tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77341711295960291792024-03-14T02:48:29.815-05:00Thoughts and PrayersDeirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-90982148429854905412022-11-07T10:47:00.001-06:002022-11-10T09:15:32.304-06:00Your Glory<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Your glory fills the temple, O God. Your glory is in all of creation!
The tallest and most majestic tree and the newest seedling breaking forth from
the earth show Your glory. The grandest field of flowers and the great expanse
of the desert floor show Your glory. The sound of the angelic choir and the
sigh of a newborn baby show Your glory! The floating ballet of a butterfly and
the harsh stampede of an elephant herd show Your glory! For it is all around
me, in all I see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">It is in my heart and the thoughts most dear
to me. It is in my breath, and my will, my soul, and my existence.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Your love for me is so unheard of, so immeasurable that I
can’t put words to it. It’s part of Your glory, just like the morning sunrise
and evening sunset put the sky on fire with brilliant colors.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Let my life glorify You, O God, in all that I think, say,
and do.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Your glory shown on Your friend Moses’ face. It must have
glowed like a beacon in the night, causing the children of Israel to fear you.
Show me Your glory. Open that door that can’t seal Your beauty because it is so
great it spills out from the very pores of the wood.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Let me live to glorify You, O God! Let all that I do and all
that I am bring You joy.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Israelites were allowed to see Your glory as You went
before them in a cloud. They heard Your voice, as did John the Baptist and all
those who were around the Jordan when Jesus was baptized. Oh, to see what they
saw! To have been able touch His arm, to see His eyes sparkle and hear His laugh!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory
all the day (Ps 71:8). You give glory to Your children. For the Lord God is a
sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold
from those who walk uprightly (Ps 84:11).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I want to have a renewed heart, I want to be transformed so
that I consciously put You first in all I think, say, and do. I want to change
my life so I may give You the glory. Help me to know You better.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">O how I love You. My heart swells with the joy of knowing I
am Yours! It leaps in my chest knowing You are near. Consume me with Your love
and make the desires of your heart mine as well. Give me the words to share.
Remove the doubt and anxiety of my thoughts for writing. Let me be Your hand in
what I write. Let Your voice be heard through me, and allow my own words, born
of a heart that seeks Your face, bring new life to others. Let our words be a
beautiful symphony to the ears of the lost.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Work through me again, O God, and let me bask in Your love
and grace. Let all men know that I am Yours. I love You!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Your Servant,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Deirdre</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-41211641225169123022021-11-09T09:10:00.001-06:002021-11-09T09:10:30.363-06:00I Look to the Mountains (10 months later)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dear Reader, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">About six weeks ago I posted what I had written ten months previously about the turn our country was taking. I had expected to write again within a few days. I apologize for keeping you waiting. Please forgive me. More has happened in the past ten months to destroy the United States and its reputation throughout the world than at any other time in our history. As he sat in the Oval Office signing Executive Order after Executive Order, arrogantly destroying everything we had accomplished in the previous four years to make this country great once again, he smiled. And why? Because Donald Trump had done all those things that made people start to feel good about their lives again. The left hates President Trump with a passion, even now, ten months into Joe Biden's administration. He or Speaker Pelosi or most on the left (RINOs included) cannot talk about anything without invoking Donald Trump into it. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I admit I was very surprised at the election results. How could this happen? Why would this happen? Because as I mentioned in my last post, the devil comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. The first thing Mr. Biden did was to fire 40,000+ men and women working on the pipeline. Just like that! And one thing after another got signed, destroying our country more with each stroke of the pen. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As was happening to many of us I got very caught up in what was going on. I was constantly reading the news and hearing of the outrageous policies that were taking effect. I believed that the great land of liberty was being destroyed from within, more and more each day that passed. Darkness was filling the land, and evil seemed to be laughing in the face of the saints. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months of never ending disappointments, I could feel my hope waning. I became so consumed with how our country was no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave. Politics and those in authority took advantage of every opportunity to repress us and condemn us, and the future was going to be even worse. What is evil is called good, and what is good is called evil. Everything is blamed on covid, a weapon from hell itself to conquer those who God loves.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My heart was broken, my soul was battered, and I felt so helpless, as many of you did. I understand it's not just here, but all around the world. Over the months the landscape became as twilight, still light, but mostly dark, a time that makes it difficult to see clearly the details of what is in front of us. And there is <i>a lot</i> in front of us.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>I came to realize that my life was miserable because of the lies and destruction that was bearing down on us all every single day. I realized that I had replaced what used to consume me, my love for Jesus, with worldly worries. So many times Jesus told us to fear not, that He would never leave nor forsake us. I had forgotten what it felt like to sit at His feet and drink from His cup. Lately I asked for mercy to hold me together and it did. I asked for grace to rain upon me, and it does. I saw where going off the path had led me, into a place of death and horror, a place with no hope. That, dear </span>Reader, is not a place we as born again Believers should ever be. I had begged God to come and get me, and He reminded me that He was already here, had never left. It was I who turned and walked away. Not deliberately, but with each complaint that came from my mouth, with each terrible thought that ran through my mind, I journeyed farther and father away from my safe place and my Savior.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I truly believe that a Great Awakening has in many ways already begun. The lies are being exposed, and the truth is that the United States of America is a great country, a place where people <i>want </i>to come, because it holds for them a promise of something good. This is not a racist country, we welcome all who want to come and live according to our laws. My own grandparents crossed the great Atlantic from Austria and Ireland for a new life here. They became citizens and learned the language and contributed to their communities by working hard. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Millenia ago God chose Israel as His own. They didn't ask, He chose. But on 29 April 1607, Robert Hunt, a minister who sailed to the shores of Virginia from England with 104 other men, led them up a windswept dune at a place they named Cape Henry, in honor of the king's elder son. There they planted a seven-foot, rough-hewn oak cross, which they had brought with them from England. At that spot, Hunt prophetically declared, "From these very shores, the Gospel shall go forth to not only this New World, but the entire world.*" So Robert Hunt and the men who arrived with him, dedicated this land to God. In other words, we chose Him. It is my belief that God very much honors this. Because of this, the devil wants nothing more than to totally destroy this country; and he knows his time is getting short. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Reader, you and I were born for such a time as this. Why? Why are we here now? Why not 100 years ago or in 100 years to come? Because God has a purpose for this land we love, and He has decided that it is you and I who will fulfill His desire. What is it that He wants us to do? What is the greatest commandment? <i>"Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you." (Matthew 22:37 Passion Translation). </i>But He didn't stop there; verses 38-39 in the NKJV tell us, <i>"And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." </i>Remember we <i>"don't wrestle against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12.</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am running back to the arms of my Savior. I have been trapped in this dirty world for too long. I strayed. I lost my way. But as I run up that dusty road, there is a light, a light so bright it almost blinds me. It is the glory of God that has been in front of me all the time just waiting for my return. Yes, Lord, open my eyes that I may see! The twilight hour for me has passed. It is the dawn of a new era, where we don't walk alone, but are surrounded by heavenly angels and Jesus Himself is our guide. So try to not let the news overwhelm you. God has given us the authority over the hosts of hell. The battle is ours, but the victory is His! These times too shall pass. Have a grateful heart because we are being tested. We won't fail because we don't fight alone. And love your neighbor, help them find the light too. In these times we need to be with others. We need to help where we can, and pray always.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Remember the story of when Jesus fell asleep in the boat and a storm came out of nowhere? Here these veteran seamen were terrified (as we can get, I did) about what would happen to them in the midst of the biggest storm of their life. They trembled, they must have worried about their future, and the only thing they could think of doing, was to wake Jesus up and cry out in anguish that they were going to die. And remember what He did? He stood up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." Rebuke this storm that may be consuming you. You have the authority to do that! And decree, "Peace, be still!" Let your faith and your trust in God rule your life. He is the one who created us, and He is the one who holds our lives in His hand. Worship Him, come back to Him if you have been away. These things that have us angry, confused, disappointed, and afraid will surely pass away. We will, if we open our heart and our eyes, see Him working through all this. The devil doesn't stand a chance. He is the eternal loser (I read that in Tim Sheets' book, <i>Angel Armies on Assignment</i>.) I love the name, don't you? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We are here to witness God's glory in the land of the living with our own eyes. Who says we are not a chosen generation? God bless you my brothers and sisters. We'll be fine. How can we fail? We have the King of kings on our side!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">* from <i>The Light and the Glory 1492-1793</i>, by Peter Marshall and David Manuel, 1977, 2009<br /><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-3063573445793734742021-09-27T10:09:00.006-05:002021-10-06T10:36:33.364-05:00"I Look to the Mountains"<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Dear Reader, I wrote the following last 14 December 2020 but didn't post it. I will follow up in the next few days with my thoughts from no</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">w, 10</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> months later.</span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dear Reader, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My heart is filled with joy and anticipation! So much so, I could burst if it weren't all safely contained in this body. What a wonderful time to be alive! What amazing things will I see or hear today?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">You may be sitting in your easy chair or at your desk, or somewhere else wondering what's so good about today? If you live in Central Texas like me you may be chilly and looking up at the dreary, cloudy sky feeling as forlorn as the woodsy animals must who are also cold, and gathering what food they can for their winter meals. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">What in the world is so good about today? There is an evil in the world that has taken over the airwaves and it seems all that is seen or heard is that covid won't go away for a long, long, time. People are getting sick, and some are dying. Businesses all around the world have closed, churches on all four corners of the earth are not fellowshipping because our governments are telling us we will be fined if we dare to try to feed our families, with grain or with Spirit. Here in the States our First Amendment rights have been taken away. We are not allowed to share our thoughts, and our freedom of speech, because tech giants are shutting the cyberspace down if we are not in agreement with them. Our freedom of religion has been taken away because 'experts' think that gathering together to worship our God will cause a super-spreader event. Of course, these 'experts' and government officials are surely not people who know or care to know the God of the universe. They just want control. If you'd like to steal, kill, or destroy (gee, isn't that exactly what the Bible says the devil comes for?) that's okay. Hundreds can gather to beat up old people or people whose apparel may not be to your liking. They can, and are encouraged by those in government office to do so. "Resist" they shout, inciting riots. I am amazed at the disrespect to the office of the President of the United States. Other elected officials forget that there is decorum and it is an honor to serve the country, its people, and the Constitution. Many of them have forgotten that we are <u>not </u>a socialist or communist nation. We founded this country on godly values. We are different from every other country because we kept God in our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, and our Declaration of Independence.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Then of course there is an election going on here in the United States. It's quite the spectacle, really. The <i>media </i>has declared the winner! The <i>media</i>! Not the states, but the media! This is all just too much to take for so many people here in the States. I know that there are similar problems all around the world. And yet, with all this, my heart is filled with joy and great anticipation. Why? Let me tell you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So many people have fallen for the blatant lies and deception that fill our eyes and ears all day long. So many are putting all their faith in the Supreme Court, who seems to let them down with every decision they make about the election. Many see the end of the greatest nation on earth if the Democrats are declared the winner. Suicides and depression are prevalent all around the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">But even with all this, there is something very important to remember. We generally see with our worldly eyes. We see the pain, the sorrow, the anger, and the hatred. We have bills to pay but no income to do that. Our children aren't allowed in schools in many places. We hear the shouts and disgusting comments being made by the media and elected officials. We easily fall into the trap of feeling helpless, and even worse, hopeless. But we must remember, even though sometimes we may feel that even God has given up on the USA because our sins are so great, He would never give up on us. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us. In our greatest times of trouble, what does He do? He saves if we call Him. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus as he was miraculously walking on the water, he saw the world, the waves, the impossibility of what he was doing. He saw through world-filled eyes, not Spirit-filled eyes. He lost sight of his Savior for even just a moment, and began the descent back into the dark waters of the earth. But he had the wherewithal to cry out, "Save me!" and a holy hand reached down and grabbed his and pulled him back up onto the surface of the sea. I'm sure Jesus put His arm around Peter and comforted him as they continued to walk on the water. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is exactly where so many of us, all around the world are. We have been traumatized by the constant bad news that is spewed at us all day long. We hear it at home, in the store waiting on line. It's everywhere. All bad and getting worse. My friends, just turn it off. The enemy always uses a megaphone, and our Savior speaks softly. President Trump or Joe Biden can't save this country from itself. The Supreme Court can't make it all better. We have forgotten that the Almighty is the one who raises kings and brings them down, not our votes. We have forgotten that Jesus carries the government on His shoulders, we don't. We are asked, "What can man do to me?" I guess quite a bit, but only Jesus can give us eternal life. Which will it be, go along with the mainstream even if it is against everything you believe in, or turn your eyes to the only One who can make it right?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I believe it is time to start looking with spiritual eyes and listen with spiritual ears. You won't want to miss what our Lord is saying in these times!</span></p>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-8411559163983423102021-09-22T10:00:00.000-05:002021-09-22T10:00:02.489-05:00Psalm 20 (TPT)<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Song of Trust</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(For the end times,
