Refreshed

Dear Friend:

Peter and John (Acts 3) saw a beggar at the temple named Beautiful. The beggar asked for help. Peter replied “silver and gold I have none, but what I have to give. Man, rise, stand up and walk!” So the man went away dancing, leaping and praising God! People who saw began to praise Peter and John. Peter quickly corrects them by saying v. 16 by faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus name and the faith given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. V. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he a had foretold through all the prophets saying that his Christ would suffer v. 19 Repent then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you-even Jesus.

Whatever we need to refreshed in today………. Repent, turn to God, so that yours sins maybe forgiven and wiped out, time of refreshing will come. We can trust God by faith that the name of Jesus can do it!
Prepare your heart for the Christ child.

Let’s pray: Father in heaven help me to throw off any sin which I confess now. Thank you for wiping them away and refreshing me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Refreshed,
Elaine

Wayfarers

Acts 27:22-25 but now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.

Dear Friend:

The advertisement for the original Ray-Ban Wayfarer RB2140 sunglasses (black plastic sunglasses) says: they are simply the most recognizable style in sunglasses. After its initial design in 1952, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer quickly endeared itself to Hollywood filmmakers, celebrities, musicians and artists, solidifying its iconic status for years to come.

Wow! A pair of sunglasses have been undeniable recognizable and popular since 1952. In the year 2000 Wayfarers were featured in about 60 movies and television shows per year. ... That year, 360000 pairs were sold. Knowing that doesn’t it make you want a pair?

Paul was on a ship with 276 people in a great storm that lasted over two weeks. After three days of the violent storm Paul had a visit from an Angel assuring him that all would survive. So Paul announces this to the people. Have you ever dealt with people in crisis who don’t know the Lord and you’re trying to encourage them to trust in God for their circumstances? It could be hard dealing with one person, let alone 276. Paul stood courageously firm for over two weeks in this storm appealing to this large group. In the end they all made it. If this great rescue was featured on a billboard, Facebook or TV would people undeniably recognize God for their future and want to trust Him with their lives?

This story happened over 2000 years ago and today if broadcasted one would hope it would quickly endear others and solidify God’s iconic status for all of eternity. God vs. an iconic pair of sunglasses, which do the public at large tend to want? As Lindsay Lohan was taken off to prison recently pictures of that moment shows her wearing her Wayfarers.

Let’s pray: Father in Heaven help me to want the things you want for my life. Help me to be able to share with others so they too would want to be rescued by you.

Hopeful,
Elaine

Thankful

PRAISE THE LORD, ALL NATIONS; PRAISE HIM ALL PEOPLES! FOR HIS LOVING KINDNESS IS GREAT TOWARD US. PSALM 117:1-2

Dear Friend:

Through hardships, sorrow, disappointments and pain the early colonists endured. They stopped for a day and gave thanks to the Lord for His provision.

We to have the opportunity to stop, pause and give thanks. Being thankful to God is our holy act of worship.

Let’s pray: Father in Heaven giving thanks today for you are great. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Give thanks for each person you encounter on this special day.

Thankful for each of you,
Elaine

Thermostat

Matthew 5:15 (New Living Translation)15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.

Dear Friend:

Have you heard that the mom(significant person in the home) is the thermostat of the home? Whatever temperature she is at, everyone else follows.

Knowing that, we need to set the thermostat at Jesus, and have it out in the wide open. Don’t cover your light up, let it shine.

If you're feeling rushed, maybe purposely slow down and let this be a reminder to you. At this time of the year everything seems urgent. Is everything really urgent? I like to make a list and purposely say to myself “I’m not going to be like everyone else, I’m going to be walking in Jesus' light, which for me I decided today, is peace.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Let’s pray: Father in heaven I am fixing thoughts on you. Help me to walk in your perfect peace and be the light to everyone in the house. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Setting the temperature,
Elaine

Contagious

Ephesians 4:23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

Dear Friend:
Attitude is contagious…
Is yours worth catching?
Attitudes are the established ways of responding to people and situations that we have learned, based on the beliefs, values and assumptions we hold.

Attitudes become manifest through your behavior.

Paul was reminding the Ephesians “ You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds.”
Let’s pray: Father in heaven help me to catch your attitude for Thanksgiving. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Seeking to catch the attitude of God,
Elaine

A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'n Roll

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (New International Version) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Dear Friends:

Do you remember when Donny and Marie Osmond would sing “I’m a Little Bit Country, I’m a Little Bit Rock n’ Roll?” I may be dating myself, but do you remember when they did their skits pretending to argue. Marie would say she is better than Donny? I just watched a clip on utube and it was so dorky, but funny. The song tells why Donny is Rock n’ Roll and why Marie is country. One line says “but my music makes me whole.”

We all know we have differences, but if you are a full out Christ follower, then you understand that you know what makes you whole. We can have our gifts and personalities inside of each of us. At times two Christian friends or family members can look at each other and react with I’m better than you because….. Sometimes we even react with some fleshly anger. But if the Holy Spirit is inside you, all of the sudden you can just stop this reaction with conviction and say “it doesn’t matter what they are, I’m going to love them.” Differences in our flesh divide us but Jesus’ love conquers those differences.

I go through the verse above and picture the person in my mind that is hard to love and pray “I will be patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, dishonoring, not self-seeking, not easily angered, not keeping records of____________.(name the person) In Jesus name. Amen.

Loving God,
Elaine

A Little Pick Me Up

Isaiah 41:10 Telling you, 'You're my servant, serving on my side. I've picked you. I haven't dropped you.'

Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Dear Friend:

I don’t know about you but when I read the verse above it was “a little pick me up.”
If you get picked to play on a team, new job, ministry….,do you start doubting after the honeymoon period that maybe the change was wrong?
Don’t doubt, pray!
THERE IS NO NEED TO FEAR. –GOD-

Let’s pray: Father in heaven I need a little pick me up to help me remember that you have a firm grip and place me where I need to be. Thanks, for the reminder, help me to stay strong. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Better,
Elaine

Go

He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But He needed to go through Samaria.
— John 4:3–4

Dear Friend:

Do you feel alone? Do you feel surrounded by uncaring people? Do you feel as if the world is ending? Do you wonder if God will never forgive you for your sin?

My message to you today is short and simple. The women at the well in the worlds eyes deserved nothing. She had many divorces and in fact when she met Jesus she was living with a man. Jesus took a path from Judea and went out of his way to go to Samaria. Samaria is a place where Jews were not to go and if they did they were not to speak to Samarians’. Jesus defied law and taught what he wants each of us to get and that is to “GO” and forgive, repair and touch people’s lives. Those around us need a gentle kind word daily.

I had a talk with a 20 something boy and he began to open up to me and tell me the things he has done. He admitted to drug abuse, going to jail, and dropping out of High School. He told me he has had trouble getting a job because of his long hair, piercings, and tattoos. He regrets it! What is he suppose to do? He wanted life to be better. He doesn’t know what made him open up to me but he was at a crossroad with a choice to continue doing life his way or go on a new path, Jesus way.
He miraculously listened as I told Him God’s plan for his life. My final words to him were “if your sitting in bed at night take the time to remember you’re at a crossroad and if you chose to find out about Jesus, just tell Him you want to know Him and could he show you the way.”

Let’s pray: Lord help me to be have more compassion for those around me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

God is there for you and He gives you the strength to “Go” to others in peace to love and serve.

Let’s roll,
Elaine

Fool

Proverbs 13:20 (The Message) 20 Become wise by walking with the wise;
hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

Dear Friend:

Do you hang with people that you can be talking to, they say something and you take their word as the Gospel truth? Just when I think I am strong enough to resist others words and actions, I wrestling with “yeah but…” Rationalizing and reasoning. When the message above is so clear.

