The Best Week Ever!

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Bernadette

I Timothy 4:12 –

“Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”   AMP

A pleasant Saturday morning distraction –

My Saturday morning study was met with a distraction of flooding memories.  How many times did my kids and I stuff duffel bags, sleeping bags, and plenty of camping gear and clothing?  How many camping lists were checked and double checked in red and blue markings so nothing was missed – the most important item, their Bibles.

226The sigh in my heart will forever embrace their anticipation and many songs sung in the car along the way as we started making our way from Denver, past Indian Hills, Tiny Town, and the great fishing hole filled with rainbow trout (mom always grateful for the willing hands offering to clean our catch).

How many countless prayers went with my kids as I asked the Lord for their safety, growth in wisdom, and strength in their walk with him?

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Now, today, I envisioned my daughters picking my grandkids up from camp.  Through the past week I anticipated hearing from them.  I was anxious to hear of the fun week of adventure, new friendships established, and a bit of sadness to have the week come to an end as the counselors closed camp.

The ringing of my phone brought me back to the moment –

The voice on the other end was my 14-year-old grandson.  What a joy it was to hear him say, “Hi, Grandma!  Thank you for sending us to Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je.  This was the best week ever!  I asked Jesus in my heart and I’ve been working on not saying bad words, asking God how He can change me, and how I can obey my parents more.”

Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je (I'd Rather Have Jesus)

Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je
(I’d Rather Have Jesus)

Was I smiling on the other end of the phone line?  Was my heart singing and dancing as I rejoiced to hear those words from him?  Was it worth forgoing my personal vacations for the past several years to allow my grandkids to experience a Christian camp? Was it worth waiting to see how God would use the beautiful surroundings, the loving and faithful counselors, and the quiet times of sharing Christ’s love for them?  Was it worth praying for several years the Holy Spirit would open the eyes of their hearts to experience God’s love and forgiveness and someday invite Christ into their hearts?  You bet, on every account!

Lord, please continue to make his path straight amid a generation of young kids who spew out the “f” word repeatedly in a conversation.  Help him to continue to hear Your Words of Truth so they can change his life when circumstances are difficult.   When life settles down a bit, help him to continue to walk in your ways in the midst of his daily struggles.  Guard and guide his journey on the path you have chosen for him.  Light his steps as you reveal the depth of Your love for him.

When his strength fails him, keep him strong in your strength as his firm foundation for the battle ahead as the enemy prowls and seeks to devour and discourage his heart.  Cover him under the shadow of your wings with your unfailing love.  Please, extend your mercy and grace and may he find favor with you.

May he persevere in integrity, truth, and faith found in the Gospel of peace.  May his faith of his salvation found in our Lord, Jesus Christ, quench the flaming missiles of the evil one as he prays in the Holy Spirit.

I cannot make my faith their faith, but I can pray for my grandkids, just as I did for my kids.  May I be a living example of Your love poured out to each one of us who belong to you.  May each one of my grandkids be drawn to Your forgiveness, mercy, and grace.  As they grow, may they make a conscious choice to say, I’d Rather Have Jesus, than anything. (Sung by Jason Crabb)

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

(Camp Id-Ra-Ha-Je photo and name used with permission)

Posted in Childhood Lessons, Personal Growth | 4 Comments

He Makes all Things Beautiful…

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Bernadette

Ecclesiastes 3:11

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds, yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”

There is a time and season for all things.  We cannot take or add to it.  Changes in our lives do not always come instantly, but through a process and belief in the God of creation and of all time.

Lost in the deep canyon of destruction –

As a parent, the thought of losing one of my children into the deep canyon of rebellion was overwhelming.  She fell so far away, I could no longer see her sweet smile or the twinkle in her eyes.  As my arms reached deeper into the canyon to rescue her, I saw and experienced distance, a hardened heart, and rejection of my love for her.   She was enticed and deceived into the counterfeit of God’s love and promises for her life.  Instead of entering into the narrow gate leading to life, she chose the wide and spacious gate leading to despair and destruction.

When others would say to give up on her and the situation of the downward spiral of destruction, I wouldn’t.  I kept standing, waiting, and watching along the dirty and dusty path, anticipating her return.  I knew my heavenly Father understood the heart of a parent for a child.  How often I wondered if his heart ached with each breath or if tears of sorrow fell softly as he watched from afar the suffering of his beloved Son.  He could have stopped it all!  But, because He knows all things from beginning to the end, he held his hand back from rescuing Jesus until His time was perfect to unfold the beauty and understanding of the bloody scourging, painful suffering, and sorrow of the Cross.