by King David)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></o:p><i style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“In your day of danger may the Lord answer and deliver you.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">May the name of the God of Jacob set you safely on high!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">May supernatural help be sent from his sanctuary.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">May he support you from Zion’s fortress!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">May he remember every gift you have given him</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and celebrate every sacrifice of love you have shown him.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: right;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pause in his presence</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“May God give you
every desire of your heart<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and carry out your
every plan as you go to battle.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When you succeed, we
will celebrate and shout for joy.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Flags will fly when
victory is yours!<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yes, God will answer
your prayers and we will praise him!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <br /></span></o:p></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“I know God gives me
all that I ask for and brings victory<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">to his anointed king.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My deliverance cry
will be heard in his holy heaven.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">By his mighty hand
miracles will manifest through his saving strength.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Some find their
strength in their weapons and wisdom,<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">but my miracle
deliverance can never be won by men.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <br /></span></o:p></i><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“Our boast is in the
Lord our God,<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">who makes us strong
and gives us victory!<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Our enemies will not
prevail; they will only collapse<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and perish in defeat
while we will rise up, full of courage.<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Give victory to our
king, O God!<br /></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The day we call on
you, give us your answer!”<br /></span></i><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dear Reader, like King David, we must keep in mind that our victory is in the Lord. He is fighting for us. When it all seems lost, remember, for those that have asked Jesus to be the Lord of their life, and recognize His death for us and His resurrection, there is beauty to even the worst ending. We will join Him in heaven and spend eternity with Him. But even while we are here on earth, we can feel Him, we can talk to Him, and we can cry to Him. When it all seems futile and lost, instead of giving in to the depression or anger, lift your eyes to heaven. Do you know that the Creator of everything in the universe is watching over you with so much love in His heart we can't even comprehend a speck of it? Yes, He really is! And He doesn't just sit on a really big throne throwing lightning bolts around; oh no, He is walking with you. He goes into battle with you. He will never, ever, not be there for you. There will be times when you may feel that way, believe me, I know, but just because it feels that way doesn't make it true. </span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's very easy right now to be afraid of our future when all around us we are losing our freedom and constitutional rights. But the evil that exists in high places will be brought down, and the righteous shall rise! There is much to look forward to, so keep your eyes open and see what God does. He is exposing the vile lies every day and calling out the wicked. He will not leave nor forsake His children. He is bringing the truth out, and the enemy (Satan) doesn't like it one bit. </span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;">When it feels you just can't take it anymore, start praising God! Sing! Find a Christian song and sing along with it. When you are praising God you can't think about anything else. You actually forget yourself, which a moment ago was the most important thing. When we praise and worship our God, we humble ourselves and keep ourselves submissive to Him. That's where the beauty is. That's where the healing is. That's where hope has been hiding. Come back to Jesus, accept that He is in charge of it all, and His outcome is much different than what the wicked ones are trying to make happen. </span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></o:p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tell Him thank You and that you love Him. It will make you feel better and it will make Him happy too. He loves to hear from us. <br /></span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></div></div>
Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-53790182856015833212021-09-21T07:00:00.003-05:002021-09-21T07:03:59.950-05:00Psalm 12 (TPT)<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b> Song For The New Day</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Help, Lord! Save us! For godly ones are swiftly disappearing.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Where are the dependable, principled ones?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">They're a vanishing breed!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Everyone lies, everyone flatters, and everyone deceives.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Nothing but empty talk, smooth talk, and double-talk.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Where are the truthful?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">"I know the Lord will not deal gently with people like that!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">You will destroy every proud liar who says, "We lie all we want.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Our words are our weapons, and we won't be held accountable.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Who can stop us?"</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">May the Lord cut off their twisted tongues and seal their lying lips.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">May they all be silenced--those who boast and brag with their </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">high-minded talk doing whatever they want.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">"But the Lord says, "Now I will arise! </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will defend the poor, those who were plundered, oppressed, </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">and the needy who groan for help.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will arise to rescue and protect them!"</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">"For every word God speaks is sure and every promise pure.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">His truth is tested, found to be flawless, and ever faithful.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's as pure as silver refined seven times in a crucible of clay.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Lord, you will keep us forever safe, out of the reach of the wicked.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Even though they strut and prowl, tolerating and celebrating</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">what is worthless and vile, </span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">you will still lift up those who are yours!"</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dear Reader, in times such as these here in the United States, we must be steadfast and sure in our knowledge of God's love. The wicked will not win, Jesus already has. Let not your heart be troubled, keep it fixed on Jesus, for the peace you need is found in Him. Don't camp in the news of the world, the wicked are sure that their rules will prevail, but they forget Who can change any outcome in the blink of an eye. The wicked will soon be gone, and there will be freedom and joy throughout this great land. Keep praying, keep hoping, and keep believing! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"If God is for us, who can be against us?"</i> (Romans 8:31 NKJV)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-74121864234466077202021-09-09T08:30:00.013-05:002021-09-09T08:30:00.178-05:00Thoughts from Last Year (The Beginning of the Chaos)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dear Reader, looking back on last year's writings, I found the following. A lot of what was true then is still true today, in that chaos and fear have found a place in these great United States.<br /><br />Amid the fear and hysteria the media has globally caused, there is still peace and calm among those who see with spiritual eyes. Fear begets fear, so people are buying the stores out of necessities, not for a moment concerned about their neighbors or friends. It is a frenzy that is not helping matters. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">The devil loves to create chaos and rule with fear and worry. So many have fallen for the lie that if we don't buy everything now we will either starve or apparently die of germs. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"Day by day the Lord watches the good deeds of the godly and He prepares for them His forever-reward. Even in a time of disaster He will watch over them, and they will always have more than enough no matter what happens." (Psalm 37: 18-19 TPT, A Song of Wisdom)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Don't be afraid. Don't worry about tomorrow, <i>"for tomorrow will worry about its own things." (Matthew 6:34 NKJV).</i> Start believing in miracles again! Look for them everywhere! Take notice of how much your pantry actually holds. What haven't you used that's sitting on the shelf? Find a new recipe for those noodles. Heat up that soup. Look through your freezer and find a forgotten meal. Discover the goodness of God! He won't forsake you. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In Matthew 6:26, Jesus said, <i>"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"</i> Of course you are! You were made in <u>His</u> image! He loves you. He will sustain you. The stores will restock. Don't allow desperation to determine your life; instead, <i>"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Let God be God. Let Him take care of you today. He waits for you to release all these fears, worries, and despair into His care. He has already paid for your salvation with His life. Why would He fail you now? He wouldn't! <i>"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:6)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Go about your day trusting in God. He said He would protect you. He has given His angels charge over us, to keep us safe. Don't fight Him. Release it all, praise His holy name, and go forward with your day. Share what necessities you have with someone less fortunate. It truly <i>is</i> better to give than to receive. Count your blessings! I am praying for you.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">16 March 2020</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-59269395468603728072021-09-08T11:00:00.002-05:002021-09-08T11:00:00.191-05:00Psalm 23:2<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <i>"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters." </i></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Once again David extols God's virtues of protection, concern, and nurturing. When our lives are in turmoil, as so many are today, we may tend to get overwhelmed while feeling we have no control of our own lives anymore. We feel lied to, heartbroken, confused, and afraid. Evil is showing its ugly face everywhere we look these days. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We must remember what verse 1 told you--the <i>LORD </i>is your Shepherd and you shall not want for anything. He has taken care of you since you were conceived, and He promised to never leave nor forsake you. We, ourselves must listen to His voice and do as He says. He sees the end of these problems in our lives when we can't. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">His love for us is so immense, so pure, so real, so tangible in fact, that we can feel Him if just let Him touch us. When we feel overwhelmed, we need to take a break and be still. Close our eyes, take a few deep breaths, inhale, exhale, be calm. Imagine walking with Jesus, you are on a meadow so green and beautiful. The air is clean and crisp, but not cold. He tells you a story as you walk and smiles as you see yourself in it. You stop where you can see the lake not far from you. It is so clean, so calm, there are butterflies all around the meadow flowers, and fish are jumping in the lake. The tall grasses bend slightly in the breeze and you take great pleasure in the company you are with. Here is your Shepherd, your Caretaker, your Confidant, your very life itself sitting with you and telling you stories of how much He loves you. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The peace that overtakes you once again is welcomed by your heart, body, and soul. You relax completely and feel the worries of the world drift away. As long as you stay in the presence of the Lord, the enemy cannot touch you. What he does is of no consequence at the moment because you know in your heart that God has saved you many times from many things, and He isn't about to stop now. