Welcome!  Blessings!

There’s few things that give me greater comfort that knowing that the hand of God is upon my life.  His mighty hand that is so great that no human has that capacity to measure its span.  His powerful hand that is so gentle that it can safely rest upon us when any other thing a fraction of its size would crush us.  Its soothing strokes should be deadly blows but His love that governs it is stronger than death.  None is beyond its reach; nothing is greater than its grasp.  He holds us so tightly; yet it enables us to go about life so freely.  It’s His hand that leads and guides, protects and defends.  It possesses deliverance and redemption.  It makes all the difference in the world!  Let Him hold you in the hollow of His hand!

As I was among the captives by the river of Chebar…the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God…and the hand of the LORD was there upon me.  Ezekiel 1:1&3

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me…  Nehemiah 2:18

What makes a wounded spirit whole and gives song to its voice?

What heals the brokenhearted and then makes it to rejoice?

What makes a heavy laden soul to lift itself in praise?

What causes heads bowed down in grief to have the strength to raise?

What makes someone to feel at home when they are in exile?

What changes all adversity to be worth someone’s while?

What turns a life of sounding brass into a soothing sonnet?

A touch from God Almighty when He lays His hand upon it!

Isaiah 49:

13 – Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted His people, and will have mercy upon His afflicted.

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 Irresistibly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!!!  Blessings!!!

Are you ready for this?  I usually post my devotional & poetic thought.  But yesterday, I promised that I would share what my prayer request was when it became a praise report.  I had no idea that it would be so soon.  So, here it is!!!

As many of you know, I go to the local county jail and share in bible study with my incarcerated sisters in Christ.  Before I leave, we close in prayer.  Without fail, a dear sister will lay her hand on my shoulder and lead the women in prayer for the Lord’s hand of protection to be upon me as I come and go.  Praise God that the prayers of the righteous are not vain repetitions.  This plays a big part in my testimony because these prayers would be the catalyst in the answer:

A few weeks ago, a woman was walking down my street on her way to church and had her purse snatched.

Sometime last week, I had a dream that someone was trying to enter my house through a window & when I woke up to stop them, the intruder pulled out a gun & we began to struggle.  I chocked it up to something I heard on the news.

Tuesday of this week, I was walking to the bus stop in the early morning to go to work and I saw a guy that was acting suspicious.  I got out my cell phone and called my neighbor as I detoured to her house to ask her to look out for me.  When I finally made it to the bus stop, I saw that same guy standing near some houses and looking at me but he never moved.  I walked down to the next bus stop where there was more traffic & more distance between us.  When I got to work, I informed a co-worker who lives on my street about what I saw.  She told me that there was a serial burglar that was also snatching purses in the neighborhood & he fit the description of the guy I had seen and he also lived in the house that I saw him standing in front of.  She said that he had knocked on her neighbor’s door & when she didn’t answer, he assumed she wasn’t home and came in through her window.

I was deeply troubled.  But the Lord began to bring scriptures to mind to bring me peace.  He let me know that He was still greater than he that was in the world; if He is for me then no one could be against me and to be still and know that He is God.  I asked Him, “Lord, while on others Thou art calling, can’t I help You out and just make the call to the “Crime Stoppers” tip line, and save You the trouble of one more call?” (laughs)  Anyway, I spent the day thinking of ways to rearrange my schedule and commute, so I could reduce my chances of running into this creep.

Last night, I had a dream that this guy had been arrested.  I woke up wondering how long would it be before he was caught, stopped or moved.

When I arrived at work this morning, my co-worker/neighbor/friend waved me in her direction.  She said, “I have great news!  That guy was arrested yesterday!”  The woman who he had robbed had moved away, but returned to get some of her belongings on yesterday.  When she did, she saw him and called the police.  Police cars came swarming from every direction and arrested him.  He is being charged with armed robbery because he robbed that woman at gunpoint (now that I didn’t know).  But God showed me that in the dream that I had.  He also showed me the arrest & when I heard of it, it was like I had dreamed!

