Welcome!  Blessings!

Many Christians relish how we can address God as Abba, Father.  But the first time “Abba” is mentioned in the bible and the only account of Jesus saying it to His Father was when He was praying about the cup passing from Him.  Jesus, through calling God “Abba” at that particular point and time, acknowledged Him as being the most loving Father.  And it would be at the very time when God answered His prayer in a way that many people would have questioned or accused (had it been them).  Jesus never charged His Father with being insensitive as so many people do with God because they don’t know Him nor understand His ways or purpose.  Troy Polamalu (God bless him & his lovely wife Theodora) said something so profound:  Jesus, in His darkest hour, addressed God as Daddy, Abba.  Jesus’ conversation with God was purely relationship, not religion or position.  (I’m not quoting him verbatim but I’m sure I’m close).  Where do you put your emphasis and confidence when it comes to God?

Many people love to dwell on how all things are possible with God.  Jesus lets us know that it applies when God’s will opposes what we feel would be ideal in our lives.  Not only can God do what you want Him to, but He can also do what you don’t want Him to do.  And the best part about that is that you’ll be glad that He did!  Let Him have His way with you!  Let Him reveal the all-encompassing beauty of ‘ALL Things Are Possible!’

Mark 14:

35 – And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.

36 – And He said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto Thee; take away this cup from Me: nevertheless not what I will, but what Thou wilt.

It’s possible for God to do things in the way we see;

But also possible for God to do things differently!

If we want to move a little forward, we must press

Into the realm of God’s will where we pray, “Nevertheless.”

It’s just as possible for us as it is for Him to take

Or do whatever’s needful for our good and for His sake.

Be Unyieldingly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!!

The people who don’t know our Lord, do not know the kindness of His heart nor the wisdom of His ways.  Therefore it is a secret, a mystery to them how we can trust a God Who seemingly allows such taxing circumstances and sends such costly packages, not realizing that it comes wrapped in His love, at His dear Son’s expense (Romans 8:32 & Philippians 4:19).  And it comes with what is needed for us to be able to accept it for it is in itself a gift of grace: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense!

For instance, the unbeliever does not know that we fear the Lord, not as in being scared of Him but in loving reverence that brings us to a point of hating evil.  We hate evil to such a degree that it results in us living accordingly in obeying and serving God.  The world does not know this type of fear, nor can they ever until they know God.

Today’s passage has encouraged me to sit at His feet, seek His face and allow Him to reveal to me His simplistic, yet precious truths.  So, I submit a portion of those “Top Secrets” to you!

The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will shew them His covenant.  Psalm 25:14

To those who know of God’s commandments, yet have no regard;

And have no plans to do them:  keeping them would seem too hard.

To them, His Word is but a secret that has been concealed;

But those who fear the Lord, it is a secret that’s revealed.

As He allows them to behold such great and wondrous things;

He shows to them His covenant and binding love it brings.

Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.  Psalm 119:18

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil:  pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.  Proverbs 8:13

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments:  and His commandments are not grievous.  1 John 5:3

Be Openly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

I just came from the Home-Going Celebration of Mother Margaret Minnie Bridges.  Time won’t permit me to go into what a blessed event it was.  & Though we are indeed sorrowful that she’s no longer on this earth, we are yet rejoicing that we have a true treasure in heaven; and will rejoice all the more in time to come.  This comes under the category of one of the many times that—

I WENT TO GOD WITH MY PROBLEMS, AND HE GAVE ME A SONG AND A DANCE!  God always gives us a song and a dance!  We don’t always sing it; we don’t always get in step.  Sometimes we receive it in the same spirit of the definition of the cliché ‘a song and a dance’ (a meaningless and insincere spiel) and we ask:  Is that all?  But God gives them to us to enjoy and they are there for us if we choose to enjoy them!

When our spirits are draped in robes of regret, God does not put them off (as in ignoring them) but He lifts them off of us and takes them away.  Then He clothes us in garments of praise that only He can give.  Bless His holy name!

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.  Psalm 30:11&5

In this life, we all must go through times of pain and grief,

But in it, God is always there to give us sweet relief.

Sometimes we should be burdened down and overwhelmed with care;

But God gives us a song, so that it’s not too much to bear.

It seems that God has made a way in which He has devised—

Sustaining grace that leaves our hearts delightfully surprised.

Even when great sorrow comes upon us without warning;

Right there and then, before it ends, His joy comes in the “mourning.”

Rejoice in the Lord alway:  and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing… 2 Corinthians 6:10 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.  Romans 12:12 Rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Be Overwhelmingly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

God’s promise that we would dwell safely and that our lives would be quiet from the fear of evil (Proverbs 1:33) does not mean that we would be exempt from any encounter with the evil of which we fear.  Quite to the contrary, He takes us through those very things to show us that there’s nothing to fear and to replace our fear with faith.

Now, insert your name in the blanks because it is for you:

But now, thus saith the LORD that created thee, O __________, Fear not:  for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, __________; thou art Mine.  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:  when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee…Fear not:  for I am with thee…  Isaiah 43:1-5

When you’re passing through the waters, you will have no need to fear;

For the omnipresent God accompanies and shields you there.