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We may not have control over everything in our lives, but we do have control to choose how we respond to the world around us. We choose to sit and worry until we die, or to glorify God by telling someone else what He has done for us, and remind them that He is still on the throne of grace. When we are in that peace that surpasses all understanding, no devil can break in. When you are fixed on the Lord, nothing else matters, because He is the Answer to all your troubles. And remember the Holy Spirit that resides in us who are saved, He is always guiding and counseling us. We have to choose. Do we live for God or for the world? Personally, I like the meadow and still waters. Peace, perfect peace. It really <i>is </i>heaven on earth! What about you? Are you ready to 'let go and let God?' </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-63714149713542502492021-09-06T10:00:00.002-05:002021-09-07T09:25:06.466-05:00The Lord is the Shepherd of His People<div><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want;" Psalm 23:1 A Psalm of David</span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: georgia;">David calls God his 'Shepherd.' This must be said with such trust and love; after all, David himself was a shepherd. He tended his father's flock from a young age, even going back and forth from playing the harp for King Saul during his periods of insanity to feeding the flock. When King Saul was overcome with a distressing spirit, one of his servants approached him and said, <i>"Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlahemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the Lord is with him"</i>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">David knew how to be a good shepherd. The youngest of eight brothers, it was his job to do so. Even at a young age he was defending the flock against wild animals and the sheep's wanderings. He killed both lion and bear and rescued his father's sheep. But only with God's help. He may have been wounded while fighting these wild animals, but God had His eye on him and His hand of protection over him.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Knowing very well the dangers and responsibilities of being a shepherd, David refers to God in this first verse of Psalm 23 as his Shepherd. He understands and takes comfort in knowing that there is nothing he should be in want of. His Shepherd knows his needs.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Our Holy Shepherd, Jesus, is that way as well. He was and is our Shepherd and we are His flock. He gladly puts Himself between us and the enemy. He protects us, even though He knew His blood would be shed. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">He makes sure that our needs are met. He keeps us as a flock together, He guides the one who loses their hope or faith back to the 99 who will walk and gather together with Him. We are fed and watered divinely through Him and His word. We should want for nothing else, what else is there that could possibly compare to eternal love? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">David adored God and God said that David was "the apple of My eye." They had an understanding and a deep love for one another. David always came to God first through good and bad times. We should too. From David's mouth and from mine, I humbly declare, <i>"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Have a blessed day, tomorrow we'll look at verse 2.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-13342043434847361772021-09-04T10:32:00.001-05:002021-09-04T10:32:26.461-05:00Forgiven<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: center;">Psalm 32 TPT</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">(A poem of insight and instruction, by King David*)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"How happy and fulfilled are those whose rebellion has been forgiven, <br /></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>those whose sins are covered by blood. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>How blessed and relieved are those who have confessed their corruption to God!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>For he wipes their slates clean and removes hypocrisy from their hearts.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Before I confessed my sins, I kept it all inside;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>my dishonesty devastated my inner life, causing my life to be filled with frustration, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>irrepressible anguish, and misery.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>The pain never let up, for your hand of conviction was heavy on my heart.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>My strength was sapped, my inner life dried up like a spiritual drought within my soul. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">Pause in his presence </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">"Then I finally admitted to you all my sins, refusing to hide them any longer.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">I said, "My life-giving God, I will openly acknowledge my evil actions."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">And you forgave me! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">All at once the guilt of my sin washed away and all my pain disappeared!</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">Pause in his presence </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"This is what I've learned through it all: All believers should confess their sins to God;</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>do it every time God has uncovered you in the time of exposing.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>For if you do this, when sudden storms of life overwhelm, you'll be kept safe.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Lord, you are my secret hiding place, protecting me from these troubles,</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>surrounding me with songs of gladness!</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Your joyous shouts of rescue release my breakthrough.</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">Pause in his presence </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">"I hear the Lord saying, "I will stay close to you, instructing </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">and guiding you along t</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;">he pathway for your life.</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>So don't make it difficult; don't be stubborn when I take you where </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>you've never been before. </i></span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Don't make me tug you and pull you along. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">Just come with me!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">"So my conclusion is this:</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">Many are the sorrows and frustrations of those who don't come clean with God.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">But when you trust in the Lord for forgiveness, </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">his wrap-around love will surround you.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">So celebrate the goodness of God! He shows this kindness to everyone who is his.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">Go ahead--shout for joy, all you upright ones who want to please him."</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">* From the footnotes in the Passion Translation: David wrote this psalm after he seduced the wife of his most loyal soldier, then had him killed to try to keep her pregnancy a secret. This sin with Bathsheba brought great disgrace to David, yet he finds complete forgiveness in God's mercy. The apostle Paul chose the first two verses of this psalm to support the important doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. This was St. Augustine's favorite psalm. He had it written on the wall near his bed before he died so he could meditate on it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dear Reader, how good is our God! Even with sins the like of what King David was guilty of, once we confess these sins to God in humility, he is merciful and forgiving. There isn't anything you could have done that he will not forgive if you humble yourself and ask, then repent. His grace is overwhelming, and his mercies, which are new every morning, will last forever. If you feel you would like to turn to Jesus, our Savior, the prayer for salvation is just a tab away, up above on the menu. Don't be afraid. Heaven awaits, eternity with our Lord and Father! God bless you today.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p><br /></p>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-49737339759375296242021-09-02T11:18:00.000-05:002021-09-02T11:18:53.360-05:00The Cry of the Oppressed (Psalm 10 TPT)<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"Lord, you seem so far away when evil is near!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Why do you stand so far off as though you don't care?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Why have you hidden yourself when I need you the most?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>The arrogant in their elitist pride persecute the poor and helpless.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>May you pour out upon them the very evil they've planned against others!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>How they brag and boast of their cravings, exalting the greedy.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>They congratulate themselves as they despise you.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>These arrogant ones, so smug and secure!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>In their delusion the wicked boast, saying, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"God doesn't care about what we do. There's nothing to worry about!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Our wealth will last a lifetime."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"So seemingly successful are they in their schemes,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>prosperous in all their plans and scoffing at any restraint.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>They boast that neither God nor men will bring them down.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>They sneer at all their enemies, saying in their hearts,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"We'll have success in all we do and never have to face trouble"--</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>never realizing that they are speaking this in vain.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Their mouths spout out cursing, lies, and threats.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Only trouble and turmoil come from all their plans.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"beasts lurking in the shadows of the city</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>they crouch silently in ambush for the people to pass by.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Pouncing on the poor, they catch them in their snare</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>to murder their prey in secret as they plunder their helpless victims.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>They crush the lowly as they fall beneath their brutal blows,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>watching their victims collapse in defeat!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Then they say to themselves, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"The Lofty One is not watching while we do this.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>He doesn't even care! We can get away with it!"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"Now is the time to rise, Lord! Crush them once and for all!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Don't forget the forgotten and the helpless.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>How dare the wicked think they'll escape judgment, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>believing that you would not call them to account for all their ways.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Don't let the wicked get away with their contempt of you!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Lord, I know you see all that they're doing, noting their each and every deed.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>You know the trouble and turmoil they've caused.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Now punish them thoroughly for all that they've done!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>"The poor and helpless ones trust in you, Lord,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>for you are famous for being the helper of the fatherless.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>I know you won't let them down.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Break the power of the wicked and all their strong-arm tactics.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Search them out and destroy them for the evil things they've done.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>You, Lord, are King forever and ever!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>You will see to it that all the nations perish from your land.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Lord, you know and understand all the hopes of the humble</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>and will hear their cries and comfort their heart, helping them all!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>The orphans and the oppressed will be terrified no longer,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>for you will bring them justice, and no one will trouble them."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dear Reader, no matter what you are going through today, you must remember that there is Someone who is looking out for you, even if you can't feel it. There is Someone who loves you enough to have died for you, and would have if you were the only person on the earth. His name is Jesus. Be encouraged!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-11319008275431539572020-11-22T09:41:00.008-06:002021-09-04T10:39:27.119-05:00A Thanksgiving Prayer<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">My Lord,</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I love You! I have been getting so encouraged reading the words of the prophets you have sent out through my morning devotion Give Him 15. Thank You so much for bringing it to my attention! Thank you for the word of truth I receive each week from my pastor. Thank You for the prophets of old and new and the pray-ers. Thank You for directing so many toward the truth! Let them be made free!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The time is coming quickly when You will come forth and right the wrongs that have been done in this country and in the world. It is almost here! The evil that has perpetrated this nation for decades is about to know defeat at the hand of Almighty God! The enemy forgot the end of the story. He forgot that YOU have already won!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I wait with a trusting and hopeful heart for what You will do. You are stirring up hearts everywhere, and You are shaking the nations. I know that this year will end much differently than it began. Those in places of influence and government and those who finance them and their evil will be fully exposed like a grotesquely putrefied naked man in the middle of Times Square at high noon. People will try to look away but their eyes will see the truth that You are making visible. All the blinders will come off! Evil will be seen clearly for what it is.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am excited to see and hear all that You will do. I try to think of ways that You may do what You're going to do, but You have reminded me that Your ways are not my ways, and Your thoughts are much higher than mine. So I have to 'be still and know that You are God and You <u>will</u> be exalted among the nations, and You <u>will</u> be exalted in the earth!*' Oh hallelujah!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I believe the blind will see and the deaf will have their ears opened - finally - to the truth. I believe there will be a multitude that will come to You, there will be a multitude begging Your forgiveness. There will be repentance like we've never known. Repentance for regrets of wrongdoing and tears of joy shed all over the world, but I pray that here in the blessed United States of America it will change the world and how they see Your amazing glory! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Oh God, my God, let Your glory come forth! Bring peace, bring love, bring forgiveness and bring forth from us a burning desire to know and please You! Bring truth and light up the world with Your presence!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You make my heart so filled with joy! Let 2020 be remembered as the Year of the Lord! The year evil in this world was slain. The year You showed us Your glory and honor and splendor! The year You did something new and awesome! Change the history books, drain then purify the swamp! Let Your glory fill the earth! We are waiting and watching. Let no man even try to take credit for what You do. Make that impossible. I know it already is, but there are those who will try.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Thank You! Thank You for loving us! Let this Thanksgiving be a day of grace and mercy as we come humbly before You in awe and love. Let us celebrate YOU! Wow. I love You!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">*Psalm 46:10</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-59901662445783336432020-10-25T13:59:00.000-05:002020-10-25T13:59:41.105-05:00How Do You Receive God's Love?<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">What does it take to