He also showed me His mighty hand.  My co-worker/neighbor/friend said, “Pam, you were covered!”  THANK YOU, JESUS!!!  When that guy looked at me standing at that bus stop, I believe he saw someone else standing there, and His form was that of the Son of God, the same Jesus who said, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the ends of the earth; the same Lord who said I will never leave you nor forsake you; the same Holy One who promised to preserve my soul, and preserve me from all evil, my coming in & going out from this time and forevermore; my sweet Jesus, my blessed Savior who stood for Stephen also stood there with me.

There is no limit to what prayer can do.  I have so many scriptures that come to mind.  If I were to share them all, it would be easier to just write the whole bible.  God has honored His Word, He has shown me the immutability of His Word.  His Word didn’t change, but His Word changed the situation & the outcome.  In time, in God’s time, I will be moving to a different place.  But no matter where I am, the safest place is in the will of God!  I will close with these few but there are oh so many more!

Psalm 126

1 – When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

2 – Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

3 – The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

Psalm 124

1 – If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;

2 – If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:

3 – Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:

4 – Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

5 – Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.

6 – Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.

7 – Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

8 – Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.  Proverbs 18:10

Psalm 118

5 – I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.

6 – The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

7 – The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

8 – It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.

9 – It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

10 – All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.

11 – They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

12 – They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

13 – Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

14 – The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

15 – The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

16 – The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.

17 – I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

Psalm 91

1 – He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 – I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust.

3 – Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 – He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 – Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 – Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 – A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 – Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 – Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 – There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 – For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 – They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 – Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 – Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.

15 – He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 – With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.

Psalm 56

1 – Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.

2 – Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O Thou most High.

3 – What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.

4 – In God I will praise His Word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

5 – Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.

6 – They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

7 – Shall they escape by iniquity? in Thine anger cast down the people, O God.

8 – Thou tellest my wanderings: put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book?

9 – When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

10 – In God will I praise His Word: in the LORD will I praise His Word.

11 – In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

12 – Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto Thee.

13 – For Thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not Thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Psalm

64:1 – Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

16:1 – Preserve me, O God: for in Thee do I put my trust.

86:2 – Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O Thou my God, save Thy servant that trusteth in Thee.

40:11 – Withhold not thou Thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth continually preserve me.

25:21 – Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee.

32:7 – Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

140:1 – Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

140:4 – Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

31:23 – O love the LORD, all ye His saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

97:10 – Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of His saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

41:2 – The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

61:7 – He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

37:28 – For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not His saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

145:20 – The LORD preserveth all them that love Him: but all the wicked will He destroy.

116:6 – The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and He helped me.

146:9 – The LORD preserveth the strangers; He relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked He turneth upside down.

121:7 – The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul.

121:8 – The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

12:7 – Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Be Bold-facedly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

Today’s devotion is a real challenge for me.  There is something that I must trust God to do.  I dare not share it with others because I don’t want to hear any negative talk to discourage or attack my faith.  Please agree with me in prayer for God’s divine will to be done and for the demonstration of His strength and manifestation of His power.  Amen!  I will tell you what it was about after it happens.

Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation.  When we truly mean business about proving God (as in us showing that He’s trustworthy), we will lay our lives before Him, and not some worthless fleece.  We will look for Him to do greater things than to just dampen or often put a damper on something.  We will trust Him with our futures, with our dreams and goals.  When God speaks to us, may we (like Peter in Matthew 14:28&29), step out at His Word on pure faith and not ask for a red carpet or a newly constructed bridge.  If God has spoken, then He’s done enough and there’s nothing more to be done.  God said it:  that settles it—believe it!

So, what do we have to prove?  As we go along in this life’s journey and when we get to the end, what will we have to show for our faith?  What do we have in our possession & progression that will speak for how we trusted the Lord and how much we committed ourselves to that trust?  What testimony can we give?  What do we have to say for Him, or for ourselves on His behalf?  Oh Lord, let our lives resonate volumes of truth!

And Gideon said unto God, If Thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as Thou hast said…let me prove, I pray Thee, but this once with the fleece.  Judges 6:36&39

Why am I so uncertain,

When I know You’re Word is sure?

It seems that time and time again,

I want You to do more—

To prove that I can trust You.