As Arnold would say in the show Diff’rent Strokes What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

If your views about the way you act, vote and talk come from the people you hang out with you’re in trouble.

BECOME WISE, WALK WITH THOSE WHO SEEK ME! OR JUST SEEK ME YOURSELF FOR KNOWLEDGE. –GOD-

Don’t have to say anything more about who you hang out with. God pretty much summed it up! If you are tempted from influences, take a break. Slow down, sit down, and quiet down.

Seeking wisdom,
Elaine

Praying Privilege

Jude 1:20
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

Dear Friend:

When someone asks you to pray, do you pray?
Do you stop and say “let’s pray right now?”As my friend sent her son off to Afghanistan today, I was reminded of our God given freedom to pray. In fact the Apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing.

What as privilege it is to pray for the following:

Dispel darkness
Dismiss the lies
Usher God right into the center of the controversy
Bring us joy
Give us light
Allow us to feel free
Have a sense of courage and boldness power brought forth
Renew our strength
Delight our hearts
Restore hope
Bring us back to truth
Allow us to feel loved and connected
Shine like a star
Show His glory
Rest a Sabbaths rest
Breath with contentment
How grand He is
Create a whole new feeling
Clean our slate
Wash us white as snow
Throw our concerns in the sea
Become lighter

I actually prayed over the young man leaving for oversees. I sensed God saying “He will reveal Himself in small ways and big ways. Never think of anything as a coincidence.” Guess what? As his mom stood in the airport to say good-bye the stewardess came and said “I will take good care of your boy, I’m putting Him in first class with me.” LOL! No coincidence, but an answer to prayer.
God is in the business of showing up all the time, don’t fall asleep.

Praying person,
Elaine

Nudge

Psalm 37:5-6 (New International Version) 5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Dear Friend:

When you have things you fret about do you commit them to the Lord? I have prayed about my frets and the results were remarkable!
I am telling this story because I know there are people who fret about the same thing I was.

When my Grandma was in the nursing home and others kept saying “you should make a plan and visit your Grandma every other day.” Everyone had advice about the visits. I was fretting over the right time to go and how often could my schedule handle this etc. I finally had it with being “should” by others.

I went before the Lord and said “God you know everything, I need help to know absolutely when I need to be there for my Grandma and I will only go if I get a prompting from. Can you help me God?” Days went by with no nudge, until I got up one morning and thought “I need to go see Grandma.” I shot a prayer up to God asking “is this from you?” The nagging thought kept coming clear.
On my way to the nursing home another nagging came “stop and get her Wendy’s chili-one of her favorite food.” I had a great visit and went home. The next day I got a call to come to the home quickly because my Grandma had had a stroke. After evaluating her they found her throat to be paralyzed. After months they discovered at her age she would not be able to regain eating. I thought to myself “OMG, my Grandmas last meal was the chili.”

Why am I telling you this story? Because we have so many decisions to make these days that we fret about and don’t talk to God about them.
I read a story recently about a man who had a sick wife and she needed medicine sometimes for emergency situations at night. He could not sleep in fear that if he missed an episode she could potentially die.

He prayed and told God his story of wanting to be there for his wife and he needed God to help alert him to his wives needs. Do you know that he has story after story of how he was nagged to go administer medicine to his wife? Over and over again! How cool is our God when we just get close to Him and ask. The result, good sleep!
What do you have in your life that you don’t know how you could possibly handle on your own? I hear people who suddenly get an urge to pray for a family member or for those in the military. They find out later something did happen and the person did need prayer. Yes! God is good!

Think about where you should turn first not last!

Let’s pray: Father in heaven I turn to you first not last! Continue to help me to hear your nudge and trust and act on it! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Thankful for God’s nudge,
Elaine

Currency Earned

I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. John 16:33

Dear Friend:

Text from Elaine:
Feeling broke today? Maybe financially or heart ache?
Sent ok.


Text message from friend:
Hduk?
(how did u know?)
Sent ok

Text message from Elaine:
I feel that way sometimes too!
Sent ok

Text message from friend:
Idk what to do?
Sent ok

Text message Elaine:
Give it to God
Sent ok

Text message Elaine:
It’s like currency is earned from our brokenness
Sent ok

Text from God:
Trust me, good texting.
Sent ok

Texting God:
Don’t know everything. But I want to trust you. Help me.
Sent ok


Text from God:
Be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace.
Sent ok

Message well received,
Elaine

Macro Skies

Psalm 8 3-4 I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?
9 GOD, brilliant Lord, your name echoes around the world.

Dear Friend:

Every time I look at a God’s word this week I am brought to verses that praise, honor and worship our Lord. I write this small message to you today as I read this verse and ask you to consider to just read the words above. You know what macro-skies look like! When our city looks as if it is drowning in pink clouds. It is so amazing!

Why does God bother with us? Why take a second look our way? You know the answer to this, He loves you. If you don’t get that, you need too! He loves you! Our response off our lips is praise - God, brilliant Lord, your name echoes around the world.
Let’s pray: Father in heave praise, honor and glory to you! In Jesus name. Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord,
Elaine

Stuck on a Shelf

Psalm 4:1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

Dear Friend:

Do you have dreams stuck on a shelf? Things you want to be able to do but it is not the right time or you can’t figure out how to get them to be reality? Or are they have been on the shelf collecting dust because you have given up?
I have been known to write about putting your thoughts on a shelf, but today I want to talk about the things stuck on the shelf. At some point I have put things on the shelf because no solution for that thought or dream was coming to me? I believe some of you can understand what I am saying.

Maybe today is the day to cry out for that thing on the shelf and just ask God to answer you, give you relief from distress, be merciful and hear your prayer.
Psalm 4 goes on to say “ know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself.
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with joy.”

Do you feel the energy of this distressed psalmist growing from despair to hope. That is what God does when you go to him with your sincere “stuckness.” (made up a word there)

Here are some things that maybe on the shelf that need to be reactivated with prayer:
*loved ones who are far from God (you gave up praying?)
*to go back to school or not
*to pursue another career
*to downsize your life, simplify, so you can pursue that dream
*say you’re sorry to someone
*get a job any job
*exercise
*lose weight
What is on your shelf that is been there full of dust that you need to bring before God and then wait for his answer? He may whisper “put it back on the shelf it is not time, I am working this one out for you or you need to move forward with that dream.”

Finally, the psalmist concludes “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

That’s what I’m talking about having peace it’s priceless!
Let’s pray Father in heaven I am taking this thought………………..of the shelf and asking for your answer. Help me Father. Thank you for always being there for me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Many times we are in the season of just taking care of our family and things need to be on a shelf.

Dusting,
Elaine

Today's Your Lucky Day!

Dear Friend:
I know times can be hard waiting to hear about your loved one in the Military. In the meantime, you hear stories of soldiers whose lives have tragically ended. How do you console anyone who is questioning, why him or her? Or why did this happen or that happen?

A Pastor recently said “today’s your lucky day! I have a 5 word, 4 word, 7 word answer to your question; Why did this happen?”
With grief he responded
“The 5 word answer is ‘I don’t have a clue!’

The 4 word answer is ‘His greatness is unsearchable.’ Psalm 145:3

The 7 word answer is ‘the secret things belong to the Lord.’ Deuteronomy 29:29 ‘

I am so sorry, sometimes we have to let God be God. God won’t stay in the box I put Him in.”

Let’s pray: Today is a hard day Lord. I am questioning so much going on in life. Help me to have strength for these days. In His name we pray. Amen.