receive God’s love? Do you have to always be on your best behavior? Do you have
to be sin-free? Do you have to give to charities and go to church? Have as many
children as possible to help the church grow?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: .5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">No! None of these
things will make God love you any more than He already does! Divine love knows
no limits, and no contingencies. It’s pure and true and real.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: .5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The ultimate love
you can ever receive is the immeasurable love you already have from God. We can’t
even make Him love us less. He is all forgiving and all understanding, and best
of all, all loving. Isn’t that reason to rejoice?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: .5in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“For God so loved
the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish but have everlasting life.”</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">John 3:16 NKJV</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></p>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-29488178604830408492020-10-06T10:54:00.000-05:002020-10-06T10:54:23.207-05:00Who Are You?<p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">"Brothers and Sisters, consider who you were when God called you to salvation. Not many of you were wise scholars by human standards, nor were many of you in positions of power. Not many of you were considered the elite when you answered God's call. But God chose those whom the world considers foolish to shame those whom think they are wise, and God chose the puny and powerless to shame the high and mighty. He chose the lowly, the laughable in the world's eyes - nobodies - so that he would shame the somebodies. For he chose what is regarded as insignificant in order to supersede what is regarded as prominent so that there would be no place for prideful boasting in God's presence. For it is not from man that we draw our life but from God as we are being joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. And now he is our God-given wisdom, our virtue, our holiness, and our redemption. And this fulfills what is written: </span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>If anyone boasts, let him only boast in all that the Lord has done." 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 TPT</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Who do <u>you</u> say you are? </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> I was a nothing; a nobody. Not born of wealth or fame, but ordinary in the world's eyes. I was not to be 'discovered' by man for my beauty or my intelligence or for my abilities. To the world I have nothing to offer, I'm not even a face in a crowd.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>But to God! I am beautiful, in need of nothing the world can give. I am wise and have great talent. And I can tell the world about the King of kings, my Jesus. And he can pick me out of a multitude of thousands in the blink of an eye. I am the righteousness of God in Christ. He has given me salvation, and redeemed me from the sins of my past. He carved out a path for me before He made the heavens and earth with His words. I have all I will ever need to spread the good news. My power and influence come from Him, as do my strength and my faith. I am His, not of this world. And dear Reader, so are you if you have chosen Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. *</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Leave the old, fail-filled life behind and see with a clear mirror the image of the King whose reflection is cast before you. It is not I, but because of Him that I may be privileged to touch a heart and spread the word that you <u>are</u> valuable! You <u>are</u> thought of highly! You <u>are</u> able! You <u>are</u> loved! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In these unprecedented times it is easy to get so worn down that we forget the truth, and that is the fact that Jesus died so we may live. He suffered already, so we don't have to. He has defeated death so we have eternity with Him! Be still and know that He is God, and even though He is the Creator of every single thing that was made, <u>you</u> are His masterpiece! His love for you is more vast than the east is from the west; it is more powerful than we can imagine, and best yet, it is relentless. He doesn't turn His feelings for you off and on because you may have slipped up. He doesn't walk out of your life because He got tired of you. He never thinks of separating Himself from you. You are His! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I pray that your day is a day filled with wonder about how very important you are to the only One who matters. Enjoy some time with Him. He's never too busy. May your discoveries bring you ever closer! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">* If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior yet but want to, please see my (link above for the Sinner's Prayer of Salvation. And if you pray that prayer for the first time, and believe the words, please let me know so I may welcome you into the family! God bless you!</span></p>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-82828072730754745612020-06-02T13:27:00.001-05:002020-06-02T13:27:59.267-05:00Walking in the Light<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, 'Awake O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.'" Ephesians 5:14</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first sentence struck me this morning. As is so often with God's word, it is filled with truth and is as plain as the nose on my face. It is the kind of sentence, that when reading the Bible, I don't even stop to think about it. Something said in such obvious truth gives no cause to dispute it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If something is in the dark, like a shoe somewhere it doesn't belong, and I get up to investigate a noise and walk into it, it startles me, and causes me to lose my footing. I may trip and fall and hurt myself. There are two ways to avoid this. The first is to of course put my shoes away so this doesn't happen again, or turn on my tiny LED flashlight as soon as I slip my feet into my slippers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once I have added the smallest amount of light necessary to not wake up my sleeping husband, everything is exposed that once lay hidden by the darkness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The enemy lives this way. Just thriving in the darkness waiting to trip us up. He chooses to place himself dead center on the path we know as familiar in the light. Once we trip and fall, he has us. At least until we are able to find a light switch or to wait for the arrival of some godly help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we must never take our path for granted. There are those who would take great pleasure in making us believe that we should take a different way. Rest assured, our path is ordained by the Great Mapmaker Himself. So don't let go of the fact that the simple truth is--keep the light shining. Walk your path in righteousness and shine God's light before you. In this way, you will protect yourself, and you will also expose what's hidden to those who have also been trapped. The Word of God is and will always be our best defense!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." Matthew 4:4</span><br />
<br />Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-31510110563333555762020-05-26T23:30:00.000-05:002020-05-26T23:30:00.891-05:00Walking in Victory<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A while back a friend asked me, "What does it mean to walk in victory? What does it look like?" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV) says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ."</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What God showed me what that victory can only come <i>after </i>a battle. A person crippled, legs broken and weak. He is at physical therapy. Jesus is holding him up with an arm around him and His hand on his arm. They are at the parallel bars used to aid someone walking. Jesus is also at the other end, cheering and clapping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Victory is achieved one step at a time, but with growing strength, by walking in faith and hope, and relying on God to support us. We will make it to the end where we will meet Him at the finish line. He is with us and before us, He makes the way straight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We wouldn't be able to walk outside of the bars, we need to remain in the boundary of their safety (walk on our own path). Look ahead at the delight in Jesus' eyes! Don't look down at your feet, go forward...one step at a time. Soon enough the braces will come off and we will run again in victory. How glorious to know that Jesus Himself walks every step with us. Have you thanked Him lately?</span>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-7106727781285200662020-05-26T09:15:00.000-05:002020-05-26T09:15:31.326-05:00Don't Worry<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are living in times like no others. There are people talking about what they believe the truth behind this pandemic is, how our rights have been taken away, how this is just a dress rehearsal for what is to come, and many other theories. I am not here to add to any of these things. They may be true, they may not be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am here simply to declare that no matter what happens, today or in the future, we must remember that God is still in charge. He watches, He gets angry, He is the One who raises up kings and brings them down. These things will never change. The Bible is filled with stories of God's love and about His wrath. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; and nothing, absolutely nothing, gets by unnoticed by Him. He is just and true. Since the beginning of time men have tried to take over the world. It has never happened, and it won't. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't give in to fear, no matter what you hear. The devil is getting louder and louder these days because he knows his time is short. When he fills our heads with disaster that causes worry, we take our minds off God and place it on the current situation. And believe me, God is right in the middle of this current situation. Who else could have shut down every nation on earth at the same time? Perhaps to get our attention? What Satan means for evil, God will use for good. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Genesis 50:20 NKJV) Remember, the devil doesn't have the power that God has, and he still has to bow to the name of Jesus. I am of the belief that this year, here in the land of the living, we will witness with our physical and spiritual eyes the glory of God. We are a chosen generation, and I believe that when this happens it will change the world and so very many will come to Him, either for the first time or return after an absence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember, Jesus died for us, those of us that are born again and those who have yet to make that decision. If you want to know where you will go when you die, just give your life to Him. The Prayer tab above will take you to the Prayer of Salvation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is the keeper of the Book of Life. Is your name in it?</span>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-38761023680544145592020-05-13T14:44:00.001-05:002020-05-13T14:49:52.547-05:00Things I Learned from Reading the Story of Noah<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many times when I read the Bible I get out my commentaries and learn even more. Such is the case of the story of Noah. I used the Matthew Henry Commentary. These are my thoughts interchanged with his, based on the biblical account.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah was a descendant of Seth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He was very old when God called him to build the Ark. He was 600 years old when the flood began.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah needed to apply pitch on the outside to keep off the rain and seal the boat, and on the </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">inside</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to take away the bad smell of the animals when kept near to each other. (God thinks of our comfort because He cares for us. What a good, kind, and sweet God we serve.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God told Noah to "come into the ark", not to 'go' into it. Not all versions use the word 'come,' however. The reason to 'come' implies that God would go with Noah and his family. God would lead Noah into the ark, travel with him, and bring him safely out of it. This changed the ark from being Noah's prison to not only a refuge, but a palace. This call to Noah was a type of the call which the Gospel gives to humble sinners.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All the animals and birds were under Noah's power and his protection. What a great task--to be responsible for the future re-population of the earth!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The sky was probably lovely with no sign of what was to come when Noah and his family entered the boat seven days before the flood began. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah have the people the warning that the flood would come in seven days. If <i>anyone</i> had changed their ways, they would have been able to board.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah had to walk in faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It had never rained before this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God closed the door, keeping Noah safe and disallowing anyone else to get in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It didn't start raining until 7 days after the animals and Noah and his family entered the Ark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The waters became geysers from the earth and met with the rain, which didn't pour in drops, but in streams to flood the earth. We have not seen anything comparable since.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(Matthew Henry note: None of us are destroyed by the justice of God except those who hate to be reformed by the grace of God. (I say, good word!))</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It rained for 40 days and 40 nights without diminishing. The ark floated for quite some time after the rain stopped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the end of 150 days the waters decreased. The ark rested on Mount Ararat in the seventh month on the seventeenth day. The waters continued to decrease until the tenth month. On the first day of the tenth month the tops of the mountains were seen. Forty days later Noah sent out a raven. Then he sent a dove.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The dove returned because there was no place for her to rest. He waited another seven days and sent her out again. She returned with an olive leaf in her mouth. This is how Noah knew the waters had receded from the earth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He waited another seven days and sent the dove out again. This time she did not return. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah was 601 years old when he was able to see dry ground. Almost two months later the earth was dried and God told Noah he and his family could leave the ark. All the animals came out of the ark. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah built an alter to God and offered a burnt offering on it with every clean animal and every clean bird he had with him specifically for this purpose on the ark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah's sacrifice touched God's heart and in His heart he said that He would never again curse the ground for man's sake, nor would He destroy every living thing as He had done. The sign of the covenant God made with the earth was a rainbow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Noah lived another 350 years. So he lived 950 years and then he died.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I hope the story of Noah helps you to see how much God loves His creation. He didn't destroy mankind, He knew of a righteous man, the only one He could find and kept him and his family safe from His judgment. He had them be fruitful and multiply. Noah had a wife and three married sons when they went into the ark. So we all come from Noah's family.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The story of Noah can be found in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, chapters 6 through 9. </span></i><br />