But what more is there to do?

There is no need for me to doubt,

So, I ask this of You:

Let me prove You, Lord, just once;

With all the things I say;

May others hear from me

You can be trusted, come what may.

Let me prove You, Lord, just once;

And only hear Your Word;

To let my faith alone come from

The truths that I have heard.

Let me prove You, Lord, just once;

In how I cast my care;

And take Your Word for all it’s worth,

And not like it’s a dare.

Let me prove You, Lord, just once;

In how that I react;

So that my conduct shows

That I can trust Your Word as fact.

Let me prove You, not just once;

But through all life’s events;

And show You’re faithful

With my overwhelming confidence.

May Your Word be proof enough,

No matter what I see;

So may I look to You

And that be proof enough for me.

Be Convincingly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

Anything that is immutable is not capable of or susceptible to change.  Not very many things are immutable.  What a privilege for the children of God who are heirs of God & joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, to not only know of one of those rare and precious immutabilities, but to also be able to rest our confidence upon it!  God’s counsel, His holy Word, is immutable—and that’s as good as it gets—and you can’t get any better than that!

Immutable brings the word ‘mute’ to my mind.  Some of the definitions of mute are lacking the power of speech; remaining silent, undiscovered or unrecognized; contributing nothing to the pronunciation; to muffle, reduce or eliminate the sound of; to tone down, soften or subdue; a device attached to lower or alter the tone of an instrument; a person who cannot or does not speak.  After reading those many a varied definitions, I rejoice that God and His Word are immutable or in other words, impossible to mute!  God’s voice alone is the ultimate in the power of speech.  His Word goes out and will not return void; it will not be silent but will be discovered and recognized as the sovereign authority in all.  When God pronounces a blessing, His Word is the contributing factor.  Nothing can muffle, reduce or eliminate the joyful sound of His glorious gospel.  None can tone it down, weaken nor subdue it.  God’s Word renders ineffective the devices that the enemy tries to attach to His Word in an attempt to lower or alter its volume.  And God’s eternal, immutable Word continuously speaks His divine will, purpose and order over us and into our lives.  God’s counsel is for good, it is forever!  It cannot be muted; it cannot be changed; it is immutable!  Praise God!!!

If something has caused you to fret or doubt, stop and ask yourself, “What has changed?”  Certainly not God; certainly not His Word!  Take this heart and take courage!

Hebrews 6:

17 – Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 – That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.

One thing that’s impossible for God to ever do;

Is fall short of the promises that He has made to you.

Not only will the promises that He’s made go unbroken;

But no one has ability to alter what He’s spoken.

Events cannot inhibit God from hastening the day;

Although it seems that they are turning things the other way.

For at the time appointed that He spoke of, you shall see

Every thing God said would happen surely come to be.

God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent:  hath He said, and shall He not do it?  Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?  Numbers 23:19

Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto His people Israel, according to all that He promised: there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised…  1 Kings 8:56

…God, that cannot lie, promised…  Titus 1:2

Psalm

33:8 – Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

33:9 – For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

33:10 – The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: He maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

33:11 – The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.

148: 5 – Let them praise the name of the LORD: for He commanded, and they were created.

148:6 – He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass.

Be Immutably Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

I am sorry that I did not post Friday—I was ill but I praise God that I am much better.

Before I go into today’s devotion, I would like to add something that a dear brother in the Lord, Brother Cliff, commented about on my last entry.  He said that we have to want God more than the devil wants us!  How true!  It makes me want to go back and rewrite it again—but there’s always the next time!  & I can’t hardly wait!

Here’s an admonishment for every believer:  Be powerful:  be prayerful!

There’s but one phrase of seven words to perfectly explain why my life is so wonderful instead of a total disaster: But God and if not for prayer!  And oxymoronic as it may sound—no ifs, ands, or buts about it!

