This blog is designed for women who want to be encouraged in a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is usually a few paragraphs each weekday that share scripture from the Bible on how to live life pleasing to Christ.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
These are my reindeer waiting for their turn to be set up outside. I have always liked reindeer, I don't know why, I guess because they seem like kind animals. So much is going on right now. The ladies of my church are getting ready for a Christmas Tea. It's a chance to invite people who might not come to church, but a relaxed environment is more comfortable for them.
This month of December has great opportunities to share the true meaning of Christmas with others. The news last night had quick interviews with young people on the street about certain places and countries that are the roots of Jesus' birth. Not many of them knew about Bethlehem, or what nation it is in. It used to be common knowledge, but today not many bother to tell the story. How about you? Do you tell the younger ones around you about the true meaning of Christmas?
What a story to tell! I can't imagine a better, true, real life story that this! God sent His only son, to die for me? He was born where? King of All Creation, yet He loves me? Sounds too good to be true. IN fact, the word gospel in greek means just that, something that is so amazingly wonderful that it sounds too good to be true. It was used very sparingly in the days of the new testament, because it was only to describe things so extraordinary wonderful. It is a word that describes Jesus, at least one out of many.
Thank Him today, for the many wonderful things He has done. If you have trouble finding something to thank Him for look around you. Pray, Jesus, give me eyes to see your handiwork that is all around me. Help me to know that you have provided the air that I breathe, and the food that I eat. You keep me from the enemy's lies. You provide the sunshine and the rain. You love me beyond words. Amen.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
I took this picture at the Tanger Outlets in Deer Park. Their decorations are beautiful and there is ice skating around the tree in the center. Try to go at night so you can see it lit up! My husband and I weren't planning on shopping, only dropping our daughter off there. We were glad that we stayed.
When my Father had open-heart surgery I remember being amazed that he didn't have any stitches. He was actually gluded together! What incredible things are happening in the areas of science and research, yet Our God has always mended hearts in so many ways. He does so using different people and circumstances, but it is always beyond our wildest imaginations!
I can remember saying to God, "How can you make anything good out of the mess that I have made? I don't understand Lord, what is your purpose here?" He didn't answer me right away, but as time moved on, I saw all the pieces of the puzzle fall in place. Today I can trust Him more than ever before because I have a history with God. I can see how he miraculously has made things right, when I was hopeless.
I have had family members and friends come to me in the past few days with situations that they couldn't see past. I prayed with them, and am trusting God to make a way. Everyone wants to see a miracle, but no one wants to be in the place to need a miracle, but we find ourselves there anyway. How will we know that He is the Living God if we never need Him to move in the miraculous?
"For since the beginning of the world Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him. Isaiah 64:4
Monday, November 28, 2016
November is getting away from us! Hopefully we will continue to get some 50 degree days. I hope your Thanksgiving was free from stress, but when people gather around a table these days, many conversations can become heated. At my house we stayed away from those conflicts, at least on Thanksgiving.
What a wonderful Savior we serve! Even while we were in our sin , He died for us. As my Pastor said yesterday, If we were the only ones on planet earth, He would have come to save our souls. It's not just our souls that prosper in God, because we cannot divide our bodies into different parts. We are complete, spirit, soul, and body. He came to redeem all of our being. Joy in our spirits, soundness in our souls, and health in our bodies.
Please don't think that I am judging you if you are sick. I have chronic sickness in my body, and I know some of you do too. My heart is often seeking God for perfect health, and I believe Him for it. It is HIs will, desire and purpose to heal us. I don't know why I have allergic reactions all year round, but I move on to the hope that is in Christ Jesus! Does it hamper my lifestyle? It surely does, but I move on. I refuse to let it rule me.
Maybe there is something today that is looming over your head, like an illness or a broken relationship. Take God's hand and let Him walk you out of it. You may not be healed, but you can surely not let it rule.
"I will extol the Lord at all times: his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and he heard me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:1-4
{NIV}
Friday, November 25, 2016
This is Deepwells Farms in St. James. It will be all dressed up for Christmas soon with different vendors selling all kinds of gift items. It is fun to visit this time of year plus you can make reservations for tea, as if you are in a turn of the century home.