<br />Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-31918799063725342712020-05-09T08:58:00.000-05:002020-05-09T08:59:49.438-05:00Something New to Think About<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once again, please replace <i>Dear Reader</i> with your own name.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dear Reader</i>, how much more of your potential do you think you could reach if you sought the approval of God and no one else?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dear Reader</i>, if you want to live a life of purpose and meaning, maximize the strengths God has given you. Find ways to do more of what you do well, and less of what you don't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God has holy plans for you, <i>dear Reader</i>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dear Reader</i>, what reveals your purpose? The spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences God gave you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God wanted <i>you</i>, <i>dear Reader</i>, alive! Give Him glory!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fear not, <i>dear Reader</i>, for I am with you says the Lord. I will never leave nor forsake you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With faith the size of a mustard seed, you, <i>Dear Reader</i>, can move mountains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God says, For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, <i>dear Reader</i>, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And you will seek me and find me, <i>dear Reader</i>, when you seek me with all your heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-37828277759355571712020-05-05T09:44:00.001-05:002020-05-05T09:56:48.552-05:00An Answered Prayer<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dear Reader,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So many things have changed these last almost two months since the corona virus left China and spread all over the world in a very short time. Our way of doing things and our habits have changed dramatically. It's not that way just for us; however, but for our friends, coworkers, spouses, children, and families. It is affecting almost everyone, and it seems mostly in a very negative way. People are tired of being home and told what to do. Some are so depressed they feel like they have nothing worth living for. They may have lost their job, their best friend, a family member, or their own health. They can't leave an abusive home. They still have bills. They worry. Alot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Warning* This blog post is very long, but I couldn't find a place where I could divide it into two blogs. With all that is going on, we seem to forget the constant in the change. That God really <i>is</i> with us, and He cares deeply. So dear Reader, please read through to the end and see Him in a way that maybe you hadn't before. Look for His glory! And may He bless you beyond your wildest imagination! I wrote this almost three years ago for a ladies Bible Study, but I think it's very applicable today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An Answered Prayer</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Dear Heavenly Father, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I feel so lost today. I feel
like I’m just one of the 7½ billion people living on the earth, unnoticed,
and with no real value. I try so hard, and nobody seems to care. Others get
promoted or get raises and I am still just filling a low position. I got my degree
and really believed that it would help, but so far it doesn’t mean anything. I
try talking to my friends, but it seems like whenever <i>I</i> have a problem, or need some encouragement no one is there.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Father, sometimes I feel
like giving up. When my friend Agnes died it hurt so much I thought my heart
would wither up and die too. I miss her so much, and I feel so lonely. She
always made me feel like I was special. I don’t understand why she had to die. She
was a good person, You <i>know </i>that! We prayed and we believed, but still she died.
Why did you have to take her?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lord, my faith is diminishing.
Actually, I think it’s gone. Are You even there? Why don’t You answer me? Please
help my unbelief! I don’t know what it is that You want me to do in this world,
but more and more I feel like a failure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And look at this place! The
world is horrible! The crime and the terrorism and the human trafficking! There
are people crashing into people with trucks and cars! I’m afraid to let Angie
and Burt go to concerts anymore! Everywhere you look on TV or in the papers
there are awful things going on. I’m afraid I’ll get beaten up because I’m in
the wrong place at the wrong time or because of what I wear! I’m afraid to get
in my car anymore and be driving down the road when someone texting comes over
the line at 60 and crashes into me head-on. Oh God, I know You fill the earth
with Your glory, but I just don’t <i>see</i>
it anymore! What is happening to me?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Please, Father, help me! I don’t
even know who I am anymore. I feel so alone and so lonely! Nobody cares about
me. My whole life I was neglected and bullied and passed over. My life is a
sham. I’m not pretty, I’m not smart, I’m not special to anyone, and I’m not
happy. I don’t even remember what that feels like anymore, God. Sometimes I
just want to die. What is it you want from me? Please help me!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Haven’t we all at some time
in our life felt that way? I know I have. But what does </span><i style="font-size: 13pt;">God</i><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> have to say? If you can relate to anything in this prayer, this
message is for you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"My Darling Child,</span></i></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I want you to listen to Me. Stop
all the noise for a few minutes and just relax. I am right here. Be still and
listen with your heart’s ears; there’s much I want you to hear. I love you. I
love you more than you could possibly imagine, with a love so deep there is no
way to measure it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I want you to know that I
hear each prayer you’ve ever prayed. You must believe that with everything you
are. That, my child is faith, and right now yours is under assault. I have
never closed my heart to your prayers. Whatever you ask for in prayer, just
believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. When it doesn’t look
like anything is changing, when all is lost, you must believe the opposite, because that is what is true. Faith as small as a mustard seed can move
mountains, you know. But the thing is this, you can’t waver. So whatever you
do, don’t doubt! When you do, you become like a wave on the ocean, tossed and
blown by the wind with no stability. It takes diligence, and you must know with
all your heart, mind, body and soul, with every fiber of your being, that I
will do what I said I would.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be confident in what you hope
for, and be assured about what you don’t see. Trust Me, dear one, trust Me, and
as you do, I will fill you with such joy and peace that you may overflow with
hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. My peace surpasses all understanding, and
I left it within you. Wear it as a cloak around your weary shoulders. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And remember, if you don’t
have faith you can’t please Me. Don’t you know that anyone who comes to Me must believe that I exist, and that I
reward those who seek me with all their heart? <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have never left you, not
for one moment from when I first thought of you before I even formed the earth.
I saw you and I loved you, and I knew the time when I would bring you to this
earth to carry out the plan I have for you. I am with you, my child, every minute of each day. I will not leave nor forsake you! <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let me tell you a little
about Myself. Maybe you’ve forgotten in your despair just Who it is that you call
out to. Don’t cry, my beloved, all is well. Just close your eyes and listen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am the Sovereign Lord, the
Most High God, El Shaddai, Adonai. I am Jehovah, Yahweh, God Almighty, King of
kings, and Prince of Peace. I am the Rose of Sharon, the Bright Morning Star, the
Alpha and the Omega, the Ancient of Days. I am the Author of Life, the
Beginning and the End, the Bread of Life, the Creator; I am the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. I am the God of Truth, the One and Only. I am Abba,
Jesus, and Friend. I am Love. I AM.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I speak, things happen. I
have power over death, and no one can challenge what I do. My child, My power
to create all things from nothing is beyond what man can comprehend. Sure, some
try to explain things off ‘scientifically’ by saying that two rocks happened to
bump into each other and the fragments formed all the stars and planets. Science
says that you, my beautiful daughter, evolved from an amoeba, then a shrimp, a
fish, and a monkey. These theories are lies that some of my children believe. The
perpetrators of those lies, those who have taken my children away from the
truth will suffer greatly in the end times if they don’t confess and repent. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am ever-present. I am
always with you. My servant David put it this way, “Where can I go from Your
Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are
there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of
the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will
guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness
will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not
be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to
You.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My beloved, you should take
comfort in knowing that I watch with care over everything you do. There is
nothing too big that I can’t fix, and nothing too small that it escapes Me. I
know everything. I determine the course of world events; I remove kings and set
others on the throne. I give wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I remind my children constantly
that I am with them, but they go on their way never stopping to realize they
are alive, clothed, housed, and fed. They forget to notice the beauty around
them. I don’t bring the sun up with a glorious sunrise and then go away until
evening when it sets! Everything I
create has a part of me in it. I am the cobalt blue in the sky, and the breeze
in your hair. I am the ripple on the water, and the flower whose fragrance
gathers your attention. I am the bark on the mighty oak tree shielding it from
the battering elements. I am the sand beneath your toes on a warm beach, and I
am each snowflake that glides down from the heavens. I am a sweet drizzle and a
ferocious hurricane. I am a whisper on the wind and the howling gales. I am
your smile because your heart is happy. I am each tear you shed. They are so
precious to me that I collect them and keep them in a jar.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am the cloud that gives you
relief on that hot summer day. I am that little puppy that melts your heart. I
am that rock outcropping where you can rest on your climb. I am the roar of the
ocean’s waves. I am the mountain you moved close to so you could enjoy its
beauty and majesty. I am the cool stream and the deep ocean. I am the sun and
the moon, and the stars. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s all part of My design. All
that I created is from a part of Me, and it’s no different with you. I am in you. But my purpose of being in you is
even greater than the beauty you see around you. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am
always within you, holding you tight with My Holy Spirit. I promised I would
never leave nor forsake you. I keep My promises, every last one of them. I
wouldn’t want to leave you, you are
valuable to Me and I want to protect you. So, I am not just sitting beside you
when you are on death’s door, no, I am walking each step with you, dreaming
each dream, resting, running, jumping, climbing, all of it. I am even in the
gym with you!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love
you. Nothing can separate you from My love. Does it mean that I will stop
loving you if you have troubles or trials or are persecuted? Will I stop loving
you when you are hungry or cold, in danger, or threatened with death? No! NOTHING
can ever separate you from Me! Death can’t and neither can life. The angels
can’t, and neither can the demons. The things you worry about today and
tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep My love for you away from My
love. Nothing so high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all
creation will ever be able to separate you from the love I have for you. I
revealed that love to you through My Son, Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
enjoy being beside you, before you, behind you, above you, and within you. There are times
you expect instant gratification in answer to your prayers. Some will have
testimonies of instant rewards, yes. But don’t be concerned with other people’s
business. You don’t know their situations or circumstances, their heart, or how
Mine works. If you envy other’s prayers being answered, where is your heart? Be
patient My darling. Pray for your heart to be changed. Pray for more of Me. Pray
fervently and don’t lose hope. Then wait and see what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No one
else has the same physical attributes I gave you. It hurts me that you don’t
think you’re pretty. I do! I think
you’re more beautiful than you can imagine. I made you to look like Me, and I’m
absolutely beautiful. Nothing
compares to Me. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I
made you I took such care. I didn’t wave my hand and order another girl. No, I
spoke you! I knew your face and your name
before the earth was formed! I took special care with everything that makes
you, you. While you were in your mother’s womb, I was in there with you. Each
day I told you how much I loved you. I told your little heart to beat and how
many beats each minute. I told your eyes to be green, and your hair to be brown.