Isaiah 55:8 8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

Trusting things will be okay,
Elaine

Care Full

1-2 when Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Dear Friend:

As I read through this modern version of the beatitudes I found them to provoke thought and consideration with God. Those that took the time to listen to Jesus were said to be “apprenticed and committed.” Are you one or more of these: at the end of your rope, grieving, content, loving God, care full, have good heart condition, mind in tack, at peace, and persecuted? If you identify, God has something to say to you.

Let’s pray:
Father in heaven help me to bring your peace from heaven down to earth. In Jesus name. Amen.

Care full,
Elaine

Epic

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength." - Charles Spurgeon (Maybe when I am lacking strength it's because I am not lacking worries)

Dear Friend:

Each day recently I have been hearing this word “epic.” I have noticed the teens like saying the word when something which they consider to be bigger than great “epic.” Daily we have stuff to deal with and sometimes we may even say our moments are bigger than big so we refer to it as “epic.”

1 Kings 19:7-9 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night.

Elijah followed God’s very detailed orders and dealt with Ahab and his false prophets. The result was Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, did not like what Elijah did her anger rose up with vengeance. Elijah runs for his life saying “"I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors."

Isn’t this exactly what is going on today in our world? Things seem hopeless. Your mind tricks you in to believing things are so bad that you want to die. Suicide rates with our teens are rising in great numbers. Why? Because of the lie speaking in their head “there’s no way to resolve this.”

In an “epic” moment we need an “epic” hero. Elijah’s all knowing hero rescues him in a gentle loving way. He starts by letting Elijah rest and fills him with food. Quickly Elijah gains tremendous strength and is able to do something not many of us can but travel s by foot 40 days and 40 nights. Wow!
Are you amazed at what God can do for you when you are empty and out of strength filled with worry?

Get up and eat! I do miracles of strength! –GOD-

Pass this word of hope onto others we must eliminate the words in our mind “things are hopeless.”

Strengthened,
Elaine

Alternative Future

Matthew 16:17 (New International Version)
17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

Dear Friend:

What was revealed to Simon by God and not by man?
He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Do you want an alternative future? According to this scripture you don’t need a human being, TV, books or even a teacher to reveal this answer. Is that even possible? He says it! This gets me so excited because there are so many people who don’t know Jesus. Here in lies the problem though!
You need to inquire and be able to answer, “Who do you say Jesus is?” –GOD-

Let’s pray: Jesus who are you? Reveal yourself to me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Got it,
Elaine

Snexting

Proverbs 6:16-19 16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
.
Dear Friend:
It is very common for teachers in High School to have students sign an agreement as to the expectations in the classroom for the semester. Teachers have found it to be very detestable to have students “snext” in class. Snext means “sneak texting,” that is how one teacher defined it. But if you Google it says texting with sexual references. Teachers want to teach without interruption or cheating and this is just another thing that is hindering getting that accomplished.

Peruse through the above list and you can conclude that God was very specific about the things he did not like. The list is not exhaustive yet exposes the things in man’s heart that we are all tempted to do. I wonder if God would like us to sign an agreement that we would not do these things.

Let’s pray: Father I need the Holy Spirit to remind me when I am tempted to things above. I need you to help me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Are you hindering the teacher, our Lord, in any way from being able to teach in your life?

Learning,
Elaine

Signal Strength

Philippians 2:12-13 12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Dear friend:
Recently I heard a sermon that compared each of us to being like a cell phone. Every cell phone has to make a connection to operate properly. When you turn your phone on you see in the corner one of two things. Either bars that you are connected or the word searching . The corner screen is never blank. The phone is reaching for the connection to the tower. It was designed that way.

You were designed with the same kind of chip inside you. You may not know it but our inner being desires intimacy and connection with the tower, which is God. When you are connected to God your intimacy is flowing back and forth and you are satisfied and fulfilled. Dangerously, your heart can go to places and be drawn to people that are not helping this connection. Fear and trembling help you sense human frailty, but knowing God is with you. This verse often misquoted “working out your salvation.” As if to say you’re in control . Wrong! With Faith and the grace of God you gain strength to obey till your death and then salvation ushers you into the presence of Jesus. The word salvation here in the original Greek is used in a material, temporal sense and in a spiritual, eternal sense. Lay aside rights much valued in our culture, and accept the life-role assigned by God.

I am working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases me. –GOD-

Let’s pray: Father in heaven continue to work in me humility so I will obey and do what pleases you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Signal strength,
Elaine

Back to School

Psalm 19 1-2 God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.
Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening.
3-4 Their words aren't heard, their voices aren't recorded, But their silence fills the earth:
unspoken truth is spoken everywhere.

Dear Friend:

It’s getting closer till that time when the youth will go back to school. In these days many adults have chosen to go back to school too! Many are studying hard so that they can advance in their jobs.
You know what? We never get out of school with God. Don’t get depressed from this notion. In the above verse Psalmist David says God is holding classes every morning and lectures every evening. These classes are essential for daily living. They remind us that we are not in charge, he is and all of nature speaks this truth. When you look outside each morning and evening you should see the great creation of God. How about the times the sky is full of pink and the beauty takes your breath away. Just remember that’s God.! God is all around and he cares. When God created this world upon His command he made things gorgeous. You are gorgeous!
My unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. –GOD-

THIS SHOULD EXCITE YOU!

Let’s pray: I just say thank you! Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do in this world. Protect me and guide me. In Jesus name. Amen.

Concentrating on the unspoken truth everywhere,
Elaine

Flooded

John 14:22-27 (The Message) 22Judas (not Iscariot) said, "Master, why is it that you are about to make yourself plain to us but not to the world?" 23-24"Because a loveless world," said Jesus, "is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we'll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn't mine. It's the message of the Father who sent me. 25-27"I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.

Dear Friend:

I find it interesting that many houses have flooded in great rains recently. It is happening all over the world. Could God be sending us a message? It is ironic that we are filling up our homes with unrest, destruction, hatred, division, indecision, fear, and doubt. These things are not from God.

Jesus wants to move right into our neighborhoods. Judas, not Iscariot, asked a question that I think we can ask today “Master, why is it that you make yourself plain to us but not to the world?” If you sincerely are seeking to know Jesus the way the disciples did, who gave up everything to follow Him, you would hear His voice and listen and read the answer. Jesus gently answered those who could hear “the friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you and remind you of all things I have told you.”
My question to you is “have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life?” If not, why? This is a key piece to the “Flooded” lives we live. Why would anyone want to miss out on Jesus answer?

Sit before Almighty God with your flooded life that he already knows about and let’s pray to receive the Holy Spirit right now. I believe Jesus died and rose again for my sins. I need you father to help me to deal with the floods of life. I receive the Holy Spirit today to be my helper. Give me strength to read your word so the Holy Spirit can remind me and make things plain to me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Not troubled, peaceful,
Elaine

Hearing Aid

Isaiah 50:4-5 (New Living Translation) The LORD’s Obedient Servant
4 The Sovereign LORD has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. 5 The Sovereign LORD has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.

Dear Friend:

Wouldn’t it be great if we had a hearing aid that we can put on and hear God’s voice every morning? Some days in the news we hear eat more chocolate, don’t drink caffeine, take these vitamins, don’t eat red meat, or don’t eat too much pasta. Blah blah blah, the list goes on. We can get so caught up on others philosophies that fear enters our soul and in essence our hearing aid does not work. .

There are so many factors that make up each of us individually. You may ask “why do I have to eat this way and she or he does not? Or why do I need certain medications and others do not?”
What we need to be focusing on instead of these questions is God. Putting on your hearing aid and just listening to the custom plan God has for you.

Let’s pray: Father in heaven I have been listening to others more than you, please forgive me. If this has been blocking me from hearing you please help me to put my hearing aid back on today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

If God put a full page ad in the newspaper today, I think it would say something like this.

