Author: Bill

Isaiah 35:4 (KJV) Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; He will come & save you. Psalm 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, & will save them. Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon Me, & I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, & honour him. — Are you fearful or strong in heart? If you are fearful, choose to fear Him, this is where we will find His saving grace. When we call on Him, He hears us & delivers us! We must remember, He came to save us & make a way! Love Mel

I continue to be amazed by the stories of Anna and Simeon who were at the temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus the newborn. Their stories convict me regarding my priorities and what I spend my days thinking about. Anna was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four” (Luke 2:36–37). She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37). She lived totally for God. Simeon in the Bible was a man in Jerusalem (Luke 2:25) who also lived at the time Jesus was born. Simeon’s reputation was that of being “righteous and devout” (Luke 2:25). For generations the people of God waited for and expected a Messiah, a Savior, who would free them from the grip of sin. Simeon was like his fellow Israelites in that he waited his whole life “for the consolation of Israel” (verse 25). He was led by the spirit to be at the temple the day baby Jesus was to be dedicated, and he marveled that his eyes saw Messiah before he died. Who is this Jesus who gives us grace and mercy? The one I sometimes think about when it’s convenient? To some He is the very purpose for which they live. For others, not so much. Dear God, please let us love you with all of our hearts. Please show us the narrow way.

Revelation 19:7-9 (NLT) Let us be glad & rejoice, & let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, & His bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear. For the fine linen represents the GOOD deeds of God’s holy people &the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb” & he added, “These are true words that come from God.” The Bride of Christ, makes herself ready!  She is prepared. — Did you know that Our GOOD DEEDS are the linen of the Bride of Christ. — Hebr 10:24 (ESV) Let us consider how to stir up one another to love & GOOD works. Gal 6:9 Let us not grow weary of doing GOOD, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up! — Good deeds are important to us & the Church! Love Mel

Acts 1:9-11 (all verses ESV) When he had said these things, as they were looking on, He was lifted up, & a cloud took Him out of their sight. & while they were gazing into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, & said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” Matt 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, & then He will repay each person according to what he has done. — Remember, the things that we do good are to bring glory to our God! These works are not what gets us to heaven. What Christ did on the cross is what saved us! If we will spend our days doing good He promises to reward us for our efforts! But remember love is the key! Love Mel

Josh 1:9 (all ESV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong & courageous. Do not be frightened, & do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong & courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. — sometimes it might feel as if God is not with you, but that is so far from the truth! He promised to never leave us or forsake us! Keep these scriptures close to heart so you never ever feel alone! God is with us! Love Mel