I told your legs how much to grow each day, and I told you how tall you would
be. I breathed into your lungs just the right amount of air, and I delicately
formed the inner workings of your ears. I gave you your own fingerprints,
retinas, and lip prints. No two are alike, not even in identical twins. I made
you unique, a one of a kind. Just the way I like you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was
My finger that you held when your world was as small as just you and Me. I
whispered the secrets of the universe in your ears, and told you that you were
Mine, now and forever. I gave you unconditional love, and when it was time to
be born, I lovingly guided you out of your mother’s body, and then placed you
into the doctor’s hands.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When
you came into this world, you forgot about Me. You were at first startled and
then curious of all that was going on around you. As you grew, the world became
‘home’ to you. But I never forgot about you, or stopped watching over you with
all the love in My heart. Even as you began to rebel and sin entered your life,
I still held onto your hand, and still caught your tears. When you cried I felt
it, when your heart was broken I held on to you so tight. I brushed your hair
out of your eyes and helped you pass 10th grade. I gave My angels charge over
you so that you would be safe. I told them to minister to you about My goodness
and mercy. I watched over you like a mother hen watches over her chicks and
guarded you under My wing. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When
you came back to me, when your heart could no longer take the emptiness that
was your soul, when you knew deep inside that something was missing in your
life, I jumped out of My throne and threw a celestial party! I danced, and I
sang, and I shouted for joy, because my beloved was finally home! There is nothing
like a celebration in heaven, child, let Me tell you that! Each time you had a
new revelation I smiled. I cried out for joy when you learned to forgive with
all your heart! No, I never left you.
I’ve never left any of my children.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was
there when Agnes died, and all those who have gone before. I walked beside her
each day of her life. As with you, I had a very special relationship with Agnes.
She lived by My Word and spread the Good News to all who would listen. She gave
to the poor, and cared for the needy. She encouraged the downtrodden. She
volunteered at church and after school because she had a servant’s heart. She
did great things for the Kingdom, and she received her reward. She was not
afraid to die to this world; she knew that I had made a house for her. But more
importantly, she knew that to be with Me
for eternity was the greatest reward anyone could have.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The paradox of Me being with
those that are dying and then with them a moment later in heaven is something
none of you will understand while you live on this earth. I am everywhere,
always. I comfort the sick and the dying, and I bring rest to the weary. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They all know I am there at
the end. There is such joy when someone leaves their physical life behind and
becomes new. Yes, it is only in the twinkling of an eye that you all go from
living and breathing to your eternal destiny. I am close by to all, and for
those who believe, it is the reward for the good fight. Their faith has saved
them, and now they are home in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My love, you are living in
fear, and your soul has no peace. <span class="text">You live in a sin-infested
world. Yes, there is crime, and my babies are being murdered, and terrorists
are slaughtering innocent people. Many have prayed to Me to take their lives
and bring them to eternal justice. They have asked me to smite them as King
David had asked for his enemies. Child, there is something you need to
understand. Saul, who later became Paul, was a terrorist too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">His main
concern was to rid the world of Christians. There was terror in my follower’s
eyes as he rode into town. Then I had a little talk with him, and clouded over
his eyes. When three days had passed I sent my servant Ananias to meet with him.
I told Ananias to g</span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">o,
because Saul is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings,
and the children of Israel. I told him that I would show Saul how many things
he must suffer for My name’s sake. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As difficult
as it was for Ananias, he obeyed and went to where Saul was and laid his hands
on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road
as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the
Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once. He
arose and was baptized. So you see Paul, who was once a terrorist named Saul,
repented and gave his life to Me to spread the Gospel near and far. Paul
suffered but never complained. He knew his reward would be great. Paul wrote 2/3
of the New Testament. Do you see how I am able to use people?<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Until a
person takes their last breath, whether they be a terrorist or anyone else,
there is a chance that they will give their lives to Me. So you must not be
afraid, you must pray for your enemies. Pray that they will come to know Me in
the land of the living. Pray hard for them and no longer speak badly of them. I
cause the sun to shine on the wicked as well as the righteous, and it rains on both of
them. You must leave justice to Me. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You fear many things,
daughter. There is great power in fear, but is only powerful against the one
who submits to it. For those caught in the ‘grip of fear’ there is nothing like
it. Fear comes directly from evil. It is tortuous to the mind, and can even cause
the heart to die.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don’t bring fear, I never
meant for My children to even <u>know</u> fear. Satan is the king of fear. He
enjoys seeing my children tormented. Fear is the opposite of faith. Fear, like
most things, is something you can take or leave. I prefer you leave it. That
defeats the enemy. If he can’t scare you, his powers are useless against you. I
gave you the Spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. Those spirits are what
you need. A sound mind shouldn’t bow to fear. Fear is always a lie. Always!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have
told you to fear not. I tell you that all the time. Just shut down your angst
long enough to hear My voice. You can do it. Even in the ‘small’ fears you
have, if you will just call on Me in praise and worship and apologize for your
sins and repent, fear will have no choice but to flee. When you submit to Me
and rebuke the devil, he must flee. By submitting you are rebuking. As you draw
near to Me, I draw near to you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My
precious, you need to know that I have gone before you and made a path for you
to walk. No one else who ever was, who is, or who will be, will have the same
path. Everyone has their own path, plowed with each of them in mind. You can’t
walk on theirs, and they can’t walk on yours. You may be able to see their path,
but you won’t be able to reach it. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You
will find that sometimes your path is pleasant, with birds singing and fragrant
flowers bordering the edge. You will walk in sunshine and a breeze will cool
you. Life will seem without a care and you will move along happily, forgetting
all your problems. Then there will be days when the sky darkens and the flowers
curl up and die. Days when the storm threatens to wash away even that which is
beneath your feet. You will find the path leads you through thistles and
thorns, and rocks that make you stumble. Tree roots will trip you, and the
barrenness of the land will make you miserable. You will fall and scrape your
knees and cry. You will see a mountain far off glistening in the sun, but the
way there is hard and cruel. Yet you must go on. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">As you journey through this life, you will have joy
and heartache. There will be pleasure and there will be pain. You will search
for answers and find none. But as I said, the plan I designed for your life is
a good one, with hope and a future! </span></span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">I
never promised that life was all fun and games and that everything was going to
be perfect. No, I even said that those who follow Me will be hated and
persecuted. I don’t expect you to do anything I didn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Alas, you have forgotten My
words. <span class="text">You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you
will understand. </span>As you walk on your path, keep the peak of the mountain
in your sight. The climb to the top will be a difficult one with narrow places
and steep climbs. Once you reach the summit you will rest. You will be able to
gaze down into the valley where you journeyed and see the trials you endured. From
up here that path won’t look so terrible. You will realize that no matter what
tried to prevent you from reaching this place; it wasn’t strong enough to
defeat you because I was always by your side coaching you on.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You
asked what it is that I want from you. I want to reach the unreachable. I <span class="text">gave you the right words to encourage the weary. How did I do that? I
gave you a life and a past. It
doesn’t matter if someone is 18 or 80, everyone has a past. Things have
happened to you that have caused you great pain. Maybe friends did leave you when you needed them most.
Others were bullied because they wore braces, or were heavy, or had acne, or weren’t
as smart or as pretty as some. Others were verbally abused by older siblings. For
some, their own parents put them down or berated or beat them out of their own
inner madness. Some were cheated, and robbed, and assaulted, and raped. Maybe
even left for dead. And maybe they didn’t feel like there was anyone in the
world who would understand their loneliness or their sorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But there is! There is your Savior, My Son, who knows exactly how you feel. He too was abused.
He was ignored; He was dismissed as a nutcase, and accused of working for the
devil. He was beaten, berated, cursed, cussed, and spat upon. He was slapped in
the face, His ministry was being robbed by one of His own, His best friends
abandoned Him, He was accused falsely, judged by the common man, tortured, and
sent off to die the most horrible death, that of the cross. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">His life had its share of being hated, misunderstood,
and reviled, when all He wanted to do was lead the blind to know their Father. Everything
He suffered, He suffered with love in His heart. He obeyed and endured because
He knew it would lead others to salvation and they would come to know Me and
bring Me glory. He reached the unreachable, the broken, the lonely, and despondent.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You are here for a mission to bring me glory as well. You
suffered trials, and more will come. There is a young woman who you know
that has terrible pain. She has gone through many of the same things you did,
and like you, she doesn’t think anyone would understand or even care. She looks
at you and thinks you have it all under control. Her best friend was killed in
an accident, and she grieves like you do over Agnes. Her friend was also a good
servant, achieving more in her 20 years than many others do in 50. She feels
lost and alone. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You must open your eyes and understand that the
horrors you go through in your life are actually gifts. Yes, daughter, gifts! You are meant to go through trials because it builds your faith; and once
you are through them, you will see
them with new eyes. You will realize that I didn’t leave you there to suffer, I
gave you the strength and the courage to move forward, and you made it! You
survived and grew stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And now you can show compassion to this young lady
because of the compassion you were shown. She will grow stronger because
through Me, in your weakness is strength. Just as Jesus’ mission was to reveal
Me to mankind so that they would know My love, so it is with you. You are more than a conqueror! Instead of fearing trials, expect them and know
that if you stay in My word and meditate on Me, you will win! I have the
victory! And once you have gone through each heartache and kept your eyes on Me
despite the lies the enemy wants you to believe, you will become more
impervious to the enemy’s weapons. <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">I gave you a coat of armor. Don’t
keep it gathering dust in your spiritual closet, put it on and wear it every day. Draw your strength and might
from Me. Put on the full armor I gave you to protect yourself from the devil
and his evil schemes. You’re not waging war against enemies of flesh and blood
alone. No, this fight is against tyrants, against authorities, against supernatural
powers and demon princes that slither
in the darkness of this world, and against wicked spiritual armies that
lurk about in heavenly places.</span></span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">And this is why you need to
be head-to-toe in the full armor of God: so you can resist during these
evil days and be fully prepared to hold your ground. Yes, stand—truth banded
around your waist, righteousness as your chest plate, and feet protected in
preparation to proclaim the good news of peace. Don’t forget to raise the
shield of faith above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming
spears hurled at you from the wicked one. Take also the helmet of salvation and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.</span></span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am your Father and I love you. When you sin, when
you do something wrong, I don’t stop
loving you. It pains Me, but I love you nonetheless. Would I be someone you’d
want to go to if I was cruel and heartless? No! You keep coming to Me because I
give you hope! I give you strength, but most importantly, I give you love. But you must repent, My daughter,
and get back on track with the truth inside you glowing like a hot fire! <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You must leave ‘self’ behind. You find that difficult
sometimes. Do you know why? Because you don’t know who you are, nor Whose
you are! You are Mine! Who am I? The Maker of all things. I am God! I am all
the things I’ve told you about.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You don’t concentrate on who you are in God’s eyes. When
you were young, you were Mr. and Mrs. (so and so’s) daughter. Then you were
somebody’s girlfriend, and then somebody’s wife, and somebody’s mother. You
were the person who sat in that desk
or the one who was a stay at home mom. You were somebody’s best friend. None of
this made you feel like you had an identity of your own. As you got older you
struggled with your identity, or your lack
of it. Really, who are you?<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You are all
those things, yes. So and so’s wife or mother, teacher, nurse, pastor, friend,
and whatever else you claim.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But in all those labels, all those titles, what you
were searching for are these: You are Daughter
of the King, Ambassador to Christ, a ‘Saint’, Beloved of the One True God! Worthy!