SPECIAL CUSTOM FIT HEARING AIDS FREE! LIFE TIME GUARANTEE WITH A FULL WARANTY THAT SATISFIES YOU AND GIVES YOU PEACE! JUST ASK FOR ONE TODAY! –GOD-

Hearing aid on,
Elaine

Full Face

Lamentations 3:24-29 (The Message) 22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It's a good thing when you're young to stick it out through the hard times. 28-30When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst.

Dear Friend:

Does it seem that when things get bad they just get worse? In our world the wars are not ceasing, natural disasters are continuing like the recent flooding in Illinois from heavy rains. Our men keep getting deployed to hot spots. Our youth are getting inundated with temptations of sex and drugs/alcohol.
Don’t get busier when things seem hard! Just the opposite needs to occur. Here is what God interjects about the trouble.
When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in Prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. TAKE IT FULL-FACE. The “worst” is never the worst. –GOD-

Let’s pray today: Father in heaven I wait in the hope of God my Savior. I’m not running away from you, I’m into your arms today. Thanks for the hope you are restoring in me now. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Facing the giants,
Elaine

Pet Peeve

A pet peeve (or pet hate) is a minor annoyance that an individual identifies as particularly annoying to them, to a greater degree than others may find it.

Dear Friend:

Do you have a pet peeve that your spouse or the significant people around you need to know about?

You know the things that trigger you and you just call that person on it?
Your spouse, children, dear friend, or co-worker yelp out “what’s your problem or what’s the big deal?” Annoyingly in addition to their question they roll their eyes or curl their lip.

You boil over perplexed “why don’t they see what a big deal this is?”
In our fast passed, quick solution world we snap at those we love. You have done it, right?!
Makes me wonder for those that don’t have Christ what they do when these situations arise. Because recently this happened to me and within an undisclosed amount of time the Holy Spirit got a hold of me and gently prodded me “what’s up?” Feeling no peace and ugly I went to the throne and asked the Lord for His perspective and his ideas of how to remedy this situation. It took time to sort out the whole thing.
God says “Colossians 3:15 (The Message) 15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Here are two bottom line conclusions that I discovered.
1. We all have pet peeves and we aren’t going to change people.
2. We can only change our response. (You can pray that the other person see things differently.)

Let’s pray: Father in heaven, let me love others with your peace reigning in my heart. Thanks for not letting me go off on my own. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Don’t look at your situation as hopeless. With God anything is possible!

Peace rules,
Elaine

Perplexed 2

Habakkuk 3:17-19 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

Dear Friend:

Even though Habakkuk was perplexed with God’s answers to what is going on he comes back to reality and finishes his dialogue with God. As you read through his final thoughts about what is so bad in his land, you too can rewrite the above paragraph with your own stuff.

Maybe it would go something like this:

Though we live in a dry and weary land where God is being pushed out; though marriages, babies, relationships are disposable; though our earth’s atmosphere is diminishing; though our animals are becoming more extinct; though war is not ending and our soldiers are dying, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I'm singing joyful praise to God .I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain!.

What would you write?

Let’s pray: Father though all is not well with our world, it is well with my soul, not because I say so but because you say so. Thank you Father for your truth. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Do not let your heart be troubled, for God is in control! FAITH, that is what Habakkuk had.

Elaine

Perplexed

Habakkuk's Complaint
Habakkuk 1:4
How long, O LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save? 3 Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. 4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.

Dear Friend:
Could you write a complaint like this? Many things mentioned by the prophet Habakkuk are the feelings and words of many today. Isn’t it weird that this was written over 2000 years ago? With our wars and morality falling apart the words seem so familiar.
Habakkuk is perplexed about life and what is going on all around him. He wants God to help him understand. The dialogue for this small three chapter book in the Old Testament goes back and forth between God and Habakkuk. Sometimes God opens up and reveals the answer to Habakkuk’s questions. It is ironic how Habakkuk gets answers and then questions the answers with frustration. It’s crazy; Habakkuk gets answers but does not like the answers. Isn’t Habakkuk so much like us? We ask “why do bad things happen to good people?”
God responds:
Habakkuk 2:3 for the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

God is not done yet. He has more to reveal in our lives. You only see the small piece. He sees the whole puzzle.
Let’s pray: Father in heaven give me the courage and peace to just trust you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Letting God be God,
Elaine

Old Grooves

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then, but you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness.

Dear Friend:

This speaks volumes. I don’t believe any explanation is due only a personal self-examination. What are your old grooves and what will be your new moves?
Start a bible study, read the bible daily, draw near to God or put some praise music on.

God is saying “get in a groove!”

Let’s pray: Father in heaven help me to do away with my old grooves and help me to find my new grooves. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Groovy,
Elaine

Days of our Lives

Habakkuk 3:17-19 17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
Dear Friend:
When you say the name Habakkuk, not many know who he is. The book of Habakkuk is a conversation with God and his prophet. He is questioning God as to why he has allowed those wicked people to prosper.
At some point in our lives we are waiting. That is how the days of our lives go. In the waiting we find ourselves questioning God. God tells Habakkuk the explanation of what he is going to do. The conversation goes back and forth. God really wants Habakkuk to know that he knows what is best in all situations.
Think about the questions you have about life right now. Maybe you have an elderly parent who is dying, or you’re waiting on a job offer, relationship reconciliation or child to come back home (straighten out). Deep inside we question God’s plan for the days of our lives.
It says in scripture that all the days of our lives are written in His book. He holds the answer in His heart and we can’t grasp it. I experienced this when my Grandma was dying. As I look back now I think His plan was perfect. I rested at my Grandma’s side and just held her hand. How sweet it was.
If you are waiting for something, my only advice is to do say what Habakkuk said “yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Be still and know that he is God. Look Him straight in the eye and say I will wait.
Let’s pray: Sovereign Lord you are my strength. You enable me to go on the heights. I rejoice in you. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Rejoicing,

He Wept

John 11:35 Jesus wept.

Dear Friend:
As I walk through life I process what is going on in my life. I am sitting and reflecting letting my mind wander, allowing God to bring my body, mind and soul peace.
It was one year ago that my mother passed away. That’s hard to believe.

As I think about Jesus weeping when he got the news of Lazarus passing, I thought about Christmas.
Weird! We are half way done with the year and so that means half way to Christmas! Wow!
Every Christmas I take out this small red a box filled with 12 ornaments called “Adornaments.”
Each ornament has a name of Jesus that we learn in the bible. Hang in there with me!
Reflecting on the words “He Wept,” I remember these twelve names that describe who wept. This wasn’t just anybody that was grieving with Mary and Martha.
This was:
The Lamb of God
The Lion of Judah
The Bright Morning Star
The Light of the World
The Good Shepherd
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords
The Bread of Life
Savior
Immanuel
The Door
The Vine
The giver of Living Water

Who wept? God Himself! He had an emotional response to a human occurrence. Think about the difficulty or maybe even happiness you are experiencing today. It takes just a simple prayer to allow him to experience your sorrow or joy with you. As you pray this prayer remember who it is you are inviting into your life situations.

Father in heaven I am experiencing_______________right now. You mean so much to me. Your name is a mighty name, come into my heart and help experience this day with me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Experiencing Christmas time in June!

Finding comfort,
Elaine

You're the Plan

What’s God’s plan for making it believable that He is good for those who are suffering in our world?

Matthew 5:14 you are the light of the world.
Matthew 5:16 let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.

God is saying to you today.
YOU’RE THE PLAN. –GOD-

God has wired each of us differently to serve him. Let’s shine for Jesus and let the next generation know what God said “you’re the plan.”

Let’s pray: Father in heaven, thank you for your plan. Help me to faithfully use my gifts to be a light with my life. Fire me up Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

SHINE,
make em wonder whatcha got!

