All That God Does Is Good....Psalm 111

I read this beautiful chapter recently and have been unable to forget it...it rings completely true today, even in the driest desert, harshest wilderness and barest valley of my life. I remain in awe of God - for indeed He remembers His covenant with us forever - no matter what we face.

"Praise the LORD!

I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with His godly people.  How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in Him should ponder them.  Everything He does reveals His glory and majesty.  His righteousness never fails.  He causes us to remember His wonderful works.  How gracious and merciful is our LORD! He gives food to those who fear Him; He always remembers His covenant.  He has shown His great power to His people by giving them the lands of other nations.  All He does is just and good, and all His commandments are trustworthy.  They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.  He has paid a full ransom for His people.  He has guaranteed His covenant with them forever.  What a holy awe-inspiring name He has! Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom.  All who obey His commandments will grow in wisdom.  Praise Him forever!" (NLT)

Worshiping the LORD within the Word of God blesses me so much, and I pray you as well. Reverence for God is the beginning of wisdom!  Now go back, read the chapter again and be blessed again, beloved. Amen.

Love & Prayers always,

Theresa

It Is Finished...He's Done It All...Jesus Christ is Risen!

HOSANNA!

"I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.  Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ, and become one with Him,"  Philippians 3:7-8

Prayer

Father God, I honestly didn't always know You loved me so much. You gave the very best You had for the likes of me. You had only one Son, Jesus Christ, Who on Calvary surrendered His holy, sinless life for mine; 

though we betrayed Him, 

persecuted Him, 

spit on Him, 

nailed Him to the cross 

and even pierced His side. 

Even still, He asked You to forgive us for our ignorance, and You did.

Father, I repent of my sins, accepting your gift of salvation through Christ Jesus our Saviour. I give You my life (again) completely, in total. 

Thank You that I can do nothing 

to save myself, 

nothing to lose Your perfect love, 

nothing to win heaven. 

I can do nothing apart from You in my life. Thanks so much for the Blood of the Lamb,

which paid it ALL for me over 2000 years ago!

Lord Jesus, teach and remind us daily when we are hurt or suffering, are grieved, discouraged or mistreated, that You've done everything for us on the cross;Your love is perfect. This world and the enemy are powerless to win in our lives, for You are alive and within us as Lord, forevermore.  For this we can rejoice and live in worship of You as long as we have life.  Thank You Father, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Hallelujah!  It is finished!

Hallelujah!  Christ is Risen! 

" I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with Himself depends on faith." Philippians 3:9

In awe of our risen Saviour, Jesus!
Theresa
** Beloved you remain in my prayers and thoughts this Easter season.

Invest & Invite for Lent...Neighbors Welcome!

"He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:14

Hello Beloved!

It has been awhile since I have written, but wanted to share with you that now (anytime really!) is a great time of year to go out into your neighborhood and invite your neighbors to:

- Consider the unconditional and eternal love of Jesus.

- A lasting relationship with Jesus Christ.  

- Come to newhope church to hear more about the Lord, His gift and His love.

- Hope, found only in Christ!

We are in the season of Lent, the 40 days prior to Resurrection Sunday, which begins on Ash Wednesday each year!  It is a precious time where we realign our heart, spirit, life and body with Christ Jesus and all that He has done and is doing for us.  It is a time for looking within and without, preparing ourselves and helping others to receive the powerful love of Jesus, reflect on what His resurrection means and commit to living a life that is full of His resurrection power!

"In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:12-13

It is usually during the Lent season that the body of Christ (followers of Christ) will remove some distraction, vice or unhealthy habit from their daily life, replacing it with more time of devotion to prayer, fasting, worship; spending more listening time with God, breaking negative habits, evangelizing and/or providing service to others. This week as I prepare Easter postcards to put into the doors of my neighbors, I am 

~ inviting them to the love and hope found in Jesus, 

~ introducing them to His care for them, 

~ reminding some - but for many, am introducing for the first time, the most precious and life-changing Person - JESUS  

~ welcoming them to a relationship with Jesus

~ inviting them to learn more about Jesus and His unconditional love, by coming out to newhope this or any Sunday! 