Sometimes, the beauty of God’s timing is not realized in our earthly life.  Jesus prayed for his cup of suffering to be taken from him.  But, through his faithfulness, obedience, and oneness with the Father, the beauty of His Honor and Glory was to be perfected and realized through his suffering, sorrow, and death.  Then, God replaced the crown of thorns with a crown of pure gold upon Christ’s head as King of Kings and Lord of all.

Never underestimate a praying parent’s heart –

Prayer was and continues to be the answer for me, to keep knocking even when the door does not seem to be opening.  Then the key to the door has been to wait.  Wait with patience and rest because the Lord knows my need before I ask.  Sometimes the answers come quickly.  Other times, he’s silent as the waiting turns into years.  It doesn’t matter, I’ve learned to wait, faithfully.

At first, my prayers were asking how I could help and save her from the downward spiral. The more I tried and pursued her, the more desperate my pleas to the Lord.  The answer came when I reached the edge of the cliff of my striving to fix the situation to no avail.  The Lord said, “Finally, you’ve reached the point where I can work to change her life as you move out-of-the-way of My plans for her life.”

As my striving ceased and I truly rested in Him, I moved out-of-the-way.  I released everything to the Lord and waited, and waited, and waited as the transformation began to unfold.  The burden of the what ifs was released from my heart and lifted from my shoulders as I patiently watched for several years as the Lord transformed her life.

Through the years, very little has been mentioned of my daughter’s ill choices she chose to journey into.  The dark canyon of despair, destruction, and rebellion is a place neither one of us care to journey back to.

This last Mother’s Day she gifted me with a card.  How did Hallmark know these words would be part of our life’s journey?  More important, God knew for he makes all things beautiful, In His Time, by CRC Worship ( Please listen)

Mother's Day Card 001

I will always be grateful the Lord allowed me to experience and realize the beauty of this part of my journey in this lifetime, as my striving ceased and my heart rested in His will.  It was a lesson of twelve years in prayer, waiting, and watching.  It was worth waiting for!

Bless you!

Posted in Childhood Lessons, Family, Personal Growth, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Blessings of the Father

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Bernadette

II Corinthians 6:18 –

“And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” / AMP

No place to hide –

Run, sister, run!  Run into the alley!  Let me hide with you behind the trash cans!  There is enough room, let me hide with you!

I kept running so he wouldn’t catch me.  I didn’t care if the stones and pebbles cut into my feet, I couldn’t let him catch me.  Then, I heard them behind me.  Leather boots  pounding against the ground, against the rocks, against my heart and tears as I ran faster, hoping he wouldn’t catch me.  Pain gripped the back of my head; my hair caught in his fist yanking me back.  Engulfed in numbness and defeat, I never heard his yelling words on the way back home.  A shadow covered my thoughts while I tried to hold back the images of the leather strap cracking again my skin waiting for me behind closed doors.

No place to go –

Mom, why are you bleeding?  What did he do to your nose?  Can’t we go with you to the hospital?  Do we have to stay here with him?  Please, let us go with you!

No place to hold bitterness and anger – 

Dad, it’s okay.  You don’t need to apologize, again.  The Lord forgave you.  We forgave you. Please, forgive yourself.

Just a few reflective memories of my early childhood and adulthood.  The memories and Father’s Day bring a rollercoaster of emotions every year.  My heart’s sadness and loss find a better place hidden deeper within, than on the surface.  Yet, a peace and calm flow over me as I remember the Lord’s restoration within our family.

My earthly father learned to mask and cover his childhood hurts and pains with alcohol.  His drunken stupors brought on fits of bloody rage and anger to those closest to him.  He lacked the gifting of a nurturing father and did not start off well to pass on the blessing to his family.  An understanding of this honor was not passed unto him.  He linked us to a painful chain of bondage of abuse and struggles of emotional and physical survival.  

When our Heavenly Father intervenes he can use the hurtful places in our lives to build our character and teach us how to love when we surrender our lives to Him.  He begins to replace the links of the chain with forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

That’s what my dad did.  In his brokenness, he invited Christ into his life and asked for forgiveness, the painful chain of bondage was broken.  Afterwards, he asked us to forgive him.  This act freed us, began the process for our hearts to heal, and started opening the door for us to learn to love.  Forgiveness is amazing!