Through the river’s undercurrents:  Unexpected, strong and swift;

You shall stand above its flood due to the standard God shall lift.

When you’re walking through the fire, though you’ll feel the intense heat;

The flame shall not burn nor kindle but just make your faith complete.

And your faith, which shall endure shall take on a more perfect form;

As the Lord so wisely makes you through the fire and the storm.

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.  Proverbs 1:33

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.  Isaiah 59:19

Be Sternly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

I have so much to report!  As you’ve probably read already, I wish my special friends, Billy & Sarah Gaines, a wonderful 30th Wedding Anniversary!  I tell ya, God knows how to join ‘em together!!!  & God has used them tremendously to compose & minister in song to many whose lives were falling apart.  I’ll never forget how the song “The One Within” (which they co-wrote) saved my life.  Thank you so much for ministering to this one and the one within!  Thank God for you!!!  Hey—you can pay these lovebirds a visit (and yes, it’s them and no, they didn’t get married five years before they were born!):  http://www.billygaines.com

I just returned from the doctor’s office and got a very good report.  One of the greatest things is that they did a blood test & I passed (I let them).  I begged them to just punch me in the nose and get the blood that way, but no, they insisted on traumatizing me.  I took it like a big girl—they didn’t have to strap me to a gurney and sedate me!  But then again, they didn’t give me a cast or crutches or a wheel chair (so I could draw attention to myself and tell everyone who would listen of the horrible ordeal I’ve just survived)!  Needless to say, I hate needles, especially in the middle of my arm.  They could at least have given me a lollipop or a coloring book & pack of crayons!

This weekend, I attended the graduation of Peniel Ministries, where my Godparents and mentors, Dr.’s Harold & Marion Spellman have laid down their lives to be used of God to pick up others.  I’ve spent countless days and timeless moments there as they grew me up.  I still await my honorary diploma!!!  But enough about me!  Peniel is a Christian Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center & Residential Treatment Facility where countless men & women whose lives were ravaged and all but destroyed have been recovered, reclaimed and restored.  No one can attend a graduation & hear the testimonies of the graduates and not cry.  I will be sharing much more about it later.  But until then, feel free to visit their website:  www.penielministries.org

Also, they are in our prayers.  Dr. Marion Spellman’s mom, Mother Margaret Bridges, completed her last tour of duty and marched valiantly and arrived victoriously to a hero’s welcome in glory on Sunday morning.  We will miss her, but Mom Bridges—we’ll see you soon!  Jesus is so soon to return to gather us and reunite us again.  Mom & Dad, Lori & Andre and the entire family of Peniel, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.  She is with the Lord, and He is with us.  The God of all comfort never leaves us comfortless.  Praise God.

How measureless is our heavenly Father’s love!  Though it is beyond our human comprehension, we can grasp a meager portion of its vastness through His chastening.  We can measure His love by His chastisement.  He loves us too much to leave us to ourselves.  And He’d rather risk us misunderstanding and doubting His love than to not love us fully.

The Lord’s chastisement is not out of anger but out of great anticipation.  His plan to prosper you and not harm you is steadfast throughout.  He is adamant about giving you a hope and a future.  A father that does not chastise and correct his children can never be trusted, and neither can his children!

Do not shrink back from our loving heavenly Father’s most gentle strokes of love that correct us.  Instead, ask Him to help you to measure up to the discipline that He sees fit to administer because to whom much is given, much is required.  If He gives that much love, He should receive that much more in return.  We should love better and live better.

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of His correction:  For whom the LORD loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.  Proverbs 3:11&12

What wondrous love, how can it be,

That God would care to chasten me?

He could just let me go astray,

Do as I please and lose my way.

But He constrains and loves me so—

With love that will not let me go.

Since He does this so I’ll be blessed;

May I repent with gratefulness.

As many as I love I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent.  Revelation 3:19

What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?  Hebrews 2:6

Be Immeasurably Encouraged!

Pam

Happy 30^th Anniversary!

Billy & Sarah Gaines!!!

Who can find a virtuous woman?  GOD CAN!!! And He found one for you Billy!  And Sarah, no other voice but God’s could announce a worthy candidate with whom you could trust your heart & future with this endorsement as He introduced Billy to you: This is My beloved son in whom I am well pleased! 

You have remained true to the plan that God had for you.  You have lived to become all the blessed things that God had in His heart and mind.  God knew He could trust you and I’m glad He has introduced you at large to the world.  We are so blessed to know you!  You have made a great difference.

You deserve each other and many more years of happiness!

With much love, joy admiration & respect,

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

A little boy who was afraid of the dark called for his father to come and hold him.  His father told him that he had no need to fear because God has His arms around him.  He replied, “But I want some arms with some skin on them!”

Sometimes we put more stock in the comfort of mere humans.  Yet they cannot provide the security or calm that we need and seek.  And we should never get up in arms unless it’s up in God’s arms!

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…  Deuteronomy 33:27

What a shock absorber!

What a resting place!

What a very present help

He is for all we face!