Peter therefore was kept in prison:  BUT PRAYER was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.  Acts 12:5

People say it seems as if I never have one care;

Yet I would have a heavy heart that weighs me down, but prayer…

There are so many times that I’ve escaped the tempter’s snare;

I would have been defenseless and been taken down, but prayer…

And there were also dangers of which I was not aware;

That would have me in jeopardy or injured me, but prayer…

The instances in life when I had fallen in despair;

I could and would be swallowed up by hopelessness, but prayer…

When problems block my way so that it seems I’ll get nowhere;

My soul would be imprisoned by that circumstance, but prayer…

The Lord has given me an opportunity most rare:

I should not be permitted to commune with Him, but prayer…

Throughout all life’s ordeals, there’s only one thing that’s for sure:

I’d have no hope or help:  But God!  But prayer!  Need I say more?

O Thou that hearest prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come.  Psalm 65:2

Be Powerfully Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

When the term “wanted in the worst way” is used, it is meant that there is such a great desire for something or someone, until the one with the desire will not be stopped by anything in an attempt to have it.

People are quick to feel special and flattered at the thought of being wanted.  But when it comes down to who wants you and for what reason, it is not feasible to be readily enamored by the idea.  That’s because the devil wants us in the worst way (as in the worst condition).  He wants us under the circumstances, living beneath our privilege, in bondage all of our lives and in torment for all eternity.  And those who will let themselves be taken by the joy of someone wanting them will find themselves more than just taken back by the superficial pleasure.  They’ll be taken back, as in forced and held back.  They’ll be taken, as in taken hostage.  They’ll be carried away, as in carried away captive (2 Timothy 2:26).

Oh, Lord, open the eyes of our youth, open the eyes of our adults, open the eyes of this nation, that they may see the waiting devastation!

And the Lord said…Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.  Luke 22:31&32

Sure, the devil wants you,

But only so you’re cursed;

He wants you in the sense and way

Where he can do his worst.

He wants you in the worst way:

The wrong, forbidden path;

That has you going nowhere,

And walking in God’s wrath.

He wants you in the worst way:

In sickness, not in health;

In dire need and poverty,

In want and not in wealth.

He wants you in the worst way:

His reasons are sadistic;

He wants you for a casualty,

As some nameless statistic.

He wants you in the worst way:

So you can be seduced;

And taken to the lowest terms

To which you’ll be reduced.

He wants you in the worst way:

A state of desperation;

Where you’ll throw caution to the wind,

With your good reputation.

He wants you in the worst way:

Where you’ll be stripped and ravaged;

Until you’re at the point to where

Your life cannot be salvaged.

He wants you in the worst way:

A hopeless, grave condition;

Where he leaves you for dead,

And burns you beyond recognition.

He wants you in the worst way:

Where he can rob you blind;

Where he can take advantage,

And can also take your mind.

He wants you in the worst way:

A broad, destructive way;

Where you will think it’s freedom,

But there, you’re an easy prey.

He wants you in the worst way:

Where he’s free to devour;

And take you captive at his will,

Imprisoned by his power.

He wants you in the worst way:

To snare you and deceive;

To put your soul on death’s row,

And give you no reprieve.

The list seems all but endless,

To the devil’s cruel devices;

And we cannot be ignorant

Or blind to their disguises.

Don’t think because he wants you,

That the devil means you well;

He wants you in the worst way:

The way that leads to hell!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith…  1 Peter 5:8&9

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us:  for we are not ignorant of his devices.  2 Corinthians 2:11

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  John 10:10

Be Desirously Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

The ways of God that are so much higher and His thoughts that are so unsearchable are such mysteries to man that they could be called open secrets (I know that is an oxymoron).  But the things of God are so complex until they would still be hidden from our understanding, even when in plain view.  It would remain that way except our all-merciful and gracious heavenly Father sees fit to reveal them to, and share them with us.

The commandments of God to every born again believer are precious and sacred secrets.  The reason why we have so many doctrines and beliefs about man’s inability to present himself a living sacrifice unto God and live a holy & righteous life that’s pleasing in God’s sight is not because it can’t be done, but because it can’t be comprehended or explained with natural means or the natural mind.  It can’t be figured out, we just have to count up the cost and fix our hearts to do it.

Something as precious as God’s secrets should never be taken lightly nor taken for granted.  But if God is so good to share them with us, we should be ever so careful and diligent to keep them in mind and keep them in our hearts.  And for safekeeping, all we do should be in keeping with His Holy Word.

