The Lord's Love Supported Me

As I read Psalm 94: 17-19, I was reminded of God's presence, His truth, His mercy, and His comfort.  I was reminded that I have called upon Him and felt certain that He understands and loves me. 

Psalm 94: 17-19 (KJV)
17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.
19 In the multitude of my thoughts (anxiety) within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Even when I have not known how to pray as I should, when I have not had the words to say how I felt, when all I could do is cry, and I had no answer other than the promise of His salvation -- I knew I could trust and that God had heard.  Verses 26 - 27 of Romans 8 make this absolutely clear.  And I knew what was a bad situation was in God's hands, because all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose (KJV, Romans 8:28).

If you have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, then I am sure you will see the glorious truth that God cares for you, even when you  despair, even when you experience the infirmities that come upon you while you are a sojourner, waiting for the glorious coming of our Lord. 

Romans 8: 26-28 (KJV)

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Prayer:  May God bless you and keep you.  May He fill you with the peace and comfort of His love.  Amen

I Stand Amazed

Image Courtesy of [nuchylee]/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Holley, this post brought tears of recognition and joy to my eyes, because it is true. I am seeing the fruit of small steps I started years ago. Now I am blogging, which for me came as a call to minister to those with chronic illnesses, and I am see what God is doing with amazement. Do you know the old hymn, “I Stand Amazed in the Presence of Jesus the Nazarene?” That is how I feel sometimes, as this often in pain, fatigued sinner saved by Grace shares my heart. Glory to God in the Highest! He is absolutely awesome and amazing. 

The above was my response to Holley Gerth's January 16, blog post, and I just wanted to share my joy with you;  which is in my heart because of Jesus.  Usually, I share scripture with you, but see the words penned by Charles H. Gabriel, in Praises, by Edwin O. Excell (Chicago, Illinois:  1905).  

"I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

Refrain

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

Refrain

In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.

Refrain

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

Refrain

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

Refrain"

Finding Eternal Peace

            "Smoky Lake" by Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Today, I need to say something that is of utmost importance.  Before I go any further in writing devotions, you need to know that there is a way to find eternal peace.  I am speaking of an abundant life lived here on this earth and the promise that when you die, you will go to heaven.  

Probably most of you that read "Take Comfort" have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, but if you have any doubts, I want to give you a couple of places you can go to see what it means to be saved...
I would be remiss not to tell you this for John 3:16-17 says, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (KJV).
Here are some articles to click on that explain salvation:
Salvation through Christ: a matter of FAITH

Salvation through faith in Jesus alone

I chose the second link, because it was a link to Baptist Campus Ministries at a colllege campus.  Most college campuses have fine Christian organizations to encourage students in their faiths.  I cannot speak for all campuses and orgaizations, but I think its something that could benefit a student's life in college or university.

My  prayer for my readers is that you will have a living, breathing relationship with God, that He not be pushed back in a corner somewhere for that time you need him in an emergency. 

Finally, 

¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.

¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.

¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit.

²⁰ Despise not prophesyings.

²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

²² Abstain from all appearance of evil.

²³ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ  (KJV, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-23).

Fear or Praise? Part 2

Fear or Praise?  As a young mother and wife, I could still strongly sense there were dark spiritual forces, even though I had totally given my life to Jesus Christ.  I also had renounced anything to do with the occult, including horoscopes, and I had claimed the blood of our risen Lord over these things.  Some people may think I am being over the top here, but even though I had not dabbled in anything overtly occult like witchcraft,  I had played, like so many unaware teens, with a Ouija Board and Horoscopes.  I know many people disagree about reading their horoscope.  However, I have not been comfortable with these things in my life.

Whether there is fear in one's life caused by illness, worries, world events, personal circumstances, etc., there are many verses in the Bible that show us we do not have to be afraid.  I was reading Colossians 3:16 a couple of days ago, and I knew I had to share how God banished my fears as a young woman and any that might come my way.  It was not with some of the scriptures I have seen listed to combat fear, but with specific scriptures God showed me in my quiet time...

Perfect Peace

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26: 3  NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,

 and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
 for correction,

 for instruction in righteousness, 

that the man of God may be complete...

(Taken from 1 Timothy 3:16-17  NKJV)

"Prayer"  courtesy of graur razvan ionut

    FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As I read this verse this morning, I felt that perfect peace flood my soul -- not just my soul, but even my body:  it was as if a warm blanket covered all of me.  Perfect peace is something, that I believe, every human soul longs for.  We desire our minds to be clear of anxiety and our souls to be comforted.  It  is difficult to know exactly where this spirit that belongs to each of us resides: some say in the heart, some think in the brain.  But it doesn't matter, not really, because if one is honest with oneself, we know, that we know, our spirit is something beyond cells in a body.  Science 
knows that a stressed, pained spirit affects the body.  This stress can even develop into serious health problems.

Therefore, it seems logical to suppose, that the opposite is true.  If one feels peaceful, it is going to be healing, whether physically or mentally or both.  However, I know from my own experience, it does take some effort on my part:  like clicking on Bible Gateway or opening my Bible and reading it,  being blessed by a dear friend that has sent a card with scripture and reading it, or going to Facebook where a precious friend has posted just the scripture I need to hear today.  I am not saying God will not put His arms around you or speak to you in your heart:  I have felt or heard God speak to my heart when I was not reading the Bible.  I just know, as I grow stronger physically and mentally, I have to step out a little more.  I call these steps baby steps.  I need to reach out to God for my own well-being and out of obedience to Him.  I need to pray and meditate.  This is righteous; this is good; this is healthy.   

Dear Father in Heaven, I did not know this was going to be a devotion on baby steps to peace.  However, I am thankful You have given me people and books that have taught me baby steps to help me to get to where I need to go.  Sometimes, I feel like it is taking too long; and then, You have the scripture I need to hear for today, right there for the taking.  Bless my readers, dear Lord.  May they be strengthened in their walk with You and fill their hearts with the perfect peace only You can give.  I love You, Lord.  In Jesus Holy Name I pray, Amen.

Isaiah 26:2-4

Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

King James Version (KJV)  

by Public Domain

Calming My Heart

Today started quietly.  My heart and mind were calm:  all felt well with my soul.  Then, things began to happen:  I couldn't find a notebook that was important to me, so stopped and I did slow breathing exercises.  I decided to practice piano and get my mind off that illusive notebook, which I knew would turn up when I wasn't looking for it.  I did some housework, feeling pleased with the results;  moreover, I drank a healthy smoothie and the notebook did turn up.  Sounds great doesn't it?  

No Worry Here

However, as I sat down to rest and catch my second wind, I began to disintegrate into a frustrated, frazzled mess.  I felt impatient with myself and what I was doing on the computer.  Puzzled at my disintegration into chaos, I felt like throwing my hands up in the air and I grunted my frustration with a loud, "Arghhh."   Then, God's Holy Spirit spoke within me, "Read your Bible."  So this time, I listened, and I obeyed.  Peace, peace -- I knew I needed peace within, and I received it.  How?  I read God's word and rested in Him:  His precious word is so very true:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB." 
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