"Therefore God's chosen one, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another and if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all, put on love- the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful {Colossians 3;12-15 HCSB}
As Deepwells will be decorated and festive for the season, so will be many people. So many love this season, for many of the reasons we do, without the wholeness of truth. Compassion, kindness and the like is dressed up but hasn't much stability if Christ isn't the source. It is not real when He is not in our hearts.
I noticed a highly popular television personality went to the White House to receive an award for her
contribution to change the world. She is known for her work to secure equal rights for the LGBT community. What she doesn't know is that her work misses the peace and forgiveness that she seems to purport. Heartfelt compassion that is misdirected can be a tool of the enemy. Jesus loves those who misguided and hurting and so should we, but we direct them to the truth, where the real underlying issues can be healed and taken away, so healing for eternity can prevail. Blessing and love to you and your family.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Psalm 119:30-32 "I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.
God is so good to us! He even explains to us what he says.The Holy Spirit's job is to bring alive the Word of God so that we can apply it to our lives.The application is the most important, but sometimes we forget that. Pastor Gary brought clarity to this on Sunday. The Pharisees were proud of their much learning, but lost the whole context of the Word of God when they didn't apply it.
To know what to do, and not do it does nothing to feed the poor, or help the sick. I love the scene in the book of Acts where the beggar looks to Peter to give him something and he says, "Look at us. Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." {Acts 3:4b and 6.} Try to imagine what it must have been like to be there! In the temple, everyone knew this man because everyday he came looking for some pocket change to survive. Now he is standing? How could this be, I think they might have said. About five thousand come to the Lord, while Peter and John go to jail.
When your understanding is broadened, it can cost you. Those who love this world's ways can't understand the things of God. It takes a dissatisfaction with all that we see, to desire more. There is so much more!
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
I hope you are looking forward to Thanksgiving, and that you are able to enjoy it! Sometimes those who cook don't always feel included in all of the fun. I am cooking but with a lot of help, so it balances out quite well. There are so many things to be thankful for, not just on this day, but every day of the year.
" Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen." {Revelation 7:12}
This scripture is referring to the angels around the throne of God that are worshipping Him. Just before this there is a multitude who cannot be numbered saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the lamb! {Revelation 7: 10} Just imagine this scene! The Lord is on His throne in the middle of this, in all of His glory and majesty! The worship is resounding in magnitude, and nothing else can be seen or heard. No one cares to see or hear anything else because the scene is enrapturing and totally consuming! All needs are met.
"They will neither hunger or thirst anymore; the sun will not strike them nor the heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." These truths are enough for me to worship Him now, and every day, even though these scriptures refer to days to come. He has already made the way for you and I to be full of His presence in this day. Put your faith into motion, fully activated by reading the word and prayer. Give Him the praise that He so deserves! Nothing is out of His reach!
Friday, November 18, 2016
Have you ever noticed the little things that can get under your skin? I was thinking today about why do I get upset when the dog barks for no reason? Is it really that big of a deal? Why don't I save my frustration for something big like the toilet overflowing?
I stopped, and said a quick prayer, " Lord, I don't want this to bother me." That was all I had to say. Maybe if I do this more often, it won't build up to something that it isn't by the end of the day. I think if I noticed this that probably you have too. I don't mean about the dog, but about anything. What if we all stopped when these things happened, and asked the Lord to calm us, would we be more calm by the end of the day?
It is worth a try. It can't hurt anything, and it might actually help, at least our prayer life that is. The more prayerful we are the more we will look to Jesus to keep us, so that we don't let the "little foxes" spoil the vines" of our nerves.
"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on your glorious works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. {Psalm 145: 3-7}
Dear Father, I am in awe of your splendor! Help me to keep this before me at all times, and praise you through the little foxes that want me to wander off to things that are insignificant. I know the enemy of our souls wants us to be caught up in every little thing around us. I pray for these dear gracious sisters who will read this today, that you help them to be focused on you, and Your great goodness as the celebrations of your birth come close. May we truly honor You, and our souls will be at rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
It's summer! Alright, its not, but I can dream. One day, when we get to heaven, You will come to visit me in my perpetual garden of flowers! We will have tea, and it will be a grand time! I invite you now, so don't say I didn't!