I was in my early twenties the first time I hugged my dad.  It was like hugging a stiff board filled with splinters.  In time, each hug worked a few more splinters out as the wounds were covered with the Lord’s healing touch.

God is our ultimate Father and example.  As each of us walks humbly before Him, He blesses.  He runs to us to greet us with celebration as His sons and daughters.

What an enormous task fathers have.  Here are a couple of the many passages and examples given in the Bible of the Father passing on the blessing.

Genesis 17:4 –

“As for Me, behold, My covenant (solemn pledge) is with you, and you shall be the father of many nations.” / AMP

God blessed Abraham to become the father of many nations because of his faithfulness.  God said, “I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before me and be perfect.  I will make my covenant between me and you and multiply you exceedingly.” / AMP  

Job 29:16 –

“I was a father to the poor and needy; the cause of him I did not know I searched out.”

Job, an example of true “faith in trials”.  He searches our hearts to test us, at times, to see where our true love lies.  Can one still praise God in the midst of trials?  In Job’s humbleness, God blessed him.  

There are many who understand this place of honor.  For those who don’t or haven’t been doing so, I pray this Father’s Day God touches your heart to bless you and help you begin to pass on the blessing to your families.  It’s not too late.  Surrender your life to Christ, for healing of the past and a promise for the future.

Perhaps, the song my Scott Wesley Brown, He Will Carry You,  will be of some help to you.

Bless you!

Posted in Holidays, Personal Growth | 4 Comments

Hope in the Midst of Trials and Tribulation

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Bernadette

Romans 8:35-39

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?   As it is written:  For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.   For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” / NIV

The Lord said in this world we would face trials and tribulation. 

Daily, the media is blaring the devastating news of destruction, loss, and death around every corner of our world, our nation, our neighborhoods, and our homes.  We are pounded over and over again with horrible visual events and situations.  The very heart of our nation cries with deep sorrow over the loss of loved ones.

We watch and listen as the survivors share the heart wrenching details of natural disasters, bombings, and abusive citizens in our country.   They all contribute to the displacement and loss of every person involved from their family, friends, and homes.  Unless we have been in similar situations and have walked in their shoes, we cannot totally understand their loss of everything surrounding their lives.  We cannot understand their ability to get up from the ashes of a situation to find any type of hope when all they held dear was shaken and altered.

When it’s all we can stand to hear and see, we turn it off.  It effects each of us differently as we wonder what if it was me, my family, or my friends.  Some of us walk away in anguish and disgust.  Some of us sit silently in sorrow crying for the losses of our fellow-man.  When it’s all we can stand, we kneel and pray asking for intervention and hope in a dismal situation.

The Amplified Bible says in John 16:33 –

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”

These are words we cannot completely understand, but they are words we can completely trust and rely upon.

The hope found within us encourages us to act and to reach out to help those hurting.  It takes so little to light the path for our neighbor as we help to lighten their load.

Many of us, immediately, step up to encourage and extend the resources we have.  I pray each one of us finds a resource to enable us to help and not just watch and wonder.  Perhaps a good place to start would be the radio station KLOVE.  They offer many opportunities for each person to give in a way that is life changing.

Often, when we reach out we find the life changed is ours.  We find encouragement as we experience the life changing journey of Beauty for Ashes, (please listen) by Crystal Lewis

Bless you!

Posted in Trials | 2 Comments

And Her Children Call Her Blessed

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Bernadette

Proverbs 31:10-12, 28-31

“A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.  Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”  NIV

My mom did not meet the perfections of the Proverbs 31 woman.

She was abandoned by her father, raised in an orphanage for several years, had an 8th grade education, took very little time to care for herself, and chose to stay in an abusive marriage.  In spite of those shortcomings and lack of parenting skills, she raised a family who experienced the love she had inside.  Where she lacked skills, she overflowed with silent strength, meekness, and a willing heart to help others in need even when there was not much to give.
She raised a family to have a fear and love for the Lord, we were blessed.

Qualities and flaws of moms were given when 2nd grade school children were asked Why God Made Moms. / Author unknown

Why did God make mothers?
1. She’s the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men’s bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We’re related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people’s mom like me.

What kind of a little girl was your mom?
1. My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don’t know because I wasn’t there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

 What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that mom didn’t have her thinking cap on.

Who’s the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn’t want to be boss, but she has to because dad’s such a goof ball.
2.. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What’s the difference between moms and dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power cause that’s who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don’t do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she’s already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I’d diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I’d get rid of that.
2. I’d make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

I particularly like the last one!

