Author: melanie

Isaiah 43:1-3 Now this is what the LORD says… Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; & when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, & the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God,… Deut 31:8 The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged. 1Peter 4:12-13Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. BUT REJOICE that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory! — Out of all the scriptures, the hardest thing is to BUT REJOICE in the midst of our trials! How? Focus on the good & not the bad! Laughter is the best medicine, so find something to laugh about! Remember we are here for His purpose, not ours! We need to exercise our Faith! Faith is like a muscle, we build it when we use it! Find that place of complete & total trust in God! Then celebrate Him! Worship is our way to peace in the middle of the storm! We can walk on water when we stay focused on Jesus! Love Mel

Gal 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control. Against such things there is no law. — Fruit trees must have all their growth requirements met in order to produce flowers & eventually, fruit. Adequate light, water, proper soil conditions, including nutrients, & favorable temperatures. They all work in concert to shepherd the tree to the stage of fruit! We too need similar shepherding to get to the fruit growth in our lives as well! Remember hard work always yield growth in our lives even the pruning stages are required to produce more fruit! Love Mel

Ez 28:25-26 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they have been scattered, I will show Myself holy among them in the sight of the nations. Then they will dwell in their own land, which I have given to My servant Jacob. & there they will dwell securely, build houses, & plant vineyards. They will dwell securely when I execute judgments against all those around them who treat them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God. Hosea 2:15 There I will give back her vineyards & make the Valley of Achor into a gateway of hope. There she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. Romans 8:30-31  Those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? — The “I” had it! For our God is so great who or what can possibly prove stronger than Christ’s love for us! Nothing can stand against us! Love Mel

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable and perfect. Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. — Think on These Things! And Phil4:7 says, “the peace of God, which surpasses ALL understanding, WILL guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me or seen in Me, put into PRACTICE. And the God of peace will be with you.— So what are you PRACTICING? We should PRACTICE excellence & praise worthy things! This is where His Peace is found! Love Mel

1 John 5:14 This is the assurance we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Jer 29:12 Then you will call upon me & come & pray to me, & I will listen to you. Isaiah 65:24 Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. 1 Thes 5-16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Col 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful & thankful. Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, & it will be yours. — Prayer is our direct way of communication with our Father! We are to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, & His courts with praise!” We are to “Not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer & supplication with thanksgiving by letting our requests be made known to God.” What better way of getting closer to our Father, “Praying Continually”! Love Mel