I can be silly, but this could really happen. Why not; my mansion may be next to yours. I don't think we will care that much because Jesus will be there, and the elegance of His presence will melt our hearts, and we won't even be able to speak because of the awe that we will feel. He will melt away all tears in the warmth of His love, and we will forever be basking in His eternal light. If you think the sun feels good on a warm day, you haven't experienced even a fraction of who He is. I haven't either, but I will.
Make sure you are there with me. If you have surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior, and asked Him to come into your heart, and cleanse you from your sin, and make you whole, you will be with me. My blog is called wholeheartedlady, not because I've made it to perfection, but because I still need His grace and power to change me!
I haven't arrived; He is doing a good work in me, just like He is doing in you. Read His word, let it soak into your soul, by saying it over and over. Do what you have to do to get the truth inside of you because there is nothing in this world that will fill your longings and desires!
Your heart was made for God to fill it. Anything else seems special for a while, but then it will fade away. Those who have everything aren't happy or joyful. Joy comes from the Lord and knowing that the yoke of God is freedom. Paradoxical, yes, but if you lose your life you will save it.
"So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; Sorrow and sighing shall flee away. {Isaiah 51:11}
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Outdoor Markets! A sure summertime treat, but not for today. It is nice enough to be outside with the temperature reaching 62! Those of you in Florida, please keep the snickering down to a low roar. Here on Long Island in November , this is remarkable and very much enjoyed.
God's blessings are too numerous to count, because some of them we may never know about. How about the time God saved you from a near accident, and you were not aware of it? And the time He kept you from a law suit, and you were never aware? If we could see what is happening in the spiritual realm, we would be amazed of all the things that never touch us because of the covering we have in Christ.
Thank God for Jesus' redemptive blood, that covers us from the lies and torments of the devil. So what you may ask about the times we are deathly ill, or harm comes our way. Our all consuming God does not take any pleasure in our hardships or sickness. Never in a million years would He afflict us. He allows things in our lives only if they will grow us to be more like HIm. The choice is up to us, if our heart will surrender to Him in a hard circumstance or not. The outcome will bring spiritual life or death.
This can be very hard when we are going through the loss of a loved one, or are exhausted caring for someone who is ill. This is why we have brothers and sisters in the Lord to pray with us, and love us through these situations. Lean on someone today who has a shoulder to give to you.
"And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." {1John2:17}
"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we should be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. {1 John 3:1-2}
Take heart, dear ones, God is working overtime on us!Live the Life He has always wanted for you!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
I wish sometimes that I had a small garden like this, without any grass. It would be so easy to care for! I like porches too, but we can't have everything. Thank God that He doesn't give us everything we think we want. We wouldn't know how to appreciate what we do have.
All I want is Jesus! The older I get, the more I long for more of His great love, and tender mercies. This is fleshed out in doing what He says to do. As I see a need, and do what I can to meet it, He is honored, and I give Him the praise. Not that we are meant to meet every need we see. That would bring certain exhaustion, and then we wouldn't be good for anything!
I know I wrote about this recently, but I feel to repeat it. Do what God says, and stick to it. This time of year we can all feel the pressure of extra things to do, such as shopping, and special meals. You all know what I am saying. If we want to be productive and on target with the Lord, we can't do everything. I am the first one in line for this message! I tend to over estimate how much time I have to spend walking around a store, or looking on line for items.
I want to have more time to be with my family and to pray about so many important things that are on my heart. We can rest in the grace of God if we press in to His will, and discipline our time to see the results that God will bring.
"Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:29-30
Monday, November 14, 2016
You may remember this picture from August, but hopefully you think it is brand new. Love flowers and open air cafes. Really, flowers and anything make for a good match to me. Our weather today leaves the idea of November out of sight, but yes I can't deny that it is here. Open the windows and enjoy this glimpse of fall. Today is a gift, and I believe this week will follow suit.
Why do we hurry through these special times, without even noticing the beauty of it? I know why, it's the pressure of the mundane, pushing us toward something else. Isn't there something else on the list of "to-do" that comes up after the first one is complete? Jesus says, Come and rest my beloved.