Often, I look back and remember how much I lacked and fell short raising my kids.  I did not always make the right decisions or choices.  I lost count of the tearful and prayerful nights on my knees asking the Lord to cover us in his wisdom, grace, and protection.  By example, I raised my family in love, support, and a reverence and love for the Lord, I have been blessed.

Through the years I have learned when my abilities lack, how Great is Thy Faithfulness, by Chris Rice.

Bless you!

Posted in Childhood Lessons, Holidays | Leave a comment

Come to Me, All You Who are Weary

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Bernadette

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  NIV / AMP

What a soothing invitation, Come to Me…and I will cause you to rest.

Christ gives every person an open invitation to come, to choose a different way to walk this life’s journey.  A different way, a different path from what this world has to offer.

I was struggling to remember this as the bondage of fear hung over me like a shadow I could not understand.

A few months after my husband died, my heart was heavy and weighted with sorrow.  It was heavy from the memories of the long journey with cancer, heavy from the loss of my husband, then my mom, and heavy for the uncertainty of the future.

By faith, I held on to the promises that I was not alone and the Lord would never forsake me or my family.

Then one day I remembered a book a friend gave to me to read to my kids to help them with their loss.  It was the children’s version of Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan.  It’s an allegory of Christian’s search for salvation.  As I started reading and turning the pages, I realized Christian’s search would be my own personal journey of healing, restoration, and inward rest.

After reading the book I rented an animated video of Pilgrim’s Progress from the library.  The simplicity of the pictures in the book and the animation of the video depicted vivid pictures of the extreme weight we endure as we try to carry our load of burdens alone.  Eventually, we snap or collapse from the burdens of doubt, fear and endless striving as we hear the voices inside to do more and more – you’re not good enough.051

Through the years one can become quite weighted under condemnation and bondage of sin.  Like Christian, we are confronted with endless arrays of temptations and the allure of materialism in Vanity Fair.  We may find ourselves crushed from the burden of depression and despair in the Slough of Despond.  Or we may become lost and locked in the shadows of fear and uncertainty as they eat away our faith in Doubting Castle.  The burdens we carry become so heavy we cannot walk straight as we strain to stuff them deeper and deeper as we cover them up.  Our smiling faces soon become distorted and our eyes cease to see the beauty around us or in the people we see because we are so consumed with the burdens we carry.  They may seem to be on the outside, but in reality, they are deep within our heart and soul.  They eventually strip away our joy, our dreams and our vision of hope.

Christ’s invitation is Come to Me, Learn of Me. You are covered in Grace.  Grace abounds wherever he is.

Are the burdens you carry bringing you to the point of breaking or collapsing from their weight, bondage, and condemnation?  If so, take to heart, Christ’s invitation to Come.     Consciously and deliberately gather them up and lay them at the foot of the Cross.  He will come along beside you and lighten the load.  You will find an inward rest and refreshment for your soul.

You will be amazed as you turn around!  Your heart will be free to begin to experience inward joy, start remembering your dreams, and see more clearly as your heart embraces the hope found in Christ.  Learn to let him love you, as he wraps his arms around you in his grace and your heart finds a home in him.

Perhaps this song, Give Your Heart a Home by Don Francisco will help.

Bless you!

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He is…

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Bernadette

Matthew 1:21

“She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God].” / AMP

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us].” / AMP

Name defined means a word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known. / Webster Dictionary

Have you ever taken the time to look up the meaning of your name?  I did.

Bernadette – Derived from Bernard, a Germanic compound Bern-hard meaning “bear-hardy” or “strong and brave as a bear”.  One who is fiercely loyal, loves her friends and her family is her life.

Kathleen – Derived from Katherine a Greek word meaning “pure“.  A word meaning an amazing person. Splendid inside and out, loving, caring and will always be there for you.

Together, they’re quite a mouthful.  Growing up, my family called me Kathy and still do.  But in my rebellious teen years I insisted on being called Bernadette (Bernie).  The Lord knew those names would define me.  Life’s turns, peaks and valleys taught me to face life head-on in need of the strong and brave.  The Lord’s grace has molded and embraced my heart to learn the loving and caring aspects of my life towards others through many struggles, trials and humility.

David – It is of Hebrew origin, meaning beloved of God. King David of the Bible was a shepherd, musician, poet, soldier, statesman and prophet.  A man after God’s own heart.