The secret things belong unto the LORD our God:  but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.  Deuteronomy 29:29

What magnitude of love divine,

That God sees fit to give—

The secrets that belong to Him

So we’d know how to live.

They are His own possession,

To which we should have no right;

But they’re revealed so we can have

And make them our delight.

Psalm

112:1 – Praise ye the LORD.  Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments.

1:1 – Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

1:2 – But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.

Matthew 13:

16 – But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

17 – For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

1 Corinthians 2:

9 – But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.

10 – But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 – For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 – Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 – Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

14 – But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding.  Isaiah 40:28

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!  Romans 11:33

Be Limitlessly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

I pray that this devotion will fuel your determination as never before to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.  Keep the faith—and share it!!!

It is as if God is speaking the same thing (THOU SHALT NOT MOVE) to us twice in Psalm 46:  In verse 5, we are to embrace it as a divine promise and in faith, make it our bold declaration.  Then in verse 10, we are to embrace it as a divine command and in obedience, make it our firm determination.  When you consider that God is in your midst and then surrounds you, securing you on every side, why would you think to move; what would moving accomplish; what could you possibly gain by moving?  Often, being still is the best move that we could make and the only action that we should take.  When we rise up in haste and pride, our enemies are amused and flattered; but when we let God arise, our enemies are smitten and scattered (Psalm 68:1).

Psalm 46:

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

10 – Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

“Thou shalt not move!” is God’s own promise

To an anxious, troubled soul;

To sustain and safely keep it

As He maintains full control.

In these times of swift transition;

And uncertainty, He’ll be—

To the ones who trust in Him,

Their shelter and stability.

“Thou shalt not move” is God’s commandment

To an anxious, troubled soul;

An instruction to be still and

Yield to Him complete control.

It has just one course of action

To which it should be compelled;

That’s to let God be exalted

As the One who’s never failed.

Psalm 125:

1 – They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.

2 – As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about His people from henceforth even for ever

Trust ye in the LORD for ever:  for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.  Isaiah 26:4

For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.  Zechariah 2:5

Be Steadfastly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

I am so very tired & I almost left a post that said, “I pray thee, have me excused!”  But I would be quoting words from the very scripture that was emphasizing that there is no excuse.  If I can spend long hours dong one thing, then I can spend a few moments doing another thing!  & This would be the other thing that is far more worthwhile!

This theme blesses me again and again.  One Sunday, I opened my bible and started reading Psalm 80 (which I’ve read numerous times before).  But this time, three words stood out and made my spirit stand at attention and my heart bow with desire:  Oh, Lord, VISIT THIS VINE!

Oh, how I need divine visitation from the Spirit of Almighty God!  How we need to hear from Him, see Him, know Him, experience Him!  Yes Lord, please visit us today!

They that dwell under His shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine…  Hosea 14:7

There’s just one place where lifeless seedlings spring up and revive,

The place where dying vines start bearing fruit again and thrive;

There’s just place with perfect climate for a plant to grow,

That radiates at all times with a warm, appealing glow;

There’s just one place where everything is always fair and bright,

There’s only one location with a constant guiding light;

And though to man it sounds ironic and seems somewhat odd,

This life and light are found beneath the shadow of our God.

Psalm 80:

14 – Return, we beseech Thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;

15 – And the vineyard which Thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that Thou madest strong for Thyself.

18 – So will not we go back from Thee: quicken us, and we will call upon Thy name.

19 – Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Be Excessively Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

If we truly know the Savior in whom we have believed, and do really believe and trust Him, then our confidence will be unending and ever increasing.  And the very things that would normally cause our confidence to diminish will instead render it endless.

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.  Hebrews 3:14

To think on what Christ has endured for us:

The pain, the cross, the shame;

And what’s expected of us to endure,

Is nowhere near the same.

We can hold steadfast until the end,

Until our course is done;

And face every trial with vigorousness,

As if we’ve first begun.

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.  Hebrews 10:35&36

Be Unceasingly Encouraged!

Pam