"For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us." Ephesians 2:14-16

Will you join me?  Pray and ask for direction from the Holy Spirit...then go and do something to invite people you don't know. We never know who is hurting, broken, wayward or who has lost hope...but God does. Father wants to use us (the redeemed) to bring His hope and His Son to His children - especially those who don't know Him. Praying that you will invest in and invite someone to Christ Jesus this season leading up to and beyond Resurrection Sunday! 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1Peter 1:3

God bless and keep you always strong and full of His grace. You are precious to God beloved, don't ever forget it, OK? Now please share this truth with someone else. Hope to see you at newhope on Sunday...much, much love!

Always praying for you,

Theresa  

**Please let me know how I may pray with and for you. My email address is Christnyou at gmail dot com, write anytime!

'Crucified With Christ'....What Does It Mean For Us?

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for all that you have done for us. Thank you for taking the punishment for our sins and paying the penalty of death that we might live by your Spirit now and for all eternity. Thank you Father for your amazing grace and the salvation it has brought. Help me in my daily life to crucify my flesh and love those I can see, touch and serve. Lord Jesus, I love you, help me to live like I do. In Your Name I pray and ask it all. Amen.

<^><^><^>

Recently while praying and expressing my love for God.  The Lord showed me that in my heart I was still carrying feelings of hurt, anger, offense and betrayal, and that these were not of Him! It was true! How could I say I loved God with this in my heart? This verse of scripture convicted me to examine my heart, mind and thoughts.
"If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also." 1John 4:20-21
I had to ask forgiveness, and sought the Holy Spirit to help me make amends and restore these fellowships. But how? I have to admit, I didn't know how to get started...
Then today, I came across the words, 'crucified with Christ', which caused me to pause, they sank deep within. This was how!  Paul reminds us,
"I have been 'crucified with Christ' and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
and teaches us,
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:22-25
Beloved, I am grateful the Spirit of Truth spoke to me about my sins.  If you or someone you know struggles with holding hurts, offenses or unforgiveness, repent of this, and ask Father to mend your heart and help to offer love and forgiveness instead.
In summary, as we live by the Spirit and not our flesh, we:

•  love God, when we love our brothers/ sisters. 
•  know that Christ lives in us.
•  allow the Holy Spirit to produce fruit in our lives.
•  nail (crucify) the passions and desires of our sinful nature to the cross.
•  follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
•  live by faith in the Son of God because Christ lives in us.

Let us pray that we are,"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." Galatians 5:24
Praying with/for you,
Theresa
PS: I sincerely pray this is a blessing to you and those you may send it to!

Photo Credit

Worshiping God Through Our Wilderness, Part 3

"But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD;I say,'You are my God'. My times are in Your hand;" Psalm 31:14-15a

^*^*^*^

Worship is: 

~blessing God with honor and thanksgiving, 

~acknowledging God in prayer, thought and song

~meditating on God's Word, holiness & goodness

~declaring God's goodness, faithfulness and love

~holding fast to God's promises and our confidence in Him 
~outwardly living holy, humble and generous lives for God, all before an audience of One...His name is Jehovah.  Amen.

^*^*^*^

Worship God through my misery, seriously? Yep. Before the answer even comes!

I really don't feel like worship can help in my wilderness! I totally get it. 
Faith (see Part 1&2 of this study) - not feeling, is our only real resource for the decision to worship God through trying times.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

Isn't worship hard, almost impossible to do while in life pain?!  It doesn't have to be, friend.
Think back, is there anything that God has given, has been or has done for you? Was He trustworthy? Are you grateful? Then even now - you can worship God...

How do I truly worship God while I'm tested, hurting and/or afraid? First we make the decision.
Our decision to worship God before His intervention,  is an act of faith and confidence in Him. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us worship God, and He does, ...ask Him.

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed..." 1Peter 1:7

But you don't know the severity of my situation or circumstance! No one but God does beloved.

How can I worship God? In your own way. He loves your way! 

"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise." Hebrews 10:23

Scripture illustrates worship as personal, intentional and very powerful! 

[See Job 1:20-22; 2:7-10; Psalm 3; 9; 28; 31; 86,121; Acts 16:24-26] 

^*^*^*^ 

Whether we can fully worship God now, deals with our perspective or belief.  This makes all the difference...because hidden within, we either believe:

God is bigger than our wilderness of pain, fear and/or brokenness.