Abraham – God changed his name from Abram meaning high, exalted father to Abraham meaning father of a multitude (many nations).  He believed in One God and walked and lived habitually before him.  Wherever faith in One God exists, it may be traced back to Abraham.

024Jesus – His name is inexhaustible – Joshua, Savior, Immanuel [God with us].
He is the Beginning and the End, Mighty God, Everlasting Father of Eternity.  Before all time, He was.

He is Christ, Warrior-Messiah-King, the living and active Word of God.  His is Christ Jesus, the Exalted One who emptied Himself.  He is the despised and rejected One Who was afterwards glorified.  He is the Way, the Truth and the Life – the gate and narrow road to heaven.

He is absolute, infinite and vast.  He is the Light, there is no darkness in him.  He lights our path as he leads and directs our way.  He is Love, Mercy and Grace (with no bounds) to the lost and sinful heart and soul seeking repentance.   He is Life Everlasting where we may dwell with him for eternity.  He is the Creator of all things seen and unseen.  He is the Sacrificial Lamb of the Brazen Altar and the Holy, Sovereign High Priest.  He is Wisdom and Knowledge that emanates from God.  He is the Good Shepherd who guards and protects us.  He is Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  There is more, so much more!

Other than God the Father, I haven’t been able to find any other name that is immeasurable, inconceivable, or inexhaustible.  Can you find one?

To truly begin to know who Christ Jesus is, I have learned to, daily, set aside dedicated time.  If you don’t do so already, today is a perfect time to start!

I pray this beautiful song by Aaron Jeoffrey, He is, will prompt your heart to start seeking and experiencing the Lord’s mercy and grace that is new every morning.
May it help to bring about new beginnings to refresh your heart and soul each day as you discover who He is!

Bless you!

Posted in New Beginnings | 1 Comment

I’m a Believer!

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Bernadette

Romans 1:16-17

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (with a personal trust) : first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  For in the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”  /  NIV & AMP

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Are you a believer?

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”  II Chronicles 16:9  /  NIV

“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”  John 6:40  /  NIV

“But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear him, and His righteousness is to children’s children.”  Psalm 103:17  /  AMP

Imagine, our hearts and souls were created deep and wide enough for God to dwell in.
Is he your heart’s deepest longing?  Does your heart find its home in him?  He searches to strengthen and pour out his blessings to hearts wholly committed to him.

Are you a believer?

“Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God,  the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Isaiah 40:28-29  /  NIV

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”  Isaiah 46:4  /  NIV

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12  /  NIV

Are you a believer?

“He who dwells in the shelter (secret place) of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.”  Psalm 91:1-2, 14  /  NIV & AMP

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; and all that is (deepest) within me, praise his holy name. Psalm 103:1  /  NIV & AMP

…”Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
Isaiah 6:3  /  AMP

Yes, I’m a believer!

The Lord is the All Powerful God to whom nothing is impossible!  He is the one who is able to sustain and bless me!  He is my refuge and fortress!  He guards and protects me under the shadow of his wings!  He is my Banner for his truth and faithfulness are my shield!   The everlasting faithfulness of God gives me strength and power when I am weary and weak!  He causes this widow’s heart to sing for joy!
As long as I live or have any being – I will sing to the Lord!

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty (the Ruler of all).”
Revelations 1:8  /  AMP

Nothing can prevent God Almighty from carrying out his plans and pouring out his blessings on those who belong to him.

Are you a believer?  Then…

“Sing praises to the Lord, Who dwells in Zion!  Declare among the peoples His doings!  Psalm 9:11  /  AMP

“Sing to the Lord, O, you saints of His and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” Psalm 30:4  /  AMP

“Sing aloud to God our strength!  Shout for joy and to the God of Jacob!”
Psalm 81:1  /  AMP

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Is your heart so committed to our Lord Jesus Christ that it makes a joyful noise?  If so, don’t just sit and listen to I’m a Believer by the late Amy Morris, but sing aloud and joyfully dance unto the Lord, just like King David!

“And David danced before the Lord with all his might…”  II Samuel 6:14  /  AMP

I’m a believer!  O, yes I am!

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Be Watchful…

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Bernadette

Philippians 4:8-9

 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”  NIV

 Christ is our example.  As we trust in him, he transforms our hearts and minds.  

We are called to live and conduct our daily walk by a different standard.  Renewal of the heart and mind requires us to put into practice all we learn, receive and hear from our Lord.

Are we being watchful?

