Out of the Mouth of Babes

Dear Friend:

This is the time of year that sometimes tension builds in family regarding past hurts. At the very same time we are called to be thankful to the Lord for his provision. We are actually called everyday 24/7 to thankfulness, but especially with this season. Did you know that the early colonists use to celebrate thanksgiving for 3 days? Everything shut down for three days. Today places are actually open.

We need to remember that our thoughts are either from good or evil. During the Holidays we have to focus on the Lord and ask him to help us with our thoughts of frustration and previous hurts. Isn’t it just like the devil to really get us off track? We have no peace and joy. Some days we need to pray more than other days. Let go and let God. So you are probably asking me why the title “Out of the Mouth of Babes?” I turned to one of my children recently and asked them advice on my thoughts and one of them responded with the grace and love of Jesus. I believe it came from God to their heart and out of their mouth. It was beautiful! So my suggestion is asking the innocent what they think about a situation or trial going on and test and see what they say. Sometimes God uses those that don’t have baggage or past hurts to address a situation.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Let’s pray: Lord I am called to peace and thankfulness please help me to stop complaining and disputing so that I can shine like a star to the world. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Shine as lights in the world!

Elaine

Teach As I Have Taught You

Dear Friend:

Haven’t you noticed in life that the way you deal with others usually is the way you have been taught? I have been studying the bible for 16 years. It seems that the Lord awoke me one day and I guess I was teachable. I became teachable because things in my life weren’t working. Life was filled with worry and a lack of peace. I began to realize how much God loved me. When I realized that I began to trust him with the things going on in my life. The word “Peace” comes to me now because I began to see God give me peace through trials. As I saw him intervene and resolve life difficulties, I began to surrender more and more. This is a process and it happened gradually. My faith is growing and I want him more and more each day.

Just this morning I was reading this scripture that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians.
He said “we instruct you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
This is a good word from Paul and I take it to my heart. How can I do this on a daily basis? Without having all the answers in front of me, I must trust and obey what God is telling me to do. Where he has been directing me and talking to me daily to do. Paul goes on in chapter 5:19 to say “do not put out the Spirit’s fire and test everything.” We must hear from God for direction and we can only do that through prayer and getting confirmation. If we try to figure things out “THE SPIRIT IS QUENCHED.”

I pray: Father in Heaven hear this prayer and help me to do more and more to please you. Thank you for all of the instruction you have given me through the years. I do not want to quench you Lord, but I need you to help me to test everything. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Teaching as I have been taught,
Elaine

Put Up With Anything

Dear Friend:

In my quiet time this morning a verse struck me and I want to share it with you. Hebrews 12:2 because he never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God-he could “PUT UP WITH ANYTHING” along the way: cross, shame, whatever. (The Message)

I have never run a marathon but from what I understand when you get to the finish line it is an exhilarating feeling. All of what one endured to get there was so worth it! At least that is what I have been told. My marathon is being
1. A child of God
2. Wife
3. Mother
4. whatever else I can get to

So along the way I endure such busy days I get crabby with all that is in my above list. I am grateful this morning that I found this verse to remind me sometimes I need to slow down my pace and just sit and meditate on God’s word. Jesus “put up with anything.” If he can do it, he can give me the strength to do it. Guess what? He can give me a better attitude while I do it too! Didn’t Jesus have the right attitude and gracious walk to the end?

So can you repeat after me?
If Jesus can put up with anything so can I!

Let’s pray: Father in heaven help me to put up with anything and do it with the right attitude. I need you Father to give me everything to endure daily living. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Putting up and putting out,
Elaine

Watch Me

Dear Friend:

I got up on election morning and it was so beautiful out. After driving my daughter to school at 7:15am the sun was in my eyes and I looked up to the sky and I heard a still small voice in my soul and it said “WATCH ME.” I began to pray and say Lord is that from you and again I heard “WATCH ME.” I felt peace about this great reminder to keep my eyes on the “Son” where true hope comes from.

So my simple message today comes from the scripture:
• Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Our savior Jesus endured much more than we will ever in a lifetime. He did it for you and for all mankind. Let us join together as a nation now after this election and unite and pray for our government. The election is over and we have a new President coming on board soon let us pray for him and his family. Most importantly let us look to the ruler of the whole universe our author and perfecter, for our guidance and future. He is our true savior and our great hope for the future. Let us “WATCH HIM” first and for most. No other man or women can be our savior.

LET US PRAY AS JESUS TAUGHT US:
'My Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give me today my daily bread.
Forgive me my debts, as I also have forgiven my debtors.
And lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one. Amen.

Praising the Lord,
Elaine