Welcome!  Blessings!

I would be remiss to not prayerfully remember those whose lives were taken on this date six years ago.  The mother-in-law of a co-worker was killed while working at the Pentagon.  The loss is greater and the pain much deeper when it’s that personal.  Also, my heart and prayers also go out for those who are harmed or die tragically in attacks every day.  Violence is rampant in the land.  And the broken hearts of those who lose loved ones to isolated incidents of violence bleed just the same as if it was part of a mass number.  So often if it doesn’t make big news, the survivors are left to cry alone.  Then again, when it does make headlines, there are many who get lost in the crowd and still feel unseen and uncomforted.  Thank God that Jesus sees and Jesus knows!  May His healing peace and saving grace be received as He pours it forth upon this entire world.  Amen

Who can look at death and see life; who can look at sickness and see health; who can look at a problem and see a solution; who can look at a dire need and see provision; who can look at despair and see hope?  The one who sees Jesus for all He is in all there is!

When we hear the call and feel the need to pray, it is Jesus taking us away from the cares of this life, calling us from our cumbersome tasks and bringing us into Himself.  It’s where the longing of the heart melts away in fulfillment and yet intensifies at the same time.  Get carried away to His secret place and caught up in His presence.  Look up and live!

…He took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.  And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering...they saw His glory.  Luke 9:28; 29&32

Regardless of the length of time, I want to stay in prayer;

Until I see You, Lord, in ways of which I’m not aware.

I want to have a prayer-life that transcends to higher heights;

And have a clearer view of You on which to set my sights.

I want to see You plainly in my times of grief and pain;

In ways too wonderful for me to possibly explain.

I want to see You in Your power although it may seem—

That it’s too overwhelming to be more than just a dream.

I want to see Your countenance in all that I go through;

And see my countenance transfigured to be more like You.

I want to see You so I don’t return the way I came;

So that I’ll never be or ever look at things the same.

I want to see You there with me in every thing I face;

And see how good it is to spend time in Your secret place.

Mine eyes have seen Your glory but I want to see You more;

Please let me see You in my life like I’ve not seen before.

I'll gladly give all that I am and place my life before Thee;

To just be in Your presence, seek Your face and see Your glory!

Be Rapturously Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

There’s a song that says, “I need to be still and let God love me.”  And the second verse of the song says, “I need to relax and let God take over!”  With that said, you now know one of my greatest needs for today!  But no matter what, I’m not discouraged because my God shall supply all my need!  Yours, too!

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia.  After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia:  but the Spirit suffered them not.  Acts 16:6&7

When God's command to be still is obeyed,

Though we may not know what’s the reason;

We’re doing more then to accomplish His will,

Though it seems like an inactive season.

So often in ministry, we're called aside,

And it looks as if somewhere we've failed;

But God is just wanting to counsel and guide

As our next steps ahead are unveiled.

Be Solidly Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

We are instruments, God’s instruments.  Any musician or anyone who has observed a musician knows that an instrument is a lifeless and basically worthless object until it is used of that person.  The musician is the very life of the instrument.  The horn must be fingered and have breath blown into it.  A piano or a stringed instrument must have hands manipulating it and it must be in tune.  The beauty of the instrument can only be brought out by a skillful musician and the potential of the instrument can only be realized by one who has mastered it.

No instrument plays music that is suitable to its own liking.  Rather, it plays whatever is the style and desire of the musician.  Any life that is an instrument in God’s hands is one of pure worship.

We must lay our lives before God as a living sacrifice, yielding ourselves as instruments of righteousness unto God, to only be in operation when operated by Him.

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:  but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:13

Surrender yourself to Jesus Christ and in all you do

Allow His very life to be exemplified through you.

Submit yourself with absoluteness to His perfect ways;

And let Him fix your heart so that it steadfastly obeys.

Choose to let Him rule your life to where it seems to be

As if you have no other choice than His authority.

And let His life be lived through you without the least resistance—

To the extent that without Him, you would have no existence.

Just like a mastered instrument, lay down your life and yield

To how He moves and handles you to live as He has willed.

Present your life unto Him like someone succumbed to death;

And let His being only be what gives you life and breath.