[See 1Samuel 17:26, 32, 34-37, 46-47]

OR

Our pain, fear and/or brokenness is bigger than God! 

[See 1Samuel 17:24-25,33]

We'll need the Holy Spirit's help to change our perspective to God is always bigger!

^*^*^*^ 

Throughout scripture we have examples of the people of God who worshiped Him in the midst of great and small victories, honors and celebrations. Also we're given awe-inspiring views of God's servants, who despite being in desperate, fearful and painful times, did trust, exalt and worship their worthy God. Some even to their deaths!

^*^*^*^

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:27

^*^*^*^

Psalm 121

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

^*^*^*^

"Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10:36

Let's worship God, for He's at all times worthy!
Praying for you,

Theresa

*Scriptures cited are from NLT & NKJV

Worshiping God Through Our Wilderness, Part 2

(Welcome! For Part 1 of our study, you may reference the February 23rd 2011 post.)

^>^<^>^<^

Where does this faith come from? 

Romans 10:17 teaches us, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God".

Our faith comes as we hear (and study) the Word of God. The more often we read, hear, and speak the Word of God...we will believe it, and the stronger our faith becomes!

^>^<^>^<^

How can I have this faith?

(Speak the scripture passages (below and any), to hear them. Do this often to build faith.)

Decide daily to:
~ entrust the wilderness to God, because He will intervene on your behalf! (Psalm 12:5; Psalm 72:4,14; Jeremiah 50:34)

~ believe that Father is in the midst of the wilderness with you!  (Matthew 28:17-20; Isaiah 46:3-5)

~ possess His unconditional, strong and enduring love. (Romans 8:33-39) 

~ take God at His Word, He is Truth & He is Faithful!  (Matthew 6:26-34; Isaiah32:16-20; Psalm 18:30).                               

^>^<^>^<^

"Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come before Him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness." 1Chronicles 16:29

Wisdom Applied:

(i) Approach the Bible with a decision to believe what God teaches (Isaiah 43:10); Read scripture often, speak scripture often to hear scripture often. 

(ii) Pray and ask God by His Holy Spirit (John 12:26), to help us to believe and apply the read, spoken and heard Word of God to our life - He will! 

(iii) Hold fast to what you've learned to be true from the Word of God (Philippians 2:14-16); not allowing doubt or fear to snatch away your peace...until God's Word comes to past in your wilderness.

(iv) Meanwhile keep trusting, and worshiping God for all that He is doing on your behalf! (1Chronicles 16:29)

"Justice will rule in the wilderness, and righteousness in the fertile field." Isaiah 32:16

^>^<^>^<^

But worship, seriously? How do we worship God when hurting or afraid?   In Part 3 of our study, we'll review what the Bible beautifully illustrates about this powerful expression of love called Worship.

God bless & keep you encouraged beloved. Am hoping you are blessed by this study.

Always praying with/for you,

Theresa

Worship God Through Uncertainty, Disappointment...Even Pain, Really?

Worship God in the misery I am going through!? Yep.

Are you serious? Yep.

How do I worship at a time like this? Decide in faith.

You have no idea how hard things are for me!  Oh but God does.

FAITH

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "But without faith it is impossible to please (or worship) Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."

Do we believe God is present when we pray?  

Do we believe God will 'reward' us for worshiping/seeking Him?

Do we diligently seek Him?

We have great examples from the lives of God's people who went before us. In studying their stories from the Bible and books written about them, these ordinary people (like us) used their faith - 'the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen'.  (Hebrews 11:1)

Remember these?

- When Abraham was told to offer up his only son Isaac on a mountain in Moriah as the sacrifice to God? His response?  He gave God his faith-filled obedience, an offering of praise! (See Genesis 22:1-10) How do we respond to God today when He requires us to remove everything that stands between us and Him?

- When Joseph, beloved son of Jacob was persecuted and taken by his kin, sold into slavery only to be raised up, and falsely accused by someone filled with deceit and lust. His response?  He worshiped God by rejecting sin, trusting God's defense, and humbly surrendering his way to God. (See Genesis 39: 1-23)  How do we respond to God when we are wrongly persecuted, falsely accused, or oppressed by others?