Capable! Loved to the death! Chosen! Confident! Prudent! Kind! Loving! Loyal! Tender!
True! Virtuous! Diligent! Special! Apple of My eye! Precious and Dear!<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These things are truth. You are the righteousness of
God in Christ! You are first and not last! You are blessed and highly favored! And
none of it is because of who you were,
or the life you led, it’s because I
chose you and called you My own. I gave you grace when you didn’t deserve it,
and mercy in place of what you did
deserve. You can’t do anything without Me, not even breathe. And so, every
minute of every day, because I love you so much, I forgive your sins when you
repent, and I kiss you goodnight and I sing and dance at each glorious
revelation you have, and for each decision you make to move forward in the
Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I will speak through you into the hearts of many others;
some just like you, who don’t know who they are anymore. I will use you for My
divine will. You will go out and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the
unreachable. You will do it in ways that they will understand. You will succeed
where others have failed. Your words and actions will comfort many hearts. You
will meet many people, and you will have to expand your tents. New beginnings
are on the horizon.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For any of My plans to come to fruition, you must
learn more about Me. Read the bible, finish your studies, meditate on the good
things. Don’t be so easily distracted by the enemy. Swat him away like a dirty
fly. That’s all he is, lord of the flies. He can’t hurt you, but you can, by believing his lies and being
unprepared for his attacks. I am God Almighty and I have said so! I have
blessed you, and what I have blessed, Satan cannot curse! You are on holy
ground.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So remember Whose daughter you are - Mine! And there
is no other father like Me. Run to Me in joy and sorrow. Sit at My feet and
hear My heartbeat. Let Me love on you. I want to give you so many things! I
want to show you things. When you are confident in Whose you really are, Mine,
not the world’s, then you will advance on the fast track in the Kingdom of God.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You will be known and honored, but not until you
change your heart. The enemy will work overtime on you as you accept the truth.
You can beat him with my word. The sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of
God. Remember that, concentrate, don’t walk out of here today and forget. Rely
on Me. You will look back on these days as the beginning of the journey that
brought you closer to Me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text"><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">And remember, faith can take you places where fear
will never bring you; and c</span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">ourage is not the absence of fear,
but the presence of faith. Love Me with all your heart, with all your soul,
with all your mind, and with all your strength. </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Such love has no fear,
because perfect love expels all fear.
If you are afraid, it is for fear
of punishment, and this shows that you have not fully experienced My perfect
love. Let that be your guideline, child.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy
the beauty of the day, and know with all your heart that I am here, and I love
you.</span></i></span></div>
<br />Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-59108272514316034512020-04-26T00:00:00.000-05:002020-04-26T00:00:10.955-05:00What are You Searching For?<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"W</span></o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">hat do I do when my world is shattered?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When everything that I have worked hard for,
everything that I had thought valuable--my ideas, possessions, even clarity of
mind seem to no longer be worth anything?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do
I go when I am so lost that I can only cry in earnest frustration?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why has it come to this, where I am alone and
lonely, and feel abandoned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who will
help me to carry my load?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who will dry
my eyes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who will comfort my weary
soul?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to be alone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am valuable, aren’t I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did it all go so wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did the happiness get sucked out of my
life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don’t know who to turn to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am afraid for my future.</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"I couldn’t cry out, that would show a lack of strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worse yet, it could appear that my faith was
less than that of a tiny mustard seed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do I do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where can I go?"<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have you ever felt this way? There is only one place to go, dear Reader, to the throne of Jesus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His love for you is greater than you can ever
imagine, and He will show you that He has always been beside you and that with Him in your life there is no need to despair. He picks us up when we are down and hugs us and loves us and celebrates each time we return with a party! So dry your eyes and know that He will always stand for you. He will never let you down, even if you think He has. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>“I will always look to You, as You stand beside me and protect me from fear.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Psalm 16:8 CEV)</em><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
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</span>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-35238708913243403282020-04-24T00:00:00.000-05:002020-04-24T09:25:26.980-05:00It’s Not Ours, We’re Just Visiting<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The earth is the Lord’s,
and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded
it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters.” Psalm 24:1-2 NKJV</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and
those who dwell therein. Let that sink into your soul for a moment. It’s not
ours, we are merely stewards of what He created. We’re supposed to take care of
the things He put us in charge of. Somewhere along the way we seem to have
forgotten that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Perhaps God is taking advantage of the time we are staying
home to heal His earth. Perhaps He is teaching us good hygiene. Maybe He wants
us to notice new things just outside our windows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All He gives us is beautiful. Spend a little time thanking
Him for this season of rest and renewal. Try to not worry so much. If you can’t
fix it, than let the experts do that. We are all affected, but God sees each of
us with loving eyes and all the provision of His supply. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This current situation shall pass, and hopefully we will go
back out with a new excitement and sense of awareness that we have been blessed
through this season. What did you learn? What new thing made you happy? Have
you had a chance to rethink some things? Did you find your purpose along the
way? Did you find your priorities changed along with your schedule?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pretty soon the nation will ‘reopen’. How will you do things
when it does? Will it be the same routine or will you deliberately find time to
enjoy the blessings of life? I’d love to hear from you. Have a blessed day and know
that God loves you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-38865556451542689172020-04-23T08:40:00.000-05:002020-04-23T08:51:21.911-05:00Immanuel, God With Us!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TrfTaFVKzy1-L5vxAIfJI1gSJLYGuO4NzQyWY64L5M4XvDb5wWCC0JkiNvfIDR-7pQSa8dn6bc9_gpiYPBgIqRh6bQF3hvpzv71FlMzkddCcCvquBrtpSg_DFFv-c6GwIhYITC0jsNQ/s1600/20200423_070738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TrfTaFVKzy1-L5vxAIfJI1gSJLYGuO4NzQyWY64L5M4XvDb5wWCC0JkiNvfIDR-7pQSa8dn6bc9_gpiYPBgIqRh6bQF3hvpzv71FlMzkddCcCvquBrtpSg_DFFv-c6GwIhYITC0jsNQ/s640/20200423_070738.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everywhere you look you can find God's glory displayed. The thing is, you have to look. So if you're downtrodden because you are still at home, if your bank account is dwindling, if you don't feel well, if stress has taken its toll, please, dear Reader, know this: God is with you. His light is around you, and He loves for you to notice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My prayer for you today is that your heart is uplifted and a smile fills your face as you recognize the beauty of His wonder. May your day be blessed and may you come to know Him more and more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-45468728870616381262020-04-16T09:04:00.001-05:002020-04-16T09:04:39.357-05:00What Does God Say About You?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please substitute ‘Dear Reader’ with your own name, and
declare these truths over yourself this day. I hope they give you strength,
courage, peace and joy as you fill your heart with His beautiful words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Reader, you are the light of the world. A city set on a
hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For you, dear Reader are God’s workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that you should
walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Therefore, since you, dear Reader, are in Christ, you are a
new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians
5:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Reader, the Lord God gives you the right words to
encourage the weary. Each morning He awakens you, and you are eager to learn His
teaching. He made you willing to listen and not rebel or run away. (Isaiah
50:4-5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Reader, no weapon formed against you will prosper.
(Isaiah 54:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You, dear Reader can do all things through Christ who
strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You, dear Reader, are the righteousness of God in Christ. (2
Corinthians 5:21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For God so loved you, dear Reader, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that since you, dear Reader believe in Him, you shall not perish
but have eternal life. (John 3:16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If God is for you, dear Reader, who can be against you?
(Romans 8:31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels
nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor
height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate you,
dear Reader from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans
8:38-39)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then God said, let us make dear Reader in Our image,
according to Our likeness. So God created you, dear Reader in His own image; in
the image of God He created you. (Genesis 1:26-27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-71110565415975066942020-04-14T13:12:00.000-05:002020-04-15T04:56:39.974-05:00I Have Such Hope!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few days ago I wrote about Good Friday and what that day
means to Christians around the world. It is the day that our Savior, Jesus the
Christ (Messiah) was unjustly accused and brutally murdered and hung on a cross
to die. Because of His life and death, many came to know of His miracles. But
His death isn’t the most important thing. Yes, it was a horrific way to die,
and it had to be so in order to fulfill scripture. It wasn’t His crucifixion
that changed the world, it was His resurrection!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many people wear a crucifix to remind them that Jesus died
for them. I myself, in another lifetime many years ago, also wore a crucifix,
and a large one - about 2” for years and years. One day a friend asked me why I
wore it. I explained that it signified that Jesus died for me. He replied, “Aren’t
you aware that He rose for you? He isn’t still on that cross, dead. He is
alive, and the empty cross and tomb proves that!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a revelation to me! His dying wasn’t the miracle, we
all die. No, His rising was! We celebrate Easter because that is when He rose
from the dead, the first to be “born again.” He overcame the grave, the veil
that signified our separation from God split in two, the earth shook and
darkness filled the skies. The light of the world had gone out. Or so Satan
thought. I imagine he was thrilled, licking his filthy lips and wringing his
ugly villainous hands together knowing the world was his alone. He had full
control from that time on. Or so he imagined. His thoughts of devastation and
death and hatred were only his. God had other plans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus rose! He defeated death and took away its sting. He
took the grave’s victory (I Corinthians 15:55). We have the choice to live with
Him for eternity because of the empty tomb! We have the opportunity to also be
resurrected from the dead. Life isn’t over at death, oh no, not at all. Life can
truly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">begin</i> if you just believe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I spent a good deal of the last year and a half in a
depressed state. It was a spiritual depression. I felt separated from God. I
couldn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel</i> Him. There was no
anointing at church anymore, and even though I knew He was right beside me and
within me, I couldn’t help feeling like He was distant. My journaling became
one sided where once it was a conversation between the two of us. My soul ached
with longing for Him. I couldn’t bear it. I cried and cried for him, but I
never felt satisfied. It didn’t matter what great things may have been going on
around me here in the world, my spirit was crushed, and the loneliness overwhelmed
me. It didn’t matter how many friends and loved ones I had, all I wanted was
Him. No one and nothing else would do. Day after day I’d cry and plead through
my tears for Him to come to me in a vision, let me see Him again. But there was
nothing. The only way I knew how to describe it was that I was like an
astronaut whose tether had broken and was drifting all alone with no hope
through space just waiting to die. No one could save me but Him. It was the loneliest
place I’ve ever been. And I couldn’t really tell anyone. There was nothing they
could do; this was between Jesus and me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Very slowly things began to change. Something happened
within me, something that could only come from one place - the Throne of Grace.