Elaine

Title

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (whose power no foe can withstand).
Ephesians 1:21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Dear Friend:

If you have given your life to Jesus and committed to following Him, God has a title of ownership with your name on it. If you own a car you know what I mean. You get a title saying you own the car, it is yours.

I don’t know about you, but when I see the titles, Most High and Almighty I get choked up. The names of God are powerful. God is the name above all names. God’s name is greater than every name that will ever exist. Can you just repeat those words all day long? Just be quiet and rest in God.

What is your response today just thinking about God? Mine is one of gratitude and sorrow. Sorrow, because if I really grasped how big God is I would trust Him more with my life and the plans he has for me. I would trust Him with my frustrations and uncertainties. Think long and deep into these titles and I pray you come out humbled, like I feel today.

Let’s pray: Father in heaven help me to dwell in the secret place of the Most High where I will be stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty. Thank you for helping me to remember how big you are. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

I'm Safe

Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely and in Him I trust!

Dear Friend:

In life you can catch yourself walking around asking yourself “what should I do about my circumstances.” Or what is the most effective way to talk to my daughter, son, husband or co-worker? You’re going along and just making it up sometimes. There are probably times when you even remember to shoot up prayer to God about your circumstances. But you still feel unsure about things.

I believe the words above written by David are a powerful reminder to just take the time in life and compliment God. To put your thoughts and concerns aside and just reflect on the goodness of God.
Do you agree with what David is saying about the Lord? He is your refuge and fortress, someone to lean on and rely on. Don’t just think about it, but say it to him.

God you are my refuge, I trust in you and I’m safe! You have rescued me from…….. (List what he has rescued you from) and you will rescue me again. I am thinking of the times someone hurt me and I thought they are never going to recognize what they did and apologize. I pray about it and miraculously a person does apologize and ask for forgiveness.

DECLARE WITH ME: GOD I AM ALWAYS SAFE WITH YOU! YOU ARE GOOD AND YOU HAVE A GOOD PLAN FOR MY LIFE. YOU ARE ON MY SIDE AND I CAN DO WHAT YOU WANT OF ME. I DO NOT HAVE TO BE OVERWHELMED. IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME I PRAY. AMEN.

Declaring God’s faithfulness,
Elaine

Relinquish

Jonah 3:10 (New International Version) 10 When God saw what they did and how they turned (relinquished) from their evil ways; he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.


Dear Friend,

I want to tell you this story about a young male adult. This man had an assignment to do and knew he should do it, but did not want to. So instead of doing the job he starts to make plans to runaway and go to a place where he thinks he can get away. As he is going to the place where he thinks is a better place for him there is trouble all around him. On his journey there is a great storm and his life is in danger. He gets with a crowd that questions who he is and they don’t except him at all and threaten to kill him. Their attempt to kill him is not successful. This attempt on his life causes him to evaluate the past years of his life and question whether he was going in the right direction. But things would be getting tough, so he tries to go another way. Upon realizing he was to get out of doing what he was called to do, he needed to turn around and make it right.

Stop!

Is this story familiar to you? It’s the story of Jonah and the fish. Can you identify with Jonah? Have you had things to do that are hard and procrastinate doing them? When you are stuck and things aren’t going right, do you realize that you know the way to go but just don’t want to listen? Did you ever think you are not cooperating? That is where your storms in life are coming from? Pride, stubbornness, not listening is all part of human weaknesses that we have and we need to allow God to change in us. The cool thing about Jonah is he finally obeyed and that obedience allowed him to go to Ninevah and ask the people to repent or turn from their ways. With God’s help he saved many people from doom. I realize that the people listened after one warning and made changes immediately and that God forgave them. Jonah was the lucky one because if you study other prophets they warned on and on for years and the Israelites never turned from their sin. Turning from sin and making changes doesn’t always happen that quickly, but the true character of God shined. God-slow to anger, compassionate and abounding in love.
Experiencing God’s forgiveness is so amazing! Our job is to just relinquish our lives to God.

Relinquish= give up, surrender, renounce, resign
What do you need to relinquish today?
Let’s pray: Thank you for helping me to understand my stubborn ways. Thank you for not bringing destruction on me but abounding love. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Love from Above,
Elaine

Pass It On

2 Timothy 1:5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Dear Friend:

Do you have people in your life that influenced your faith? Paul says the influence brings you out of the darkness and into the light. Knowing Jesus as your Savior and the hope you have for eternity with Him in heaven. Timothy had his mother and grandmother as his spiritual influence. With Mother’s day just past us, I thought I would jot a quick note to you encouraging you to take the time to remember important people in your life that helped shape you spiritually. You may want to jot them a quick note of thanks.

I believe that everyone needs encouragement. Maybe this person can use a boost today.
This influence of sincere faith now lives in you! How wonderful!

Let’s pray: Father in Heaven thank you for _________(name the person) who helped influence my spiritual life. I pray that I to can influence others the way they influenced me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Pass it on,
Elaine

You Decide

Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

Dear Friend:

Do you notice the words used in songs, text, face book, and twitter are full of slang and slang abbreviations? If we look up slang words in the dictionary they are used in a context that is negative. With that said the above verse brings up choices you have to decide. Is it right to use the words or wrong? You decide!

GOD SAYS: THESE ARE IMPROPER FOR GOD’S HOLY PEOPLE.

Let’s pray: Father in heaven help me to stay clear of things that would not please you. I want to be an example for you Jesus. In Jesus name. Amen.

Sincerely,
Elaine

Perfectionist

Matthew 5:48 be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Dear Friend:

Have you ever put pressure on yourself to be perfect? Maybe being the perfect Christian, wife, husband, father, mother, friend, artist, musician, writer and worker is your goal. In the verse above, God is flat out telling you to be as perfect as Him. What pressure!

For all the perfectionist, perfectionist wanna-bes, and those who want other to be perfectionists, here is the word for you today: This side of heaven we will never be without sin. We can grow-up however and gain likeness of Jesus. We can pray for others but we can’t expect them to be perfect. Those expectations are a snare to us growing up in Christ.

Let’s pray: Father in heaven, help me to grow-up in the likeness of you. Help me to stop putting pressure on others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
We can grow-up in our maturity of being Christians and reflect more of God, but we can’t expect to be a perfectionist.

Peace,
Elaine

Ingenious

Colossians 1:16 we look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him.

Dear Friend:

We can’t see God. That makes it hard to sense his presence, especially if our lives are busy and crowding out the things of God. God is asking us to pause and breathe deeply and remember why you are even alive. Why absolutely everything you touch today was brought about because of Jesus. All of the angels that you have asked to guard yourself and family is from Him. Every bird that is out singing today finds its purpose in Him. He put the beautiful blossoms and flowers everywhere to show us how awe inspiring He is. I pray today that you will find your purpose in Him. He is ingenious and you are part of him.
Let’s pray: God I see your original purpose in everything created. Absolutely everything got started in you and finds its purpose in you. Help me today to recall this truth and keep my mind on you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Inspired,
Elaine

Up or Down

Psalm 13:2 how long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Psalm 13:5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.

Dear Friend:

I want to tell you a story about a young man who lived at home and worked hard for his dad. He helped a lot around the house. He had 7 older brothers, who really did not like him and gave him a hard time. His mother was very busy with her life; she loved him, but had many things to do for this big family. The dad was hard on him expecting him to work hard for him. One day the brothers went into their community center to have a meeting. The community was looking for a solution to a problem they were having that was affecting everyone. The young man’s dad sent him to bring lunch and check on the brothers at this community meeting. When he arrived in town he overheard the problem and got to thinking that he has a solution. In fact he thought to himself that his whole life he had this training to solve the problem for the people. He had this confidence and courage that no one knew about. He always had this secret in him that he was born with and never told anyone. Not one of his family members considered him for the solution. In fact when his brother saw him in town he said in front of everybody “you are conceited and evil. “ Here was a young man that minded his own business and did what his dad told him and now his brother is picking on him. He didn’t deserve this treatment at all. But at the same time the problem at hand needed to be resolved quickly and so with all of his own determination that he was born with he went to the leader and said he wants to help.