We are to guard and be watchful of our thoughts in such a way they begin to embrace every virtue and command.  The scripture says to meditate on the true, genuine and most excellent qualities and character.  They characterize the things which should fill our thought life.   They influence our words, actions and daily habits.  Eventually, they define our character.  Is our character one that is undefiled, pleasing and in harmony with our Lord?  Daily, are we walking in such a way that is admirable, worthy and one that extends grace?

Are we being watchful?

Many strongholds in our lives prevent us from leading every thought and purpose captive into the obedience of Christ.  They may be things we lust after with our eyes,  thoughts and images of the past, or mental images or evil thoughts to lead us astray.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ equips us beyond mere human ability to overthrow those strongholds.  In stillness and silence we can guard and watch our hearts and thoughts through humble prayer.  The Bible says to continually pray without ceasing.  The Lord is faithful to help us when we call upon him.

Are we being watchful? 

When we do not guard our hearts and minds the door of harassing temptation is often opened.  When we fail, we must choose to accept, patiently, whatever trials may come.  We must always be mindful of consequences before the door is opened.  They are warnings and can be the doorkeepers that stop us from entering.  We must remember, the Lord is always there to restore and continue to help us even when we fail.

When my son was in scouting, we were introduced to the following quote credited to Charles Reade.  I have it in several places around my house to remind me to be watchful in my home and as I walk out the door.

“Watch your thoughts,
they become words.
Watch your words,
they become actions.
Watch your actions,
They become habits.
Watch your habits,
They become character.
Watch your character,
It becomes your destiny.”

We are destined, set apart, for the Lord’s purposes.

Change My Heart, Oh God, may this song be a reminder.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 NIV

Bless you!

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Christ Alone

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Bernadette

II Corinthians 5:17 –

Therefore, if any person is in Christ he is a new creation the old has passed away.
Behold, the fresh and new has come!   NIV, AMP

How are you today?  At times, is it hard to believe the old has passed away?  Are you doubting as your thoughts and emotions turn back to the past causing anxiety, fretting or disbelief?

Never doubt the transformation taking place inside you through Christ as you put your trust in him alone.  Behold and embrace the fresh and new person he is creating even when the changes are not always evident.  Never cease to rest in his love, walk in his ways and trust in his power to bring about the transformation in your life.  In Christ, nothing is impossible.

CHRIST –

Crucified One / “For by one offering he has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy (sanctified).” Hebrews 10:14  NIV, AMP

His death, His blood – The open door that allows us to humbly enter into his presence with our sin and unholiness, nailed to the Cross, for us to be perfected through his life in us.  We are no longer in bondage to our old nature but created anew. He has set us free for his will and pleasure.

Healer / “And Jesus said to him, Go your way; your faith has healed you…” Mark 10:52 NIV, AMP

Jesus not only heals physical blindness, but spiritual blindness in the heart’s of men. Our hearts no longer see in darkness, but see his truth in bright vivid colors.  Our spiritual sight in not blurred but clear. As we trust in Christ, as our healer, he binds our wounds and heals the past hurts and pain in our lives.

Redeemer / “Who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people eager and zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14  NIV, AMP

Our Redeemer frees us from the bondage and strongholds of sin in our past .  He ransoms us from captivity.  He restores what the locusts have eaten away and purifies us unto Himself.  He redeems, restores and rebuilds the broken walls in our lives into His firm foundation.

Infinite God / “I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord God, He Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8  NIV, AMP

He is immeasurable, inconceivable and inexhaustible.  He sees us and pours out his love.  In him we cannot fathom in our hearts and souls how we can contain the depth or height of his infinite love.

Sanctifier / “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” I Corinthians 1:30  NIV, AMP

Christ in us – He is the perfection of everything.  Through his righteousness, we are consecrated (set apart) to be transformed as a new creation.  He produces the changes to make us upright, pure and holy.
It is all about Christ, not us.  We are mere vessels through which his love flows.

Timeless Treasure / “In Him are hidden all the treasures of divine wisdom and all the riches of spiritual knowledge.”  Colossians 2:3  NIV, AMP

He is our glorious treasure to be sought like silver and gold. In him is all wisdom, truth and knowledge from the beginning to the end.
He calls us to seek him in every detail of our lives moment by moment, step by step along the journey he has chosen for us.

If you have faith like the grain of a mustard seed, you can move mountains.  Nothing is impossible In Christ Alone.  Click the link and be blessed!

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