Shortly after the New Year began I started to feel hope arise in me. It started
small, just a flicker. But as days and weeks went by, it grew. The little spark
caught and just like when kindling gets to a certain point, ‘whoompf’ a roaring
fire took over! That little inkling of hope became something inside me that spread
quickly and with abandon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I knew I would have to write once again. I had completely lost
any desire to write. I had fallen into the trap of writing for the world’s
reward, accolades and wonderful pats on the back because my words were so good.
But there were no comments and it was as if I never wrote a blog or posted on Facebook.
If no one commented, obviously I wasn’t reaching anyone, and if that was the
case, why should I bother? It was an exercise in futility. Nobody cared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You see, dear Reader, I forgot that it was my gifting, and
we give gifts away. I had stopped writing in order to encourage the weary and
help the blind see. I stopped writing for God, and wrote for me. I lost my way.
It became about me, not Him and who He could reach through me. I had to start
over and die to what bore me down and rise up once again for God’s sake!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The excitement that is in me today is almost physical. It
takes my breath away with hope! We are living in a time unlike any ever before.
We are separated from each other. We are in lockdown in many places. We can
only venture out for the essentials. People are working from home, and children
are learning via computer. The world is still revolving. The sun comes up and
the moon rises in the evening sky. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And people are still complaining. Now it’s about being
cooped up and the kids are driving moms nuts, and my internet connection isn’t
fast enough. “There’s nothing to do!” the children complain. The streets are
empty and parks are closed, and the Stock Market is diving and what will happen
to my job? There are many legitimate things to complain about, yes, and worry
about? Oh yeah. The media loves putting a death toll on the bottom right of the
screen to remind us that covid-19=death, which of course is not true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So why am I so hopeful? Because in the beginning of the year
God placed joy back in my heart. Not happiness, sheer joy! The kind you have
when you just know that something really, really good is going to happen! There
is an excitement in me, something unlike anything I had ever known or seen
before. Something more than I could imagine! I have believed for a few months
now that God was going to do something that we can’t ignore. Throughout mankind’s
history, God has made Himself known in many amazing ways. This time, I believe
we are as privileged as the Israelites were when He lived among them and they
heard His voice with their physical ears and saw the cloud that led them
through the wilderness. I believe with all my heart that He is going to show us
His glory here in the land of the living. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes, His glory <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i>
all around us and because of this period of isolation people in India are able
to see the Himalayas for the first time in 30 years. The skies are blue once
again over Los Angeles and Bangkok. Wars have ceased, if only temporarily. Crime
is at an all-time low. The night sky is visible in places where smog and
pollution have hidden stars for many years. It’s only ambient light now that is
keeping us from actually seeing the Milky Way clearly. People are healing from
allergies, they are eating better foods. And best of all, people are turning to
God in prayer and hope. Our eyes are opening to see Him through His works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So many of us have been praying for a new awakening and
maybe this is it. Thousands have begun watching virtual church and found a
place they can call home. Many have come to know what the floor feels like on
the side of their beds for the first time as we come together, parents and
child, husband and wife, and tell Almighty God our heart’s prayers. More and
more we are praying for each other and for our medical personnel-nurses and
doctors and first responders. We pray that scientists will find answers, and
acknowledge that God is the source of their wisdom. We pray that people will
grow to appreciate what they have and they understand that it all comes from
God. We pray for an end to this isolation and a cure for all our diseases. We
are praying more for the truth to be made known, that there is an end to the
lies and deceit that the world’s media have been telling us for decades. It is
a time when we can see more clearly what is and isn’t true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So instead of finding things to complain about, use your
ingenuity and begin to come back to the things you love the most. Do you write?
Write a letter to an old friend! I love getting letters in the mail. It’s
almost a lost way to communicate. If you dance, dance your heart out, and teach
your children how. If you sing, glorify God with the voice He gave you. If you
work with numbers, figure out a new budget. Have you put off getting things
done around the house? One room at a time. Or just sit outside on your porch or
balcony or go for a walk and notice things you’ve never seen before, even if it
is the architecture of the buildings in your neighborhood. Thank God for the
sunrise or sunset that takes your breath away! Make a wish on a dandelion or on
the first star you see tonight. Watch something uplifting with your family,
learn a new recipe, call a neighbor and see how they are. All of these things
make God happy because it makes you happy. That’s right; He’s that kind of God.
The One that smiles on you, cheers you on during your trials, and gets up and
dances when you accomplish great things. He even loves you enough to hold each
one of your tears in a jar. He is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for</i></b> you and not against you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hold you all up in prayer and place you in God’s capable
hands to meet all your needs. We will get through this. This is a time of
renewal in so many ways. The earth is being cleansed, relationships are being
healed, and the Church is growing more every day. We are the Church, it’s not a
building, it’s not a certain denomination, it’s us. We are the Bride of
Christ and we will be together with Him forever if we are saved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, who had asked what he
needed to do to get to heaven, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Most
assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of
God.”</i> He goes on to say in verses 14-17, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
Son of Man [Jesus] be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have
everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the
world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is
not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has
not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God [Jesus].” (brackets
are mine for clarification.)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you died today, would you go to Heaven? Do you know
the awesome love of Jesus? If you have a desire in your heart to know
Jesus, and to know true life, and life everlasting; or if you have fallen away
from Him and wish to renew your relationship, please pray the following prayer
of salvation. </span></div>
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<i>"Heavenly Father, </i><br />
<i>I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away
from sin, and ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Your
Son, Jesus, died on the cross to take away my sins. I also believe that He rose
again from the dead so that I may be justified and made righteous through faith
in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my
life. Jesus, I choose to follow You, and I ask that You fill me with the power
of the Holy Spirit. I declare right now that I am a born-again child of God. I
am free from sin, and full of the righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus'
name, Amen."</i><br />
<br />
Welcome (back) to the family of God! We are now in the same family!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7734171129596029179.post-52609108249851648392020-04-10T11:05:00.000-05:002020-04-10T11:05:40.490-05:00Today is Good Friday!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is Good Friday. Today my Savior held a Last Supper with His friends. He blessed the bread and wine and commemorated His body to God. He told us to do the same in remembrance of Him. My husband and I have been having communion all week before breakfast.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus gave up His life for <b>us</b>. He took on <b>all</b> of our sins because He saw us before He even formed the earth! He knew where we would be the weakest and He gave us a way out of being tempted to sin. Why? Because He loves us!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What He went through for us--such torture, being betrayed by His apostle, praying so hard that He sweat drops of blood, being unjustly accused by the Jewish high priests, and saying not a word in His own defense. He acknowledged that not His own will, his own desire, be done but that His Father's will be done. Submitting to His Father/our Father, and being ridiculed and beaten and tortured until He was <i>unrecognizable</i> and then humiliated, and then forced to carry His own cross - His own method of death!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think it is horrible to hear stories of how parents would send their unruly child outside to get the 'switch' that would be used to strike them in punishment. But imagine carrying your own cross while you have literally been beaten almost to death! How cruel and inhumane is that?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's impossible to even imagine carrying such a large cross after such a brutal and sadistic beating, but then to be <i>nailed</i> to it and hung in a fashion that would prevent His diaphragm from functioning correctly so He would have to try to re-position His torn up body to breathe. And then to get stabbed in the side through His ribs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All this. And then He asks His/our Father to forgive them all, that they didn't know what they were doing. Imagine His loneliness when God turned His eyes from Him, His Son, He who took on the sins of humanity and because of that was too dirty and sin-filled for God to even look at Him. His last words were, "It is finished."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have come to call this Good Friday. How in the world can it be 'good'? On that day almost exactly 2,000 years ago Jesus demonstrated the goodness of God for forgiving our sins. <i>"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Imagine all that was sacrificed because <i><b>God so loved</b></i>! He wanted us to be with Him forever and He still does, not that one be left behind. But we couldn't do this on our own because we are carriers of sin. We need our heart and soul forgiven. We need to repent and turn to God in humility just as Jesus did, and ask for His forgiveness. And we need to acknowledge that <i>Jesus</i> died for us--for the forgiveness of our sins. He is the sacrificial Lamb that Passover is all about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So today <i>is</i> a good Friday. So much was lost for our gain, only because of Jesus' love and sacrifice. He is worthy to be honored and glorified. There is no virus or disease or plague, not even death that doesn't bow to His name. He is the Christ, the Messiah.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today as we are staying apart from others because of the coronavirus, take some time to dust off your Bible and read Chapters 17-19 in the Gospel of John. Read about how Jesus prayed for YOU (17:20-26, below) even then, and how He still does now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May God bless us as we come to know the magnitude of why this day is called Good. And if you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you can easily ask Him into your heart simply by doing that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please join me again Sunday as we celebrate the Resurrection! Oh what a glorious day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">John 17:20-26 NKJV Jesus Prays for All Believers</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word: that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>And the glory which You gave Me I have given to them, that they may be one just We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You love Me may be in them, and I in them."</i></span><br />
<i><br /></i>Deirdre Tolhursthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13828451041549017843noreply@blogger.com4