Stop!

This is as far as I am going to go with this story. It is a bible story and I want you to guess who the young man is.
It is the story of David. David goes on to be a King and is in the direct bloodline of Christ. When David was about 25 years old God was looking for a man after His own heart. He selected David. Why David? Because he created him before he was even thought up by his own parents. God wanted David to be born. His family did not know this. When Samuel was sent by God to anoint someone from the house of Jesse to be King of Israel, Jesse sent all of his 7 sons except David. David was overlooked in the family often. But that overlooking caused him to fill his loneliness with God. God became his focus and it was God who trained David to be a warrior and shepherd. He killed lions, tiger, bears with the strength and confidence of God. God began a work in David and David gave God his full attention. David never felt alone. This training was David’s secret and David bubbled over with enthusiasm when it was time to release the truth of what was inside him. David killed Goliath, the giant. He goes on to be a great warrior to win many battles for God.
Is your life like David’s filled with loneliness, rejection, false accusations, being misunderstood, having talents in you that no one understands, being picked on, overlooked and others may be jealous of you? Maybe you have one or two of the above that you can connect with? Do you take the frustrations named above and become angry and bitter? David decided to let go and let God be his all and all. Where others failed to love, God had unfailing love. You can go down or up! David went up! He wrote the most beautiful Psalms. Words expressed that are amazing. It is so cool! He frequently starts writing going down and he ends his writings going up.
Which way will you go?

Let’s pray: Father in heaven I confess that I do not go to you enough with my thoughts. Lord I give you permission to reveal the healing that needs to be done in me. I declare and receive the rest I need in your unfailing love. I choose to go up. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Up,
Elaine

Mission Statement

Acts 26:18 (New International Version)(Jesus speaking to Paul) 18 open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

Dear Friend:

Do you have a mission statement for your life? This passage of scripture was Paul speaking to King Agrippa and a whole courtroom of people. Jesus blinded Paul on the road to Damascus and he tells Paul, “I am sending you to open the eyes of the Jews and Gentiles.” He blinds Paul, then he tells Paul his mission will be to help others see. We know by the story that Paul does get his sight back, but I find it interesting that many great ministries are born out of people’s own trails in life. That follows scripture that we will comfort others with the comfort we received. We don’t want others to suffer as we did. Jesus spoke the above mission statement. With Paul’s great authority he boldly claims this mission to the court. I have never seen in any other religion where the follower of God proclaims forgiveness of sin. You see there is no other God that addresses the real matter that is right at the heart. All people have a condition of sin and are in need of a Savior. Paul got that message loud and clear and was set free and he goes on to suffer to make sure he lives out his mission statement.
What is the greatest epic decision you or anyone you know has in life? Paul learned the answer that day on the road to Damascus. You can pray for others using the above scripture that they too will come to this understanding and need of a Savior.

Pray like this: I pray that ____________open her/his eyes and turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that he/she may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Jesus. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Praying,
Elaine

Quiet Life

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Dear Friend:
It is so hard to live a “Quiet Life”, isn’t it? This verse is a great reminder of how to live a quiet life. We choose daily whether we will complicate it or make it simple. God wants you to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, mind our own business and work so others will respect you and see the Jesus in you.
If you keep living in the past and remembering how others have hurt you, that keeps your mind in a place to remain a victim. You are expecting others to make you happy. That means you are people dependent rather than God dependent.
Today, try and make it your ambition to move forward and lead a quiet life independent of others. I think that is a really healthy way to live.
Let’s pray: Father in heaven, help me to make it my ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind my own business and to work with my hands, just as you have told me. I want my daily life to win the respect of outsiders. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME!
Keeping it simple,
Elaine

Pause for 4.2 seconds

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (Amplified Bible)13And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe (exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].
Dear Friend:
Can you pause for 4.2 seconds to receive this effective word? These few seconds God wants to remind you that he is working in your life right now! WOW!
Let’s pray: Father in heaven thank you for continually giving me a message and helping me to welcome it into my life. Truly Lord I am a follower of you and I am aware that you are exercising the words in me and giving me superhuman power. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Pausing,
Elaine

Skeptical

John 20:27-29 (New Living Translation)27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless (skeptical) any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. 29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”
Dear Friend:
After Jesus died there were a lot of skeptical people wandering around just wondering “was Jesus real?” I have a strong word from the Lord now that Easter is completed and we go back to life until the next Holiday. Everyone is a skeptic until they stop wondering and “Believe!”
If you live your life and believe you will receive. But if you doubt you will go without.
If you want a happier marriage, relationships, a job, healing or just a more peaceful life, there is only one thing to do exclaim by faith “My Lord and my God, help me!” Don’t always blame everyone else for your discord with life. Ask Jesus to give you open heart surgery and make changes in you. By praying, going to church and reading your bible you will gain the strength to trust God with your “Issues.” You may even be convicted you owe someone an apology.
Let’s pray: Father in heaven I am putting my hand in your hand and trusting you today. Bless me for believing you without seeing you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Loving God,
Elaine

Eyewitness

1 Corinthians 16:13 be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

Dear Friend:

This is a good time to remember that Jesus died for you and me to free us of our sin condition. I like to reread the account of it in scripture and imagine the characters in the story. Reflecting on Jesus suffering and death is ginormous. But after his death the eyewitnesses go back home and continue their lives. I can only guess that first they rested and tried to comprehend what happened. We know Jesus rises from the dead and spends days with those close to him, but then he leaves again.

God appeared to some before he left earth and gave them words to remember Him and live by. They after all were going to be have to keep Jesus alive and pass His words on to the next generation. There was fear I am sure. If they kept the story going they would be killed next.

The verse above is strong words for you and me to keep going on and do things in love. The world wants to distract us and keep us from making sure our true meaning for life is kept alive. The struggle herein lies to fight against the evil that wants us all to be politically correct. The eyewitnesses of Jesus time probably had the same pressure on them. I appreciate the verse of the day and it encourages me. Don’t let the Easter message die. We must recount the past, as hard as it maybe, to continue for our next generation.
Let the Lord speak to you today:
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be men and women of courage, be strong. Do everything in love. –GOD-

Let’s pray: Thank you Lord for the cross. It was a powerful act of love for me. Help me to carry on in the faith, with courage, strength and love. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Looking at the cross,
Elaine

Comfy Chair

Proverbs 2 1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Dear Friend:
My Pastor talked about taking time out to hear the whisper of God. He shared how a whisper from God brought our church into existence. Of course the message included being in tune with that whisper. Taking time with God builds trust and the more you do it the more it gives you the confidence that you are hearing from Him.
He used an example of a man in our church who decided to get a comfy chair and each day sit in it and read the bible for 20 minutes. As time went on the man heard a whisper prompting him to quit his job and ask our Pastor to work in the church. The man does listen to the whisper and did great things in our church with the help of God.
It reminded me of the time back when I was in my twenties and was depressed. My therapist suggested to me to sit daily in a chair and get comfortable and journal my thoughts. I remember telling my husband “we need to get a comfy chair that will be a safe place for me to rest and journal.” My dear husband surprised me with a gift one day and it was a chair that sits in my bedroom still today. Above the chair is a piece of artwork of Jesus’ hands only and they are extended out with the bible verse Matthew 11:28 on it. I taught my boys when they were little that when Mom is sitting in the chair she is not to be disturbed. One day when I was sitting in that chair and reading the verse above a light bulb went on in my head and I got the whisper from God and understood what Jesus did for me on the cross. I understood on Oct. 2, 1992 that I am a sinner separated from God and that Jesus was the only one who could give me forgiveness of sin and give the gift of eternal life. I never knew when I began sitting in that chair that such great things would come from being quiet and journaling.
I am suggesting that each of us have a place to make sure we listen to God and read His word. Great things can happen in that place and your life could be changed forever.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Let’s pray: Father in heaven thank you for your son Jesus who died and rose again for my sins. Help me to continue to seek you and hear from you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Joy,
Elaine