It’s beyond description,

It is joy untold:

To have His everlasting arms

To comfort and uphold!

Be Assuredly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings! 

Speaking of God watching—all I can say is WOW!!!  Yesterday, I left work earlier than I have ever done.  I made one quick stop and went home.  I wasn’t home more than 15 minutes when I heard this car going at an enormous speed.  I immediately began to pray the name of Jesus.  His name is so powerfully awesome & so awesomely powerful!  I heard a loud boom but it was too loud for me to distinguish exactly where it happened.  I opened my door to see what was going on and just as I did, this car went tearing down the street with a police car in back of it.  The police car was not going fast but the car was flying.  It then crashed into an approaching van with such force that it spun it around twice and knocked across the street backwards.  (It happened that the police just happened to be driving by and the person in the car (knowing he was up to no good) got scared and started to run (Proverbs 28:1 – The wicked flee when no man pursueth…).

Long story short—I should have been walking during that time but I was in my house.  That car sped through the entire route that I take when I walk.  I could have been driving and that car could have plowed right into me.  But one of the most amazing things is that I did not realize that this car hit the wall that is directly in front of my house.  Instead of colliding into my home, which it should have, the car turned and went into the fence of the house next door.  If I were walking home just a little bit later, I could have been killed or had my legs severed.  Also, my neighbor was directly behind the van that was hit.  She said that as she was driving up the street, a car cut her off.  That put her about ten seconds behind that vehicle and probably spared her life.

Does God know how to watch His children or what????  Thank You, Jesus!!!

God watches over you, He watches out for you!  He never just sits idly by and watches things happen concerning you.  The One who’s for you is watching for you:  You can’t go wrong watching the One who’s ever watching you!

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him…  2 Chronicles 16:9

I know throughout the whole earth, that Your eyes run to and fro;

There is no place that they can’t see nor that they cannot go.

You saw that my “good-natured” heart was wicked through and through;

But saw a way to change and make it perfect towards You.

You saw all that was coming long before the world began;

And You see to it that it’s in agreement with Your plan.

You see each time approaching, long before I see it there,

And there is not one instance of which You are not aware.

You see the whole of everything, and nothing’s a surprise;

Because You are all-seeing and all-knowing and all-wise.

You see the weapons Satan builds for me specifically;

But You see to it that they fail and cause no harm to me.

You see the plots against me that man makes behind closed doors;

Then see that I’m blessed openly to let them know I’m Yours.

And knowing that Your eyes behold my life and all I do,

Just makes me fix my eyes to look continually to You.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:1&2

Be Continually Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

Are you waiting for deliverance?  Have you ever wanted out?  God wants every believer to know that deliverance is here and now.  No matter what you’re going through, God has already delivered you!  Just like Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abednego):  they were loosed, unharmed, and walking freely in the presence of the Lord in the midst of the fire.  They were delivered in the fire, and then they were brought out.

‘Surefire’ means certain to get successful or expected results.  Just as it was back then, so it should be with all Christians today:  the fire should make us sure of and all the more confident of our divine deliverance.

We must know that the fire cannot consume gold, only refine and purify it.  We shall come forth as pure gold.  & Even if we’re not sure of the fire, we can be sure of this:  our God is sure faithful!

Daniel 3:

23 – And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 – Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?  They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

25 – He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

It seemed to go from bad to worse when they were “furnace-bound;”

But when they got thrown in the flames, was when things turned around.

It wasn’t when things looked so bright, but when things looked real grim;

That it was clear to see the Lord was real and there with them.

It wasn’t getting out of it that gained their liberty;

But though once bound, when in the fire, they were loosed and free.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.  John 8:36

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  2 Corinthians 3:17

Be freely encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

When a Christian seeks to pray according to God’s will and says, “Lord, teach me to pray,” God lovingly responds, “Repeat after Me.”

All that He has promised is our answer in prayer and to our prayers.  That’s why He can declare that before we call, the answer is there!  It’s a given!  One of the definitions for the word ‘given’ is immediately present in experience.  When we pray His precious promises, the answer is a given!  It’s immediately present!

You may feel as if you haven’t got a prayer because you’re at a loss for words or there’s nothing left to say or you don’t know what to say.  Just begin to recite His promises, recall them to mind and rehearse them.  Get to know them by heart, and not only by memory. 

Genesis 32:

9 – And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:

10 – I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant…

11 – Deliver me, I pray Thee…

12 – Thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.

I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy word above all Thy name.  Psalm 138:2

Psalm 119:

65 – Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O LORD, according unto Thy word.

49 – Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope.

Because it all looks hopeless, I should bow out but instead

I’ll bow down and I’ll pray this prayer of all the things You’ve said.

You have promised that You’re with me and will do me well;

So I can face all opposition, knowing I’ll prevail.

And though I know that I’m not worthy of one thing You do;

You’ve already proven that that doesn’t count with You.

I now see there’s never cause to give up in despair;

For if I have Your promises, I’ll always have a prayer!

And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.  Isaiah 65:24

Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.  Jeremiah 33:3

Be Purely Encouraged!

Pam