I am crucified with Christ:  nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.  Galatians 2:20

I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  Romans 12:1&2

For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring.  Acts 17:28

Be Willfully Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

God is so good!  Normally I would be in jail at this time (conducting bible study) but the jail is completely locked down.  Today was a very challenging day but I refused to be defeated.  I had planned to post as soon as I got out of jail (from having bible study), which would have been so late that I may not have followed through with it.  But God removed all opportunities for me to ‘faint’ in the least.  And what would be the topic for today?  Stay tuned & see… (In other words, please continue reading).

When we faint, it’s not that we have stopped all activity completely, but it’s that we have turn our attention and put our efforts into things that are unproductive and counterproductive.  It’s not that we’ve become weak, but it’s that we use our strengths to do the wrong things.  It’s not that we’ve been subdued but it’s that we beat our own selves down.

The firm and unshakable belief that we shall see the goodness of the Lord is the only thing that will cause us to 'pray and not faint' when discouragement comes.  When we encourage ourselves with that truth, we will sing instead of sigh.  There's nothing like the Word that is the smelling salts for our spiritual fainting spells—I guess?  Don’t let your courage dim or fade; let your faith be ever colorful!  Let all other things pale in comparison to your confidence in the Lord and strong resolve to serve Him.  Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait on the LORD:  be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart:  wait, I say, on the LORD.  Psalm 27:13&14

I would have given up but I believed that I would see,

All the good the God, who cannot lie, had promised me.

I would have turned around from feeling empty and downhearted;

But that would put me even further back than where I started.

Sometimes I would lose hope but deep inside my heart, I know—

Hope doesn’t just get lost:  I have to willingly let go.

I would have lost my strength, but then to do so, it would still

Require taking measures where I’d exercise my will.

So, why not put the resources God gave me to good use:

If they’ll be spent regardless to which way that I shall choose?

And there at every point where I’d have fainted is just when—

The Lord reminds me that I’m closer than I’ve ever been.

So, when my view is blocked, I won’t look down, but up to see—

The goodness God’s prepared here in this life awaiting me.

Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men!  Psalm 31:19

Be Colorfully Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

The spirit of Herod is rampant among us.  It’s spirit of deceit and destruction born out of jealousy and intimidation.  Some people stick close by you because they’re afraid you’re going to take their place.  They only help you in order to be in the position to inhibit you and sabotage your success.  They are afraid of what you may accomplish even though it has nothing to do with them.

Everyone who comes around you and gathers about you is not for you.  The spirit of Herod would lead you to believe otherwise.  Herod claimed that his purpose and passion was one in the same.  He had others convinced that he would even go to lengths to pour his adoration upon the newborn King.  All the while, he was concealing a murderous rage that would spare none, not even helpless infants or defenseless toddlers.  It was only through the Spirit of God that Herod’s hypocrisy was revealed.

There are people who pose as those who seek to worship Jesus the Christ but they only seek to destroy and eliminate any trace of Him and the works that He did.  They seek to destroy the Christ in you and the greater works that He said you would so.  Lord, help us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves!

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young Child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word:  for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.  Matthew 2:13

There are people seeking Christ but only to undo,

And obfuscate the many things believers know are true.

Many people seek for Christ but not for a rebirth;

They’re seeking to obliterate His name out of the earth.

People seek for Jesus Christ but it’s not for salvation;

They’re pursuing ways to pull off His annihilation.

Daily people seek His life and they’re the people who

Would try to kill the Christ Who is alive and dwells in you.

Be Wisely Encouraged!

Pam

Welcome!  Blessings!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  I request prayer as I do my Christmas card for this year.  Years ago, I would make my own Christmas card but I allowed the pressures of life to consume me & my time and regrettably, I let a lot of people down.  Many people would look forward to my card each year and I still get many inquiries about them.  I don’t want to fall short this year but instead, I want to get a running start to a strong comeback.  Thanks so much!

A few years ago, I attended a graduation of Teen Challenge.  One of the graduates sang a song that he had composed that said that the Lord is God all night long.  While we’re awaiting, anticipating and longing for the joy that comes in the morning, God is there to give us joy during.

And the LORD appeared unto him Isaac the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father:  fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for My servant Abraham's sake.  Genesis 26:24

When night falls, it seems our dreams all turn into a longing gaze;

As we attempt to look beyond and wish for light and better days.

But as we look beyond the night, we have the tendency to miss

The Lord, who is a very present help for such a time as this.

And God, who’s Lord of better days yet also reigns supreme at night—

Has shone and shown up at that time to let us know that it’s all right.

Be Uncontrollably Encouraged!

Pam

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