- When Hannah deeply wanted a child, but was unable to have one...imagine her pain!  In the midst of great heaviness, shame and sadness. Her response? She worshiped God by pouring out her heart, then in faith promised her (yet unborn) son to His continual service. (See 1Samuel 1:9-11)  How do we respond to God when we're tormented, when we don't have what we really want, or we lose something precious?

****

 Father in Jesus' name we ask You to help us to seek You first when we face the

challenges of life.  Help us when it is so hard to have faith, when we continue in fear and doubt after prayer. Help us to quickly turn our hearts toward You in faith and give You our cares - as You ask.    Put a song in our spirit, that we may worship you in the midst of hardship and trial. We cannot do this without the help of Your Holy Spirit, help us Lord. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer. Amen.

****

From where does this faith come? How can I have it?  I'm so glad you asked...

In Part 2 of our study, "Worshiping God Through Our Wilderness", we'll examine verses from the Bible, which apply to our lives today, to further explore why worship is SO essential.

Thanks for checking us out, it is so wonderful to hear this blog is blessing you!  Feel free to send this to anyone you think will be blessed by our study and prayer together - just click on the envelope link below.

Always praying for you,

Theresa

Let's Offer a Prayer of Praise

Dear Father, 
in Jesus' name we come 

with humble thanks and praise for You, 

for who You are....

You are true in all that You say in Your Word; 

You are in all ways holy - always;

You are sovereign in every life - surrendered and not.

We worship You dearest, wonderful Counselor, Healer, Comforter, 

enduring Peacemaker, defending Victor!

You are Oh God, 
faithful to us in every way.

We worship and praise You Father today for 

our many unknown answers, misunderstood events,

unexpected outcomes in our lives and those we love, and

the unseen and behind-the-scenes miracles and interceptions.

Thank You that You do know the answers, 

You do have the full understanding of all things, 

You are never caught unaware, never unexpectedly, as we are.

You already know what we and our loved ones 
must experience in this life,

to become vessels for Your honor and glory - thank You.

Thank You Father God for loving us so much, 
to do all that You do each moment in us, 
through us, around us...all, for us. 

We honestly want to bring glory to Jesus now 
and when this life is over. 

Help us Holy Spirit, that we may be faithful 
to put on our God-given armor, 
to hear, to study and to live the God-given Word.

To fully believe what Your Word promises 
as these attacks come against us.

You are so worthy of our praise and adoration, 
today we give it to You.

In advance of each answer, blessed breakthrough, 
healing and/or deliverance that we've asked You for, 
we offer our love and praise now Jesus. 

In Your precious name we trust, we praise and we pray. 
Amen.

"Perfect Love Casts Out Fear"

I was awakened to these powerful words a few days ago.  Strongly, they were impressed on my spirit.  'Daughter,"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."' (1John 4:18 KJV)

This fear had begun to take hold, while listening to a person handling Malakhi's case - a day ago. I'd begun to pull to my bosom what he was saying. This allowed fear and doubt to cloud my thoughts and brought with it a heaviness.  I went on to bed carrying that heaviness, with uncertainty about the future and fear of what might happen with Malakhi.

By these words, in a most loving and strengthening way, I was being reprimanded and reminded, that Father's Love is perfect, and the fear that I was (we are) carrying was not apart of His Love or His plan for me (or any of us).  My response was in full agreement, as I affirmed and repeated the Holy Spirit's words, "Perfect love casts out fear".   

The Lord's love would not allow fear's torment to remain. "Perfect love casts out fear" - was carried on and on in my spirit throughout the day. I repented and in faith asked the Lord to take away the fear, laid at His feet. 

The Bible teaches, Jesus gave His perfect Life for us by His perfect Love, while we were yet sinners - hopeless and in desperate need of His salvation. Everyday, because of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we have the victory over fear, over sin, over satan (the deceiver of the brethren). 

Beloved, fear can take hold before we realize it has us.  Whatever you may be in fear about today...please know, Father God loves you. Reject fear, repent of it, then give it to Jesus.  Choose to allow His perfect love to abound, it is peaceful, full of power and grace, sufficient for all our needs. 