Love 2 Love

John 4:31-34 31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?" 34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 3
Dear Friend:
We live in a world today urging our youth to go to college for 4 years to get a degree and learn as much as they can to go out into the world and get a job.
Jesus began to reveal that He was the Messiah at the age of 30, and right away picked his 12 students. Jesus recruited them based on their hearts, just like Mary was picked to be the Mother of Him. He knew everything about each of His students. He even took time to let some of them know He knew where they were before they met face to face and they were amazed that He could know things about them. Part of the attraction for some of them to Jesus was seeing His knowledge. The apostles didn’t know how long they would be in school with Jesus and they certainly didn’t know that their professor would die within 3 years.
As the disciples struggled to understand Jesus they walked by faith and love. The verse above occurred in the Chapter where Jesus meets the women at the well. He offers himself to her as the “Living Water.” After she accepts Jesus and runs off to tell others about Him. The disciples come on the scene and they don’t understand what just happened but they offer Jesus food. They offer love by way of taking care of His physical and Jesus offers love by teaching the spiritual. Jesus replies to their request by saying “my food, is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish the work.” The school of Christianity according to Jesus is written with love in this simple statement:
Do the will of God and finish the work. –God-
Where does that leave you and me? Love your Jesus (the teacher) with all your heart, seek His will and finish the work. Be in the moment! The disciples were in the moment trying to guess what Jesus needed and Jesus was in the moment teaching what is truly important. The disciples had a way to go in school but the “Love 2 Love” connection was there.
Do you have a love connection with Jesus? How often do you concern yourself with this connection? Do you consider yourself to be…
1. Just enrolled
2. Never enrolled?
3. Have been enrolled and learning?
4. Dropped out and lost?

Something to pray about:
Dear Lord: I am (1, 2, 3 or 4 you fill it out). Help me to know and desire more of you. Thank you for loving me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Student,
Elaine

Vantage Point

Exodus 2:4 The baby's older sister found herself a vantage point a little way off and watched to see what would happen to him. Pharaoh's daughter came down to the Nile to bathe; her maidens strolled on the bank. She saw the basket-boat floating in the reeds and sent her maid to get it. She opened it and saw the child—a baby crying! Her heart went out to him. She said, "This must be one of the Hebrew babies."

Psalm 139:5-6 I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!

Dear Friend:

Moses ‘s sister found herself a vantage point and looked out for her little brother to see that he was going to be safe. A sister looking out for a brother for his safety is a mighty powerful statement of love.

If we could pause for a moment and see that God has found himself a vantage point. He knows everything going on, so he is right there with us. That should be so reassuring and too wonderful to take in for you and me.

Have you ever taken one of your children to get stitches in the hospital? You know that sometimes the nurse has to ask the parents to help strap the child down for stitches. Your child is screaming “no, stop!” But you know, for their own good, they need to be strapped, so you help do it.

Do you ever look at God and ask, why aren’t you giving me the money, job, husband, wife, friend, house? God having the best vantage point on our lives and being all knowing of what is ahead knows what is best. We don’t like waiting or being strapped down, but reflecting on God’s all knowing power is truly reassuring. It should bring us peace in the storm.

Let’s pray: Lord thank you for looking behind me and ahead of me and being everywhere. That is so reassuring for me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Peace,
Elaine

Love Covers

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Dear Friend:

Sometimes in relationships we have disagreements and disputes where we don’t see eye to eye. In the heat of the moment you may react and say the wrong thing. You may be right, but it is the way you said it. You may be wrong and regret it. I am sure you understand and this has happened to you. You go around thinking “why does God even bother with me, look at how I reacted.” Too make matters worse, days go on with you thinking about the argument.

God has a message for you today! Get ready because I believe relief is on the way.
MY LOVE COVERS YOUR SINS. –GOD-
God went to the cross as an act of love and it was His way of forgiving us our sins.
We can’t go on sinning, but God can cover you with His love of forgiveness.

Our genuine love for others and ourselves allows us to forgive or cover a multitude of sins. Otherwise we are unforgiving. Cover does mean hide. Here is an example: When our children do wrong we do not hold their deeds against them, we choose to love them.

Let’s pray: Thank you Lord for this message of love that truly gives me relief! Forgive me and help me to understand your love. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Peace,
Elaine

Dazzled

GENISIS 1:14-18 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

Dear Friend:
Could you take a moment and remember the time when you were outside in the pitch black of the night and you saw the amazing sky in all of its vastness. I mean you even saw the aurora borealis. It is really hard to ever see the sky in our suburbs that way. Did you lie down and look up and really take the vastness of the sky? Can you help but say “God you did all this.” A friend asked a friend to lie down on the ground in Wyoming so they can star gaze. Looking up at the stars the friend asked his friend “why did God create so many stars and make it so vast?!” The reply was “because God wants to dazzle you.” What a great way to put it! Every time I go to camp either in Wisconsin or Michigan I am dazzled.

I am thankful that I know God and I realize that He created the heavens and the earth and I can just stand in awe of His creation. God is an intelligent designer! Take a moment today and picture in your mind that place where you saw the sky so magnificent and say a prayer like this:

Father in heaven words can’t express how great you are. Thank you! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

In Awe,
Elaine

Little Prayer - Little Power, Much Prayer - Much Power

ISAIAH 14:27 For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?
His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

Dear Friend:

Today is the one year anniversary for a man who received a liver transplant. He is doing great and living strong. The story is nothing short of a miracle. Over a year ago when I met this man for the first time, he was dying. But with the little faith in him we prayed together and asked for a God size miracle. Many people across the world prayed for this man and with much prayer the power of God rested on this man and he was healed. March 7, 2009, he received a phone call that they had a liver for him.

The verse above came alive for this man and he now goes around to anyone who wants to listen and shares God’s power to them. When a miracle comes, we need to encourage each other with our testimonies. I was blessed today with the news of this man’s miracle and praised God for it! I had not heard from him in over a year. I was encouraged and blessed that he called and shared with me. He kept saying “little prayer, little power, much prayer, much power.” I pray this encourages you today!

God has plans for all of us that we are waiting on; his plans will not be thwarted. They will come to pass.
Keep up the prayer!
Let’s prayer: Father in heaven with much prayer in our hearts we cry out to you. Lord we wait on you till you stretch out your hand and your plans come to pass. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Joy and Praise,
Elaine

Ponder

Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Dear Friend:

I have been reading a novel written about the birth of Mary till Jesus’ death on the cross. The story caused me to ponder things in my heart just as Mary did

Ponder= think over, wonder about, deliberate.
Mary learned scripture in those days from listening to her Father recite the words of the Torah.
When Mary said “yes” to the plan of Jesus, did she know what the Torah said in detail about the death of Jesus? Did she watch Him grow up knowing that He would be despised and led to the slaughter like a lamb? Did she each year look for the redemption of her suffering? What did she suffer? Her reputation was questioned because of the pregnancy and the limited understanding the family and neighbors had about who was the Father of the baby. Every Passover, did she want Jesus to get up and say “I am the Messiah, the one you are waiting to come?” Did she think everyone would understand and except her Son? Even her other children may have cared more about their right standing with the “Temple” more than knowing and accepting Jesus.

