

How He rewards us and repays—

Above and over all that we’ve

Imagined that we would receive—

In great amounts that can’t compare

With these afflictions we now bear.

For all He’s promised us is true

But we must trust and follow through.

So, may we then look for instead

The greater substance up ahead.

John 14:

2 – In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.

3 – And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that were I am, there ye may be also.

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.  2 Corinthians 5:1

Be progressively encouraged!

Pam

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

There is much on my heart about this subject of shepherds.  This devotion gives a contrast between a shepherd and a hireling.  But in these last and evil days, it goes much further:  there are hirelings that are wolves over God’s flock.  They don’t even disguise themselves.  How grieved God’s heart must be that so many choose His divine calling as a title but never have anything further to do with it.  I have actually witnessed more than once, men who stand behind God’s sacred desk and spew poison to God’s waiting flock.  Sheep who were waiting to be fed God’s Word are carelessly tossed seeds of discord from a diseased heart instead of wholesome words of health and healing from God’s heart and holy Word.  The mean and arrogant words spoken were no doubt stemming from some personal qualm that he had with an individual in the congregation; but what a way to handle it and what a time & place to choose to do so!  It was such a shameful display of a lack of Christian maturity, self-control and outright integrity.  Yet it was done so brazen and shamelessly and all because someone has taken it upon themselves to take the lead but is by no means a leader.  Needless to say, many who continued to follow on are in a deep spiritual rut (or what Matthew 15:14 & Luke 6:39 refer to as a ditch).

I beg of you, with all the many false doctrines, teachers & prophets among us:  take time and take care to know the Lord’s voice, know His Word.  Learn of Him!!!

John 10:

3 – To Him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear His voice:  and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 – And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him:  for they know His voice.

5 – And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him:  for they know not the voice of strangers.

11 – I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.

12 – But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

13 – The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

A hireling puts forth the sheep whenever he is scared;

So if there’s any threat of danger, his own life is spared.

A hireling puts forth the sheep to use them for a shield;

So that the wolves get to them first and he will not be killed.

A hireling puts forth the sheep in paths that go astray;

And leaves them fending for themselves so he can flee harm’s way.

A hireling puts forth the sheep no matter where it is;

And he thinks nothing of their lives because they are not his.

The shepherd puts forth his own sheep but also goes the same

Direction as he’s leading them and calling them by name.

He knows his sheep are easy prey for wolves that hide and hunt;

And so each time he puts them forth, he always goes in front.

The shepherd guards his sheep against the wolves that try to fool

And lure his flock to injury through dressing up in wool.

With his own life, their well-being is put before his own;

And there aren’t any instances when they’re left alone.

He makes his voice well known to them so when there’s sudden danger,

They’ll follow where they hear his voice and not after a stranger.

He’ll face the perils of the predators so they can be

At ease to rest in pastures green in peace and safety.

And how is it that we would know that all these things are true?

Because those are the things we’ve seen the Lord, our Shepherd, do!

John 10:

14 – I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.

15 – As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want.  Psalm 23:1

Be vigorously encouraged!

Pam

Guess What?  I got another testimony!!!  On Sunday, I got up early and went to a once-a-year sale where I could buy much needed wares to design & create cards for my ministry and business.  Everything went pretty well.  I fared very well, I estimate that I got approximately $2,000 worth of merchandise for $110!

I arrived home, unloaded my goods (wanted so bad to just linger there and gawk at them) and began my trek by foot to church.  I get this call from my sister Patrice on my cell phone and she sounds a little down.  I ask her, “What’s up?”  She then asked me, “What’s up?”  I replied, “Oh nothing.”  She then said, “Didn’t you hear?  There were multiple shootings and it happened right by the church!”  I looked up and responded, “Oh, I don’t see anything but that would explain why the helicopters are flying overhead.”  Sure enough, there was one vehicle that had fifteen rounds unloaded into it from another vehicle right in front of the church with the 4 people inside being shot & injured.  I could have walked right into the middle of it but God’s timing & guidance is always right.  I’m not saying that He guided me to go shopping but He guided my life and all the events that pertained to it.  Bless His holy name!  I love my Lord Jesus & Oh! How He loves you & me!

Stop gasping, Karen!  In His care, I’m safe no matter where!

Welcome!

What a week!  I’ll telling you that I had almost considered not even posting today but I refuse to be discouraged, disheartened, deterred, denied or defeated.  Just last week, the Lord had spoken to me while I was on the bus in the midst of my commute to work, “In order to be something great, you must possess a discipline to do something you hate.”  I am writing on that thought and will share it later on.

Nevertheless, remember this:  We must learn the difference between being content (at peace with God’s best) and being complacent (at ease with anything less).

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  Philippians 4:11

May I run this race before me, not to place, but always win;

May I never give one thought or place to ever giving in.

May I strive with all my heart and all my strength ‘til I succeed;

And not ever let my pace slack off because I’m in the lead.

May I live to be the person that You count on and prefer;

Never being satisfied with being something similar.

May I never work on terms that have me just doing my part;

But I pray I’ll live to serve You constantly with my whole heart.

May I seek Your perfect will and never become complacent

To be elsewhere, though it seems I’m somewhat close or adjacent.

For there is no such thing as comparable or parallel:

I must give my all to do Your will or be prepared to fail.

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:  for ye serve the Lord Christ.  Colossians 3:23&24

Be heartily encouraged!

A Testimony!

I want to make this separate post to give a brief testimony of how God’s guidance spared my life on yesterday.  I was on my way home and I said to myself, “Self, (-laughs-) if I didn’t have this heavy bag with me, I would walk home.  I would go down Lincoln and walk down Upland and go past Westinghouse…”  I had the whole course mapped out in my thoughts.  Long story short, I caught the bus that took me right home.  When I turned on the television, there was breaking news that there was a shoot-out between a suspected drug dealer and the police near Westinghouse!  It started on Lincoln and Upland when 3 thugs were doing a drug deal and were approached by some undercover cops who happened to be right there.  If I had walked, I would have walked right into the middle of it.  Whether I would have been shot or not, I probably would have died just from the fright of it!!!

And what is in that heavy bag that I carry?  My bible and my many writings that I’ve been working on!  And why have I been carrying it around recently?  Because I finally began listening to the Lord and letting Him use them for His glory.  It pays to obey His voice.

Praise The Lord!!!

Welcome!

When something happens that we can’t readily understand, we set out to get to the bottom of it (and then we wonder why we're under the circumstances!).  But in Christ, you’re going in the wrong direction.  He invites us to be risen with Him, be seated in heavenly places and look from the top.  He invites us to share His vision and how heavenly it is!

Come with Me...Look from the top...from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.  Song of Solomon 4:8

Though I may see the total picture, what good would it do,

If I’m unable to interpret all that’s in my view?

Many times I’m wishing that there’s more that I could see;

But with no understanding, it is still a mystery.

No longer do I ask of God to give a “show and tell,”

For I don’t know enough to figure out that all is well.

I would look and listen, making my own observation;

And grossly be in error from a misinterpretation.

So, it’s not “getting to the bottom,” having God explain;

But when my faith is heightened is where all things become plain.

But Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  Psalm 3:3

Be resiliently encouraged!

Pam