God's love for His children is perfect, and there is no love greater than Jesus' love. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend"(John 15:13 KJV)

What joy, hope and strength would have upheld me, if I'd held more firmly to Zechariah 2:10: "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for lo, I come, and I dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord.", the verse Father gave me the day this crisis all began!  Beloved, I send along this verse to remind you - that Father is in the midst of you - rejoice and sing, don't allow fear! 

Please write and let me know how to pray with you. It would be a true privilege to stand with you. My email address is Christnyou@gmail.com.  May God bless and keep you firmly in Himself. 

Always praying for you,

Theresa

Seasoned With SALT...a Divinely-Timed Read

"He went in alone and shut the door behind him                and prayed to the LORD." 2 Kings 4:33

Had an blessed opportunity to read a great book yesterday, "Seasoned with SALT - Lessons from Elisha", by David Roper. 

Over the years, I've deeply admired the faith and service of many saints in the Old Testament. The prophets Elijah and Elisha stand out, along with beloved Job, Joseph, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah and Esther - as personal heroes for their devotion to God and reckless faithfulness.

To read about Elijah's life and exploits for God, see 1Kings 17:1-2King 2:18

This book is based on Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, chosen by God to assist and succeed Elijah, as prophet of Israel. Elisha became known as the 'miracle prophet', used mightily to point back to God, the idol-serving and rebellious people of his day. 

A synopsis of some important lessons I've learned from Elisha's life are:

> make an uncompromising decision to follow God.

> attentively obey directions given by God, this brings personal knowledge of Him.

> being a devoted servant/disciple is crucial to becoming a great leader.

> ask/desire to do greater works for God - it's OK to ask Father for this!

> even in the darkest of times, Father will have a faithful, courageous remnant to proclaim His truth.

> great and wondrous things happen, when we 'go in alone, shut the door and pray to the Lord'. 

To read more of Elisha's life and ministry, see 2King 2:19-2Kings 13:20

We'd cherish the opportunity to stand in faith by prayer for you, for whatever situation you're facing.  You are not alone, but deeply loved and cared for by our Lord Jesus. Thanks for checking us out, feel free to leave any questions or comments below - would really love to hear from you!  

Always praying for you,

Theresa

Planted to Produce... A 'Plentiful Harvest' for Jesus

"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies,

it remains alone.

But its death will produce...

many new kernels-

a plentiful harvest of new lives." John 12:24

Prayer

Heavenly Father, it is our hearts desire to be planted in the soil of Your grace.

Jesus, willingly You gave Your life for our sins, in full obedience to our Father. 

You planted Your life, that we could receive the eternal gift of salvation. 

You gave Your Word, for us to learn by it, 

to daily grow in it, possess it, and live by it... 

then to teach our children; thank You.

~~

Lord, if one life can produce a harvest for You, 

I give it to You entirely. 

Willingly to my flesh - I die.

~~

Thank You for Your grace, Your life & Your salvation.

The least I can plant for Your glory is this  

humble but grateful 

kernel of wheat.

~~

That the harvest of new lives may give You 

the glory alone due Your Name.

In the Blessed name of Jesus. 

Amen.

Lord, we will lift up our eyes....

This, my most favorite life scripture/prayer, was imprinted forever in my heart in October 1974; when I met the Person of the Holy Spirit personally during a very difficult circumstance in my life.  Having found over the many years since, that when facing a seemingly insurmountable mountain...I have but to turn my spirit and faith toward the strengthening truth of Psalm 121 (KJV):

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.  The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.  The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore."

This chapter has kept me through some of the darkest and harshest steps of the journey. I love what the chapter theme in the New Living Translation Bible says, "We can depend upon God for help. Pilgrims must travel through lonely country to their destination; they are protected, not by anything created, but by the Creator of everything." <Page 978>
It is my prayer today, that we will all look unto God for help, and find that He is all we'll ever need.  God 
bless and keep you strong and encouraged today and always. 
**A beautiful song video here to bless you by Whitney Houston, entitled "I Look to You", sung by Kim Burrell & Whitney.  Hope you Enjoy!

Praying for you,
Theresa

Photo (c)