"O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret places of the cliff, Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely. Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes. {Song of Solomon 2:14-15}
God longs for us to come to Him, after the craziness of our schedules, in the quiet place, where we find rest in His arms. Come away my beloved! This is the secret of a life well lived, a life worth living. Above the clatter and commotion, God is there for us, waiting with confidence and patience that we will come!
Friday, November 11, 2016
This is my neighbor's backyard. There are few fences in the yards so that there is a flow across the back. The dogs love it. No one minds them in their yard. If we ever move, we will have a hard time explaining why we stay in our own yard.
The cool days, and the leaves turning all sorts of colors reminds me of the love of God, that never fails even when we are put into difficult circumstances. It's that pressing of relationships and things we have to deal with that causes us to learn the depth of His love and His patience with us. I could never be as patience with others as God is with me.
I think I had a handle on patience when my son had a few days off and wanted me to do what he wanted and he wasn't willing to do things on my time. Pressure, pushing me to do things his way. Patience says, "You will have to wait a bit." We all learn from it. I hope.
You know how it is with your people. Everything's fine until you get married. I'm kidding, but our daily living can be a lesson in walking in the Spirit. Keeping our eyes on Jesus, and not allowing our flesh to get the better of us.
Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. {Hebrews 12:2}
Jesus' patience endured the cross, which means He had to put aside His own will to do His Father's will instead. It wasn't something that came all at once, it was learned over His lifetime. Oh, yes, I get the point. I hope you do too.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
This is what Fall is all about! Look at the brillance in that color! We also see the shadows of the late afternoon hiding the beauty of the wood. What a difference the sunshine makes. "When we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin." {1John 1:7 }
It is the light that makes the difference. If we are walking in the same light as Jesus, we can see Him, and He can see us, because our sins are gone. It is the blood that makes the difference. If I am off one letter as a write to you, you can get a whole different view of what I am saying, and not understand what I meant to say. So it is with God. We can't be a little right with God, because there is no such thing. As the light permeates the darkness, the light removes All darkness, not just a bit.
Jesus does a complete work in us, as more light is revealed to us, and we walk in it. The light always overcomes the darkness, not the other way around.The kingdom of God will prevail over the kingdom of darkness. I know, because I read the end of the book!
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
This farm stand has been in Setauket for many years. It has gone through many renovations and I love that they still have property that they farm to this day. When my children were little I remember going there to pick out pumpkins. We don't do that anymore, but I'm glad for the memory.
"Ho Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; Come buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. { Isaiah 55: 1-2}
These verses are an invitation to God's salvation. They bring such satisfaction to me, knowing that I don't have to have what the world values as important to be right with God. His eternal system does not run on this earth's equations. His love and saving power isn't linked to any pay-back system nor does it have any strings attached. There are no user fees, or deposits. I simply have to say, "YES."
I don't have to do a thing to gain His attention. I already have it. I don't need to make an appointment two weeks from Tuesday to talk to him. I don't have to pay a deductible for Him to heal me, and He doesn't hold back His blessings from me if I don't "Pay" on time. All that I do FOR Him, comes from a wanting to do for Him. And it is that simple. Thank Him today for being so wonderful!
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
This is my backyard. What a classic autumn day! This helps me to let go of summer, and realize the beauty all the seasons. I enjoy the crispness in the air, and wearing a light jacket. Walking outside is beautiful and knowing that it won't always be like this helps me to enjoy it even more.
November has its good points and not so good points. The start of cold weather and the coming of winter don't thrill me, but I can find good in that if I try harder! Sometimes this is how God pushes us to grow in our faith. We get comfortable in our lives, same thing everyday, one rolls into another. How can we grow that way? He wants us to open our eyes to what is happening all around, and be willing to BE the answer.
God has us in a world that has changed rapidly, and not for the better. He tells us to "Let our lights shine, because the light is what shows that there is darkness. Our lights get ever brighter in this darkness, and it is clear what is right and wrong. The love of God needs to shine in our lights for a lost world that so very much needs love and light. God is always willing, are you ready? Ask Him to help you, I know I do!
Monday, November 7, 2016
This is a pleasant thought, but how do we have peace in our lives in this tumultuous society? Jesus spoke this to His disciples after his crucification, when He first showed them that He was alive. In verse 20 it says, "Then they were glad when they saw the Lord." Really, they were just glad? I don't know about you, but I think they must have been amazed, overwhelmed, a little freaked out maybe?