Why did Jesus allow his earthly Father, Joseph, to die? Jesus could have healed Joseph and allowed him to be there with Him at His death. After all Jesus walked with his father on earth each day and Mary could have used the comfort of a husband at the cross. Possibly Joseph understood the scriptures all too well and knew Jesus ending would be a painful one. Did Jesus spare Him of that? Jesus died at 33 years old, surely His Father could have lived that long.

Here is the truth. Jesus was all knowing, because He was God Himself and the plan of redemption was perfect. Each day Jesus did not concern Himself with the earthly matters. He concerned Himself to be in the will of the Father. To walk in the truth and be so highly concerned with the work of the Father that He prayed for the strength to please His Father. Jesus rested in knowing His Father and went about the preparation so He can fulfill what His name means “the Lord saves.”

Mary was human like you and me. Jesus was God. Their responses to things on earth were naturally going to be different. However, we knew Mary was a woman full of grace and God selected her to be the Mother of our Lord. But still she quite possibly could have responded at times with lack of understanding but choosing to trust God.

Questioning Jesus’ redemption story helped me to identify with so many of our own earthly concerns, like death and its timing, the “Easter Story” and the response of each person today living and breathing. I found each character of the story of Jesus’ life still exists today here on earth. Denial of Jesus’ existence is ultimately separation from God and that is the most unforgiveable sin. Mary and the apostles stood by Jesus forever and made it through life with His love, grace and assurance. In this Lenten season we must look around and reflect on the story and decide where we are in the story and have we accepted Jesus’ plan of salvation. Jesus pleaded with the people saying this final prayer to His Father, John 17:3
3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
Knowing these words of our Lord and Savior, how do you respond to life daily?

Let’s pray: Father help me to see things in my life with your perspective. Lord I pray for those (you may want to name those people) who do not know you. May you give them the faith to believe and receive that you are the Messiah. In Jesus name I Pray. Amen.

Humbly before my Savior,
Elaine

4ever

1 Timothy 4:6 You've been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you'll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and 4ever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.

Dear Friends:
Did you ever sit and write your name plus a friend and a heart around that and say bf 4ever? Or maybe it wasn’t a friend it was a potential boyfriend or girlfriend you were wishing you would be 4ever with.
I remember those cute hearts all over my folders and notebooks.

When Jesus was on earth he was teaching each day about the “4ever”, meaning eternity. Constantly He kept mentioning the eternity and being with His Father. How He was going to be with the Father and He would make a place for the believers there with Him.

I have been seeing people get so caught up in the now that they don’t base their decisions on the 4ever.
What you do each and every day affects the 4ever. Think about your struggles of today and put them in the hands of God for the 4ever.

I want to make you fit for both today and 4ever. –God-

Let’s pray: I am banking on you the living God, Savior of all men and women, to help me to see things today for the 4ever. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

(Your name) + Jesus= 4ever

Elaine + Jesus= 4ever

Oscar the Bird

Out at sea

He appeared

Flying out

Flying in

Flying up

Flying down

Seems to be

Stuck!

Free Will?

Or

Instinct to stay close?

Just as we know

We should

Stay Close

It is safer

When we obey.

Each day

We listen,

We learn.

Then will come a time

We understand!

We won't seem stuck!

We are free!

Free to fly!

Out,

In,

Up,

Down.

Wisdom!

Oscar appeared on our cruise this past summer, we were far out a sea.  He visited us daily.  I wondered is he stuck or not.  We got to an island after frequent visits from Oscar (our name we gave him) and we never saw him again.  I believe Oscar was wise.  He knew what he could and could not do, when he was free from possibly an air currant keeping him close to the ship, he took off. 

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Let's pray:  Lord help me to cooperate with your plan and with all of your guidance and wisdom.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Flying FREE,

Elaine

Book Review - Crazy Love

Dear Friend:

There is a book out that I want to recommend. It is called “Crazy Love” by Francis Chan. Here is a question from chapter 4 that I thought would prompt you to go and get this book.
Are you satisfied being “godly enough” to get yourself to heaven, or to look good in comparison to others?
Paul says “he wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Phil. 3:10).
Paul’s statement is his commitment and desire to being more than “godly enough.”

The book will help you to find passion for Christ and to understand His infinite love for you.

His love is crazy,
Elaine

Panic Button

Dear Friend:

In the midst of his crisis, Daniel reminded himself of who God is. Instead of panicking, he handled it with supernatural peace. Whenever bad news comes, the temptation is to panic. But there is another way to respond. In the second chapter of Daniel there is a fascinating example of this.
Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the seasons, He removes kings and raises up kings, He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:20-21).

Daniel was a prophet, and the King in charge of him was angry because he had a dream and none of his astrologers/wise men could interpret it for him, so the king ordered that they should all be executed. What does Daniel do? First let me say, he does not PANIC! He runs to his friends who understand who God is and they pray. That night Daniel has a dream and gets the interpretation of the king’s dream. He gets up the next day and what does he do first? He praises God!
Let’s see. On one side we can panic or freak-out in our crisis or we can “go to the one who has the whole world in His hands.” What do you do daily?
Daniel:
1. Hears the news of the execution.
2. Goes to his Godly friends for prayer.
3. He sleeps on it!
4. God answers the prayer.
5. He praises God.
6. Then he goes to tell the king the dream.
What is your order? Panic, emotionalism, crying, and then you make plans to get out of the country?
Let’s pray: Father in heaven forgive me for no always coming to you first. Give me more spiritual perspective in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Here is the final word on this message:
Things that go on in our lives can give God the opportunity to “Shine.” Maybe the perspective we need is our crisis would become an opportunity rather than a drudgery.

Peace,
Elaine

Permanent Image

ACTS 14:14-18 14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15"Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. 16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." 18Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.
Dear Friend:
Have you ever heard a great sermon or met a Godly person who you just keep quoting what they say. That is fine, but we have to be careful that we don’t go overboard and keep pointing people to the speaker instead of God. Let’s worship God!
People look, listen
Don’t look at me.
Life is full of
Choices
Philosophies!
Turn
From these worthless thoughts
Look up at
The heavens
The vastness of creation
Who did all this?
We have no excuse,
He is everywhere,
When you see a baby,
The vast landscape of the Grand Canyon,
Look out at the ocean and see the sun set.
Powerful
Magnificent
Our creator has done
Things extravagantly!
His gentle kindness,
Giving us seasons
Provides us daily with food.
Allow yourself to see the joy,
of all that is around you.
It is not by chance,
It is by love.
A stamp of love.
A PERMANENT IMAGE on your mind.
Allow yourself to see
Give yourself TIME,
Rest!
Then you will see
The goodness of the Lord.
Never to look at man,
But to thee!

LET’S PRAY: Lord I want to see and rest in you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Seeing,
Elaine

Quack Quack

Philippians 3:12
[ Pressing on Toward the Goal ] Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Dear Friend:
The old saying “like water running off a duck’s back” is referring to letting things go. If you picture a duck, the water does not get absorbed but just rolls off his back. Maybe someone has said that to you “let it go, like water running off a duck’s back.”

I like the verse above because it says we are never perfect. We struggle in life! We confess that we no longer want to be in control of our life and Christ takes hold of us, and we press on to take hold of what Christ deposits into us for everyday living. That reminds me of the old saying above. Let it go and press on to what Jesus has for your life. Good message! I heard someone say that when something that comes against them that is not pleasant, and they are reacting, they yell out “quack, quack”, and that helps them to stop going the wrong way with their thoughts and switch to God and letting go and letting God.
Good advice.

Let’s pray: Lord thanks for taking hold of my life and I know that you are BIGGER THAN LIFE. Help me to obey your ways. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Quack, quack,
Elaine