Psalm 31: 14 ” But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘ You are my God.’ “

Today, I was going through my binders of writings, when the Lord had me stumble upon something I had written seven years ago today.  My husband and I were working in the garden when he collapsed that day in 2008  and  was rushed to the ER by ambulance. Initially, thinking it was another heart attack, it turned out to be atrial fibrillation, which has been controlled by medication since.  The biggest thing I remember about that day was the peace I felt…that God was holding me together – like a safety-pin.   And I remember the handful of safety-pins I received in the mail a few days later from a dear friend who I had sent safety-pins to when she started her battle with cancer.   God’s safety-pin love held both of us  together during those desperate  times.

II Kings 1:8 ” He was a man with a garment of hair and with a leather belt around his waist.”

The Prophet Elijah of the Old Testament…He was recognized by this outfit…his clothing symbolizing his power…so much, that false prophets of that time would attempt to copy his attire.  This unusual garb of camel’s-hair and leather illustrated Elijah’s focus was on God, not on his physical comfort or tradition.  Later, John the Baptist adopted the same outfit…”Ministering in the spirit and power of Elijah.” ( Luke 1:17)     Jesus, Himself, even compared  the two in Matthew 11:14 in this way,  ” And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.”

II Timothy 2: 9 ” But God’s Word is not chained.”

God’s Word is not bound by human law.  It’s not confined or hindered by man’s thought process.  It’s not shackled by old traditions.  It’s not restrained by political correctness.  No, God’s Word…His omnipotent Voice, is free to be released wherever and whenever He chooses.

Nahum 1:3 ” The Lord is slow to anger and great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.”

Our Lord is long-suffering, wishing none to perish.  And if we but turn to Him, the Lord is willing to forgive all wickedness, rebellion, and sin.  Yet the Lord will never  exonerate the corrupt or allow them to go free.

Psalm 5: 11 ” But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. “

Many friends are either headed to the Mission Field, or already  serving around the world.  My prayer,  is that God would shield them from harm…covering them all  around, with a hedge of protection.  May their confidence and trust ever be in You, Lord, as they go forth spreading the Good News of the Gospel.

Romans 11:33 ” Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! “

We can’t begin to know the abundant treasures available to us from the Lord.  With Divine counsel and guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can move forward fearlessly…having God-given insight and intimate fellowship from above.

II Chronicles 20:20 ” Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘ Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in His prophets and you will be successful.’ “

Faith in a brand new Christian starts out small.  It grows with every trust building experience…just like that Lincoln Log set you had as a kid.  Faith is built one log or block at a time.  And for those times  when your faith is not strong…look to Godly people who can come along side and shore up  your wavering faith.

Acts 10:15 ” Do not call anything impure God has made clean.”

The Lord showed the Apostle Paul that all men – whether Jew or Gentile – were made in His image.  This powerful encounter with God so impacted him, that later in Romans 10:12, Paul declares, “For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all…”

Haggai 1:5 ” Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘ Give careful thought to your ways.’ “

Today is the day the Lord would like you to assess your walk with Him.  Are you doing everything He desires…or has life gotten in the way?   Has your path veered  off course from the perfect plan He set out for you?  Prudently, mindfully, evaluate your ways…and the Lord will faithful to reveal any changes that need to be done.

I Kings 8:27 ” But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven cannot contain You. How much less this Temple I have built? “

This verse is part of Solomon’s prayer of dedication for the new Temple in Jerusalem.  He doubted that this building could in any way hold the Spirit of the Lord…since God can’t be limited to time/space dimensions.  But the Holy Spirit can dwell within the Believer, for in I Corinthians 6:19 it reads, “Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit.”  What a Temple built of stone couldn’t start to hold, can be wonderfully contained within our fleshly Temple.