Romans 5:7-8 (NIV)Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one & only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. — One man died to save all our lives! This is just a reminder! What great love! —Rom 4:25 He was delivered over to death for our trespasses & was raised to life for our justification. 1 Peter1:3 Praise be to the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, — Our hope is that since He was resurrected that we too will be resurrected. What great love! Love Mel
In His Presence is Fullness of Joy
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, & He will exalt you. Psalm 95:2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Ex 33:15 Then he said to Him, If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. — Just to understand the importance of the presence of the Lord! If God truly knows our every thought & sees our every move why would we not care more about what He thinks than those that we tend to focus on? Sin & an unwilling heart to give Him control always drives away His presence! But when we get to the end of self & come to a willingness to give Him control over our lives we will find the true joy of His presence! An overflowing of Him always overwhelms the soul & brings in the joy of the Lord! Love Mel
Continue to Believe, Hope and Pray
Psalm 139:17-18 (ESV) How precious to me are your thoughts, a God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I awake, I am still with you. Psalm 36:7 How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, & the plans You have for us; none can compare to You; if I proclaim & declare them, they are more than I can count. —Q Matthew Henry’s Commentary, “Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, & praying.” —We can too! Love Mel
Don’t Choose Sides – See it all from God’s Perspective
The Commander of the LORD’s Army. Josh 5 (KJV): “13Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up & saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him & asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?”14“Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence & asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” 15The Commander of the LORD’s army replied, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.”And Joshua did so.” —This is an interesting statement, don’t you think? What message can we take from the fact that the Angel of the Lord said He was not on Joshua’s side exclusively? DONT TAKE SIDES! When you pray – pray that Gods will is done across this world and that He works His plan of salvation and redemption for the whole world. Yes, we should stand and speak for what is right. But be sure to see things from Gods perspective and remember the bigger picture in all of it. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done – on earth as it is in heaven. Love Mel
The Lord Chooses Us and Gives the Victory
Psalm 44:3 (NLT)They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand & strong arm & the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them. Deut7:8 Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you, & He was keeping the oath He had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the LORD rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery & from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Psalm 17:7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Psalm 138:7 Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, & the power of your right hand saves me. —We serve a God who loves us, protects us with His righteous right hand & rescues us when we seek Him! Love Mel