I don't know what I would have done if I saw someone alive who had died. I know He told them that He would come back, but they assumed He meant at the resurrection of all souls, not in three days!
They were shut up in a house for fear of the jews, not in eager expectation of His arrival. They needed to hear these words, "Peace be with you."
When Jesus enters our circumstances He always bring peace. Sometimes we ask Him to come, and sometimes we just realize that He has always been there from the beginning. Today, realize as a child of God, who has given her heart to Christ, that He is so in love with you!" His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Do you know this house? It has been sitting on 25A for at least a 100 years. It caught my attention when a relator's sign was placed outside. It said that a new shopping center was coming soon. I didn't like the sound of that. Were they planning on taking down the house? When I stopped to look at the sign it was from an architect and an interior designer. Ok then, I can handle that! I don't like it when those well built structures are removed for another purpose.
This reminds me of what God builds in our hearts. It is solid and will stand through the storms of life. God doesn't use hay or stubble to make us strong; He builds with mortar and stone. In fact, the materials he uses are meant to last for eternity. First He needs our hearts to be yielded to His will. Then He needs us to fill our minds and hearts to His truth. As we stand in the truth, we gain the strength needed to apply His word to our hearts, so that it will not move.
I know from watching home makeovers that houses like this are rare, and don't move easily. The craftsmanship is so very well done that it almost can't be copied because of the time and effort that it takes. God sees us as a fine art project that needs time and effort. How much effort depends on how pliable we are. Oh, how many times I resist His hand, only to come back and repent, so we can start over! I am beginning to learn, and I know you are too!
"But now O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand. {Isaiah 64:8}
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
These roses are holding on for dear life! They were growing on the side of the road which causes me to think that they weren't cared for much through-out the summer.I could be wrong. You might remember that my one rose bush had some roses on it, but I wasn't able to care for it because my allergies kept me inside most of the summer.
My brother in law doesn't like this bush, and was ready to tear it down when I gave him the word. The only thing was, I didn't get to take the roses off of it before I noticed it was gone. Huh, As a woman I would think to cut the flowers first, and then cut back the branches. This didn't occur to him. He is a landscape designer, and my bush didn't fit into his plan. I have told him not to touch it, but he insists is is more dead than alive. I know that the pruning that it received will cause it to come back strong and full in the spring. It is not a problem that there is some dead wood in there, because I see it as alive and well. Roses have that affect on me.
How often God looks at us and says, "My child, you have some spots that need to be cleared out of your life, and I will lovingly and gently remove these from you. If you allow me to do what needs to be done to make you whole, it will still hurt, but healing will soon come in its place. If you resist my hand it will take longer and be painful and harder to heal. Don't resist, come to me."
Our gracious Heavenly Father opens His hands and His heart to us to receive good things. All His thoughts toward us and for our good, to bring life, not death. Our world is shrouded in darkness and trouble, not what is whole and right. With all that is within you call out to Him. He is faithful to move on your behalf.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Here we go again! Flowers on the stairs that just look so right! They perk up the most ordinary spaces. This winter I will be looking for other things, that can perk up those otherwise normal spots.
Do you see things in your everyday life that can bring a smile to your face? For me it can be seeing the sunshine when opening the blinds first thing in the morning, or watching a dog and it's owner walking down the street.
When we take in these seemingly everyday sights but enjoy them, it makes that day not so ordinary. I am always on the look out for photo opportunities, and the other day while driving on 25A in St. James I noticed the statue of a mother reading to her children. I shared it a few days ago. It blessed me so much, not only for the reasons on mentioned the other day, but also because it caused me to pause and pray for my friend Cathie who works in that building. I usually don't think of that when I pass by, but now I do!
Prayer is the single most important thing we can give anyone! Yes, we need to feed the hungry, and by all means give them what they need for daily living, but if we forget to pray, we haven't completed the process that God has called us to. Pray for revival across our nation. Pray this week especially for repentance as this has been designated a week of prayer for this. If you would like to follow this grass roots movement you can go to REVIVALMATTERS.com. It is worth your time.
"Say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns; The world is firmly established, It shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously.'" {Psalm 96:10}
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