Genesis 9:28 (NKJV)

And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years.

I asked a good friend what scripture was on his mind, and this was his thought:

All too often we get caught up what came before, during and directly after the flood, forgetting that life went on for Noah- a full three hundred and fifty years. As you're caught up in the storms of life, remember that there is life after the storm.

Thanks for the reminder, Bro. Townsley!

Salut!

Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.


This is my grandfather's favorite Psalm. He's three months past his 97th birthday, and has been on my mind a lot tonight. I can see why it's his favorite! It brings to mind the song by Freddy Rodriguez:
"There is a God who loves me
Who wraps me in His arms
And that is the place where I'm changed
And that's where I belong

Take me to that place Lord
To that secret place where
I can be with You
You can make me like You
Wrap me in Your arms"

Oh, how I long to dwell in the shelter of His arms, to live in His shadow, where I know I'm safe. Sometimes I just need His calm assurance that lets me know things are going to be all right, even when life comes at me with all its fury. The mornings I don't want to get out of bed for fear of what the day will bring, I remember who holds my day and know where my help and strength comes from. I know my Fortress, my Deliverer, in whom I place my trust.

Salut!

Psalm 121:4 (KJV)

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.


I am so very thankful that I can rest my head on my pillow at night and know with complete confidence that God will continue to have everything under control as I sleep, just the same as He does when I'm awake. What an awesome God I serve!


Salut!

Philippians 4:8

(NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever thingsare noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

(Message) 8 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. 

After having one of those days (that has lasted for the past week), I've found myself becoming a bit depressed. The laundry is in never ending mounds, the dishes seem to multiply on their own, the twins are teething and quite fussy, Kyzer won't eat anything but peanut butter, the girls are bent on doing their own thing... It's one thing after another after another. I'm feeling quite overwhelmed and frustrated with it all, and wouldn't mind having a good cry like Zander does. Tried it, actually, and it didn't help. Life just keeps hitting me in the face with overwhelming situations. 

Then I realized the problem wasn't what I was facing, but in the way I was looking at it. My perspective is all wrong. I've been focusing on the negative instead of on the positive and the goodness of God. He's been faithful, consistent, true, gentle, a wonderful counselor, a provider, and the list goes on. I've decided to dwell on the true, noble, just, pure, lovely good things of God. My days may not get easier, but my outlook will have changed and my reaction to the situations will be different. 

Or maybe I'm just so sleep deprived that I've finally realized being grumpy hasn't ever helped anyone...

Salut!

Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.


Ya gotta believe it enough to act on it!! -Bro. S. Zorich 
At First Pentecostal Church in Wichita, KS 


Nuf said.


Salut!

John 8:36

(NKJV) Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
(Amplified) So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.
(The Message) So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.


freedom: 1) the power to determine action without restraint.
                  2) personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery
              3) exemption from external control, interference, regulation,etc.
              4) the right to enjoy all the privileges or special rights ofcitizenship, membership, etc., in a community or the like.
              5) the right to frequent, enjoy, or use at will


Woohoo!!!! I am so thankful that I can enjoy to the fullest the greatness of God without restrictions or restraints. I have a right to all the He has because He has made me His child. What an awesome God!!!! Today, I'm rejoicing in the freedom He has blessed me with...


Salut!

Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.


I really enjoy knowing where I come from. I mean, really, do you want to have evolved from a monkey?!? Not I!! 


I'm sure you've heard it said before, but I'm reminding myself today. In the beginning God.... There are so many things I could fill that blank with. I want God at my beginning, at my end, and all thru the middle. He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, help me to be patient as you do the work You began way back in the beginning.


Salut!

Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)

This is the day the Lord has made; 
We will rejoice and be glad in it.


Ever have a bad day? Ever have more than one in a row? I think I'm finishing up Day 3 tonight of my "Bad Day" run. Nothing is working the way I think it should.... I even got mad this morning. Then the Lord gently reminded me of this scripture and I decided (grudgingly at first) that it really would be better to be thankful I'm alive (as I struggle to stay awake instead of sleeping like I desperately want to), that we have clothes to wear (as I fold load number 63), that we have food to eat (as I wash dishes for the 49th time), that I have children who love me (as I tell them for the MILLIONTH time to clean up), that I have a husband who loves me in spite of my failures (as I storm out of the room, black clouds hovering around me).  I hug the precious gifts God graciously blessed us with and tuck them in bed, breathing a sigh of relief. Finally, a small piece of "me time". Then I remember the floors that so desperately need mopping, the dishes that multiplied in the sink yet again, the load in the dryer that finished a while ago, the dust balls stuck to the fans, the carpet that needs to be vacuumed, the bills that have yet to be paid. AND decided it will all still be there in the morning! I'm taking time, on purpose, to rejoice- God is God, no matter where I am or what I'm facing. He is faithful, consistent, true, just and righteous. If He decides to bless me with another day, I'll rejoice and be glad in that day as well.


Salut!

Psalm 56:3 (NKJV)

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.



Having read this verse many times, I've always thought that being afraid referred to being scared of someone. I've come to realize that's not necessarily the case. I can be afraid of a circumstance, a trial, an experience. When that occurs, putting my trust in God gives me the ability overcome. How awesome is that?!?


Salut!

Philipians 4:11-13

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.


We all like that we can do all things thru Christ, but we tend to forget what comes before- learning to be content. God is God no matter where we are or what we're going thru. So, be content, then do!


Salut!

Psalm 118:14 (KJV)

The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.


What a comfort it is to know we have a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, a rock to cling to! When the storms in life rage around us, we always have peace that passes understanding, joy that's unspeakable. What a blessing!!


Salut!